Unless the Spirit of God instructs otherwise, there will be no blog posts the week of 7/2/12 - 7/6/12.
Pray each and everyone of us has a safe holiday and a blessed week, until we reason together again! (Isaiah 1:18)
Friday, June 29, 2012
What God Will and Will Not Forgive!
These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-19) Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7) As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)
God hates the above behavior, but they all can be forgiven. However, there is one sin that cannot be forgiven, and that's to not believe the Word of God. (Mark 3:29; Luke 12:10) In other words, if we don't believe the Word of God, we don't believe what Jesus Christ says regarding who He is, nor will we be able to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who seals us until the day we are redeemed. (Ephesians 4:30) The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. (Psalm 14:1; 53:1)
Let us not continue to remain a "fool" or foolish about the Truth: God is real; heaven and hell are real; one day we will die and our souls will spend eternity in one of those two places. There are many different beliefs and religions in the world. Sincerely pray and ask God to reveal himself to us and lead us to the Truth. Start with The Bible! Of all the books in the world, it's the only one where God speaks for himself, and His actual words are recorded, not what someone else says He said, but what He Himself has said: Bring out the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, And let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, And show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; Or let them hear and say, “It is truth.” “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, And besides Me there is no savior. I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, And there was no foreign god among you; Therefore you are My witnesses,” Says the Lord, “that I am God. Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” (Isaiah 43:8-13) And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14) Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58)
Based on who God says He is and what He will do for us, within what should be a short amount of time, we should all come to the same conclusion that Joshua came to: “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods ...! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods ... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15)
God hates the above behavior, but they all can be forgiven. However, there is one sin that cannot be forgiven, and that's to not believe the Word of God. (Mark 3:29; Luke 12:10) In other words, if we don't believe the Word of God, we don't believe what Jesus Christ says regarding who He is, nor will we be able to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who seals us until the day we are redeemed. (Ephesians 4:30) The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. (Psalm 14:1; 53:1)
Let us not continue to remain a "fool" or foolish about the Truth: God is real; heaven and hell are real; one day we will die and our souls will spend eternity in one of those two places. There are many different beliefs and religions in the world. Sincerely pray and ask God to reveal himself to us and lead us to the Truth. Start with The Bible! Of all the books in the world, it's the only one where God speaks for himself, and His actual words are recorded, not what someone else says He said, but what He Himself has said: Bring out the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, And let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, And show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; Or let them hear and say, “It is truth.” “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, And besides Me there is no savior. I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, And there was no foreign god among you; Therefore you are My witnesses,” Says the Lord, “that I am God. Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” (Isaiah 43:8-13) And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14) Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58)
Based on who God says He is and what He will do for us, within what should be a short amount of time, we should all come to the same conclusion that Joshua came to: “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods ...! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods ... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15)
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Authentic: Reputation vs. Character!
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)
"You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time." (Abraham Lincoln) Well, we can fool most people most of the time, but we can't fool God anytime! Simply put reputation is what other people think of us, and character is who we really are. In order to have an authentic character, we have to know what is acceptable and unacceptable to God, and it's not unrealistic to achieve: These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Basically, we should be humble, tell the truth in general and about others, not physically harm anyone, not scheme against anyone, stay away from evil and illegal activities, and be a peacemaker. Let us draw closer to God, through confession of our sins, repentance to turn away from evil, and baptism to be "washed" by the blood of Jesus and receive forgiveness of our sins. (Acts 2:29-39) Then the more we allow the Holy Spirit of God to help us in these areas of our lives, the more authentic our character will become, and the more our reputation will truly reflect who we really are: ...let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22)
Consider listening to Pastor Leo Giovinetti teaching on Galatians: http://www.realliferadio.org/
"You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time." (Abraham Lincoln) Well, we can fool most people most of the time, but we can't fool God anytime! Simply put reputation is what other people think of us, and character is who we really are. In order to have an authentic character, we have to know what is acceptable and unacceptable to God, and it's not unrealistic to achieve: These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Basically, we should be humble, tell the truth in general and about others, not physically harm anyone, not scheme against anyone, stay away from evil and illegal activities, and be a peacemaker. Let us draw closer to God, through confession of our sins, repentance to turn away from evil, and baptism to be "washed" by the blood of Jesus and receive forgiveness of our sins. (Acts 2:29-39) Then the more we allow the Holy Spirit of God to help us in these areas of our lives, the more authentic our character will become, and the more our reputation will truly reflect who we really are: ...let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22)
Consider listening to Pastor Leo Giovinetti teaching on Galatians: http://www.realliferadio.org/
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Accuser, but Advocate!
My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (I John 2:1-2) Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. (Revelations 12:10)
An advocate is a person who pleads for or in behalf of another, an intercessor; a person who pleads the cause of another in a court of law. An accuser charges others with some fault, offence, crime; they impute guilt or blame. Until Satan is destroyed once and for all (Revelations 20), he has access to God and he is constantly speaking against mankind (Job 1:6-7). Rememeber Satan is a fallen angel, who desired to become like God (Isaiah 14:12-15), but God has given man a knowledge of Truth the angels don't have: Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you... To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (I Peter 1:10-12)
Satan has no real power, but he and all angels can observe us and hear what we hear. This is why he was able to deceive Eve in the garden of Eden, because he heard the word God commanded her, and was able to restate it in a way that made Eve doubt if she really understand what God told her (Genesis 3:1-7). His bark is bigger than his bite, so he will do all he can to scare us and cause all kind of trouble, in the hopes of causing us to doubt God and not accept God's free gift of salvation, trying to make us feel that we don't deserve it, because we're too bad (I Peter 5:5-11). We can not allow ourselves to be deceived by him - the cost of doing so is too high.
