tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954192582060629962024-03-21T17:57:18.199-07:00A Cry For Revivalphilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-8295401317110021702023-11-21T07:25:00.001-08:002023-11-21T17:06:13.534-08:00Jars of ClayMy wife and I are learning to make pottery. We have dug clay out of our backyard, tried to fashion it into various objects, and then fired it.<div><br /></div><div>After firing our pottery we let it cool, then took it out of fire pit. It looked good, felt solid, it even "rang" as we tapped on it (well sort of). It seemed pretty good until we attempted to clean it up some.</div><div><br /></div><div>When my wife began to wash the ashes off, the pottery began to crumble. It could not hold up, and in the end was basically worthless. Upon further investigation we discovered that although we had fired it, we had not reached the necessary temperature. If we want to make useful pottery, we need to greatly increase the heat during the firing process.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is a spiritual application that we can make from this also. You see, we are jars made of clay containing the <i style="font-weight: bold;">light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 4:6-7). </i>This is so that God gets the glory and not us. But what good is it if we are unfired and ready to crumble? </div><div><br /></div><div>You may say that God uses imperfect people, and I totally agree. However, God takes these imperfect people and makes them who and what He desires them to be. This involves the firing process. He must refine us if He is to use us. Remember Peter? He was ready and willing to die with Jesus, or so he thought. He crumbled in a moment of weakness, all of his zeal was forgotten.</div><div><br /></div><div>Trials tend to purify us. They refine us. Things deep down inside of us, things we don't realize we are capable of, tend to come up to the surface when under pressure. It is in times of testing that we learn how to lean upon God, to let Him cleanse us to strengthen us, to deliver us. </div><div> </div><div>The testing of our faith produces endurance (James 1:3-4). Like Peter, we might fail, but next time we know ahead of time and find victory. Over time that victory becomes a way of life for us. That is endurance, a maturing process. So often the trial comes and we try to run from it. Trials are not fun. But here we see that we should let it be an opportunity to learn endurance.</div><div><br /></div><div>Self confidence is a major detriment to the Christian life. Paul the apostle writes of affliction so severe, so beyond his strength, that he despaired of life itself. What was the purpose? To trust in God, instead of himself (2 Cor 1:8-9). I often wonder if some of the problems I go through have this as their purpose. It is hard to let go and leave everything in God's hands. It's easy to say when things are going good, but hard to do in the middle of the storm.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few chapters later Paul calls these trials "<i>momentary light affliction". </i>The ultimate result of overcoming through our trials is an unimaginable weight of glory. We are being prepared for eternity. All that we face now is temporary. Paul who faced tremendous trials learned to look at the eternal, the unseen future (2 Cor 4:17-18). </div><div><br /></div><div>Peter also has this in mind when he exhorts his readers to stand up under trials. <b><i>In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:6-9 NASB).</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div> God is preparing us for eternity with Him. It is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). </div><div><br /></div><div>It is so tempting to desire an easy and carefree life. Who wants trials and troubles? Our flesh desires the easy way. But what happens when a crisis overtakes us and our faith has never been exercised? What happens when we appear before Jesus and discover our faith is a mere intellectual dead faith? </div><div><br /></div><div>In Hebrews we read that God disciplines those He loves so that they may share His holiness. On the flip side, those who have never experienced the discipline of the Lord are illegitimate children (Hebrews 12:5-11). </div><div><br /></div><div>It is far better now to learn to trust in God through the storm, to let Him shape and mold us for His purpose and glory. Someday it will all be worth it, as we see Jesus face to face.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-23120726218613849882022-09-03T07:48:00.010-07:002022-09-03T16:46:47.498-07:00Focus<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Col 3:1-3 ESV)</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I have run across a saying that goes something like this. <b>"He is so heavenly minded, that he is of no earthly good."</b> Immediately we think of an individual with his or her head in the clouds, dreamily going through life with heavenly thoughts, but unable to function much in the everyday affairs of life. But is this saying biblical? </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The passage quoted above mentions several important aspects of the Christian life. First, the Christian has died. When we come to Christ in repentance and faith, we renounce ourselves, our sin and selfishness, and die to it. Paul, in Romans 6:1-13, paints a picture of the believer's uniting with Christ's death through baptism, and consequently uniting with Him in His resurrection, resulting in newness of life. We have forsaken our old life, to live a new one. <b>We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin (Romans 6:6-7 ESV).</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>Paul writes that he has been crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20). As a result, it is no longer he who lives, but by faith, Christ lives in him. Jesus tells us that one must renounce all to become His disciple (Luke 14:33), he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him. We must lose our lives for Christ's sake (Matt 16:24-26). </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> To tell the truth, I often find myself caught up with earthly affairs. I worry about making ends meet. I can get caught up with my job, or hobbies. I'm sure many of us can relate to this. Life can be hard at times, and it is so easy to let our focus settle there. But what does Jesus say? He tells us to make His kingdom our priority! He knows our needs, and tells us not to worry, to be consumed by them. These are the things we need, clothing, food, the essentials of life. These are also the things the world is consumed with (Matt 6:25-33). He encourages us to pursue His interests, not ours, and what we need, He will provide.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Now I am not saying we must all quit our jobs and go sit on a rooftop somewhere waiting for God to do something. We all have gifts and callings that God has given us, and we must walk in them. It might mean a radical change of direction in our lives. At the very least our focus must change. We are not our own, we have been purchased by Jesus Christ, to live for His glory (1 Cor 6:19-20). How will that fact affect my job choices, my interests, my pursuits? Can I glorify God in these areas of my life, or must I make a change? One who has died in this sense of the word has given up himself.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> We have also been made alive in Christ Jesus. Not only have we died, but now, as Jesus has been raised from the dead, so we also have been raised up to newness of life (Romans 6:4).</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Newness of life entails everything of one's life. We have renounced all for the sake of Christ, so now we use all for the glory of God. To set our minds on the things above means to focus on the interests of Christ. It means that we are consumed by the advancement of His kingdom. It is our priority. The things that hinder, that get in the way, must go. We cannot serve two masters, one or the other must go. You can only focus on one thing in the natural, and so it is in the spiritual as well (Matt 6:22-24). We must ever be careful to keep the things of eternity in sharp focus.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Let us have the same attitude as that of Paul, who counted all things loss for the sake of Christ, who forgot the former things to press on towards the goal (Phil 3:8-15). He said he did one thing (verse 13). We know that Paul traveled as an Apostle planting churches and preaching the gospel. He wrote under inspiration a large portion of the New Testament. He suffered persecution and stood before kings. He did many things, but his life with all of its experiences and accomplishments flowed out of <b>one thing. </b>Paul was passionate for Jesus Christ. He had renounced all, he had been crucified with Christ, and was merely living out the life of Christ by faith.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-68824049037823077932022-03-29T07:13:00.002-07:002022-03-29T07:13:51.176-07:00Longing for God.<p> <span style="font-size: medium;"> Throughout the scriptures we find instances of individuals with a hunger for God. Read David's words, <i style="font-weight: bold;">"One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple" (Psalm 27:4)</i><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>It is the presence of the LORD that David desires above all things, and that which he determines to seek. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Consider the longing for God portrayed in verses like these,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <b><i>As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:1-2)</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i> O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. ( Psalm 63:1-2)</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i> How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. (Psalm 84:1-2)</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>A common theme in these verses is that of the tabernacle. It was here under the old covenant, that the presence of God "tabernacled", or dwelled. These psalms tell of instances such as David's flight from king Saul, or his fleeing from Absalom, where access to the tabernacle was impossible. Later on it was a similar thing during the Babylonian captivity when the temple was destroyed and the nation was carried away, far from the sacrifices and offerings prescribed in the law. Part of Daniel's prayer of repentance (Daniel 9:1-19), is a plea for God to shine His face once more upon His sanctuary that lies desolate (Daniel 9:17).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>Ultimately, God does not live in man made temples (Isaiah 66:1-2), but dwells within those who are surrendered to Him. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). We can carry His presence with us no matter what we face in life. And, like the examples old the old covenant saints, we are called to be strangers and aliens on this earth (Heb 11:9-10, 13-16). To live this way, seeking nothing in this world, but looking to that which is to come should sharpen our hunger, increase our thirst, our longings after God. We are warned not to lay up material treasures in this life, but rather treasure in heaven. To pursue material things, and yet attempt to serve God is an impossibility. One pursuit must eliminate the other (see Matthew 6:19-33). Much like a child "spoiling" their supper by sneaking an afternoon snack, we too can destroy our hunger for God by focusing on material things. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Picture a husband and wife, who through some circumstance find themselves absent from each other. If they are truly in love, they will long for each other, counting the days until they are reunited. Every letter, phone call, message, will be precious, giving them encouragement and hope until they see each other once again. What about our relationship with Christ? We are in this world, absent from His physical presence. It is true that by the Spirit we have fellowship with Him now. We can sense in a very real way His presence in our lives, but someday we will see Him face to face. The bible states that someday Jesus will return for those who <i style="font-weight: bold;">love His appearing (2 Tim 4:8)</i>, and for those who <b><i>eagerly await Him (Hebrews 9:28). </i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> So do we long for His appearing like a wife longing for her husband to return from an extended trip? Are we eagerly awaiting His return? I do not mean in some abstract way, such as agreeing to the fact of Jesus' return someday and how wonderful it will be, but an actual longing for Him, an ardent desire to see Him face to face.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I fear so many of us are going through life busily wrapped up in our day to day lives. Our jobs, hobbies, pursuits and possessions are taking up the space in our lives, and "spoiling our spiritual hunger for Jesus. Can we say with an honest heart that we are eagerly awaiting Him, longing for His second coming? Do our hearts and flesh cry out for the living God? Can we agree with the sons of Korah that <i style="font-weight: bold;">a day in thy courts is better than a thousand (Psalm 84:10)? </i>Or, has life treated us so well that we are no longer strangers here, but have settled in? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i> </i></b></span></p>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-70394006536656556852020-08-09T12:01:00.002-07:002020-08-09T12:07:33.981-07:00Is God Trying to Get Our Attention? Look around the world today and you will see upheaval. There is a worldwide pandemic followed by worldwide lock downs to slow the pandemic. Add to this the perceived fear of government overreach in lock downs and other mandated actions. Of course all of this has devastating effects on jobs and the economies of almost every nation on earth at this time. People who were already facing poverty and hunger are now in an even tighter corner.<br />
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Then there is the unrest. Riots and protests have sprung up throughout the world as well. Almost every major city in the U.S. has experienced protests, vandalism, police brutality, and police inaction, creating more confusion and more fear.<br />
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We are seeing disasters of epic proportions, both natural and man made. This creates more hardship, and more unrest. The explosion in Beirut Lebanon has further exasperated an already dire situation for the Lebanese people. Other nations are suffering the effects of brutal civil wars, genocide, and the resulting displacement of millions of refugees. And droughts and famines, earthquakes, and on and on. For me, it is numbing at times to see everything happening all at once.<br />
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But there is hope....<br />
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<b><i>At night my soul longs for you, indeed my spirit within me seeks you diligently; for when the earth experiences your judgments the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness (Isaiah 26:9 NASB).</i></b><br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>It is through the hard times that God can get our attentions. I heard of a survey taken during the beginning of the Covid pandemic where the question was proposed as to what the pandemic could mean. 40% of the people questioned believed that God was giving us a wake up call. It was time to get right with Him. This was a general sampling of people of all walks of life. Now are all these things judgments from God? I cannot answer that. I do not know, but I do know that God in His mercy will take the hardships we face, and use them to get our attention. That's what happened to me. It took a personal crisis in my life to get me to surrender my life to Jesus Christ. I was an "inoculated christian", one who had enough religion to think I was all right, but not enough to save me.<br />
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I hear that refugees around the world are wide open to the gospel at this time. They have seen that their religion is empty, and there must be another way. I have seen reports of multitudes in several countries falling on their knees in repentance and coming to faith in the Lord Jesus during these hard times. My heart is often overwhelmed with the craziness of these times, and yet I rejoice to see God at work in the hearts and lives of the people He loves and gave His Son to save. We have before us wonderful opportunities to reach otherwise unreachable people, and that gives me hope.philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-46855322239751695942017-04-17T19:22:00.001-07:002017-04-18T02:56:45.629-07:00Obedience.<p dir="ltr">It is quite common to see an individual when faced with a choice to obey Christ or not, set out to pray about it. This is not entirely wrong, it is true we find grace and help in time of need, and the way of escape during times of temptation, as we seek God in prayer. Jesus sets the example for us in His prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, as He fervently sought the Father that he cup might pass from Him. Although sweating drops of blood in His anguish, He yet submitted to the will of His Father and found the strength He needed to go on to face the cross (Luke 22:39-44).We read that He learned obedience through the things that He suffered (Heb 5:7-8).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Yet it is far too common to see individuals substituting prayer for obedience. They pray for God's will, they pray for strength, they pray for help, but the truth is they do not intend to obey. Having thus prayed, they feel justified​ in their inaction, as they wait for God to somehow make them obedient. God however will not obey for us, He will not force us to do what we are unwilling to do, as true obedience must come from our willing hearts if it is to be pleasing in His sight.</p>
<p dir="ltr">God does not command us to do that which we are unable to do. <br>
