A subject came up today about what keeps us from receiving more than we do from God? This subject also came up recently with my wife and the Lord allowed me to share with her something that could not have come from my knowledge previously because I had so many distractions.
We are living in world that keeps us too clogged up with things that do not enable us to communicate with God or receive wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discernment from Him. The word ”constipation” comes to mind.
I would like to list a few things that will help us understand how we allow the things of this world to dominate our lives.
Bondages: Addictions, pride, critical spirit, judgmental spirit, coveting, lustfulness, hoarding, taking offense, fear, depression, and worry to name a few.
Let’s take offenses as an example. What people say to us or about us can be very offensive to us. We can take the smallest offense and turn it into a mountain rendering us helpless for days because we mill it over and over in our mind. Do you really think there is time for the Lord under these circumstances?
Time consumers: Work, family functions, sports, TV, any form of entertainment, magazines (People, Oprah, Teen), and especially video games.
I recently allowed my grandson to play video games without restraint. He played for eight straight hours. We have to ask ourselves how can these distractions allow us to develop a relationship with God? How do any of the things listed bring glory to God?
How can we possibly hear from the Lord if we don’t have time for the Lord. We refuse to give up these distractions or change our ways. These distractions have become our gods because we have put our trust in these instead of God. Have we fallen away from God? The Scripture below refers to massive rebellion against God and His authority. Is the world of believers in rebellion?
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (New King James Version)
Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
Getting back to the point I was originally trying to make in the first paragraph. When we eliminate all these distractions we open ourselves to lead by the Holy Spirit. When we fully surrender to God, we receive God’s wisdom, knowledge, understanding and discernment enabling us to live a righteous life. Without the distractions we can discern without a doubt what is right and what is wrong. We learn not to compromise what God says in His Word. We learn to apply what God says in His Word to our lives. All this can be available to us and along with it a special relationship with God.
We can’t have all that God has promised us because we have too much crude in our minds and lives. We need to do as it says in 2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Examine yourself 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. and go before the throne of God and ask Him to forgive you.
Ask God to help you eliminate your distraction issues to enable you to become closer with Him and to hear His voice. Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Come to Him. He is waiting to comfort you.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
You Have Nothing Without God
So the whole world will see,
I have nothing……I have nothing.
I have NOTHING without You God.
You are more than enough.
I need nothing else.
As I was looking at my notes in church today, I thought I would share what has come to my mind in recent past and also notes from others that I have jotted down. Once I put this together I thought I needed to find Scripture to align with each note. I learned that everything you say in the name of Jesus has to be substantiated in the Bible.
Read God’s Word to know His Word so that you are able to interpret His Word for yourself and others. Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Understand that when you leave the Bible for any other doctrine, especially the doctrine of man, you have left God. Mathew 15:9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
My past is not going to control my future. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
My sins have been paid. There is no condemnation. 1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit
Open your eyes so that you can truly see the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. Revelation 19:11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war
If we have the heart of Jesus, we want to forgive them. Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
Just as Jesus suffered, we will suffer as well until His coming. 1 Peter 2:21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
We are believers, but unbelieving because we do not apply to our lives what God says in His Word. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Understand this: You can play charades all your life as people try to guess who you are. But in the end you will pay the price at the judgment seat. We need to change our ways and show God we are His children. Folks, the end of the age is drawing near. You don’t want to hope that you will get into the Kingdom. You want to be confident that your place in heaven is secure
Blessings,
Tony
I have nothing……I have nothing.
I have NOTHING without You God.
You are more than enough.
I need nothing else.
As I was looking at my notes in church today, I thought I would share what has come to my mind in recent past and also notes from others that I have jotted down. Once I put this together I thought I needed to find Scripture to align with each note. I learned that everything you say in the name of Jesus has to be substantiated in the Bible.
Read God’s Word to know His Word so that you are able to interpret His Word for yourself and others. Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Understand that when you leave the Bible for any other doctrine, especially the doctrine of man, you have left God. Mathew 15:9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
My past is not going to control my future. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
My sins have been paid. There is no condemnation. 1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit
Open your eyes so that you can truly see the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. Revelation 19:11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war
If we have the heart of Jesus, we want to forgive them. Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
Just as Jesus suffered, we will suffer as well until His coming. 1 Peter 2:21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
We are believers, but unbelieving because we do not apply to our lives what God says in His Word. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Understand this: You can play charades all your life as people try to guess who you are. But in the end you will pay the price at the judgment seat. We need to change our ways and show God we are His children. Folks, the end of the age is drawing near. You don’t want to hope that you will get into the Kingdom. You want to be confident that your place in heaven is secure
Blessings,
Tony
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
What We Need To Know And Be Teaching
We know that the Bible, the Word of God that was God-breathed and has survived intact for thousands of years, speaks to all aspects of life and human experience. Its words must not be privately interpreted or "watered down" to suit the agendas of man. We feel the Truth of the Word is mighty and should be the only answer to Christian life. All teachings lean heavily on the scriptures and should reflect the Word of God on every subject addressed and NOT the opinions of men.
It is high time to hold the line drawn by God WITHOUT apology to sinners, WITHOUT hesitation, WITHOUT doubt and WITHOUT a longing to look back at our sinful ways! There is too much compromise with the world by sinful Christians or professing Christians. The waters are being muddied not by the clear and plain teaching of the Word of God, but, by weak Christians who are teaching others while they themselves are ignorant of the Word of God and religious leaders who need to go back to the milk of the Bible and learn the very first things of the Gospel. Far too many well-known church leaders are misrepresenting the Truth of the Gospel by substituting the salt of the Word with the sinful ways of man's compromise with sin. "All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God." All who will be saved must be offended by the Word of God and convicted of their sins by the Holy Law of God. Without conviction of the Holy Spirit, repentance and rejection of sin, no one can be saved from Hell!
The Great Commission as Jesus instructed his disciples in Mathew 28:18-19 and Mark 16:15-18
The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Holy Bible. First, it's the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples. Second, it's a special calling from Jesus Christ to all His followers to take specific action while on this earth.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20).
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they[a] will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:15-18)
In the Great Commission, Jesus calls every Christian to step out in faith and spread the Good News. In addition, Jesus instructs his disciples to cast out demons, speak in tongues (prayer language to Our Father), and heal people as He did. Jesus’ instructions to the disciples were not an option. This instruction applies to all of us who are the disciples of this age
This is faith in action! People who obey The Great Commission change their spiritual lives forever! Wherever we go, every faithful Christian is compelled through obedience to share the Gospel and to do what Jesus and His disciples did.
Teaching how to operate in the Spirit.
A primary role of the Holy Spirit is that He bears "witness" of Jesus Christ (John 15:26, 16:14). He tells people's hearts about the truth of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also acts as a Christian's teacher (1Cor. 2:9-14). He reveals God's will and God's truth to a Christian. Jesus told His disciples…………
"The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (John 14:26)
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13)
The Holy Spirit was given to live inside those who believe in Jesus, in order to produce God's character in the life of a believer. In a way that we cannot do on our own, the Holy Spirit will build into our lives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). Rather than trying to be loving, patient, kind, God asks us to rely on Him to produce these qualities in our lives. Thus, Christians are told to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:25) and be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). And the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to perform ministerial duties that promote spiritual growth among Christians (Rom. 12; 1Cor. 12; Eph. 4).
We must rely on rely on the Holy Spirit in everything that we do. We should ask God for direction for every decision that we make and not rely on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:56)
Understanding spiritual warfare and teaching what authority we have in the name of Jesus.
'Spiritual warfare' is the struggle to have life in this material world reflect as much as possible God's loving governance. It is a 'war' because there are forces working vigorously to thwart what God is doing. God is in charge, but there is an enemy that is in full-scale revolt, and it has powerful influence all around. As with the unseen God, the forces behind the revolt are unseen, non-physical, and supernatural. The struggle against the Devil and all his empty promises is at its heart a 'second Person' matter, a work of Christ Himself. The Holy Spirit leads us in our part of the struggle.
The Scriptures speak of spiritual warfare in several places, but most directly by Paul in Ephesians 6, where he speaks of the full armor of God. Most pointed is verse 12 : "For we struggle not against flesh and blood, but against the kingdoms, against the powers, against the world leaders of this darkness, against spiritual wickedness in the high places".
The Devil has already lost. But the Devil is trying to take as many with him as he can. The good news is we have authority.
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19. We have to stand against the enemy to take back what he has taken from us.
Obeying His commandments
When a young man came to Him asking the way to eternal life, Jesus said: "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments" (Matthew 19:16–18). The young man asked, "Which?" Jesus answered: "‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery…’" and proceeded to list several of the Ten Commandments. Jesus Christ knew the way to salvation! He said that way was obedience to the law of God the Father and surrender to His will. Jesus declared: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).
Far from abolishing the Ten Commandments, Jesus obeyed them (John 15:10). Christ was the "light" that God sent into the world to show men how to live. After His death and resurrection, Christ sent the Apostles out with this command: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19–20).
The Apostles had been there when Christ told the young man: "Keep the commandments." They had heard Him magnify the commandments of God in what is called the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7).
The Apostles had witnessed the obedience of Christ to the Ten Commandments, and knew that His was the perfect example. Therefore, when Jesus Christ sent them out to every nation with the order to teach them all things He had commanded them, there could be no possible doubt in their minds but that this included the Ten Commandments of God.
Obedience to the Ten Commandments, then, was the very basis of the teaching of Christ and of His original Apostles. But what about the "new" commandments of Jesus? Did they not alter or abolish the necessity for literally keeping the Ten Commandments that were revealed in the Old Testament?
Actually, in spite of what many think, there is only one place in all the Bible where Jesus said He was giving a "new" commandment. The other references—by the Apostle John—are to the exact same principles, as we shall see.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34–35).
Jesus gave this "new" commandment during the last night of His physical life on earth. He had—by teaching and example—already shown the disciples that keeping God’s commandments was simply an expression of love.
We show real love toward God when we truly worship and obey, allowing no other "gods," idols, pictures or anything else to come in His place, and always honoring His name and keeping holy His seventh-day Sabbath—which He made holy, and which Jesus and the Apostles always kept! And we show love to those around us when we zealously obey the last six commandments.
Christ had already summarized God’s law into the two great principles: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind… You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37, 39). What, then, was "new" about Jesus’ command to love our neighbors?
The answer is plain. The principle of loving our neighbors was not new, but Jesus’ magnification of that principle in His own perfect life shed a completely new light on the spiritual intent and depth of this commandment. Remember Jesus’ emphasis—"As I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
Jesus’ own perfect example of love and service was the greatest and most meaningful magnification of the love of neighbor as commanded by God. In His life, He demonstrated how that love actually functions in day-to-day life.
How to truly repent.
Repentance is set forth as being universally required. We read: Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17: 30). It is either repent or perish (Luke 13: 3). God desires our repentance and is longsuffering in an effort to afford mankind the opportunity to repent and not perish (2 Pet. 3: 9).
Repentance is, biblically viewed in the setting of salvation, a change of mind or will that is produced by godly sorrow and the goodness of God that results in a change or reformation of life (2 Cor. 7: 10, Rom. 2: 4)
The word of God is the instrument that produces repentance. The reason why we should experience godly sorrow (having sorrow such as God has for sin) and the viewing of God's goodness are seen in the word of God (James. 1: 14-17; John. 3: 16). The word convicts us of our sins.
