Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies), then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me!” ... Then Moses said, “Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord, that He may bestow on you a blessing this day, for every man has opposed his son and his brother.” Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. So now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Oh, these people have committed a great sin,...! Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book. Now therefore, go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, My Angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I visit for punishment, I will visit punishment upon them for their sin.” (Exodus 32:25-34) And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelations 20:15)
God is a just God and eventhough he will forgive us of our sins, we still have to suffer the consequences of the punishment: ...each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (I Corinthians 3:13-15)
God is so merciful, that though we will suffer loss, we will not lose our salvation because we sin, if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior: For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 8:22-26)
The following is one of the most beautiful examples of God's forgiveness towards our sins: Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:3-12)
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tree Curse!
“If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God. (Deuteronomy 21:22-23) Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), ... (Galatians 3:13)
In the movie "The Passion of The Chist" the movie director did an excellent job visually translating what's written in scripture about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Jesus had committed no sin. So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.” (Luke 23:4) But the Jewish leaders continued promting the crowd, yelling "Crucify Him!" (Mark 15:14)
The text in Deuteronomy 21 explains the shame associated with being hung on a tree, thousands of years before this form of capital punishment was even used, which is estimated being 519BC. It's prophecied in Psalms 22:18 exactly what Christ would go through at His crucifixion, and all four gospels record it.
Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken. [Psalm 34:20]” And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced. [Zechariah 12:10]" (John 19:31-37)
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13) No longer do I call you servants, ...; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15) There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no not one!
Consider watching "The Passion of The Christ": http://www.thepassionofchrist.com/skip.html
In the movie "The Passion of The Chist" the movie director did an excellent job visually translating what's written in scripture about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Jesus had committed no sin. So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.” (Luke 23:4) But the Jewish leaders continued promting the crowd, yelling "Crucify Him!" (Mark 15:14)
The text in Deuteronomy 21 explains the shame associated with being hung on a tree, thousands of years before this form of capital punishment was even used, which is estimated being 519BC. It's prophecied in Psalms 22:18 exactly what Christ would go through at His crucifixion, and all four gospels record it.
Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken. [Psalm 34:20]” And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced. [Zechariah 12:10]" (John 19:31-37)
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13) No longer do I call you servants, ...; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15) There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no not one!
Consider watching "The Passion of The Christ": http://www.thepassionofchrist.com/skip.html
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Forgiveness, and Freedom!
“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (Matthew 18:28-35)
In the previous blog post, "Justice, and Mercy!", we discussed the price God pays in forgiving us, namely the death of His Son in our place (the Lamb of God). Now we learn from the same story, Christ taught the price we will pay if we don't forgive others. The servant was forgiven by the king a debt that he had absolutely no way to pay back. Now this same servant is unwilling to forgive a fellow servant for a debt, that is only a fraction of what he owed and was forgiven of. Don't misunderstand the masters reaction: he is not taking aways his forgiveness of the debt; he is causing this servant to suffer with the guilt of not showing mercy to his fellow man, until he "pay" what he received, forgiveness.
When someone does something wrong towards us, or in this example, owes us something and will not or cannot repay, we have to forgive them. But God does instruct us that He will take care of someone who does anything to us, because vengeance is God's. (Deuteronomy 32:5) Forgiveness does not mean allowing others to continue taking advantage of us, nor does it necessarily lead to reconciliation. We are to be wise stewards of all God gives us, in all of the choices we make. (Luke 12:42)
True forgiveness is not holding on the the bitterness and desire for justice we feel or have the right to: But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. ... Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:23,34); For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. (I Peter 2:21-24)
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life" - lesson 3 of 10, Getting Forgiveness Right: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
In the previous blog post, "Justice, and Mercy!", we discussed the price God pays in forgiving us, namely the death of His Son in our place (the Lamb of God). Now we learn from the same story, Christ taught the price we will pay if we don't forgive others. The servant was forgiven by the king a debt that he had absolutely no way to pay back. Now this same servant is unwilling to forgive a fellow servant for a debt, that is only a fraction of what he owed and was forgiven of. Don't misunderstand the masters reaction: he is not taking aways his forgiveness of the debt; he is causing this servant to suffer with the guilt of not showing mercy to his fellow man, until he "pay" what he received, forgiveness.
