Ten 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!


Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality)

What Motivates You?

     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!

     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).

Servant, David (2013-03-05). The Great Gospel Deception (Kindle Locations 436-448). Ethnos Press. Kindle Edition. 

     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). 
     What motivates you to do the things you do?
     

You cannot be unequally yoked.

     Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?
     Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?
     Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God has said,
     "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
     "THEREFORE, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPERATE," says the lord, "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; AND I WILL WELCOME YOU.
     "AND I WILL BE A FATHER TO YOU, AND YOU SHALL BE SONS AND DAUGHTERS TO ME," says the Lord Almighty.
                      2 Corinthians 6:14-18NASB

     When one decides to follow Jesus, there is a line drawn that cannot be crossed. As we read in Paul's epistle to the Church at Corinth, there is no partnership between righteousness and lawlessness, no fellowship between light and darkness, no harmony between Christ and the devil, no common ground between a believer and an unbeliever, and no agreement between the temple of God, and idols. As temples of the living God who dwells within us, what can we possibly be thinking in compromising with worldliness and sin? The path of following Christ stands in complete opposition to the selfish ways of the world we live in. As Christians, we are governed by a set of values that go against the values that the world holds. Two sets of standards, in total contradiction to one another, and yet the modern professing "Church" has chosen to blend these two systems.
     Congregations and denominations have grossly departed from Christ and the absolute standard that He calls us to. This is not something that has happened overnight, people have allowed it to creep in over time. Churches grappled with the word of God, and decided that it was not infallible, was not inspired, and was subject to man's interpretation. This only opened the door to the sin and compromise we see so prevalent today in many of our denominations.
     Understand very carefully that these "Churches" have completely departed from the faith! One cannot condone, accept, and promote immorality, and yet be a born again follower of Christ. It is absolutely impossible. Look at what Paul writes in Romans 1:18-32. We see sexual immorality all around us, in the form of adultery, sex outside of marriage, and homosexuality. Understand very carefully what God is telling us in this passage of scripture. This immorality is the result of God giving up a people to their degrading passions, because they have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, worshipping the creature rather than the creator. When you see a nation promoting deviant sexual behavior, it is a sign of that nation being rejected of God. When you see a denomination promoting sexual sin, that denomination has departed from God, and as a result, He has given them over to pursue their evil passions. Without the restraint of God, man, left to himself, progresses farther down the path of sin, entrenching himself deeper and deeper in depravity.
     What we are seeing today in our modern denominations is not a church "loving people into the kingdom", but a group of depraved people, void of the presence of God. And it is not only sexual immorality we see, but also greed, envy, strife, deceit, malice, gossip, murder, slander, boastful people, arrogance, disobedience to parents, unloving people, untrustworthy individuals, and unmerciful people (Romans 1:29-31). We expect the "world to be filled with people like this, but it is found in the professing "Church" as well. Paul tells us that men will be lovers of money, lovers of self, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, conceited, loving pleasure more than God. They hold a form of godliness; in other words, they look like a church, appear to be "Christians" by some of the things that they say and do, but their lives are void of the true power that the gospel brings, as evidenced by their gross departure into sin (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
     I am not referring to the true Church, those who are blood bought, born again, and following Christ. These are the ones on the narrow path to life, while the world rushes to destruction (Matt 7:13-14). There are those who fear the Lord, and grieve over the sin and compromise that the world calls "Christianity." They know what it is to come out and be separate from the world and its ways. They experience the scorn and ridicule as they stand alone for what is right in the eyes of God. These individuals cry out to God for revival, they proclaim the truth even though nobody wants to hear it. Sadly they are accused of being judgmental, and self righteous, by the very ones who are being deceived.
     God calls us to come out from the midst of this sinful world and be separate. There is no possibility of compromise in the kingdom of God. You are either all in, and serving Him alone, or you are perishing in your sin. You cannot serve two masters (Matt 6:24). Light and darkness cannot mix, it is impossible to stand for righteousness, while promoting lawlessness. What we have recently seen in many of the major denominations, is a deadly deception, that is leading thousands into hell.
     We need a God sent awakening in our land today. As followers of Christ, who are seeking His kingdom and righteousness, we must fall to our knees in humility and prayer; seeking His face, that He would come and bring revival, and healing to this land. It is our only hope.
    
