The people of God have discussed the concept of PERFECTION many times during the last two thousand years. In this dialogue, we will accept as fact that human perfection is never absolute. Sincerity is our best hope as we allow the Spirit of God to guide our imperfect life. Our over-all effort in life must be an attempt to conform to the will of God Almighty. Remember that attaining success with God is not primarily about his rules but the rule maker Himself. David was a man after God’s own heart but he did not always conduct himself properly. The implied goal of Christianity is to attain spiritual maturity. In Greek, the word for maturity is “complete.” This is important because the King James Bible uses the word perfect and maturity interchangeably for the concept of completeness. Look carefully, because God’s plan for excellence is not a path considered obvious by human reasoning.
God’s plan for our spiritual perfection goes something like this. A few people are willing to give up their natural life and strive to find a righteous life that is attuned to the Lord and Savior of humans. The Spirit of God will find these sincere folks and provide the power for there complete conversion. We have an unusual position, Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation… if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Rom 8:12-14) We all know that we are short of the perfection of God. However, Paul says we are obligated to leave everything possible behind in order to pursue the maturity of our new life. Jesus told his disciples to make no provision that would become an obstacle. We must have faith to make Jesus our Lord just as we did to make him Savior.
Knowing or even following all the “rules” is not Christian maturity. Scripture says, Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity,(completeness) not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. (Heb 6:1,2) To reach for perfection we must adopt some characteristics of spiritual completeness. One of them is steadfastness. You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:3,4) In order to “hang in there” for a lifetime of service to God, we must have a good anchor. Jesus is the foundation of every success in spirituality. We must anchor firmly to the Foundation and become steadfast.
Another component of spiritual maturity is our participation utilizing the highest degree of ability possible. Unfortunately, many people on the Church pew make no effort to serve God the rest of the week. Their apathy has caused them to grow dangerously petrified. They sit like rows of clones made from Lots ex-wife. Some of the more knowledgeable believers sit back and say “I don’t worry because my perfection is in Christ." This is absolutely true and there is no other way of salvation. The problematic question these people will face is the motive behind their thinking. Paul claimed, My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me…He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. (1 Cor 4:4,5) Maturity does not shirk God given responsibilities.
We should also demonstrate the approved character of a Christian. It is obvious to even worldly people that a Christian must give up worldly activities. This will leave us plenty of time to embrace the new life that Jesus wants to live in each of us. Admitting that we are not perfect does not allow us to live under the “clay feet” excuse. The Spirit wants us to live in the state of striving to become perfect. Are we sincerely attempting to live a life that imitates our Savior? Since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator…Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Col 3:9-12) Paul goes on to say that love is the ultimate quality of excellence and maturity.
Spiritual maturity is not possible at all without the Spirit living in us. God has revealed it (everything) to us by his Spirit…No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us…The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned…But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Cor 2:10-16) We all have trusted in the Savior of the world but many among us do not trust the mind of Jesus to direct their lives. Proclaiming Jesus as the Lord of our life is the only way reach maturity. Paul said it this way, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Ro 12:2) This means our mind is being renewed as we allow the mind of Christ to direct our life. Maturity is a gift that comes after we yield our control to the Spirit.
The perfecting action of the Spirit (maturity) is shown by our love. If anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:5,6) Jesus commanded us to love others. The action of love is what binds us together in to the body of Christ. This unity promotes unbroken communion with God through our mediator. The focus of our maturity is not our sinless life but our love of others. At times we find loving difficult but Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2) Love is the most important concept for Christianity. One writer said “Love is the badge of discipleship.”
Let us make every effort to attain the quality of excellence in our love.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Key to the Kingdom
There was a Man who walked among us two thousand years ago. No one in history is as well documented or as well known. This man spoke to us about a great kingdom that someday would make this world pale by any comparison. He liked to tell His followers that they could find the key to the door of this kingdom. Of course, all these years people have looked everywhere in this world to find the key. Today many people have learned that they key is the Man. That's right, the one that lived 2000 years ago. The problem is that just knowing that this man is the key is not enough. A believer must learn many truths about the key.