When someone does something wrong towards us, or in this example, owes us something and will not or cannot repay, we have to forgive them. But God does instruct us that He will take care of someone who does anything to us, because vengeance is God's. (Deuteronomy 32:5) Forgiveness does not mean allowing others to continue taking advantage of us, nor does it necessarily lead to reconciliation. We are to be wise stewards of all God gives us, in all of the choices we make. (Luke 12:42)
True forgiveness is not holding on the the bitterness and desire for justice we feel or have the right to: But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. ... Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:23,34); For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. (I Peter 2:21-24)
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life" - lesson 3 of 10, Getting Forgiveness Right: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
Monday, May 28, 2012
Justice, and Mercy!
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. (Matthew 18:21-27)
Forgiveness comes at a cost, to the person who does the forgiving. As Christ explains, the servant owed the king in todays equivalent approximately ten million dollars. How did the servant accumulate such a massive amount of debts is not the issue; the issue is the servant had absolutely no way to pay what he owed. The king had the right to require the servant either pay him back or lose everything he had, including his freedom. How many of us could lend out $1,000.00 and not expect to get paid back. But because the servant sincerely asked to be forgiven of the debt he owed and had absolutely no way to pay it back, the king showed him mercy and forgave him.
The following two examples show how merciful God is towards us, even when we deserve judgement, even death. God will forgive us and give us another chance, if we will repent, turn away from living any kind of way we want and live to please Him (II Peter 3:9): Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah ... (Genesis 6:5-8)
Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? ...So the Lord said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?” So He said, “If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.” And he spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose there should be forty found there?” So He said, “I will not do it for the sake of forty.” Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.” Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” So the Lord went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place. (Genesis 18:22-33) How sad, the Lord couldn't even find one person righteous, to spare the city!
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life" - lesson 3 of 10, Getting Forgiveness Right: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
Forgiveness comes at a cost, to the person who does the forgiving. As Christ explains, the servant owed the king in todays equivalent approximately ten million dollars. How did the servant accumulate such a massive amount of debts is not the issue; the issue is the servant had absolutely no way to pay what he owed. The king had the right to require the servant either pay him back or lose everything he had, including his freedom. How many of us could lend out $1,000.00 and not expect to get paid back. But because the servant sincerely asked to be forgiven of the debt he owed and had absolutely no way to pay it back, the king showed him mercy and forgave him.
The following two examples show how merciful God is towards us, even when we deserve judgement, even death. God will forgive us and give us another chance, if we will repent, turn away from living any kind of way we want and live to please Him (II Peter 3:9): Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah ... (Genesis 6:5-8)
Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? ...So the Lord said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?” So He said, “If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.” And he spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose there should be forty found there?” So He said, “I will not do it for the sake of forty.” Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.” Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” So the Lord went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place. (Genesis 18:22-33) How sad, the Lord couldn't even find one person righteous, to spare the city!
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life" - lesson 3 of 10, Getting Forgiveness Right: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Learn from Sodom and Gomorrah - 3 of 3!
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—... Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32)
But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God ... (I Timothy 1:8-11)
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (I Corinthians 6:9-11)
Consider listening to Pastor Robert Jeffress series "Twilight Last Gleaming": http://www.ptv.org/past-broadcasts/radio-broadcasts
But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God ... (I Timothy 1:8-11)
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (I Corinthians 6:9-11)
Consider listening to Pastor Robert Jeffress series "Twilight Last Gleaming": http://www.ptv.org/past-broadcasts/radio-broadcasts
Friday, May 25, 2012
Learn from Sodom and Gomorrah - 2 of 3!
Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. And he said, “Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant’s house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.” And they said, “No, but we will spend the night in the open square.” But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.” So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, and said, “Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof.” And they said, “Stand back!” Then they said, “This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them.” So they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door. But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door. ... So it came to pass, when they had brought them [Lot and his family] outside, that he said, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.” (Genesis 19:1-11, 17)
The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were so wicked and depraved, that Lot offered his daughters to them, just so they would leave the men of God alone. It's not that Lot didn't care about his daughters, but he couldn't believe the people had absolutely no self-control, not even regarding the men of God. "...if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14); but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. (Luke 17:29)
Consider listening to Pastor Robert Jeffress series "Twilight Last Gleaming": http://www.ptv.org/past-broadcasts/radio-broadcasts
The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were so wicked and depraved, that Lot offered his daughters to them, just so they would leave the men of God alone. It's not that Lot didn't care about his daughters, but he couldn't believe the people had absolutely no self-control, not even regarding the men of God. "...if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14); but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. (Luke 17:29)
Consider listening to Pastor Robert Jeffress series "Twilight Last Gleaming": http://www.ptv.org/past-broadcasts/radio-broadcasts
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Learn from Sodom and Gomorrah - 1 of 3!
But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord. (Genesis 13:13) And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him. ... Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.” (Genesis 14:17, 21) And the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? ... Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” So the Lord went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place. (Genesis 18:20-22, 32-33)
For if God did not spare ... ; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. (II Peter 2:4-10)
Consider listening to Pastor Robert Jeffress series "Twilight Last Gleaming": http://www.ptv.org/past-broadcasts/radio-broadcasts
For if God did not spare ... ; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. (II Peter 2:4-10)
Consider listening to Pastor Robert Jeffress series "Twilight Last Gleaming": http://www.ptv.org/past-broadcasts/radio-broadcasts
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
God Ok, but Jesus - Why?
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth ... And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2); Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; ... (Genesis 1:26) This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, ... (Genesis 2:4)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was [Lord] God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:1-3); And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14); No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. (John 1:18) ...it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form ... upon Him, and a voice came from heaven [God the Father] which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21:22)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. (Colossians 1:15-17)
The historical accuracy of the scriptures has been proven beyond a doubt. No other book or collection of books in history has had more historical information confirmed or phrophecies come to fruition. The Christian Research Institute shares many examples with their M-A-P-S Guide. If the 66 Books of the Bible, written by 40 different authors over a period of 4100 years, is so accurate about so many historial facts and details, why would we not believe all that God says. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable... (II Timothy 3:16); And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (II Peter 1:19-20)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)
Consider listening to Pastor Mike Fabarez: http://www.focalpointministries.org/podcast/
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was [Lord] God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:1-3); And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14); No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. (John 1:18) ...it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form ... upon Him, and a voice came from heaven [God the Father] which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21:22)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. (Colossians 1:15-17)
The historical accuracy of the scriptures has been proven beyond a doubt. No other book or collection of books in history has had more historical information confirmed or phrophecies come to fruition. The Christian Research Institute shares many examples with their M-A-P-S Guide. If the 66 Books of the Bible, written by 40 different authors over a period of 4100 years, is so accurate about so many historial facts and details, why would we not believe all that God says. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable... (II Timothy 3:16); And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (II Peter 1:19-20)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)
Consider listening to Pastor Mike Fabarez: http://www.focalpointministries.org/podcast/
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
God, Anyone, No One - Why?