    

    
    
    

False Grace.

     And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), "Let us do evil that good may come?" Their condemnation is just.
                                    Romans 3:8 NASB

     We read in the epistle of Jude that we are to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all handed down to the saints. Just as in the days of the apostle Paul and the early Church, there are many today who also declare that the grace of God gives license to sin (Romans 6:1, 15; Jude 1:3-4). Throughout history, the Church has been plagued with the teaching that grace allows one to remain in sin, and yet have unbroken fellowship with Christ. Some grant that fellowship can be broken, but salvation is never questioned, even if one's life is filled with immorality and sin. This however, is a grave mistake, a deadly error, with dreadful consequences.
     Notice in Jude 1:3 that the faith was handed down once for all. This means that what was taught in the beginning by Christ and the apostles is still valid and in force today as well. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, which means that the truths of Christian faith and practice remain the same throughout time (Hebrews 13:7-9).
     Jude tells us that persons have crept in unnoticed, bringing their heresy with them into the church. Paul warns that false teachers will arise from within the Church (Acts 20:29-31). This is what makes it so deadly. We are fooled by individuals who we may have known all of our lives; individuals who we have listened to and trusted in the past, who now introduce destructive heresies, teaching that it is okay to retain sin in one's life. We see much of this. There are many individuals who have been deceived into believing that they are covered by grace; that they are Christians, but their lives have never been transformed through the new birth, as made evident by their persistent sinful lifestyles.
     John tells us that if we claim to have fellowship with Christ, but walk in the darkness, we lie, and are not practicing the truth (1 John 1:6). We are also warned that the one who practices sin is of the devil, as Jesus has come to destroy the devil's works. Therefore one who is born of God no longer sins, but practices righteousness (1 John 3:7-10). This is what the word of God has to say about the change that grace brings to the life of a true child of God. True grace brings about a change of heart and life in those who have put their trust in Christ (Titus 2:11-13).
     Jude uses three examples to show us that God's grace is not meant as a mere cover up for sin. Sin does have consequences if it is not forsaken.
     1. Ancient Israel's unbelief.
     God, through signs, wonders, and great power, delivered the nation of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. Yet they rebelled at His word, refusing to enter into the land of promise. That generation died in the wilderness because of their unbelief/disobedience (Hebrews 3:16-19). God chose these people, delivered them out of bondage, but yet destroyed those who refused to obey Him because of their unbelief (Jude 1:5).

     2. The fallen angels.
     The angels in heaven are pure, having been created by God that way. Yet we see that those who rebelled against Him are kept in bonds for the day of judgment. It is even possible for the angels to sin, and they are not exempt from the penalty of it (Jude 1:6).

     3. Sodom and Gomorrah.
     The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is put forth as an example to us that God will judge sin. They are an example to us of punishment by eternal fire. It is ironic that the very sins that brought destruction upon these cities are the sins that so many false teachers today accept and promote within the Church today. Sexual immorality, including homosexuality, was an abomination to God then, and still is now. Grace does not, and cannot cover sin that is not put away (Jude 1:7).

     Do not be deceived by false teaching (Ephesians 5:5-6). God's wrath will come upon those who disobey Him. Whether you believe in eternal security or not, the fact remains that if one is living a life of sin, that individuals shows that he or she has no eternal life in them. Once again, the one who is born of God does not sin. The child of God lives righteously because they have been born again. Their lives have been transformed by the grace and power of God.
     This is not to say that a Christian is incapable of sin. It is indeed possible for a Child of God to sin. This world is filled with trials and temptations, and Christians are not exempt from them. John writes so that we will not sin, but if we do we have an advocate in Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). However John does not mean that we can presume upon grace. Once again grace does not give license to sin. Sin in a believer is the exception, not the rule. The heart's intent of the Christian is to please God. The true child of God lives to honor Christ. Out of love for God, they avoid sin. Should they fall in a moment of weakness, they confess it and forsake it, and go on with God. This is different from one who desires to live in sin, but yet trusts that God will forgive them even though they have no real desire to live a life that pleases Him.
     God is a gracious God, and in His great mercy He has offered us grace, in Christ, to be reconciled to Him, empowering us to live in accordance with His will. Do not trifle with God's grace. If it has not changed your life, it is not grace.