One day Jesus, the Man, went down by the lake to talk to his followers. So many gathered that He had to get into a boat and talk to the people from the calm waters edge. That day He spoke to the followers about seven principles that shape the key to the Kingdom. The overriding shape of the key was given before He arrived at the shore. Jesus said to the people "whoever does the will of my Father in heaven..." (Matt 12:50) Many times as Jesus walked this earth He would say that He and his followers were doing the will of God the Father. We can be sure that nothing in the key to the Kingdom is not approved by God. It could be said that all facets of the key are certified for Heaven.
The second principle has two sides to it. the first is positive but the last is negative. Jesus said, The knowledge of secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, (Matt 13:11) In other words, some people have the key. Then Jesus finished the thought by saying, Though hearing, they do not understand.(Matt 13:13) In fact, many people think they know the key, but only a few actually understand the hidden knowledge of the key. To be technical, without a revelation to a person's mind, there is no one who understands the key.
Jesus then said that their was a physical evidence that the key to the kingdom was understood by a follower. The man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (Matt 13:23) Many people today claim " I am saved by my faith" but there is no crop being produced in their life. They are the ones that Jesus referred to as "though seeing, they do not see." many of them are highly intelligent but they are blind. Jesus plainly said that if someone understands the key to the kingdom they will produce a crop.
It is sad to say, but the Devil keeps many from finding the key. Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from? 'An enemy did this.' he replied. (Matt 13:27,28) We learn here that people can come to Jesus, the good seed, but then grow as a weed among the good crop. It is well known that the Devil has deceived many who originally wanted to serve God. Jesus also tells us here that it is not our job to separate the good and the bad. Only God is qualified and we are not to judge other people spiritually.
The word of the Kingdom of God, during 2000 years, will spread itself over the whole earth. This is the fifth principle Jesus taught on that day, The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough. (Matt 13:33) We see that the key to the kingdom has to power to reproduce itself. There is no way that Christianity could have grown the way it has considering that someone has always been trying to destroy the message. God's power has lived in people who had the key tot he kingdom. Many of these followers have even given their lives to persevere this great faith.
This brings us to the subject of dying. People usually do not want to die but they will if they have a strong enough reason. Jesus told us that to be his disciple was to be part of something with unbelievable value. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. (Matt 13:44) This verse only says that a man happily gave up everything he owned for this treasure. However, during the last 2000 years numerous people have given up their lives for Jesus Christ because they knew His value.
The seventh point Jesus made that day was to inform us that there are people among his children that are not true Christians. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the harvesters are angels. (Matt 13:38,39) Although the Devil has deceived many church people, God's children are to leave them alone. God knows who his children are and at the last day his angels will carry the weeds to the fire for burning.
Pray always and look up for His return.
One day Jesus, the Man, went down by the lake to talk to his followers. So many gathered that He had to get into a boat and talk to the people from the calm waters edge. That day He spoke to the followers about seven principles that shape the key to the Kingdom. The overriding shape of the key was given before He arrived at the shore. Jesus said to the people "whoever does the will of my Father in heaven..." (Matt 12:50) Many times as Jesus walked this earth He would say that He and his followers were doing the will of God the Father. We can be sure that nothing in the key to the Kingdom is not approved by God. It could be said that all facets of the key are certified for Heaven.
The second principle has two sides to it. the first is positive but the last is negative. Jesus said, The knowledge of secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, (Matt 13:11) In other words, some people have the key. Then Jesus finished the thought by saying, Though hearing, they do not understand.(Matt 13:13) In fact, many people think they know the key, but only a few actually understand the hidden knowledge of the key. To be technical, without a revelation to a person's mind, there is no one who understands the key.
Jesus then said that their was a physical evidence that the key to the kingdom was understood by a follower. The man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (Matt 13:23) Many people today claim " I am saved by my faith" but there is no crop being produced in their life. They are the ones that Jesus referred to as "though seeing, they do not see." many of them are highly intelligent but they are blind. Jesus plainly said that if someone understands the key to the kingdom they will produce a crop.
