Category Archives: Inspiration

Changing Your Address – The Concept of Being ‘Dead to Your Sin’

31 Friday Jul 2015

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Most of us have experienced what it is like to move from one residence to another. Moving is one of the most stressful periods of life because it involves taking all that you own and placing it in another residence. It is a time in which the normalcy as it relates to the routine of daily living is interrupted briefly. The purpose for such a move may be because of wanting a change in scenery, increasing space for the family, a job change, or one may be unable to afford their current living situation.

However, when you move from one residence to another, your old address is no longer relevant to your life and where you will be living.  In most cases, once you have moved from one address to another, the old residence will at some point be occupied by someone else.  If that occurs, then you will be unable to live in the property that you moved from because someone else either owns it or it is being rented. Your next residence is what will offer a new way of living, a new beginning, and a fresh start in life. Attempting to go back to what you left behind would defeat the purpose of starting over and gaining a new residence for you and or your family.

The same concept can be applied spiritually to each of our lives.  In an earlier blog post, the principle of being awakened and alive in Jesus Christ was explained by using the scripture from Ephesians 2:1-6. The point of that post was to examine what being dead in our sin means but also knowing what it means to be alive or awakened because of Jesus Christ.  In Romans chapter 6, the Apostle Paul brings up a similar principle but instead, he uses the principle of being ‘dead to sin’ and being ‘alive in Christ.’

There is a fundamental difference between being ‘dead in your sin’ and being ‘dead to your sin.’ To be dead in your sin is living in death or a constant state of decay. Being dead to your sin means that you are no longer bound to the power that sin has over you.  In Romans chapter 6 the Apostle Paul explains it this way:

Verses 1-2:

(NLT) “Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?”

First it is important to focus on verse 1 in which Paul is challenging the notion that one can continue sinning and taking advantage of God’s grace.  There are many who have and continue to believe satan’s lie which is that you can continuously sin and expect God’s grace to cover your sin.  It is true that God will forgive us when we sin, however, the expectation that God has of every Christian is to live in holiness and obedience.  This means not willfully sinning and expecting to be in the right position with God.

Of course, you and I are in our human state which means that we will all sin at some point because we are imperfect.  However, many have used that reality as an excuse to continue in sin. Paul answers the question emphatically regarding sinfulness in verse 2 when he says that we should not continue living in sin. However, notice what he says in this verse:

“Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?”

Paul says that we have ‘died’ to sin which means when we have received Christ in our hearts, we are no longer living in sin or alive to our sin.  We have ‘died’ to our sin which means it no longer has power over us. Just like the analogy of living in a new residence and attempting to go back to your old one, that is how God sees us when we accept Christ. It becomes fruitless and it is not practical to live in an old residence when you have a new residence to live in.

Paul continues in verses 3-4:

(NLT) “Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” 

The interesting part of these two verses is that the Apostle Paul uses the term, ‘baptism.’ Why does he use this term and why is it relevant to our relationship with Christ? First you must understand the meaning of the word ‘baptize.’ The word ‘baptize’ is actually derived from the Greek word ‘baptizo’ which then comes from the root word ‘bapto.’ This was a term that was used in the first century as it related to immersing a cloth or garment into water with bleach and then with dye in order to change the color of the cloth or garment.

In the historical sense, baptism meant to immerse with the intent of seeing a changed product as the end result.  As it relates to Jesus Christ, the term ‘baptism’ is used in the symbolic sense concerning Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Paul says that we were “buried with Christ by baptism” which means that when Christ died on the cross, it was the act of His death that started the process of breaking the power of sin.  Jesus was and is our atoning sacrifice for the debt of sin that we could not pay. The burial of Christ is also symbolic as it relates to baptism by water. When someone is baptized they are taken down into the water to symbolize that there is a death and a burial to their sinful nature.

What all of this means is, when we are baptized with Christ, we are essentially dying to our sin which means we can no longer live in it as we did before.  Secondly, Paul says in the latter part of verse 4, “And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” So, the last part of the process is that there is a resurrection. Jesus Christ did not simply die only to remain dead. However, Jesus died and rose again 3 days later.  

Christ’s rising again from death completed the process of providing new life to us and breaking the power of sin. Even with water baptism the act of getting out of the water symbolizes a resurrection and a newness of life. Regarding water baptism, it should be noted that every Christian should at some point receive the baptism by water.  Water baptism is a public declaration of one’s confession that Jesus is Lord in their life. It is also symbolic of a person’s new life in Christ which means to signify to the world that there has been a shedding of sin or the old nature.

Verses 5-7 in this passage sum up the point that Paul makes to us:

(NLT) “Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.”

So, the overall point is that when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior, our lives change. If we have died to our sin, and we are buried and have been resurrected as Christ was, then our lives are made new. The reason why there are many who can continue in their sin (both those who are not in Christ and those who claim Christianity) is because they have not been truly made new and whole.  That isn’t to say that you and I will never sin again.  However, if our lives resemble exactly what those who are of this world do daily, then we have not allowed Christ to transform us.

If you don’t know Jesus in the remission of your sins, you are living in death.  However, if you want to be dead to your sin and experience life in abundance, then you have an opportunity to accept this gift of life.  Being dead to your sin is to be alive in Jesus Christ. It is only Christ who can change your life and make it brand new.

“A Time Such as This” – You Were Born to Impact the World

31 Friday Jul 2015

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Human history has shown us various examples of what tragedy, change, and revolutions look like.  Throughout each generation that has passed there were instances of those who fought for a specific cause in order to produce change. World history records uprisings such as ‘The American Revolution’, ‘The Arab Spring’, and ‘Tiananmen Square’ as conflicts and protests that were sparked out of a dissatisfaction with the status quo. Basically, these revolutions among many others throughout history served as a reminder that where there is a cause there will be those who are willing to take a stand.

War and protests have occurred over many centuries because those who were courageous enough to fight understood the ramifications that their involvement would have on the world.  Each of the three uprisings named in addition to countless others changed the shape of our world the way that we see it today.  Even in our current view of the world, there are examples of revolts and those who are willing to actively pursue a stance against what they believe to be oppression and tyranny.

There is such an example of someone in the Bible who understood her role in standing up for what was right and her name was Esther. Esther was a woman who had a Jewish background who according to scripture would later save her people (the Jews) from annihilation. The book of Esther contains 10 chapters which account for the story of a woman who rose to prominence as the Queen who ruled with King Xerxes over Persia.

