The two main reasons we, as Christians, rejoice are the fact of a great eternity and that God provided a way for us to arrive in Heaven. First a person must know "the way" if they want this life of rejoicing. The gospel begins with a Bible code word. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Interestingly, the first code word of the Bible is the word "Word". In this Scripture, we notice that the word is capitalized. A name is always capitalized, giving us a good clue that we can meet this person, the Word, named Jesus. How great is it to meet a person that as lived with God? You would think that people would be lined up to just meet the Savior. Sometimes the Scriptures themselves are called the word. We know this is the identification of any words spoken by God. This means that Jesus and the Scriptures are both from God and are sent to humans so that we can know true happiness.
These gifts are named the Word because when God speaks His words create new things. The Man(word) provides our salvation and we learn His truth with The Book (word). The Gospel says it best, Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Matt 4:4) However, we must be able to understand the words that God gave us. We need spiritual revelations of Jesus and the Book and it is brought to humans by the Spirit of God. Any other source will never lead to Heaven. There is reason for great rejoicing when the Spirit reveals things to us. We read in Luke that Jesus was joyful that the truth of God was being revealed to little children. Jesus was making reference to people who live by faith instead of the smart people of this earth. In other words, people who know the system and have many of the rewards of this world will usually no be in Heaven. yes, everything is possible for God.
Revelation of the Word is the source of our joy. This secret is found in the Holy Spirit because He is the only way we ever understand God. The theme of this paper is; "We rejoice because the Word is being revealed to us." This joy is so powerful that many believers have gone to their death and rejoiced while the world killed them. Remember Paul watched as the rejoicing Stephen died. When the Spirit has revealed the Word to a believer, they have very little interest in the things of this world because they are rejoicing in the Spirit world. The "word" is also the power that enables us to live a successful Christian life. The word is near you; it is in your heart, that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: (Rom 10:8) If we yield our life to God, His "word" comes to live in us.
One of the results of a rejoicing convert is their desire to proclaim the word to others. Every believer wants to see other people enjoy the wonders of eternity with God. People of the world often ask "why do you care?" Sometimes they are even rude but we are part of something so wonderful that there is no way to keep it to ourselves. Hope drives us on. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Rom 12:11)
Everything in our new life looks like a hard job if we are living in unbelief. the truth is that everything listed above as part of a Christian life is easy. All we need to do is rejoice in the lord and accept the life He has for us. However, every person has a line drawn in their mind that they do not want God to cross. The problem is that god wants the line taken down so that He can rule everything about us. Some people fight to keep this line until they sweat and shake.
Until you give in and allow God total access there is no real rejoicing. The Word of God is like nothing else; For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. (Heb 4:12) The last thing a person should be doing is pretending to be a believer. There is only one person really being fooled and that is the one doing the pretending. It seems very worth while to be serious about God in light of what he has prepared for a real believer.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. he will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, " I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." (Rev 21:1)
Do you really believe God?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Someone Cares
The LORD said, I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey. (Ex 3:7,8) While living in Egypt, all Abraham’s children were born into slavery. Everyone today is also born as a slave. Even believers sometimes do not feel that God is concerned about their life. We must never allow this idea to become real in us. The entire Old Testament is about a promise to send the Savior from heaven to become flesh and blood. God’s only son will now spend eternity as the God-man because someone is concerned about us.
All slaves have in their future is grinding labor and then death. Having a savior rescue them is only a dream. When a savior delivers people from slavery it is a two-part mission. The first part of the mission takes force to break the chains. The second is complicated and difficult but the people must be taught how to live a righteous life in their freedom. (A life that is not righteous always leads back into slavery) The Almighty did not kill all the Egyptians but instead caused them to give the people their freedom. God also did not kill the Devil but instead has a plan to force him to give believers their freedom. Not only does He love us enough to give us freedom but enough to do it in a proper and difficult method.
In His justice, the Lord did not arbitrarily free humans from their sin against our Creator. God allowed his son to come to earth and give up His life on a cruel cross as a sacrifice. This paid, in full, the price for the redemption of believers. This enables a righteous and honorable God to manifest wrath against all sin but turns wrath away from sinners who avail themselves of the Savior. Some people do not seem to realize they have a need for salvation. Others have corrupted themselves until they have lost any desire to be righteous. However, this plan allows any human being to repent if they want to be reconciled with their Creator. God loves us so much that his plan allows our simple faith in the substitute that He has provided.
Let’s look back at the atonement (to make amends) ceremony given to Moses for the people. …Then he is to cast lots for the two goats… Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the LORD and sacrifice (shed its blood) it for a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat. (Lev 16:7-10) In a way, the animal that was killed represented the breaking of our chains of sin and the animal that was given its freedom represented our living a righteous life. When we are baptized, the preacher lowers us saying to die with Christ but then raises us up saying we must live a new (righteous) life. This shows us the two-part mission of Jesus on this earth.
What Christ accomplished also satisfies both the negative and the positive sides of God’s law. To fail the law requires a payment but to succeed in the law we need divine help. The blood of our Savior makes the payment and the body (life) of our Savior gives us the help we must have. In short, the baptism represents our freedom from sin and the communion represents our righteous life. We pray that both parts of the mission of Jesus Christ will become our life.
All slaves have in their future is grinding labor and then death. Having a savior rescue them is only a dream. When a savior delivers people from slavery it is a two-part mission. The first part of the mission takes force to break the chains. The second is complicated and difficult but the people must be taught how to live a righteous life in their freedom. (A life that is not righteous always leads back into slavery) The Almighty did not kill all the Egyptians but instead caused them to give the people their freedom. God also did not kill the Devil but instead has a plan to force him to give believers their freedom. Not only does He love us enough to give us freedom but enough to do it in a proper and difficult method.