Modern False Prophets.

     Jeremiah 23:9-22

     We have a strong word from the Lord in this portion of scripture. Just as false prophets in the days of Jeremiah were perverting the word of God and leading the people astray, so also today, we see many of our modern pastors, teachers, and spiritual leaders leading people astray in the same way.

     Also among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing:
     The committing of adultery and walking in falsehood;
     And they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one has turned back from his wickedness.
     All of them have become to Me like Sodom, and her inhabitants like Gomorrah.
                               Jeremiah 23:14 NASB

     In the days of Judah's backsliding, God sent prophets to warn of the  impending judgment that was sure to come upon the nation. As we read in these verses, the prophets and priests were walking in sin, and teaching others to do so as well. They were, by their deceptive teaching, encouraging others to persist in all of their evil doings. They were calling good evil, and evil good (Isaiah 5:20), in the same fashion we see today, where so many of the modern teachers have changed the biblical definition of what constitutes sin, or the punishment of it.
     As Jeremiah, and others sent by God, proclaimed God's impending judgment, these false prophets pronounced peace and safety, in spite of the fact that the nation was walking in stubborn rebellion against God and His commands (Jeremiah 23:17).
     Notice that God says He did not send these lying prophets. He did not send them or speak to them, but they ran and prophesied on their own (Jeremiah 23:21).

     But if they had stood in My council, then they would have announced My words to My people, and would have turned them back from their evil way and from the evil of their deeds.
                                  Jeremiah 23:22 NASB

     It is no different today. If you desire to recognize and know a false prophet or teacher, we have these traits by which we can spot them.
     1. A false prophet does not hear from God. They run on with their own words, speaking things from out of their own imaginations (Jeremiah 23:16). So many of our modern spiritual leaders are full of deception. They malign the truth, despise God, and lead people astray with their lies. When you hear a teacher redefining sin, when things that are clearly set forth in scripture as sin, are now being tolerated, and even called good, you can be sure that the one teaching these errors, is a false prophet. Men love darkness, and a false teacher will invent teachings to keep men in that darkness. The word of God given to us is our standard. Whenever you hear someone deviating from it, beware. Watch out for many of our "modern translations" as well. Crafty men have changed much of what God intends for us to know in versions such as the Mirror bible, which was written by a universalist to promote universalism. Just like the Jehovah's Witnesses, modern false prophets will change the scriptures to line up with their teachings.
     2. False teachers reject the idea of judgment. Look at the teachers in Jeremiah's time. They assured the nation that there would be peace and safety instead of judgment. Judah was plunged into idolatry, and all of the sinful behavior that flows out of a heart that turns from God, yet these leaders rejected the word of the Lord, and fed the nation a lie. We see this today as well, as many propagate a soft watered down, seeker version of the gospel that somehow allows one to avoid any wrath or punishment for sin, but allows one to remain in that sin. God is very clear in warning us to not be deceived by empty words. His wrath will come upon disobedience. The immoral and covetous individual will not inherit the kingdom of God (Ephesians 5:5-6). False teachers today will tell you that you can live unrepentant lives full of sin, yet still go to heaven. They explain away, or ignore all of the warnings in scripture that speak to the contrary. Watch out for a message that promises you peace and safety without repentance. A gospel that does not change your heart and actions is no gospel at all.
     3. False teachers do not attempt to turn people away from their sin. As we read, if these prophets had stood in the council of the Lord, they would have turned the people back from their evil ways and deeds (Jeremiah 23:22). Once again, a false prophet will comfort and encourage you in your sin. They have no desire to preach against sin, or to call people to forsake their evil ways. They seek to avoid all controversy, and instead tolerate and condone all manner of wicked behavior. If they point out sin, they will lose numbers and money. Look at the mega churches that fill the land today. They are filled with all manner of people who are living in all manner of sin. These people are being lied to Sunday after Sunday, as they are comforted and encouraged that their lifestyles are okay in God's eyes. No need to repent, no need to feel guilty about sin, because God loves you just as you are. The truth is that God loves you enough that He warns you of sin and its consequences. He loves you enough to have sent Jesus to die for you, so that you may return to Him in repentance and faith, and be saved. He loves you enough to not leave you in your sin, but to change you if you will let Him.

