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.
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.
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.
But there is hope....
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).
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.
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.
Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Monday, March 9, 2015
Strive to Enter the Narrow Door.
We seem to have this idea that the Christian life requires little or no effort on our part. It is true on the one hand that salvation is the gift of God, received by faith, and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). But we also have the words of Jesus as recorded in Luke's gospel,
"Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many will seek to enter and will not be able. Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door saying, 'Lord, open up to us!' then He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.' Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets'; and He will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME ALL YOU EVIL DOERS.' There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth there when you see Abraham Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves being cast out. And they will come from east and west, and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last."
Luke 13:24-30 NASB
The word strive is a strong word that means to gain the mastery of, to agonize in contention for something. To strive is to give an all out effort in the obtaining of a prize. In this instance Christ is telling us that we must make every effort to enter through the narrow door. The four men who brought the paralytic to Jesus were an example to us of what it means to strive, or make an effort. They were not discouraged by the large crowd surrounding Jesus, but instead, dug a hole in the roof of the house where Jesus was teaching, and lowered their friend in front of Christ (Mark 2:2-4).
We are told that many will try to enter, but will not be able. Elsewhere we read that there will be FEW that enter the narrow gate, and walk the narrow path that leads to life (Matt 7:13).
The problem that multitudes of professing believers have is their lack of faith, evidenced by their lack of commitment to Christ and His call on their lives. They may desire to live better lives; perhaps to even give up some sinful habits, but their desires do not run deep enough to make a radical break with sin. For many, their profession is based upon an emotional experience with no depth. They may have said a prayer, made a commitment, but they failed to count the cost as Jesus tells us we must do (Luke 14:28). Just like the people in Jesus' day, there are many today who are familiar with Jesus. There are those who are content to believe the historical facts about Christ, but their faith remains in their heads and not their hearts, and their lives are unchanged. It is the same with those who are "Christian" based on the fact they grew up in a Christian home. Others are satisfied with religious forms and rituals. They, like those who ate and drank in the presence of Jesus, and heard Him teaching in the streets, will be shocked on the day they stand before Him and hear "I do not know where you are from." They have missed the new birth, through which we must enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-7).
Just as birth is painful and requires great effort to bring a life into the world, so also it is painful, and requires great effort to be spiritually born anew into the kingdom of God. Once again, I am aware that works will never save us, and it is impossible to earn our salvation, or to be able to impress God enough to save us. It is not a case of being able to somehow trust in God, and trust in works, and being able to get to heaven.
You see, we must be stripped of pride, stripped of self, and this is a painful process and few can endure it, but God is opposed to the proud. Those who are humble, are those who receive grace (James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:5). The new birth is a radical change. We come just as we are, but we will never enter the kingdom just as we are. We come to surrender, to lay down our sinful lives, and be changed by the washing of rebirth, and the renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4-7). This surrender, this laying down of our lives is repentance, a complete change of mind and action. It is a turning from ourselves to God. It involves giving up our sin. It is painful to see ourselves as God sees us, but once we do we will turn from our selfish desires and actions and give ourselves to follow Christ.
Jesus calls us to follow Him, and to follow Him requires that we deny ourselves, take up our cross; that we renounce all we have, that we completely lose our lives for Him (John 12:25-26; Mark 8:34-35; Luke 14:27-33). To follow Jesus requires that we obey Him (Luke 6:46; John 14:21, 15:14). Our obedience does not save us. If we are following Jesus from a motive of self preservation, we have failed to lose our life for Him. We are still in control of our life, and have failed to enter in through the narrow door. The door is indeed narrow, and one must squeeze through it painfully. We must follow Him for His sake, and love Him for His sake. It is not about what He can do for us, but about losing our lives for Him.
It is a narrow gate and an equally narrow road that leads to life, with few on it, while the broad path to destruction is filled with souls (Matt 7:13-14). The cost is high, and few are truly willing to pay it.
"Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many will seek to enter and will not be able. Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door saying, 'Lord, open up to us!' then He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.' Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets'; and He will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME ALL YOU EVIL DOERS.' There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth there when you see Abraham Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves being cast out. And they will come from east and west, and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last."
Luke 13:24-30 NASB
The word strive is a strong word that means to gain the mastery of, to agonize in contention for something. To strive is to give an all out effort in the obtaining of a prize. In this instance Christ is telling us that we must make every effort to enter through the narrow door. The four men who brought the paralytic to Jesus were an example to us of what it means to strive, or make an effort. They were not discouraged by the large crowd surrounding Jesus, but instead, dug a hole in the roof of the house where Jesus was teaching, and lowered their friend in front of Christ (Mark 2:2-4).
We are told that many will try to enter, but will not be able. Elsewhere we read that there will be FEW that enter the narrow gate, and walk the narrow path that leads to life (Matt 7:13).
The problem that multitudes of professing believers have is their lack of faith, evidenced by their lack of commitment to Christ and His call on their lives. They may desire to live better lives; perhaps to even give up some sinful habits, but their desires do not run deep enough to make a radical break with sin. For many, their profession is based upon an emotional experience with no depth. They may have said a prayer, made a commitment, but they failed to count the cost as Jesus tells us we must do (Luke 14:28). Just like the people in Jesus' day, there are many today who are familiar with Jesus. There are those who are content to believe the historical facts about Christ, but their faith remains in their heads and not their hearts, and their lives are unchanged. It is the same with those who are "Christian" based on the fact they grew up in a Christian home. Others are satisfied with religious forms and rituals. They, like those who ate and drank in the presence of Jesus, and heard Him teaching in the streets, will be shocked on the day they stand before Him and hear "I do not know where you are from." They have missed the new birth, through which we must enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-7).
Just as birth is painful and requires great effort to bring a life into the world, so also it is painful, and requires great effort to be spiritually born anew into the kingdom of God. Once again, I am aware that works will never save us, and it is impossible to earn our salvation, or to be able to impress God enough to save us. It is not a case of being able to somehow trust in God, and trust in works, and being able to get to heaven.
You see, we must be stripped of pride, stripped of self, and this is a painful process and few can endure it, but God is opposed to the proud. Those who are humble, are those who receive grace (James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:5). The new birth is a radical change. We come just as we are, but we will never enter the kingdom just as we are. We come to surrender, to lay down our sinful lives, and be changed by the washing of rebirth, and the renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4-7). This surrender, this laying down of our lives is repentance, a complete change of mind and action. It is a turning from ourselves to God. It involves giving up our sin. It is painful to see ourselves as God sees us, but once we do we will turn from our selfish desires and actions and give ourselves to follow Christ.
Jesus calls us to follow Him, and to follow Him requires that we deny ourselves, take up our cross; that we renounce all we have, that we completely lose our lives for Him (John 12:25-26; Mark 8:34-35; Luke 14:27-33). To follow Jesus requires that we obey Him (Luke 6:46; John 14:21, 15:14). Our obedience does not save us. If we are following Jesus from a motive of self preservation, we have failed to lose our life for Him. We are still in control of our life, and have failed to enter in through the narrow door. The door is indeed narrow, and one must squeeze through it painfully. We must follow Him for His sake, and love Him for His sake. It is not about what He can do for us, but about losing our lives for Him.
It is a narrow gate and an equally narrow road that leads to life, with few on it, while the broad path to destruction is filled with souls (Matt 7:13-14). The cost is high, and few are truly willing to pay it.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
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.
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.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
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).
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).
Friday, August 1, 2014
An Invitation.
"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool"
Isaiah 1:18 NASB
"Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost."
"Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?"
Isaiah 55:1-2a NASB
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 NASB
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst."
John 6:35 NASB
"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink."
John 7:37b NASB
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
Revelation 22:17 NASB
This invitation is for those who are burdened with a load of sin. Repent, lay it down (Isaiah 1:16-17). You will find God's forgiveness. They will be washed away.
