The Example of Sodom.

      Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire (Jude 1:7 KJV).

     We read in the Bible that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for their extreme wickedness. This is God's view of the inhabitants of these wicked cities.

     But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly (Genesis 13:13 KJV).

     As the above text states, these cities are set forth as an example to us, a warning, lest we too fall into the gross, sinful lifestyle, that marked the inhabitants of these cities. Their destruction is a warning to future generations, that God detests sin, and will bring judgment upon those who persist in sinning. This is something that we do not like to mention now days, but it would serve us well to realize that Jude's warning comes to us in this age of grace that we now live in. The Apostle Paul is in agreement with this as well. The Old Testament failings of Israel, and the ensuing judgment that overtook them, were written down as examples to us, New Testament believers, so that we would not fall into the same lustful actions, idolatrous worship, and immorality, as they did (1 Corinthians 10:1-11).
     It is important that we take a look at Sodom and Gomorrah, so that we may see what sin they were guilty of. There are several passages of scripture that shed light on this important subject.

     Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
     And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good (Ezekiel 16:49-50 KJV).

     Here we have a list of sins that are very grievous to God (Genesis 17:20).
     1. Pride
     2. Over Abundance (luxury)
     3. Idleness
     4. Selfishness

     This could just as easily describe the conditions in America today, both inside the "professing" Church, and outside of it.
     Anyone who takes an honest look at the moral conditions that run rampant today, must agree that in our foolish pride, we have cast off all moral restraint. The authority of God has been rejected. Man has explained away the scriptures, and has determined that he, himself, will define morality. Cultural relevance is now the new standard, as the word of God has been determined to be outdated, and irrelevant. Man in his pride has taken the throne that rightfully belongs to God. We live in a society, where it is all about me, and everyone is doing that which seems right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6; Proverbs 12:15).
     Look at the vast abundance of food available in this land. Having an abundant supply of food in and of itself is not sin. But once again, take an honest look around you. Look at the huge amount of "fast food," "junk food," soft drinks, and so forth, that are consumed in this country. It is no wonder that we see so many people suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. All you can eat buffets are very popular, even with the "after church crowd", but when is the last time you have heard a really great sermon on gluttony?
     Paul taught "moderation". He would not be held in bondage to food or any other thing (1 Corinthians 6:12). We are to do all for the glory of God, even our eating and drinking (1 Corinthians 10:31), but are we really doing this? I fear that there are many who are enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things (Philippians 3:18-19 KJV).
     Pride and over abundance go hand in hand. Just like the Laodiceans, we believe that we are rich, and have increased in goods, and have need of nothing. Yet we are poor, wretched, miserable, and blind (Revelation 3:17). We might have an abundance of material things, but sadly, many in this nation are spiritually emaciated.
     We have an unprecedented abundance of idle time as well. Gone are the days when our children grew up with "chores", when they did small tasks at home for an allowance. These things were intended to teach responsibility, and to instill a good work ethic in our children. We have now seen several generations of young people grow up with video games, movies, social media, and a host of other technologies that have fostered laziness, and a craving to be "entertained".  I imagine that countless hours have been spent by millions of people in front of television sets. I can remember when you used to have to get up to change the channel. Now one can mindlessly click through a hundred channels, with a remote, and are still bored with the selection that is out there. We are living in a culture that has to be entertained to be happy. What entertained a previous generation is no longer good enough, so we seek something that is more extreme, something a bit more exciting. That is the problem with idleness. Nothing satisfies us in our pursuit of fun and pleasure.
     Sadly, the professing Church is filled with individuals with too much time on their hands as well. I recently listened to a "Christian" radio program that attempted to encourage parents who were seeking "godly" alternatives to the violent video games that their youth were playing. They interviewed a youth pastor who loved playing games, and who suggested several games that were not so violent, or worldly. What if youth pastors got rid of the X Box, and got on their knees instead? Not only are people growing up pampered with no work ethic, but they are also growing up with no knowledge of the word of God, and with no real prayer life. In all of our idleness, will no one take the time to seek God? Our abundance, and our idleness speak volumes about what we are truly living for.