It is sad to say, but the Devil keeps many from finding the key. Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from? 'An enemy did this.' he replied. (Matt 13:27,28) We learn here that people can come to Jesus, the good seed, but then grow as a weed among the good crop. It is well known that the Devil has deceived many who originally wanted to serve God. Jesus also tells us here that it is not our job to separate the good and the bad. Only God is qualified and we are not to judge other people spiritually.
The word of the Kingdom of God, during 2000 years, will spread itself over the whole earth. This is the fifth principle Jesus taught on that day, The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough. (Matt 13:33) We see that the key to the kingdom has to power to reproduce itself. There is no way that Christianity could have grown the way it has considering that someone has always been trying to destroy the message. God's power has lived in people who had the key tot he kingdom. Many of these followers have even given their lives to persevere this great faith.
This brings us to the subject of dying. People usually do not want to die but they will if they have a strong enough reason. Jesus told us that to be his disciple was to be part of something with unbelievable value. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. (Matt 13:44) This verse only says that a man happily gave up everything he owned for this treasure. However, during the last 2000 years numerous people have given up their lives for Jesus Christ because they knew His value.
The seventh point Jesus made that day was to inform us that there are people among his children that are not true Christians. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the harvesters are angels. (Matt 13:38,39) Although the Devil has deceived many church people, God's children are to leave them alone. God knows who his children are and at the last day his angels will carry the weeds to the fire for burning.
Pray always and look up for His return.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Seven Pillars of Christianity-Pillar Five-Light to the World-Part 2
It is great to represent the light of the world but we will find some people in the world who do not like Christians. There will be times when people blame their guilt on us in an attempt to rationalize their own lifestyle. Jesus gave us this warning, because ye are not of this world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (John 15:19)
There are members of churches who will not gain heaven because they are afraid of what some people might say about them. Others worry that they will lose their position in the world or that they will lose some money. It is necessary that we find the courage to face all opposition and be willing to pay any price.
Even though the world "hates" us, we must go to them and tell them the truth of the gospel. It is easy to understand how we need the help of the Holy Spirit living in us, so that our behavior will always glorify our Lord. It is true that when the Spirit speaks through us, there are sometimes results that seem unfavorable to us personally. For example, before Stephen was stoned to death, he spoke very powerful words from God and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke. (Acts 6:10) Because the world hates the truth of God, they sometimes react violently in order to prove their way is better. We must not think of ourselves as we spread the Gospel, but of the benefits for a lost soul.
We must be sustained in our witness by what is called a "zeal", meaning enthusiasm and devotion. It is not necessary to become a zealot because it is not our own energy that provides the way for other souls. The Holy Spirit is the active person in accomplishing the Gospel of God. We may tell people about Jesus but the Spirit is the active power in their heart that reveals God's purpose to them.
Paul was known for his zeal and he commented to the Corinthians one time, your zeal hath provoked many." (2 Cor 9:2) he was talking about giving money at the time, but being enthusiastic about giving assets is a good way to strengthen our devotion. Every routine in our life should support our desire to serve God. (It should be noted that routines can become ritual therefore we must have the Spirit's help everyday to serve our Lord.)
The ultimate objective of a witness is to be a martyr for God. This does not mean that we spend our time wishing to die. It means that we must have the attitude that God owns our life. There is no other way to be totally selfless in our presentation of the gospel. Everything we do must be centered on Jesus and this is what we are to tell the world, in him was life; and the life was the light of men. (John 1:4) This profound message is what gives light to the darkness around us. The great apostle Paul said many times that we would face anything including death for the sake of bringing souls to God' kingdom. What a great feeling when we arrive in heaven and meet those who have been adopted into God's family.
There are members of churches who will not gain heaven because they are afraid of what some people might say about them. Others worry that they will lose their position in the world or that they will lose some money. It is necessary that we find the courage to face all opposition and be willing to pay any price.