Those who hunger and thirst for God will be filled (Matt 5:6). We all have a deep yearning for our God and Creator. Sadly we try to fill this void with material things, vain things, and idolatrous things. We live in selfish pursuit of temporal happiness. Only in Christ Jesus will we find contentment and peace.
We turn to religion, self righteousness, out of fear. We try hard to impress and please others out of the fear of man. Jesus says "Come to Me." He is gentle, His yoke is easy, His burden is light. This is the opposite of all the striving and effort so many of us are burdened with.
The invitation is open to all, but you must come. Lay down your sin and guilt. Lay down your load of empty religion. Lay down your cares and worries. Lay down your life, your all. Come to the waters, come to Jesus.
Isaiah 1:18 NASB
"Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost."
"Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?"
Isaiah 55:1-2a NASB
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 NASB
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst."
John 6:35 NASB
"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink."
John 7:37b NASB
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
Revelation 22:17 NASB
This invitation is for those who are burdened with a load of sin. Repent, lay it down (Isaiah 1:16-17). You will find God's forgiveness. They will be washed away.
Those who hunger and thirst for God will be filled (Matt 5:6). We all have a deep yearning for our God and Creator. Sadly we try to fill this void with material things, vain things, and idolatrous things. We live in selfish pursuit of temporal happiness. Only in Christ Jesus will we find contentment and peace.
We turn to religion, self righteousness, out of fear. We try hard to impress and please others out of the fear of man. Jesus says "Come to Me." He is gentle, His yoke is easy, His burden is light. This is the opposite of all the striving and effort so many of us are burdened with.
The invitation is open to all, but you must come. Lay down your sin and guilt. Lay down your load of empty religion. Lay down your cares and worries. Lay down your life, your all. Come to the waters, come to Jesus.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
You Can't Have Both Worlds.
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
Matthew 6:24 NASB
You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
James 4:4 NASB
We seem to have a form of Christianity today that allows us to partake of the best of both worlds. We are granted heaven and the blessings of God. We have Him to turn to for all of our wants and desires. We believe in a God who is there for us, to make us happy and prosperous. We believe in a God who takes us just as we are, in our sins, and leaves us there. We believe in a God who does not see, or care about how we live our lives. It is all about us, all about our plans, all about our happy little lives. We have accepted a Jesus who is there to be our servant, to give us our hearts desire and then take us safely home to heaven when this life is over.
We have departed far from the truth of the gospel! It is not about us, it is about God and His glory! Jesus is not our servant, He is to be our Lord! We must submit to Him! He did not die to make us happy, He died and rose again to make us holy! By holy, I do not merely mean a positional holiness, but an actual transformation of character. Clean hands and pure hearts! Changed lives!
We are fooling ourselves if we think that we can hang on to this world and still have enough of Jesus to save us. I am not talking about hanging on to obvious sinful habits and practices. I am talking about living in this world as if it were all that really mattered. That is the context of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19-34. He is talking about living for the temporal things of this physical world, as opposed to living for the kingdom of God. The world is eagerly seeking the temporal things of life, whether it is riches and possessions, or just the basic things of life. We as blood bought, born again followers of Christ are to make His business our utmost priority, and He will provide the things we need.
We have to let go of one world, because we cannot hang on to both. As Christians we belong to a kingdom that is not of this world. Lets make the choice to live for the things that will matter in eternity. Lets make the choice to live wholeheartedly for Christ and His glory.
It is one or the other, you can't have both worlds. You cannot live this life for yourself, and have Christ at the same time. There is a line in the sand so to speak. What side will you be on?
Matthew 6:24 NASB
You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
James 4:4 NASB
We seem to have a form of Christianity today that allows us to partake of the best of both worlds. We are granted heaven and the blessings of God. We have Him to turn to for all of our wants and desires. We believe in a God who is there for us, to make us happy and prosperous. We believe in a God who takes us just as we are, in our sins, and leaves us there. We believe in a God who does not see, or care about how we live our lives. It is all about us, all about our plans, all about our happy little lives. We have accepted a Jesus who is there to be our servant, to give us our hearts desire and then take us safely home to heaven when this life is over.