Before getting into the principles that can be extracted from the book of Esther, it is important to understand the historical background of who Esther was and how God used her to save an entire nation of people.

Starting with chapter 1 in the book of Esther, King Xerxes was married to Queen Vashti.  However, in verses 10-21 of this chapter, Vashti is deposed as Queen for the reasoning of her open obstinance in the face of King Xerxes. (Verse 12). As a result, she was removed as Queen and a replacement was sought. Moving forward to chapter 2, we are introduced to Esther.  She was adopted by a man named Mordecai who was also Jewish.  In this chapter, Esther along with many other beautiful women were brought before the King to be chosen as his next Queen.

It is important to note that Esther was told by Mordecai not to divulge her nationality, otherwise she would not be seen favorably by the King. Eventually, Esther was chosen by the King to be his Queen. In chapter 3 there is a pivotal point which will bring us to the principles for this particular blog post.

There was a man by the name of Haman who was promoted to one of the highest offices in the Kingdom.  However, in verses 1-3, we can see that Mordecai who is now employed by the King as a gatekeeper comes into contact with Haman. When Haman arrives, Mordecai does not bow down to Haman which was a sign of disrespect.  In verse 5 of this chapter, we see that one reason had to do with the fact that Mordecai had told others that he is a Jew.

As a result of this information, Haman becomes enraged and devises a plan to exterminate all of the Jews in addition to killing Mordecai.  In chapter 4 of Esther, Mordecai finds out that there is a decree to destroy all of the Jews who were under the reign of King Xerxes.  Mordecai then requests the help of Queen Esther, and they exchange responses through messengers that they send.

Mordecai believes that since Esther is the Queen, she can persuade the King to revoke the order of destroying the Jews. At the onset, Queen Esther is skeptical and does not think that she has a chance to even go before the king. Notice what Esther’s response is in verse 11:

(NLT) “All the king’s officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called for me to come to him for thirty days.”

However, look at Mordecai’s response:

Verses 13-14:

(NLT) “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed.  If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

There are three things that we can take away from this particular passage:

1. God had a reason for establishing Esther as the Queen – In Mordecai’s plea to Esther, he poses the question of the possibility that God perhaps allowed her to become Queen in order to save the Jews from extermination. Mordecai even challenges Esther not to be silent about this problem because if she does, she and her family would lose their lives if they are found. The principle for you and I is that we were made to be impactful within our world.

The fact is that our world is growing worse and worse due to the increase of wickedness. However, God is searching and calling those who are willing to stand up against the enemy who is satan. All of us were made to do great things for God’s Kingdom, but we must be willing to forsake the ways of sin, and accept this tremendous call that God has placed on our lives. Even if you are not in Christ, God has a plan for your life and He wants to use you to accomplish His will. By accepting Jesus Christ, God’s purpose will be fulfilled in your life. Just like there was a looming tragedy in the time of Esther, today we are living in times that are quite troubling. However, God is calling those who will, to stand for His truth.

2. Esther was willing to face her initial fear – In verse 11 Esther tells Mordecai about the harsh reality of being killed if she or anyone were to appear before the King without being summoned first.  However, she accepts Mordecai’s request and appears before the King in chapter 5 in verses 1-2. Despite the risk of being killed for appearing before the King without permission, Esther realized that the cause was greater than her own life.

That is what we who are called by God must understand and that is, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and standing against what the world has deemed ‘acceptable’ is a greater cause than we could ever know.  If it means risking alienation, persecution, and even death then the cause of Jesus Christ must be what we stand for. Facing the challenges in a sinful society is what Christians are called to do, and we must do so without restraint.

3. The lives within the Jewish nation were saved – It was in part because of Esther’s willingness to face what seemed like a hopeless situation that in the end the Jews were saved.  However, if you look back at chapter 2 in verses 21-23, Mordecai hears about an assassination attempt against King Xerxes. As a result of this, Mordecai sends the information to Queen Esther and the assassination is thwarted.  Haman who was the individual who wanted to destroy all of the Jews and kill Mordecai is later found guilty by the King for wanting to eliminate ithe Jews and Haman is put to death for it.

Mordecai is later discovered by the King to be Jewish in addition to Queen Esther’s heritage being disclosed.  However, because of Mordecai’s loyalty to the King in thwarting an assassination attempt that a new decree was put into place to save every Jew from destruction. So, in essence, God used Esther through her willingness to stand up for the Jews, and God honored Mordecai for his dedication to the King.

The fact is, that when we are obedient unto God and when we allow Him to use us, lives can and will be saved through Christ.  We who are Christians have a tremendous opportunity to share the Gospel with the lost.  By standing firm and facing opposition, we are in a position to experience what it looks like for the lost to be saved.

Do you know Jesus as your Lord & Savior?  If you do not, you can be apart of the harvest which involves reaching those who are not in Christ.  Like Esther, God can use you to change a generation and the world around you.  God wants to use every person who is willing to bring the Good News to all nations.  Our world will only grow worse as sin abounds, but the hope that we have is in Jesus Christ.  You and I, we can impact the world for God.

Awakened & Alive in Jesus Christ

30 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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ID-10027894Death is a natural occurrence as it relates to the cycle of life that everyone has and will experience.  The beginning stage involves being born into this world and hopefully growing up to live a long, healthy, and enjoyable life. However, after the beginning and the in-between stage of life, there is an ending point.  No one knows when their time will arrive, but all of us will transition into death which will bring us to our eternal destination whether that be Heaven or Hell.

However, the topic of death is one that most do not wish to have. It is the very fact that death symbolizes a loss of life or the ceasing of one’s natural body in the state of living that makes it difficult to even ponder.  When we die, our Earthly body will return back into the ground and our spirit will return back to God. (Ecclesiastes 12:7) It is when a person dies, that life in the natural sense no longer exists. Some also consider death to be an experience in which our soul rests or sleeps.

As it relates to our spiritual well-being, there is a similar analogy that can be drawn to describe being alive in Christ or being dead in your sin. In the book of Ephesians chapter 2, the Apostle Paul brings this analogy to the attention of those in the church of Ephesus.  In the first part of this chapter, Paul uses language that suggests that those he was speaking to were in their sin but had been converted to a life with Jesus Christ.

Verses 1-3:

(NLT) “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature, we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.”

Paul says to those in Ephesus, “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.” What he is suggesting is that when you and I are in a state of sin, we are living in death.  To live in death is to be in a constant state of decay and lacking vitality. Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death.  When Paul made that statement, it didn’t only mean a physical death but also a spiritual death.  To be spiritually dead is to be in a separated position from God who is the giver of life. 