In His justice, the Lord did not arbitrarily free humans from their sin against our Creator. God allowed his son to come to earth and give up His life on a cruel cross as a sacrifice. This paid, in full, the price for the redemption of believers. This enables a righteous and honorable God to manifest wrath against all sin but turns wrath away from sinners who avail themselves of the Savior. Some people do not seem to realize they have a need for salvation. Others have corrupted themselves until they have lost any desire to be righteous. However, this plan allows any human being to repent if they want to be reconciled with their Creator. God loves us so much that his plan allows our simple faith in the substitute that He has provided.
Let’s look back at the atonement (to make amends) ceremony given to Moses for the people. …Then he is to cast lots for the two goats… Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the LORD and sacrifice (shed its blood) it for a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat. (Lev 16:7-10) In a way, the animal that was killed represented the breaking of our chains of sin and the animal that was given its freedom represented our living a righteous life. When we are baptized, the preacher lowers us saying to die with Christ but then raises us up saying we must live a new (righteous) life. This shows us the two-part mission of Jesus on this earth.
What Christ accomplished also satisfies both the negative and the positive sides of God’s law. To fail the law requires a payment but to succeed in the law we need divine help. The blood of our Savior makes the payment and the body (life) of our Savior gives us the help we must have. In short, the baptism represents our freedom from sin and the communion represents our righteous life. We pray that both parts of the mission of Jesus Christ will become our life.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Power is in the Blood; Life is in the Spirit
The blood of Christ provided the greatest initial and continual release of God’s power the earth will ever be involved in. The disciples of Jesus wrote that the blood of Christ reconciled humans to God. The crucifixion of Christ and his resurrection were well known and distinctly preached years before Paul was saved. But, it was Paul who was given a new message that opened up additional mysteries of God. His new revelation was that the power of Christ’s death could now live inside of a person. It may not seem important to unbelievers but the human/divine personal relationship had been terminated in the “fall”. However, kinship is now possible between God and his dearly loved creation. The Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age. (Gal 1:4) Christ dealt with the past of all humans but the announcement here is that we are about to be delivered from “the PRESENT evil age”.
Next, we see that something special had happened to Paul. I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. (Gal 1:11,12) This new part of the gospel was not being taught in Judaism or Christianity. He had the difficult task of telling people that observing their religion was no longer valid before God. It was now required that in partnership with the Spirit of God, people would invite the Spirit to live inside them on the condition that there spirit would continually yield to the will of God. But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me. (Gal 1:15,16) Paul’s religion had changed when the Spirit came into him and now his task was to teach others about this new life with God. His complete life was now the Son living in him.
This tough Jew had a fight on his hands. The religious leaders of the day insisted that they had the truth about God and no one could change their minds. When he went to Jerusalem, Paul tells us, Some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you. (Gal 2:4,5) In the original church at Jerusalem where Jesus had died, the men in charge for about 10 or 20 years were running the church the way they wanted it. They had returned to the Law and were not allowing the Spirit to have control of their actions. Another time in Antioch, Paul was forced to scold Peter, a person that had lived with Jesus for three years. When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong … because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. (Gal 2:11)
We are unable to keep any kind of law completely therefore, we are forced to find a better way to be righteous. This is what Paul is trying to teach believers. We… know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. (but) If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners…(what can we do?)---I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Gal 2:15-20 Although people are told again and again that they no longer live but their life now belongs to the Spirit, they continue to try to do religion their own way. Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? (Gal 3:3) The “goal” of course, is to please God and go to live with Him someday.
Somehow, we must learn to have faith that the Spirit lives in us and that his purpose is for our righteousness. He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham (righteousness by faith) might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (Gal 3:14) It is the Spirit of Christ that brings into our life everything that the power of Christ blood provided so long ago. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Gal 3:25-27) When the Spirit brings all that Christ provided into a human we begin to understand why some of God’s smallest servants are involved in some of the greatest spiritual events in history.
Apparently, having the Spirit to guide us is something that does not happen over night. Sometimes the people in the church have there minds on worldly things and the Spirit cannot bring them to maturity. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you! Gal 4:19,20 We see here that this church was at a very low point spiritually and Paul wanted to witness their rebirth with the Spirit of Christ redirecting their life. He must have witnessed their original acceptance of the Savior because he is “again” in pains for them. You, my brothers, were called to be free. (Gal 5:13) Unfortunately, we live in a religious culture that claims there is nothing to do but sit back and have faith. The Scriptures are trying to teach us that our freedom is only to be used for a righteous life in the Spirit.
Some people are unfamiliar with what a righteous life looks like. We are given a very good definition right here. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Gal 5:22-25) Paul tells us repeatedly that there are many requirements that a Christian is responsible to carry out. We see here that he tells us to stay in step with the Spirit as God directs our life. By keeping in step with the Spirit, Christ will be formed in us, with the result being that we will have clothed ourselves with Christ.
There is a great reward for giving your life to the Spirit. The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal 6:8-10) It tells us plainly in this passage that pleasing the Spirit that lives in us is the way we will reap eternal life. Reaping eternal life will take a great deal of power and the Spirit of God has the power because he raised our Savior from death itself. My friends, let the Spirit direct your life. It will be worth it.
Next, we see that something special had happened to Paul. I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. (Gal 1:11,12) This new part of the gospel was not being taught in Judaism or Christianity. He had the difficult task of telling people that observing their religion was no longer valid before God. It was now required that in partnership with the Spirit of God, people would invite the Spirit to live inside them on the condition that there spirit would continually yield to the will of God. But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me. (Gal 1:15,16) Paul’s religion had changed when the Spirit came into him and now his task was to teach others about this new life with God. His complete life was now the Son living in him.
This tough Jew had a fight on his hands. The religious leaders of the day insisted that they had the truth about God and no one could change their minds. When he went to Jerusalem, Paul tells us, Some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you. (Gal 2:4,5) In the original church at Jerusalem where Jesus had died, the men in charge for about 10 or 20 years were running the church the way they wanted it. They had returned to the Law and were not allowing the Spirit to have control of their actions. Another time in Antioch, Paul was forced to scold Peter, a person that had lived with Jesus for three years. When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong … because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. (Gal 2:11)
We are unable to keep any kind of law completely therefore, we are forced to find a better way to be righteous. This is what Paul is trying to teach believers. We… know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. (but) If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners…(what can we do?)---I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Gal 2:15-20 Although people are told again and again that they no longer live but their life now belongs to the Spirit, they continue to try to do religion their own way. Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? (Gal 3:3) The “goal” of course, is to please God and go to live with Him someday.