Even though the world "hates" us, we must go to them and tell them the truth of the gospel. It is easy to understand how we need the help of the Holy Spirit living in us, so that our behavior will always glorify our Lord. It is true that when the Spirit speaks through us, there are sometimes results that seem unfavorable to us personally. For example, before Stephen was stoned to death, he spoke very powerful words from God and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke. (Acts 6:10) Because the world hates the truth of God, they sometimes react violently in order to prove their way is better. We must not think of ourselves as we spread the Gospel, but of the benefits for a lost soul.
We must be sustained in our witness by what is called a "zeal", meaning enthusiasm and devotion. It is not necessary to become a zealot because it is not our own energy that provides the way for other souls. The Holy Spirit is the active person in accomplishing the Gospel of God. We may tell people about Jesus but the Spirit is the active power in their heart that reveals God's purpose to them.
Paul was known for his zeal and he commented to the Corinthians one time, your zeal hath provoked many." (2 Cor 9:2) he was talking about giving money at the time, but being enthusiastic about giving assets is a good way to strengthen our devotion. Every routine in our life should support our desire to serve God. (It should be noted that routines can become ritual therefore we must have the Spirit's help everyday to serve our Lord.)
The ultimate objective of a witness is to be a martyr for God. This does not mean that we spend our time wishing to die. It means that we must have the attitude that God owns our life. There is no other way to be totally selfless in our presentation of the gospel. Everything we do must be centered on Jesus and this is what we are to tell the world, in him was life; and the life was the light of men. (John 1:4) This profound message is what gives light to the darkness around us. The great apostle Paul said many times that we would face anything including death for the sake of bringing souls to God' kingdom. What a great feeling when we arrive in heaven and meet those who have been adopted into God's family.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Harmony of the Trinity and You
Christians know that there is one God in three persons known as the Trinity: God, the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. Each has their role and they work together in harmony. Along with the Trinity, a human must also do their part in order to live a Christian life leading to salvation.
It is God the Father who makes us eternally alive. I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself...For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. (John 5:19-21) We can see in this verse how the individual persons of God work together. The Father makes us alive through Jesus and we have spiritual existence in the Spirit of God.
In His love, the Father regards humans enough to continue their life forever. In His desire to save humans, God uses His two strong arms...Jesus and the Spirit. God is not rebuilding the old creation. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Cor 5:17-18) Everything we have comes from God and is far beyond our capabilities.
In some future day all things will be made new. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. (2 Pet 3:12, 13) How exciting to know that everything in eternity is available simply by our faith in God. Abraham is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed-- the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. (Rom 4:17)
Having faith that the Spirit can live in us and direct our new eternal life, is certainly "believing things as though they were." We are being offered victory in this life for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4) Our victory is certain because Jesus has already won it for us. All we have to do is continue in Jesus by our faith.
Jesus is the Son of God and all humans must go "through" him if they desire to reverse the death we are born into. Death reigned through that one man, (Adam) how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. (Rom 5:17) This verse also points out that saving grace does not stand alone. Salvation also includes the reign of righteousness in a person's life. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation...and he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning (of our creation) and the firstborn from among the dead. (Col 1:15-18) We follow the Savior who was the first person to break free from the grip that death held on humans.
For some reason people tend to think there is nothing for them to be involved with concerning their salvation. Although Jesus provided everything for our salvation, we have a great responsibility to stand beside Him and render all cooperation. He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation -- if you continue in your faith, established and firm. (Col 1:22,23) Paul told us many times that we should be devoted to the work of Jesus. To make a long list of requirements short, the work of Jesus is Love.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. (Col 2:23-24) Most of us do not serve Jesus by thinking of the reward but it is certainly waiting for the faithful.
Paul said this in one of his letters, If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, (Phil 2:1) This connects the Savior with the Spirit in a loving way. Earlier mention was made of the individual persons of God working together. In this verse the Spirit brings us comfort from God as we serve. If we appreciate the love of Jesus then there will be spiritual fellowship in our life. If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Rom 8:13,14)
You must allow all three persons of God to do their work in you.