There are many who are exhibiting what could be the same as a fictional portrayal of a zombie. Zombies are purely imaginative in their existence of entertainment. Horror movies and television shows have portrayed individuals who were supposed to be dead, and yet they could be seen walking around as a living person.  Many are living in this life unaware of the fact that while they are physically alive, they are spiritually dead. Spiritual deadness breeds corrosion and it begins to spread to various parts of your life. Why is it that some of the wealthiest individuals are also some of the most cantankerous and unfulfilled individuals?

The reason is because there is the absence of life in the spiritual sense.  The Apostle Paul in verse 2 goes on to say to those at Ephesus who had given their lives to Christ, that they were once ruled by satan.  Paul says, “He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” When you are in a condition of spiritual deadness, it is satan who is at work in your heart. There are many who believe that we as humans have the ability to be ‘good people.’ However, because we are all born into sin, the element of ‘being good’ is not within our capability.  

By the world’s definition, ‘being a good person’ is strictly moral rather than it being based on godly principles and His virtues. Within ourselves we cannot ‘be good’ because it is our spiritual deadness that prohibits us from ever achieving life and the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  In the latter part of verse 3 Paul says, “By our very nature, we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.” The nature that Paul refers to is our sinful nature. It is because of our condition of being dead spiritually that we are unable to please God. 

Nevertheless, there is hope and it involves the spiritual awakening and revitalization that only Jesus Christ can give.  The Apostle Paul says in verses 4-6:

(NLT) “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.”

The fact is that before any of us can experience a spiritual resurrection, we must come to terms with the reality that we are spiritually dead.  That comes by making a decision once you have heard God’s truth.  The great thing about God is that He leaves no person without the knowledge of His truth.  It is up to all of us to decide whether we want to be alive or remain dead spiritually.

Paul says that God gave us life when Jesus was raised from the dead.  It is the grace of God that provides each person with the gift of eternal life. However, here is a key point of this scripture:

Verse 6:

“For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.”

If you are in Christ, you are now united with Christ which means that you have an inheritance that is given to you because you are in a relationship with Jesus Christ.  The keywords that support that are, “seated us with him in the heavenly realms.” So, when you and I are connected to Christ, not only do we gain life but we become beneficiaries of God’s blessings.

To be alive is to experience life in abundance both here on Earth and after our physical bodies have ceased from living.  There are many who are asleep or spiritually dead because they are in sin, however, Jesus Christ came so that you and I could have life.  Even those of us who are in Christ, we must ensure that we are constantly plugged into the power source.  It is possible to claim Christianity and yet be as dead as those who living in worldliness. 

It isn’t so much about claiming Christianity or stating that you are a Christian. The proof comes when you and I are in steady connection with God through Christ.  In doing so, our lives begin to exhibit the fruits of Spirit which comes from our daily walk with the Lord.  Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior? If you are walking in unrepentant sin, you are spiritually dead. However, Jesus came to give you life and life abundantly.  Accept His gift of life and be awakened and alive in Jesus Christ.

God is Speaking – Are You Listening?

29 Wednesday Jul 2015

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ID-10028650Have you ever sat in silence only to be startled by the sound of an ambulance or a police siren? Usually, such vehicles are designed to alert the surrounding community or population to a dire situation that has occurred or is in progress of being addressed. Such sounds break the silence in which we were accustomed to so that we could see the greater danger or need that someone else may be experiencing. Emergency response vehicles also serve the purpose of being the mode of transportation to rescue an individual or to pinpoint the location of a disturbance.

The first goal of dispatching an emergency vehicle and personnel is to get the attention of the surrounding population as a warning of what is occurring. Secondly, it is to dispatch aid to those who are in need.  Nevertheless, there is one who is also seeking to get our attention and that is the Almighty God. When we look at the world around us, we can see various examples of God attempting to get our attention. Often times we think that our daily way of life and how our society is structured is merely the way that things are meant to be.

However, when you turn on your television and you see senseless tragedies on display, these are not just random occurrences of evil.  Much of what we are bearing witness to are the signs of the End Times, results of humanity’s sinfulness, and warnings from God to those who will listen. In the book of Ezekiel Chapter 3, the account of the Prophet Ezekiel receiving instructions from God is recorded.

In verses 1-3, you can see the impartation of God’s Word unto Ezekiel.  God gives Ezekiel a message of warning to proclaim to the nation of Israel.  As it was, the people of Israel had become disobedient and their hearts had been hardened because of their obstinance. (Verses 4-9) Ezekiel was concerned about his assignment to give God’s message to a group of people who he felt would not listen to what he had to say. Ezekiel felt similarly as Jonah did when God commanded that he go to Nineveh to preach to the sinful population.  The feeling was one of dread and an opposition to what God had given him to do.

However, God brought both Jonah and Ezekiel into submission in differing ways.  As far as Ezekiel was concerned, God led him to the people of Israel to proclaim God’s warning which made him ‘Israel’s watchman.’ In verses 16-19 the scripture reads as follows:

(NLT) “After seven days the Lord gave me a message. He said, “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately. If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.”

In verses 20-21, God gives Ezekiel the same charge but instead God uses the term, ‘righteous people’ rather than the term ‘the wicked.’ These were two conditions which covered those who were followers of God and those who were not which means that God is equally just with those who have committed their lives to Him and those who have not.

However, the overall point of this passage is to make it clear that God will indeed use who is available to bring a message of warning to anyone who will listen. It is also true that God will use scenarios in our world and even in our own lives to get our attention.  Just like an emergency vehicle sounds its alarm to warn those in surrounding areas, God does the same for us.

There are a couple of things to take note of as it concerns this particular passage:

1. There is a penalty that comes with living in sin – In chapter 3 of Ezekiel, the first part of verse 19 says, “If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins.” In verse 20, the same condition is given to those who are righteous individuals or those who are following God. This scripture essentially points to the fact that there is a penalty given to everyone who remains in their sin.  Even in our world today, God is speaking through various signs and unfortunate events that signify God’s displeasure with humanity.

With the constant approval of a multitude of sinful behaviors which stoke the flames of lusting after the flesh and committing self-idolatry, also comes negative consequences. Such consequences are not only a result of unrepentant nations, but it is also a warning that God gives us to repent and avoid destruction.  The great thing about God is that He doesn’t just allow you and I to sin without any warning. God loves all of us enough to not only provide Jesus Christ as an atonement for our sins but to warn us of the high cost that comes with unrepentant sin.