We have departed far from the truth of the gospel! It is not about us, it is about God and His glory! Jesus is not our servant, He is to be our Lord! We must submit to Him! He did not die to make us happy, He died and rose again to make us holy! By holy, I do not merely mean a positional holiness, but an actual transformation of character. Clean hands and pure hearts! Changed lives!
We are fooling ourselves if we think that we can hang on to this world and still have enough of Jesus to save us. I am not talking about hanging on to obvious sinful habits and practices. I am talking about living in this world as if it were all that really mattered. That is the context of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19-34. He is talking about living for the temporal things of this physical world, as opposed to living for the kingdom of God. The world is eagerly seeking the temporal things of life, whether it is riches and possessions, or just the basic things of life. We as blood bought, born again followers of Christ are to make His business our utmost priority, and He will provide the things we need.
We have to let go of one world, because we cannot hang on to both. As Christians we belong to a kingdom that is not of this world. Lets make the choice to live for the things that will matter in eternity. Lets make the choice to live wholeheartedly for Christ and His glory.
It is one or the other, you can't have both worlds. You cannot live this life for yourself, and have Christ at the same time. There is a line in the sand so to speak. What side will you be on?
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Now is the time.
This is the day of salvation! Now is the acceptable time! Call upon Him while He is near! Seek Him while He may be found! Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart!
God's Spirit will not always strive with man. You may not have another chance to repent of your sin and get right with Him. Without the Holy Spirit's conviction in your life you will never repent, you will never have saving faith.
No one is guaranteed tomorrow. We do not know when we will take our final breath. Do not harden your heart! Do not resist the Spirit! This might be your final call!
Now is the time.
God's Spirit will not always strive with man. You may not have another chance to repent of your sin and get right with Him. Without the Holy Spirit's conviction in your life you will never repent, you will never have saving faith.
No one is guaranteed tomorrow. We do not know when we will take our final breath. Do not harden your heart! Do not resist the Spirit! This might be your final call!
Now is the time.
Monday, February 10, 2014
The New Covenant.
"But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days," declares the Lord, "I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Jeremiah 31:33 NASB
"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be my people and I will be your God.
Ezekiel 36:25-28 NASB
" 'Then you will no that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord have spoken and done it," declares the Lord' "
Ezekiel 37:13-14NASB
However you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
Romans 8:9-14 NASB
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16NASB
Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of living God; just as God 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 among their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "And do not touch what is unclean; and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me," says the Lord Almighty.
2 Corinthians 6:16-18 NASB
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us- for it is written "cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" - in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:13-14 NASB
God required perfect obedience to the law under the old covenant. While the law is good, yet it could not empower anyone to obey it.
Now under the new covenant we have the law of God written upon our hearts. It is something that we want to do. God has removed the heart of stone, our stubborn wills have been subdued by the washing of regeneration in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Under the old covenant the presence of God dwelt in the temple, in the holy of holies, symbolized by the ark of the covenant. Worshippers approached God through a system of offerings and sacrifices, with a priest as an intermediary. It was only once a year that a priest could enter the holy of holies with a sacrificial offering.
Now we are the temples of the living God, He dwells in us by His Spirit. We enter into His presence through Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit came upon certain old testament saints at specific times for specific purposes. Now in this age of grace we can enjoy His presence and power for sanctification and service at all times.
All this is made possible to us through Christ Jesus. The broken fellowship has been restored. We enjoy sonship as God's children. God is our God and we are His people. We have access to the throne of grace that was not available under the old covenant, we have new changed hearts, power to live a holy life. We worship in spirit and truth, enjoying intimacy with a God who was once unapproachable because of our sin.
Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ!
Jeremiah 31:33 NASB
"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be my people and I will be your God.
