John 3:18 ESV
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
It is a stark contrast between the believer and the non-believer. Through Christ we have a better life, not in the worldly sense as in possessions, but as in the internal with the indescribable joy and peace the Lord gives us. We have a better legacy. Our children more times then not grow up to be respectful, God fearing and humble people. We also deal with death better. If you have ever been to a celebration of life ceremony, though there is grief, there is also an unmistakable sense of hope. In every facet the believer does not live a life of condemnation. The believer is not down trodden for long. The believer truly shows the love of Jesus shining through him/her. Am I boasting in this? Without a doubt the only place where I will seek to be boastful is what Jesus Christ has done for me. In this verse we are promised that as believers we are not condemned in either the present or the eternal.
Transversely, those that do not believe are condemned already. Notice the context of that sentence. It does not say, those that do not believe are condemned, it says condemned already. This means that their condemnation is not only in the future but is a present state. Those that are seperated from Christ are condemned in a very real and authentic way during every instance there is a spirit of non-believe in their heart. Non-believers do not have the hope of Christ that gets them through those tough times: the times of death, the times of sickness, the times of financial dificulty, the times of utter despair. Jesus takes the yoke of the believer and the non-believers are carrying their own burdens. What a heavy burden it is. The weight of the world will squish the strongest of men.
Only one person can lift it. Only one person can lift it with His pinky finger. Only one person can lift it with a spoken word and thats Jesus Christ. The non-believer, without the full knowledge and faith in Christ is condemned for all eternity, but presently condemned while they lack faith in their maker. Therefore Christian, let your hearts fill with compassion. Let the Lord who works in you and through you to spread the light of Jesus for those who are already condemned. Let not your family members be condemned. Let not your neighbors be condemned. Let not your co-workers be condemned. Those who have a lamp do not look to cover it but lift it high for all to see. Be the light of the world and be encouraged to give hope to the hopeless, peace to the discouraged, and love to the dismayed. Praise be to the King of kings who has saved us from condemnation both present and eternal.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Friday, December 19, 2014
Do not delay!
Psalm 119:60 ESV
I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.
David exclaims his commitment to the Lord. His urgency of heart is not only for the law, but also for the personal daily commandments that the Lord gives him. The ten commandments is what many of us think when we see the word commandments, but there is also the will of God. Those that are seeking that still small voice. Those that have that intimate relationship with the Lord also receive commandments from the Lord. David shares with us that he strived to not only keep the precepts of the Lord, but anything the Lord told him to do. If it were just the rules and precepts that he looked to follow then he would have said I hasten to follow the Levitical law or the Mosaic law. No instead it says he does not delay to keep His commandments. Anytime the Lord speaks to us to do of His will it is a commandment. He is our Master and there is no other authority that can draw such hasty action. Lets notice that David doesn't look to mull it over. David does not feel the need to deliberate on the subject. David looks to not just carry out the commandments of God, but to do it speedily.
This my brethren requires faith. Acting on behalf of the Lord's voice and carrying our His precepts without first critically thinking about it is an act of faith. It shows that He understands that the wisdom of the Lord is above his own.
Not only is it an act of faith it is an act of obedience. When a soldier is told to halt! It is carried out immediately and obediently. Any delay and the heart of the command would be lost. So it is with David, His heart is to act at once! Haviving full faith and full obedience in the word of the Lord.
On a practical sense, when we reckon to think and weigh out what the Lord will have us do, we often do the contrary. Typically we will find excuses and or reasons to not do the Lord's will. This is because though the Spirit is strong the flesh is weak. Delaying to do the commandments of the Lord leaves us to our own demise. It leads us to our own unrighteous deliberation. It lacks faith, it lacks obedience and enables us to give excuses.
On one rainy day of recent, I was coming home from dropping off my kids at school. It was a cold brisk morning and the rain was thick. As I was pulling up my driveway I noticed some people on bikes taking cans out of trash cans on the street. As I pulled up to my house these people were at my trash can. All at once I felt the Lord tell me to go inside get money out of my wife's purse and give it to them. Instead of doing it with haste. Instead of not delaying. I wrestled with it in my mind. I thought of the ruggedness and the rain. I thought about not wanting to over step my bounds and go through my wife's purse. I also thought that maybe my mind was playing tricks on me. That morning I let those people pass by my house and I did nothing. I was haunted by it that day and prayed about it. Then the Lord directed me to this beautiful Psalm of David. He directed me to hasten and not delay to carry out His commands. So now it is also my heart, which is the heart of David, which is the heart of the Lord. I will not delay but with an urgency of heart keep the commandments of my Lord.
I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.
David exclaims his commitment to the Lord. His urgency of heart is not only for the law, but also for the personal daily commandments that the Lord gives him. The ten commandments is what many of us think when we see the word commandments, but there is also the will of God. Those that are seeking that still small voice. Those that have that intimate relationship with the Lord also receive commandments from the Lord. David shares with us that he strived to not only keep the precepts of the Lord, but anything the Lord told him to do. If it were just the rules and precepts that he looked to follow then he would have said I hasten to follow the Levitical law or the Mosaic law. No instead it says he does not delay to keep His commandments. Anytime the Lord speaks to us to do of His will it is a commandment. He is our Master and there is no other authority that can draw such hasty action. Lets notice that David doesn't look to mull it over. David does not feel the need to deliberate on the subject. David looks to not just carry out the commandments of God, but to do it speedily.
This my brethren requires faith. Acting on behalf of the Lord's voice and carrying our His precepts without first critically thinking about it is an act of faith. It shows that He understands that the wisdom of the Lord is above his own.
Not only is it an act of faith it is an act of obedience. When a soldier is told to halt! It is carried out immediately and obediently. Any delay and the heart of the command would be lost. So it is with David, His heart is to act at once! Haviving full faith and full obedience in the word of the Lord.
On a practical sense, when we reckon to think and weigh out what the Lord will have us do, we often do the contrary. Typically we will find excuses and or reasons to not do the Lord's will. This is because though the Spirit is strong the flesh is weak. Delaying to do the commandments of the Lord leaves us to our own demise. It leads us to our own unrighteous deliberation. It lacks faith, it lacks obedience and enables us to give excuses.
On one rainy day of recent, I was coming home from dropping off my kids at school. It was a cold brisk morning and the rain was thick. As I was pulling up my driveway I noticed some people on bikes taking cans out of trash cans on the street. As I pulled up to my house these people were at my trash can. All at once I felt the Lord tell me to go inside get money out of my wife's purse and give it to them. Instead of doing it with haste. Instead of not delaying. I wrestled with it in my mind. I thought of the ruggedness and the rain. I thought about not wanting to over step my bounds and go through my wife's purse. I also thought that maybe my mind was playing tricks on me. That morning I let those people pass by my house and I did nothing. I was haunted by it that day and prayed about it. Then the Lord directed me to this beautiful Psalm of David. He directed me to hasten and not delay to carry out His commands. So now it is also my heart, which is the heart of David, which is the heart of the Lord. I will not delay but with an urgency of heart keep the commandments of my Lord.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Eve and the Serpent. . Temptation
Genesis 3:1-6 NKJV
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
Three things can be taken from the interaction between Eve and the serpent in Genesis 3. Eve was near the tree or at least observing it. Eve acted alone in her decision to take of the fruit. Lastly, Eve was deceived.