One prime example of such a warning to humanity was September the 11th, 2001. As tragic of a day that it was, it was also an event that served as a warning to anyone who had not yet chosen God through Jesus Christ.  Some don’t like the idea of using natural and even man-made disasters as an argument for God’s warnings, however, God will often allow things to happen to get our attention.  However, as you can see nearly 14 years later, America has grown worse morally and as a whole it has spurned the very idea of Holiness and submission unto God.

2. Those who know the truth will be held accountable for not sharing it with others – In this passage, Ezekiel is also told that if he does not warn those who are in their sin, then he will be held responsible for their deaths. For those of us who are in Christ, we have a tremendous responsibility to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Our goal shouldn’t be to condemn anyone, but it is to warn and also share the Gospel in love.

In our society today, we are now living in a time in which telling someone the truth of God may not include the penalty of sin and even talking about Hell. The fact is, both Hell and the penalty of sin are actual destinies for those who refuse God’s ways. However, if we who know the truth withhold it from a dying world, then there is a price that we shall pay. Ezekiel understood that if he failed to warn those in their sin, that the blood of those not warned would be on his hands.

Our job as Christians is to warn as many people as we can about the coming of Jesus Christ, and what can happen if a life of sin is lived in unrepentance. The fact is that even those who are not Christians have been warned through various signs and occurrences. When God speaks, He does so that no man or woman is left to say that they did not know. God is speaking all around us in each phase of our lives.

America and other countries around the world are all giving us signs of humanity’s willingness to sin. God has given us plenty of signs and there will be more to come. There will be a day of judgment that comes to every nation that defies God’s decrees. However, are we willing to listen and be obedient? If you don’t know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, you have an opportunity to be saved. God is constantly speaking, but it is up to you listen and surrender to His will.  In doing so, you will be in a better position than if you remain in the condition of a hardened heart.

Seeking the Eternal Richness of God

29 Wednesday Jul 2015

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If you were to conduct a poll concerning the desire to achieve financial abundance or to gain great wealth, you would find that the majority of individuals polled would agree that it is to some degree a goal or at the very least a desire.  Even if it is a fantasy, to be wealthy or to have more than enough financially speaking is what many aspire to achieve. It is true that in every society it is necessary to earn a living in order to survive.

However, most humans spend their lives working their way upward on the corporate ladder in order to achieve personal and financial success.  While all of us must work in order to create stability within our lives, it is the constant pursuit of money and objects that can and will create an instability. In many cultures around the world, it is considered positive if you have obtained a great or a considerable amount of wealth.

Our world today has become consumed with the idea that having material assets is what equates to happiness and satisfaction. Daily, television commercials and internet ads are produced with the intent to invoke the user or viewer to purchase a new product.  Much of the latest gadgets such as smartphones, for example, are constantly sold with the idea that you the consumer must have the ‘latest and greatest’ or you are far behind. As a result, there are many who are enticed by the clarion of large corporations that push the latest attractions – and those who are open to this bombardment heed the call. Money and an acquisition of material possessions have long since been a staple of human life from one generation to the next.

However, the hidden truth about seeking to be fulfilled by materialistic acquisitions is that to gain temporary treasure is to profit nothing of value in the eternal sense. In the book of Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus is addressing and teaching various principles to His Disciples.  In verses 19-24, Jesus touches on the topic of having wealth.  Notice what the first verse of this passage says:

Verse 19:

(NLT) “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.”

Jesus gives the instruction for us not to collect or store up treasures for ourselves here on Earth.  The reason why Jesus wants to dissuade us against collecting treasures or Earthly things is because they are temporary.  He uses the imagery of the destruction that moths and rust can and will cause to material possessions.  For example, the moth which is a winged insect is commonly known to be a nuisance to personal property.

Research shows that moths in their larvae form (before they reach their adult stage) are actually known to destroy clothing, however, the concept of the destruction of moths is essentially the same.  Even as it relates to rust, metal items eventually rust due to exposure over time from oxygen and moisture. The whole point of using this imagery is so that we can understand just how temporary the acquisition of material things truly is. Jesus continues in the next two verses:

Verses 20-21:

(NLT) “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Jesus says in verse 20 to store our treasures in Heaven.  Why does He instruct us to store our treasures in Heaven, and what are the ‘treasures’ that He is referring to? There are a couple of points to examine from verses 20-21:

1. Heaven is a place that is incorruptible – Here on Earth there are a myriad of examples in which Earthly things are corruptible or temporary. Nothing we gain here on Earth in the materialistic sense will last forever. Regardless of how much money you earn in your lifetime, or what material possessions you gain, there will at some point come a time in which your material possessions will fade away.

However, in Heaven, nothing is corruptible which means it is a place that is eternal. Jesus also says that “thieves do not break in and steal.” How often have you consciously secured your belongings?  Probably as often as you can, because we live in a world that has become so consumed with having property and currency that it is constantly under the threat of theft.  However, Heaven is a place where theft does not occur.

2. The treasures to be stored in Heaven are non-material – Material gain and wealth eventually fade and profit nothing towards eternity.  However, it is what a person does with their time especially for the sake of building God’s Kingdom that will last.  A passage from 1 Corinthians Chapter 3 verses 11-14 says the following:

(NLV) “Jesus Christ is the Stone on which other stones for the building must be laid. It can be only Christ. Now if a man builds on the Stone with gold or silver or beautiful stones, or if he builds with wood or grass or straw, each man’s work will become known. There will be a day when it will be tested by fire. The fire will show what kind of work it is. If a man builds on work that lasts, he will receive his reward.”

What the Apostle Paul is saying in this scripture is that Jesus Christ is the foundation that we must build our lives upon.  Having Christ as your foundation is the first step to moving toward a life that will yield great fruit. A life that has its foundation built upon the temporal things of this world only leads to a life that is empty in the pursuit of ‘the next best thing.’ What Paul is also saying in this scripture is that every person’s work or service is what will be counted.

He says, “There will be a day when it will be tested by fire. The fire will show what kind of work it is.” This means that every single person will be judged by God based on how they lived and what they did with their lives. It is important to note that this scripture is not suggesting that you and I can be saved based on our works.  We are not saved by works, but by the grace offered to us because of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice.  What Paul is addressing here are the works that will last.  What are the works that will last?  The only legacy or works that God will accept is only what gives Him greater glory. 