Science Proves God
When we set out to explain why and how something happens, we must use the evidence, facts and experience available to us if we are to arrive at a logical conclusion. Using available evidence, experience, facts, observation and experimentation, we know that the universe had a beginning and that before that beginning there was no universe and therefore there was nothing. We know this because of the Law of Causality (for every cause there is an effect and for every effect there is a cause). Based on this law, we can use the following logic:
1. The universe exists.
2. The universe had a beginning.
3. Before the beginning of the universe, there was no universe.
4. Since there was no universe, there was nothing.
5. Since the universe does exist, it came from nothing.
6. Nothing comes from nothing by any natural cause.
7. Therefore the cause of the universe is supernatural.
8. Life exists.
9. Life always comes from pre-existing life of the same kind (the Law of Biogenesis).
10. Life cannot come from nonliving matter by any natural cause.
11. Since life does exist, the cause of life is supernatural.
Many people with a naturalistic worldview assume everything can be explained by natural causes. From the beginning, they reject the possibility of a supernatural cause. Because of this they are left with no scientifically valid answers to the question of how the universe could come from nothing, which is impossible by any natural cause of which we are aware. Many answers have been proposed that go beyond the realm of known evidence, experience, facts, observation and experimentation and therefore enter the realm of fiction.
The same logic applies to life. Using available evidence, experience, facts, observation and experimentation, we know that life only comes from pre-existing life of the same kind.
"Spontaneous generation (the emergence of life from nonliving matter) has never been observed. All observations have shown that life comes only from life. This has been observed so consistently it is called the Law of Biogenesis. Evolution conflicts with this scientific law by claiming that life came from nonliving matter through natural processes" From “In the Beginning” by Walt Brown
Life never comes from non-living matter by any natural cause of which we are aware. Now that we have seen proof that God exists, using logic based on known evidence, experience, facts, observation and experimentation, we need to see if He has revealed Himself to us. In the Holy Bible there are hundreds of prophecies given by God who is speaking in the first person. In both Bible and secular history we find that those prophecies have been accurately fulfilled. No other writing on earth comes close to doing this! Only God can accurately reveal the future, ergo, He is the author of the Holy Bible. Within the pages of the Holy Bible He reveals His nature, our nature, His relationship to us, our need for salvation and His plan of salvation for us.
The reason the universe and life cannot come from nothing by any natural cause, but can come from a supernatural cause is because God is the self-existent creator of everything and everyone. He is not subject to His creation. He created it and sustains it. It is a mistake to judge God by human standards and human perspectives. God reveals that He is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent.
If you are interested in more detailed proof, read, “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” by Josh McDowell.
In the beginning God ... (Genesis 1:1)
Consider reading "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel, an atheist-turn-Christian convert: http://www.leestrobel.com/Bio.php
Monday, May 21, 2012
Free, but Self-Controlled!
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! (Galatians 5:13-15)
People often feel that Christianity is a very resticting faith, but it is the most liberating belief in the world. Christianity releases us from the power of sin, the traditions of men and the customs of our cultural. We explored this in the previous blog post, "Only Two Commandments, Two Rules!" Christianity teaches us that: God is love; He loved us before we loved Him; He wants us to love Him above all others; and He wants us to love each other - love is not a feeling, love is action (I Corinthians 13) The only restrictions we have are to not eat the blood of an animal and to abstain for sexual immorality (Acts 15:18-20)
True freedom is to not be bound by what others expect, but to only live to please God. The religious leaders always accused Jesus of not obeying the Jewish laws and customs, but Jesus always responded by doing what God lead him to do (John 5:19), and not giving into their pressure to conform to customs of the religious sect. (Romans 12:2) We are filled with the Spirit of God, so lets allow Him to manifest the character of God in our lives: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Consider listening to Pastor Jeff Schreve teaching: http://www.fromhisheart.org/Listen-Hear-Our-Broadcast.aspx
People often feel that Christianity is a very resticting faith, but it is the most liberating belief in the world. Christianity releases us from the power of sin, the traditions of men and the customs of our cultural. We explored this in the previous blog post, "Only Two Commandments, Two Rules!" Christianity teaches us that: God is love; He loved us before we loved Him; He wants us to love Him above all others; and He wants us to love each other - love is not a feeling, love is action (I Corinthians 13) The only restrictions we have are to not eat the blood of an animal and to abstain for sexual immorality (Acts 15:18-20)
True freedom is to not be bound by what others expect, but to only live to please God. The religious leaders always accused Jesus of not obeying the Jewish laws and customs, but Jesus always responded by doing what God lead him to do (John 5:19), and not giving into their pressure to conform to customs of the religious sect. (Romans 12:2) We are filled with the Spirit of God, so lets allow Him to manifest the character of God in our lives: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Consider listening to Pastor Jeff Schreve teaching: http://www.fromhisheart.org/Listen-Hear-Our-Broadcast.aspx
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Be Sure, that You're Sure!