Scripture says that the woman "saw" that it was good to eat. This means Eve was observing the tree. We don't know her exact proximity when first interacting with the serpent, but eventually she was close enough to grab a fruit. In any case; Eve, at first was around and able to observe what could turn to sin. Isn't this how sin works for us all. Eve, probably had no intentions of sinning and taking of the fruit. By her act of admonishing the serpent, she had a certain fear of the Lord's precept. Though, being close to the temptation and gazing upon its delight filled power over her senses, she became weak to it. If perhaps she was no where near the temptation her senses would not have had the opportunity to become subject to the desire.
This can be said about our own walk. If we dare come into close proximity with fleshly desires, even if we have no intention of fulfilling them, it is that much easier for satan to use it against us. Satan used her proximity to the tree as an opportune time to lure her heart towards her fleshly desires.
Eve also acted alone in her decision making processes. This can be seen first by who the serpent is talking to. Also by her actions taken, and lastly by the specific curse God puts on women.
Eve was having a one on one conversation with satan. The bible does not record satan talking to Adam nor does it record Eve asking Adam for his opinion or approval. This means that that the sole decision to pick the fruit off the tree was hers alone. If Adam was around during this conversation and rebuked her, he would have saved, at least for the moment, the posterity of mankind. Eve picked the fruit from the tree and Adam didn't. There is much debate on when Adam showed up to take of the fruit, but because of what Timothy says in chapter 2: 13-14 "for Adam was not deceived but Eve was deceived" I am of the believe that she was alone with the Snake at least while the conversation was taking place. If Adam was next to Eve while the conversation was taking place then Adam would have heard the snake and also been deceived. This is further proof that Eve at first acted alone. Lastly, God rebukes in the order of transgression. We see that after the Lord's inquiry of the events, He first puts a curse on the serpent, then on Eve, then on Adam showing the order in which each transgressed. Eve was first deceived, then Adam took the fruit. We also notice through Adam's rebuke by the Lord, "he listened to his wife" and it doesn't say he listened to the serpent; ergo eve acted alone.
Why is this important? This shows us that acting alone and not having the council of our Father before making a decision will always lead us to sin. Our flesh is magnetized to sin. It has a natural attraction to it and without first seeking Holy counsel we will always fall to the weaknesses of our flesh. Scholars would call this a cognitive bias, and Christians would call it our fleshly nature.
We also see that Eve was deceived by the serpent. Satan used an opportune time to twist the words of the Lord. By the coupling of the lust of the eyes and the cunning words of the snake, Eve was deceived by satan.
If we look at all three facets of this interaction that Eve had with the serpent, we can then see the progressive nature of sin. First, we put ourselves in close range of sin, then we act alone without counsel and in secret, and lastly we are then deceived by satan. We can look at any sin in our lives and trace these steps. We can see that without Christ we are but doomed to resist the temptations of sin. Without using the full armor of God we will fall victim to the deciever's firey darts. Let us not look down on Adam and Eve with chronological snobbery , but with full knowledge that Adam was the most prepared and most qualified for this probation. He was a full grown man who had full knowledge of the trinity. He was blameless and knew nothing about evil. He had a relationship with God. If there were any a man on earth apart from Christ Himself that could hold true to the covenant, it would have been Adam. Nevertheless, the temptation of wanting to improve upon our position in life over took Adam. He listened to His wife and did not seek the Lord. We are helpless without Christ and that cunning snake is still slithering around the world today. Take note of your first parents and learn from their mistakes. Stay away from temptations even if you have no intent on sinning and seek Holy counsel: in this we will not be deceived.
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
Three things can be taken from the interaction between Eve and the serpent in Genesis 3. Eve was near the tree or at least observing it. Eve acted alone in her decision to take of the fruit. Lastly, Eve was deceived.
Scripture says that the woman "saw" that it was good to eat. This means Eve was observing the tree. We don't know her exact proximity when first interacting with the serpent, but eventually she was close enough to grab a fruit. In any case; Eve, at first was around and able to observe what could turn to sin. Isn't this how sin works for us all. Eve, probably had no intentions of sinning and taking of the fruit. By her act of admonishing the serpent, she had a certain fear of the Lord's precept. Though, being close to the temptation and gazing upon its delight filled power over her senses, she became weak to it. If perhaps she was no where near the temptation her senses would not have had the opportunity to become subject to the desire.
This can be said about our own walk. If we dare come into close proximity with fleshly desires, even if we have no intention of fulfilling them, it is that much easier for satan to use it against us. Satan used her proximity to the tree as an opportune time to lure her heart towards her fleshly desires.
Eve also acted alone in her decision making processes. This can be seen first by who the serpent is talking to. Also by her actions taken, and lastly by the specific curse God puts on women.
Eve was having a one on one conversation with satan. The bible does not record satan talking to Adam nor does it record Eve asking Adam for his opinion or approval. This means that that the sole decision to pick the fruit off the tree was hers alone. If Adam was around during this conversation and rebuked her, he would have saved, at least for the moment, the posterity of mankind. Eve picked the fruit from the tree and Adam didn't. There is much debate on when Adam showed up to take of the fruit, but because of what Timothy says in chapter 2: 13-14 "for Adam was not deceived but Eve was deceived" I am of the believe that she was alone with the Snake at least while the conversation was taking place. If Adam was next to Eve while the conversation was taking place then Adam would have heard the snake and also been deceived. This is further proof that Eve at first acted alone. Lastly, God rebukes in the order of transgression. We see that after the Lord's inquiry of the events, He first puts a curse on the serpent, then on Eve, then on Adam showing the order in which each transgressed. Eve was first deceived, then Adam took the fruit. We also notice through Adam's rebuke by the Lord, "he listened to his wife" and it doesn't say he listened to the serpent; ergo eve acted alone.
Why is this important? This shows us that acting alone and not having the council of our Father before making a decision will always lead us to sin. Our flesh is magnetized to sin. It has a natural attraction to it and without first seeking Holy counsel we will always fall to the weaknesses of our flesh. Scholars would call this a cognitive bias, and Christians would call it our fleshly nature.
We also see that Eve was deceived by the serpent. Satan used an opportune time to twist the words of the Lord. By the coupling of the lust of the eyes and the cunning words of the snake, Eve was deceived by satan.