It has been taught that man is incapable of doing any good at all, that his depravity is such that he can only do evil. Yet look around and you will see unsaved individuals doing right things. There are people who are not born again, yet have some morals that they follow. Jesus said that even sinners love those who love them back. The rich young ruler was obedient to the commandments, yet fell short in one area (Mark 10:17-22). Likewise Paul, before his conversion was also blameless in the Law, yet he could not break free from covetousness (Phil 3:6; Rom 7:7). The fact that sinful people can obey God's law does not make them righteous, it does not give them favor in God's eyes, but it proves the point that God does not expect us to do something impossible; we can obey. Depravity lies within our wills, we refuse to do what is right, choosing instead to do wrong, and as a result falling into bondage to our selfish desires.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We might say it is too hard. There are things that we may face in our Christian walk that are indeed hard, our flesh is selfish, and Christ's commands go against that. Yet we read that His yoke is easy and His burden is light ( Matt 11:28-30). We also read that His commands are not burdensome (1John 5:3).  The problem is not with what we are asked to do, but lies with us. Our human nature will try to rise up and gain the mastery if we will not subdue it. </p>
<p dir="ltr">In Luke 17:1-10 we read of Jesus' instructions concerning an offending brother, and our duty to not only confront such a one, but to also forgive, multiple times if necessary. Finding this a bit daunting, the disciples cry out, "Increase our faith."<br>
Jesus replies that a tiny bit of faith, even the size of a mustard seed is all that is necessary to accomplish great things. It is not a burst of heavenly energy that we must wait for if we would be obedient, but simply to take God at his word, and then put it into practice. We like to claim His promises in this way, but we must also put His word into action in our lives by faith as well.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Jesus goes on to teach us that as His servants it is our duty to obey as well. Once again it is not an issue of I can't, but just as an employer expects so much out of an employee, likewise God expects our obedience as well. </p>
<p dir="ltr">As Christians we have the law of God written upon our hearts, and the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. We do not have to live in bondage to sin and selfishness, as Christ has done all that is necessary to bring us into a life of loving obedience. It is up to us to count ourselves dead to sin (Rom 6:11-14), to put off the old man (Eph 4:23), and put on the new (Eph 4:23-24), and to abide in Christ (1 John 3:6). </p>
philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-31594847498330547782017-01-31T13:56:00.000-08:002017-01-31T14:01:16.779-08:00How Do You Read Your Bible?Scripture tells us that there is one faith (Eph 4:5), that was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3). If so, how can it be that we see so many differing doctrines among professed believers? Why is there so much confusion over things such as divorce and remarriage, or eternal security? How about Jesus' teaching on materialism? He taught against it, but the opposite is taught by prosperity teachers today. There is much confusion within the Church over issues that should be cut and dried instead.<br />
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Much of the problem stems from how we approach the Bible. First off, let me be clear that the Bible is God's inspired word to us. From Genesis to Revelation, it is God breathed and useful for training and correction (2 Tim 3:16). The events of the Old Testament were written for our example as Christians today (1 Cor 10:6). However we also understand that not all of the Old Testament commands given to Israel are binding upon followers of Christ under the new covenant. So we must interpret God's word correctly so that we can follow it correctly.<br />
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It is common for many Christians to approach the Bible as a "flat book." That is they place equal authority upon both the Old and New Testaments. Again, while it is true that both testament are equally inspired, yet we do not follow the precepts of the Old in the same way we follow what Christ has commanded in the new. For example, most Christians are not following the dietary laws found in the law of Moses, and we are not stoning people caught in adultery, as New Testament believers.<br />
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However, when the Bible is approached this way, we can get ourselves off track. There are many verses in the Old Testament dealing with war. God allowed Israel to fight their enemies under the old covenant. We also have examples of wealthy men such as Abraham, David, and Solomon in the Old Testament. Many Christians today turn to these passages when seeking to defend their position on these two issues. The focus was on Israel, a physical nation chosen by God, so we often lose sight of the kingdom of God as found in the New Testament, blurring it with our own physical nation. In America there is a tendency to combine God and country, resulting in an overly patriotic Christianity. We also see emphasis placed upon the law, and the inability to keep it. We then turn to the epistles of Paul, and focus on the teachings of grace through faith, finding comfort in the fact that we are "covered" in spite of the fact we are living in disobedience to what God expects us to do. Sadly many are unaware of the promise found in the new covenant that will enable us to live in a manner that pleases God. Much harm has been done in the past, by professing believers, in the name of Christ, because people looked to the law instead of to the words of Jesus.<br />
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We read in Hebrews 1:1-2, that at one time God spoke through the prophets, but now he has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is introduced to us as the "Word" in the first chapter of John.<br />
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In Matthew 17:1-8 we read of the transfiguration of Christ. Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ, talking with Him. Peter desired to build three tabernacles, one for Moses, one for Elijah, and one for Jesus. But while he spoke, a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice proclaimed out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear Him." When they again looked, Jesus remained alone.<br />
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There is much we can learn from this. Moses and the prophets had much to teach. Not only to ancient Israel, but to us today as well. We learn from them about God, His attributtes, His holiness, what He expects concerning sin and righteousness. We read of the prophets urging the nation to turn back to God in repentance, something that is vital to our own salvation today. Yet it is Jesus Christ who we follow. He calls us as disciples to lay down all, and come after Him. It is His word we are to hear and obey, His example we are to emulate. His kingdom is built upon entirely different principles than those that the nation's of the earth are built. His is a kingdom of peace, mercy, and extravagant love. While the old covenant may have made provision for war, Jesus forbids it. While men may have acquired wealth and material prosperity under the old, we are taught to give it away, as we cannot serve two masters. We must look at all of scripture with an eye to Jesus Christ, as He holds the rights to us as disciples and citizens of His kingdom. The law of Christ is our rule. This does not abrogate the old, as the moral law has been summed up by Jesus as loving God with supreme love, and loving our neighbor as ourselves. What Paul teaches about grace in no way clashes with Christ's demand for obedience, instead if one carefully reads through the New Testament epistles, you will soon see a harmony between the two. It is all about Jesus. Whether it is Old Testament or New, Jesus must be central.<br />
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<br />philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-32348214552381775232016-09-28T18:22:00.000-07:002016-09-28T18:37:08.532-07:00Does It Really Matter?The national anthem. Kneeling football players refusing to stand. Angry people, insulted by the "disrespect" shown to the flag and country it represents. Amidst the roiling turmoil, Christians have raised their voices in disgust as well. But does it really matter? Is this a cause that should be of the utmost importance to the advancement of the gospel and kingdom of Christ, that we as Christians need to become involved in it? Does Christ expect us to be patriotic? These are real questions that we should all ask ourselves.<br />
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As for being patriotic, the Bible teaches us to be in subjection to our leaders, to obey the laws of the land, pay our taxes, and respect those in authority (Romans 13:1-7). However, you will be hard pressed to find a passage of scripture that would teach us to be patriotic. It is not "God and country" as so many Christians believe. The exact opposite is true. The bible also abundantly teaches us that we as Christians are strangers and pilgrims in a world that is not our home (1 Peter 1:1; Heb 11:8-10, 13-16, 13:14). In fact we are exhorted to come out and be separate (2 Cor 6:17), to not be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2), and not to love the world (1 John 2:15).<br />
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Contrary to popular opinion, America is not a godly nation, it is not God's chosen people, and is not currently serving God. Like all of the other nations of this world, it is enshrouded in spiritual darkness, the hearts and minds of the people blinded by the god of this age (2 Cor 4:4). Look at the rampant sin, the disdain for God and His ways, all of the wicked things that this nation does and allows, and ask yourself how it could be possible as a Christian to be filled with patriotic fervor? Whose side our we on? Do we love Christ or this world? It can't be both.<br />