     Jesus tells us to beware of false prophets who will come in sheep's clothing, but inside they are ravenous wolves (Matt 7:15-16). They look like pastors and teachers, they are leaders in churches. They wear nice suits and draw large crowds with their uplifting messages, But where is the fruit? Something is terribly wrong when people are dying in their sins day after day and these hypocrites are tolerating sin, and encouraging people to persist in their sin. Something is wrong when things that have been declared as sinful behavior, and accepted as such for thousands of years, are now called lifestyles. Woe to those who drag iniquity with cords of falsehood, and sin as if with cart ropes (Isaiah 5:18 NASB). They call evil good, and good evil, and substitute darkness for light, and light for darkness. They are wise in their own eyes, and clever in their own sight (Isaiah 5:20-21).
     The world is full of false prophets who desire to lead you away from the true gospel, and from true faith in God. Jesus tells us that we will know them by their fruits. Be on guard and test everything by the word of God, for only in Him can we safely abide.
                                       

Use Discernment.

     But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
     Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be maligned;
     and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
                                             2 Peter 2:1-3 NASB

     This is a call for the body of Christ to exercise our God given discernment (1 Cor 12:10). Understand that false teachers are everywhere. The bible warns us that they will come from within (Acts 20:29-30). This is what makes it hard. Many people are easily carried into error, because they assumed that they could trust someone that they thought they knew.
     False teachers can quote scripture and teach solid truths, giving people a false sense that they can be trusted, Then they slip in a half truth, or a stretched truth, or even an outright falsehood, but unsuspecting individuals swallow it down.
     Look at what Peter tells us about them. They will exploit you with false words, because they are greedy (2 Peter 2:3). They will tell you what you want to hear, they will appeal to your flesh, they will take advantage of you, for their own selfish desires.
     John tells us that the spirit of anti-Christ is coming, and is even now in the world. In other words, false teachers are here, with all of their false teachings designed to benefit them, and lead you away from Christ. He also encourages us with the truth that we can overcome them because "Greater is He who is in you, then he who is in the world" (1 John 4:3-4).
     We do not have to be blind to heresy. We do not have to be led astray by a false teacher. We do not have to be taken advantage of. Use the God given discernment that is available to the body of Christ. Test all things by the standard of God's revealed word, and reject all that is false (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess 5:21-22).

Test All Things.

     But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.
                     1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 NASB

     I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
                                        Acts 20:29-30 NASB

     These are evil days that we live in. Even within the church, we must beware of being led astray, through false teaching. Paul speaks of false teachers coming in like savage wolves, seeking to lead people astray. What makes this so subtle is the fact that these teachers will arise from within our own ranks. People will be so easily carried of by deception, if they are not on constant guard.
     That is why we must test all things. The pastor's sermon, does it line up with the bible? How about the guest speaker? Does he bring a "new teaching", something that has never been heard before, or maybe never accepted before?
     Lining up with biblical revelation is the key. Just because it sounds good does not mean that it is right doctrine. If it can't be shown from God's written word, it is a false teaching, and should be shunned.
     We live in such a careless age when people are blindly accepting every new wind of doctrine. Our souls are at stake, the souls of our families and friends are at stake. We will study for doctorates and diplomas for earthly purposes. How much more should we study to show ourselves approved, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)?

