Thursday, May 31, 2018

Living to Please God...


Yes, even in this fallen world, we can begin to live in His Kingdom, We can love our neighbor because God first loved us (enough to send His Son into this fallen world to save us from sin and death) and when we understand that ...we love God even more and we love our neighbor because they love God even more too.

What is the truth, "God so Loved the World, He sent His Son" ~ John 3:16.  In John 18:38, Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" Jesus told Pilate that he was born to bring the truth. To testify to the truth which is that this is a fallen world and the only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ for He is the way the truth and the life.
 
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6.

In that realization we can live a quiet life, a life pleasing to God. Though we may yet sin, we confess our sin and repent of it. We are not loud like the pagans who cry out for their 'right' to live in sin, or live as a sinner.
 
We don't demand the right to be a sinner claiming that God made us that/this way as a 'kind of' sinner. Yes, God loves us in spite of our sin, He forgives us our sin and in that revelation we go and sin no more. 

Yes, we can do what we hate and not what we want, yes we can struggle with sin as we are in a fallen world; and yet, knowing that Christ gave His life for us, conquering sin and death for us, we can live quietly in this fallen world thanking Him for taking our sin upon Himself. 

We come humbly to the cross seeking forgiveness, repenting and loving God all the more for His Mercy and Grace. Yes, we may yet struggle to overcome but knowing that He who is in us is greater than He who is in the world, is our hope.  

We don't pray as the pagans do, LOUDLY, to get attention, and or in a certain way in order to bring about certain personal rewards or gains in this fallen world. We don't attend rituals or do things in a ritualistic way as if in a pattern of sacred to save ourselves from sin and death.

Jesus did all the work once and for all. So, now We live a quiet life in the Word of God. We believe in the truth, we trust in the truth Jesus Christ for He is the way, the truth and the life!
 
Jesus made it very simple for us to live a quiet life and yet able to do battle against the evil one and dark forces and principalities.  We use His Word! We stand on His Word. 
 
Being in the Word of God, We love God, we love our neighbor... yes even in a fallen world knowing that Christ gave His life for us though we may back slide...seek forgiveness, repent, and strive to overcome in this fallen world for He overcame before us.

The Lord Jesus Christ is our authority and as Christians we can exercise His authority for greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. In this knowledge, we can live a quiet life.  

But, are people living a quiet life? Not too many as we can hear people loudly demanding their way, crying about how they feel what is right for them and that they should get what they think they deserve. NO, they are not living the quiet life in the Word and nor are they living to please God, but to please themselves.

That is why, they think it foolish to acknowledge God. Don't be surprised that He has abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.. Romans 1:28.
 
Is there any hope? There is always hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, put your hope in the LORD. For there is faithful love with the LORD, and with him is redemption in abundance ~ Psalm 130:7.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Let us Search whether Christ be in us...

Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity ~ John 12:25.

Matthew 10:39
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 16:25
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Mark 8:35
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it.
Luke 9:24
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
Luke 14:26
"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be My disciple.
Luke 17:33
Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.

Let us search whether Christ be in us... the hope of glory; let us beg him to make us indifferent to the trifling concerns of this life, that we may serve the Lord Jesus with a willing mind, and follow his holy example ~ Matthew Henry Commentary

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Walk in the Truth that is Jesus Christ...

We live in a culture that is defiant of any notion of truth. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life ~ John 14:6. 

He is the Truth, as fulfilling all the prophecies of a Savior; believing which, sinners come by Him who is the Way. He is the Life, by whose life-giving Spirit the dead in sin are quickened. Nor can any man draw nigh God as a Father, who is not quickened by Him as the Life, and taught by Him as the Truth, to come by Him as the Way. 

By Christ, as the Way, our prayers go to God, and his blessings come to us; this is the Way that leads to His Rest which is His Peace! He is the Resurrection and the Life. All that saw Christ by faith, saw the Father in Him. In the light of Christ's doctrine, they saw God as the Father of lights; and in Christ's miracles, they saw God as the God of power. 

The holiness of God shone in the spotless purity of Christ's life. We are to believe the revelation of God to man in Christ; for the works of the Redeemer show forth his own glory, and God in him. MH

What Christ says about us is true because He is the Truth and the Life and the Way... Not what the world says about us which is that we are nothing, worthless sinners with no hope destined to die. In Christ, we know that is the lie that Satan tells and he tells it thinking he will win the battle; but he will not!  We know better! We have been made new creations in Christ Jesus and we like Him will overcome this world by walking in the Truth!

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Run the Good Race...


Its not easy managing, coping, and just plain being in this fallen world; but thank God for Jesus Christ so that we are not of it. Remember, the world wants us chasing after the flesh... isn't that what advertising is all about, it sells to the flesh not to the spirit. 

The world tells us that we are good for nothing unless we do what it wants, what it values, what it desires...Jesus Christ tells us what is true about us, that we are children of God, destined for eternal life with Him in His Kingdom! 