As we have seen in the complete definition of repentance, repentance involves a change of mind or will (Matt. 21: 29). God wants to influence and control our thinking for the better. (2 Cor. 10: 5)
When one repents, one experiences change regarding sin. They no longer love darkness and error but love light and truth (John. 3: 19-21). They are willing to surrender their will to God and thus view God differently (Heb. 12: 28). They realize their own sinfulness and cease being selfish (Rom. 3: 23; 2 Cor. 5: 15). They respect the word of God and desire to obey it (Acts 2: 37-42). Repentance produces change in how we view Satan, others, money, work, and life in general (I Pet. 5: 8; Matt. 7: 12; I Tim. 6: 10; Col. 3: 22, 23; I Pet. 3: 10, 11).
Repentance will also result in consequential changes today in a person's life. Repentance pervades every fiber of our being and soul and can truly transform us into a mindset that receives and loves the word of God and will obey it at all costs (I John 2:3; 5: 3). Repentance is not just an isolated act that is performed when one initially comes to God. Repentance is ongoing (2 Cor. 7: 8). Learning to identify sin and repenting of sin immediately throughout the day is key. If we don’t repent at the time of sinning, we forget and go to bed with sin that has not been confessed to God. As we learn to indentify sin we become convicted of that sin and learn not to repeat the same sin. In effect, causing us to be less sinful.
Repentance is a condition for salvation (For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death 2 Cor 7:10). The Kingdom of Heaven is available if we repent. (and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Matthew 3:2)
Preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ.
The whole Bible revolves around the coming of Jesus Christ. As Christians, our lives should revolve around His coming, too. Jesus came. He is coming through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit now. Jesus Christ will come again. Jesus will return in all glory to "transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:21). Then, "the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" (Romans 8:21).
Jesus Christ our Savior is coming soon and as believers we can’t just wait for His coming. We must prepare for His coming by obeying His commandments and repenting of our sins until His coming. As Christians, believers in and disciples of Jesus Christ, we all can reply in unison: "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).
It is high time to hold the line drawn by God WITHOUT apology to sinners, WITHOUT hesitation, WITHOUT doubt and WITHOUT a longing to look back at our sinful ways! There is too much compromise with the world by sinful Christians or professing Christians. The waters are being muddied not by the clear and plain teaching of the Word of God, but, by weak Christians who are teaching others while they themselves are ignorant of the Word of God and religious leaders who need to go back to the milk of the Bible and learn the very first things of the Gospel. Far too many well-known church leaders are misrepresenting the Truth of the Gospel by substituting the salt of the Word with the sinful ways of man's compromise with sin. "All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God." All who will be saved must be offended by the Word of God and convicted of their sins by the Holy Law of God. Without conviction of the Holy Spirit, repentance and rejection of sin, no one can be saved from Hell!
The Great Commission as Jesus instructed his disciples in Mathew 28:18-19 and Mark 16:15-18
The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Holy Bible. First, it's the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples. Second, it's a special calling from Jesus Christ to all His followers to take specific action while on this earth.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20).
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they[a] will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:15-18)
In the Great Commission, Jesus calls every Christian to step out in faith and spread the Good News. In addition, Jesus instructs his disciples to cast out demons, speak in tongues (prayer language to Our Father), and heal people as He did. Jesus’ instructions to the disciples were not an option. This instruction applies to all of us who are the disciples of this age
This is faith in action! People who obey The Great Commission change their spiritual lives forever! Wherever we go, every faithful Christian is compelled through obedience to share the Gospel and to do what Jesus and His disciples did.
Teaching how to operate in the Spirit.
A primary role of the Holy Spirit is that He bears "witness" of Jesus Christ (John 15:26, 16:14). He tells people's hearts about the truth of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also acts as a Christian's teacher (1Cor. 2:9-14). He reveals God's will and God's truth to a Christian. Jesus told His disciples…………
"The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (John 14:26)
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13)
The Holy Spirit was given to live inside those who believe in Jesus, in order to produce God's character in the life of a believer. In a way that we cannot do on our own, the Holy Spirit will build into our lives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). Rather than trying to be loving, patient, kind, God asks us to rely on Him to produce these qualities in our lives. Thus, Christians are told to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:25) and be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). And the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to perform ministerial duties that promote spiritual growth among Christians (Rom. 12; 1Cor. 12; Eph. 4).
We must rely on rely on the Holy Spirit in everything that we do. We should ask God for direction for every decision that we make and not rely on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:56)
Understanding spiritual warfare and teaching what authority we have in the name of Jesus.
'Spiritual warfare' is the struggle to have life in this material world reflect as much as possible God's loving governance. It is a 'war' because there are forces working vigorously to thwart what God is doing. God is in charge, but there is an enemy that is in full-scale revolt, and it has powerful influence all around. As with the unseen God, the forces behind the revolt are unseen, non-physical, and supernatural. The struggle against the Devil and all his empty promises is at its heart a 'second Person' matter, a work of Christ Himself. The Holy Spirit leads us in our part of the struggle.
The Scriptures speak of spiritual warfare in several places, but most directly by Paul in Ephesians 6, where he speaks of the full armor of God. Most pointed is verse 12 : "For we struggle not against flesh and blood, but against the kingdoms, against the powers, against the world leaders of this darkness, against spiritual wickedness in the high places".
The Devil has already lost. But the Devil is trying to take as many with him as he can. The good news is we have authority.
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19. We have to stand against the enemy to take back what he has taken from us.
Obeying His commandments
When a young man came to Him asking the way to eternal life, Jesus said: "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments" (Matthew 19:16–18). The young man asked, "Which?" Jesus answered: "‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery…’" and proceeded to list several of the Ten Commandments. Jesus Christ knew the way to salvation! He said that way was obedience to the law of God the Father and surrender to His will. Jesus declared: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).
Far from abolishing the Ten Commandments, Jesus obeyed them (John 15:10). Christ was the "light" that God sent into the world to show men how to live. After His death and resurrection, Christ sent the Apostles out with this command: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19–20).
The Apostles had been there when Christ told the young man: "Keep the commandments." They had heard Him magnify the commandments of God in what is called the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7).
The Apostles had witnessed the obedience of Christ to the Ten Commandments, and knew that His was the perfect example. Therefore, when Jesus Christ sent them out to every nation with the order to teach them all things He had commanded them, there could be no possible doubt in their minds but that this included the Ten Commandments of God.
Obedience to the Ten Commandments, then, was the very basis of the teaching of Christ and of His original Apostles. But what about the "new" commandments of Jesus? Did they not alter or abolish the necessity for literally keeping the Ten Commandments that were revealed in the Old Testament?
Actually, in spite of what many think, there is only one place in all the Bible where Jesus said He was giving a "new" commandment. The other references—by the Apostle John—are to the exact same principles, as we shall see.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34–35).
Jesus gave this "new" commandment during the last night of His physical life on earth. He had—by teaching and example—already shown the disciples that keeping God’s commandments was simply an expression of love.
We show real love toward God when we truly worship and obey, allowing no other "gods," idols, pictures or anything else to come in His place, and always honoring His name and keeping holy His seventh-day Sabbath—which He made holy, and which Jesus and the Apostles always kept! And we show love to those around us when we zealously obey the last six commandments.
Christ had already summarized God’s law into the two great principles: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind… You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37, 39). What, then, was "new" about Jesus’ command to love our neighbors?
The answer is plain. The principle of loving our neighbors was not new, but Jesus’ magnification of that principle in His own perfect life shed a completely new light on the spiritual intent and depth of this commandment. Remember Jesus’ emphasis—"As I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
Jesus’ own perfect example of love and service was the greatest and most meaningful magnification of the love of neighbor as commanded by God. In His life, He demonstrated how that love actually functions in day-to-day life.
How to truly repent.
Repentance is set forth as being universally required. We read: Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17: 30). It is either repent or perish (Luke 13: 3). God desires our repentance and is longsuffering in an effort to afford mankind the opportunity to repent and not perish (2 Pet. 3: 9).
Repentance is, biblically viewed in the setting of salvation, a change of mind or will that is produced by godly sorrow and the goodness of God that results in a change or reformation of life (2 Cor. 7: 10, Rom. 2: 4)
The word of God is the instrument that produces repentance. The reason why we should experience godly sorrow (having sorrow such as God has for sin) and the viewing of God's goodness are seen in the word of God (James. 1: 14-17; John. 3: 16). The word convicts us of our sins.
As we have seen in the complete definition of repentance, repentance involves a change of mind or will (Matt. 21: 29). God wants to influence and control our thinking for the better. (2 Cor. 10: 5)
When one repents, one experiences change regarding sin. They no longer love darkness and error but love light and truth (John. 3: 19-21). They are willing to surrender their will to God and thus view God differently (Heb. 12: 28). They realize their own sinfulness and cease being selfish (Rom. 3: 23; 2 Cor. 5: 15). They respect the word of God and desire to obey it (Acts 2: 37-42). Repentance produces change in how we view Satan, others, money, work, and life in general (I Pet. 5: 8; Matt. 7: 12; I Tim. 6: 10; Col. 3: 22, 23; I Pet. 3: 10, 11).
Repentance will also result in consequential changes today in a person's life. Repentance pervades every fiber of our being and soul and can truly transform us into a mindset that receives and loves the word of God and will obey it at all costs (I John 2:3; 5: 3). Repentance is not just an isolated act that is performed when one initially comes to God. Repentance is ongoing (2 Cor. 7: 8). Learning to identify sin and repenting of sin immediately throughout the day is key. If we don’t repent at the time of sinning, we forget and go to bed with sin that has not been confessed to God. As we learn to indentify sin we become convicted of that sin and learn not to repeat the same sin. In effect, causing us to be less sinful.
Repentance is a condition for salvation (For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death 2 Cor 7:10). The Kingdom of Heaven is available if we repent. (and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Matthew 3:2)
Preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ.
The whole Bible revolves around the coming of Jesus Christ. As Christians, our lives should revolve around His coming, too. Jesus came. He is coming through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit now. Jesus Christ will come again. Jesus will return in all glory to "transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:21). Then, "the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" (Romans 8:21).
Jesus Christ our Savior is coming soon and as believers we can’t just wait for His coming. We must prepare for His coming by obeying His commandments and repenting of our sins until His coming. As Christians, believers in and disciples of Jesus Christ, we all can reply in unison: "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Surrender So That We Can Obey
Greetings!
I have been praying and meditating about my place in this world and the world to come. I have been greatly grieved by where we all are in our spiritual walk. So many of us settling for less than what God has for us and what God wants us to do. Few of us have developed a serious relationship with God. We choose instead to develop a relationship with this world and we let this world dictate our lives instead of God.
I want to share with you on what the Lord conveyed to me. I was praying and pleading to God to lift me up to be a leader and warrior as we prepare for the coming of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God had one word for me. "OBEY!" I said to myself "what does that mean?" The answer shot out to me like a cannon. If I am to represent Jesus, I need to act like Jesus. So simple yet so difficult to grasp and apply to my life.
This was two weeks ago and I have since been in transition. Transforming my entire self to align with Jesus. Much repentance has been required as I get rid of the things that were my method of operation. It has been little less difficult than I thought as I've had God guiding me and reminding me of what I need to do along the way. I feel so much better about myself, but I have a long way to go to be able to be consistent and and not fall back into my old ways.