Somehow, we must learn to have faith that the Spirit lives in us and that his purpose is for our righteousness. He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham (righteousness by faith) might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (Gal 3:14) It is the Spirit of Christ that brings into our life everything that the power of Christ blood provided so long ago. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Gal 3:25-27) When the Spirit brings all that Christ provided into a human we begin to understand why some of God’s smallest servants are involved in some of the greatest spiritual events in history.
Apparently, having the Spirit to guide us is something that does not happen over night. Sometimes the people in the church have there minds on worldly things and the Spirit cannot bring them to maturity. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you! Gal 4:19,20 We see here that this church was at a very low point spiritually and Paul wanted to witness their rebirth with the Spirit of Christ redirecting their life. He must have witnessed their original acceptance of the Savior because he is “again” in pains for them. You, my brothers, were called to be free. (Gal 5:13) Unfortunately, we live in a religious culture that claims there is nothing to do but sit back and have faith. The Scriptures are trying to teach us that our freedom is only to be used for a righteous life in the Spirit.
Some people are unfamiliar with what a righteous life looks like. We are given a very good definition right here. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Gal 5:22-25) Paul tells us repeatedly that there are many requirements that a Christian is responsible to carry out. We see here that he tells us to stay in step with the Spirit as God directs our life. By keeping in step with the Spirit, Christ will be formed in us, with the result being that we will have clothed ourselves with Christ.
There is a great reward for giving your life to the Spirit. The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal 6:8-10) It tells us plainly in this passage that pleasing the Spirit that lives in us is the way we will reap eternal life. Reaping eternal life will take a great deal of power and the Spirit of God has the power because he raised our Savior from death itself. My friends, let the Spirit direct your life. It will be worth it.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
I'm Begging You
Paul was writing to one of his churches when he said, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (Eph 4:1) Although he had led people to the Lord and set up many churches, it was necessary for him to continue to work with them because of the Deceiver. When God gives anything good to us, a relentless force can twist a good thing into something dangerous. Paul repeatedly warned believers that someone would twist the truth of God. For example, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Eph 2: 8,9) This beautiful truth is used by some believers as the reason they do nothing with their life for God. They reason, that salvation is not by works therefore they are required to do nothing in order to rule in heaven with Jesus.
The fact that we cannot “earn” salvation, does not suggest that we lay back in comfort while other people push the wagon, so to speak. The “not by works” passage is incomplete in the first paragraph. This is the rest of the thought; For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph 2:10) If a Christian is created to do good works, maybe people that do nothing have not yet been recreated? The Bible asks us in many places to dedicate our lives to God’s service. Paul even tells us of a power that is available to live in us to accomplish our work for God. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. (Eph 3:16,17)
Here is a sample of the instructions Paul gave the Corinthians. This was a church that needed instruction because they were not living a righteous life.
(All verses found in 1 Corinthians)
Do not deceive yourselves. (3:16)
Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. (4:2)
You are not your own; you were bought at a price. (6:20)
No, I beat my body and make it my slave (9:27)
We are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. (11:32)
If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored. (14:38)
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. (15:58)
To see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. (2Cor 2:9)
We, who with unveiled faces, all reflect the Lord’s glory (3:18)
So we make it our goal to please him, (5:9)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, (5:10)
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, (5:20)
We urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. (6:1)
Having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (9:8)
It is not surprising, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness (11:15)
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith (13:5)
God has always implored his believers to “wake-up” and live a proper Christian life. Every one of us has a lot of work to do and it is past time to live up to our responsibilities.
The fact that we cannot “earn” salvation, does not suggest that we lay back in comfort while other people push the wagon, so to speak. The “not by works” passage is incomplete in the first paragraph. This is the rest of the thought; For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph 2:10) If a Christian is created to do good works, maybe people that do nothing have not yet been recreated? The Bible asks us in many places to dedicate our lives to God’s service. Paul even tells us of a power that is available to live in us to accomplish our work for God. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. (Eph 3:16,17)
Here is a sample of the instructions Paul gave the Corinthians. This was a church that needed instruction because they were not living a righteous life.
(All verses found in 1 Corinthians)
Do not deceive yourselves. (3:16)
Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. (4:2)
You are not your own; you were bought at a price. (6:20)
No, I beat my body and make it my slave (9:27)
We are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. (11:32)
If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored. (14:38)
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. (15:58)
To see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. (2Cor 2:9)
We, who with unveiled faces, all reflect the Lord’s glory (3:18)
So we make it our goal to please him, (5:9)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, (5:10)
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, (5:20)
We urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. (6:1)
Having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (9:8)
It is not surprising, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness (11:15)
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith (13:5)
God has always implored his believers to “wake-up” and live a proper Christian life. Every one of us has a lot of work to do and it is past time to live up to our responsibilities.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Seven Pillars of Christianity-Pillar Five-Adoption - Part 1
When someone chooses to bring another person into a family relationship, or uses a legal process to make a fit subject into ones own child, they have "adoption." God has already chosen the people that he will adopt and we desire to be among them. Remember that there are conditions to be met before the redeemed leave this earth and go to live with God. None may earn their own way into God's family or by merely saying they accept His gift does not force God to save anyone. God will certainly no adopt people just because they claim He is obligated. We can tell when we have become part of god's family by the communication between our spirit and the Spirit of the Almighty. In Romans we read these words, The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Rom 8:16,17) You can see that suffering is prescribed here as one element of the life God expects us to find in His service.