Again, we are yet here and now and have to be in the world now. Like you, we/I have problems too in this fallen world: family, social, work, medical, financial, and daily troubles in which things break down, food goes bad, tires go flat, fenders get smashed, roofs leak, basements flood, rodents chew holes, limbs fall off trees onto fences, pets get lost, weeds take over the lawn; and relationships are strained.

People fail to show up and or keep promises, and so we can fall into despair thinking it's all a lost cause, time and money out the window which seem so hard to come by. And, death is always there too trying to take us down that dark alley of Satan's realm.

What does the Word offer us for all such problems? Perseverance, through Hope and Love! 

We are asked to finish the good race, not because it is good according to man's idea but according to God's because God is good all the time and all the time God is good. 
Acts 20:24... you see, life is worth nothing to unless we use it for finishing the work assigned us by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Hebrews 12:1 ~ Therefore, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

1 COR 9: 23-25 ~ do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that you may share in its blessings.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.

You see, everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.…

Monday, May 14, 2018

As Christ Loved the Church...

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless ~ Ephesians 5: 25-27.

The duty of wives is, submission to their husbands in the Lord, which includes honoring and obeying them, from a principle of love to them. The duty of husbands is to love their wives. The love of Christ to the church is an example, which is sincere, pure, and constant, notwithstanding her failures. 

Christ gave himself for the church, that he might sanctify it in this world, and glorify it in the next, that he might bestow on all his members a principle of holiness, and deliver them from the guilt, the pollution, and the dominion of sin, by those influences of the Holy Spirit, of which baptismal water was the outward sign. 

The church and believers will not be without spot or wrinkle till they come to glory. But those only who are sanctified now, shall be glorified hereafter. The words of Adam, mentioned by the apostle, are spoken literally of marriage; but they have also a hidden sense in them, relating to the union between Christ and his church. 

The immediate object of Christ was to cleanse her [His Church], and for this end He used the Word as a purifying agent, washing her by means of it. The difference between selfish and unselfish love is seen here: a selfish lover cares for his wife in his own interest; but the love of an unselfish lover constrains himself to seek her good, to do nothing that will hurt her and damage her in any manner of way, but to do everything that he believes will advance her well-being, especially in the highest sense.

You see, all the duties of marriage are included in unity and love. And while we adore and rejoice in the condescending love of Christ, let husbands and wives learn hence their duties to each other. Thus, the worst evils would be prevented, and many painful effects would be avoided.



*Midsection - Pulpit commentary with preliminary and other commentary by Matthew Henry...

Thursday, May 10, 2018

THE BODY OF CHRIST...



The true Body of Christ believes that He died for all men and women and that He rose from the dead? And, that there are no works to perform other than believe in the one He has sent - God. In John 6 ~ Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”

Given that, there is no reason to be distracted and anxious about yourself or loved ones? Do they not also belong to Him as you do? Would He refuse to work in their lives just as He works in yours?

Jesus has not put you in charge of saving yourself/them.  He has already done that on the cross. Nor has He charged you to change them. Your task is to love, to forgive, to pray for them and to turn them over to Him. Come closer to Him and He will give you Rest. 

Jesus was/is always speaking to everyone in the Body of Christ, born again children of God! He is not speaking to those who have been given some accolades or credited authority by men and nor is He speaking to specific/select prophets or saints and or the apostles only. 

Jesus was/is speaking to all who have been called to unity in the Body of Christ. Not all are called to/for the same position as anyone can read in Ephesians 4:11-13. 

Some were/are called to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers...all called to help equip the saints... that's you and me to build up the body of Christ. Knowing this, we better understand the true Body of Christ and we understand our place in it.  

That is why, if and when we see a fellow brother/sister in Christ who are dishonoring God/ hurting themselves and others, we approach them in private, and we approach them in love in order that they come to realize that their actions do not honor God. 

Then we step back, handing them over to God. We continue to love, forgive, and pray so that His Peace brings Rest to all in the Body of Christ. This is how we are 'our' brother/sister's keeper. We keep them in love, mercy and grace and within the Body of Christ. 

Why approach them in private? As born again children of God, we acknowledge that we/they are still in a fallen dark evil world who struggle in it. As Paul said, we do not what we ought but what we don't want to do for evil is always right there...

By confronting our brother/sister in Christ in private, in love and forgiveness, we keep them in the Body of Christ. We don't want to cause them to stumble and fall out of that 'fold', out of the Body of Christ. 

By confronting them in private, we let them know that we are not there to ostracize 'kick them out' and to ridicule nor are we to judge as if their salvation is solely in our hands. Anyone in this fallen world, even born again believers, can and will struggle with sin.

In this non-confrontational approach, we remind fellow our brother and sisters in the Body of Christ that it is not really them that do such things (Romans 7), we remind them of who they really are, children of God. And, in this way... we gain victory in the battle over the powers of this dark world... 

Ephesians 6: 12 ~ Our Battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.


Wednesday, May 9, 2018

TRUST IN GOD...

Do you believe that I am the Son of God? And, do you believe that I died for all men and women and that I rose from the dead? Then why do you continue to be distracted and anxious about your loved ones? Do they not also belong to Me? Would I refuse to work in their lives just as I work in yours?