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
Christ explains very clearly that many things we do can appear that we're in a relationship with God, but looks can be deceiving; not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:9) We have to make sure that we know we are saved and in the family of God. (Acts 2:38) This is not only so we'll be sure of where we will spend eternity, but also so that we'll be able to deal with the obstacles we face while we're here on earth.
Let the following story help all of us see the need of being a child of God, to deal with our "real" enemy while on this earth: Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (Acts 19:13-16) Each of us has to know Jesus for ourselves; someone else's faith won't save us!
Consider listening to Pastor Greg Laurie series "The Almost Christian": http://www.harvest.org/radio/
Christ explains very clearly that many things we do can appear that we're in a relationship with God, but looks can be deceiving; not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:9) We have to make sure that we know we are saved and in the family of God. (Acts 2:38) This is not only so we'll be sure of where we will spend eternity, but also so that we'll be able to deal with the obstacles we face while we're here on earth.
Let the following story help all of us see the need of being a child of God, to deal with our "real" enemy while on this earth: Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (Acts 19:13-16) Each of us has to know Jesus for ourselves; someone else's faith won't save us!
Consider listening to Pastor Greg Laurie series "The Almost Christian": http://www.harvest.org/radio/
Friday, May 18, 2012
Only Two Commandments, Two Rules!
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)
The children of Isreal and their direct decendants were given nearly 613 laws and commandments to follow (Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy), For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His special treasure. (Psalm 135:4) But God is clear, that the Jews could not obey every letter of the law any better than a non-Jew would be able to. (Romans 2:17-24) Therefore, God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
We who are not Jews, but have been adopted into the family of God through our faith in Jesus Christ have been set apart to be a special people also: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.(I Peter 2:9-10) We only have two rules of things to abstain from: eating blood of an animal, because life is in the blood; and sexual immorality, because our bodies belong to God; “Known to God from eternity are all His works. Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. (Acts 15:18-20) Thank God for the freedom He has given us in Christ!
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life" - lesson 2 of 10, Getting Prayer Right: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
The children of Isreal and their direct decendants were given nearly 613 laws and commandments to follow (Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy), For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His special treasure. (Psalm 135:4) But God is clear, that the Jews could not obey every letter of the law any better than a non-Jew would be able to. (Romans 2:17-24) Therefore, God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
We who are not Jews, but have been adopted into the family of God through our faith in Jesus Christ have been set apart to be a special people also: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.(I Peter 2:9-10) We only have two rules of things to abstain from: eating blood of an animal, because life is in the blood; and sexual immorality, because our bodies belong to God; “Known to God from eternity are all His works. Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. (Acts 15:18-20) Thank God for the freedom He has given us in Christ!
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life" - lesson 2 of 10, Getting Prayer Right: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Grace and Mercy = Love!
So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.” (II Samuel 12:13-14)
Grace is when God does something for us we don't deserve; mercy is when God doesn't do to us what we do deserve. David, a man after [God's] own heart (I Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), committed adultery and murder. But when he confessed his sins to God, eventhough the consequences of the sin would not be removed (the death of the child conceived), the forgiveness was freely given, and his relationship with God was restored. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)
A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba: Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. (Psalm 51:1-4) God's love is perfect, and does not want to deal with us in the way we deserve; And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8)
Consider listening to Pastor Leo Giovinetti teaching on Galatians: http://www.realliferadio.org/
Grace is when God does something for us we don't deserve; mercy is when God doesn't do to us what we do deserve. David, a man after [God's] own heart (I Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), committed adultery and murder. But when he confessed his sins to God, eventhough the consequences of the sin would not be removed (the death of the child conceived), the forgiveness was freely given, and his relationship with God was restored. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)
A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba: Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. (Psalm 51:1-4) God's love is perfect, and does not want to deal with us in the way we deserve; And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8)
Consider listening to Pastor Leo Giovinetti teaching on Galatians: http://www.realliferadio.org/
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Wrestle, then Yield!
Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:24-28)
Not everyone accepts Christ as easily as others. Not everyone believes the Word of God as undoubtedly as others. But I would challenge anyone reading this who can't bring themselves to believe, to reconsider again the Way, the Truth and the Life that God offers through Christ. And just as Jacob did, don't give up until God answers you. Just as Christ explains in the following story, persistence will pay off: And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me ...'; and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, ...; I cannot rise and give to you’? I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs." (Luke 11:5-8)
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:9-13) Accept Christ as your Lord and Savior today! This perfect gift will bless you for eternity!
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life", lesson 2 of 10 - Getting Prayer Right: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
Not everyone accepts Christ as easily as others. Not everyone believes the Word of God as undoubtedly as others. But I would challenge anyone reading this who can't bring themselves to believe, to reconsider again the Way, the Truth and the Life that God offers through Christ. And just as Jacob did, don't give up until God answers you. Just as Christ explains in the following story, persistence will pay off: And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me ...'; and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, ...; I cannot rise and give to you’? I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs." (Luke 11:5-8)
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:9-13) Accept Christ as your Lord and Savior today! This perfect gift will bless you for eternity!
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life", lesson 2 of 10 - Getting Prayer Right: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Goodness, and Justice!
Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. (Romans 11:22)
People only like to talk about and think on the goodnes of God, His love and generosity towards man. Yes, that is an attribute of God, but He is more than that. He also loves us too much, being our Heavenly Father, to allow us to go to Hell, without at least trying to help us understand the consequences of our choices, so that hopefully we will choose life. You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you. (Deuteronomy 8:5)
The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death. (Psalm 118:18) ... who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (II Timothy 2:4) God desires all people be saved, so he's very patient as he waits for man to accept the salvation freely given through Christ, but he will deal with us in various ways, and some not as pleasant as other, to help us along making a life saving decision. "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11) All we need to do is ask, not do, not earn, not buy, but just ask! Don't wait, but choose life today! Ask God to come into your life, in Jesus Christ name and be saved! (Mark 16:16; John 3:17; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:9; Revelations 3:19)
Consider listening to Pastor Mike Kestler teaching on Revelations: http://www.theriverchristianfellowship.com/itstime/audio/
People only like to talk about and think on the goodnes of God, His love and generosity towards man. Yes, that is an attribute of God, but He is more than that. He also loves us too much, being our Heavenly Father, to allow us to go to Hell, without at least trying to help us understand the consequences of our choices, so that hopefully we will choose life. You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you. (Deuteronomy 8:5)
The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death. (Psalm 118:18) ... who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (II Timothy 2:4) God desires all people be saved, so he's very patient as he waits for man to accept the salvation freely given through Christ, but he will deal with us in various ways, and some not as pleasant as other, to help us along making a life saving decision. "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11) All we need to do is ask, not do, not earn, not buy, but just ask! Don't wait, but choose life today! Ask God to come into your life, in Jesus Christ name and be saved! (Mark 16:16; John 3:17; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:9; Revelations 3:19)
Consider listening to Pastor Mike Kestler teaching on Revelations: http://www.theriverchristianfellowship.com/itstime/audio/
Monday, May 14, 2012
Christianity vs. Religion!