Do We Need the Heaven is For Real Books?

     Here are a few scriptures to think about in view of the sudden interest in individuals who claim to have died, visited heaven, and then come back to write books about it.
     In Jesus' story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), the rich man desired that Lazarus would return from the dead to warn his brothers about the place of torment that he had gone to. Abraham told him that his brothers have Moses and the prophets to listen to. The rich man replied that if someone returned from the dead, they would surely repent. Here is the reply of Abraham. Remember, these are the words of Jesus.

     "If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead."
                           Luke 16:31 NASB

     Jesus is telling us that the scriptures  contain sufficient information to show us our sin and guilt, and the resulting wrath of God that we will all face someday when we appear before His judgment seat. They contain the information we need so that we will repent and place our confidence in Christ. We do not need a book written by someone who claims to have experienced heaven to prove that it is a real place, or to validate what the scriptures teach about the afterlife. Jesus has told us that if we do not listen to the scriptures, we will not listen to someone who has returned from the dead either. Plain and simple.
     Consider Paul and his heavenly vision found in 2 Corinthians 12:1-9.

     And I know how such a man-whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows-
     was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.
                          2 Corinthians 12:3-4 NASB

     Why do you suppose the Apostle Paul was not permitted to share with us through the scriptures, or any other way for that matter, the things that he had seen and heard in paradise? Why is it that these individuals claiming to have had heavenly revelations, have the freedom to speak and write of what they saw and heard?
     Furthermore Paul was given a thorn in his flesh to keep him humble because of the things that had been revealed to him (2 Cor 12:7-9). Have these heavenly travelers of today been given a thorn in the flesh as well?
     Finally we have the beloved disciple John, who had a revelation of things to come. He saw visions of heaven as well. He describes the worship, the holy city, the marriage supper of the Lamb, and many other glorious things involving heaven and the things to come. Notice how he closes his account of what God revealed to him.

     I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if any one adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book;
     and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.  
                        Revelation 22:18-19 NASB

      We do not need new revelation of heaven, and what it is like. Once again, the scriptures give us sufficient information. I can't help but notice that some of the things described in books of this sort, have no scriptural basis at all. The image of Jesus portrayed is just that, an image unlike the one presented to us in Rev 1:13-16. Where in the bible do we see reference to a rainbow colored horse? Where do we see a description of satan's moldy teeth and bony arms? These authors are treading on dangerous ground, painting pictures in our minds of things that cannot be reconciled with scripture.
     I write this because I see a trend to rush out and grab the latest bestselling book. We seem to be gravitating toward the sensational, while leaving solid biblical teaching behind. This is a dangerous place to be as Christians. I fear many are rushing headlong into deception. Many of these kind of books are pushing a new age type of universalism, and people are falling for it.
     We need to immerse ourselves in the Scripture, as a safeguard against error. Test all things by the Word of God.
    
    

    

    

What Your Speech Says About You.

     From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
     Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
     Can a fig tree my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
                           James 3:10-12 NASB

     Consider what James is saying here. There are many supposed followers of Christ who use filthy language on a regular basis, with little or no thought of what they are saying, or how offensive it is.
     James is telling us that those who both bless and curse, are an anomaly. They deviate from what is a set rule, from the way things are supposed to be. Look at the examples he presents in nature. Fresh and bitter water do not come from the same fountain, figs come from fig trees, olives come from olive trees, and salt water does not produce fresh. There is something wrong with the testimony of an individual claiming Christ, but using filthy language.
     Look what Jesus says about our speech in Matthew's gospel.