...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,... (Romans 3:23) God knows better than Satan that we're not perfect. That's why He sent His Son, Jesus the Christ, to meet God's perfect requirements for the forgiveness of sins: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8) Satan can accuse us for as long as he can, but we have an advocate in Christ: For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:17) Don't let the lies of Satan, or any person he uses, stop us from believing the Word of God! "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, ..."!
An advocate is a person who pleads for or in behalf of another, an intercessor; a person who pleads the cause of another in a court of law. An accuser charges others with some fault, offence, crime; they impute guilt or blame. Until Satan is destroyed once and for all (Revelations 20), he has access to God and he is constantly speaking against mankind (Job 1:6-7). Rememeber Satan is a fallen angel, who desired to become like God (Isaiah 14:12-15), but God has given man a knowledge of Truth the angels don't have: Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you... To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (I Peter 1:10-12)
Satan has no real power, but he and all angels can observe us and hear what we hear. This is why he was able to deceive Eve in the garden of Eden, because he heard the word God commanded her, and was able to restate it in a way that made Eve doubt if she really understand what God told her (Genesis 3:1-7). His bark is bigger than his bite, so he will do all he can to scare us and cause all kind of trouble, in the hopes of causing us to doubt God and not accept God's free gift of salvation, trying to make us feel that we don't deserve it, because we're too bad (I Peter 5:5-11). We can not allow ourselves to be deceived by him - the cost of doing so is too high.
...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,... (Romans 3:23) God knows better than Satan that we're not perfect. That's why He sent His Son, Jesus the Christ, to meet God's perfect requirements for the forgiveness of sins: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8) Satan can accuse us for as long as he can, but we have an advocate in Christ: For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:17) Don't let the lies of Satan, or any person he uses, stop us from believing the Word of God! "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, ..."!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The "Stronger" Man - 2 of 2!
And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:50-54; Mark 15:37-39; Luke 23:44-46)
In the previous blog, we studied that Satan is a "strong" adversary. Today we study who is the "stronger", Jesus the Christ. Jesus came as the "Lamb of God", to die in our place and take away the fear of death and the grave (Proverbs 14:27; Hebrews 2:14-17): So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades [Greek word for hell], where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:54-57)
Satan has no power or authority over Christ. He can't even keep Him out of hell (Psalms 139:8). Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” [Psalms 68:18] (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) (Ephesians 4:8-10) I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. (Revelations 1:18) Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Revelations 20:14)
The "stronger" man, Jesus the Christ will one day return and destroy Satan and all the evil he brought upon the earth once and for all. Until that time comes, lets witness to as many as we can the "gospel", the good news of Jesus the Christ, so that as many as will may be saved and escape the final eternal death: In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 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. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:11-15)
In the previous blog, we studied that Satan is a "strong" adversary. Today we study who is the "stronger", Jesus the Christ. Jesus came as the "Lamb of God", to die in our place and take away the fear of death and the grave (Proverbs 14:27; Hebrews 2:14-17): So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades [Greek word for hell], where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:54-57)
Satan has no power or authority over Christ. He can't even keep Him out of hell (Psalms 139:8). Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” [Psalms 68:18] (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) (Ephesians 4:8-10) I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. (Revelations 1:18) Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Revelations 20:14)
The "stronger" man, Jesus the Christ will one day return and destroy Satan and all the evil he brought upon the earth once and for all. Until that time comes, lets witness to as many as we can the "gospel", the good news of Jesus the Christ, so that as many as will may be saved and escape the final eternal death: In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 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. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:11-15)
Monday, June 25, 2012
The "Stronger" Man - 1 of 2!
...And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He [her Seed] shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15)
Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God; but Satan is a cherub angel who was cast out of heaven because he wanted to be God (Ezekiel 28:11-19; II Peter 2:4; Revelations 12:9). Satan is called the prince of this world (Ephesians 2:2), the evil one (John 17:15), the father of unbelievers (John 8:44), a destroyer (I Peter 5:8), and many other things. Satan has the ability to cause problems in our lives, but only to the point that God allows (Job 1:6-12).
Jesus explains in the following parable that Satan is stong and has a strong hold on us through sin, but Jesus is stronger and can deliver us from the power of Satan: But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. (Luke 11:20-23)
Jesus sent seventy disciples out to witness about him before he went to certain cities. Those disciples returned full of joy because of the miracles God had done through them, and because of the power and authority they had over evil spirits: Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20) For by Him [Christ] 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. (Colossians 1:16)
We should not feel defeated by the temporary trials and tribulations that we suffer at the hand of Satan. If we are a child of God, through our relationship with Christ, we know that these things will pass and we will spend eternity in heaven, where we'll never have to deal with Satan and the evil he causes ever again: And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelations 20:9-10)
Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God; but Satan is a cherub angel who was cast out of heaven because he wanted to be God (Ezekiel 28:11-19; II Peter 2:4; Revelations 12:9). Satan is called the prince of this world (Ephesians 2:2), the evil one (John 17:15), the father of unbelievers (John 8:44), a destroyer (I Peter 5:8), and many other things. Satan has the ability to cause problems in our lives, but only to the point that God allows (Job 1:6-12).