If we look at all three facets of this interaction that Eve had with the serpent, we can then see the progressive nature of sin. First, we put ourselves in close range of sin, then we act alone without counsel and in secret, and lastly we are then deceived by satan. We can look at any sin in our lives and trace these steps. We can see that without Christ we are but doomed to resist the temptations of sin. Without using the full armor of God we will fall victim to the deciever's firey darts. Let us not look down on Adam and Eve with chronological snobbery , but with full knowledge that Adam was the most prepared and most qualified for this probation. He was a full grown man who had full knowledge of the trinity. He was blameless and knew nothing about evil. He had a relationship with God. If there were any a man on earth apart from Christ Himself that could hold true to the covenant, it would have been Adam. Nevertheless, the temptation of wanting to improve upon our position in life over took Adam. He listened to His wife and did not seek the Lord. We are helpless without Christ and that cunning snake is still slithering around the world today. Take note of your first parents and learn from their mistakes. Stay away from temptations even if you have no intent on sinning and seek Holy counsel: in this we will not be deceived.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
THE RECONCILIATION OF ALL THINGS
The Reconciliation of
all things.
He is the image of jthe
invisible God, kthe
firstborn of all creation.16 For by6 him all things were created, lin heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether mthrones
or ndominions
or rulers or authorities—all things were created othrough him and for him. 17 And phe is
before all things, and in him all things qhold
together. 18 And rhe is
the head of the body, the church. He is sthe
beginning, tthe
firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For uin him
all thevfullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and wthrough
him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, xmaking
peace yby the
blood of his cross.
21 zAnd you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, adoing
evil deeds, 22 he has
now reconciled bin his body of flesh by his death,cin order
to present you holy and blameless and dabove
reproach before him, 23 eif indeed you continue in the faith, fstable and steadfast, not shifting from gthe hope
of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed hin all creation7 under heaven, iand of which I, Paul, became a minister.
ESV.
Reading the New
Testament words of Paul the Apostle we begin in this text to see something
about our glorious Savior that distinguishes Him as Lord above all other Lords
and above all other Kings. Great Kings have great authority and they wield the
power to save and to kill. Other Kings show their wealth and their lands they
have conquered. Some display their sovereignty by their military conquests and
glory in their victory over their avowed enemies. Each of these types depict
human power and wisdom; our great King and Lord will in the end display his
greatness and power by bringing together what was divided and reuniting what
was separated.
In this present world
Christ has given us a spirit of adoption; Romans 8:15 For you did not
receive the spirit of
slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba!
Father!” In all cases the believer is encouraged to reconcile with
anyone who has become antagonistic or even an enemy. The believer in Jesus
looks at everyone as being made in the image of God and created in his
likeness. Because of this, our view of our fellow humans is calibrated by
scripture truth and because of that we see them as fellow-creatures even kindred
according to the flesh.
Matthew 5:21 y“You
have heard that it was said to those of old, z‘You
shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable ato judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that beveryone who is angry with
his brother3 will
be liable ato
judgment; whoever insults4 his
brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be
liable to cthe
hell5 of
fire. 23 dSo if eyou are offering
your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something
against you, 24 leave
your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother,
and then come and offer your gift. 25 fCome to terms quickly
with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand
you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, gyou will never get out
until you have paid the last penny.6
Look closely at the
text; Jesus says the “brother” is also the “accuser”. We find this terribly
difficult, the heartbreak and pain we endure as we learn our own brother or
sister has become an accuser against us lends to increase our own anger at
their change of heart toward us. Nevertheless, Jesus instructs us to reconcile
with them. Reconciliation is the answer for bitterness and hidden resentments
buried underneath civil manners. In these situation it’s very difficult for one
party to admit wrong, they both feel so betrayed that the minor point of
disagreement has become a chasm that will not be spanned by mere civility or
distance.
It is said that time heals
all wounds. But some wounds are so deep and the bitterness so powerful there is
no remedy for them. But Christ is wiser than we are bitter and stronger than we
are resentful; His Spirit has come to conquer the hearts of men and Jesus first
stop is to take control of the city of ManSoul. When Christ rules in our
hearts, the peace of God rules our hearts as well. Philippians 4:9 What you
have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and
the God of peace will be with you.
Let me say this; Jesus
has reconciled you to himself. He first ended the war between you and Christ, that
war is over, you have been defeated, and your power is broken your heart has
been thrust through by the sword of God’s spirit. Now you are reconciled, now
you are a citizen, a loyal servant, a son, a priest, a prophet yea, even a king
under the dominion of the great King Jesus Christ. How was I thrust-through?
Why say that I was killed in battle against Jesus Christ?
Romans *:3 For jGod
has done what the law,kweakened
by the flesh, lcould
not do. mBy sending
his own Son nin
the likeness of sinful flesh and ofor
sin,3 he
condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in
order that pthe
righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us,qwho walk not
according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 Forrthose who live according to
the flesh set their minds on sthe
things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds
ontthe things
of the Spirit. 6 For
to set uthe
mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and
peace. 7 For
the mind that is set on the flesh is vhostile to God, for it does
not submit to God's law;windeed,
it cannot. 8 Those
who are in the flesh cannot please God.flesh is vhostile to God, for it does
not submit to God's law;windeed,
it cannot. 8 Those
who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Have a look at this
text full of promise… Romans 8:10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead
because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.11 If the Spirit of ahim who raised Jesus from
the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus4 from the dead
will also give life to your mortal bodies bthrough his Spirit who
dwells in you.
We are dead to sin,
alive to God, dead to a heart full of enmity against God, dead to alienation
and estrangement. We are reconciled, yes we are brought back to God with peace.
A hostile mind toward
God cannot be asked to love, serve and worship God. So it is the same with our
fellow man, we cannot love, serve and display our worship of God when we are
embittered against one another. So I encourage you, in Christ name, be
reconciled one with another. Because you are free from fear and have no reason
to doubt God’s love and compassion toward you, fear not what men will do
against you; for you have overcome and you have the victory secured in your
heart.
But there is more. Our
great God and Savior Jesus Christ goes above and beyond our wildest
expectations.
Through the blood of
the cross God will reconcile all things. This promise is so far beyond our
greatest dreams we dare only to let it race across our minds for just a second.
Think with me for a moment, dare to take Christ at his word and comprehend with
me for just a little and taste of the vast implications of such terms as “reconcile
all things”. Surely this is understood of all of his children, bought and
secured by giving himself a ransom for many. But there is more; not only is our
heart reconciled to God by Jesus’ precious blood, we are reconciled with one
another and brought together as one harmonious body of believers.
For some, this means
that lost relatives who were never close to you but are believers in Jesus
Christ, they will come to know and love you without the slightest tint of
imperfection. Our reconciliation to our lost loved ones, our best friends
passed, our brothers and sisters in Christ who we have seen go before us into
glory will one day receive us into eternal habitations with great joy. To one
day see again your parents, your grandfathers and grandmothers, and countless
generations past welcome you into everlasting arms who have waited for your
entrance into the celestial city. New Jerusalem is alive in warm hearts ready
to welcome those estranged by wars and kingdoms, they patiently await the
reconciliation of vast multitudes who have parents or relatives that never
understood one another, or they may have been at odds over all kinds of issues,
now, in Christ purified and purged of diseased thinking and corrupt human
wisdom.