One week ago I read an article titled Full Surrender from Bibleknowledge.com. I understand what surrender is but this article really impacted me more than at any other time in my life. It was a confirmation on what I have to do to "OBEY" so that I can truly represent Jesus all the rest of my time in this world.
Genesis 22:18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
1 Peter 4:17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
From Genesis to 1 Peter there are 156 references to the word "Obey" in BibleGateway.com. It doesn't say to think about obeying or that we have an option to obey. God says to "obey!" It doesn't do any good to know the Bible inside and out or to be able to recite hundreds of verses if we don't obey what God says in His Word. Obeying is applying what God says in His Word to our lives.
Our instructions are given in Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ and Mark 12:30 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. If we love Him we will obey Him.
My prayer for us all is that we will show Jesus how much we love Him by surrendering our lives to Him so that we are able to obey His Word.
AMEN
I have been praying and meditating about my place in this world and the world to come. I have been greatly grieved by where we all are in our spiritual walk. So many of us settling for less than what God has for us and what God wants us to do. Few of us have developed a serious relationship with God. We choose instead to develop a relationship with this world and we let this world dictate our lives instead of God.
I want to share with you on what the Lord conveyed to me. I was praying and pleading to God to lift me up to be a leader and warrior as we prepare for the coming of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God had one word for me. "OBEY!" I said to myself "what does that mean?" The answer shot out to me like a cannon. If I am to represent Jesus, I need to act like Jesus. So simple yet so difficult to grasp and apply to my life.
This was two weeks ago and I have since been in transition. Transforming my entire self to align with Jesus. Much repentance has been required as I get rid of the things that were my method of operation. It has been little less difficult than I thought as I've had God guiding me and reminding me of what I need to do along the way. I feel so much better about myself, but I have a long way to go to be able to be consistent and and not fall back into my old ways.
One week ago I read an article titled Full Surrender from Bibleknowledge.com. I understand what surrender is but this article really impacted me more than at any other time in my life. It was a confirmation on what I have to do to "OBEY" so that I can truly represent Jesus all the rest of my time in this world.
Genesis 22:18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
1 Peter 4:17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
From Genesis to 1 Peter there are 156 references to the word "Obey" in BibleGateway.com. It doesn't say to think about obeying or that we have an option to obey. God says to "obey!" It doesn't do any good to know the Bible inside and out or to be able to recite hundreds of verses if we don't obey what God says in His Word. Obeying is applying what God says in His Word to our lives.
Our instructions are given in Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ and Mark 12:30 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. If we love Him we will obey Him.
My prayer for us all is that we will show Jesus how much we love Him by surrendering our lives to Him so that we are able to obey His Word.
AMEN
Thursday, July 29, 2010
"Origins of the Universe" by Jeffrey Fall
The debate has raged during the last century over the question of the origins of the universe. Has the universe always existed? If not, when did it come into existence—and how did it come into existence?
The answers to these questions have tremendous significance. If the universe has always existed, then the clear implication is that a designer or creator was not necessarily needed or involved. On the other hand, if there was a moment of time when the universe came into existence, logic alone would tell you that a creator was involved.
When one looks at a well-designed painting, for example, he inherently knows that it has not always existed. Scientifically, one could have the wood frame dated, as well as the pigments in the paint, and it would quickly become evident that there was a specific time when the painting was brought into existence. A painter must actually have sat down and painted the canvas.
In the last decade, the Hubble telescope, orbiting the earth, has brought dramatic new evidence that the universe has not always existed. Very clearly, the universe is rapidly moving apart and is constantly expanding. Most scientists now believe that the universe virtually exploded into existence some 14 or more billion years ago.
This evidence of the creation event, which some call the "big bang," is mounting year by year. There has been no past eternity of matter! This is also supported by the existence of radioactive elements that actually decay and decrease in mass. Radioactive materials have a known "half-life"—which means that within a known period of time, half of the radioactive element decays and disappears. If the universe has always existed, the radioactive elements would have decayed themselves totally out of existence.
Amazingly, even Albert Einstein (the most brilliant scientist of our time) laid the foundation of understanding that matter has not always existed, with his most famous "general theory of relativity." This well-accepted principle of physics was used to demonstrate mathematically that the universe had a beginning, and that all matter came into existence from outside the physical realm, outside the laws of physics.
In Hebrews 11:3 we read: "The worlds [the universe: all galaxies] were framed [made] by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen [the entire universe] were not made of things which are visible [matter]."
The Bible clearly states that the universe was not made from pre-existing matter. That fits precisely with the evidence in astronomy and physics. There was a moment in time when the universe burst into existence, before which there was no matter.
So if the universe was not made of pre-existing material or matter, how did it come into existence? Science cannot answer this, but God tells us exactly His method of creation in Jeremiah 10:12. "He has made the earth by His power." Here, God reveals to us the ultimate origin of the universe: God created the earth—and all the universe—from His power, or energy. Nuclear physicists have know for years that energy can theoretically be converted into mass and, conversely, that mass can be converted into energy. This is how the mass of a nuclear bomb is released into energy.
So in the creation event, or "big bang," the Creator God brought the universe into existence by his power or energy. This becomes the missing ingredient that explains what astrophysicists are observing in the universe.
There is one more crucial bit of amazing information about the creation and origin of the universe, which we can find in God’s word and which has recently been proven in astronomy and physics.
Isaiah 40:22: "It is He who sits above the circle of the earth...Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain." The tense of the Hebrew verb translated as "stretches" is present tense. In other words, the universe is still being stretched out by God. This fits precisely with what has been observed by the Hubble telescope: the universe is still rapidly expanding.
In the same verse, we read that God "spreads [the heavens] out like a tent to dwell in."
In this case, the tense of the verb translated as "spreads" is past tense. God’s Word indicates that in the original creation event, He stretched out the heavens (as described in the "Big Bang" theory). We are also told that the universe is still being stretched out in continuing expansion, as seen by the Hubble telescope.
This same information was revealed by the Creator God thousands of years ago in His word. Amazingly, science is finally catching up in understanding with the Bible concerning the origin of the universe.
Blessings to you all in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior
The answers to these questions have tremendous significance. If the universe has always existed, then the clear implication is that a designer or creator was not necessarily needed or involved. On the other hand, if there was a moment of time when the universe came into existence, logic alone would tell you that a creator was involved.
When one looks at a well-designed painting, for example, he inherently knows that it has not always existed. Scientifically, one could have the wood frame dated, as well as the pigments in the paint, and it would quickly become evident that there was a specific time when the painting was brought into existence. A painter must actually have sat down and painted the canvas.
In the last decade, the Hubble telescope, orbiting the earth, has brought dramatic new evidence that the universe has not always existed. Very clearly, the universe is rapidly moving apart and is constantly expanding. Most scientists now believe that the universe virtually exploded into existence some 14 or more billion years ago.
This evidence of the creation event, which some call the "big bang," is mounting year by year. There has been no past eternity of matter! This is also supported by the existence of radioactive elements that actually decay and decrease in mass. Radioactive materials have a known "half-life"—which means that within a known period of time, half of the radioactive element decays and disappears. If the universe has always existed, the radioactive elements would have decayed themselves totally out of existence.
Amazingly, even Albert Einstein (the most brilliant scientist of our time) laid the foundation of understanding that matter has not always existed, with his most famous "general theory of relativity." This well-accepted principle of physics was used to demonstrate mathematically that the universe had a beginning, and that all matter came into existence from outside the physical realm, outside the laws of physics.
In Hebrews 11:3 we read: "The worlds [the universe: all galaxies] were framed [made] by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen [the entire universe] were not made of things which are visible [matter]."
The Bible clearly states that the universe was not made from pre-existing matter. That fits precisely with the evidence in astronomy and physics. There was a moment in time when the universe burst into existence, before which there was no matter.
So if the universe was not made of pre-existing material or matter, how did it come into existence? Science cannot answer this, but God tells us exactly His method of creation in Jeremiah 10:12. "He has made the earth by His power." Here, God reveals to us the ultimate origin of the universe: God created the earth—and all the universe—from His power, or energy. Nuclear physicists have know for years that energy can theoretically be converted into mass and, conversely, that mass can be converted into energy. This is how the mass of a nuclear bomb is released into energy.
So in the creation event, or "big bang," the Creator God brought the universe into existence by his power or energy. This becomes the missing ingredient that explains what astrophysicists are observing in the universe.
There is one more crucial bit of amazing information about the creation and origin of the universe, which we can find in God’s word and which has recently been proven in astronomy and physics.
Isaiah 40:22: "It is He who sits above the circle of the earth...Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain." The tense of the Hebrew verb translated as "stretches" is present tense. In other words, the universe is still being stretched out by God. This fits precisely with what has been observed by the Hubble telescope: the universe is still rapidly expanding.
In the same verse, we read that God "spreads [the heavens] out like a tent to dwell in."
In this case, the tense of the verb translated as "spreads" is past tense. God’s Word indicates that in the original creation event, He stretched out the heavens (as described in the "Big Bang" theory). We are also told that the universe is still being stretched out in continuing expansion, as seen by the Hubble telescope.
This same information was revealed by the Creator God thousands of years ago in His word. Amazingly, science is finally catching up in understanding with the Bible concerning the origin of the universe.
Blessings to you all in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior
Monday, July 26, 2010
Politically correct? By Sheldon Monson
When you look around, do you feel like you’re out of step with the rest of the world? Do you wonder why you seem to be among the few that still stand by your values and principles?
Most people don’t enjoy conflict. As Christians we pray for peace. We want to get along with everyone. We realize that others have different views and opinions than we do, but we do not hate them for it. Conversely, people seem to despise us for the beliefs we hold dear. Do you wonder why the values we embrace make us “politically incorrect?”
As Christians, we don’t want to cause problems. We certainly don’t want to offend anyone, but we believe that there is a difference between right and wrong. Every day we are faced with a choice: do we stand quietly by and say nothing? Or do we cling to our principles and stand up, and speak out?
When we read the scriptures, it becomes clear which approach we should take. We find numerous examples to light our path. We see many examples of men and women embracing the truth, standing by their beliefs, and holding fast to their principles and values. We find Christians who know what they believe. We see men and women of conviction and faith. We read the accounts of those brave souls who possessed the courage to make tough decisions; to swim against the current.
The core values they internalized and the strength of their convictions allowed many of these heroes and heroines to face persecution, and even death, with unwavering resolve. There are the examples of Joshua and Caleb, Esther, Daniel, David, Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego, and many others. When we studying the scriptures, it becomes clear which choice we must make. It is the choice to stand up, to speak out, to go against the grain and let our voice be heard. We must not hide. We must not compromise with what we believe to be right, no matter what consequences follow. For if we deny Christ, He will deny us.
True Christians must “take the path less traveled.” If we find ourselves on the “outside,” if we find ourselves to be “politically incorrect,” then we are in good company, for this is where Christ found himself. He never sinned. He loved His enemies and prayed for them. He brought a message of peace and hope to the world. But in the end, He was crucified for what He believed and taught.
History is replete with the examples of the prophets, apostles, and other disciples of Christ who suffered persecution, torture, and who were put to death for standing up and speaking out for the things they believed. Christians will follow the example Christ set, and, if they are truly “Christians,” their voices will be heard. Their voices must be heard! The world will be a better place because of it.