During the Old Testament times adoption was very important legally. One generation after another were to maintain the family possessions and most important was the land. When a family had no male children, they were to adopt someone. This person would serve in all the duties of a son and on some future day he would receive the inheritance. Spiritually speaking this all began with Abraham and has been passed down to Christians today. In between the time of Abraham and today's Christians the Lord dealt with the Jews. here is what God tells us about them, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son and Let my son go, that he may serve me (Ex 4:22,23) We see here that all God's children are required to serve. Now look at how the Lord felt when his people did not respond correctly, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. (Is 1:2) and goes on to say that all sinners will be destroyed. It has always been a fact that God's grace requires a proper response from us.
In the first pillar we observed that Jesus Christ has made the sacrifice which provides the opportunity for our eternal life with God. It is possible for our adoption now that the wrath of God has been removed. The Scripture says that Jesus, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past. (Rom 3:25) This tells us that all the legalities were met on behalf of God the Father when his son Jesus completed his work on the earth. Now everyone has an opportunity to get right with God the Father.
The fact that our adoption was planned long ago is a wonderful and kind act, although there are people who worry about election. We must believe that God's ways are above our understanding and we must, as the song says, "only obey" to have our destiny with God assured. There are times when we do not feel like a son of our heavenly father, but the Scripture assures us that God is a father of the fatherless (Ps 68:5) We become fatherless when we leave the family of this world who father is the Devil. Jesus is called "elect" (1 Peter 2:6) even though he is the natural son of God. We also have been elected to become a child of God and this means at least three things to us. First we believe that everything needed to be His child has been provided for us. Second, that Christians are safe and secure in Jesus, and thirdly that we find our gratitude so great that we give our lives in service to God.
Our creator loves and cares for us and His desire is to have a life with his children. Think what he is doing for us now, thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die and return to their dust. (Ps 104:29) Not only is he in control of each breath, but he knows every thought and feeling. When we become his servant there will be comfort and promises for the rest of our lives. A great peace will fill our heart just knowing that God has made us part of His family.
During the Old Testament times adoption was very important legally. One generation after another were to maintain the family possessions and most important was the land. When a family had no male children, they were to adopt someone. This person would serve in all the duties of a son and on some future day he would receive the inheritance. Spiritually speaking this all began with Abraham and has been passed down to Christians today. In between the time of Abraham and today's Christians the Lord dealt with the Jews. here is what God tells us about them, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son and Let my son go, that he may serve me (Ex 4:22,23) We see here that all God's children are required to serve. Now look at how the Lord felt when his people did not respond correctly, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. (Is 1:2) and goes on to say that all sinners will be destroyed. It has always been a fact that God's grace requires a proper response from us.
In the first pillar we observed that Jesus Christ has made the sacrifice which provides the opportunity for our eternal life with God. It is possible for our adoption now that the wrath of God has been removed. The Scripture says that Jesus, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past. (Rom 3:25) This tells us that all the legalities were met on behalf of God the Father when his son Jesus completed his work on the earth. Now everyone has an opportunity to get right with God the Father.
The fact that our adoption was planned long ago is a wonderful and kind act, although there are people who worry about election. We must believe that God's ways are above our understanding and we must, as the song says, "only obey" to have our destiny with God assured. There are times when we do not feel like a son of our heavenly father, but the Scripture assures us that God is a father of the fatherless (Ps 68:5) We become fatherless when we leave the family of this world who father is the Devil. Jesus is called "elect" (1 Peter 2:6) even though he is the natural son of God. We also have been elected to become a child of God and this means at least three things to us. First we believe that everything needed to be His child has been provided for us. Second, that Christians are safe and secure in Jesus, and thirdly that we find our gratitude so great that we give our lives in service to God.
Our creator loves and cares for us and His desire is to have a life with his children. Think what he is doing for us now, thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die and return to their dust. (Ps 104:29) Not only is he in control of each breath, but he knows every thought and feeling. When we become his servant there will be comfort and promises for the rest of our lives. A great peace will fill our heart just knowing that God has made us part of His family.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Conquering Sin (Part 2)
The Old Testament was full of pictures to help us visualize God’s plans. For example, once a year the Jews observe the “Day of Atonement”. They did not know it but this is a picture of what Jesus did for all humans. During this day long ceremony they had one sacrifice that had two parts to it. A priest would bring two perfect goats and present them to God. In Lev 16 we read that one goat is killed and his blood is used in this part of the atonement ceremony. This is a clear picture to Christians who know that our Savior was killed and His blood is used to reconcile the whole world to God. This first half of the offering represents the remedy for our sinful nature that we inherited from Adam. However, the ceremony is not over with the death of one goat. The second goat is to live in freedom to fulfill his part of the ceremony. The (living) goat will carry on itself all their sins to a solitary place… (Lev 16:22) We know that the live goat also represented what our Savior has done for us. This world is “a wilderness” to the Spirit of Jesus along with our own redeemed soul, but the Devil is not allowed to kill us.
The dual sacrifice for our sin confuses some people. Why is one-half of the sacrifice allowed to live? Maybe the baptism ceremony sheds some light on the picture of our atonement. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Rom 6:4) If the first goat were a picture of our death with Christ, then the second goat must represent our life in Jesus Christ. The point is that our daily sins are being handled while we are alive. Jesus is bearing our sins when His Spirit lives in us and leads us in a righteous life. Remember the verse, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (the Spirit of Christ) (Rom 5:10) The live goat is a very important picture of the Spirit of Jesus living in our free life. Jesus can save us although every trespass of God’s law must be dealt with.
Another offering using two birds to cleanse a disease is a beautiful picture of our healing. The healed person was to bring two doves as a sacrifice to God. Once again we see that one animal was killed and the other given its freedom. He is then to take the live bird and dip it, together with the cedar wood, the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, into the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed of the infectious disease and pronounce him clean. Then he is to release the live bird in the open fields. (Lev 14:6,7) Today we know that the blood of the Savior allows for healing. Is it possible that having the Spirit of Christ (our freedom) living in us has something to do with the healing of a Christian? The Scripture says, He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24) Maybe we will all be in good health when Jesus returns for us.