     "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.
     "You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.
     "The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.
     "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.
    "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
                             Matthew 12:33-37 NASB

     These are very sobering words that we as Christians need to take very seriously. We tend to think that somehow, because we have made a profession, or said a prayer, that what we do does not matter. In this instance our speech is a very accurate indicator of our spiritual life, or lack thereof.
     Look at what Jesus is saying here. Our speech comes out of what fills our hearts. The ruling preference of our lives determines what flows out of our mouths. If Christ is on the throne of our hearts, we will speak in a manner consistent with this. If we are in control of our lives, if Christ is dethroned, or we have never even been truly saved in the biblical sense of salvation, our mouths will run consistent with that.
     You will say that no man can tame the tongue (James 3:8). I agree! An individual apart from Christ cannot tame his tongue, or any other sin or bad habit in his or her life! We need Christ on the throne, the Holy Spirit dwelling in the temples of our hearts. When we walk by the Spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16), including our speech!
     What does your speech say about you!

No More Sacrifice For Sins.

     Many professed believers hold a very lax view on sin, and the need to repent of it. Some seem to think that it doesn't matter how they live, because it is all covered by the blood of Jesus.
     We see something different in the Word of God however.

     For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said "Vengeance is mine, I will repay", and again, "The Lord will judge His people." It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
                             Hebrews 10:26-31 NASB

     Contrary to what we might believe, we cannot just go on sinning and presume upon God's grace. As this passage shows us, if we continue in a willful lifestyle of sin, we cannot expect the blood sacrifice of Jesus to atone for our sins.
     The writer takes us back to the Old Covenant where those who sinned willfully against the law were put to death without mercy. This was because God, as a just and holy being could not tolerate sin, and even though in His mercy He provided a sacrificial system for sins committed in ignorance, yet His justice demanded retribution in the case of a willful sin. The only chance one had was to throw oneself on the mercy of God, such as David does in Psalm 51:1-19.
     If the judgment of God was severe under the Old Covenant, how much more severe will it be under the New Covenant where we have the blood sacrifice of Christ, and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
     By our deliberate sin, we trample the blood that has sanctified us, and insult the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who convicts us of sin, and is responsible for drawing us to Christ!
     That is why we are told "If you hear My voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 3:7-8, 15). Our only hope is to cast ourselves upon the mercy of God with repentant hearts.
     We are told if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9). If we sin we have an advocate in Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). This is not meant as blanket covering for a life of sin however. It is for those who are striving to live for Christ, but fall. Sin should be the exception, not the rule.
     It is a dangerous thing to become careless with sin. If you are playing with it now, if you are allowing a known sin to exist in your life, repent now! Cast yourself upon the mercy of God through Jesus Christ, and be washed clean. If you don't, there is no longer a sacrifice for you.
    
   
    

Is God Unjust?

     There seems to be this idea that a God who would punish evil doers is somehow unjust. This idea has even been accepted by many who profess to be Christians. They believe that somehow God is too kind to send someone to hell, that in fact it would be unjust.
     Now tell me, would it be unjust if a convicted mass murderer stood before a courtroom filled with the friends and relatives of his victims, and was released with no sentence whatsoever, because the judge was kind, and thought it would be unfair to lock this man up?
     We would consider that a gross travesty of justice, yet so many today think that God is like that. They would consider it a gross travesty if He punished someone for their sin.
     Paul writes about God's wrath, patience, and justice.

     For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
                            Romans 1:18 NASB

     And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things.
                               Romans 2:2 NASB
     This verse refers back to the sins listed in Romans 1:18-32.

     Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubborn and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. Who will render to each person according to his deeds.
                        Romans 2:4-6 NASB

     But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous is He? (I am speaking in human terms). May it never be! For otherwise how will God judge the world?
                            Romans 3:5-6 NASB

     Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God.
                              Romans 3:19 NASB