If we believe that the Word of God is our guide, that it is the final authority defining what is right and what is wrong, and that we must live our lives according to it, we will not be popular. We will come under attack by those who would like to reshape what we are and what we believe. The “politically correct” will attempt to change us into their image, and will be relentless in their pursuit of this goal. They will label what we say as hateful and dangerous. When they do, we must not cave.
We must steadfastly resist the urge to conform and go with the flow, even though it is the easy thing to do; the popular thing to do. We must resolve to do what we know is right as defined by God’s Word. It is not enough to stand quietly by. If we do not have the courage to speak up, who else will? We are the defenders of the truth!
William Penn once said: “Right is right, even if everyone is against it; wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.” His words ring true yet today.
Our children, and our children’s children, will be affected by what we do now. Our families must be built upon a solid foundation of godly principles. We must teach our children, both in word and example, that the Word of God is the foundation of knowledge, and to live in harmony with that way of life. Our families must know that absolutes do exist, that there is a difference between right and wrong, and that we will not compromise with these things.
Most people don’t enjoy conflict. As Christians we pray for peace. We want to get along with everyone. We realize that others have different views and opinions than we do, but we do not hate them for it. Conversely, people seem to despise us for the beliefs we hold dear. Do you wonder why the values we embrace make us “politically incorrect?”
As Christians, we don’t want to cause problems. We certainly don’t want to offend anyone, but we believe that there is a difference between right and wrong. Every day we are faced with a choice: do we stand quietly by and say nothing? Or do we cling to our principles and stand up, and speak out?
When we read the scriptures, it becomes clear which approach we should take. We find numerous examples to light our path. We see many examples of men and women embracing the truth, standing by their beliefs, and holding fast to their principles and values. We find Christians who know what they believe. We see men and women of conviction and faith. We read the accounts of those brave souls who possessed the courage to make tough decisions; to swim against the current.
The core values they internalized and the strength of their convictions allowed many of these heroes and heroines to face persecution, and even death, with unwavering resolve. There are the examples of Joshua and Caleb, Esther, Daniel, David, Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego, and many others. When we studying the scriptures, it becomes clear which choice we must make. It is the choice to stand up, to speak out, to go against the grain and let our voice be heard. We must not hide. We must not compromise with what we believe to be right, no matter what consequences follow. For if we deny Christ, He will deny us.
True Christians must “take the path less traveled.” If we find ourselves on the “outside,” if we find ourselves to be “politically incorrect,” then we are in good company, for this is where Christ found himself. He never sinned. He loved His enemies and prayed for them. He brought a message of peace and hope to the world. But in the end, He was crucified for what He believed and taught.
History is replete with the examples of the prophets, apostles, and other disciples of Christ who suffered persecution, torture, and who were put to death for standing up and speaking out for the things they believed. Christians will follow the example Christ set, and, if they are truly “Christians,” their voices will be heard. Their voices must be heard! The world will be a better place because of it.
If we believe that the Word of God is our guide, that it is the final authority defining what is right and what is wrong, and that we must live our lives according to it, we will not be popular. We will come under attack by those who would like to reshape what we are and what we believe. The “politically correct” will attempt to change us into their image, and will be relentless in their pursuit of this goal. They will label what we say as hateful and dangerous. When they do, we must not cave.
We must steadfastly resist the urge to conform and go with the flow, even though it is the easy thing to do; the popular thing to do. We must resolve to do what we know is right as defined by God’s Word. It is not enough to stand quietly by. If we do not have the courage to speak up, who else will? We are the defenders of the truth!
William Penn once said: “Right is right, even if everyone is against it; wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.” His words ring true yet today.
Our children, and our children’s children, will be affected by what we do now. Our families must be built upon a solid foundation of godly principles. We must teach our children, both in word and example, that the Word of God is the foundation of knowledge, and to live in harmony with that way of life. Our families must know that absolutes do exist, that there is a difference between right and wrong, and that we will not compromise with these things.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Mixing God With Worldly Living
Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,
Forgive me for not having any blog entries for weeks. There is no excuse.
I grow weary with our thought process on how we think we should conduct ourselves on this earth. Especially, this past holiday where everyone was celebrating the Fourth of July. So many celebrated their patriotism and conveyed their commitment to our nation as "One Nation Under God." Are we really one nation under God? My question is how can we claim be one nation under God when we do the following:
***We allowed our nation under God to take prayer away from our classrooms.
***We allowed a small group of people to pass abortion laws.
***Most believers do not pray on a regular basis.
***Most believers do not tithe or give alms to the poor.
***We allow smut in our lives through TV, Internet, movies, and magazines.
***We have idols in the form of sports, movies, and celebrities.
***We have Gods of consumerism, greed, and lust.
***We spend more time worrying than time with God.
***We have allowed our one nation under God to get out of control.
***We don't spread the Good News because we don't read the Bible.
We have put more faith in this world more than we have in Our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus in talking to Pilate says in John 18:36 “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” We are not any better than the Jews in this passage as one nation under God. We don't fight for Jesus either.
We can't put faith in our nation our this world. Look at the results of placing faith in this world. God is looking for you to have faith in Him.
Luke 18:8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Forgive me for not having any blog entries for weeks. There is no excuse.
I grow weary with our thought process on how we think we should conduct ourselves on this earth. Especially, this past holiday where everyone was celebrating the Fourth of July. So many celebrated their patriotism and conveyed their commitment to our nation as "One Nation Under God." Are we really one nation under God? My question is how can we claim be one nation under God when we do the following:
***We allowed our nation under God to take prayer away from our classrooms.
***We allowed a small group of people to pass abortion laws.
***Most believers do not pray on a regular basis.
***Most believers do not tithe or give alms to the poor.
***We allow smut in our lives through TV, Internet, movies, and magazines.
***We have idols in the form of sports, movies, and celebrities.
***We have Gods of consumerism, greed, and lust.
***We spend more time worrying than time with God.
***We have allowed our one nation under God to get out of control.
***We don't spread the Good News because we don't read the Bible.
We have put more faith in this world more than we have in Our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus in talking to Pilate says in John 18:36 “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” We are not any better than the Jews in this passage as one nation under God. We don't fight for Jesus either.
We can't put faith in our nation our this world. Look at the results of placing faith in this world. God is looking for you to have faith in Him.
Luke 18:8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Sunday, June 13, 2010
There Is An Intense Darkness In This World
Evil in the world is getting worse and worse every day. We are being separated from God because of this evil and we fail to recognize how Satan has done this or choose to ignore what is being done to God's people whether saved or not. We are allowing our lives to be dominated by this world that belongs to the enemy.
Let us look at a few things that keep us from the Lord:
If we are watching television, we are not spending time with the Lord. This could be sports, soap operas, cooking shows, Oprah, Doctor Phil, movies, etc. Have you seen the ads for new shows? All have a sexual or violence theme on each and every preview.
Cell phones are a major time consuming gadget that dominates many young adults and older adults are being sucked in as well. Too much time is spend talking, texting, using apps that take us away from God. We have bought into the lie that technology is a good thing. Technology has its benefits but if you really analyze it, technology has complicated our lives. It takes so much time to navigate and manage technology. Technology takes us away from our time with God. Just another deception from the father of all lies.
Work is hindrance as well. I find myself spending too much time working on the computer after normal working hours out of necessity or habit.
Can we really say we love God if we spend more time away from Him than with Him? Can we even say we spend 1% (14.4 minutes) of our time with God each day? In John 8:41 Jesus is talking to the Jews and the Jews said in verse 41 "We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself." Can the Jews or us in this present age say the same? Jesus responded in verse 42 "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me."
How can we make a difference in our lives, other people's lives, or in this world if we are not on our knees in all prayer and supplication to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
Do you really think that forwarding christian cause emails, protesting, or talking about it is going to change anything? We have only one solution and we better get serious with God because time is running out as is God's patience just as it did in the time of Noah. Genesis 6:5-6 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. Is God grieving any less today?
In closing, let's not make this complicated, are you going to put you and the world first or are you going to put God firs? We need help from our friends and family and most of all from God to get on track and stay on track before it is too late.
Let us look at a few things that keep us from the Lord:
If we are watching television, we are not spending time with the Lord. This could be sports, soap operas, cooking shows, Oprah, Doctor Phil, movies, etc. Have you seen the ads for new shows? All have a sexual or violence theme on each and every preview.
Cell phones are a major time consuming gadget that dominates many young adults and older adults are being sucked in as well. Too much time is spend talking, texting, using apps that take us away from God. We have bought into the lie that technology is a good thing. Technology has its benefits but if you really analyze it, technology has complicated our lives. It takes so much time to navigate and manage technology. Technology takes us away from our time with God. Just another deception from the father of all lies.
Work is hindrance as well. I find myself spending too much time working on the computer after normal working hours out of necessity or habit.
Can we really say we love God if we spend more time away from Him than with Him? Can we even say we spend 1% (14.4 minutes) of our time with God each day? In John 8:41 Jesus is talking to the Jews and the Jews said in verse 41 "We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself." Can the Jews or us in this present age say the same? Jesus responded in verse 42 "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me."
How can we make a difference in our lives, other people's lives, or in this world if we are not on our knees in all prayer and supplication to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
Do you really think that forwarding christian cause emails, protesting, or talking about it is going to change anything? We have only one solution and we better get serious with God because time is running out as is God's patience just as it did in the time of Noah. Genesis 6:5-6 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. Is God grieving any less today?
In closing, let's not make this complicated, are you going to put you and the world first or are you going to put God firs? We need help from our friends and family and most of all from God to get on track and stay on track before it is too late.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Leading A Christian Life Is So Hard.
I struggle each day doing the right thing according to God's instruction in His Word. Too many occurrences in the work place or in the way that people conduct themselves that are not right. There are so many things working against being obedient to God. All of them are created by mankind and most are of our own making. Our own minds can make it most difficult for us and will keep us off track if we are left to our own understanding.
Living according to flesh and not according to the Holy Spirit is direct result of not being in the Word of God each and every day. It is His Word that gives us understanding, instruction, wisdom, revelation and allows us to hear from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit should be consulted in every decision we make and be a focal part of our life. Be patient and wait to hear from the Holy Spirit.
Learn to rely on God with relationships, jobs, prosperity, and circumstance that are not pleasant. Give it up to Him and let Him decide what is best for you. Don't take on the burden of life without God.
Lastly, persevere as we prepare for Jesus coming.
Revelation 2:4 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.
Revelation 3:10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
Living according to flesh and not according to the Holy Spirit is direct result of not being in the Word of God each and every day. It is His Word that gives us understanding, instruction, wisdom, revelation and allows us to hear from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit should be consulted in every decision we make and be a focal part of our life. Be patient and wait to hear from the Holy Spirit.
Learn to rely on God with relationships, jobs, prosperity, and circumstance that are not pleasant. Give it up to Him and let Him decide what is best for you. Don't take on the burden of life without God.
Lastly, persevere as we prepare for Jesus coming.
Revelation 2:4 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.
Revelation 3:10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Are you a bondservant to God?
Bondservant - a person who serves in bondage; slave.
TRUTH
Complete surrender of our lives to Jesus frees us to love Him and devote ourselves to God wholly. This is the meaning of "bondservant." When we love God unreservedly, our devotional lives are set ablaze with the fire of God. The Holy Spirit is free to mold and shape us and use us beyond what we thought possible. Devote yourself to God afresh today. Give Him all of you; do not withhold anything from Him. Give yourself to your Master as a bondservant of God.