For some, their
conversion was at deaths-bed and they entered into the kingdom of God as
friends of the great King but un-knowledgeable of the great things God has done
for them through Christ. For these who have not learned through God’s sacred
book the power and glory of His coming Kingdom, now learn that entrance into it
is accompanied with multitudes of sinners like themselves that have been
redeemed and purchased by the One great Savior who shed His blood to make them
all one and all glorious without spot or wrinkle.
We too shall find our
old and harassing sins have vacated, our weak hearts ablaze in Holy Spirit love
and joy, welcoming, singing, rejoicing, laughing and praising God the Most High
for giving to them life and love that in the past world only hints and tastes
could be had. Oh, the freedom of being removed from sin’s power to kill, from
the enmity of the human heart to destroy, all that has been purged from us.
Christ in destroying the power of sin destroyed the power of death and now love
and joy fill the atmosphere were no impure or unholy thing can enter.
Revelation 22:3 No
longer will there be anything accursed, but ethe
throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and fhis servants3 will
worship him. 4 gThey will
see his face, and hhis name
will be on their foreheads. 5 And inight will be no more. They
will need no light of lamp jor
sun, for kthe
Lord God will be their light, and lthey
will reign forever and ever.
This is the
reconciliation of God, where joy swallows up suffering, laughing swallows up
pain, disease, death and poverty are all purged from us. Rejoice, Rejoice and
again I say rejoice.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Born Incomplete
Our God is a triune God. He is Father, Son, and Spirit. We on the other hand are made in His image, with His triune nature giving us body, soul and Spirit. Notice the capital S because it is not our spirit but His.
If God created us first with body, soul and Spirit, it should be assumed in our fallen nature, our depraved nature, the Spirit became severed when Adam forsook the first ever precept of the almighty God. The Holy Spirit is then void or missing until we become redeemed once more. When Adam first sinned He severed the ties between humans and the Holy Spirit. Thus, leaving us with body and soul. Our earthly bodies and abstract soul are destined to destruction if left to its own demise. Once the Spirit left our first parents, their bodies started to decay; entropy was in full affect. Not only was it a promise that they should surely die, but it was a divine reaction to our incomplete state of being. Our bodies are now incapable of being vessels to the Holy Spirit from birth. For flesh gives birth to flesh and the Spirit gives birth to the Spirit. Due to this reasoning we have to be reborn in the Spirit. Therefore, even Adam and Eve could only be saved by the redemptive blood of Christ.
We are not whole without Christ. 1/3 of our being, the most important and life giving property of our being is absent. We are born missing the most important part of what makes us "God's image"; His Spirit. Henceforth, through the actions of Adam, the Holy Spirit could not and would not indwell in us from conception, but from then on, could only be gifted to us through His propitiation. Body and soul we are born with, but Spirit we are reborn with.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Natural Man
The not so hidden truth of human nature is its frailty. The feebleness and utter hopelessness apart from Christ is seen on every news channel every day. Our lives are but a whisper and the catching of that whisper is futile in the hands of any man. In spite of apparent and self evident orthodoxies, there is a growing neglect to understand and teach such depravities. Our pulpits lay waste to one of the most important truth’s to our relationship with the almighty. Who are we compared to Him and how does that effect the progression of our righteousness through Him? All doctrine and theological circumspection derives from this one perception. Having a proper view of man’s impotency concerning righteousness is the basis of sound biblical doctrine and the only path to tasting the fullness of Christ’s joy. What does man have to offer in the way of his salvation? What is the extent of God’s love? Why was the cross so important? Why would Jesus love me? These are just a few questions which the paramountcy of proper perception effects sound doctrinal views.
Some might ask why it is important. There are three main reasons why it is essential to understand the natural state of man. First, it is imperative that the Lord receive all the glory He deserves. To neglect and think arbitrarily of such would give irrelevance to the dominion of God, and His significance to our lives. His word tells us to give all glory and honor to God. He is worthy of all our praise. Let everything with breath praise the Lord. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. Therefore, let us make every intention to give God what is truly His; especially concerning His glory. Secondly, having a uniformed picture of man’s natural state brings clarity and understanding when reading scripture. Having a skewed view of a foundational tenant will affect your outlook and perspicacity of the entirety of the bible. Not understanding the primal makeup of man can lead us to false doctrines and heresy. It explains why it was so important that Jesus came to save us. It sheds light on to why the law was not sufficient. It gives us a true picture of the weight Jesus put on His shoulders and the immensity of the burden He took upon himself. In order to be doctrinally sound you must first have a basis of sound doctrine. Thirdly, having a legitimate acuity of our fallen nature only leads to joy in Christ. The more we can understand what God has done for His elect, and what He continually does for those He has chosen, the more inexplicable joy we receive. The entirety of our reverence not only honors God, but in turn, through it gives us elation because we can better understand the divine unconditional nature of Him. We delight in the Lord because of what He has done for us and not because of anything we have done for our self. The word says that those who delight in the Lord will have peace. Therefore, understanding who we are compared to the Lord will also bring us peace, and peace is the fullness of joy. As you can see, the severity of having a correct view of our natural state affects every facet of our walk.
My beloved, please understand how defenseless we are without the aid of Christ. What in us or about us constitutes even a smidgen of good? Our heart is diabolical; it is black as tar and produces evil constantly and relentlessly. Natural man is naturally sickened. We are diseased without any home remedies. Jeremiah 17:9 says that “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Above all things! There is nothing more devious than the human heart. There is nothing more untrustworthy. There is nothing more vile or conniving. Yes, above all things the heart is depraved. The great white shark, a natural killer and always stalking is still not as contemptible as the human heart. In Psalms 51:5 the word reads “behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Psalms 58:3 continues, the wicked are estranged from the womb, they go astray from birth speaking lies.” From the onset we are all wicked. The world teaches us that a baby is innocent and pure. No Christian! You were not pure! To be pure is to be without blemish. To be pure is to be found without fault. To be pure we would have to be untainted and without sin. My beloved, you were a sinner the moment you were conceived and are a sinner until you are redeemed. For all have sinned and fell short of the glory of God!