In other words, if your life has not been yielded to God through Jesus Christ, then your works in this Earth will be burned in the fire (judgment before God) and counted as nothing suitable.  The reason is because the works we do in our flesh are corruptible. However, the work we do by God’s Spirit are eternal.

Looking at verse 21 of Matthew 6, Jesus says, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Whatever is most important to you is what you will serve.  If money and material possessions are important to you, then your life will be centered around the quest to achieve temporary prosperity. Jesus says in of verse 24,

(NLT) “No one can have two bosses. He will hate the one and love the other. Or he will listen to the one and work against the other. You cannot have both God and riches as your boss at the same time.” 

The whole point that Jesus is making here is that you cannot serve both God and material wealth.  There are so many who have either committed idolatry by serving their money and their possessions, or they have tried to serve both God and what they have.  However, God desires that we serve Him with our whole heart and being.

A lot of what the world advertises today is temporal and it will leave many dry at the end of their lives. Instead of seeking the next best thing, we should seek the eternal richness of God. It can only be found in Jesus Christ.  If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord & Savior, this is a perfect time to find God’s eternal richness.  Only in Christ and what you do for God will last. Without Him, your life will be in abject poverty in the spiritual sense.  The richness that God has to offer will last throughout your life and into eternity.

Are You Fighting on the Winning Side?

28 Tuesday Jul 2015

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In the world of team sports, there are generally two sides that are competing for one goal and that is to win a contest and achieve total victory over their opponent. There is one side that is destined to win, and the other side that is destined to lose. In most cases, the winner and the loser are unknown until the end of the match has transpired. However, the common thread is that both sides are predestined to experience an outcome whether it be positive or negative.

Even as it relates to a wartime scenario.  In every major war, a conflict began between two sides that opposed another for various reasons.  However, just as a sports team was destined to win or lose in their contest, a nation or military regiment is also destined to be victorious or lose the war in their efforts.  In most cases, it isn’t necessarily possible to determine which side will win in a military conflict with the exception various circumstances guaranteeing a victory to one side over the other. (e.g. lack of military weaponry, one side being massively outnumbered, lack of military skill)

However, a war or a game played between two teams is usually dictated by chance and not necessarily concrete evidence that victory is imminent. Basically, anyone can win given the right circumstances. However, there is one particular war that you and I are engaged in on a daily basis and that is a war that is spiritual. Ephesians 6:12 says it this way:

(NKJV) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

The fact is that our lives are the focal point of an actual battle in the spiritual sense. The enemy who is satan is constantly attacking all of humanity every day.  His desire is to not only distract but to destroy every person.  It is the goal of satan to prevent you and I from having an authentic relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  However, the 2nd part to this equation is that of the almighty God.

Not only is satan fighting for the possession of you and your soul, but God is also fighting for your possession.  The difference is, God is fighting for you in the context of love and securing your eternity with Him in His glorious presence. In fact, God fought for you and I from the very beginning of Adam & Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden.

In Genesis chapter 3, there is an exchange that God has with satan who is at that time in the form of a serpent.  Here is what God declares to satan:

Genesis 3:15:

(NKJV) “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

The above scripture is actually the first prophecy of Jesus Christ.  The ‘He’ in this scripture is referring to Jesus Christ.  God is stating that Jesus will ‘bruise’ or as other translations say, ‘crush’ the head of satan.  Of course, God also says that satan will bruise the heel of Jesus which denotes the crucifixion of Christ.  However, the Bible declares that Jesus not only died, but He rose again, giving Him victory over death and completing the process of redeeming humanity from sin. So, it is clear that from the beginning of time, God had a plan to fight for you and I, by allowing Jesus Christ to be the sacrifice for humanity.

However, even with both sides and their intentions being known, there is still a part that you and I have to play.  That part is deciding which side we will join ourselves with. Like it or not, there isn’t a choice as it relates to not picking a side. There are some who believe that they can merely ignore both sides and simply exist without consequence. Nevertheless, we are all born into sin, which means by default you and I were destined to be on the side of satan instead of God.

To be on the side of satan and his desire to eliminate humanity’s possibility of salvation is to conjoin yourself with a side that is destined for failure.  Satan knows that his ultimate ending is destruction at the hands of God Himself. So, he also wants to blind as many as he can, so that there will be many who join him in his destruction.  However, to be on the side of satan is to remain in a position of a destiny that does not include a victory.

On the other hand, to be on the side of God is to receive not only victory but peace, joy, and eternal security. The great thing about God is that when He fights for you and with you, losing is not an option. If you are on His side and you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior then you are automatically a winner at the end of it all. It was the very act of Christ dying on the cross for the world that turned the tide from eternal damnation to everlasting life.

Some believe that if you decide to give your life to Christ that you will ‘miss out on all of the fun.‘ Many believe Christianity to be ‘boring’ and ‘stale’ because from the worldly point of view there are too many rules that prohibit you from ‘living freely.’ However, what those who are in darkness do not understand is that for one, such rules are in place for the protection of those who wish to be saved from disaster. Secondly, God is more concerned about the freedoms that you have in Christ, than the things you are unable to do.

What satan wants all of us to focus on are the things we can’t do if we decide to join the side of God. By focusing on what we can’t do or can’t have, then we begin to lust after the desires of the flesh and our lives become centered upon self-gratification.  The whole idea of living for Christ is to deny oneself for the sake of growing closer to God. There is a multitude of those who are choosing the losing side which is satan’s side.

Many are seeking fame, money, pleasure, and overall a life that exemplifies the very opposition to anything godly.  However, what they are unaware of is that there is an eventual state of decay which results from a life that is self-indulgent. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again so that you and I could experience a change in our original destiny.  However, there is a choice that you and I have to make.

God desires to know you and to be known by you, but He wants you to choose Him. His side will always be victorious because God has already made it so that the end result is nothing short of success. Unlike a sports game between two teams or even a war between two nations, the element of chance is not a factor.  There is a 100% success or failure rate that each of us can and will experience.  However, the success or failure is determined upon your choice accept God through Jesus Christ or to choose satan’s side.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ in the pardon of your sins, now is a great time to join the winning team.  If you do so now, you will not regret the decision for the rest of your life. God wants you to be apart of His success because on God’s team the success is shared with all who are within the family of God. Are you fighting on the winning side?