ACTION
Titus 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness. Be a bondservant of God. Understand that to be a bondservant is to voluntarily become a slave to your Master. Be willing to submit yourself to Jesus as Lord and Master of your entire life. Devote your whole life to Him and follow Him.
Titus 1:2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. Worship God, who promised us eternal life even before time began. Place your hope confidently in His promise, for He cannot lie. He is trustworthy.
Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared. Worship Jesus; give Him all of your devotion and love. Know that Jesus expresses God's kindness and love toward us.
We can't be bondservant to work, to relationships, to idols, or to habits. We have no other choice than be a slave to God. Everything else falls short in comparison to the perfect will of God.
AMEN
TRUTH
Complete surrender of our lives to Jesus frees us to love Him and devote ourselves to God wholly. This is the meaning of "bondservant." When we love God unreservedly, our devotional lives are set ablaze with the fire of God. The Holy Spirit is free to mold and shape us and use us beyond what we thought possible. Devote yourself to God afresh today. Give Him all of you; do not withhold anything from Him. Give yourself to your Master as a bondservant of God.
ACTION
Titus 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness. Be a bondservant of God. Understand that to be a bondservant is to voluntarily become a slave to your Master. Be willing to submit yourself to Jesus as Lord and Master of your entire life. Devote your whole life to Him and follow Him.
Titus 1:2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. Worship God, who promised us eternal life even before time began. Place your hope confidently in His promise, for He cannot lie. He is trustworthy.
Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared. Worship Jesus; give Him all of your devotion and love. Know that Jesus expresses God's kindness and love toward us.
We can't be bondservant to work, to relationships, to idols, or to habits. We have no other choice than be a slave to God. Everything else falls short in comparison to the perfect will of God.
AMEN
Sunday, May 16, 2010
2 Thessalonians
We are in a time of great hardship and persecution. Most who know the Word of God say we are in the end times. There is great darkness and many believers have been desensitized to the world around them. Especially, in the area of electronics, communication, and information. We have been inundated with so much smut on TV, we fail to see how much damage this is causing the Brethren. Sex and violence is the norm and we continue to watch even though God is very clear on sex and killing.
The enemy has sneaked in to our world and has keep us so consumed with information and technology that we can not properly study God's Word to know what is right and what is wrong. We give hours to computers, cell phones, texting and not even a few minutes to God. Someone once said "We give part of Sunday to God and the rest of the week to Satan.
God's wants us to stand strong but with that comes great persecution.
TRUTH
GROWING IN GODLINESS: Jesus warned us that in this world we would experience persecution (John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”) The Apostle Paul tells us that we are to endure these trials with faith and patience, knowing that it is for the kingdom of God that we suffer. We are also to intercede and pray for other believers and look expectantly for the return and vindication of Jesus Christ.
ACTION
2 Thessalonians 1:4-8 Endure persecution with faith and patience. Be willing to face persecution, knowing that your suffering is for the kingdom of God. Know that God will punish those who persecute you.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Follow Paul's example of prayer and intercession for those being persecuted in the church. Pray that they would fulfill all of the good purposes of God for them and that Jesus would be glorified through them.
My prayer for you all is to stand strong in the Lord and have a warriors heart like Jehu who did not deviate from what he was called to when he destroyed the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9).
AMEN!
The enemy has sneaked in to our world and has keep us so consumed with information and technology that we can not properly study God's Word to know what is right and what is wrong. We give hours to computers, cell phones, texting and not even a few minutes to God. Someone once said "We give part of Sunday to God and the rest of the week to Satan.
God's wants us to stand strong but with that comes great persecution.
TRUTH
GROWING IN GODLINESS: Jesus warned us that in this world we would experience persecution (John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”) The Apostle Paul tells us that we are to endure these trials with faith and patience, knowing that it is for the kingdom of God that we suffer. We are also to intercede and pray for other believers and look expectantly for the return and vindication of Jesus Christ.
ACTION
2 Thessalonians 1:4-8 Endure persecution with faith and patience. Be willing to face persecution, knowing that your suffering is for the kingdom of God. Know that God will punish those who persecute you.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Follow Paul's example of prayer and intercession for those being persecuted in the church. Pray that they would fulfill all of the good purposes of God for them and that Jesus would be glorified through them.
My prayer for you all is to stand strong in the Lord and have a warriors heart like Jehu who did not deviate from what he was called to when he destroyed the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9).
AMEN!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The Greatest Gift
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Let Love Come Alive, CALL TO UNITY
All non-biblical literary efforts to define love fall silent before the apostle Paul's amazing hymn of love. It is a description of Christ and the love He enables in us when He comes to indwell us.
This passage will come alive if you read it three ways: 1)read it as Paul wrote it; 2)put the word "Christ" in place of the word "love" and read it again. 3)read the passage also as a prayer for your own life, that the virtues of love will be manifested in you. The miracle of Christ's indwelling power is that the love He revealed is exactly the love He will communicate to others through us. When this quality of love is the basis of a relationship, the miracle of unity is possible.
If we had love we would not need commandments. We would not have to repent. We would not offend anyone. Nor would we be offended. We would not be unrighteous. We would forgive. We would love those who come against us. If we had true love, the love Jesus Christ has for us, we would not sin.
I shared this with a few of my co-workers and I was surprised at the feedback on how it hit home with them. It surely has affected how I need to express my love to all that come across my path.
Blessings, Tony
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Let Love Come Alive, CALL TO UNITY
All non-biblical literary efforts to define love fall silent before the apostle Paul's amazing hymn of love. It is a description of Christ and the love He enables in us when He comes to indwell us.
This passage will come alive if you read it three ways: 1)read it as Paul wrote it; 2)put the word "Christ" in place of the word "love" and read it again. 3)read the passage also as a prayer for your own life, that the virtues of love will be manifested in you. The miracle of Christ's indwelling power is that the love He revealed is exactly the love He will communicate to others through us. When this quality of love is the basis of a relationship, the miracle of unity is possible.
If we had love we would not need commandments. We would not have to repent. We would not offend anyone. Nor would we be offended. We would not be unrighteous. We would forgive. We would love those who come against us. If we had true love, the love Jesus Christ has for us, we would not sin.
I shared this with a few of my co-workers and I was surprised at the feedback on how it hit home with them. It surely has affected how I need to express my love to all that come across my path.
Blessings, Tony
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Acts 6: 1-4 Faithfulness in Prayer
Acts 6:1-2 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,[a] because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. The Hebrews were natives of Israel and spoke Hebrew rather than Greek. The Hellenists were Jews who were natives of the Greco-Roman world and spoke Greek. The presence and power of the Spirit does not automatically guarantee that life's difficulties will go away. Often it is necessary to Christians to discuss their differences and ask God wise solutions.
Acts 6:3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; Church growth demands organization and delegation. Leadership in the church must be full of both the Holy Spirit and wisdom. The Holy Spirit gives us God's perspective. Wisdom is the practical side of problems solving. Many interpreters regard the seven as the first deacons, although the term does not appear in this passage.
Acts 6:4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Prayer and the ministry of the word must be the perpetual priority of the equipping leadership of the church (See EPH 4:11-16). This does not suggest that the ministry of benevolence is on a lower level. It is a matter of the roles that God assigns (See Romans 12:4-8).
6:1-4 Faithfulness in Prayer and Spiritual Warfare FAITH'S WARFARE. The early church learned quickly that their prayer had to be continuous because spiritual warfare is continuous. It became their first priority because Satan sought their defeat as his first priority. Thus, their earliest recorded administrative decision after Pentecost places the ministry of prayer (with the word) as highest in importance. As the church grew, circumstances required more of the apostle's time. But realizing they needed more prayer, rather than increased activity, the apostles chose seven men to serve as deacons to care for the church. This freed them to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. Of the two, prayer, rightfully, is listed first. Faithfulness to prayer recurs throughout Scripture. Paul would later tell the church at Rome to "be kindly affectionate to one another...continuing steadfastly in prayer" (Romans 12: 10, 12.
Acts 6:3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; Church growth demands organization and delegation. Leadership in the church must be full of both the Holy Spirit and wisdom. The Holy Spirit gives us God's perspective. Wisdom is the practical side of problems solving. Many interpreters regard the seven as the first deacons, although the term does not appear in this passage.
Acts 6:4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Prayer and the ministry of the word must be the perpetual priority of the equipping leadership of the church (See EPH 4:11-16). This does not suggest that the ministry of benevolence is on a lower level. It is a matter of the roles that God assigns (See Romans 12:4-8).
6:1-4 Faithfulness in Prayer and Spiritual Warfare FAITH'S WARFARE. The early church learned quickly that their prayer had to be continuous because spiritual warfare is continuous. It became their first priority because Satan sought their defeat as his first priority. Thus, their earliest recorded administrative decision after Pentecost places the ministry of prayer (with the word) as highest in importance. As the church grew, circumstances required more of the apostle's time. But realizing they needed more prayer, rather than increased activity, the apostles chose seven men to serve as deacons to care for the church. This freed them to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. Of the two, prayer, rightfully, is listed first. Faithfulness to prayer recurs throughout Scripture. Paul would later tell the church at Rome to "be kindly affectionate to one another...continuing steadfastly in prayer" (Romans 12: 10, 12.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Repentance
2 Corinthians 7:9-10 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Repentance, Reconciliation.
Repentance is an essential turning point in reconciled relationships; it requires ownership of our responsibility for whatever part we may have played in erecting or reinforcing barriers. Repentance not only accepts responsibility for the part that we have played in the wall building, but also for the turning away from he behavior that built the walls in the first place. Often, we may not even perceive how we may have intentionally contributed to divisions between people individually or between ethnic groups in general, especailly through ethnic discrimination or religious sectarianism. Perhaps we have not done anything personally to hurt others, but still we may have sinned by our inaction (James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin). For the body of Christ to come to health and repentance--- regret, confession, and action --- is needed. As we do repent, the walls built through blindness and separation will be brought down and Christ will be honored through reconciled relationships.
Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
May God bless your day.
Repentance, Reconciliation.
Repentance is an essential turning point in reconciled relationships; it requires ownership of our responsibility for whatever part we may have played in erecting or reinforcing barriers. Repentance not only accepts responsibility for the part that we have played in the wall building, but also for the turning away from he behavior that built the walls in the first place. Often, we may not even perceive how we may have intentionally contributed to divisions between people individually or between ethnic groups in general, especailly through ethnic discrimination or religious sectarianism. Perhaps we have not done anything personally to hurt others, but still we may have sinned by our inaction (James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin). For the body of Christ to come to health and repentance--- regret, confession, and action --- is needed. As we do repent, the walls built through blindness and separation will be brought down and Christ will be honored through reconciled relationships.
Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
May God bless your day.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
You Comforter - Your Helper
Unique to John is the designation of the Holy Spirit as "Comforter" or "Helper" (John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever), literally "one called alongside." He is "another Helper," namely, one of the same kind as Jesus, thereby extending the ministry of Jesus to the end of the age. It would be a grave error, however, to understand the Spirit's purpose merely in terms of one needed in predicaments. On the contrary, John demonstrates that the Spirit's role encompasses every facet of life. In regard to the world outside of Christ, He works as the agent who convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged). The experience of being "born of the Spirit" is descriptive of New Birth (John 3:6 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit). Because God in essence is Spirit, those who worship Him must do so spiritually, that is, as directed and motivated by the Holy Spirit (John 4:24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth”). Further, in anticipation of Pentecost, the Spirit becomes the divine enabler for authoritative ministry (John 20:21-23 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained").