It is God the Father who makes us eternally alive. I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself...For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. (John 5:19-21) We can see in this verse how the individual persons of God work together. The Father makes us alive through Jesus and we have spiritual existence in the Spirit of God.
In His love, the Father regards humans enough to continue their life forever. In His desire to save humans, God uses His two strong arms...Jesus and the Spirit. God is not rebuilding the old creation. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Cor 5:17-18) Everything we have comes from God and is far beyond our capabilities.
In some future day all things will be made new. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. (2 Pet 3:12, 13) How exciting to know that everything in eternity is available simply by our faith in God. Abraham is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed-- the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. (Rom 4:17)
Having faith that the Spirit can live in us and direct our new eternal life, is certainly "believing things as though they were." We are being offered victory in this life for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4) Our victory is certain because Jesus has already won it for us. All we have to do is continue in Jesus by our faith.
Jesus is the Son of God and all humans must go "through" him if they desire to reverse the death we are born into. Death reigned through that one man, (Adam) how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. (Rom 5:17) This verse also points out that saving grace does not stand alone. Salvation also includes the reign of righteousness in a person's life. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation...and he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning (of our creation) and the firstborn from among the dead. (Col 1:15-18) We follow the Savior who was the first person to break free from the grip that death held on humans.
For some reason people tend to think there is nothing for them to be involved with concerning their salvation. Although Jesus provided everything for our salvation, we have a great responsibility to stand beside Him and render all cooperation. He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation -- if you continue in your faith, established and firm. (Col 1:22,23) Paul told us many times that we should be devoted to the work of Jesus. To make a long list of requirements short, the work of Jesus is Love.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. (Col 2:23-24) Most of us do not serve Jesus by thinking of the reward but it is certainly waiting for the faithful.
Paul said this in one of his letters, If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, (Phil 2:1) This connects the Savior with the Spirit in a loving way. Earlier mention was made of the individual persons of God working together. In this verse the Spirit brings us comfort from God as we serve. If we appreciate the love of Jesus then there will be spiritual fellowship in our life. If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Rom 8:13,14)
You must allow all three persons of God to do their work in you.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Seven Pillars of Christianity-Pillar Five-Light to the World-Part 1
In this world of darkness, Jesus has given us the privilege of being a light which can witness to the truth of God. Our Lord said, let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven. (Matt 5:16) In the Scriptures, the light represents the presence of God and all life comes from his light. The light of God has ability to dispel darkness which depicts sin and death. As children of light we are ambassadors for the reconciliation of God who lives in us and appeal to others through us.
In a classic passage of Romans we are asked the question, how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? (Rom 10:14) We have been granted the responsibility of giving the gospel to everyone in conjunction with the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the Christian life is to become God's light to fallen mankind and to glorify Him in our walk.
People need Christians who will share the gospel because although natural man has the capacity to observe the existence of God, he does not have the ability to join the everlasting King. Some folks even have a spiritual yearning which if followed can only lead them to serve God in some unacceptable way. Sometimes people even attempt to be their own God. There are beautiful people who do good things here on earth but without the Lord these things have no eternal value. Somehow we must tell them that their involvement in the everyday details of life can easily lead to the destruction of their soul.
When people live in their own way, they can be unconsciously disobedient to God and will pay the price someday. Paul said that Jesus will come taking vengeance on them that know not God. (2 Thess 1:8) Just not knowing Him is all it takes to put a person in eternal Hell. The Almighty's ways are so far above us, that our wisdom is foolishness in His world. It is impossible for any person to relate with the Divine Creator until God's Spirit reveals himself to them personally. We must warn everyone of the danger.
The truth of God is the light that shines out from a Christian and alerts the world that there is a better path for man to follow. This was plainly shown to the disciples before Jesus left the earth, the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness.(John 15:26)
In a classic passage of Romans we are asked the question, how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? (Rom 10:14) We have been granted the responsibility of giving the gospel to everyone in conjunction with the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the Christian life is to become God's light to fallen mankind and to glorify Him in our walk.