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We are in this world, but not of it (John 17:14-18), citizens of Christ's kingdom. As Christ's ambassadors our purpose is not to fix this world, not to make our nation great again, but to lead others to repentance and faith, that they too would escape the corruption of this sinful world, and find refuge in Christ Jesus. We read that someday the kingdoms of this world will all come to nought. This world and all it stands for will someday be destroyed (2 Peter 3:8-13; 1 John 2:16-17). We are called to follow Jesus, to obey Him, to live by His word, and to make His kingdom the all consuming priority of our lives, while we wait for a new heavens and earth where righteousness dwells. Don't let yourself get sidetracked by other things, and as a result lose out in the end. When we appear before Christ, it will not be about our protests, our defense of the pledge of allegiance or the national anthem, but we will be judged by our obedience to Christ.philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-90175788895102543422016-08-13T13:13:00.000-07:002016-08-13T13:13:13.285-07:00Redeem the Time!<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">Only one life 'twill soon be passed. Only what's done for Christ will last. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">C.T. Studd</span></blockquote>
As I was out doing some yard work this morning, I began to reflect back over the years of my life. I looked back at things that were milestones in my life, but I also looked back at those things that seemed so empty and meaningless, and realized that so much of my life has been wasted living for the here and now, and so little has been done for the cause of Christ.<br />
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<i>Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I has exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun (Ecclesiastes 2:11).</i></blockquote>
To be sure, we all have our jobs and families to look after and care for. Jesus expects us to be responsible for them. To do less is to deny the faith (1 Tim 5:8). Yet, it seems that for so many of us, our lives never rise any higher than the temporal. We say we are living for Christ, but in reality we spend our time at our jobs, at our hobbies, working for a vacation, looking to get a head a little bit in this world. We enjoy our friends and families, which in itself is fine, but we rise no higher. At the end of the day, we are only pursuing our own interests, at the expense of Christ's.<br />
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If all we ever accomplish in this life is merely our daily routine, we have failed miserably. We are admonished to seek first the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33). It does not cut it to live out our days for ourselves, go to Church on Sunday and Wednesday evening, and think that we are on fire Christians. We are supposed to be dead to this world, our lives are supposed to be hidden with Christ. As those who are risen with Christ, we are to be seeking those things that are above (Col 3:1-3). That kind of life should be quite different from that which so many of us are used to!<br />
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Paul has this to say, "<i style="font-weight: bold;">Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil (Eph 5:15-16). </i>Walking as wise men, making the most of our time! Time goes by so swiftly. The years seem to fly by, opportunities come and go, some we will never have again! Our lives as Christians are not about us, but are absolutely, totally to be lived all out for Christ. Let us redeem the time that is left, making the most of every opportunity. Whatever is done, no matter how good the deed, noble the motive, is still empty if it was not done for Christ.<br />
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philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-5493500863797612922016-04-03T16:59:00.001-07:002016-04-03T16:59:58.918-07:00Its About Souls.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. </i></b></span></div>
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<b><i>(Romans 10:14-15 KJV)</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My family and I were in Fargo ND. the other day. We hadn't been there in quite some time, and were quite surprised to see the large number of Muslim immigrants shopping along side of us. We were not aware that so many had settled in this area. We have also heard that there are other communities nearby that have a large Muslim presence in them also.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am aware that a large segment of American citizens are opposed to this. They voice concerns for safety, concerns about jobs and welfare. There is a general fear of terrorist activity related to the influx of these immigrants, and as a result, people are demanding that we close our borders. Sadly, a great number of professed evangelical Christians seem to be loudly at the forefront of these demands. They, like all the others, are concerned about terrorism, jobs, giving "handouts" to undeserving refugees, and the like.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would like to look at this from a totally different standpoint. As Christians, this life is not supposed to be about us. Our lives as Christians are not supposed to revolve around our material prosperity, or maintaining our physical safety either. A safe and secure country with carefully guarded borders is not what Jesus has in mind for those who would truly follow Him. As Christians we have been given the awesome task of going into all the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15). We serve Jesus Christ as citizens of His heavenly kingdom. The business of His kingdom is to be the all consuming business of our lives (Matt 6:33). How can we claim to be His followers, intent upon advancing His kingdom, while we cry out at the same time to close our borders, desiring to keep these "dangerous" people out? Things like this were never upon the minds of the early Church as they fearlessly advanced the gospel, even at the cost of their very lives. The desire to glorify God by bringing souls into His kingdom burned within their hearts. They were compelled to go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are many who have not yet obeyed the command of Jesus to go. For those of us who have not yet gone, perhaps Jesus is bringing the mission field home to us.....?</span></div>
philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-35429958065163782672016-03-05T11:02:00.003-08:002016-03-05T11:14:17.888-08:00A Political Jesus?<span style="font-size: large;">We read in John's gospel that Jesus "<i>perceived that they would come and take Him by force, to make Him a king" (John 6:15 KJV). </i>I fear that this is what many professing Christians desire to do today as well. They seem to believe that somehow Jesus wants to reign and rule in the affairs of the United States through political means. If somehow we can get a "conservative" president, the right mix of conservatives in congress, a conservative bench, then righteousness will reign in this country, Jesus will be king of our nation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I find it interesting that Jesus, when He perceived the intentions of the people, departed from them. He had no interest, no desire to rule an earthly kingdom. Imagine the good He could have accomplished in His lifetime for the nation of Israel had He actually displaced the Roman empire and ruled from Jerusalem. However, that was not His true purpose in coming to earth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We read of Him standing before Pilate, when He states, <i>"My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom</i> <i>not from hence" (John 18:36 KJV).</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why then do we insist upon embroiling ourselves in the politics of this world, when instead, we should be living for the advancement of the true kingdom of Jesus Christ. There are indeed two kingdoms, the kingdom of this world, and the kingdom of God. Let the world take care of the world, while we put our effort and energy into Christ's kingdom, where our allegiance truly belongs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Someday the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever. (Rev 11:15) Until then however, this world will wax worse and worse. We as followers of Jesus Christ, can accomplish far more good through the spreading of the gospel and fervent prayer. It has never worked to legislate righteousness through political means, and it never will. The "legalizing" of Christianity during the reign of Constantine is the perfect example of the error of mixing Church and state. Let the Church be the Church, living as strangers and aliens in this present world, looking for the city which is to come (Heb 13:14), while calling people out of the darkness of this world, into the kingdom of Christ (Col 1:13).</span><br />