The Holy Spirit also fulfills a definite function in relation to Christ. While the Father sent the Spirit in the name of Christ, the Spirit never draws attention to Himself, nor does He speak in His own authority. Instead, His mission is to glorify Jesus and to declare Christ's teaching to the disciples (John 16:14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you).
John reveals the function of the Holy Spirit in continuing the work of Jesus, leading believers into and understanding of meanings, implications, and imperatives of the gospel, and enabling them to do "greater works" than those done by Jesus (John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father). Present-day believers in Christ may thus view Him as their contemporary, not merely as a figure from the distant past.
I pray you let the Spirit be your guide in everything you do. Everything!
AMEN
The Holy Spirit also fulfills a definite function in relation to Christ. While the Father sent the Spirit in the name of Christ, the Spirit never draws attention to Himself, nor does He speak in His own authority. Instead, His mission is to glorify Jesus and to declare Christ's teaching to the disciples (John 16:14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you).
John reveals the function of the Holy Spirit in continuing the work of Jesus, leading believers into and understanding of meanings, implications, and imperatives of the gospel, and enabling them to do "greater works" than those done by Jesus (John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father). Present-day believers in Christ may thus view Him as their contemporary, not merely as a figure from the distant past.
I pray you let the Spirit be your guide in everything you do. Everything!
AMEN
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Jesus Died For Our SIns
I apologize for the lack of postings. It was a busy week. I thought I would share with you this view point on what day of the week Jesus died. Most important is the last part of the article where its says "it is not all that important to know what day of the week Christ was crucified."
Question: "On what day was Jesus crucified?"
Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state on which day of the week Jesus was crucified. The two most widely held views are Friday and Wednesday. Some, however, using a synthesis of both the Friday and Wednesday arguments, argue for Thursday as the day.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:40, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Those who argue for a Friday crucifixion say that there is still a valid way in which He could have been considered in the grave for three days. In the Jewish mind of the first century, a part of day was considered as a full day. Since Jesus was in the grave for part of Friday, all of Saturday, and part of Sunday—He could be considered to have been in the grave for three days. One of the principal arguments for Friday is found in Mark 15:42, which notes that Jesus was crucified “the day before the Sabbath.” If that was the weekly Sabbath, i.e. Saturday, then that fact leads to a Friday crucifixion. Another argument for Friday says that verses such as Matthew 16:21 and Luke 9:22 teach that Jesus would rise on the third day; therefore, He would not need to be in the grave a full three days and nights. But while some translations use “on the third day” for these verses, not all do, and not everyone agrees that “on the third day” is the best way to translate these verses. Furthermore, Mark 8:31 says that Jesus will be raised “after” three days.
The Thursday argument expands on the Friday view and argues mainly that there are too many events (some count as many as twenty) happening between Christ's burial and Sunday morning to occur from Friday evening to Sunday morning. Proponents of the Thursday view point out that this is especially a problem when the only full day between Friday and Sunday was Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. An extra day or two eliminates that problem. The Thursday advocates could reason thus: suppose you haven't seen a friend since Monday evening. The next time you see him it is Thursday morning and you say, “I haven’t seen you in three days” even though it had technically only been 60 hours (2.5 days). If Jesus was crucified on Thursday, this example shows how it could be considered three days.
The Wednesday opinion states that there were two Sabbaths that week. After the first one (the one that occurred on the evening of the crucifixion [Mark 15:42; Luke 23:52-54]), the women purchased spices—note that they made their purchase after the Sabbath (Mark 16:1). The Wednesday view holds that this “Sabbath” was the Passover (see Leviticus 16:29-31, 23:24-32, 39, where high holy days that are not necessarily the seventh day of the week are referred to as the Sabbath). The second Sabbath that week was the normal weekly Sabbath. Note that in Luke 23:56, the women who had purchased spices after the first Sabbath returned and prepared the spices, then “rested on the Sabbath” (Luke 23:56). The argument states that they could not purchase the spices after the Sabbath, yet prepare those spices before the Sabbath—unless there were two Sabbaths. With the two-Sabbath view, if Christ was crucified on Thursday, then the high holy Sabbath (the Passover) would have begun Thursday at sundown and ended at Friday sundown—at the beginning of the weekly Sabbath or Saturday. Purchasing the spices after the first Sabbath (Passover) would have meant they purchased them on Saturday and were breaking the Sabbath.
Therefore, according to the Wednesday viewpoint, the only explanation that does not violate the biblical account of the women and the spices and holds to a literal understanding of Matthew 12:40, is that Christ was crucified on Wednesday. The Sabbath that was a high holy day (Passover) occurred on Thursday, the women purchased spices (after that) on Friday and returned and prepared the spices on the same day, they rested on Saturday which was the weekly Sabbath, then brought the spices to the tomb early Sunday. Jesus was buried near sundown on Wednesday, which began Thursday in the Jewish calendar. Using a Jewish calendar, you have Thursday night (night one), Thursday day (day one), Friday night (night two), Friday day (day two), Saturday night (night three), Saturday day (day three). We do not know exactly when He rose, but we do know that it was before sunrise on Sunday (John 20:1, Mary Magdalene came “while it was still dark”), so He could have risen as early as just after sunset Saturday evening, which began the first day of the week to the Jews.
A possible problem with the Wednesday view is that the disciples who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus did so on “the same day” of His resurrection (Luke 24:13). The disciples, who do not recognize Jesus, tell Him of Jesus' crucifixion (24:21) and say that “today is the third day since these things happened” (24:22). Wednesday to Sunday is four days. A possible explanation is that they may have been counting since Wednesday evening at Christ's burial, which begins the Jewish Thursday, and Thursday to Sunday could be counted as three days.
In the grand scheme of things, it is not all that important to know what day of the week Christ was crucified. If it were very important, then God's Word would have clearly communicated the day and time frame. What is important is that He did die and that He physically, bodily rose from the dead. What is equally important is the reason He died—to take the punishment that all sinners deserve. John 3:16 and 3:36 both proclaim that putting your trust in Him results in eternal life! This is equally true whether He was crucified on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.
Recommended Resource: The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus by Gary Habermas.
Question: "On what day was Jesus crucified?"
Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state on which day of the week Jesus was crucified. The two most widely held views are Friday and Wednesday. Some, however, using a synthesis of both the Friday and Wednesday arguments, argue for Thursday as the day.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:40, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Those who argue for a Friday crucifixion say that there is still a valid way in which He could have been considered in the grave for three days. In the Jewish mind of the first century, a part of day was considered as a full day. Since Jesus was in the grave for part of Friday, all of Saturday, and part of Sunday—He could be considered to have been in the grave for three days. One of the principal arguments for Friday is found in Mark 15:42, which notes that Jesus was crucified “the day before the Sabbath.” If that was the weekly Sabbath, i.e. Saturday, then that fact leads to a Friday crucifixion. Another argument for Friday says that verses such as Matthew 16:21 and Luke 9:22 teach that Jesus would rise on the third day; therefore, He would not need to be in the grave a full three days and nights. But while some translations use “on the third day” for these verses, not all do, and not everyone agrees that “on the third day” is the best way to translate these verses. Furthermore, Mark 8:31 says that Jesus will be raised “after” three days.
The Thursday argument expands on the Friday view and argues mainly that there are too many events (some count as many as twenty) happening between Christ's burial and Sunday morning to occur from Friday evening to Sunday morning. Proponents of the Thursday view point out that this is especially a problem when the only full day between Friday and Sunday was Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. An extra day or two eliminates that problem. The Thursday advocates could reason thus: suppose you haven't seen a friend since Monday evening. The next time you see him it is Thursday morning and you say, “I haven’t seen you in three days” even though it had technically only been 60 hours (2.5 days). If Jesus was crucified on Thursday, this example shows how it could be considered three days.
The Wednesday opinion states that there were two Sabbaths that week. After the first one (the one that occurred on the evening of the crucifixion [Mark 15:42; Luke 23:52-54]), the women purchased spices—note that they made their purchase after the Sabbath (Mark 16:1). The Wednesday view holds that this “Sabbath” was the Passover (see Leviticus 16:29-31, 23:24-32, 39, where high holy days that are not necessarily the seventh day of the week are referred to as the Sabbath). The second Sabbath that week was the normal weekly Sabbath. Note that in Luke 23:56, the women who had purchased spices after the first Sabbath returned and prepared the spices, then “rested on the Sabbath” (Luke 23:56). The argument states that they could not purchase the spices after the Sabbath, yet prepare those spices before the Sabbath—unless there were two Sabbaths. With the two-Sabbath view, if Christ was crucified on Thursday, then the high holy Sabbath (the Passover) would have begun Thursday at sundown and ended at Friday sundown—at the beginning of the weekly Sabbath or Saturday. Purchasing the spices after the first Sabbath (Passover) would have meant they purchased them on Saturday and were breaking the Sabbath.
Therefore, according to the Wednesday viewpoint, the only explanation that does not violate the biblical account of the women and the spices and holds to a literal understanding of Matthew 12:40, is that Christ was crucified on Wednesday. The Sabbath that was a high holy day (Passover) occurred on Thursday, the women purchased spices (after that) on Friday and returned and prepared the spices on the same day, they rested on Saturday which was the weekly Sabbath, then brought the spices to the tomb early Sunday. Jesus was buried near sundown on Wednesday, which began Thursday in the Jewish calendar. Using a Jewish calendar, you have Thursday night (night one), Thursday day (day one), Friday night (night two), Friday day (day two), Saturday night (night three), Saturday day (day three). We do not know exactly when He rose, but we do know that it was before sunrise on Sunday (John 20:1, Mary Magdalene came “while it was still dark”), so He could have risen as early as just after sunset Saturday evening, which began the first day of the week to the Jews.
A possible problem with the Wednesday view is that the disciples who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus did so on “the same day” of His resurrection (Luke 24:13). The disciples, who do not recognize Jesus, tell Him of Jesus' crucifixion (24:21) and say that “today is the third day since these things happened” (24:22). Wednesday to Sunday is four days. A possible explanation is that they may have been counting since Wednesday evening at Christ's burial, which begins the Jewish Thursday, and Thursday to Sunday could be counted as three days.
In the grand scheme of things, it is not all that important to know what day of the week Christ was crucified. If it were very important, then God's Word would have clearly communicated the day and time frame. What is important is that He did die and that He physically, bodily rose from the dead. What is equally important is the reason He died—to take the punishment that all sinners deserve. John 3:16 and 3:36 both proclaim that putting your trust in Him results in eternal life! This is equally true whether He was crucified on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.
Recommended Resource: The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus by Gary Habermas.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Taken From: www.tomorrowsworld.org
"Patience...mercy...longsuffering... forgiveness" By Jonathan McNair
These are hard words. They’re easy to say, and easy to ask for, but much harder to give – at least sometimes. I’m convinced that, much of the time, I’m just about the most easy-going person in the world. At least, I feel like the most easy-going person I know. But other times......in different circumstances, I feel like I don’t have an ounce of patience or a glimmer of mercy. It’s as if I’ve run out that day, and I just don’t feel like having any more of those wonderful emotions for anyone—no matter how unsuspecting and how undeserving my next victim may be.
