A Universe of Truth

Our vast cosmos contained nothing but God’s truth at its beginning. It is a fact that when God created our reality it contained only complete truthfulness. It was a perfect reality until the Devil came into it and brought dishonesty, sickness and every other kind of treachery. However, we should not despair because God’s truth is still the foundation of all creation and He is always in control. The entire universe would disappear into nothingness if truth were removed. When the Almighty creates anything it will necessarily be full of truth because He is truth. Humans are aware that they need to be rescued from the clutches of the Devil. The good news is that God has created a plan that can rescue us. Unfortunately, humans do not always seek the acceptable plan of salvation. Just like every other thing that God does His plan is completely full of the truth therefore we must learn about truth. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. Psalms 25:10 (NLT)

God’s plan for our entrance into his truth comes to us in the form of a covenant. In everyday language, the agreement is that God will rescue us from eternal damnation if we will devote our life to serving him as our Master. Every part of this covenant is important when we seek to live in the truth because we are obligated to fulfill our part of the gospel contract. Apparently when the protestant church separated from the Catholics they felt that their freedom from man’s religion and enjoying the grace of God required nothing from the individual. The Church is in error when they teach that we have no responsibility for our salvation. Some people even think they are doing God a favor when they serve him. The truth is that we are required to yield ourselves to the direction of God’s spirit. If we fail to do this the covenant is violated and salvation is impossible. John said it this way; You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) Romans 8:9 (NLT) Unfortunately, many church people today remind us of the expression “you can’t stand the truth.”

Humans are born ignorant of the truth of God. During our life we are expected to learn the truth and to become the truth that lives here on the earth. The scripture says that our peaceful and righteous lives will cause truth to spring up. Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven. Psalms 85:10-11 (NLT) Our godly life sounds so wonderful when the psalmist writes about it. Christians are the product of God’s truth on this earth. This reality is available to anyone that accepts the Gospel into their everyday life. Our God looks down on us with great mercy in his heart. His grace has done everything it possibly can to provide us access to his truth.  We can fully believe in the Lord. For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. Psalms 33:4-5 (NLT) May every person receive the Savior as our Lord.

The truth is precious to us and we must be protected after receiving it. In the following verse we see that the truth (called his faithful promises) will give us complete protection. He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalms 91:2-4 (NLT) It only makes sense that after the Lord rescues us, he would keep us in safety as we serve him.  Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death. Psalms 86:11-13 (NLT) How exciting that we are rescued and then protected.

In the New Testament we find other things that the truth does for us. Because we are born into the slavery of sin, all of us must find a way to escape. Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 (NLT) It is clear that we must have the truth in our lives if we wish to find freedom from sin. As in other places we are told that Christians must remain faithful all our lives. Just knowing the truth is not enough. “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” James 2:18 (NLT) It is necessary for the truth to be seen and felt by the people that our part of our lives. Several places in the New Testament we are told to obey God in the truth. Peter said; You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. 1 Peter 1:22 (NLT)

When a Christian lives their life filled with truth we can easily identify them as a Spirit filled person. They are always a blessing to other Christians. Of course, people of the world see a Christian and have a restless feeling come over them. According to the Scriptures; Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. 2 Cor 2:15-16 (NLT) In other words, we are not like the other people who are a part of this world. This is because our thinking is not what we were born with and our life has changed. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Eph 4:21-24 (NLT)

Proof that we have truth in our life is many times ignored. The Scripture says that love is the evidence we must look for. Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. 1 John 3:18-19 (NLT) This is a major fact that many of us are overlooking in our lives. Consider this next verse; If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. 1 John 3:14 (NLT) Love is the bench mark that we look for in a “Christian” and sadly it is missing in many church people today. The religious organization cannot provide real heartfelt love in its members. This is a real individual responsibility that each of us must seek God about. Without help from the Spirit it cannot be a reality in our feelings about other people.