The Original Nature of Humanity – Instinctual Behavior

28 Tuesday Jul 2015

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ID-100213137When you look at various species of animal within their natural habitat you will notice that each species operates out of what is called, ‘instinct.’ An instinct is an automatic reaction that is based on either internal or external stimuli which creates a specific behavior. Animals are instinctive by nature because they are built to react based on their surroundings. In the wild, you will recognize that each species of animal behave based on the instincts that are associated with its kind. For example, lions & tigers are carnivorous by instinct. They hunger and thirst for the meat of other animals to satisfy their cravings.

Other animals may be omnivorous meaning, that they only consume plant life as a way of survival. Just like there are instinctive behaviors that animals in the wild commit, we as humans are instinctive by nature. Our behaviors are deeply embedded in sinful nature that we were all born into. From the time that you and I entered into this world, we were sinful creatures due to Adam & Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Some might look at the various acts of sin and even the escalation of it occurring around us, and there might be an element of surprise.

However, in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 1, we can see that what is occurring in our world is not a new phenomenon. In this particular chapter, the writer who is King Solomon, points to the notion that life is meaningless – however, Solomon does not mean that life lacks meaning or purpose. The context of the first part of the chapter is to suggest that ambition and seeking after temporary things is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 1:2-5:

(NLT) “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!”What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets then hurries around to rise again.”

Verse 8:

(NLT) “Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.”

King Solomon is essentially making mention of the fact that our lives and everything that we are doing is temporal. However, notice what verses 9-10 record:

(NLT) “History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new.”

In these two verses, King Solomon points to the very essence of what occurs within every generation that passes. Basically, He says, “Nothing under the sun is truly new.” What does this statement mean? If we examine the reality that we were all born into sin, this means that all of the sinful behavior that we see displayed today, has already taken place in years and even centuries past.

Sometimes it is very easy to be surprised by the blatant behaviors that are paraded around us every single day. However, what King Solomon makes clear is that what we see today, has already occurred in human history. Homosexuality, drunkenness, child abuse, murder, theft, and a whole host of other sins has already taken place throughout history. It becomes rather surprising to many even Christians to see the decadence that has occurred throughout our world. However, we who are in Christ should not be surprised.

The first reason why we shouldn’t be surprised is because the sin that is being committed in our world, stems from the operation of maintaining a life that is tied to the original state of being born into sin. While we are living in troubling times and sinfulness has escalated rapidly, these things are occurring because of disobedience and humanity’s willingness to remain in its original condition. The expectation of every Christian should not be for those living in worldliness to comply with God’s decrees. Rather, it should be expected that those who are blinded by satan will operate out of their sinful nature or their instincts.

Secondly, much of the sinfulness in our world is tied to End Time period. The Apostle Paul states to Timothy in 2 Timothy Chapter 3, the following:

Verses 1-4:

(NLT) “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.”

You and I, we are living in evil times and these are indeed the last days according to scripture. Jesus Christ’s return is imminent, however, He will be returning for those who have accepted Him as Lord & Savior. The times that we see have grown worse, because of how much closer we are to the return of the Lord. So, it makes sense to see various sins and an increase in wickedness due to prophecy being fulfilled.

What you and I see is an outward manifestation of an inward disposition that is given to the original nature of sin. This sounds like bad news because one might see all of the tragedies and behaviors as hopeless. However, you are not without hope. The very hope of the world is Jesus Christ who came to die on the cross for your sins.

If you are living in your sin, you are operating out of the old nature or your sinful nature. To escape the punishment of Hell and eternal separation from God, you must be born again. Click here to read a previous blog post on the topic of being born again. You don’t have the ability to save yourself, rather you need to be saved from your sin. It is the act of sin that destroys and creates a chasm between the love of God and humanity.

God wishes to know you and that you know Him, but there must be a cleansing of your sin through the blood of Jesus. The sacrifice of Christ has already been made for you and I. God is waiting for you to accept His sacrifice. It is because of our sinful nature that we act instinctively in opposition to everything that God stands for. Instead of remaining in your sin, you have an opportunity to be changed through the acceptance of Jesus Christ.

Is Jesus Christ your Lord & Savior? If not, then the opportunity is available to you. Jesus came so that you could be redeemed and that you are no longer bound to the instincts which are a product of the nature of sin. Unlike the common animal, your nature or instincts can be changed through Christ. Accept this gift of life, and allow God to change your heart which will change your behaviors.

God the Master Artisan – You are His Masterpiece

23 Thursday Jul 2015

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ID-100309778If you have ever visited an art exhibition or even an art museum you would have noted that there were various pieces of artwork that were considered to be ‘masterpieces.’ The artwork on display may be different in comparison to other pieces, but they are all unique and wonderfully created by the original artist or artisan. The work is placed in the public eye so that the work of the artist can be recognized and also so that the individual works of art can be appreciated for their uniqueness. Were it not for the artist who painted, sculpted, or drew the work of art in question, the world would not stand in amazement at such imagination.

The Lord who created the stars, the Heavens, and all of creation including you and I, He is the Master Artisan. There are various artists who have created pieces of art that caused their name to surge to historical acclaim.  However, there is only one artist who has surpassed the rest and that is the almighty God Himself.  In the book of Psalms Chapter 139, the Psalmist David declares the wondrous craftmanship God has put on display. In verse 14 of this chapter David says the following:

(NKJV) “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”

This particular chapter like many other writings of David is similar to an ode in which David uses poetic language to proclaim the greatness of God.  For example, in verses 1-3 of Psalm 139 it reads thusly:

(NKJV) “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.”

Verse 13:

(NKJV) “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.”

What David is suggesting to us is that God already knows who he is as a person.  When David says in verses 1-3 that God knows his thoughts, his whereabouts, and even his habits, he is making it clear that God knows His creation.  Just like every artist knows the inner workings of their artwork, God knows who we are as human beings.  We are His creation, but David points to the fact that all of God’s creation is beautifully and wonderfully made.

The fact that God fashioned you is more than enough to rejoice in His mastery of creation. God created you from the very foundation of the Earth which means that the way that you look, your eye color, skin color, height, width and even the family you were born into were all designed by God. It is satan’s desire for all of us to become focused on our flaws whether it be physical or personality wise.  The only reason why our flaws exist is because we were born into sin which created imperfection.

However, satan wants us to indulge in our shortcomings instead of realizing that we were made in God’s image from the beginning.  Why is it that plastic surgery and various cosmetic enhancements have been promoted for decades?  Humanity in its own sinful condition and insecurities focuses on the imperfections. What if we all knew that God was responsible for our creation? What if we had a relationship with God through Jesus Christ to show us the glory of who God is?