Jesus explains in the following parable that Satan is stong and has a strong hold on us through sin, but Jesus is stronger and can deliver us from the power of Satan: But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. (Luke 11:20-23)
Jesus sent seventy disciples out to witness about him before he went to certain cities. Those disciples returned full of joy because of the miracles God had done through them, and because of the power and authority they had over evil spirits: Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20) For by Him [Christ] 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. (Colossians 1:16)
We should not feel defeated by the temporary trials and tribulations that we suffer at the hand of Satan. If we are a child of God, through our relationship with Christ, we know that these things will pass and we will spend eternity in heaven, where we'll never have to deal with Satan and the evil he causes ever again: And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelations 20:9-10)
Friday, June 22, 2012
Take Care of Our Soul!
So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ (Luke 12:13-21)
Jesus teaches in the above parable that the rich man was a fool because he mistook his soul for his body. His body would be taken care of with all that he possessed, but worldly possessions serve no benefit to our souls. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)
Since our souls will spend eternity in heaven or hell, we need to make better choices while we're in these bodies. God blesses us to be able to enjoy things while we're hear, but we can not take any of these earthly things with us. So what are we to do? He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. (Proverbs 21:26)
We should share what God blesses us with with others who have needs, once our "needs" are met. By doing so, we will Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21) Let's not worry so much about what we deposit in banks here on earth, but more about what we're depositing in heaven!
Consider listenting to Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life", lesson 10 "Getting Eternity Right": http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
Jesus teaches in the above parable that the rich man was a fool because he mistook his soul for his body. His body would be taken care of with all that he possessed, but worldly possessions serve no benefit to our souls. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)
Since our souls will spend eternity in heaven or hell, we need to make better choices while we're in these bodies. God blesses us to be able to enjoy things while we're hear, but we can not take any of these earthly things with us. So what are we to do? He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. (Proverbs 21:26)
We should share what God blesses us with with others who have needs, once our "needs" are met. By doing so, we will Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21) Let's not worry so much about what we deposit in banks here on earth, but more about what we're depositing in heaven!
Consider listenting to Pastor Erwin Lutzer series "You Can't Redo Life", lesson 10 "Getting Eternity Right": http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Old Body, New Life!
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:3-8) It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63)
God made us very complex beings. We have a "flesh" body which will return to the dust, and a "soul" which is our spiritual body. He has also put in all living things a "spirit" which is the breath of life - which brings our physical bodies to life: And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground [flesh], and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life [spirit]; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7) The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4) Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
One day these physical bodies will die and and the spirit will return to God, but where will our souls spend eternity? That choice is up to us. John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. ... And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:4-8) We must accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, so that we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and be sealed until the day our soul goes to heaven. (Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:13-14)
God's Holy Spirit not only keeps us while we're here, but He also empowers us to do God's will. It's not easy to overcome the desires and temptations of the flesh. God knows that (Hebrews 4:15), and because of His love towards us, He gave us the Holy Spirit to help us. (John 16:5-15) Let's ask God, in the name of Jesus Christ to allow His Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, that we may not only be born again, but lead others to this new life also, of peace and contentment, even through trials and temptations. (Romans 8) Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’!
God made us very complex beings. We have a "flesh" body which will return to the dust, and a "soul" which is our spiritual body. He has also put in all living things a "spirit" which is the breath of life - which brings our physical bodies to life: And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground [flesh], and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life [spirit]; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7) The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4) Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
One day these physical bodies will die and and the spirit will return to God, but where will our souls spend eternity? That choice is up to us. John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. ... And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:4-8) We must accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, so that we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and be sealed until the day our soul goes to heaven. (Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:13-14)
God's Holy Spirit not only keeps us while we're here, but He also empowers us to do God's will. It's not easy to overcome the desires and temptations of the flesh. God knows that (Hebrews 4:15), and because of His love towards us, He gave us the Holy Spirit to help us. (John 16:5-15) Let's ask God, in the name of Jesus Christ to allow His Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, that we may not only be born again, but lead others to this new life also, of peace and contentment, even through trials and temptations. (Romans 8) Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
True Love!
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. [John 3:16] Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. [John 1:18] If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. (I John 4:7-19)
The Apostle John makes it very clear, God is Love! Throughout scripture God demonstrates his love towards His creation, especially mankind: He creates us in His own image and gives us authority over all things (Genesis 1:26-31); He's willing to spare unrighteous people for the sake of the righteous (Genesis 18:16-33); He blesses His children beyond what we can imagine, if we're obedient (Joshua 1:10-18); but the greatest demonstration of all is God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-11)
God has given us a clear definition of how we are to demonstrate love towards eachother. Love is not to be confused with lust, which is what we often hear called "love" in society. (Proverbs 6:20-29; Matthew 5:27-30; Romans 1:26-27) Love is not just a feeling, it is action, that puts the best interest of others before ourselves:Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind [I Timothy 2:4]; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. ... And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 13)
Let's accept the free gift of love that God has given us, through His Son, Jesus Christ; and then let's share that love with others, so that they can pass it forward, and in turn the whole world be blessed!