The great news is that someday we will live with God in heaven. This will be truly entering the land of truth. Forever more there will be nothing around us but the truth. Jesus asked the father to; Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. John 17:17-20 (NLT) Our heavenly walk begins here on earth and we should be living for God always. It is not difficult because the Spirit guides us. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. John 16:13 (NLT) Jesus is our everything and he said; I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6

The New Testament contains the truth of a new life available to humans; God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.  But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another. 1 Thess 4:7-9 (NLT) God is the truth and we must learn to restrain ourselves now in order to live forever in the beauty of God’s kingdom.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves.  Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.  So encourage each other with these words. 1 Thess 4:16-18 (NLT)

Living With God

Someday soon we will leave this world behind to live among a new family and friends. Our new home will have different leadership and peace will reign forever. Living with God will be unlike anything we have ever dreamed. Should we prepare for that extraordinary day when everything we know will change for the better? Living with God day after day will be incredibly different than this small temporal life of today. Our new world will be very big and overwhelming but God will give us an inner sense of contentment. Every individual entering the new life will have “God’s peace” as one of their gifts. Because of the total absence of hate we will feel security in our welfare and embrace harmony. We will be under a covering of peace in this new world. The fact that everyone loves their brother will yield a level of peace completely unknown to us. In the new world we are assured that; The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: …Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT). In the splendid royal courts of Heaven we will learn anew how God rules with peace.

God’s peace is much different than any peace the world can offer us. Just like every gift of God, our peace always starts with Jesus Christ. As Jesus prepared to leave earth he said; “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (NLT) God is the author of peace and He sent this “special peace” to earth in his Son who became our Savior. People that have received this peace have been given a good and prosperous spiritual life that is noticed by the world many times. Some doctors say that this type of peace in a person will actually yield better health for the Christian. This peace will make amazing changes in our attitude.  People that need courage can become brave and callous people can become loving. Peace will bring us warmth and a quietness that can allow us to really enjoy living for God. Joel said; And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God that hath dealt wondrously with you. Joel 2:26 (KJV) Jesus is our bread of life and faith in him produces the blessing of peace.

Jesus had the peace of God while he lived on this earth. It gave Him a calmness that impressed everyone. After his long conversion at the last supper, Jesus faced his ordeal and said with great confidence; I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33 (NLT) It is obvious that Jesus possessed an unbelievable composure during the final day of his life. This hero seemed to be more concerned about our peace than his own life as he encouraged his followers to receive the peace of God. What a great way to say goodbye to his friends by leaving them in peace until he came back to earth for all his family. He felt such love for lost humans that his peace was actually fulfilled in his death. The Savior knew beforehand that he would prevail over evil and we can also have peace because of the foreknowledge of our victory.

The goal of any Christian is to fulfill God’s bidding for them individually. Many times we will ask “what can I do to please my God?”  Hebrews has a prayer for Christians that addresses this;  Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood-- may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. Heb 13:20-21 (NLT) This is the wonderful thing about working for God. He will give us everything we need at just the right time and we never need to worry.  Just like every other godly attribute, the peace of God will be produced in us as we declare our desire to serve the Lord. This heavenly peace begins to develop in us as soon as our mind abandons its worldly goals. Giving up worldly pleasures will leave room for inner tranquility and dignity. As we become established in our Christian life the things that please the Lord will become easy for us.

When a close look is made of salvation, peace, righteousness etc. we can see that they are all woven together as part of eternal life. The important thing is that we focus on our spiritual life before anything else in this world. The Bible says; For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God.  Romans 14:17-18 (NLT) Goodness in this verse refers to integrity, honesty, decency and so forth. In order for us to please the Father, we must serve Jesus by the Holy Spirit. A life of complete trust yields quietness in our mind. It is impossible to live this life of peace without the help of the Spirit. Paul tells us; live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 Tim 2:2-4 (NLT) It is a miracle when Jesus gives us the ability to live a godly life. But remember that someone is always watching a Christian to see if their life is genuinely different.

God made a covenant of peace with humans long ago. This means that there are requirements to be kept on both sides of the agreement. Our first obligation is to abandon our sinful nature and give control of our life to the Spirit. God tells us plainly; Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace… (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) Romans 8:6,9 (NLT) As we live our new godly life we are the continuation of the mission of peace that was given to Jesus. In Peters sermon he mentioned this mission of peace. Acts 10:36 Of course, Paul said it was specifically for us gentiles; He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles… Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us…You are members of God’s family. Eph 2:17-19 (NLT) In other words we are ambassadors of peace to this earth. How thrilling to know we are members of God’s family. May the Lord grant us the insight and good sense to be his representative.