David said, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” and “Marvelous are Your works.” What David understood was that he himself was the craftsmanship of God which meant that even in all of his imperfections he was still beautifully and wonderfully made.  If you look at the life of David, he was a prime example of what a life of sin looks like. However, despite his many sins and shortcomings, David was a man who understood God’s forgiveness, God’s grace & mercy, and ultimately God’s handiwork in his life. 

It is the mission of satan to keep humanity in a distorted view of who God is which distorts the image of God in humanity. So he uses various tactics to entice us with sinful desires in order to eliminate the possibility of being made whole in Christ. In order to understand your intrinsic value, you must have a relationship with the creator.

The reason why the Psalmist David was able to declare God’s supremacy and omniscience was because David had a relationship with God. It is difficult to truly talk in great lengths about a person or subject matter that you have little to no knowledge of. To be knowledgeable about who God is, doesn’t just come from reading His Word but it comes from having an intimate relationship with Him through Christ.

Once you have an understanding of who God is in an actual relationship then you will have a clearer view of who God has made you to be. Satan’s ultimate goal is to deface and destroy the artwork that God has created. It is the same as if someone were to use graffiti to defame the famous painting of the Mona Lisa.  It would not only be an assault on the painting itself, but it would be an assault against Leonardo Da Vinci despite the fact that he is no longer living.

Basically, anyone who opposes the artwork opposes the artist who completed the work. That is the position that satan has taken, and this also includes anyone who follows him by living in sin. There are many who do not understand their worth or that they were created in God’s image because of their disobedience and sinful lifestyle.

Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again so that you and I could not only know who we are in God but, to also know who God is. It is our sinful state that separates us from truly knowing the creator.  Every single person who was created was and is a masterpiece because of God’s decision to create. You might believe that you are a mistake or that you don’t have value.  The enemy of your soul has lied to you, and he wants you to believe that your life lacks meaning.

However, it is because you are alive and that you were created that you have a purpose. God designed you to mirror His image so that He will be glorified. Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins?  If not, then that is the first step to being introduced to the knowledge that you are God’s masterpiece. The world cannot give you value, nor can you find your purpose in worldly gain. Instead, your purpose and worth is only found in the almighty God who is the Master Artisan.

The Consuming Fire – An Authentic Relationship With God That Can Change Your Life

23 Thursday Jul 2015

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ID-10077870The natural element of fire is one of the most common entities that humanity has ever known. It is a natural part of our existence that has provided heat during the time of frigid temperatures and light during periods of darkness. Fire has been utilized for survival purposes for centuries, however, one characteristic of fire, is that it has the ability to spread.

A fire or a flame that is not contained has the propensity to spread to anything within its surrounding reach. While the element of fire has proven itself to be useful for human productivity, it can also be dangerous because of its destructive nature.  Fire can literally burn and purge just about any source of matter that is flammable.  It is a fire that can be difficult to contain if it reaches throughout a wide range of area, with wildfires in states such as California and Arizona being examples.

Nevertheless, there is one who exemplifies the essence of what fire is capable of and that is the person who is the almighty God. It is the presence of God that can be likened to that of fire, especially a fire that consumes. The glory of God is so powerful that we in our human condition cannot stand before God and survive.  It is the very presence and existence of a Holy God that permeates through the Earth and can radically change our lives.

In the Bible, there are a few passages of scripture that refer to God as a ‘consuming fire.’ One of those scriptures is found in Deuteronomy Chapter 4. In this chapter, Moses is recorded as giving the Israelites instructions regarding the decrees and commands of God. Moses is admonishing Israel not to turn to idolatry but to live in obedience unto God. In verses 1-2 Moses says:

(NLT) “And now, Israel, listen carefully to these decrees and regulations that I am about to teach you. Obey them so that you may live, so you may enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you.”

He also goes on to mention what occurred when there were those who turned to worship the god called ‘Baal.’  Baal was a graven image that was worshiped by some at that time, however, in verse 3, Moses recounts the act of God utterly destroying anyone who worshiped Baal. If you read further in this chapter you will see that Moses challenges the Israelites not to break their covenant with God.  Basically, he gives them specific instructions not to commit idolatry. Here is what Moses says:

Verses 23-24:

(NLT) “So be careful not to break the covenant the Lord your God has made with you. Do not make idols of any shape or form, for the Lord your God has forbidden this.  The Lord your God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God.”

Notice the words, ‘devouring fire’ in the admonishment that Moses gives.  Why does he use the words, ‘devouring fire?’ When you look at the end of verse 24, Moses says that God is a jealous God.  This means that God will not tolerate any form of idolatry because He is jealous for our love toward Him. Going back to verse 3 of this scripture, Moses mentioned that God destroyed anyone who worshiped Baal. One of the characteristics of fire that was mentioned earlier is that it has the ability to destroy.

One of the things that God will do is bring judgment or punishment upon anyone who decides to serve another god other than Himself. He will also judge any person or nation that openly rejects His decrees which, in essence, is the same as blatant defiance. According to scripture, there is a side of God that produces wrath upon anyone who is opposed to Him or His ways.

However, there is another side of God as it relates to the metaphor used to link the characteristics of fire. While God is a jealous God as the scripture mentioned, He is also a God who is Holy. When you look at what fire is capable of doing, it will literally burn elements that are flammable to the point where it no longer exists. In this context, the devouring fire of God can also mean to purge all forms of unholiness or sin in a person’s life.

When you and I have an authentic relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we are transformed to be more like God. Nothing that is unholy or unclean can remain in the presence of the almighty God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, (ESV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Basically, once you have had an actual encounter with Jesus Christ and you have experienced the glory of being in God’s presence, you are made new.

Like a fire changes its surroundings, you too become changed when you are truly in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  It is the fire or presence of God that removes the sin within your life.  You may be struggling with old habits or old mindsets that need to be transformed through Christ.  This is why you and I need the Holy Spirit who is available to teach us and to guide us into His truth.

Much of the reason why our world is the way it is, is because of humanity’s sinfulness. It is the sin that corrupts and causes us as humans to be subject to the schemes and lies of our enemy who is satan.  However, when you become connected and bask in the presence of a Holy God, the devouring fire of His holiness begins to change you at the core.