The Apostle John makes it very clear, God is Love! Throughout scripture God demonstrates his love towards His creation, especially mankind: He creates us in His own image and gives us authority over all things (Genesis 1:26-31); He's willing to spare unrighteous people for the sake of the righteous (Genesis 18:16-33); He blesses His children beyond what we can imagine, if we're obedient (Joshua 1:10-18); but the greatest demonstration of all is God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-11)
God has given us a clear definition of how we are to demonstrate love towards eachother. Love is not to be confused with lust, which is what we often hear called "love" in society. (Proverbs 6:20-29; Matthew 5:27-30; Romans 1:26-27) Love is not just a feeling, it is action, that puts the best interest of others before ourselves:Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind [I Timothy 2:4]; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. ... And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 13)
Let's accept the free gift of love that God has given us, through His Son, Jesus Christ; and then let's share that love with others, so that they can pass it forward, and in turn the whole world be blessed!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Joy vs. Happiness!
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11) Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. (Psalm 51:12)
The word happy is not used very often in scripture, and when it is used, it usually refers to a temporary feeling a person has once they receive or achieve a specific thing. The most lasting feeling of happiness described is when a person receives wisdom: Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;... She [wisdom] is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. (Proverbs 3:13-18) Wisdom is being able to make the right choices based on our knowledge and understanding. Therefore, we should be happy when we receive wisdom.
But joy goes deeper than just happiness. Joy never ends, it's a state of existence that brings us deep pleasure because of our relationship with God through Christ and our comfort in knowing where we will spend eternity, in heaven with the Father and the Son. Even when we may not feel happy, we can still have, experience and exist with joy. The Word teaches us that we can even have joy when we're going through very difficult and challenging situations: Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. (Psalm 126:5) Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. (Luke 6:22-23) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)
In life, we will and should desire to have moments of happiness, especially when we receive a promise from God's Word. But because we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we can live everyday with joy, knowing that when this life is over, our souls will spend eternity with Him in heaven: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.(Habakkuk 3:18) His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (Matthew 25:23)
The word happy is not used very often in scripture, and when it is used, it usually refers to a temporary feeling a person has once they receive or achieve a specific thing. The most lasting feeling of happiness described is when a person receives wisdom: Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;... She [wisdom] is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. (Proverbs 3:13-18) Wisdom is being able to make the right choices based on our knowledge and understanding. Therefore, we should be happy when we receive wisdom.
But joy goes deeper than just happiness. Joy never ends, it's a state of existence that brings us deep pleasure because of our relationship with God through Christ and our comfort in knowing where we will spend eternity, in heaven with the Father and the Son. Even when we may not feel happy, we can still have, experience and exist with joy. The Word teaches us that we can even have joy when we're going through very difficult and challenging situations: Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. (Psalm 126:5) Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. (Luke 6:22-23) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)
In life, we will and should desire to have moments of happiness, especially when we receive a promise from God's Word. But because we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we can live everyday with joy, knowing that when this life is over, our souls will spend eternity with Him in heaven: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.(Habakkuk 3:18) His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (Matthew 25:23)
Monday, June 18, 2012
Living "Holy"!
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (I Peter 1:13-16)
When the Apostles were first called "Christians", it was not meant as a compliment. The name was given to them to insinuate that they were acting like "little Christs": And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. (Acts 11:26); Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” (Acts 26:28); Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (I Peter 4:16)
As Peter states above, let's consider it an honor to be called Christian, even if we incur suffering because of it. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, ... For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)
We are to be "holy" in how we behave. This does not mean we are perfect: Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (II Corinthians 7:1) Our goal is to strive to be more like Christ (Christians - "little Christs"), and He will make us into who He created us to be!
When the Apostles were first called "Christians", it was not meant as a compliment. The name was given to them to insinuate that they were acting like "little Christs": And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. (Acts 11:26); Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” (Acts 26:28); Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (I Peter 4:16)
As Peter states above, let's consider it an honor to be called Christian, even if we incur suffering because of it. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, ... For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)
We are to be "holy" in how we behave. This does not mean we are perfect: Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (II Corinthians 7:1) Our goal is to strive to be more like Christ (Christians - "little Christs"), and He will make us into who He created us to be!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Come to Yourself!
“When they sin against You (for there is no one who does not sin), and You become angry with them and deliver them to the enemy, and they take them captive to the land of the enemy, far or near; yet when they come to themselves in the land where they were carried captive, and repent, and make supplication to You in the land of those who took them captive, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong, we have committed wickedness’; and when they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul..., and pray to You...: then hear in heaven Your dwelling place their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause, and forgive Your people who have sinned against You, and all their transgressions which they have transgressed against You; and grant them compassion...” (I Kings 8:46-53)
All of us who have been raised to do the right things and treat others the right way have, more times than we care to admit, sinned against God and done things we know we should not do. Many times we've asked those we've offended for forgiveness, or if we've been offended, we've been asked by the offender for forgiveness. Man may or may not choose to forgive, but God ALWAYS forgives, when we sincerely confess our sins, ask for His forgiveness, and repent - turn away from doing those things we know we're not supposed to do. Just as the writer of I Kings prayed, asking God to forgive the children of Isreal when the come to themselves, Christ explains this same principal in the well known parable of the "prodigal son":
Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ (Luke 15:11-19)
We all know ... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,... (Romans 3:23); But we also need to believe and accept that ...if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (I John 2:1-2) Let today be the day we all "come to ourselves" and then come to Jesus, just as you are! Don't wait because it will never be the right time and we'll never be good enough, but waiting could mean it will be too late!