It is for this reason we are helpless without a savior. If the bible is so absolute about our fallen nature then we have to be absolute about our state of recovery. “Surely, there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and not sin.” God speaks to us clearly and dogmatically. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says the natural person does not except the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” Without Christ the cross is foolishness to all men. We are incapable of understanding and incapable of seeking. However, it is with great joy and ineffable exuberance that we are unable to help our self. If I were to think of the many ways I could screw up my own salvation by trying to bring it about myself, I could fill all the books in the world. Thank you God that it is not left to me. Who would be so bold and brash to think that eternity could be trusted in their hands? Eternity can only be trusted in the hands of its author. So God, in His omniscience made sure that only He was able to save. He insured that only He would be the author of our salvation, and that only He could receive all the glory and honor. Let no man boast in his salvation. Let no man say it was “I” who chose Christ. Empty yourself of such pious thoughts and fill yourself with lowliness. How dare any man or woman take credit for what is rightly due to God. Our life was bought at a price and therefore our life is not our own. We are a gift from God the Father to the Son. To take credit would mean that we gifted the Son when we chose to accept Christ. What blasphemy!! No Christian, the Father gave us to the Son and to Him all the Glory. “For the mind is set on the flesh and is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You are not capable of gifting yourself and nor would the Son accept any offering that was not sanctified by God.
Therefore, take joy in your lowliness because our victory is in Jesus and not in our self. Take joy in your helplessness because your Savior has set you free. We are no longer captives to sin but free in Christ. Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18 exclaim he was sent to set the captives free, and we are free indeed; however, not of our own might, but of His. Amen!
Monday, November 10, 2014
The Joy of Lowliness
Psalm 8:4 ESV
What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
What a beautiful sense of lowliness David has. He is the King of Israel and one of the best general's the world had ever seen, and yet He thought nothing of his place, as well as, man's place compared to God. 2 Samuel 7:18 "Who am I O Lord, and what is my house that you have brought me this far"? I am humbled by this thought daily. My sins are as numerous as the stars. My mind is perverse and always self seeking, but God and His unfailing mercy has looked upon my famiy and I. He has considered me and cares for me deeply. How humbling is this supplication from David. What is man that God care and be mindful of him? There are billions of us, all prideful and wicked as the next, but God still cares. He has invested interest in each one of us and is concerened for us personally and intimately.
The immensity and grandeur of His preeminence is seen here. His compassion and vastness of being are on full display. Once a believer has a full knowledge of his triviality, he can then appreciate the breath taking acts of Christ's love. What little specs of insignificance we are, and what paramountcy is He. If we could grasp the legitimate preponderancy of who He is compared to who we are, then we shall share a glimpse of His amazing love for us. We deserve nothing and have zero value outside of the mercy and grace of God. Be humbled and keep a lowly heart just as David, and with it you will be able to take joy in Christ just as David has.
What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
What a beautiful sense of lowliness David has. He is the King of Israel and one of the best general's the world had ever seen, and yet He thought nothing of his place, as well as, man's place compared to God. 2 Samuel 7:18 "Who am I O Lord, and what is my house that you have brought me this far"? I am humbled by this thought daily. My sins are as numerous as the stars. My mind is perverse and always self seeking, but God and His unfailing mercy has looked upon my famiy and I. He has considered me and cares for me deeply. How humbling is this supplication from David. What is man that God care and be mindful of him? There are billions of us, all prideful and wicked as the next, but God still cares. He has invested interest in each one of us and is concerened for us personally and intimately.
The immensity and grandeur of His preeminence is seen here. His compassion and vastness of being are on full display. Once a believer has a full knowledge of his triviality, he can then appreciate the breath taking acts of Christ's love. What little specs of insignificance we are, and what paramountcy is He. If we could grasp the legitimate preponderancy of who He is compared to who we are, then we shall share a glimpse of His amazing love for us. We deserve nothing and have zero value outside of the mercy and grace of God. Be humbled and keep a lowly heart just as David, and with it you will be able to take joy in Christ just as David has.
At War!
Ephesians 6:12-17 ESV
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
This is a declaration, a declaration of war! Like a general preparing his troops for battle. He is exhorting who the enemy us and what we have to do to defeat him. The Lord wants us to know and fully understand that WE ARE AT WAR!!! Rulers of darkness, authorities, principalities, and spiritual evil are our enemies. The devil looks to sift us like wheat. These are the very same words Jesus tells Peter and is the same message repeated in Ephesians 6. The devil looks to enslave us and make us captives. He looks to make us prisoners of war. He is our enemy and no one else. Our neighbor is not our enemy, the Muslims are not our enemy, and the people who have wronged us are not our enemy. Our enemy is not made of flesh and blood. No, our enemy is one of a spiritual nature. Therefore, our gracious Lord prepares us with spiritual armaments. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith and His spirit are our armor and weapons.
Let us look to every occasion, whether a time of trial, whether a time of affliction, whether a time of prosperity as a spiritual battle where the devil wants to consume our soul. Yes even in a time of prosperity we are being attacked. Our independence of God is typically nurtured through times of prosperity. This means we must always be on guard. Our sentry duty will never cease in this life. Our enemy will never relent, he will never grow weary of looking to destroy us.
However, be bold!!! The Lord tells us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. He tells us that we are MORE than conquerors. We know through His word that we are victorious in Jesus. We know the final script and Christ will be the victor. Henceforth, we must be in Christ to win. There is no victory for us apart from this.
We must use the spiritual armor given to us to succeed. We must slay the dragon with the sword of His spirit which is the word of God. Train with it, read it and have it at the ready like any battle tested soldier. Don your helmet of salvation, and raise your shield of faith. Never doff your boots of peace and strap tight your belt of truth. Wear the FULL armor of God! We can not grow apathetic of this fight. As soon as you feel weary, know too that this is another flaming arrow from Baal. Stay resolute!!! If you be knocked down jump to your feet at once! Stand with Christ, and stand with your brothers and sisters in Christ, and know that we are at war.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
This is a declaration, a declaration of war! Like a general preparing his troops for battle. He is exhorting who the enemy us and what we have to do to defeat him. The Lord wants us to know and fully understand that WE ARE AT WAR!!! Rulers of darkness, authorities, principalities, and spiritual evil are our enemies. The devil looks to sift us like wheat. These are the very same words Jesus tells Peter and is the same message repeated in Ephesians 6. The devil looks to enslave us and make us captives. He looks to make us prisoners of war. He is our enemy and no one else. Our neighbor is not our enemy, the Muslims are not our enemy, and the people who have wronged us are not our enemy. Our enemy is not made of flesh and blood. No, our enemy is one of a spiritual nature. Therefore, our gracious Lord prepares us with spiritual armaments. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith and His spirit are our armor and weapons.
Let us look to every occasion, whether a time of trial, whether a time of affliction, whether a time of prosperity as a spiritual battle where the devil wants to consume our soul. Yes even in a time of prosperity we are being attacked. Our independence of God is typically nurtured through times of prosperity. This means we must always be on guard. Our sentry duty will never cease in this life. Our enemy will never relent, he will never grow weary of looking to destroy us.
However, be bold!!! The Lord tells us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. He tells us that we are MORE than conquerors. We know through His word that we are victorious in Jesus. We know the final script and Christ will be the victor. Henceforth, we must be in Christ to win. There is no victory for us apart from this.