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” (Galatians 2:20-21)
Christianity is so simple, that most of us have a hard time accepting it, because inside we know we don't deserve such a great gift. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) The world requires that we do something in order to receive something: like me then I'll like you; do something for me and then I'll do something for you; do, do, do in order to receive. But God does everything for us that we could possibly need, without us having done anything to deserve it. All we have to do is accept it, believe it and receive it.
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. ...having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (Colossians 2:8, 15) Christ fulfilled all the requirements of God, when he died on the cross, in man's place. (Matthew 5:17) Why would we reject such a generous loving gift, and try to get to God any other way, through works that won't work? Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)
Consider listening to Pastor Leo Giovinetti teaching on Galatians: http://www.realliferadio.org/
Christianity is so simple, that most of us have a hard time accepting it, because inside we know we don't deserve such a great gift. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) The world requires that we do something in order to receive something: like me then I'll like you; do something for me and then I'll do something for you; do, do, do in order to receive. But God does everything for us that we could possibly need, without us having done anything to deserve it. All we have to do is accept it, believe it and receive it.
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. ...having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (Colossians 2:8, 15) Christ fulfilled all the requirements of God, when he died on the cross, in man's place. (Matthew 5:17) Why would we reject such a generous loving gift, and try to get to God any other way, through works that won't work? Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)
Consider listening to Pastor Leo Giovinetti teaching on Galatians: http://www.realliferadio.org/
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Germinating Word!
Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. ... But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:3, 23) But the word of God grew and multiplied. (Acts 12:24)
Christians are to share the word with others, through our verbal testimony and in the way we live. Our only job in the work of leading others to Christ is to "sow" the seed of the Word of God. God will take care of the rest. Christ explains in the parable of the Sower four types of ground, or people who receive the word: the first doesn't want to have anything to do with it; the second thinks it sounds good, but later chooses to follow the ways of the world. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. (Titus 3:9-11)
However we never know who will hear the word and accept it. Christ goes on to explain: the third believes the Word, but they never quite grow in their faith because they're so overcome with the cares of the world; the fourth believes the Word and completely commits their lives to God, becoming a blessing to not only themselves but others. Let us not just believe and make it into eternity. (I Corinthians 3:15) Let us believe, be transformed and in turn, lead others into eternity also!
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life" - lesson 1 of 10 "Getting Conversion Right": http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
Christians are to share the word with others, through our verbal testimony and in the way we live. Our only job in the work of leading others to Christ is to "sow" the seed of the Word of God. God will take care of the rest. Christ explains in the parable of the Sower four types of ground, or people who receive the word: the first doesn't want to have anything to do with it; the second thinks it sounds good, but later chooses to follow the ways of the world. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. (Titus 3:9-11)
However we never know who will hear the word and accept it. Christ goes on to explain: the third believes the Word, but they never quite grow in their faith because they're so overcome with the cares of the world; the fourth believes the Word and completely commits their lives to God, becoming a blessing to not only themselves but others. Let us not just believe and make it into eternity. (I Corinthians 3:15) Let us believe, be transformed and in turn, lead others into eternity also!
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life" - lesson 1 of 10 "Getting Conversion Right": http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
Friday, May 11, 2012
He Speaks!
"Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist." (Luke 21:14-15)
Christians are supposed to be one of the voices of God in this world. Often times our voice is not heard, and even silenced because of various reasons: we don't know the Word because we aren't committed to studying; we try so hard to convince people by using our own words and not the Word of God; we try to argue the point until we lose an audience; and sadly, some of us aren't sure we believe the Word, so we're silent.
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. (Psalm 119:11,16) The only way we are going to be able to be the light and salt in this earth that God has put us here to be is to: believe God's Word - ALL OF IT, even if we don't quite understand everything (John 2:22); study God's Word so that it is planted in our being, and allow the Holy Spirit to help make clear what we don't understand (II Timothy 2:15); and share the Word of God with others through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). God will give us what to say and when to say it, we just have to have His Word deposited in us so that we can withdraw from it when needed.