In the offerings we see a principle of the blood of one, for the freedom of another. What glorious things have been done for us. In the previous sacrificial examples, we see two animals used for the purpose of salvation in one and also two for the purpose of healing. One time Jesus referred to this when healing a person, Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven. … Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? (Matt 9:2,5) This person had just been set free from the rules of this world. Our Savior told us to remember His life and death with the communion service. Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body,(life) which is for you; (your freedom) do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood;(death) do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor 11:24,25) Jesus gave his blood for the New Covenant and gave us his perfect body to sustain the freedom of a righteous life.
There is no explanation for the freedom of the second animal given in the Old Testament. Of course, no one had ever been set free from the Law. Paul had much difficulty convincing the Jews their works had no eternal value. Even among the gentiles today there seems to be some attraction toward keeping the law. It is not the same law that Jews keep but we seem to love our rules just as much. Paul tried to explain that our liberty is in the Spirit. He said, Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Cor 3:17,18) The people in that day let their lives become full of worldly problems and Paul was explaining a new way of life that the Jews were not even aware existed.
Let us go back to the two goats of atonement offering and look at the sins placed on their heads. This will reinforce our understanding of the two-part sacrifice by explaining a difference in the sins placed on the animals. The Hebrew word for a general state of sinfulness was hatta’t. This type sin comes from the fallen nature of human beings. The word hatta’t was used while placing our sin on the first goat who was killed. The word used for the goat to receive its freedom was different. It was the word for a deliberate act, with the idea of guilt from conscious wrongdoing. This word, ‘awon, was needed for our transgressions of the Law of Moses. The word ‘awon was used to place sins on the goat that received its freedom. It is interesting that the sin placed, on the goat given freedom, because people sin deliberately. However, our freedom is for a deliberate life of righteousness. We could say that our freedom from the Law can be seen in the picture of the freedom of the live dove or goat.
The book of Galatians was written to believers who were observing the Law of Moses. Paul was very upset with them and said some strong words to them. Yet not one time did he mention the blood of the Savior in Galatians. Paul was teaching them something about living a Christian life. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. (Gal 1:12) Apparently, the Spirit led life had not been previously understood. He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Gal 3:14 Peter said one time that Paul taught things that were difficult to understand. Could it be that the church is still having trouble understanding the promise of the Spirit? It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Gal 5:1 No more wrath of the Law, it is replaced by the Spirit of righteousness.
The subject of the freedom granted to Christians by God is difficult to teach because people inevitably want to use there freedom to do as they please. Even when we stress that this freedom is “only” for a righteous life guided by the Spirit another problem raises its head. Righteous people always tend to think they are better that others. This is far from the truth and must be guarded against by Christians. A real believer lives a life of total faith. By definition, this is a life that depends on the power of another person. This automatically means the glory for anything in this life belongs to someone else. With our own power we are helpless in all spiritual matters which certainly includes our sin. As we seek to live a life of faith may humility and love be our banner.
The blessing given to Abraham that is the same one Jesus gives to us through his Spirit. It is the blessing of faith that allows us to live righteously and to enjoy our God. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Gal 3:23-27) Everything that Jesus Christ does for us, including his return for us, is applied in our life by our absolute faith. If we want the Spirit of Jesus to guide our life, then faith is required. If we want to be ready to go with Jesus someday, then faith is required.
Jesus dealt with all sin when he came to this earth. The idea that it happens in different ways does not change the outcome of our faith. Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, (the way of freedom) and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled (the blood of Christ) to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (the conviction of the Spirit) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Heb 10:19-24) The application of what Jesus has done, by the Holy Spirit in a life, is the greatest miracle on earth and it is happening today.
There is great peace and reward in the Christian life. This is why we need faith in our Savior to set us free. You wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness… But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (Rom 6:17-22)
The dual sacrifice for our sin confuses some people. Why is one-half of the sacrifice allowed to live? Maybe the baptism ceremony sheds some light on the picture of our atonement. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Rom 6:4) If the first goat were a picture of our death with Christ, then the second goat must represent our life in Jesus Christ. The point is that our daily sins are being handled while we are alive. Jesus is bearing our sins when His Spirit lives in us and leads us in a righteous life. Remember the verse, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (the Spirit of Christ) (Rom 5:10) The live goat is a very important picture of the Spirit of Jesus living in our free life. Jesus can save us although every trespass of God’s law must be dealt with.
Another offering using two birds to cleanse a disease is a beautiful picture of our healing. The healed person was to bring two doves as a sacrifice to God. Once again we see that one animal was killed and the other given its freedom. He is then to take the live bird and dip it, together with the cedar wood, the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, into the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed of the infectious disease and pronounce him clean. Then he is to release the live bird in the open fields. (Lev 14:6,7) Today we know that the blood of the Savior allows for healing. Is it possible that having the Spirit of Christ (our freedom) living in us has something to do with the healing of a Christian? The Scripture says, He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24) Maybe we will all be in good health when Jesus returns for us.
In the offerings we see a principle of the blood of one, for the freedom of another. What glorious things have been done for us. In the previous sacrificial examples, we see two animals used for the purpose of salvation in one and also two for the purpose of healing. One time Jesus referred to this when healing a person, Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven. … Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? (Matt 9:2,5) This person had just been set free from the rules of this world. Our Savior told us to remember His life and death with the communion service. Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body,(life) which is for you; (your freedom) do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood;(death) do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor 11:24,25) Jesus gave his blood for the New Covenant and gave us his perfect body to sustain the freedom of a righteous life.
There is no explanation for the freedom of the second animal given in the Old Testament. Of course, no one had ever been set free from the Law. Paul had much difficulty convincing the Jews their works had no eternal value. Even among the gentiles today there seems to be some attraction toward keeping the law. It is not the same law that Jews keep but we seem to love our rules just as much. Paul tried to explain that our liberty is in the Spirit. He said, Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Cor 3:17,18) The people in that day let their lives become full of worldly problems and Paul was explaining a new way of life that the Jews were not even aware existed.