All of us who have been raised to do the right things and treat others the right way have, more times than we care to admit, sinned against God and done things we know we should not do. Many times we've asked those we've offended for forgiveness, or if we've been offended, we've been asked by the offender for forgiveness. Man may or may not choose to forgive, but God ALWAYS forgives, when we sincerely confess our sins, ask for His forgiveness, and repent - turn away from doing those things we know we're not supposed to do. Just as the writer of I Kings prayed, asking God to forgive the children of Isreal when the come to themselves, Christ explains this same principal in the well known parable of the "prodigal son":
Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ (Luke 15:11-19)
We all know ... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,... (Romans 3:23); But we also need to believe and accept that ...if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (I John 2:1-2) Let today be the day we all "come to ourselves" and then come to Jesus, just as you are! Don't wait because it will never be the right time and we'll never be good enough, but waiting could mean it will be too late!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Tithes, and Offerings - 4 of 4!
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Matthew 25:14-30)
Jesus teaches in the above parable that God blesses us with what He knows we can handle, to each according to his own ability. Our responsibility it to take what God blesses us with and "invest" it in good works - give to further the teaching and spreading of God's Word (Acts 13), do not create unnecessary debts (Proverbs 22:26-27), help those in need, especially widows and orphans (James 1:27). Then when God sees that He can trust us to do the right thing with what He gives us, He will entrust us with more, because He knows we will be faithful and wise stewards, as Christ explains in the following parable:
And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:42-48)
Personal testimony: This is the first and probably last time I will use the word "I" on this blog. I had tithed most of my adult life, but 1996 was a rough year. I told God He had to prove to me that tithing worked, so I stopped tithing January 1997. Without going into all the details, by October 1997, I was in the worse financial shape of my life. I came to the realization that I couldn't afford not to tithe - that doesn't sound like it would make sense, but it's absolutely true. Since October 1997, I have tithed faithfully all that God gives me, along with giving offerings of money, time, service, assistance or whatever else God allows me to do. I've still had difficult times, but all my bills get paid on time. When emergencies arise, God provides what I need in various ways. And I haven't had a credit card since 1997. God gives us based on our abilities. We just have to be faithful and wise stewards of what He's already blessed us with - if you want more, do and give more, in the name of Jesus! (John 14)
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer study "You Can't Redo Life" - Lesson "Getting Investments Right": http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/listen/#You+Can%e2%80%99t+Redo+Life
Jesus teaches in the above parable that God blesses us with what He knows we can handle, to each according to his own ability. Our responsibility it to take what God blesses us with and "invest" it in good works - give to further the teaching and spreading of God's Word (Acts 13), do not create unnecessary debts (Proverbs 22:26-27), help those in need, especially widows and orphans (James 1:27). Then when God sees that He can trust us to do the right thing with what He gives us, He will entrust us with more, because He knows we will be faithful and wise stewards, as Christ explains in the following parable:
And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:42-48)
Personal testimony: This is the first and probably last time I will use the word "I" on this blog. I had tithed most of my adult life, but 1996 was a rough year. I told God He had to prove to me that tithing worked, so I stopped tithing January 1997. Without going into all the details, by October 1997, I was in the worse financial shape of my life. I came to the realization that I couldn't afford not to tithe - that doesn't sound like it would make sense, but it's absolutely true. Since October 1997, I have tithed faithfully all that God gives me, along with giving offerings of money, time, service, assistance or whatever else God allows me to do. I've still had difficult times, but all my bills get paid on time. When emergencies arise, God provides what I need in various ways. And I haven't had a credit card since 1997. God gives us based on our abilities. We just have to be faithful and wise stewards of what He's already blessed us with - if you want more, do and give more, in the name of Jesus! (John 14)
Consider listening to Pastor Erwin Lutzer study "You Can't Redo Life" - Lesson "Getting Investments Right": http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/listen/#You+Can%e2%80%99t+Redo+Life
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Tithes, and Offerings - 3 of 4!
Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)
In the previous two blogs, we've learned that everything belongs to God and that we should give back to Him at least a tenth of what He blesses us with, so that the teachers of God will not have to worry about their needs being met, and in turn they can have the resources available to help meet the needs of others and intercede to God on their behalf. We who are the church, the body of Christ have many members. No member of the body should remain in a condition of being without, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. (I Corinthians 12:25, in context I Corinthians 12:12-30) This is one of the greatest blessings of being a part of the body of Christ, each of us caring for one another, in a real way that manifests itself in this world as a true witness to others: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
But not only should we give tithes, we should also give firstfruits and offerings. This is to go above and beyond the minimum requirement of a tenth. “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth,... (Deuteronomy 8:18) Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10) Yet again, obdience to God results in being blessed beyond expectation. No, not everyone will be rich, but we all can be wealthy, which means to have all our needs met. And how do we have true wealth, having all our needs met?