We must use the spiritual armor given to us to succeed. We must slay the dragon with the sword of His spirit which is the word of God. Train with it, read it and have it at the ready like any battle tested soldier. Don your helmet of salvation, and raise your shield of faith. Never doff your boots of peace and strap tight your belt of truth. Wear the FULL armor of God! We can not grow apathetic of this fight. As soon as you feel weary, know too that this is another flaming arrow from Baal. Stay resolute!!! If you be knocked down jump to your feet at once! Stand with Christ, and stand with your brothers and sisters in Christ, and know that we are at war.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Chief Cornerstone
I Peter 2:7 NKJV
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,”
For you who believe: He is precious. Unless we have a real, and thus tangible relationship with Christ, we would be hard pressed to make much from this verse. Once the believer has felt even the faintest glow from His light, an insatiable urge to be in His precense builds. An unquenchable desire to drink of His living waters makes everything else as arid as the Sahara desert. This is because He that lives in us becomes the most valuable thing we possess, and nothing else comes even close. Our soul is bankrupt with out him. Therefore, He becomes the most precious commodity to our soul. This verse should make us ask this question. Is He precious to us? Is He cherished? Is He our beloved? Is He esteemed to be of the highest price? The Lord makes it clear that if we are unsure, then we must ask; do we believe? For you who do believe, He will be precious.
We also see the dramatic irony that has fell upon the world. Jesus Christ was cast to the side by the pharasies as if He were a bastard child. Little did they know He was and is the Father of all creation. Today Jesus is viewed by the non-believer as a ficticious character from a mother goose story. Little do the they know He is the author of their salvation. In all cases, the thing the world rejects is the very thing that all things are dependent upon. The Jews are represented in this analogy as builders and the cornerstone represents Christ. The building represents the church or Kingdom of God. We can see that the Jews didn't think much of Christ. He wasn't even considered useful enough to be utilized in any part of the building process. He was cast to the side and discarded as refuse. This is a picture of Christ being sent to be crucified by the Jews. However, we see that what they thought wasn't even regarded as useful, is in fact the most important part of the building. He is the chief cornerstone. A cornerstone is an integral part of building construction. It is what provides all the support for a building. It is what the building relies on for its integrity and shape. However, He is not just a cornerstone. No, He is the Chief cornerstone. He is the most important piece of the most important pieces, a double positive in the English lexicon.
Let us not take such an arbitrary perception of Christ, and realise He is precious, and the most important piece of our life. Infact He is not just a peice of our life but encompasses and enfolds our entire life. He truly is what provides our integrity and He alone holds our existense in His hands. All things are subject to Him through His grace and mercy. How precious is He!
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,”
For you who believe: He is precious. Unless we have a real, and thus tangible relationship with Christ, we would be hard pressed to make much from this verse. Once the believer has felt even the faintest glow from His light, an insatiable urge to be in His precense builds. An unquenchable desire to drink of His living waters makes everything else as arid as the Sahara desert. This is because He that lives in us becomes the most valuable thing we possess, and nothing else comes even close. Our soul is bankrupt with out him. Therefore, He becomes the most precious commodity to our soul. This verse should make us ask this question. Is He precious to us? Is He cherished? Is He our beloved? Is He esteemed to be of the highest price? The Lord makes it clear that if we are unsure, then we must ask; do we believe? For you who do believe, He will be precious.
We also see the dramatic irony that has fell upon the world. Jesus Christ was cast to the side by the pharasies as if He were a bastard child. Little did they know He was and is the Father of all creation. Today Jesus is viewed by the non-believer as a ficticious character from a mother goose story. Little do the they know He is the author of their salvation. In all cases, the thing the world rejects is the very thing that all things are dependent upon. The Jews are represented in this analogy as builders and the cornerstone represents Christ. The building represents the church or Kingdom of God. We can see that the Jews didn't think much of Christ. He wasn't even considered useful enough to be utilized in any part of the building process. He was cast to the side and discarded as refuse. This is a picture of Christ being sent to be crucified by the Jews. However, we see that what they thought wasn't even regarded as useful, is in fact the most important part of the building. He is the chief cornerstone. A cornerstone is an integral part of building construction. It is what provides all the support for a building. It is what the building relies on for its integrity and shape. However, He is not just a cornerstone. No, He is the Chief cornerstone. He is the most important piece of the most important pieces, a double positive in the English lexicon.
Let us not take such an arbitrary perception of Christ, and realise He is precious, and the most important piece of our life. Infact He is not just a peice of our life but encompasses and enfolds our entire life. He truly is what provides our integrity and He alone holds our existense in His hands. All things are subject to Him through His grace and mercy. How precious is He!
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Be Bold!
Psalms 116:10 NKJV
I believed, therefore I spoke, “I am greatly afflicted.”
The word of the Lord is power. His salvation brings zeal to even the most staunch introverts. I do not speak of the Lord to justify my own conversion. No, I speak to share the ineffable joy that comes with being liberated.I was held captive but freed. I was yet wallowing in filth, but yet cleansed. I was sentenced to death, but yet pardoned. How can such a gift be kept in silence? Does the mockery of the world silence Christ? Was Jesus silenced in fear of ridicule? We believe so we speak. Our faith should speak through us and come forth as gushing waters of life. We are afflicted by the world, but yet we believe so we speak. Do not let the world set its agenda against the heart of God.
Please label me a Jesus freak, please label me a bible thumper, and please call me a zealot. I will wear them as a badge of honor and one day as a crown in heaven. I can neither resist the bursting of the truth of salvation from my lips than I can resist breathing. Speaking of Christ is the essence of my being and is the only act that is devoid of vanity. The world may have you believe that we preach to push a selfish agenda; however, this is a lie from the very deepest pit of hell. We preach because the Holy Spirit speaks through us for His glory and not our own. Therefore Christian, be bold! Though we are afflicted our hearts can not be shut. We that believe will speak!
I believed, therefore I spoke, “I am greatly afflicted.”
The word of the Lord is power. His salvation brings zeal to even the most staunch introverts. I do not speak of the Lord to justify my own conversion. No, I speak to share the ineffable joy that comes with being liberated.I was held captive but freed. I was yet wallowing in filth, but yet cleansed. I was sentenced to death, but yet pardoned. How can such a gift be kept in silence? Does the mockery of the world silence Christ? Was Jesus silenced in fear of ridicule? We believe so we speak. Our faith should speak through us and come forth as gushing waters of life. We are afflicted by the world, but yet we believe so we speak. Do not let the world set its agenda against the heart of God.
Please label me a Jesus freak, please label me a bible thumper, and please call me a zealot. I will wear them as a badge of honor and one day as a crown in heaven. I can neither resist the bursting of the truth of salvation from my lips than I can resist breathing. Speaking of Christ is the essence of my being and is the only act that is devoid of vanity. The world may have you believe that we preach to push a selfish agenda; however, this is a lie from the very deepest pit of hell. We preach because the Holy Spirit speaks through us for His glory and not our own. Therefore Christian, be bold! Though we are afflicted our hearts can not be shut. We that believe will speak!