     And I will say to my soul, "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat drink, and be merry."
                                           Luke 12:19 KJV

     In their selfishness, the inhabitants of Sodom had no regard for the needy among them. We have many programs aimed at meeting the needs of the needy, and no doubt there are many who have been helped in times of need. There are also many generous people who have done much to alleviate the sufferings of the less fortunate. However, for every "Good Samaritan" out there, there are many more individuals who just don't care. They live to themselves, content to meet their own needs, and should they see someone in need, they, like the priest and Levite, pass on by (Luke 10:31-32). How many professing believers pass by the "cripple at the gate beautiful"  (Acts 3:2), on their way to the temple (Church), but never stop to give aid?
     One vital proof of our Love for God, is our love for the brethren. If we see a need that we have the means to meet, but close our heart to our brother, how can we say that we love God (1 John 3:16-18). Look at the standard of judgment according to the words of Jesus. It is based upon feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned.  (Matthew 25:31-46). We may find it easy to love some people in this way, but we do not have the option to pick and choose, as Christ calls us to love even those we may see as insignificant. Some may reject this as "works," but since these are the words of Christ, we do well to take them seriously. The fact is, our actions are the proof of who we really are. If we are following Jesus, we will love others.
     We have discussed the pride and selfish lifestyles that the people of Sodom indulged in, but they are even better known for their sexual perversion. This is what Adam Clarke has to say about Ezekiel 16:49, in his commentary.

     If we are to take this place literally, Sodom was guilty of other crimes beside that for which she appears to have been especially punished; in addition to her unnatural crime, she is charged with pride, luxury, idleness, and uncharitableness; and these were sufficient to sink any city to the bottomless pit.
     (Clarke's Commentary vol 4 pp 464, 465 Abingdon press)

     Let's take a look now at some other passages of scripture that deal with Sodom's sexual sin. In Genesis we read that two angels came to the city, and Lot received them into his home, where he offered them a meal, and a place to stay for the night (Genesis 19:1-3). Read what happened next.

     But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:
     And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came into thee this night? bring them out unto us that we may know them.
     And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,
     And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
     Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them what is good in your eyes: only to these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
                                    Genesis 19:4-8 KJV

     The men of this city were homosexuals. They came to Lot seeking to have relations with his visitors. It does not speak very well of Lot either, that he offers them his daughters instead. You see, this city was given over to sexual perversion. We are told that the righteous soul of Lot was extremely vexed at all of their unlawful deeds (2 Peter 2:2-7-8). Yet we see by his offer of his daughters to these men, that some of it appears to have rubbed off on him as well.
     Jude tells us that these cities had given themselves over to sexual immorality, and homosexuality (Jude 1:7). This was the low that they in their pride and selfish ambition, had sunk to. They now pursued perverted gratification, among all of their other sins.
     Sexual preference is not something that can be explained by the psychologists. It is not the way we were born. God did not create us that way. There is no "gay gene". It flows from the very depths of depravity. It is the result of being given over to our own lusts, sinking deeper and deeper into sin; doing wicked things that at one time we would have cringed at the very thought of.
     Read Romans 1:18-32. This is the process of man rejecting God, and as a consequence, God gives them up to their own passions.  We are told that men change the glory of God into an image, an idol. They change the truth of God into a lie, and worship the creature more than the creator (Romans 1:23, 25). Here is the sad result.

     Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.
                                  Romans 1:24 KJV

     For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
     And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one for another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
     And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.
                                    Romans 1:26-28 KJV