Ezekiel 36:25-28 NASB
" 'Then you will no that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord have spoken and done it," declares the Lord' "
Ezekiel 37:13-14NASB
However you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
Romans 8:9-14 NASB
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16NASB
Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of living God; just as God 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 among their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "And do not touch what is unclean; and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me," says the Lord Almighty.
2 Corinthians 6:16-18 NASB
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us- for it is written "cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" - in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:13-14 NASB
God required perfect obedience to the law under the old covenant. While the law is good, yet it could not empower anyone to obey it.
Now under the new covenant we have the law of God written upon our hearts. It is something that we want to do. God has removed the heart of stone, our stubborn wills have been subdued by the washing of regeneration in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Under the old covenant the presence of God dwelt in the temple, in the holy of holies, symbolized by the ark of the covenant. Worshippers approached God through a system of offerings and sacrifices, with a priest as an intermediary. It was only once a year that a priest could enter the holy of holies with a sacrificial offering.
Now we are the temples of the living God, He dwells in us by His Spirit. We enter into His presence through Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit came upon certain old testament saints at specific times for specific purposes. Now in this age of grace we can enjoy His presence and power for sanctification and service at all times.
All this is made possible to us through Christ Jesus. The broken fellowship has been restored. We enjoy sonship as God's children. God is our God and we are His people. We have access to the throne of grace that was not available under the old covenant, we have new changed hearts, power to live a holy life. We worship in spirit and truth, enjoying intimacy with a God who was once unapproachable because of our sin.
Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Humility, Essential For the Presence of God.
For thus says the high and exalted One
Who lives forever, whose name is Holy,
I dwell on a high and holy place,
And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit
In order to revive the spirit of the lowly
And to revive the heart of the contrite.
Isaiah 57:15 NASB
God is present everywhere (Psalm 139:7-10), but He only dwells in two places. As the Holy God, He dwells in the high and holy place. He also desires to dwell with man, but cannot dwell where sin reigns. It is in the place of brokenness, the humble heart submitted to the Savior, where Christ desires to dwell.
Who lives forever, whose name is Holy,
I dwell on a high and holy place,
And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit
In order to revive the spirit of the lowly
And to revive the heart of the contrite.
Isaiah 57:15 NASB
God is present everywhere (Psalm 139:7-10), but He only dwells in two places. As the Holy God, He dwells in the high and holy place. He also desires to dwell with man, but cannot dwell where sin reigns. It is in the place of brokenness, the humble heart submitted to the Savior, where Christ desires to dwell.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
No Rights.
In society today, people cling tightly to their rights. We claim rights to property, possessions, feelings, and countless other rights. Just let someone infringe upon our rights and we get fired up, bent out of shape, and go to work protecting our right to whatever it is that is being threatened. This is especially true as Americans. Our country is founded upon the idea that we have certain rights that are guaranteed us, and laws are in place to protect those rights.
It is the same within the Church as well. The vast majority of people calling themselves Christians hold to what they feel are their rights. Once again, this is a product of the culture that we live in, a society founded upon the idea that we have rights guaranteed us.
However, this is not how the Kingdom of God works! As Disciples of Christ we are called to give up our rights! This is what Jesus means when He speaks of losing our lives for His sake (Mark 8:35). We are called to renounce, give up our right to all of our possessions (Luke 14:33). It will cost you everything to gain Christ (Philippians 3:8). All of your plans, hopes, and dreams, all of your money and finances, all of your friends and family are no longer yours. You give up your right to anger and bitterness. You give up your right to live and do as you please. You are no longer your own, you must relenquish the right to your very self (1 Corinthians 6:19).
We are so deceived. Many so called Christians today are living for themselves, clinging to their rights, standing up for things that do not really matter, pursuing things that have no value in the eyes of eternity. Jesus is looking for those who will deny themseves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24-25). He is looking for those who will get up on that cross and die to themselves, so that He can live through them (Galatians 2:20). Nothing less than this can be called true Christianity.