People need Christians who will share the gospel because although natural man has the capacity to observe the existence of God, he does not have the ability to join the everlasting King. Some folks even have a spiritual yearning which if followed can only lead them to serve God in some unacceptable way. Sometimes people even attempt to be their own God. There are beautiful people who do good things here on earth but without the Lord these things have no eternal value. Somehow we must tell them that their involvement in the everyday details of life can easily lead to the destruction of their soul.
When people live in their own way, they can be unconsciously disobedient to God and will pay the price someday. Paul said that Jesus will come taking vengeance on them that know not God. (2 Thess 1:8) Just not knowing Him is all it takes to put a person in eternal Hell. The Almighty's ways are so far above us, that our wisdom is foolishness in His world. It is impossible for any person to relate with the Divine Creator until God's Spirit reveals himself to them personally. We must warn everyone of the danger.
The truth of God is the light that shines out from a Christian and alerts the world that there is a better path for man to follow. This was plainly shown to the disciples before Jesus left the earth, the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness.(John 15:26)
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Christian Perseverance
There is a great purpose for serving God. We are not discussing the purpose here, but part of believing in God is to share in his purpose. The idea that there is nothing we can do for God has caused much damage to Christian lives. The Bible gives us a whole new life full of things to do here on this earth.
Paul not only stayed busy for God but also he was looking for a reward for his work. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. (1 Cor 9:23-24) Some people think that they will enter Heaven simply because they have certain ideas in their head. God's Kingdom is not about our ideas. Only people who dedicate their life to His cause will enter. Yes, there is a thief on the cross but what makes you like him?
Although we are talking about pressing on of our own volition, it is usually necessary to point out to some believers that God actually requires that we work for Him. James tells us quite frankly that faith in Jesus alone is not enough. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made completeby what he did. (James 2:20-22)
If we have never stepped out in faith for God when everything was screaming don't do it, then we should go to God and ask him to forgive us. When we talk of perseverance, it is about people who have sold out their life for God.
One of the strongest places in the Word of God, highlighting the necessity of pressing on is the messages to the seven churches in Revelation. The word "overcome" is the only word repeated for all seven churches.
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life. (Rev 2:7)
He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. (Rev 2:11)
To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. (Rev 2:17)
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations. (Rev 2:26)
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life. (Rev 3:5)
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. (Rev 3:12)
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne. (Rev 3:21)
He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. (Rev 21:7)
What a wonderful reward for overcoming. How do unclean humans ever reach such a clean place? We must hold fast to our hope because it is real.
This world is not our home and we must press on toward our heavenly home. Paul instructed us to be workmen; Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Tim 2:15) Successful workers are those who finish the job. With the spirit living in us, we are capable of God's approval.
Paul not only stayed busy for God but also he was looking for a reward for his work. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. (1 Cor 9:23-24) Some people think that they will enter Heaven simply because they have certain ideas in their head. God's Kingdom is not about our ideas. Only people who dedicate their life to His cause will enter. Yes, there is a thief on the cross but what makes you like him?
Although we are talking about pressing on of our own volition, it is usually necessary to point out to some believers that God actually requires that we work for Him. James tells us quite frankly that faith in Jesus alone is not enough. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made completeby what he did. (James 2:20-22)
If we have never stepped out in faith for God when everything was screaming don't do it, then we should go to God and ask him to forgive us. When we talk of perseverance, it is about people who have sold out their life for God.
One of the strongest places in the Word of God, highlighting the necessity of pressing on is the messages to the seven churches in Revelation. The word "overcome" is the only word repeated for all seven churches.
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life. (Rev 2:7)
He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. (Rev 2:11)
To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. (Rev 2:17)
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations. (Rev 2:26)
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life. (Rev 3:5)
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. (Rev 3:12)
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne. (Rev 3:21)
He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. (Rev 21:7)
What a wonderful reward for overcoming. How do unclean humans ever reach such a clean place? We must hold fast to our hope because it is real.