But maybe that’s the problem. If our patience, mercy, longsuffering and forgiveness are only human emotions, coming from our human spiritual resources, we will surely run out. Human patience falls short. Godly patience does not. Human mercy fails. God’s does not. It’s not as if we don’t ever have mercy, patience, or other admirable traits. It’s just that ours tend to run thin at times.
Interestingly, every one of the fruits of God’s spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23 would also be considered an admirable personality trait in a man – a “good fruit” of the spirit in man.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” ( v. 22-23).
If a person could somehow make a “humanity’s best moments” DVD, and we sat down on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn watching the panorama of history, we’d watch a timeline of moments when love, peace and kindness guided the actions of real-life heroes of the ages. We’d marvel at the self-control of Gandhi. We’d watch in grateful appreciation the longsuffering of our forefathers as they endured the painful winter of 1777 in Valley Forge. And we’d be moved by the kindness and faithfulness of Anne Sullivan toward the deaf and blind Helen Keller, dedicating much of her life to give Helen a door to the dark and silent world around her.
All of us aspire to be like that – to love like that – to have a constant, endless supply of joy. And to have self-control at all times – not just when we feel strong, but even when we feel weak. But we always come to human limits.
Sometimes we feel like being good, kind and gentle. But sometimes we don’t. And therein lies the difference between us and God, between the human spirit and God’s Spirit.
Earlier in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he wrote, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:16-17). The word “lust” here is not limited to sexual craving. It embodies the range of human wants, feelings, and priorities … human desire. In Paul’s letters to Timothy, he warned against the desire to be rich (1 Timothy 6:9), youthful desires (2 Timothy 2:22) and desire for new doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3). In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul warned against “deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:22).
In other words, he was dealing with our human proclivity to take on godly characteristics “part-time.” Paul acknowledged that he fell prey to that same human problem and had to battle to overcome his flesh (Romans 7:14-25). Christ warned us that we face the same battle, saying, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
Is the goodness of our human spirit “good enough”? Are our “good days” good enough for God? Is our “occasional joy” okay with God? Does God “understand” that we sometimes just don’t feel very kind or gentle? Are we content with occasional lapses of self-control, as long as we’re usually pretty good – better than the average guy anyway.
Or are we, in fact, only as godly as our least merciful moment?
It doesn’t have to be that way. Paul told the church at Philippi, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Let this mind – this whole, complete, constant way of thinking as God thinks – be in you. Please send for our free booklet, What Is a True Christian?
Let’s never have a “least merciful moment.”
These are hard words. They’re easy to say, and easy to ask for, but much harder to give – at least sometimes. I’m convinced that, much of the time, I’m just about the most easy-going person in the world. At least, I feel like the most easy-going person I know. But other times......in different circumstances, I feel like I don’t have an ounce of patience or a glimmer of mercy. It’s as if I’ve run out that day, and I just don’t feel like having any more of those wonderful emotions for anyone—no matter how unsuspecting and how undeserving my next victim may be.
But maybe that’s the problem. If our patience, mercy, longsuffering and forgiveness are only human emotions, coming from our human spiritual resources, we will surely run out. Human patience falls short. Godly patience does not. Human mercy fails. God’s does not. It’s not as if we don’t ever have mercy, patience, or other admirable traits. It’s just that ours tend to run thin at times.
Interestingly, every one of the fruits of God’s spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23 would also be considered an admirable personality trait in a man – a “good fruit” of the spirit in man.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” ( v. 22-23).
If a person could somehow make a “humanity’s best moments” DVD, and we sat down on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn watching the panorama of history, we’d watch a timeline of moments when love, peace and kindness guided the actions of real-life heroes of the ages. We’d marvel at the self-control of Gandhi. We’d watch in grateful appreciation the longsuffering of our forefathers as they endured the painful winter of 1777 in Valley Forge. And we’d be moved by the kindness and faithfulness of Anne Sullivan toward the deaf and blind Helen Keller, dedicating much of her life to give Helen a door to the dark and silent world around her.
All of us aspire to be like that – to love like that – to have a constant, endless supply of joy. And to have self-control at all times – not just when we feel strong, but even when we feel weak. But we always come to human limits.
Sometimes we feel like being good, kind and gentle. But sometimes we don’t. And therein lies the difference between us and God, between the human spirit and God’s Spirit.
Earlier in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he wrote, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:16-17). The word “lust” here is not limited to sexual craving. It embodies the range of human wants, feelings, and priorities … human desire. In Paul’s letters to Timothy, he warned against the desire to be rich (1 Timothy 6:9), youthful desires (2 Timothy 2:22) and desire for new doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3). In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul warned against “deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:22).
In other words, he was dealing with our human proclivity to take on godly characteristics “part-time.” Paul acknowledged that he fell prey to that same human problem and had to battle to overcome his flesh (Romans 7:14-25). Christ warned us that we face the same battle, saying, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
Is the goodness of our human spirit “good enough”? Are our “good days” good enough for God? Is our “occasional joy” okay with God? Does God “understand” that we sometimes just don’t feel very kind or gentle? Are we content with occasional lapses of self-control, as long as we’re usually pretty good – better than the average guy anyway.
Or are we, in fact, only as godly as our least merciful moment?
It doesn’t have to be that way. Paul told the church at Philippi, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Let this mind – this whole, complete, constant way of thinking as God thinks – be in you. Please send for our free booklet, What Is a True Christian?
Let’s never have a “least merciful moment.”
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Are You A Rich Man?
I just started the New Testament and I came across Matthew 19 where Jesus is counseling the rich young ruler. The young ruler asks "what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life." (Matthew 19:16). Jesus says to "keep the commandments" (v.17) The ruler goes onto say "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" (v.20) Jesus answers "go sell what you have" (v.21) Jesus issues a stern challenge designed to show the man that he has not observed the spirit of the commandments, in spite of his claim (v. 20). In fact, his selfish attitude in making an idol of wealth reveals that he had broken the very first Commandment(Ex. 20:3)
As we read further in Matthew 19:23:24 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus uses an exaggeration to teach that it is impossible for one who trusts in in riches over God to enter heaven. His parallel use of the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God show these designations to be synonymous.
I have read this part of Matthew numerous times and it finally hit me that the rich man is not just the rich man in regards to money. It applies to the riches of this world. I always wondered why the rich man was being singled out. I always associated the rich man with a man who made hundreds of thousands of dollars. In reality, it applies to us all and the riches of this world that include, money, entertainment gods, worshiping your family, worshipping your job, sports, addictions and all idolatry. The above mentioned are riches of this world that take away from your relationship with God. In verse 25 His disciples ask "Who then can be saved?" In other words, what do we have to do to enter into the kingdom? Verse 26 says to them "With men this impossible, but with God all things are possible." Jesus is saying that you can enter the kingdom of God if you don't lean on the understanding of men and riches of this world, but will be possible when you lean on God.
Lastly, Jesus tells his disciples exactly what the reward is when we give up all and follow him in Matthew 19-27:29 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
Put God first and receive His rewards in Heaven. Amen.
As we read further in Matthew 19:23:24 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus uses an exaggeration to teach that it is impossible for one who trusts in in riches over God to enter heaven. His parallel use of the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God show these designations to be synonymous.
I have read this part of Matthew numerous times and it finally hit me that the rich man is not just the rich man in regards to money. It applies to the riches of this world. I always wondered why the rich man was being singled out. I always associated the rich man with a man who made hundreds of thousands of dollars. In reality, it applies to us all and the riches of this world that include, money, entertainment gods, worshiping your family, worshipping your job, sports, addictions and all idolatry. The above mentioned are riches of this world that take away from your relationship with God. In verse 25 His disciples ask "Who then can be saved?" In other words, what do we have to do to enter into the kingdom? Verse 26 says to them "With men this impossible, but with God all things are possible." Jesus is saying that you can enter the kingdom of God if you don't lean on the understanding of men and riches of this world, but will be possible when you lean on God.
Lastly, Jesus tells his disciples exactly what the reward is when we give up all and follow him in Matthew 19-27:29 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
Put God first and receive His rewards in Heaven. Amen.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Battle For Our Minds
Most of the battles we fight are between our ears. Head knowledge, or mindsets, can interfere with receiving present truth and can hinder one's faith in God's ability to perform the supernatural. We must therefore renew our minds with truth. Renewing our minds does not just affect our minds; it totally changes us. It causes every part of us to be transformed into His image. Through the process of transformation, each of us presents his or her body as "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God" Romans 12:1) Through transformation we are empowered to no longer be "conformed to this world" but equipped to "prove what is that good acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2) How awesome is that. We get a new heart and new life when our minds become renewed. There is no place for idolatry if we renew our minds to the truths of God.
Satan has tried to distort our minds for centuries by attempting to negate the power of the Holy Spirit. He has convinced us that studying the Scriptures is the only thing necessary to be a Christian. Though we obviously need the Scriptures, we also need the Holy Spirit to empower us to properly interpret and apply the Word to renew our minds.
Satan has tried to distort our minds for centuries by attempting to negate the power of the Holy Spirit. He has convinced us that studying the Scriptures is the only thing necessary to be a Christian. Though we obviously need the Scriptures, we also need the Holy Spirit to empower us to properly interpret and apply the Word to renew our minds.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Book of Matthew - Do Not Worry
Greetings Brothers and Sisters.
I can't tell you how many times that I have to deal with worry in my life and the lives of people I come across each week. It can have devastating effects on everything we do whether it is at work, home, our families and especially our emotions.
Worry is not from God. Worry comes from the enemy in an effort to control us and take our mind off of God and all that He promises us in His Word. Worry is sin and God does not want sin in our lives.
Matthew 6:25-33 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Seek God's Kingdom First.Putting God's kingdom first is the first step on the pathway of God's miracles, and you cannot walk on this pathway unless determining His will, purpose, and glory. It is your first priority as you pursue His call on your life. To do so, turn first to His Word, which is the atmosphere in which you may understand His will, recognize His way, and hear the voice of His Spirit (Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law). Second, watch for the little things, the little signs along the way, not in the great wind, earthquake, or fire, but rather in the "still voice" (1 Kings 11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”) Often it is the small, seemingly insignificant things or events that ultimately determine our destiny.
Isaiah 2:22 Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? Psalm 118:18 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. Too often we fail to understand who this applies to. We have to understand that this also means not to trust in ourselves. Worry occurs when we start thinking of all the things we did, have to do, and a lot of the time how we were offended.
Jesus repeats what He said in verse 25 in verse 34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Worry is not an option and God calls us to put all our trust in Him. Psalm 56:4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
Trusting in God means to surrender your thoughts and emotions to Him. Receive your inheritance that has been given to you when Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. Be delivered this day from worry. Amen
May God bless your day.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Jezebel Spirit
The Jezebel spirit is not discussed in the church even though this spirit, which has no gender, played a dominate roll in 1 Kings in the Old Testament and plays a dominate roll in the world today. Jezebel is also mentioned in Revelation 2:18-22 18“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman[c] Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. Appears Jezebel plays a significant roll in the corrupt church.
Elijah called for a showdown with the God's of Baal and our God. He challenged and defeated 450 prophets of Baal. Jezebel certainly was not pleased with Elijah. 1 Kings 19:1-2 1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.”
Elijah, God's great prophet, ran to escape from Jezebel and was so depressed he wanted to die. How could such a great prophet who defeated 450 prophets of Baal fear Jezebel?