The Joy of His Word!
What a blessing to delight in the word of the Lord! Much like taking joy in a healthy diet for the body, so is having a healthy appetite for the word in our soul. To take absolute joy in a discipline that brings further joy is a double blessing of it. We not only get to partake of the sweetness of His wisdom and all that it entails, but we also get to draw closer to Him and feel the magnitude of His glory. Thus, there is a practical blessing and a spiritual blessing in the delighting of His word.
My dear brothers and sisters, if I could plead with you for a moment. If I could impress a reality upon you. Pray earnestly for an eagerness. If there is a lack of zeal in your life for Christ then it is directly related to a lack of zeal for the word. It is impossible to have one without the other. If we have a passion for Christ, then we will have a passion for His word. If we have a burning desire for His word, then we will have a burning desire for an intimate relationship with Him. The two coexist in the most beautiful fashion. Each edifying one another symbiotically.
His word breaths life into our soul. It refreshes the mind and the spirit. It regenerates our thoughts and cleanses our convoluted ideals. Therefore, pray for one or the other, and let the Lord bless you with both. Pray that you will delight in His word, and the Lord will be sure to honor your heart and establish an eternal personable relationship.
"I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me". Proverbs 8:17
Take pleasure and felicity in the promises of God. Therefore, with this asseveration, I urge you to hold it tantamount to the surety of Christ, and may you be blessed to delight in His word continually.
My dear brothers and sisters, if I could plead with you for a moment. If I could impress a reality upon you. Pray earnestly for an eagerness. If there is a lack of zeal in your life for Christ then it is directly related to a lack of zeal for the word. It is impossible to have one without the other. If we have a passion for Christ, then we will have a passion for His word. If we have a burning desire for His word, then we will have a burning desire for an intimate relationship with Him. The two coexist in the most beautiful fashion. Each edifying one another symbiotically.
His word breaths life into our soul. It refreshes the mind and the spirit. It regenerates our thoughts and cleanses our convoluted ideals. Therefore, pray for one or the other, and let the Lord bless you with both. Pray that you will delight in His word, and the Lord will be sure to honor your heart and establish an eternal personable relationship.
"I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me". Proverbs 8:17
Take pleasure and felicity in the promises of God. Therefore, with this asseveration, I urge you to hold it tantamount to the surety of Christ, and may you be blessed to delight in His word continually.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Transformed Not Conformed
Romans 12:2 ESV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
It is very easy to get sucked into culture. Naturally we adapt and fit into our surroundings, and so it is an easy path to conform to the world around us. From the movies we watch to the music we listen to, it all plays a part in how we slowly but surely conform to this world. We say movies, music or even the friends with which we associate with don't have an effect on our spiritual walk. Though, if we were honest with our self, we would see that this is blind justification to the conformation of the world around us.
In this verse, Paul, through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit tells us to "not conform to the world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewal of our mind's". First, he says "be" which means it should be a present and continual act. Secondly, he says "transformed" which means to change from one thing to another. Not transformed, as a chameleon who changes its out side appearance to blend in with its surroundings. No, we have that down as Christians. Instead it's a call to be transformed through something internal.
The transformation happens through the renewal of our minds. Renewal in this context is a spiritual renewal of the mind. It is wisdom gained through the knowledge of the word. As we grow in our relationship and knowledge of Christ, this perpetual enlightenment renews us. Additionally, we also see that it is a continual act of renewing because it says renewal in the present indefinite tense; not renewed. So as we grow in Christ our mind is continually renewing through the Holy Spirit. We are always learning and growing and thus regenerating when we pursue Christ and His word. Some have coined this progressive sanctification.
One might ask, well why is this important? Well Paul tells us at the end of the verse. That by testing we may discern what is good and pleasing, and perfect will of God. So essentially, Paul is saying this. We will be tested as Christians. This goes without saying for Christians, and Paul states this in the verse as if it were an implicit given while in the pursuit of Christ. Henceforth, when the time comes for a Christian to be tested we will know what is good for us. We will know how to please God. We will know how to be in the perfect will of God. Therefore, we need to not conform to the world or blend in like a chameleon, but be transformed by the word of God, so our minds may be renewing perpetually, and be ready for the test.
Only through this transformation can we then discern what is good, what is pleasing, and what is His perfect will. Therefore, don't let the world around you warp your mind into what is culturally excepted, and thus what is good for you. Paul tells us to start and continue the transformation process. Do not be similar to the world, accept the world or be consistent with the world, but instead, let the Holy Spirit through his written word make you different from the world. Gain knowledge and wisdom and let his word be a litmus test for what is good and pleasing to the Lord. Let the word continually renew our mind so that we may find ourselves in the Lord's good pleasure.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
It is very easy to get sucked into culture. Naturally we adapt and fit into our surroundings, and so it is an easy path to conform to the world around us. From the movies we watch to the music we listen to, it all plays a part in how we slowly but surely conform to this world. We say movies, music or even the friends with which we associate with don't have an effect on our spiritual walk. Though, if we were honest with our self, we would see that this is blind justification to the conformation of the world around us.
In this verse, Paul, through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit tells us to "not conform to the world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewal of our mind's". First, he says "be" which means it should be a present and continual act. Secondly, he says "transformed" which means to change from one thing to another. Not transformed, as a chameleon who changes its out side appearance to blend in with its surroundings. No, we have that down as Christians. Instead it's a call to be transformed through something internal.
The transformation happens through the renewal of our minds. Renewal in this context is a spiritual renewal of the mind. It is wisdom gained through the knowledge of the word. As we grow in our relationship and knowledge of Christ, this perpetual enlightenment renews us. Additionally, we also see that it is a continual act of renewing because it says renewal in the present indefinite tense; not renewed. So as we grow in Christ our mind is continually renewing through the Holy Spirit. We are always learning and growing and thus regenerating when we pursue Christ and His word. Some have coined this progressive sanctification.
One might ask, well why is this important? Well Paul tells us at the end of the verse. That by testing we may discern what is good and pleasing, and perfect will of God. So essentially, Paul is saying this. We will be tested as Christians. This goes without saying for Christians, and Paul states this in the verse as if it were an implicit given while in the pursuit of Christ. Henceforth, when the time comes for a Christian to be tested we will know what is good for us. We will know how to please God. We will know how to be in the perfect will of God. Therefore, we need to not conform to the world or blend in like a chameleon, but be transformed by the word of God, so our minds may be renewing perpetually, and be ready for the test.
Only through this transformation can we then discern what is good, what is pleasing, and what is His perfect will. Therefore, don't let the world around you warp your mind into what is culturally excepted, and thus what is good for you. Paul tells us to start and continue the transformation process. Do not be similar to the world, accept the world or be consistent with the world, but instead, let the Holy Spirit through his written word make you different from the world. Gain knowledge and wisdom and let his word be a litmus test for what is good and pleasing to the Lord. Let the word continually renew our mind so that we may find ourselves in the Lord's good pleasure.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Crucified with Christ
Galatians 2:20 ESV
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me".