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See also this <a href="http://cryforrevival.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-kingdom-is-not-of-this-world.html">link</a>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-46039652876961041552016-02-19T20:15:00.001-08:002016-02-20T06:45:55.344-08:00Victory Over the World.<span style="font-size: large;">It is impossible to be a worldly Christian, as the values of this world are in opposition to the values of Christ and His kingdom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i>(James 4:4 KJV)</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters. Our allegiance cannot be divided (Matt 6:24). Likewise, friendship with the world puts us at odds with God. The things that this world esteems make it impossible to serve Christ with the wholehearted devotion that He demands of His followers<i style="font-weight: bold;">. </i>We read in 1 John,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i>(1 John 2:15-17 KJV)</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once again, it is impossible to love the things of this world and God at the same time. Those who claim to love God and yet live in the pursuit of worldly pleasures and accomplishments show that they neither love, or even know God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love towards God requires obedience. To truly love someone is to desire the highest good of that person, even to the giving of ourselves to meet the needs, and promote the well being of that individual. To truly love God requires that we seek His will and kingdom (Matt 6:33); it is to do all in His name, and for His glory (Col 3:17; 1 Cor 6:20, 10:31). Obedience to the commandments of Jesus Christ will flow naturally from the disciple who truly loves Him (John 14:21-24; 1 John 5:2-3). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are required to Love God with the entirety of our beings (Deut 6:4-9). This is upheld by the words of our Lord Jesus as well (Matt 22:36-40). Love is something that cannot be legislated; it cannot be coerced, it must come from the heart willingly, and unrestrained. Jesus demands this love, as the Highest good in the universe. How can we measure up? How can we overcome this world with all of its vain trappings; with all of the things that would steal our hearts from the One who truly deserves our highest affections? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory thst overcometh the world, even our faith.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the son of God? </i></b></span></div>
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<b><i>(1 John 5:4-5 KJV)</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If we are not overcoming the world, it is overcoming us! We overcome by faith in the risen Christ, Jesus the son of God. When we trust, we will obey, with a faith that works by love (Gal 5:6).</span></div>
philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-10143852763763737952016-02-14T17:44:00.000-08:002016-02-14T17:51:55.582-08:00Investment Principles According To Jesus<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Matthew 6:19-21 KJV</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Luke 12:32-34 KJV</i></b></span><br />
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philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-39072361137819172512016-01-09T15:45:00.000-08:002016-01-09T15:45:14.965-08:00The Cross As A Barrier.<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world </span>(Gal 6:14 KJV)</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The cross has become a barrier between the Christian and the world. We read in Paul's epistle to the Romans that </span><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">our old man is crucified with him (Jesus), that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin </span>(Rom 6:6 KJV).</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>I heard a minister recently put it this way. As we go through this life, we continually bump up against the cross. We must ask ourselves this question in every circumstance we face, in every choice we intend to make; <i style="font-weight: bold;">"How will this choice affect my relationship with Christ?"</i> We are living<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>in an age when so many professing Christians seem to flirt with sin, trying to get as close to it without "losing their salvation." Instead of this "carnality" we should follow the example of Paul who counted all things loss for the sake of knowing Christ (Phil 3:7-8).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Our relationship with Christ should be the one great thing in our lives. The one thing that encompasses all others. Everything else should pale in comparison to Christ in us. We dare not allow anything to come between us and our Lord, to hinder the fellowship that we share with Him. This is what it means to live the crucified life.</span></div>
philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-16020999064689302272015-12-07T18:33:00.001-08:002015-12-07T18:33:54.498-08:00Dead to the World.<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> Galatians 6:14 NASB</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The cross of Christ is a barrier between the believer and the world. By it, the disciple has died to this world; he has forsaken it for the kingdom of God. And by the cross, this world has lost its attraction for the child of God. His mind is set upon heavenly things, and his life is hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:1-3).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> In scripture we are warned that to have friendship with the world is to be an enemy of God (James 4:4). Those who love the world cannot love God (1 John 2:15-17). Even though we see such plain warnings in the world of God, we often tend to overlook them. We speak of "worldly" Christians, but the plain teaching of scripture is that we as Christians are to come out of the world and be separate from it. In reality there is no such thing as a worldly Christian, for the Christian is not of this world according to Jesus Christ (John 15:19, 17:14-16).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Once again, the answer is found in the cross of Christ. This is the means by which we die to the world and all of its attractions. The Apostle Paul states that He is "Crucified with Christ" (Gal 2:20). Dead men have no plans or agendas. A man on the cross could do nothing. His life was over. He had no more purpose in this world but to die. Likewise, as we come to the cross in total surrender to the claims and Lordship of Jesus Christ, we lay down absolutely everything. all of our hopes and dreams, plans and purposes, all we hold dear, we forsake it all, and pick up the cross by which we must die (Mark 9:34-34).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> This is the standard for all who profess to follow Christ,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> Galatians 5:24 NASB</i></span>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-1360308135722452022015-11-11T19:05:00.001-08:002015-11-11T19:06:55.468-08:00"My Kingdom Is Not Of This World."<span style="font-size: large;"> In John's account of the trial of Jesus, we see a profound statement, that has implications for us today as followers of Christ. Jesus makes this statement to Pilate,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><i>"My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." John 18:36 NASB</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> There are several things that we can draw from this passage concerning the kingdom of God, and how we as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, are to live as subjects of this kingdom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 1. There are two kingdoms, and only two. The kingdom of this world, made up of kings and kingdoms, politicians and parties, and the kingdom of God, where Jesus Christ reigns supreme.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 2. In the kingdom of God, His servants do not fight. While nations may war against nation, and politicians war against politicians to gain control of human government, Christ's servants do not fight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 3. Christ's kingdom is not of this realm. The world has its ways, based upon selfish ambition, and physical force. The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom, where Christ rules in the hearts and lives of His faithful followers. The power of this kingdom is not a physical power, but the very power of God poured out as His subjects cry out to Him by faith. His followers affect this world only as they seek first His kingdom (Matt 6:33). A true Christian will be motivated by love rather than selfishness. This stands in stark opposition to the ways of the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> As Christians, we live in this world, but are not of this world; we are strangers and aliens here (Heb 11:13). As members of the heavenly kingdom, we strive toward a different purpose, and wage a different warfare than that of this world (2 Cor 10:3-4). As soldiers in the heavenly army, we do not get entangled in the affairs of this world (2 Tim 2:4). This should affect us in every area of our lives as we live in this world as ambassadors of another kingdom! We do not get involved in the affairs of the world; in its politics and its conflicts. We represent Jesus Christ, as His ambassadors. Our purpose is to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and to urge men to be reconciled to God through Christ (2 Cor 5:20). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> As Christians, we are to be in subjection to human governments where it does not conflict with the word of God (Romans 13:1-2; Acts 4:19-20). We are to give honor to whom honor is due, pay our tribute and taxes, and render unto Caesar that which is his (Romans 13:7; Matt 22:17-21). We are commanded in scripture to pray for those in authority so that it would go well for us, and also so that they may be saved (2 Tim 2:1-4). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> We can do far more for the cause of Christ if we let the world take care of the world, while we make Christ's kingdom the focus of our lives. If we would faithfully do this rather than immersing ourselves in politics and social activism, we would actually see souls saved, lives transformed, and God's kingdom advanced.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> We have tried fixing the world, the world's way, but it seems to have only gotten worse. Isn't it time to try it God's way?</span>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-36312171132975406392015-10-31T08:15:00.000-07:002015-11-01T06:52:24.077-08:00Tattoos, Yoga Pants, and the Cultural Relevance of the Modern Church.<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> Matthew 5: 13-16 KJV</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>Jesus calls us to stand out, to be different. As Christians, we are called to "come out from among them and be separate" (2 Cor 6:17), and to noncomformity to the ways of this world (Romans 12:2).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Could it be that in our rush to be culturally relevant, to engage the society around us, we have lost our saltiness? Has the professing Church become so much like the world, that it is hard to tell them apart? Has the fog of lukewarm compromise set in and hidden the city on a hill? Have we as the professing body of Christ, in our concern not to upset others; in our desire to be inclusive, actually put a basket over the candle?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> In our arguments and debates over liberty and freedom in Christ, let us ever be mindful of the fact that as Christians, we are Christ's representatives upon this earth. The world should not be able to look at us and see a reflection of itself, it should see us as radically different. After all, if we have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness, and placed within the kingdom of the Son of God, shouldn't that change how we live and appear before others (Col 1:13)?</span>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-55934016426319317792015-10-08T18:07:00.000-07:002015-10-08T18:07:05.285-07:00Broken and Contrite.<span style="font-size: large;"><b> For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Isaiah 57:15 KJV</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>We read in this verse that the eternal, holy, God desires to dwell with the humble and contrite. His desire is to revive the spirit of those who are lowly and broken in spirit. Indeed, we see that God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>This is where the problem lies; our pride. It is our pride, our exalting ourselves above the reign of God within our hearts, that shuts out the flow of His presence and grace within our lives. Pride is the exact opposite of humility. God resists the proud. The picture is that of an army standing in battle formation against the proud individual. This is not where you or I want to be.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>In David's prayer of repentance, we see that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). You see, we must be humbled if we are to receive grace. Jesus said we must receive the kingdom of God as a little child if we are to enter it (Mark 10:15). He is speaking of humility, becoming as nothing in our own eyes, and in the eyes of the world.<b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>To be contrite is to be crushed, broken, and ground into dust. It means that we are sorrowful, and grieved in our hearts because our sin has grieved and offended God. Contrition is not feeling sorry for ourselves, feeling sorrow because we did something bad, feeling sorrow over being caught in our sin, or sorrow at the thought of sins consequences. No, godly sorrow is the sorrow that comes from a heart that is crushed because we have sinned against God (2 Cor 7:9-11). David said "Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight" (Psalm 51:4 KJV). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>Only when one has been broken in this way, can one truly repent. An individual who has felt the deep sorrow over sin, how odious it is to God, how it has pained the heart of God, will leave it. Such a one is done with sin, not because sin has consequences, but because <b>God hates sin.</b> This individual will live his or her life careful to please God in all things. They fear sin most of all because they do not wish to grieve God.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Oh that We would experience a mighty move of God in this day! That we would feel the deep conviction of sin that would break us and grind us to powder as wheat is ground into flour. The mighty convicting power of the Holy Spirit, that would bring us to our knees in humility and repentance. We so desperately need a move of God in our generation, a move that would revive and refresh us; a move that would bring us back to the heart of God; a move that would bring His presence back into our lives and assemblies once again. Oh that we could be humble and contrite of spirit, so that God would dwell with us once again. </b></span>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-78013024084919222402015-09-24T08:45:00.000-07:002015-09-24T08:45:06.568-07:00Dead to this World.<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Gal 6:14 KJV).</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>There are many people who believe that we can fix this world. In fact, many Christians are of the opinion that we can make this world a better place through the power of the gospel. In a sense I can agree with this sentiment. It is true that as people are saved, and their lives changed, they begin to treat those around them differently. They are now honest, compassionate, and loving. They exhibit the fruit of the Spirit with those they encounter on a daily basis (Gal 5:22-23). In that respect you could say that they world has been made better, one soul at a time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> But the reality is that this world is exceeding wicked. It was wicked in the days of Noah (Gen 6:5), and will be just as wicked at the Lord's return (Matt 24:12, 37). The bible tells us that there is a spirit at work in the sons of disobedience (Eph 2:2-3). Mankind spends his days fulfilling the lusts of his flesh and mind. That is why we see so much wickedness in this world today. There is a mystery of lawlessness at work in this world, and things will only grow worse (2 Thess 2:7). We are warned that perilous times will come, where mankind plunges deeper and deeper into sin and selfishness, even turning his ears away from the truth (2 Tim 3:1-5, 4:3-4). Sadly, this world cannot be fixed. All attempts to fix it through political power, legislating morality, social reforms, and by any other natural means, will only end in failure. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Instead of a better world someday, we read that this world will in fact be destroyed by God. John tells us that the world with all of its lusts is passing away (1 John 2:17). Peter writes this concerning the destruction of the world,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><i>But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10 KJV).</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>We read in Revelation 21:1 KJV,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><i>And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>God calls to us to come out from among them and be separate (2 Cor 7:17) We are to come out of this wicked world system so that we are not partakers of its sins and its judgment (Rev 18:4). This is what the gospel does for those who believe it! Jesus came to redeem us from this present evil age (Gal 1:4). In the above verse, Paul speaks of the cross of Christ as a barrier between him and the world. Through the cross, he has died to the world; turned his back on it with all of its evil ways. Through the cross, the world has lost its attraction, it no longer holds its power over the one who by faith has reckoned himself "crucified with Christ" (Gal 2:20). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Once again, this present world will not be fixed. Our remedy is to come out of it, forsaking its ways. Paul says, <i style="font-weight: bold;">"Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2 KJV). </i>John tells us that to love this world is to not love God. What is this world that we are not to love? We are told that it consists of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:15-16). When we live for the temporal things of this life, we have become guilty of loving this world! When we make our choices based upon what looks good to our eyes, what feels good, what give us pleasure, what makes us happy, we are living for the lust of the flesh and eyes. When we spend our days bettering ourselves, impressing our friends and neighbors; when we are consumed with power and the opinions of men, we are guilty of pride. This is the force that drives this world. People are consumed by fashions, impressing others with clothing and appearance; or by job performance; climbing the corporate ladder. Pride drives us to do many such things, even subtle things that we would think were benign, yet if tainted with pride, deadly to our souls. Like Paul, our only glory should be in the cross of Christ and the "life through death" that it brings.