As Jesus explains in the parable above, the poor widow gave all she had - what a sacrife and a profession of faith! It's easier to give 10 from 100, when we know we will have 90 left. But if we only have 10 and give the whole 10 to God, what is the reason or the purpose behind doing so? To prove to ourselves that we know we are not in control of our lives, but that God is first in our lives and we trust him completely to take care of all our needs: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ..., O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 12: 22-34) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
"You Can't Beat God's Giving" by the Caravans
You can't beat God's giving, no matter how you try.
---
The more you give, the more He give to you,
but keep on giving because it's really true
that you can't beat God's giving, no matter how you try.
In the previous two blogs, we've learned that everything belongs to God and that we should give back to Him at least a tenth of what He blesses us with, so that the teachers of God will not have to worry about their needs being met, and in turn they can have the resources available to help meet the needs of others and intercede to God on their behalf. We who are the church, the body of Christ have many members. No member of the body should remain in a condition of being without, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. (I Corinthians 12:25, in context I Corinthians 12:12-30) This is one of the greatest blessings of being a part of the body of Christ, each of us caring for one another, in a real way that manifests itself in this world as a true witness to others: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
But not only should we give tithes, we should also give firstfruits and offerings. This is to go above and beyond the minimum requirement of a tenth. “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth,... (Deuteronomy 8:18) Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10) Yet again, obdience to God results in being blessed beyond expectation. No, not everyone will be rich, but we all can be wealthy, which means to have all our needs met. And how do we have true wealth, having all our needs met?
As Jesus explains in the parable above, the poor widow gave all she had - what a sacrife and a profession of faith! It's easier to give 10 from 100, when we know we will have 90 left. But if we only have 10 and give the whole 10 to God, what is the reason or the purpose behind doing so? To prove to ourselves that we know we are not in control of our lives, but that God is first in our lives and we trust him completely to take care of all our needs: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ..., O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 12: 22-34) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
"You Can't Beat God's Giving" by the Caravans
You can't beat God's giving, no matter how you try.
---
The more you give, the more He give to you,
but keep on giving because it's really true
that you can't beat God's giving, no matter how you try.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Tithes, and Offerings - 2 of 4!
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all. (Genesis 14:18-20) The Lord [God] said to my Lord [Christ] , “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”...“You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:1-4; Hebrews 5, 6, 7)
This is one of the times, many Bible scholars believe, we see Christ's physical manifestation in the Old Testament. This is also the first time we see the word tithe used in scripture, Genesis 14:20. Tithing is to give God back a tenth of what He blesses you with. The tithe was to be brought to God's house and used by the priests to take care of their needs and the needs of the people, per God's instruction: And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” (Genesis 28:22) “This also is yours [Priests & Levites]: the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel; I have given them to you, and your sons and daughters with you, as an ordinance forever. Everyone who is clean in your house may eat it. “All the best of the oil, all the best of the new wine and the grain, their firstfruits which they offer to the Lord, I have given them to you. Whatever first ripe fruit is in their land, which they bring to the Lord, shall be yours. (Numbers 18:11-13, God commands firstfruits be brought to the priests, God's teachers on earth) It was important to God that the teachers of His Word be taken care of, so that they could concentrate on studying and interceding on behalf of the people.
God is God, so He can do whatever He wants, but He always has a reason. When we obey Him in giving our firstfruits, tithes and offerings, He will bless us beyond what we can imagine: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; ... (Malachi 3:8-12) Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
This is one of the times, many Bible scholars believe, we see Christ's physical manifestation in the Old Testament. This is also the first time we see the word tithe used in scripture, Genesis 14:20. Tithing is to give God back a tenth of what He blesses you with. The tithe was to be brought to God's house and used by the priests to take care of their needs and the needs of the people, per God's instruction: And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” (Genesis 28:22) “This also is yours [Priests & Levites]: the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel; I have given them to you, and your sons and daughters with you, as an ordinance forever. Everyone who is clean in your house may eat it. “All the best of the oil, all the best of the new wine and the grain, their firstfruits which they offer to the Lord, I have given them to you. Whatever first ripe fruit is in their land, which they bring to the Lord, shall be yours. (Numbers 18:11-13, God commands firstfruits be brought to the priests, God's teachers on earth) It was important to God that the teachers of His Word be taken care of, so that they could concentrate on studying and interceding on behalf of the people.
God is God, so He can do whatever He wants, but He always has a reason. When we obey Him in giving our firstfruits, tithes and offerings, He will bless us beyond what we can imagine: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; ... (Malachi 3:8-12) Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
Monday, June 11, 2012
Tithes, and Offerings - 1 of 4!
“You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7, God 1st of 10 Commandments) You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27) Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth with all that is in it. (Deuteronomy 10:14)
The first thing we need to understand about tithes and offerings is that everything belongs to God. If we care for anything or love anything or anyone more than God, we have our lives out of order: Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Matthew 19:16-22)
We don't have to sell everything we have to be a Christian. Jesus is showing this rich man that eventhough he's obeyed most of the commandments his whole life, he's disobedient in the most important one, putting God first and not the possessions God has blessed him with. Jesus said it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:24; Mark 10:25; Luke 18;25) When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:25-26)
God has entrusted many things in our care, but we can take none of it with us when we die, it will be given to or taken by someone else. Jesus clearly explains this in the following parable: Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:13-21) “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (I Timothy 6:10) For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (II Timothy 3:2-5) Instead of continuing to live as a person God warns others to "turn away" from, let's put God in His proper place, first in our lives, and allow Him to show us how to deal with all the things He's blessed us with!