     This is the result of idolatry. When we reject the revelation of God, which each one of us has received (Romans 1:19-20), we are left to ourselves. As the above verses explained, we are given up, by God, to our vile affections and lusts. A careful study of the bible will show you that wherever idolatry existed, sexual immorality was also present.
     Read the rest of the chapter. Sexual sin is not the only sin listed. Wicked behavior of every kind is listed here, all the result of man's attempt to live apart from the rule of God in his life.
     I do not write this with a judgmental attitude. I can see the direction we are heading as a nation, and I fear we are swiftly filling up the measure of our sin. King Josiah, upon reading the book of the law, recognized the danger that his nation was in, as a result of years of gross sin, and greatly feared the wrath of God (2 Chronicles 34:21). We need revival in this land. We are promised that if we as the Church (My people), would humble ourselves and pray, seek the face of God, and turn from our wicked ways, God would hear us from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). We should be grieved in our hearts, as we see much of the professing Church fall away from biblical faith and standards. It is time to consecrate a fast, to call for a solemn assembly, and to seek God (Joel 1:14, 2:12-17).
     When we read of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, we also see that God is able to deliver the godly out of temptations (2 Peter 2:6-9). It seemed that Lot stubbornly "dug in his heels" as the angels urged him to flee, but he was delivered none the less. My desire is to see godly men and women gathering together in prayer to God, on behalf of a lukewarm Church, and a sinful nation. In the days of Josiah, God sent revival into the midst of a nation steeped in idolatry. Their sin included the sacrificing of their children, not unlike the sin of abortion that defiles our nation today. We need that same revival today, where God comes in power, and sets this nation free from the grip of sin that binds it. We need to see individuals crying out in repentance, putting away their idols, forsaking their sin, and embracing Christ. It begins with us. If we do nothing, what will become of us? 
     We need our hearts broken. When Ezra heard the report that the returned exiles from the Babylonian captivity were once again intermingling with the nations around them, he was gripped with fear, and great grief. He feared that they would once again face God's righteous judgment, and his heart broke over the nation's sin. He tore his clothing, and ripped out his hair and beard; not as an external act, but as a result of his deep anguish (Ezra 9:1-15). He stood in the gap for his people, and God sent revival. As he prayed, the people came weeping over their sin, with deep repentance (Ezra 10:1-4).
      It grieves my heart deeply, to see the capitulation of multitudes of so called "Christians" to the immoral onslaught that we are facing as a Church, and nation in these days. Thousands of professed believers, in the name of "love" are accepting, tolerating, and promoting that which is wicked in God's eyes. They have no tolerance however, for an individual who stands for righteousness; who refuses to conform to this world; who instead exposes sin, in love, to the end that people might repent and be saved. But this is what is needed in this hour; Spirit empowered individuals who will stand up with a holy fear, and proclaim the truth, to a lost and dying world.
     The Bible is filled with examples of individuals who were brokenhearted over their nation's sin. We read their humble, earnest, and tearful prayers of confession and repentance. We see the results as God brings about revival, and healing to the land. All of this is good, but profits us nothing if we will not avail ourselves of His great mercy. God is looking for those who will stand in the gap for a backslidden church. He is looking for an individual who trembles at His word, and mourns over the sin that is destroying our nation today. 
     We have the example of Sodom as a warning that God hates sin, and will judge it. We also have the examples of godly men who wept and sought the Lord. What will it take to break our hearts? What will bring us to the point of weeping? What will bring us to our knees, pleading with God, confessing our sin, and the sin of this nation? 
     Only in repentance, and turning back to God, can we be saved.
     
     
     
     
  

    
    

    

    

    
    
    

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.

Do This And You Will Live.

     On one occasion a lawyer, desiring to put Jesus to the test, Asked Him, what he must do to inherit eternal life. (Luke 10:25-37).
     Jesus answered him with the question, "What is written in the law? How does it read to you?"
     The lawyer replied back, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."
     Listen to the answer that Jesus gives this man. It may surprise you. "You have answered correctly; do this and you will live."
     Understand very carefully what Jesus is saying here. He is not preaching a works based salvation. We cannot take what He is saying here, and claim that it is not applicable to us today because we are not under law, but under grace.
      Read through the epistles and you will find numerous passages exhorting us to live with a selfless love. We are to put others first, look out for the needs of others, be at peace with others, love deeply from the heart, do no wrong to our neighbor, be careful not to stumble a brother weak in the faith, forgive, and so forth.
     John tells us that if we shut up our hearts against a needy brother, the love of God is not in us. He also equates hatred with murder and reminds us that no murderer has eternal life (1 John 3:15-18). This is grace. It is found in the new covenant. 
     Consider faith. If we believe in Christ, that He is the Son of God, that He is alive, and is Lord, we will follow Him in obedience to His commands. If we see that He walked in love, and calls us to walk in love, we will love as He did. That is how faith works out in the lives of those who truly possess it.
     Consider the new birth. Through the new birth, we become new persons through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. We were once selfish and uncaring. A truly born again person has been recreated, by God, to be compassionate, to love others. If we are hard hearted, selfish individuals, we have need of the new birth.
     Consider the fact that the Spirit of Christ dwells in the believer. How can one who has Christ living in them refuse to show compassion. While on this earth, Jesus loved others to the uttermost. If He is living within us, we cannot help but love in the same way that He did.
     Look at what Jesus has to say about the Judgment.

     "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.
     "And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;
     "and He will put the sheep on His right , and the goats on the left.
     "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
     'For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;
     naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'
     "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?
     'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?
     'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to you?
     "The king will answer and say to them 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even to the least of them, you did it to Me.'
     "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;
     for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink;
     I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.'
     "Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?'
     "Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
     "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
                           Matthew 25:31-46 NASB

     Once again, Jesus is not telling us to go out and try to do as many good deeds as we can, so we can go to heaven. That itself would be selfishness. Any deed done for ourselves, no matter how good it may appear to others, is still a deed only done for ourselves. Love is not self seeking, it looks out for the best interests of others, with no regard for self. 
     Jesus calls selfish sinners to be reborn into a new, Spirit led life of love. He desires to live His life through us. We are now His hands and feet upon this earth. The things that He did while on this earth, are the things that He has called us to do as His disciples. This is what normal Christianity is supposed to look like. 
     Jesus teaches us that anybody we come upon with a need, is our neighbor. It does not matter who that person is. We have an obligation to do what we can, by His grace, to help that person. To reject this, is to reject Him.
     