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> You see, the individual who has renounced this world with its prideful ways, has now been set free from this rat race. The person crucified with Christ is no longer consumed by the temporal things of this life. Pride and fleshly lusts no longer hold control over this individual, who by the grace of God is now led by a higher principle than lust. It is now Christ living through the believer. Love is the motivation behind the action. Those things that cannot be done in love, and for the glory of God are not done. The crucified believer understands that this world is passing away, and looks for a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. They are careful in their conduct, being diligent to be found in peace without spot or blemish at the return of Christ (2 Peter 2:11-14). They are consumed by Christ, and not by the things this world offers; its entertainments, pleasures, and so forth.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> We cannot fix this world. Our only option is to renounce its ways, to come out of it, to die to ourselves, so that we may truly live. What we are called to do, is to bring others with us; to present the gospel to them, so that others may also flee from the wrath to come, experience this crucified life, and be set free.</span>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-17774469426490512582015-09-15T16:23:00.002-07:002015-09-15T16:23:51.293-07:00Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality)This sermon confronts the humanism that has crept into our modern gospel presentation. Are we guilty of using God as a means to an end? Very convicting, please listen!<br />
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<a href="http://www.loudvoice.org/audio-sermons/speaker-list/sermon/5996-ten-shekels-and-a-shirt-high-quality#sthash.FGfqiKrg.cmfs">Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality)</a>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-71288712523450646982015-09-12T07:33:00.001-07:002015-09-12T07:33:58.405-07:00Are You Anchored To This Life?<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> 2 Corinthians 5:1-2 NASB</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>We as Christians are supposed to be strangers and aliens upon this earth ( Hebrews 11:13-16; 1 Peter 1:1). Following the example of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we are called to live in this world as in a foreign land, looking with eyes of faith to the promise of our heavenly home (Hebrews 11:8-10). This is the reality; That which is natural (What we see) is temporal, that which is spiritual (unseen) is eternal (2 Cor 4:18).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Can we relate to this? Do we in fact groan in this life of ours? Are we longing to be home? Are we indeed travelling this life empty handed, not weighed down with the cares and troubles of this life, not burdened by the pursuit of material things (Matt 13:22), but instead living with a singleness of purpose for the glory of God, as His ambassadors upon this earth?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Jesus warns us against laying up treasures in this life. Our possessions will steal our hearts (Matt 6:19-21). Yet we see so many professed believers living in abundance, accumulating temporal things, focused on the here and now. They seem to be finding their happiness in the things that they own and the activities they enjoy. The hunger for God is gone, the longing for their real home has faded. Sadly, their possessions will anchor them to this earth! They have no treasure being laid up in heaven. They have over the course of time, transferred their citizenship to the kingdom of this world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-36095269231502979132015-09-10T14:48:00.000-07:002015-09-10T14:48:27.404-07:00Equipping for Service.<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ.</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Ephesians 4:11-13 NASB</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>We see here that the purpose of the ministry gifts to the church (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher), is to equip the saints for <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">service!</u> It was never intended for the pastor to do all the work while the congregation sits and soaks it all in. Evangelists are called and gifted by God to win the lost in great numbers, yet each and everyone of us as born again Christians are called to "Go into all the world" as well. We all have a sphere of influence where God has placed us. We have families, friends, co workers, and neighbors, who all have the great need to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. We have the responsibility to reach out to them. Sadly, it seems that many sit idly by, either through ignorance, or fear, expecting the pastor to win the lost. We might muster up some courage, and invite a friend to an evangelistic service, but it is not just the evangelists job either.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> We need to do things according to God's word. Our Churches should be training grounds where people hear of missions and evangelizing. The church should be a place where people catch some zeal to reach the lost, a place where they actually are brought to a place where they can hear the call of God on their lives. The church should be a place where the presence and power of the Holy Spirit is active, where people are filled and sent out. It was never meant to be a place where we sit within our four walls waiting for the lost to come and find us. Yet that is what far too many of us expect. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> You can read the stories of missionaries from the past, how they were burdened and received their calling as children; how they were trained in the home and in the church, and when they grew up they fulfilled the call of God on their lives and poured themselves out in a foreign field. History is filled with such stories. What has happened? We now have children growing up entertained in childrens church, youth groups focusing on pizza parties and lock-ins, and adults sitting Sunday after Sunday in their same comfortable pews.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> We have adopted the mindset that the church is little more than a hospital for sinners. We believe that we must spend our time patching people up, taking care of their faults and sins. True, we must have compassion, we are to encourage and do what we can to help the weak, but ultimately we are called to grow up into the fulness of Christ, to be mature, capable of hearing and answering the call of God on our lives. Our great need is to be equipped for the work of service; to be made ready to go wherever God leads us to go. Their is a lost and dying world out there, and they will not come to us, we are to go to them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-8023347534217395082015-09-08T16:17:00.001-07:002015-09-08T16:17:34.924-07:00Grieving the Spirit.<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Ephesians 4:30-32 KJV</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many Christians find themselves in a rut. Their lives seem dry and empty. Many struggle to pray; it seems the heavens are like brass, and no prayer can get through. For many, church has become a mere routine. Worship has lost the life that it once had. Instead of sensing the nearness of the presence of God, He now seems distant, and silent. What has happened? The Christian life that was once vibrant is now strangely stagnant.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> There are many Christians who have allowed bitterness and anger to slip into their lives. Something has caused an offense, and instead of gracefully letting it go, it has been allowed to fester deep within the heart. Others have fallen into the habit of gossip and slander. It seems so harmless to talk about what is happening in the life of someone else. What happens when we gossip and backbite; when we become bitter and unforgiving, is that we grieve the Holy Spirit. We have ceased to walk in love, the very thing the Holy Spirit desires to form in us.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> To grieve the Spirit is to cause Him deep sorrow and pain. We are no longer keeping in step with the Spirit's leading, but are in opposition to the unity He is striving for among brethren. We are walking in the flesh! We block the flow of the Spirit's presence and power by our sin. This is why Jesus tells us to first go and be reconciled to our brother (Matt 5:23-24). This is why Jesus tells us to forgive, if we would be forgiven (Matt 6:14-15). Bitterness will shut out our prayers (Mark 11:25-26). We often take our Christian life for granted. We do not always notice the coolness slipping into our spiritual lives. We do not always sense the "silence" of the Spirit.