It has continually been on my heart to die to myself. The Lord has shown me that my flesh is self-seeking and self-centered in all my thoughts and all my actions. Paul tells us that since we are saved, we have been crucified with Christ. At that point we are to be a living sacrifice. Our flesh should be nailed to the cross and suffer a true death. Our fleshly nature is always worried about self-preservation. This is why Jesus tells us that those who try to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for His sake will find it. It all comes back to dying to our flesh and truly being crucified with Christ. Thus, with a true death to our flesh it is no longer "I" that live but Christ that lives in me. Therefore, Christ who lives in me enables me to live by faith. Christ who lives in me seeks to glorify God and not myself. Christ who lives in me seeks to serve God and not man. It is only through the perpetual death of our flesh daily that we can truly live. We must look to slay our flesh continually through Christ.
All my life I have tried to please man and or myself, and I have always found it to be an empty task, and grasping at the wind. I am never pleased or satisfied, and neither have I been able to satisfy all people at all times. This is because the flesh is insatiable and never satisfied; therefore, the world will never be satisfied with your actions. However, our Lord Jesus Christ is always grateful and appreciative of even the smallest testament of our faith.
Turning our attention to the glorification of Christ is the only way to truly find satisfaction. We were created to bring God glory, and therefore, have an intrinsic thirst to satisfy and please. As I learn to do all things for his glory, I am learning that I am finally able to find satisfaction in my efforts. This is because our Lord who loved us, and gave himself for us is a personal God. A God who lives in us and through us; is able to have deep and intimate relationships with all who are adopted by Him. He died so that we who are called may live in Him and not for ourselves. May we die a thousand deaths before giving up a moment with Christ.
This verse also explains that now that we are crucified with Christ we now live by faith. When we aren't relying on our own wisdom, we must turn to faith. When we aren't relying on our own understanding, we must turn to faith. When we aren't relying on our own strength, we must turn to faith. Our former selves do not exist because we are wholly dependant on God, and thus it is by faith we take our next breath and by faith we seek to live.
It has continually been on my heart to die to myself. The Lord has shown me that my flesh is self-seeking and self-centered in all my thoughts and all my actions. Paul tells us that since we are saved, we have been crucified with Christ. At that point we are to be a living sacrifice. Our flesh should be nailed to the cross and suffer a true death. Our fleshly nature is always worried about self-preservation. This is why Jesus tells us that those who try to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for His sake will find it. It all comes back to dying to our flesh and truly being crucified with Christ. Thus, with a true death to our flesh it is no longer "I" that live but Christ that lives in me. Therefore, Christ who lives in me enables me to live by faith. Christ who lives in me seeks to glorify God and not myself. Christ who lives in me seeks to serve God and not man. It is only through the perpetual death of our flesh daily that we can truly live. We must look to slay our flesh continually through Christ.
All my life I have tried to please man and or myself, and I have always found it to be an empty task, and grasping at the wind. I am never pleased or satisfied, and neither have I been able to satisfy all people at all times. This is because the flesh is insatiable and never satisfied; therefore, the world will never be satisfied with your actions. However, our Lord Jesus Christ is always grateful and appreciative of even the smallest testament of our faith.
Turning our attention to the glorification of Christ is the only way to truly find satisfaction. We were created to bring God glory, and therefore, have an intrinsic thirst to satisfy and please. As I learn to do all things for his glory, I am learning that I am finally able to find satisfaction in my efforts. This is because our Lord who loved us, and gave himself for us is a personal God. A God who lives in us and through us; is able to have deep and intimate relationships with all who are adopted by Him. He died so that we who are called may live in Him and not for ourselves. May we die a thousand deaths before giving up a moment with Christ.
This verse also explains that now that we are crucified with Christ we now live by faith. When we aren't relying on our own wisdom, we must turn to faith. When we aren't relying on our own understanding, we must turn to faith. When we aren't relying on our own strength, we must turn to faith. Our former selves do not exist because we are wholly dependant on God, and thus it is by faith we take our next breath and by faith we seek to live.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Freedom of Christ
Romans 8:1 ESV "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus".
Paul is speaking to the Romans about the Law. He is helping them understand why the Law was and is not sufficient. Due to the weakness of man, inherent through the flesh, the law only condemned man. Meaning the law judiciously showed the failings of man but could not save even the most righteous of men because we all fall short. Through the propitiation of our sins in Christ, the law was fulfilled.
Much like our own country where there is no double jeopardy for breaking the law. So it is also in the kingdom of God. As sinners, through the law we are condemned and found guilty. However, since Jesus took our death sentence, we would not be found guilty of our own sins, but tried and found blameless through the death and resurrection of Christ. God will not condemn us for sins that were already paid for through his Son. Therefore Paul says, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. This literally means, there will be no judgment in which we are found guilty for those who have accepted Jesus as their savior.
Where the law was incomplete Jesus was perfect, and thus He perfected the law. What a glorious gift! Would you take the death sentence for someone who killed a family member? Would you seek to take their place and vise-a-versa? Think of the worst person you have ever heard of (Hitler comes to mind); would you willingly give your life and die for him or her? That is exactly what Jesus did for us; He bore the cost of a world that rejected Him. This simple illustration gives but a small fraction of the vastness of his love.
Therefore, take joy in the free gift of salvation and relinquish the self-inflicted purgatory of our minds that condemn us continually. Know that through Christ we are found blameless and spotless. Partake of this heavenly fruit and taste the sweetness of his grace.
Paul is speaking to the Romans about the Law. He is helping them understand why the Law was and is not sufficient. Due to the weakness of man, inherent through the flesh, the law only condemned man. Meaning the law judiciously showed the failings of man but could not save even the most righteous of men because we all fall short. Through the propitiation of our sins in Christ, the law was fulfilled.
Much like our own country where there is no double jeopardy for breaking the law. So it is also in the kingdom of God. As sinners, through the law we are condemned and found guilty. However, since Jesus took our death sentence, we would not be found guilty of our own sins, but tried and found blameless through the death and resurrection of Christ. God will not condemn us for sins that were already paid for through his Son. Therefore Paul says, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. This literally means, there will be no judgment in which we are found guilty for those who have accepted Jesus as their savior.
Where the law was incomplete Jesus was perfect, and thus He perfected the law. What a glorious gift! Would you take the death sentence for someone who killed a family member? Would you seek to take their place and vise-a-versa? Think of the worst person you have ever heard of (Hitler comes to mind); would you willingly give your life and die for him or her? That is exactly what Jesus did for us; He bore the cost of a world that rejected Him. This simple illustration gives but a small fraction of the vastness of his love.
Therefore, take joy in the free gift of salvation and relinquish the self-inflicted purgatory of our minds that condemn us continually. Know that through Christ we are found blameless and spotless. Partake of this heavenly fruit and taste the sweetness of his grace.
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