The final aspect of the element of fire that can be applied to who God is, is a fire’s ability to spread.  Once you and I have experienced God for ourselves, it becomes difficult to remain silent about our encounter with God.  The Prophet Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 20:9, (NLT) “But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!”

Anyone who has truly tasted the glorious nature and presence of God will be unable to withhold such splendor.  That is because the glory of God becomes evident to you personally, and God’s glory begins to emanate from your very existence. What occurs is that the message of God begins to spread to others around you.  It is then that the conviction of the Holy Spirit does the work on the cold-hearted and the lost.

The power of God cannot be stopped, nor can the light of Christ be hidden. There are many who claim Christianity and yet the power and testimony of God is nowhere to be found. Why is that?  It may be because they have not tapped into the presence of God which is available to everyone who will accept Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior. Or it may be that the testimony of Jesus Christ has been silenced due to fear or living ashamedly of the Gospel.

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord & Savior, you can do so while you have an opportunity.  Your life will be changed forever once you experience the glory of God in His presence.  To stoke the flame of this Holy fire, you must maintain a steady relationship with God through prayer, meditation on God’s word, and worship. The life of every person who encounters God’s Holiness will be changed forever. There isn’t such a thing as a person who is unchanged by God’s presence.  The Holy and consuming fire of God will burn away all that is steeped within sinful living.  Let God change your life through His consuming fire.

The Sovereignty of God

22 Wednesday Jul 2015

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When you look at nations that have a considerable amount of power, they are considered to be ‘sovereign nations.’ America, Russia, China, and India are a few of the nations in our world that are of sizeable populations, and they have influence within their specific regions of the world. What makes a nation ‘sovereign?’ For one, a nation must have some sort of authority to maintain self-sufficiency apart from the overwhelming interference of others. Secondly, a nation that is sovereign is one that can enact authority within its own parameters meaning that the nation can govern itself.

It is the concept of sovereignty that incorporates the idea of supremacy. However, when you look at every nation that considers itself to be ‘sovereign’ in the worldly sense, there isn’t a nation on Earth that is completely supreme in its existence. Sovereignty may include the realm of being able to self-govern, but even in our past and current history of humanity there have been organizations (NATO, The U.N.) that have established buffers against complete sovereignty. There is only one who reigns supreme over all and that is God Himself.

God’s sovereignty far outweighs what is considered to be sovereign in our world. While the definition of the word has some traits that apply to God, the difference is that God is supreme above every entity that humanity has put into place. In the book of Romans Chapter 9, the sovereignty of God is expressed by the Apostle Paul.

In this scripture, the Apostle Paul explains how God chose Israel, and the fact that God’s choice of those within the line of the Israelites was not always understandable from the human point of view. Paul makes mention of his Jewish heritage in verse 3. He goes on in verses 4-10 to say that within the line that God chose (from Abraham up until Jesus Christ) there were those who were not considered to be ‘children of God.’ You can view the full scripture here.

Paul’s point in those verses was that God’s purpose was carried out regardless of who was in the Israelite lineage. Just because someone was a descendant of Abraham for example, did not mean that they were a child of God which meant that God used those who were not necessarily in a relationship with Him. It was only those who were children of God’s promise who were considered, ‘children of God.’ Paul even mentions the birth of Issac through Sarah and Abraham in verse 10. Issac later married Rebekah and had twins. Notice what Paul says in verses 11-12:

(NLT) “But before they were born, before they had done anything good or bad, she received a message from God. (This message shows that God chooses people according to his own purposes; he calls people, but not according to their good or bad works.) She was told, “Your older son will serve your younger son.”

Verses 13-16:

(NLT) “In the words of the Scriptures, “I loved Jacob, but I rejected Esau.” Are we saying, then, that God was unfair? Of course not! For God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.”

What Paul is truly saying is that God will use anyone and shows mercy to anyone that He chooses. The sovereignty of God involves His supremacy but also His selective will to do what He desires or to use anyone He desires. To the mind of someone who is looking through human understanding, the question of fairness may be raised as Paul asserts. He asks, “Are we saying that God was unfair?” This question was asked in reference to Jacob and Esau. It was God’s will that Esau give up his birthright to Jacob rather than Esau the eldest keeping what was by birthing order, rightfully his. In the mind of most, this would seem unfair, but in God’s mind it was purposeful.

In verses 17-18, Paul even uses the example of Pharoah in Egypt. During the time of Moses, Pharoah was a corrupt and cruel leader who held the Israelites in bondage. Scripture also points to Pharoah’s heart being hardened by God. However, it was in God’s plan to use Pharoah to show the glory of God despite what seemed like a precarious and horrid situation for the Israelites.

Paul’s point is made clear in verses 18-19:

(NLT) “So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen. Well then, you might say, “Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven’t they simply done what he makes them do?”

Not only does God choose to give mercy to those He desires, but He also decides who He will choose in terms of the hardening of the heart. Again, Paul asks what seems like a question asked in our humanity. However, Paul gives further explanation:

(NLT) “No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this? ”When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into?”

The most important point to be made is that humanity is not in control. God has the power and the sovereignty to choose who and what He desires to use and to do so for the purposes of His will. So many have asked questions about tragedies that occur daily, and how the most evil human beings could exist. The truth is, that no one but God Himself has the answer to such questions.

In the mind of God, He knows what is best because He is God. It is also true that God can and does use what we think to be uncomfortable situations to bring glory to Himself, and to bring a better ending result within our lives. Who are we to question God in His supreme wisdom? There are many who are atheist and others who do not believe in God, who feel as though they have all of the answers. There are even those who blame God for all of the sinfulness and tragedies that occur. However, we who are the creation, do not have a right to tell the creator what to do.

As humans, we are to submit unto a Holy God and understand His Holiness and reverence Him based on who He is. The problem is that in our sinful nature, we are prideful. So, to most who are operating in sin, they are unwilling to even fathom the art of submission or obedience unto an authority, especially one that they cannot see. However, the sovereignty of God is immutable regardless of whether one chooses to believe or not.

Paul continues in verses 22-23 by saying:

(NLT) “In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction. He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory.”

The great thing about God is that He is patient. Even in our sin, He still waits for us to choose Him and to forsake our pride. Ultimately, God wants His purposes to be accomplished which will give Him glory. In turn, when we are obedient and follow Him, His glory is manifested in our lives making life more enjoyable.

Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins. If you don’t know Jesus Christ in the confession of your sins, you have an opportunity to know the God of grace, patience and mercy. Accept Christ, and see God’s will be made perfect in your life.