War is the opposite of peace. Living a righteous life means we will always avoid fighting about anything in this world.  There is no need to worry about our life on earth when we are being led by the Spirit. The Bible describes a godly life on earth; But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18 (NLT) There is one other thing that yields righteous and peace but we have trouble accepting it sometimes. The scripture says; God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Heb 12:10-11 (NLT) It is a surprise to find the subject of discipline right in the middle of a discussion about living in peace with God. Ironically, peace prevails internally when violence of war peaks externally.

After we have received the peace of God, we will want to reach out to the folks around us. Even when they get on our nerves we will try to give them the Good News. Paul said; Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. Col 3:13-15 (NLT) Love always contributes to peace even though we are salt to the world. Only Christians that are being led by the Spirit can reach others. Paul gave us many practical ways to please the Lord. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work…. Pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Tim 2:21-22 (NLT) God is allowing humans to contribute to his plan without being burdened down with a heavy load to carry. Another note, the Jewish peace offering was also called a fellowship offering. It is helpful to find other believers who are led by the Spirit for our companionship with God.

Of Course, the Devil is always attempting to disrupt our peace. One way to defend against the attacks of the devil is to stay busy with the Gospel message. Paul said in Eph. 6:15 that for our shoes we should “put on the peace that comes from the Gospel” of Jesus. The feet are the foundation of the whole body. Can we say that peace is the foundation of our Christian life? What a nice picture of the gentle, kind teachers in their shoes of peace, carrying the Gospel and offering it to the world. That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:15 (NLT) When Jesus appeared to his disciples after the resurrection he gave them the blessing of peace twice.  Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:19-22 (NLT)

May God bless you and give you peace as you live with him.

Defeating the Devil (Part 3 of 3)

The best way to gain a righteous faith in our lives is to trust in the faith that Jesus had in his Father. Jesus relied completely on the Father; I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing.  John 5:19-20 (NLT) We know that the faith of Jesus was complete and without failures. Jesus did die for our sins but it is very important that we ask him to help us with our faith. Pleasing the Almighty is difficult for a fallen human and we must have assistance to live a righteous life. Our natural thinking will always lead us to unbelief. So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest. Heb 3:19 (NLT) Most of us know that unbelief is the root of all sin. The Word of God is the way we get to know and trust the Father. Although we must strive to learn God’s Word it is dangerous for us to develop any techniques for learning. One famous verse says; Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Prov 3:5 (NLT) Always remember that we must have a personal relationship and that techniques will usually lead to impersonal results. Even a solid commitment can sometimes turn into drudgery without the freshness of His Spirit. Real faith is not static but is continual movement toward maturity in Christ.

One interesting fact is revealed in the Greek. In that language the word for faith can be either a noun or a verb. In the New Testament the noun is translated as faith but the verb is translated as believe. In order to study faith in action we must look up the Scriptures about believing in God. The word for faith is pistis and the word for believe is pisteuo. The verb is formed out of the noun. We must validate our faith by filling our life with acts of belief as led by the Spirit. In this life there is a continual testing of our faith. The Bible says; There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT) We can know that our faith is growing if we continue to persevere in our Christian walk. During some of our individual testing we will begin to doubt that God really cares about us. This is when perseverance can carry us into another level of God’s love. Most of our serious testing will come when our life becomes very hard or when it becomes real easy. Watch for both and be cautious. We must continually use our faith to follow the Lord and we will find peace in Jesus that is incredible.

There are many people recorded in history who have lived a life of faith. They have beaten the Devil every time. We have an opportunity to join this crowd and become one of the ones that escapes the life that the Devil wants for us. After giving us a list of Old Testament people who lived a  life of faith we are told; Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to (who lived) the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. Heb 12:1-3 (NLT) The Devil wants us to live in our independence so that we will face judgment some day. He is a cruel master that takes pleasure in our suffering today and also wants us to suffer forever. God has given each human being enough faith to seek His mercy. It is possible to reverse the curse of our independence if we will seek God. Then with His help we may frame our life within the boundaries of faith. All our volition (will) must be ready to obey the Spirit of Christ.

How wonderful it is when we allow God to give us a life of victory. Although the Almighty has prepared the way to win the war, we must participate in the victory. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 1 John 5:4 (NLT) That’s right, faith is what we do in order to defeat the Devil. We must make up our minds to serve God forever. It has been said;         “Never give-up, never surrender!”