I believe we underestimate this spirit and fail to understand how prominent the Jezebel spirit is in our world today. Jezebel is known as the evil queen of Israel who murdered prophets and threatened the life of Elijah. She was an idol worshipper, murderer, thief and manipulator. She operated in illegitimate authority when she stole Naboth's inheritance. The spirit of Jezebel inflicts poverty, infirmity, divination and a spirit of religion. Jezebel also brings confusion, fear and doubt into lives and circumstances. Though this evil power has no gender, the seductive methods of prostitute are used to entice us into compromise in any area of our lives. It took Jehu to come against Jezebel and slay her. 2 Kings 9:30-33 30 Now when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a window. 31 Then, as Jehu entered at the gate, she said, “Is it peace, Zimri, murderer of your master?”
32 And he looked up at the window, and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” So two or three eunuchs looked out at him. 33 Then he said, “Throw her down.” So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses; and he trampled her underfoot. Rather than slaying Jezebel as Jehu did, we are easily seduced into tolerating her spiritual seductions!
Understand this: The Jezebel spirit is about control and she will use harlotry (Hollywood) and witchcraft against mankind to get us to sin and to take our attention away from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The demonic principality of Jezebel will abort destiny if we do not pray and war against this seductive spirit.
It is my prayer that we gain knowledge about the dark side so that we know how to battle for our souls and the souls of our loved ones. Time is getting short.
Blessings, Tony
Elijah called for a showdown with the God's of Baal and our God. He challenged and defeated 450 prophets of Baal. Jezebel certainly was not pleased with Elijah. 1 Kings 19:1-2 1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.”
Elijah, God's great prophet, ran to escape from Jezebel and was so depressed he wanted to die. How could such a great prophet who defeated 450 prophets of Baal fear Jezebel?
I believe we underestimate this spirit and fail to understand how prominent the Jezebel spirit is in our world today. Jezebel is known as the evil queen of Israel who murdered prophets and threatened the life of Elijah. She was an idol worshipper, murderer, thief and manipulator. She operated in illegitimate authority when she stole Naboth's inheritance. The spirit of Jezebel inflicts poverty, infirmity, divination and a spirit of religion. Jezebel also brings confusion, fear and doubt into lives and circumstances. Though this evil power has no gender, the seductive methods of prostitute are used to entice us into compromise in any area of our lives. It took Jehu to come against Jezebel and slay her. 2 Kings 9:30-33 30 Now when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a window. 31 Then, as Jehu entered at the gate, she said, “Is it peace, Zimri, murderer of your master?”
32 And he looked up at the window, and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” So two or three eunuchs looked out at him. 33 Then he said, “Throw her down.” So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses; and he trampled her underfoot. Rather than slaying Jezebel as Jehu did, we are easily seduced into tolerating her spiritual seductions!
Understand this: The Jezebel spirit is about control and she will use harlotry (Hollywood) and witchcraft against mankind to get us to sin and to take our attention away from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The demonic principality of Jezebel will abort destiny if we do not pray and war against this seductive spirit.
It is my prayer that we gain knowledge about the dark side so that we know how to battle for our souls and the souls of our loved ones. Time is getting short.
Blessings, Tony
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Transforming Your Mind
Greetings brothers and sisters.
A sister in Christ who has been a believer since 1987 was sharing about her walk with Christ in our bible study Saturday night. She was a little frustrated and confused on what else to do, as she was experiencing many obstacles in her walk. Like so many of us, we know what the Bible says but little in the way of how to apply what we read to our lives.
Too often we are conformed to this world. (Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.) In other words, we are caught up with with all these things in our every day life that may not pleasing God. Unfortunately, we are not always aware of these habits that we have developed that need to be eliminated. Sometimes we are aware of these habits and in our flesh we fight the need to change.
Paul urges us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed away from this world. To become transformed involves a process of change. Transform means metamorphosis as in the process of a caterpillar endures as it is transformed into a beautiful butterfly. The entire process involves death to an old identity, experiencing a season of change, and becoming an entirely new creation. This process is exactly what we believers experience as we are transformed into the image of Christ.
The enemy cannot have a hold on us if we renew our minds with His Word and perfect will. The process of renewing our minds involves three steps. First, we must be willing to change. Second, we are to present ourselves to the Lord as sacrifices in holiness. Third, we must not be conformed or fashioned to this world. All three steps are dependent upon our becoming saturated with His Word. By daily reading His Word, our minds are fashioned and we come into agreement with His perfect will. As we implement what we learn, we can dethrone the enemy. And as we digest His Word, we gain knowledge and understanding of who we are in Christ Jesus. As result, a new identity emerges devoid of our old habits. Therefore, empowered to defeat every strategy of the enemy.
My prayer is we transform ourselves by applying what you read in God's Word to our lives.
Blessings to you all,
Tony
A sister in Christ who has been a believer since 1987 was sharing about her walk with Christ in our bible study Saturday night. She was a little frustrated and confused on what else to do, as she was experiencing many obstacles in her walk. Like so many of us, we know what the Bible says but little in the way of how to apply what we read to our lives.
Too often we are conformed to this world. (Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.) In other words, we are caught up with with all these things in our every day life that may not pleasing God. Unfortunately, we are not always aware of these habits that we have developed that need to be eliminated. Sometimes we are aware of these habits and in our flesh we fight the need to change.
Paul urges us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed away from this world. To become transformed involves a process of change. Transform means metamorphosis as in the process of a caterpillar endures as it is transformed into a beautiful butterfly. The entire process involves death to an old identity, experiencing a season of change, and becoming an entirely new creation. This process is exactly what we believers experience as we are transformed into the image of Christ.
The enemy cannot have a hold on us if we renew our minds with His Word and perfect will. The process of renewing our minds involves three steps. First, we must be willing to change. Second, we are to present ourselves to the Lord as sacrifices in holiness. Third, we must not be conformed or fashioned to this world. All three steps are dependent upon our becoming saturated with His Word. By daily reading His Word, our minds are fashioned and we come into agreement with His perfect will. As we implement what we learn, we can dethrone the enemy. And as we digest His Word, we gain knowledge and understanding of who we are in Christ Jesus. As result, a new identity emerges devoid of our old habits. Therefore, empowered to defeat every strategy of the enemy.
My prayer is we transform ourselves by applying what you read in God's Word to our lives.
Blessings to you all,
Tony
Friday, March 5, 2010
Book of Habakkuk - The Walk of Faith
Habakkuk provides a beautiful picture of how to move from doubt to faith, from confusion to understanding, and from fear to hope. He asked genuine question, waited for God's answers, and accepted them. He put his hope in God and experienced His presence. In faith, he looked beyond his present circumstances to God, placing his hope in God's saving grace and absolute faithfulness. He set his heart and his eyes on God.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Understand that is acceptable to acknowledge the difficulty of your situation. However, like Habakkuk, focus your attention on God rather than on your circumstances. Remember that circumstances will change, but God remains the same. Put your hope in God's ability to save you; He is present with you in even the most difficult of times. Choose to rejoice in the Lord, regardless of the way you feel. Trust that He will enable you to overcome.
1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it
Hebrew 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
I pray God will bless your day.
Tony
Habakkuk 3:17-19 17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Understand that is acceptable to acknowledge the difficulty of your situation. However, like Habakkuk, focus your attention on God rather than on your circumstances. Remember that circumstances will change, but God remains the same. Put your hope in God's ability to save you; He is present with you in even the most difficult of times. Choose to rejoice in the Lord, regardless of the way you feel. Trust that He will enable you to overcome.
1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it
Hebrew 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
I pray God will bless your day.
Tony
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Offenses - A Major Hindrance
Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Offenses (unresolved bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness in broken relationships) grieve the Holy Spirit and undermine the unity and prayer vital to revival. When the Holy Spirit is grieved, the flow of His power, counsel, and comfort is stymied, and the enemy is given opportunity to accuse, torment, imprison, and ultimately defeat us. This blocks our ability to give or receive God's mercy because our relationship with Him is compromised, and the church is prevented from presenting the glory of God to a community. If we repent of our offenses to God and make things right before others (Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift), we can live in the power of an "ungrieved" Holy Spirit. Thus released from anger and bitterness, we can expect continual revival, abounding in the grace of His forgiveness, mercy and kindness (Mark 11:25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”)
Do you have someone that you need to forgive? Better yet, have you offended someone and need to apologize and ask forgiveness? So often we look at others and their offenses against us and forget to remove the plank out of our eyes to see how we have offended them.
May God shed His blessings on you.
P.S. Please feel free to sign up and share a comment.
Offenses (unresolved bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness in broken relationships) grieve the Holy Spirit and undermine the unity and prayer vital to revival. When the Holy Spirit is grieved, the flow of His power, counsel, and comfort is stymied, and the enemy is given opportunity to accuse, torment, imprison, and ultimately defeat us. This blocks our ability to give or receive God's mercy because our relationship with Him is compromised, and the church is prevented from presenting the glory of God to a community. If we repent of our offenses to God and make things right before others (Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift), we can live in the power of an "ungrieved" Holy Spirit. Thus released from anger and bitterness, we can expect continual revival, abounding in the grace of His forgiveness, mercy and kindness (Mark 11:25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”)
Do you have someone that you need to forgive? Better yet, have you offended someone and need to apologize and ask forgiveness? So often we look at others and their offenses against us and forget to remove the plank out of our eyes to see how we have offended them.
May God shed His blessings on you.
P.S. Please feel free to sign up and share a comment.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Book of Amos
Amos exemplifies God's commitment to forewarn His people of impending judgement in order to give them the opportunity to repent. God sent the prophet Amos as His spokesperson of warning to Israel. Like a trumpet blown to warn a city of attack, so God peaks through His prophets to warn His people in order to save them from destruction.
As I have been reading the Old Testament, I have come to realize how important a message it conveys in respect to our present culture. We have to understand that we are not any different than the people Amos is warning in his day.
Amos 3:67 If a trumpet is blown in a city, will not the people be afraid? If there is calamity in a city, will not the LORD have done it? Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
Understand that, motivated by His love, God brings warning through His prophets in order to save His people from harm. God send instructions to the prophets by a direct word. We as believers should warn as the prophets have done. Like the prophets we have received a word from God. It is called The Bible.
Allow the godliness found in the Bible to be your life's standard. Ask God to show you any places in your life that deviate form His standard. By His grace, submit those areas to the Lord. Ask God to conform you to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
May God bless your life.
As I have been reading the Old Testament, I have come to realize how important a message it conveys in respect to our present culture. We have to understand that we are not any different than the people Amos is warning in his day.
Amos 3:67 If a trumpet is blown in a city, will not the people be afraid? If there is calamity in a city, will not the LORD have done it? Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
Understand that, motivated by His love, God brings warning through His prophets in order to save His people from harm. God send instructions to the prophets by a direct word. We as believers should warn as the prophets have done. Like the prophets we have received a word from God. It is called The Bible.
Allow the godliness found in the Bible to be your life's standard. Ask God to show you any places in your life that deviate form His standard. By His grace, submit those areas to the Lord. Ask God to conform you to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
May God bless your life.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
First Blog
Dear brothers and sisters,
I just set this blog up for one purpose and that is to share the uncompromising Word of God. My intent is to convey what God says in His Word (Bible) and not what man says or understands, Proverbs 3:6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
It is my hope and prayer that God will lead me to share what is right and correct using His Word that has been around since the beginning. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Blessings to you all and may God be with you in your journeys.
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