It is the same within the Church as well. The vast majority of people calling themselves Christians hold to what they feel are their rights. Once again, this is a product of the culture that we live in, a society founded upon the idea that we have rights guaranteed us.
However, this is not how the Kingdom of God works! As Disciples of Christ we are called to give up our rights! This is what Jesus means when He speaks of losing our lives for His sake (Mark 8:35). We are called to renounce, give up our right to all of our possessions (Luke 14:33). It will cost you everything to gain Christ (Philippians 3:8). All of your plans, hopes, and dreams, all of your money and finances, all of your friends and family are no longer yours. You give up your right to anger and bitterness. You give up your right to live and do as you please. You are no longer your own, you must relenquish the right to your very self (1 Corinthians 6:19).
We are so deceived. Many so called Christians today are living for themselves, clinging to their rights, standing up for things that do not really matter, pursuing things that have no value in the eyes of eternity. Jesus is looking for those who will deny themseves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24-25). He is looking for those who will get up on that cross and die to themselves, so that He can live through them (Galatians 2:20). Nothing less than this can be called true Christianity.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
An Interview With Leonard Ravenhill.
Here is a link to an interview with Leonard Ravenhill. It is convicting, as well as inspiring. We need to see revival as he describes it, once again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwtiw7UTj4o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwtiw7UTj4o
Monday, March 18, 2013
The Narrow Way.
Jesus makes a sobering statement in Mattthew 7:13,14
" Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."
Hear what Jesus is saying! The broad way to destruction is full of people! The narrow way to life is only found by a few!
We live in an age where salvation is "easy". Just say this prayer, come as you are, you do not need to give up anything, God loves you just as you are. People are looking for a Jesus who will give them a wonderful life. They want a Jesus who will make them happy without making them holy.
The Jesus of the Bible demands a total commitment of all we are. He demands we deny ourselves, and take up our cross, not just once but DAILY, as we follow Him. There is no coming into the kingdom without a thorough repentance. Repentance was the cry of John the Baptist, of Jesus, Paul, Peter. They did not say "Repeat this prayer after me, while every head is bowed, and every eye is closed" They called for repentance, a turning from sin and self, and by faith, surrendering to Christ as Lord.
There are few who make this commitment. Most want heaven, but have no real desire to live a life sold out to Christ, a life lived for His will, His glory, His kingdom. Most are content to look back at a moment when they said a prayer, exercised some faith, but never exchanged self for Christ. They were never truly regenerated, born again, and made into a new creation.
What road are you on? Are you satisfied to live a life of sin, never getting victory over temptation, never really changed from how you have always lived? You might have "accepted Christ" but where is the fruit? Or have you been transformed, truly set free, living for the will of God?
What road are you on?
" Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."
Hear what Jesus is saying! The broad way to destruction is full of people! The narrow way to life is only found by a few!
We live in an age where salvation is "easy". Just say this prayer, come as you are, you do not need to give up anything, God loves you just as you are. People are looking for a Jesus who will give them a wonderful life. They want a Jesus who will make them happy without making them holy.
The Jesus of the Bible demands a total commitment of all we are. He demands we deny ourselves, and take up our cross, not just once but DAILY, as we follow Him. There is no coming into the kingdom without a thorough repentance. Repentance was the cry of John the Baptist, of Jesus, Paul, Peter. They did not say "Repeat this prayer after me, while every head is bowed, and every eye is closed" They called for repentance, a turning from sin and self, and by faith, surrendering to Christ as Lord.
There are few who make this commitment. Most want heaven, but have no real desire to live a life sold out to Christ, a life lived for His will, His glory, His kingdom. Most are content to look back at a moment when they said a prayer, exercised some faith, but never exchanged self for Christ. They were never truly regenerated, born again, and made into a new creation.
What road are you on? Are you satisfied to live a life of sin, never getting victory over temptation, never really changed from how you have always lived? You might have "accepted Christ" but where is the fruit? Or have you been transformed, truly set free, living for the will of God?
