Tag Archives: Death

Which Path Will You Take?

24 Tuesday Nov 2020

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

In life, we all have choices to make. From what we wear when we get dressed in the morning, to the decision of what to eat for breakfast. We even have the choice of skipping breakfast altogether, but we all have choices. There are monumental choices that can alter our destiny if we choose correctly or incorrectly. One can think of life as a summary of decisions, but even at a much deeper level, there are moments when we have two options set before us.

There are right and wrong choices that can be made in life. Depending on which way one chooses, the end result is the sum or total of what decision was made. The world around us would have us to believe that there isn’t just one way to reach the truth. While yes, there are multiple ways to live or exist, Jesus Christ made it clear in John 14:16 when he said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

There are different religions, belief systems, and even movements that center around non-belief. For thousands of years, there have been countless examples of a wide array of beliefs that encompass the ideology that there isn’t just one way to reach eternal life – or the very aspect of achieving an ultimate end. Rather, the worldwide belief is that all ways can lead to the truth, rather than as Jesus said that He is the truth, the way, and the life.

When Jesus made that statement according to John 14:16, He meant it just as He said it. The only way to receive life (in this context eternal life) is only through Jesus Himself. He is the truth, the way, and the life and the only way to know God is to know Jesus Christ. Many secular humanists and otherwise contend that all roads lead to the truth. Or, truth is what you make it to be, rather than it being concrete.

However, regardless of what a person or a group of people believes, there are only two choices. This fact is outlined in Matthew 7:13-14 which says:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. “

There are two choices that we as humans have set before us. We can take the narrow gate which is the way of Jesus Christ, or we can take the broad gate which is the way to Hell and destruction. The right path is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The wrong path is to reject Him. The Bible makes it clear that most travel on the path that is broad, and that is because it is easier and more enticing. However, the path to everlasting life is narrow, meaning few people travel that path because it is harder and less appealing.

The overall point here, is that you and I, we have an opportunity to choose life or destruction. Will you choose the path that leads to eternal life through Jesus Christ? Or will you choose the path that leads to eternal damnation by rejecting Christ? Belief systems come and go, and trends in our world always change. However, it is the truth of Jesus Christ that remains.

If you don’t know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, this is a perfect opportunity to accept the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross by repenting, believing that Jesus rose again, and accepting His love. Which path will you choose?

Growth (Part 2) – What Happens When Sinfulness Begins to Grow?

04 Tuesday Aug 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Throughout history, there have been various diseases and outbreaks that have caused widespread illness and even panic.  From the Bubonic Plague which began in Europe between 1346 to 1353, to the Spanish Flu epidemic which took place in 1918, to even the most recent outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease in NYC. There have been historical accounts of diseases that have spread and killed many throughout human history. Even so, there is a common term that is associated with multiple illnesses and that is the term called ‘cancer.’ 

Whether it be breast cancer, colon cancer, or prostate cancer, the impact of cancer upon one’s body can be fatal if not treated.  However, one such fact about cancer is that it is formed from an individual cancer cell. According to the American Cancer Society, it is said that cancer occurs when a cell or cells begin to grow out of control. This in turn means that once a cell is cancerous, it spreads and begins to corrupt other healthy cells. Once this occurs it then means a weakening of the immune system which results in serious illness and or death. However, to eliminate the cancerous cells and their damage, treatments (whether chemically induced or naturally ingested) are prescribed to produce a remission of the cancer in question.

Spiritually speaking, sin exhibits the same characteristics as a cancer cell. If untreated or the remedy who is Jesus Christ is not introduced, then our sinfulness begins to cause our lives to spiral out of control.  In the book of James chapter 1, the writer who is James mentions the impact that sin can have on those who allow it to rule in their lives. Verses 14-15 state the following:

(NLT) “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”

It important to note that the context of this part of the chapter was written in order to explain the aspects of testing and temptation.  In verses 12-13, James tells us that we should not assert blame towards God for allowing us endure or experience temptation or testing.  He wants every reader to understand that it isn’t God who tempts humanity, rather temptation comes from the evil desires that are within us.