Let us go back to the two goats of atonement offering and look at the sins placed on their heads. This will reinforce our understanding of the two-part sacrifice by explaining a difference in the sins placed on the animals. The Hebrew word for a general state of sinfulness was hatta’t. This type sin comes from the fallen nature of human beings. The word hatta’t was used while placing our sin on the first goat who was killed. The word used for the goat to receive its freedom was different. It was the word for a deliberate act, with the idea of guilt from conscious wrongdoing. This word, ‘awon, was needed for our transgressions of the Law of Moses. The word ‘awon was used to place sins on the goat that received its freedom. It is interesting that the sin placed, on the goat given freedom, because people sin deliberately. However, our freedom is for a deliberate life of righteousness. We could say that our freedom from the Law can be seen in the picture of the freedom of the live dove or goat.
The book of Galatians was written to believers who were observing the Law of Moses. Paul was very upset with them and said some strong words to them. Yet not one time did he mention the blood of the Savior in Galatians. Paul was teaching them something about living a Christian life. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. (Gal 1:12) Apparently, the Spirit led life had not been previously understood. He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Gal 3:14 Peter said one time that Paul taught things that were difficult to understand. Could it be that the church is still having trouble understanding the promise of the Spirit? It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Gal 5:1 No more wrath of the Law, it is replaced by the Spirit of righteousness.
The subject of the freedom granted to Christians by God is difficult to teach because people inevitably want to use there freedom to do as they please. Even when we stress that this freedom is “only” for a righteous life guided by the Spirit another problem raises its head. Righteous people always tend to think they are better that others. This is far from the truth and must be guarded against by Christians. A real believer lives a life of total faith. By definition, this is a life that depends on the power of another person. This automatically means the glory for anything in this life belongs to someone else. With our own power we are helpless in all spiritual matters which certainly includes our sin. As we seek to live a life of faith may humility and love be our banner.
The blessing given to Abraham that is the same one Jesus gives to us through his Spirit. It is the blessing of faith that allows us to live righteously and to enjoy our God. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Gal 3:23-27) Everything that Jesus Christ does for us, including his return for us, is applied in our life by our absolute faith. If we want the Spirit of Jesus to guide our life, then faith is required. If we want to be ready to go with Jesus someday, then faith is required.
Jesus dealt with all sin when he came to this earth. The idea that it happens in different ways does not change the outcome of our faith. Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, (the way of freedom) and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled (the blood of Christ) to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (the conviction of the Spirit) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Heb 10:19-24) The application of what Jesus has done, by the Holy Spirit in a life, is the greatest miracle on earth and it is happening today.
There is great peace and reward in the Christian life. This is why we need faith in our Savior to set us free. You wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness… But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (Rom 6:17-22)
May all believers find righteousness with their freedom resulting in Eternal Life.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Conquering Sin (Part 1)
The American church has made themselves so comfortable we all seem to be in a stupor. A puzzled look usually comes over faces when questioned about how they serve God. Many church people do not know that Jesus is the absolute center of the Christian religion. They usually believe some church program or theology will save them. Usually, someone can stand in a lobby of the church and talk about Jesus and the room will empty. There might be two people in the corner talking about fishing but really hoping to sell some insurance. The modern believer knows more about cell phones than they do the Bible. People will say that the thief on the cross was allowed into paradise so Jesus will certainly take me. The problem is that the thief’s life was over but we continue living and sinning. God exist in perfect righteousness and a cavalier attitude about sin might be a problem if we want to live with Him in Heaven.
Somehow, the modern believer must realize that salvation is a serious business. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your (reasonable)spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Rom 12:1,2) Do we see this transformed attitude in believers today? Some people say they don’t have the power to live as a living sacrifice. However, it is both necessary and possible to live the righteous life that God requires. People must desire a new life and then learn how to accomplish it. From cover to cover, the Bible tells us about this different life that is available to the serious believer. The question is, how do we put into operation what the Savior has achieved? The answer is the Spirit of Jesus Christ living in us.
Paul said, Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. (1 Cor 15:34) It is our shame that people have not been taught. The first matter of concern is stopping our sin. Any rational person should know that all of us are full of sin and we cannot conquer it by ourselves. Christians know that Jesus Christ died and was resurrected to provide a covenant that can cover all our sins. If we can find a way to apply the work of Christ, a righteous life will be the result. Paul said it this way, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, (Rom 8:12,13) Instructions on conquering sin started in the Old Testament and concluded when Paul wrote his letters revealing that the Spirit of truth could actually live inside us.
In the very beginning of humans, the Lord gave the blood sacrifice to teach us that there is a problem that stands between God and people. The sin problem must be dealt with in the life of anyone who desires to live with God. We cannot solve this problem ourselves, therefore we must go to God and ask him to deal with it for us. Of course, sin must be dealt with in a legal manner because God is absolutely righteous. In the old days, the people used the blood to represent what Christ would do on the cross. Thank the Lord, the substitution of Jesus Christ was represented in all sacrificial animals. The Jews had five regular offerings and many “special” offerings. This discourse uses two of the regular offerings and a couple special ones to show us the different types of sin that we face in our everyday life and how to deal with them.
The Scriptures teach that Jewish offerings were for two basic types of sin. The first one was for our bad human nature. If a member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, he is guilty. (Lev 4:27) The “sin offering” was required because of our sin-nature that produces sin that we may or may not know is in our life. All of us inherited this type of sin from Adam. The second type was for sins that are done with our own reasoning. If anyone sins and is unfaithful to the LORD by deceiving his neighbor… or if he swears falsely, or if he commits any such sin that people may do…He must make restitution in full (Lev 6:1-5) This “trespass offering” covers our violations of the Law of Moses. Although the Law is good, Paul tells us to be careful, because law brings wrath. (Rom 4:15) How do we deal with our transgressions during the remainder of our life?