Consider listening to Pastor Mike Kestler teaching on Reveleations: http://www.theriverchristianfellowship.com/itstime/audio/
Christians are supposed to be one of the voices of God in this world. Often times our voice is not heard, and even silenced because of various reasons: we don't know the Word because we aren't committed to studying; we try so hard to convince people by using our own words and not the Word of God; we try to argue the point until we lose an audience; and sadly, some of us aren't sure we believe the Word, so we're silent.
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. (Psalm 119:11,16) The only way we are going to be able to be the light and salt in this earth that God has put us here to be is to: believe God's Word - ALL OF IT, even if we don't quite understand everything (John 2:22); study God's Word so that it is planted in our being, and allow the Holy Spirit to help make clear what we don't understand (II Timothy 2:15); and share the Word of God with others through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). God will give us what to say and when to say it, we just have to have His Word deposited in us so that we can withdraw from it when needed.
Consider listening to Pastor Mike Kestler teaching on Reveleations: http://www.theriverchristianfellowship.com/itstime/audio/
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Spiritual Understanding!
"Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand." (Matthew 13:13); "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 3:9)
Christ used physical realities to explain spiritual truths, through speaking parables, performing miracles, and in how he treated the "least of these". The religious leaders during that time, namely Sadducees and Pharisees, were so steeped in centuries of tradition and custom and laws, that they couldn't accept the simplicity of receiving salvation from God, the way that Christ taught.
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (I Corinthians 2:14) Education doesn't make us smart, it just means we know a lot. Wisdom is knowing how to apply all the things we know, in a way that not only benefits our lives but also brings glory to God. Salvation is not received through performing "religious" acts. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer teaching series "You Can't Redo Life" - lesson 1 of 10, "Getting Conversion Right":
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/listen/#You+Can%e2%80%99t+Redo+Life
Christ used physical realities to explain spiritual truths, through speaking parables, performing miracles, and in how he treated the "least of these". The religious leaders during that time, namely Sadducees and Pharisees, were so steeped in centuries of tradition and custom and laws, that they couldn't accept the simplicity of receiving salvation from God, the way that Christ taught.
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (I Corinthians 2:14) Education doesn't make us smart, it just means we know a lot. Wisdom is knowing how to apply all the things we know, in a way that not only benefits our lives but also brings glory to God. Salvation is not received through performing "religious" acts. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer teaching series "You Can't Redo Life" - lesson 1 of 10, "Getting Conversion Right":
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/listen/#You+Can%e2%80%99t+Redo+Life
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Just, by Faith!
But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” (Galatians 3:11); For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26)
When we accept God's free gift of salvation, through faith in Jesus, we can rest assured that we have eternal life with Him in Paradise, even while we're still living on this earth. We learn in Hebrews 11:1 that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. We can't see this new life we've received, but the faith we have is the living proof that we have received it. As a result, we will start bearing visible "spiritual" fruit: we won't be perfect, but we will over time get better and better, until we more resemble Christ. But as Paul warns in Galatians, don't let anyone come and convince you that you have to "work" to become saved. Again, you will be led to do good works because you are saved!
Consider listening to Pastor Leo Giovinetti teaching on Galatians: http://www.realliferadio.org/
and also
Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life" - lesson 1 of 10 "Getting Conversion Right": http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
When we accept God's free gift of salvation, through faith in Jesus, we can rest assured that we have eternal life with Him in Paradise, even while we're still living on this earth. We learn in Hebrews 11:1 that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. We can't see this new life we've received, but the faith we have is the living proof that we have received it. As a result, we will start bearing visible "spiritual" fruit: we won't be perfect, but we will over time get better and better, until we more resemble Christ. But as Paul warns in Galatians, don't let anyone come and convince you that you have to "work" to become saved. Again, you will be led to do good works because you are saved!
Consider listening to Pastor Leo Giovinetti teaching on Galatians: http://www.realliferadio.org/
and also
Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life" - lesson 1 of 10 "Getting Conversion Right": http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
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