     Friend, there is coming a day when God will judge this world by Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31). God will be perfectly fair, He will be completely just. He will make no mistake. He will not meet out any undeserved punishment, and He will also not leave any deserved punishment unfulfilled.
     As we read in the above verses, all mouths will be shut before Him. We will stand before Him with all secrets exposed. We will be confronted with all the evidence of all our wicked deeds. All will be laid bare for all to see. We will be without excuse. We will have nothing to say in our defense. We will know then without any doubt that God is indeed just and fair in all His dealings with mankind.
     We also read that God is patiently waiting for our repentance. He is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). While He is just, He is also merciful, and has made a way for us to receive His grace through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself to redeem us from this wicked age (Gal 1:4).
     You see God loves us enough to provide an atonement for our sins. We can stand before His judgment seat with a clean record, totally forgiven. He has upheld the righteousness of the law by the death of Christ on the cross. He can now be just, and the justifier of all who come to Him by faith in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:21-26; 1 John 1:9).
     Don't fall for the lie that God has to forgive you because He is too kind to punish you for your sin. Don't believe the heresy that a loving God will not send someone to an eternal hell. This was the same basic lie that the serpent used on Eve (Genesis 3:4). He has used it in various forms through the ages to lead souls to hell.
     What good will it be to have believed a lie on the day we stand before God? Then it will be too late. Run to Christ in repentance and faith, and follow Him in submission to His word.
    
    




         

Are You Loved by the World?

     There are many scripture passages which we can judge our lives by to show us whether our Christianity is real or not.

     If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.
            John 15:19 NASB

     See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
                     1 John 3:1 NASB

     As Christians we have nothing in common with this world. We are called out to follow Christ, and the world cannot comprehend this. This world lies in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19), and men love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil (John 3:19).
     We have been delivered from this present evil age (Galatians 1:4), rescued from the domain of darkness, and placed into the kingdom of Christ (Col 1:13).
     Therefore, what fellowship does righteousness have with lawlessness, or light with darkness, or Christ with Belial? What do we as believers in Christ have in common with unbelievers, or the temple of God, which we are, with idols (2 Cor 6:14-16).
     Get the idea? As Christians we go against the grain, we are not following the selfish pursuits of this world. Following Christ runs in opposition to the ways of this world, and the world hates us for this.
     Just as Cain killed Abel because his deeds were evil, and Abel's were not, the world will also hate those who live righteous lives in Christ Jesus (1 John 3:12-13). Everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to it because he does not want his evil deeds exposed (John 3:20).
     This is how it is, and is an indicator of the validity of our commitment to Christ. There is a line of separation drawn in the sand so to speak. You are either of this world and loved and accepted by it, or you belong to the kingdom of God, and bear its reproach (Hebrews 13:12-14).

The Pillar of the Truth.

     Look around and you can see the words of Paul to Timothy being fulfilled. We are indeed living in an age where sound doctrine is no longer tolerated. The truth is rejected, and people only want to hear things that "tickle" their ears (1 Timothy 4:3-4). 
     We may be shocked at some of the things now being debated by Churches and Denominations. We wonder how a Church could even consider these issues, based upon the clear instruction given to us in the word of God.
     Take a look at the words of Paul in the first chapter of Romans. We see that the truth has been suppressed (Romans 1:18), and it has been exchanged for a lie (Romans 1:25). Men have rejected the worship of God for idolatry. Read Romans 1:18-32. It shows us how all of the sinful practices mentioned flow out of a heart that has rejected the truth that has been revealed to it. Such an individual has been turned over to a depraved mind by God (Romans 1:24,26).
     I believe that is why we see such a falling away today. Many movements that were once on fire, gloriously used by God in the past, have grown cold. They have lost the fear of the Lord, and compromised the truth. The gross sin we see allowed, and even supported today in the "Christian" world is a result of exchanging the truth for a lie, compromising the truth to be pleasing to men and not to God.
     In contrast the Church of God is the pillar and support of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). The word of God is living and empowered through the Holy Spirit. It exalts Jesus Christ, the head (Col 1:18). The truth is found in Jesus, we hear Him, and are taught in Him (Eph 4:21).The truth is allowed to cleanse and sanctify those who have faith (2 Thess 2:13).
    Jesus said that as His disciples we must continue in His word. Then we will know the truth that will set us free (John 8:311-32).  What a contrast! Instead of being enslaved to our evil passions, we find freedom!
     Beware of compromise! It is dangerous to play with the truth! Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth as revealed in the word of God, to you. Let it transform you into the image of Christ. Do not get caught up in the "ear tickling" going on today. Run away from it as fast as you can!