James makes it clear that all of us will be and we are tempted to sin or commit evil acts. The sin that is already within us from birth is what creates the temptation or the desire to go against the Will of God. James says that it is our desires which entice us and drag us away. Once we have the urge or the temptation is presented, then the possibility of being lured away becomes a reality.

However, notice what verse 15 says:

(NLT) “These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”

It is the sinful desires within all of us that can give birth to sinful behavior. Basically, he uses the word ‘birth’ to denote that there is a process that takes place concerning sin. Some translations of this scripture such as the King James Version, use the term ‘conceive.’ Basically, to conceive is to produce which then means to give life to something. Much of the temptations within us start within our heart and in our mind. The mind and heart are the most powerful parts of our being, especially that of the mind.

Proverbs 23:7 says that what a man thinks in his heart, he is.  This means that what we think of ourselves or allow to penetrate into our heart and mind is what we become or do. If you allow the enemy who is satan to flood your heart and mind with sinful lusts, then eventually you will act upon it.  The conception of sin is in a single thought.  The key is that when the thought is left open for further ponderance then your actions will follow suit to what your mind focuses on.

James continues by saying that when sin is allowed to grow it gives birth to death.  The keyword as with the theme of this post and a previous post is ‘grow.’ What happens when sin begins to grow?  James gives us the prognosis which is ‘death.’ Once again, this doesn’t just mean a physical death but also spiritually.  The consequences of a life that is ruled by sin is one that begins to erode in all senses.

Our global society has become a testament to the depravity and morbidity that comes when sin is embraced. Various countries around the world have been thrown into confusion because of entire populations that have forsaken the laws and ways of God. A blatant refusal to accept Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior has taken root within the hearts of many, and as a result death both physically and spiritually has reigned over many nations.

The fact is that when we decide that we want be a god unto ourselves or that we want others to be our god, then we are handed over to our own lusts and evil desires.  It is also important to note that sin grows not only within our own lives, but it affects the lives of others.  Entire families and human populations have been affected by the wickedness that exists in leadership capacities. World governments have produced chaos, oppression, and disdain among their citizenry. That is because, like a cancer cell, sin starts with one person and spreads to others.

However, there is great news and that is Jesus Christ is the remedy. How do we escape the harsh reality of what sin can do to us?  Here are a couple of considerations:

1. Our mind must be renewed and transformed daily – For those of you who are not in Christ, your mind is given to depravity because you are in sin. However, when you accept Jesus Christ, He is the one who renews your mind. Romans 12:2 says that we must be transformed by the renewing of our mind.  Why does the Apostle Paul focus on the mind?  Simply because the mind is where sin is conceived.  This means that if our mind is not renewed by Jesus Christ, then we will operate out of our sin.  Even for those of us who are in Christ, we must be renewed daily through God’s Word, in His Presence and in constant prayer. Without renewal, then our mind will revert to carnality.

2. We must yield our lives unto the control of the Holy Spirit – This falls in line with being filled with the Holy Spirit.  When you and I have accepted Christ and we are in a relationship with Him, we have access to the power of the Holy Spirit.  This means, that when we seek God for the in-filling of the Holy Spirit that our lives become controlled by the Holy Spirit as long as we are obedient.  We gain the fruits of the Spirit because we are spending time in God’s presence.  1 Corinthians 2:14 says that the person without the Spirit cannot accept the things of the Spirit because it seems like foolishness.  In order to avoid the growth of sin, we must yield our lives over to the Holy Spirit to renew us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

The overall word to remember is that we must ‘surrender’ our lives unto God through Christ.  Naturally, we are all inclined to sin and be disobedient. However, it is by accepting Christ and giving our lives away to God every day that will remedy the growth of sin in our lives.  If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior, your life is being ruled by sin.  To be free from that sin, you must confess your sin unto Jesus Christ and accept His sacrifice. Then and only then will you be able to avoid the death that comes with living a life in unrepentance.

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

31 Friday Jul 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Awakened & Alive in Jesus Christ

30 Thursday Jul 2015

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

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.