It is easy to say that Jesus has taken care of our sin with the shedding of His blood and nothing could be truer. But a new responsibility for our behavior comes into our life because we are joined in a union with Christ. The new covenant that Jesus gave us is about our new life with God. Since we have now been justified by his blood,(Jesus Christ) how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (Rom 5:9,10) This important passage tells us that there is much more to Christianity than the blood of God’s son. The blood reconciled the WHOLE EARTH but believers are saved by His blood AND the perfect life of Jesus Christ that gives us freedom to be righteous.
Christians must believe that they have become one with a perfect Savior. This requires that the Spirit of Christ live in us, giving direction and conviction. The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. John 6:63 The Spirit is the life in us, therefore, we must be involved with him every day. This is how the Spirit can give us divine guidance in our righteous life. Of course, when we commit sins after our salvation we are required to confess them for our forgiveness. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8,9) Confession is the practical remedy we have been given to access what the Savior provided.
To repeat, all sin in our life must be dealt with in order to please God with a righteous life. Jesus Christ died for our sin but he lived perfect life for our righteousness. In other words, the Spirit leading our life each day is how we are “saved through His life”.
Somehow, the modern believer must realize that salvation is a serious business. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your (reasonable)spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Rom 12:1,2) Do we see this transformed attitude in believers today? Some people say they don’t have the power to live as a living sacrifice. However, it is both necessary and possible to live the righteous life that God requires. People must desire a new life and then learn how to accomplish it. From cover to cover, the Bible tells us about this different life that is available to the serious believer. The question is, how do we put into operation what the Savior has achieved? The answer is the Spirit of Jesus Christ living in us.
Paul said, Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. (1 Cor 15:34) It is our shame that people have not been taught. The first matter of concern is stopping our sin. Any rational person should know that all of us are full of sin and we cannot conquer it by ourselves. Christians know that Jesus Christ died and was resurrected to provide a covenant that can cover all our sins. If we can find a way to apply the work of Christ, a righteous life will be the result. Paul said it this way, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, (Rom 8:12,13) Instructions on conquering sin started in the Old Testament and concluded when Paul wrote his letters revealing that the Spirit of truth could actually live inside us.
In the very beginning of humans, the Lord gave the blood sacrifice to teach us that there is a problem that stands between God and people. The sin problem must be dealt with in the life of anyone who desires to live with God. We cannot solve this problem ourselves, therefore we must go to God and ask him to deal with it for us. Of course, sin must be dealt with in a legal manner because God is absolutely righteous. In the old days, the people used the blood to represent what Christ would do on the cross. Thank the Lord, the substitution of Jesus Christ was represented in all sacrificial animals. The Jews had five regular offerings and many “special” offerings. This discourse uses two of the regular offerings and a couple special ones to show us the different types of sin that we face in our everyday life and how to deal with them.
The Scriptures teach that Jewish offerings were for two basic types of sin. The first one was for our bad human nature. If a member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, he is guilty. (Lev 4:27) The “sin offering” was required because of our sin-nature that produces sin that we may or may not know is in our life. All of us inherited this type of sin from Adam. The second type was for sins that are done with our own reasoning. If anyone sins and is unfaithful to the LORD by deceiving his neighbor… or if he swears falsely, or if he commits any such sin that people may do…He must make restitution in full (Lev 6:1-5) This “trespass offering” covers our violations of the Law of Moses. Although the Law is good, Paul tells us to be careful, because law brings wrath. (Rom 4:15) How do we deal with our transgressions during the remainder of our life?
It is easy to say that Jesus has taken care of our sin with the shedding of His blood and nothing could be truer. But a new responsibility for our behavior comes into our life because we are joined in a union with Christ. The new covenant that Jesus gave us is about our new life with God. Since we have now been justified by his blood,(Jesus Christ) how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (Rom 5:9,10) This important passage tells us that there is much more to Christianity than the blood of God’s son. The blood reconciled the WHOLE EARTH but believers are saved by His blood AND the perfect life of Jesus Christ that gives us freedom to be righteous.
Christians must believe that they have become one with a perfect Savior. This requires that the Spirit of Christ live in us, giving direction and conviction. The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. John 6:63 The Spirit is the life in us, therefore, we must be involved with him every day. This is how the Spirit can give us divine guidance in our righteous life. Of course, when we commit sins after our salvation we are required to confess them for our forgiveness. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8,9) Confession is the practical remedy we have been given to access what the Savior provided.
To repeat, all sin in our life must be dealt with in order to please God with a righteous life. Jesus Christ died for our sin but he lived perfect life for our righteousness. In other words, the Spirit leading our life each day is how we are “saved through His life”.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Give Me Liberty Not Death
It is no surprise to most people that God Almighty lives in absolute freedom and liberty. There is no captivity caused by sin or any relationship can lay claim against God. He dwells in the light of perfect righteousness, which allows His every activity to be open, lovely, and free. Some Christians have trouble believing that our new life is made in the “image” of God. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (Col 3:9,10) Because we live among the bondage and unrighteousness of this world we have difficulty visualizing the righteousness that is given to every born-again person. A real Christian uses their will or volition to join with God in righteousness. Sin places people into the captivity of death but righteousness leads to eternal liberty.
A servant of God “chooses” to be part of goodness and right doing. No one serving God is a captive and they are free to walk out at any time. We are volunteers.
Most people think that their independence is wonderful but they have an extremely narrow and mistaken view. All the self-determination of worldly people will lead to failure and death. Talk to people who did it their way when they are old and you will find loneliness and bitterness. Ask people who raised children with a great plan that turned into a nightmare. Ask for wisdom from someone who dedicated his or her life to some vice and then view the wreck of a human. All of our natural impulses and plans will result in sin and eternal death. There is only one place to find eternal liberty and freedom and you must join with God to find it.
Real freedom is a bi-product of our inclusion into God’s grace. When God created humans they had freedom to live in His righteousness. Unfortunately, the Devil talked humans into following their own decisions, which left us captives to our sinful nature. God did not write us off. He sent his own son to earth with a plan for the redemption of humans. Jesus said, God has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s grace. (Luke 4:18) This is the second time God has offered humans the opportunity to live with him in eternal liberty. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Rev 3:20) In order for us to have an eternity of freedom, we must avail ourselves of God’s offer of grace.