What road are you on?
Saturday, March 9, 2013
God, the Source of Revival.
Drip down, O heavens, from
above,
and let the clouds pour
down righteousness;
Let the earth open up and
salvation bear fruit,
And righteousness spring up
with it.
I, the LORD, have created it.
Isaiah 45:8 NASB
above,
and let the clouds pour
down righteousness;
Let the earth open up and
salvation bear fruit,
And righteousness spring up
with it.
I, the LORD, have created it.
Isaiah 45:8 NASB
Sunday, November 11, 2012
A New Thing.
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.
Isaiah 43:18-21 ESV
There are Christians today who hunger for the presence of God. They are grieved over the shallowness of a lukewarm church. They desire to see the unsaved set free from the power of sin. They are discouraged by the lack of power in prayer and witness. It is the same old story over and over. A lot of activity with no true results.
Take hope discouraged Christian! Dwell no longer in the failures of the past. Look foward to the author and perfector of your faith. Like the Apostle Paul, look not at what is seen, but focus on what is unseen. With eyes of faith, expect God to do the unexpected. The things that the church has long ago stopped believing God for, He is about to accomplish. We have forgotten the power that the early church walked in as they fearlessly proclaimed the One who is mighty to save. God is about to do a new thing in this day, not a new thing, but a return to the power and purity that burned in the hearts of those set apart to Him. Awake O sleeper, and come to life, for the light of the Lord is about to dawn on you.
Isaiah 43:18-21 ESV
There are Christians today who hunger for the presence of God. They are grieved over the shallowness of a lukewarm church. They desire to see the unsaved set free from the power of sin. They are discouraged by the lack of power in prayer and witness. It is the same old story over and over. A lot of activity with no true results.
Take hope discouraged Christian! Dwell no longer in the failures of the past. Look foward to the author and perfector of your faith. Like the Apostle Paul, look not at what is seen, but focus on what is unseen. With eyes of faith, expect God to do the unexpected. The things that the church has long ago stopped believing God for, He is about to accomplish. We have forgotten the power that the early church walked in as they fearlessly proclaimed the One who is mighty to save. God is about to do a new thing in this day, not a new thing, but a return to the power and purity that burned in the hearts of those set apart to Him. Awake O sleeper, and come to life, for the light of the Lord is about to dawn on you.
Friday, April 6, 2012
The depth of sin.
He who would know holiness must understand sin: and he who would see sin as God sees it, and think of it as God does, must look at the cross and grave of the Son of God, and must know the meaning of Gethsemane and Golgotha.
Horatius Bonar (2010-04-14). God's Way of Holiness (Kindle Locations 203-205). Unknown. Kindle Edition.
Sin is no small matter. Sin is not merely a mistake, or something that cannot be helped. It cannot be excused by "I was born that way", or worse yet, "God made me that way, and God don't make junk".
The mind set on the flesh, is hostile to God. It does not submit to Him or His ways (Romans 8:5-8). The sin nature is in actuality, rebellion against God.
The cross demonstrates God's love for a sinning world. It also shows us the ugliness of sin, the depth of man's depravity. It shows us that a holy and just God cannot tolerate sin. Jesus suffered and died that we may truly live. We are called to holiness, pure hearts and clean hands!
Horatius Bonar (2010-04-14). God's Way of Holiness (Kindle Locations 203-205). Unknown. Kindle Edition.
Sin is no small matter. Sin is not merely a mistake, or something that cannot be helped. It cannot be excused by "I was born that way", or worse yet, "God made me that way, and God don't make junk".
The mind set on the flesh, is hostile to God. It does not submit to Him or His ways (Romans 8:5-8). The sin nature is in actuality, rebellion against God.
The cross demonstrates God's love for a sinning world. It also shows us the ugliness of sin, the depth of man's depravity. It shows us that a holy and just God cannot tolerate sin. Jesus suffered and died that we may truly live. We are called to holiness, pure hearts and clean hands!
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