This world is not our home and we must press on toward our heavenly home. Paul instructed us to be workmen; Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Tim 2:15) Successful workers are those who finish the job. With the spirit living in us, we are capable of God's approval.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Seven Pillars of Christianity-Pillar Four - Prayer - Part 3
In our culture there is very little time for meditation; but in the past it was an important part of life. Our lives would change if we cancelled some worldly activities and took the time to meditate.
King David had more to say about meditation than anyone else in the scriptures. He must have picked up the habit as a young shepherd with time on his hands. Samuel said that David was a man after God's own heart before he went to anoint him as king. With proper meditation we will find ourselves in agreement with the heart of God and love will flow through us. We can contemplate the deeds of God in the past and it will fill our hearts with assurance. Every day we should think of all the good deeds God is working in and around us. This strengthens our walk of righteousness and allows us to help others.
David also said that he meditated on the statutes and precepts of God and this kept him on the straight and narrow path. God never changes and we must pray that our meditations will be acceptable to Him.
In the book of Acts, we find several references to prayer and the part it plays in a victorious Christian life. The narratives about the first Christians show us how we are to love God and depend on Him for help in our everyday life. Sometimes we find barriers to prayer such as ridicule, fear, jealousy, pride, greed or many other things. The Lord wants us to continue to call out in prayer no matter what problems we face. the centurion was told, thy prayers and thy alms are come up for a memorial before God. (Acts 10:4) Some of the prayers in the Bible give us an idea of the power of the Holy Spirit has to reach out and save people, even with signs and wonders at times. When Paul's jailer saw how God's power had caused an earthquake, he fell down and cried out Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30) Without prayer most people would never have heard the gospel of the good news about Jesus.
An important point to remember is that all prayers are to be said in the name of Jesus. Several times Jesus said, whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13) The main purpose Jesus had in coming to earth was to glorify his father by bringing fallen people into a relationship with the Almighty. God the Father is love and his generosity toward us is felt when we pray with a clean heart. During our communion with Him we reach the highest level of activity in which the human soul may participate. Jesus is the high priest of our covenant with God and He has granted us the privilege of approach to him at any time.
When our life is centered in Jesus, we will always have communication with Him because there is no way to please God with our own power. A Christian must believe that every prayer will be answered within the perfect plan of God.
King David had more to say about meditation than anyone else in the scriptures. He must have picked up the habit as a young shepherd with time on his hands. Samuel said that David was a man after God's own heart before he went to anoint him as king. With proper meditation we will find ourselves in agreement with the heart of God and love will flow through us. We can contemplate the deeds of God in the past and it will fill our hearts with assurance. Every day we should think of all the good deeds God is working in and around us. This strengthens our walk of righteousness and allows us to help others.
David also said that he meditated on the statutes and precepts of God and this kept him on the straight and narrow path. God never changes and we must pray that our meditations will be acceptable to Him.
In the book of Acts, we find several references to prayer and the part it plays in a victorious Christian life. The narratives about the first Christians show us how we are to love God and depend on Him for help in our everyday life. Sometimes we find barriers to prayer such as ridicule, fear, jealousy, pride, greed or many other things. The Lord wants us to continue to call out in prayer no matter what problems we face. the centurion was told, thy prayers and thy alms are come up for a memorial before God. (Acts 10:4) Some of the prayers in the Bible give us an idea of the power of the Holy Spirit has to reach out and save people, even with signs and wonders at times. When Paul's jailer saw how God's power had caused an earthquake, he fell down and cried out Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30) Without prayer most people would never have heard the gospel of the good news about Jesus.
An important point to remember is that all prayers are to be said in the name of Jesus. Several times Jesus said, whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13) The main purpose Jesus had in coming to earth was to glorify his father by bringing fallen people into a relationship with the Almighty. God the Father is love and his generosity toward us is felt when we pray with a clean heart. During our communion with Him we reach the highest level of activity in which the human soul may participate. Jesus is the high priest of our covenant with God and He has granted us the privilege of approach to him at any time.
When our life is centered in Jesus, we will always have communication with Him because there is no way to please God with our own power. A Christian must believe that every prayer will be answered within the perfect plan of God.
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