     
     

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.
    
    

    

    

The Nations in an Uproar.

     Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing?
     The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
     "Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!"
     He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying,
      "But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain."
      "I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me and I will surely give the nations as your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
      'You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.' "
     Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!
                                Psalm 2:1-12 NASB

     Nations and rulers have indeed cast off godly restraint in these turbulent times. We see the literal fulfillment of these verses unfolding before our eyes. Unregenerate man is indeed raging against God, and imagining a vain thing in that they set themselves up as their own god.
     It will not always be this way however. The day is soon coming when Jesus Christ will reign over this earth with an iron rod. The nations and rulers who once raged will not rage again. Those who cast off restraint now, will face the wrath of almighty God. When He comes to rule, He will rule in righteousness and justice. He will not tolerate the rebellion we now see running rampant throughout this world.
     We are given a sobering bit of wisdom in the close of this Psalm. In light of the coming kingdom of Christ, we are to use discernment. Now is the time to reverence God, to submit to Him and His rule in our lives. We are promised a blessing for those who take refuge in Christ.
     One day every knee will bow before the Lord Jesus Christ, and confess that He is indeed Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11). Sadly, there will be many who will bow too late. They will regrettably confess that Jesus is Lord too late. Instead of confessing Him now in submission to Him and His ways, they will have to admit that they were wrong in this life, they were wrong in their rejection of His Lordship over their lives.
      We need to wake up and seek God for a mighty outpouring of His spirit in this day we live in. As we see wickedness waxing more and more, we need to cry out to Him for revival to shake our land once again. Our cities and countries need a Spirit of grace and supplication poured out upon them (Zech 12:10). We need Holy Ghost inspired repentance to bring us back to our place in Christ. We need revival, before it is too late.
    

    
  

Grieving the Spirit.

     Many people live devoid of the Spirit's power in their lives. They wonder why their prayer lives seem dull and listless. Others seem to have no victory in their lives. They struggle with besetting sins. We wonder that there is no convicting power in our preaching and witnessing.
     The word of God tells us to be filled with the Spirit continually (Ephesians 5:18). This is the source of the Christian's power. Many Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit, and experience His power and presence in their lives, only to find out at some point that they are empty, powerless.
     We are warned against grieving The Spirit of God in Ephesians 4:30-32 (NASB).

     Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
     Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

     You can see that it is our anger, our wrath, bitterness, unforgiveness, etc, that grieves the Holy Spirit, and causes us to lose His power and presence in our lives. Our fellowship with God through His Spirit in us, can be broken by our lack of love for our fellow human beings.
     When we explode in anger we grieve the Spirit. When we slander someone we grieve Him. To be bitter, to refuse to forgive, to be argumentative, will grieve the Holy Spirit, and shut off the flow of His power in our lives.
     What do we do to get back His presence and power in our lives? REPENT! confess it to God, and go back to the one you have offended, and make it right. Jesus tells us to first be reconciled to our brother, then offer our gift on the altar (Matt 5:23-25). What good is it to tell God we are sorry, but never apologize to one we have hurt with our anger or by slandering their name. We must make it right if we would desire to open up the flow of the Spirit's life and power once again.
     Jesus tells us to forgive in the same way He forgives us. He tells us that when we stand praying, we are to forgive others (Mark 11:24-26). Our prayers will be hindered otherwise. In fact we can not be forgiven if we will not forgive. God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
     You see it is all about love. We are to love our fellow man as Christ has loved us. Our relationship with Christ hinges upon our love for Him, and each other. We cannot say we love Him if we hate our brother (1 John 4:20). It is all bound together.
     In Colossians we read that love is the bond of unity among Christian brethren. We are to be kind, compassionate, forgiving, humble, gentle, and patient (Col 3:12-14). This is what the Holy spirit works to accomplish within the body of Christ. He strives to bring about unity, in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). When we let our anger get the best of us, or allow bitterness to spring up and fester, we find ourselves fighting the Holy Spirit's work in us. Anything that we would do that selfishly hurts another believer chips away at the unity that God desires among brethren. There is a serious warning for those who would destroy the temple of the Holy Spirit by causing strife (1 Cor 3:16-18).
     We have a high and holy calling as followers of Christ. Let us love one another as Christ has loved us. This is how the world will know that we are Christians, by our love (John 17: 22-23).

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.