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> If we would have Him back in real presence and power, we must repent! We must go back and find where we have been angry, where we have harbored bitterness. We must search it out and be reconciled to those we have offended, and forgive those who have offended us. We must let it go! Why not be wronged, as Paul states (1 Cor 6:7)? We must look at the gossip and slander that we have partaken of, and if necessary, go and undo the damage that we have caused, to the best of our ability. These are hard words, but unless we are willing to do what we can to make things right, we have not really repented.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> We are called to walk worthy of the call of God in our lives. This is to be done in humility, meekness, and patience. We are to put up with one another in love, striving to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). As Christians we are to work hard, with much patience, and much grace, to walk in true unity. This means that we must be kind, we must be humble, we must forgive, we must love! This is what the Holy Spirit is accomplishing in the body as we cooperate with Him. If we would desire His presence among us, and His power at work in and through us, we must walk in love!</span></span>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-5919302558786139722015-08-25T16:26:00.001-07:002015-08-25T16:26:36.723-07:00Ring that bell <span style="font-size: large;">I listened to this powerful message this morning, and it brought tears to my eyes. Listen to it, and let God speak to your heart. It is so easy to get caught up in our lives and lose sight of what God has really called us to. Christianity is so much more than going to church once or twice a week, and having our bible reading plans and such. These things are good and have their purpose, but there is something lacking in so many of our lives. I believe it is a consuming passion for the souls of our fellow man. How much would we endure for Christ? How far are we willing to go to see the world around us reached with the good news of new life in Christ? Listen to this sermon and be blessed! </span><a href="http://www.loudvoice.org/component/sermonspeaker/sermon/6780-rign-that-bell#sthash.oIhUcBzY.cmfs">Ring that bell</a>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-10999537625831398952015-08-24T13:43:00.003-07:002015-08-24T13:43:55.082-07:00What Motivates You?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Two individuals doing the same "good work." One is motivated by a desire to please God. The other person is motivated by some other reason. So, are both individuals pleasing to God? Is He merely pleased because a good thing was done, or are our motives important? Read the following excerpt and then examine what motivates you to do the things that you do!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Why do non-Christians restrain themselves from committing certain sins? It is because they fear adverse consequences. This principle has been proven repeatedly throughout human history during times when the usual moral restraints, such as governmental law or public opinion, have been removed. When brutality becomes acceptable, brutality prevails. The piles of human skulls in Cambodian killing fields and crumbling incinerators of Nazi concentration camps stand as mute testimony to the true nature of unregenerate human nature. What happens when murder is legalized, when the law of the State or public opinion says it’s OK to exterminate Jews or rip the unborn to pieces in their mothers’ wombs? No one has to speculate on the answer to that question. How many professing Christians are motivated, in their limited morality and holiness, not by love for God and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, but by ever-changing public sentiment, the continually-revised law of the land, or peer-pressure of their fellow church members? Only God knows for certain. But through honest self-examination, each one of us can determine what truly motivates us. If every professing Christian would do that, many would be shocked to discover that all their goodness is really wickedness, motivated by nothing higher than self-interest. Is it really possible to do good things, yet be motivated by pure selfishness? Absolutely. As I’ve already pointed out, most of the “virtuous” deeds done by non-Christians spring from selfish motivations. Consider the words of Paul in this regard: If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing (1 Cor. 13:3).</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Servant, David (2013-03-05). The Great Gospel Deception (Kindle Locations 436-448). Ethnos Press. Kindle Edition. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are many professing Christians who have "good morals." They do certain good things and have a "form of godliness." They avoid certain sins and behaviors that they deem as wrong. Sadly, many individuals are only motivated by selfish reasons. They fear getting caught in a scandalous situation. Others are "legalists," they do what they do out of an obligation; they fear the wrath of God, and are merely avoiding punishment. Others, like the Pharisees, are motivated by the desire to impress others with their good deeds and morals. Others, would do certain things if they thought they could get away with it. Obviously these kinds of individuals cannot be pleasing to God with their shallow, selfish motives. The individual who lives to please God is the individual who is pleasing to God. Such an individual is moved by the desire to honor God, and to bring glory to Him. The true Christian is one who acts out of love towards God and his fellow man. This according to the scriptures is the fulfilling of the law. Paul states that the only thing that counts in Christ Jesus, is faith working by love (Gal 5:6). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> What motivates you to do the things you do?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395419258206062996.post-75794660104248454822015-08-04T14:50:00.001-07:002015-08-04T14:52:16.606-07:00It Is Time To Seek The Lord.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sow with a view to righteousness,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>reap in accordance to kindness;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>break up your fallow ground,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>for it is time to seek the Lord</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>until He comes to rain </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>righteousness on you.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hosea 10:12 NASB</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Much like the "days of Elijah," we see a nation wavering between two opinions (1 Kings 18:21). The real tragedy in all of this is the fact that there is a professing element of Christianity that holds to a form of godliness, but denies its power (2 Tim 3:5). Many have allowed the soft ground of their hearts to grow hard. Instead of bearing the fruit of righteousness, thorns and thistles grow instead, on land that is in danger of being cursed (Hebrews 6:7-8).</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> If we would enjoy the presence of God in our midst once again; if we would experience His refreshing; if we would walk in the power of the Holy Ghost as in former times, we must seek the Lord in all earnestness. As we read in Jeremiah, "<i>And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).</i> To break up the fallow ground is to repent. It is to get out the sin and rebellion, and to turn to God in brokenness and humility. Many people do not like this. They would rather not deal with their sin in this way. It hurts to dig deep within our inner selves; to tear the sin out by the roots; but repentance must be deep if we would truly seek the Lord, and find Him. I'm afraid that while many "seek" the Lord, very few actually find Him. They are not really sincere enough to do what it takes (deep repentance/humility) to persevere and find Him. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> In 2 Chronicles 7:14, we have the promise that if we who are called by God's name (Christians), would <i>humble ourselves and pray, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways, then God would hear us from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land. </i>You see, it begins with us. The saying is true, that if we desire revival, it must begin with us. If we would see the fruit of righteousness springing up in our lives, in our churches, and in this land, we must begin to earnestly seek the Lord one more time. We cannot afford to be half hearted, we cannot afford to be insincere in repentance, we cannot afford to quickly give up before the Lord comes back to His temple in all of His power and glory once again. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Jesus says to us, <i>Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me (Rev 3:20 NASB). </i>These words were spoken by the Savior to the Church at Laodicea; a church that was compromised, worldly, and self sufficient, much like so many today. Yet, the invitation is still offered. Christ stands on the outside desiring to come in, if we will but let Him.</span></b></span></div>
philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954599004881951661noreply@blogger.com0