The first thing we need to understand about tithes and offerings is that everything belongs to God. If we care for anything or love anything or anyone more than God, we have our lives out of order: Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Matthew 19:16-22)
We don't have to sell everything we have to be a Christian. Jesus is showing this rich man that eventhough he's obeyed most of the commandments his whole life, he's disobedient in the most important one, putting God first and not the possessions God has blessed him with. Jesus said it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:24; Mark 10:25; Luke 18;25) When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:25-26)
God has entrusted many things in our care, but we can take none of it with us when we die, it will be given to or taken by someone else. Jesus clearly explains this in the following parable: Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:13-21) “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (I Timothy 6:10) For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (II Timothy 3:2-5) Instead of continuing to live as a person God warns others to "turn away" from, let's put God in His proper place, first in our lives, and allow Him to show us how to deal with all the things He's blessed us with!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Why Go to Church?
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122:1) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
The original Greek word translated "church" in the New Testament means assembly. God desires that all believers come together as oftern as possible, to gain a better understanding of His Word, to encourage eachother, and to have fellowship with one another: And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. ... Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, ... So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
But the main reason for going to church is to become firmly established in our faith. The Word of God is eye witness accounts and God given information, that has been proven accurate and hasn't changed in over 4,000 years. For the word of God is living and powerful... (Hebrews 4:12) That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (I John 1:1-4)
God anoints or empowers certain people to be leaders and teachers within His church:Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28) But He also warns that it is a great responsibility, and false teachers better beware: just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. (II Peter 2:1) There are churches with bad leaders, but we should not let that cause us to stop going. There are many churches with good leaders, and God will lead us to the church He wants us to become a part of: ...seek, and you will find;...(Luke 11:9)
Lastly, one of the most reassuring things about going to church is knowing that there are others who believe what you believe, and that they are praying for you and your success in your Christian walk: Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:15-22)
The original Greek word translated "church" in the New Testament means assembly. God desires that all believers come together as oftern as possible, to gain a better understanding of His Word, to encourage eachother, and to have fellowship with one another: And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. ... Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, ... So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
But the main reason for going to church is to become firmly established in our faith. The Word of God is eye witness accounts and God given information, that has been proven accurate and hasn't changed in over 4,000 years. For the word of God is living and powerful... (Hebrews 4:12) That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (I John 1:1-4)
God anoints or empowers certain people to be leaders and teachers within His church:Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28) But He also warns that it is a great responsibility, and false teachers better beware: just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. (II Peter 2:1) There are churches with bad leaders, but we should not let that cause us to stop going. There are many churches with good leaders, and God will lead us to the church He wants us to become a part of: ...seek, and you will find;...(Luke 11:9)
Lastly, one of the most reassuring things about going to church is knowing that there are others who believe what you believe, and that they are praying for you and your success in your Christian walk: Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:15-22)
Friday, June 8, 2012
What's It All For - 3 of 3?
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’ “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” (Matthew 20:1-16)
By the worlds standards, the landowner may appear unfair, paying the people he hired late in the day the same amount he paid the ones hired early in the day. But as the parable concludes, "Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?" God can do whatever he wants because He is God. But there is also a reason behind what He does. The morning laborers represent the Jews, the rest "non-Jews". The Jews had a contract of laws and commandments with God, "had agreed with the laborers". We who are non-Jews have received abundant grace and mercy: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, ... (Romans 3:28-29)
All of us have our age, day and time that we have of will accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and that age, day or time is different for each of us. But thank God that each of us will receive a reward for what we do for Him while we're here. Let us not be mistaken, the parable is not speaking of working to receive salvation, because salvation is a gift. But it is speaking of rewards: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. (Revelation 22:12) Therefore, Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:26) Let's not worry about God being "fair" or not, let''s just thank Him for showing mercy towards each of us, because we don't deserve it!
By the worlds standards, the landowner may appear unfair, paying the people he hired late in the day the same amount he paid the ones hired early in the day. But as the parable concludes, "Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?" God can do whatever he wants because He is God. But there is also a reason behind what He does. The morning laborers represent the Jews, the rest "non-Jews". The Jews had a contract of laws and commandments with God, "had agreed with the laborers". We who are non-Jews have received abundant grace and mercy: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, ... (Romans 3:28-29)
All of us have our age, day and time that we have of will accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and that age, day or time is different for each of us. But thank God that each of us will receive a reward for what we do for Him while we're here. Let us not be mistaken, the parable is not speaking of working to receive salvation, because salvation is a gift. But it is speaking of rewards: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. (Revelation 22:12) Therefore, Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:26) Let's not worry about God being "fair" or not, let''s just thank Him for showing mercy towards each of us, because we don't deserve it!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
What's It All For - 2 of 3?
Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ (Luke 15:28-30)
We are to work as if we're working for the Lord, and not for men, not to receive a reward from them, but to receive an eternal reward from God. (Ephesians 6:7; Colossians 3:23) The older son in the "Prodical Son" parable was upset because he had stayed with the father and done what was expected of him, but felt that he did not receive what he deserved. While the yougest son ran off and wasted his life, but when he came back home, was treated so special. A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones. (Proverbs 14:30); Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; (Proverbs 23:17) Zealous means to have a strong devotion and commitment to someone or something, an unreasoning allegiance to a person, cause, or ideal. This is how we are supposed to feel about our relationship with God and all that we do for Him by His power. We should not be motivated soley by a desire to receive rewards and acknowledgements, eventhough we will, either here or in eternity. (Matthew 6:1-4)
Jesus shows clearly in the "Prodigal Son" parable that the oldest son, eventhough he did all that was required and expected of him, he did not do it for the right reasons. Jesus explains this even more clearly in the following parable, that our motives have to be sincere: Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ (Luke 18:9-13)
It's so sad that the Pharisee followed all the laws and commandments of God, but his prayers didn't go any further than the roof of the temple. But the despised tax collector's prayers went to heaven to God, because he was sincere and repentant. He knew he couldn't do anything to deserve God's forgiveness. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. (Romans 3:27-30) Come as you are, and let God lead you! It will be worth it for eternity!
We are to work as if we're working for the Lord, and not for men, not to receive a reward from them, but to receive an eternal reward from God. (Ephesians 6:7; Colossians 3:23) The older son in the "Prodical Son" parable was upset because he had stayed with the father and done what was expected of him, but felt that he did not receive what he deserved. While the yougest son ran off and wasted his life, but when he came back home, was treated so special. A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones. (Proverbs 14:30); Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; (Proverbs 23:17) Zealous means to have a strong devotion and commitment to someone or something, an unreasoning allegiance to a person, cause, or ideal. This is how we are supposed to feel about our relationship with God and all that we do for Him by His power. We should not be motivated soley by a desire to receive rewards and acknowledgements, eventhough we will, either here or in eternity. (Matthew 6:1-4)
Jesus shows clearly in the "Prodigal Son" parable that the oldest son, eventhough he did all that was required and expected of him, he did not do it for the right reasons. Jesus explains this even more clearly in the following parable, that our motives have to be sincere: Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ (Luke 18:9-13)
It's so sad that the Pharisee followed all the laws and commandments of God, but his prayers didn't go any further than the roof of the temple. But the despised tax collector's prayers went to heaven to God, because he was sincere and repentant. He knew he couldn't do anything to deserve God's forgiveness. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. (Romans 3:27-30) Come as you are, and let God lead you! It will be worth it for eternity!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
What's It All For - 1 of 3?
“Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ “But he was angry and would not go in. ... “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15:25-28,31-32)
Jesus teaches in the "Prodigal Son" parable of a young son who receives from his father his inheritance, before his father dies, and goes on to blow it all. When he comes to his senses, he returns home in the hopes that his father will allow him to work as a servant, but is surprised to be received by his father with opened arms of love and forgiveness, and restored to his former place of honor within the family. Just as the oldest son, many of us sometimes get upset when we see someone, especially a wayward family member being treated with so much grace and mercy, after going out and making all kinds of bad choices they knew better than to make. But God, just like this father in the parable, will always receive us with opened arms if we confess our sins and sincerely ask for His forgiveness: Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)
In the following incident, a similar situation arose. Martha was upset with her sister Mary for not helping her during one of Jesus visits, but instead Mary chose to sit at His feet and listen to Him speak: Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)
The oldest son in the parable was upset that the father didn't chastise the youngest son when he returned home, and Martha is upset that Jesus didn't chastise Mary for not helping her. Just as the father in the parable didn't dwell on what the youngest son didn't do but instead was thankful for the change in his life, Jesus also doesn't dwell on what Mary isn't doing. He wants Martha to realize that "doing" is good, but having a relationship with Him is the most important thing! And forgive us our debts,As we forgive our debtors. ... “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:12, 14-15) Today, let go and let God!
Jesus teaches in the "Prodigal Son" parable of a young son who receives from his father his inheritance, before his father dies, and goes on to blow it all. When he comes to his senses, he returns home in the hopes that his father will allow him to work as a servant, but is surprised to be received by his father with opened arms of love and forgiveness, and restored to his former place of honor within the family. Just as the oldest son, many of us sometimes get upset when we see someone, especially a wayward family member being treated with so much grace and mercy, after going out and making all kinds of bad choices they knew better than to make. But God, just like this father in the parable, will always receive us with opened arms if we confess our sins and sincerely ask for His forgiveness: Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)
In the following incident, a similar situation arose. Martha was upset with her sister Mary for not helping her during one of Jesus visits, but instead Mary chose to sit at His feet and listen to Him speak: Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)
The oldest son in the parable was upset that the father didn't chastise the youngest son when he returned home, and Martha is upset that Jesus didn't chastise Mary for not helping her. Just as the father in the parable didn't dwell on what the youngest son didn't do but instead was thankful for the change in his life, Jesus also doesn't dwell on what Mary isn't doing. He wants Martha to realize that "doing" is good, but having a relationship with Him is the most important thing! And forgive us our debts,As we forgive our debtors. ... “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:12, 14-15) Today, let go and let God!
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