The truth is that all of us have a choice to make, live a captive as we were born or seek God and His freedom. For if you live according to the sinful (captive) nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, (in freedom) because those who are led by the Spirit of God are (the free) sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. (Rom 8:13-15) The unfaithful or unbelieving person is only free to run around the jail, so to speak. They will never escape this world alive. How wonderful it is to seek God and enter the freedom of His eternal family. It is God’s desire that all people seek Him but most prisoners of sin will not and are strangely content on their way to eternal torment.
The Bible makes a strong point of warning Christians not to misuse their freedom. The danger is falling back into the world. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1) This can happen if we do worldly things after yielding to God. You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. (Gal 5:13) We see here that dedicating our life to others will keep us from indulging in the worlds activities for ourselves. Believe it or not, there are some people who even use their Christian position to do harm to others. The Bible says, Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. (1 Pet 2:16) We see that real freedom is only for the servants of God who stay in His grace.
There are preachers today that tell people how free they will be if we just follow their instructions. Of course, we must give them some money to show that we really love God. Some of these people actually did start out in the truth of God but something changed as they grew older. They promise them (people) freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. (2 Pet 2:19,20) We are slaves to anything that controls us. Serving God is the only way to find real freedom and break the bonds of this world.
The Scripture says repeatedly that we must continue to move forward with God. He has given us a new life of great value and we must appreciate His gift. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:25) So many people in America have heard the truth but are not doing it. What a great shame to go to eternal punishment with the unused truth in your knowledge. This verse says that living in the perfect law “Gives Freedom.” This is why we can say that freedom is a bi-product of living with God. Freedom is staying out of bondage; we cannot do things that put us back under domination. To live in sin is loss of control but living by some good laws also brings a downfall into our life. At best, following laws makes us self-righteous. Serving God in the Spirit is the only way to live in freedom.
Doing a sin or failing a law always lays a guilt on our conscience. Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, (Heb 10:22,23) The first thing God does for a new born Christian is to give freedom from their conscience. If you have not experienced this you must seek God. This great feeling of freedom makes it easy to love and serve God. I will walk about in freedom for I have sought out your precepts. (Ps 119:45) Since Jesus sent the Spirit to live in us and show us the way, we can really feel the freedom in our lives. David had to read the precepts but they actually live in us. This is how the love of God can come through our life if we allow it.
May God delight in our lives as we follow Him in freedom.
A servant of God “chooses” to be part of goodness and right doing. No one serving God is a captive and they are free to walk out at any time. We are volunteers.
Most people think that their independence is wonderful but they have an extremely narrow and mistaken view. All the self-determination of worldly people will lead to failure and death. Talk to people who did it their way when they are old and you will find loneliness and bitterness. Ask people who raised children with a great plan that turned into a nightmare. Ask for wisdom from someone who dedicated his or her life to some vice and then view the wreck of a human. All of our natural impulses and plans will result in sin and eternal death. There is only one place to find eternal liberty and freedom and you must join with God to find it.
Real freedom is a bi-product of our inclusion into God’s grace. When God created humans they had freedom to live in His righteousness. Unfortunately, the Devil talked humans into following their own decisions, which left us captives to our sinful nature. God did not write us off. He sent his own son to earth with a plan for the redemption of humans. Jesus said, God has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s grace. (Luke 4:18) This is the second time God has offered humans the opportunity to live with him in eternal liberty. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Rev 3:20) In order for us to have an eternity of freedom, we must avail ourselves of God’s offer of grace.
The truth is that all of us have a choice to make, live a captive as we were born or seek God and His freedom. For if you live according to the sinful (captive) nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, (in freedom) because those who are led by the Spirit of God are (the free) sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. (Rom 8:13-15) The unfaithful or unbelieving person is only free to run around the jail, so to speak. They will never escape this world alive. How wonderful it is to seek God and enter the freedom of His eternal family. It is God’s desire that all people seek Him but most prisoners of sin will not and are strangely content on their way to eternal torment.
The Bible makes a strong point of warning Christians not to misuse their freedom. The danger is falling back into the world. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1) This can happen if we do worldly things after yielding to God. You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. (Gal 5:13) We see here that dedicating our life to others will keep us from indulging in the worlds activities for ourselves. Believe it or not, there are some people who even use their Christian position to do harm to others. The Bible says, Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. (1 Pet 2:16) We see that real freedom is only for the servants of God who stay in His grace.
There are preachers today that tell people how free they will be if we just follow their instructions. Of course, we must give them some money to show that we really love God. Some of these people actually did start out in the truth of God but something changed as they grew older. They promise them (people) freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. (2 Pet 2:19,20) We are slaves to anything that controls us. Serving God is the only way to find real freedom and break the bonds of this world.
The Scripture says repeatedly that we must continue to move forward with God. He has given us a new life of great value and we must appreciate His gift. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:25) So many people in America have heard the truth but are not doing it. What a great shame to go to eternal punishment with the unused truth in your knowledge. This verse says that living in the perfect law “Gives Freedom.” This is why we can say that freedom is a bi-product of living with God. Freedom is staying out of bondage; we cannot do things that put us back under domination. To live in sin is loss of control but living by some good laws also brings a downfall into our life. At best, following laws makes us self-righteous. Serving God in the Spirit is the only way to live in freedom.
Doing a sin or failing a law always lays a guilt on our conscience. Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, (Heb 10:22,23) The first thing God does for a new born Christian is to give freedom from their conscience. If you have not experienced this you must seek God. This great feeling of freedom makes it easy to love and serve God. I will walk about in freedom for I have sought out your precepts. (Ps 119:45) Since Jesus sent the Spirit to live in us and show us the way, we can really feel the freedom in our lives. David had to read the precepts but they actually live in us. This is how the love of God can come through our life if we allow it.
May God delight in our lives as we follow Him in freedom.
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