I have not put you in charge of saving them. I have already done that. Nor have I charged you to change them. Your task is to love, to forgive, to pray for them and to turn them over to Me. Come closer to Me yourself and I will do the rest. TRUST ME!!!!!!!!!!!

(unknown author)

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

God So Loved the World...


I [Jesus] tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins... ~ John 5: 24.

Come to Me [God] for all that you need. Come into My [God] Presence in complete thanksgiving; for thankfulness opens the door to My treasures. When you are thankful, you affirm the central truth that I am Good.

I am Light, in whom there is no darkness at all. The assurance that I am entirely Good meets your basic need for security. Your life is not subject to the whims of a sin-stained deity.

Relax in the knowledge that the One who controls your life is totally trustworthy. Com to Me [God] with confident expectation. There is nothing you need that I cannot provide ~ Jesus is Calling.

*Psalm 95:2; 1 John 1:5. 

Jesus Christ the Son of God is called the Word and He is God who is the Father/Son/Holy Spirit ~ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning...John 1:1.

Monday, May 7, 2018

Love Comes from God!!!!!!!!!


Love Comes from God, if anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him. In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him.…1 John 4:15-17.

True love to God assures believers of God's love to them. Love teaches us to suffer for him and with him; therefore we may trust that we shall also be glorified with him, 2Ti 2:12. We must distinguish between the fear of God and being afraid of him; the fear of God imports high regard and veneration for God. Obedience and good works, done from the principle of love, are not like the servile toil of one who unwillingly labors from dread of a master's anger.

They are like that of a dutiful child, who does services to a beloved father, which benefit his brethren, and are done willingly. It is a sign that our love is far from perfect, when our doubts, fears, and apprehensions of God, are many. Let heaven and earth stand amazed at his love. He sent his word to invite sinners to partake of this great salvation. Let them take the comfort of the happy change  wrought in them, while they give him the glory.

The love of God in Christ, in the hearts of Christians from the Spirit of adoption, is the great proof of conversion. This must be tried by its effects on their temper, and their conduct to their brethren. If a man professes to love God, and yet indulges anger or revenge, or shows a selfish disposition, he gives his profession the lie.

But if it is plain that our natural enmity is changed into affection and gratitude, let us bless the name of our God for this seal and earnest of eternal happiness. Then we differ from the false professors, who pretend to love God, whom they have not seen, yet hate their brethren, whom they have seen ~ Matthew Henry Commentary.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

A National Day of Prayer???

Today is marked a 'national day of prayer'... a 'state' initiative. Shouldn't we as Christians have everyday as our day of prayer? "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me" ~ Matthew 15:8.

What does that mean, their hearts are far from me? Well, what did Jesus tell us to pray? "His Kingdom Come, His Will Be Done"! For there is no other prayer so great or perfect that we could say that could do more for us and for Him in our fallen state and that puts forward His Kingdom!

You see, our putting additions to God's laws reflect upon His wisdom as if He had left out something which was needed and which man could supply. In one way or other they always lead men to disobey God.  How thankful ought we to be for the written word of God! Never let us think that the religion of the Bible can be improved by any human addition, either in doctrine or practice. 

Our blessed Lord spoke of their traditions as inventions of their own, and pointed out one instance in which this was very clear, that of their transgressing the fifth commandment. When a parent's wants called for assistance, they pleaded, that they had devoted to the temple all they could spare, even though they did not part with it, and therefore their parents must expect nothing from them. 

This was making the command of God of no effect. The doom of hypocrites is put in a little compass. In vain do they worship Him. It will neither please God, nor profit themselves; they trust in vanity, and vanity will be their recompense ~ Matthew Henry.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Task of the Watchmen ~ Turn! Turn from your evil ways!

To better understand "Turn, turn from your evil ways", let's look at Ezekiel 33: 7-20 which discusses that and the task of the watchmen. 

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for  their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. 

But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved. “Son of man, say to the Israelites, ‘This is what you are saying: “Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them. How then can we live?” 

Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’

“Therefore, son of man, say to your people, ‘If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if someone who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.’ 

If I tell a righteous person that they will surely live, but then they trust in their righteousness and do evil, none of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered; they will die for the evil they have done. 

And if I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ but they then turn away from their sin and do what is just and right if they give back what they took in pledge for a loan, return what they have stolen, follow the decrees that give life, and do no evil that person will surely live; they will not die. 

None of the sins that person has committed will be remembered against them. They have done what is just and right; they will surely live.
 
 “Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just. If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, they will die for it. And if a wicked person turns away from their wickedness and does what is just and right, they will live by doing so. Yet you Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But I will judge each of you according to your own ways.”

This very last sentence in Ezekiel 33:20 says it all. How? Even after all the truth was given to the Israelites, they respond that the Lord is not just. And, yet we are told that their way is not just. Why? Because, they want justice in their eyes! And what is the Lord's justice... that all be saved because He is the Creator and in the end, He has the last say because He is Lord of Lords, King of Kings!