Tag Archives: Jesus

Behind the Scenes – Discerning What is Happening

15 Thursday Oct 2015

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ID-10066972Stage plays have been a form of entertainment for many years. Actors and actresses have and continue to provide pleasure to the masses throughout various genres of the entertainment business. Those of us who have ever watched a stage performance usually concentrated on what and who was set before us. We see the acting and even the scenery onstage, while at the same time what is behind the stage is hidden from the audience.

In order for each production to be successful, work must be done behind the scenes to ensure that what the audience sees is well worth the money and time spent. It is what occurs behind the scenes that creates a finished product in addition to tying together the act as a whole. The viewer is not concerned with what goes on behind the curtain, however, if one were to take a look it would be a discovery as to how the production was put into place.

We are living in a world in which there are so many things that are occurring daily. Just by turning on your local and even national news station you will see the state of the world that we live in. However, with all of the sociological shifts that are on display, there is also a great deal of activity that is occurring beneath the surface. What you and I see with our natural eyes is just what is set before us. However, there is a spiritual undercurrent to the various issues and activities that plague our global society.

In the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 2, the Apostle Paul is speaking to the church in Corinth. In this chapter, he gets into the subject of wisdom and spiritual discernment. In verses 1-5 of this passage, it is clear that the Apostle Paul is re-visiting the church of Corinth because he says in verse 1, “When I first came to you,”. Paul also says in these first few verses that when he came he did not come with elegant or persuasive speech, but rather he came with plain words.

The Apostle Paul wanted to impress the point that what he said did not come from human wisdom but rather through the revelation and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In verses 6-7, Paul makes a reference to mature believers when he says that he speaks in wisdom, but not in worldly wisdom. The wisdom he refers to is that of godly wisdom which can only be discerned and grasped by spiritual connection to God.

Paul then makes a distinction between those who are operating by the Holy Spirit and those who are of the world when he says in verse 8: (NLT) “But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord.” The Apostle Paul is saying that those in authority during his time did not understand the things that are only discerned by the Spirit of God. If they had, then they wouldn’t have crucified Jesus Christ. Notice what Paul says in verses 10-12:

(NLT) “But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.”

The great thing about God is that He offers an opportunity for all of humanity to see the world and life through His Spirit. However, the only way that this is possible is if we have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Paul makes it clear that when you are of the world and operating out of the “world’s spirit” then you are not able to spiritually discern. The world’s spirit is essentially the rejection of God’s truth and God’s Spirit. Paul further explains this in verse 14:

(NLT) “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.”

Those who are not spiritual or those who are not connected to God through Christ cannot receive the truth from God’s Spirit. Discernment or the ability to see what is truly occurring can only be achieved when you and I are in a relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Much of what we see in our world represents what is transpiring behind the scenes.

For example, much of the gun violence we have seen throughout this year in America isn’t just due to mental health issues as many have stated. While mental health may be an issue to a degree, the majority of the cases of violence are based on a spiritual underlining. Satan has used those who are open to his demonic forces to take innocent lives. In order for the issues in our world to be addressed, they must be spiritually discerned and they must be approached from the Biblical and spiritual perspective.

Many within our world are seeing things on the surface, but only through the Holy Spirit can we accurately discern what is truly happening. The tragedies that we see in our world are not just cases of random violence. Much of the issues in our world are entrenched and based in sin and rebellion against God. Politicians are in a quandary as to how to rectify spiritual issues. One cannot address what is spiritual unless they are following Jesus Christ and they are under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Paul says in verse 15:

(NLT) “Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others.”

We who are truly in Christ and operating in the Holy Spirit’s power, we are able to see beyond what is on the surface. Just like an on-stage production there are mechanisms and activities that are happening behind the scenes. Such occurrences dictate what occurs on stage. In our world, many who are blinded by sin are unable to see what is truly happening.

The person who is worldly and in their sin cannot discern between right and wrong. They are not able to see the reasons our world is operating the way it is. Why is it that year after year, our world leaders are unable to come up with seemingly ‘common sense solutions’? Why is it that violence around the world is not addressed even with various changes in the law?

The answer to such questions is only spiritually discerned. The Holy Spirit reveals to those who are in Christ what is truly happening in our world. However, in order to receive the revelation, we must listen to God and also use His Word as a filter to help us as we travel through this world. Spiritual discernment is only available to those in Christ, but the key is that the invitation to salvation is open to all of humanity.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior, then you are not able to spiritually discern. You may have questions as to why the world continues to change and grow worse. The only way to get the answer is by accepting Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and by repenting of your sins. Believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord, and allow Him to transform your mind and your heart. Once that takes place, your perspective will change and what you see on the surface will only be a product of what you see behind the scenes.

Wisely Investing With the Life that God Has Given to You

09 Friday Oct 2015

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

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ID-10058305Investing is a term that is usually associated with money or even time. To invest is to give support or to apply your own resources into an entity or a mission. When you invest, you are giving what you have and placing it into what is hopefully profitable. There is such a thing as a ‘good investment’ and also a ‘bad investment.’ A good investment involves the allocation of resources toward something or someone that proves to be lucrative in the long run. It is the reception of positive gains that results from investing wisely.

However, a bad investment occurs when a resource that is given later yields poor results. Usually when a bad investment takes place, the person who invests does not benefit but rather there is a loss that occurs. Depending upon how poorly resources were invested, the loss may be minor or major. The truth is, with anything in life we are all investing in someone or something. At the same time, God has given each person a choice to invest in their life wisely or unwisely.

In the book of Luke chapter 19, particularly verses 11-27, Jesus presents a parable to a crowd of listeners. It was the ‘Parable of the Ten Servants.’ The overall summary of this parable was to highlight servants of a King who invested what they were given wisely and a servant who did not. Jesus begins with the following verses:

Verses 12-14:

(NLT) “A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return. Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.’ But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want him to be our king.’”

In these particular verses, it is interesting to note two things:

1. God has chosen you to serve Him and fulfill His purposes – The fact is that God desires that you and I serve and worship Him. He gives you a choice in the matter, but it is beneficial to surrender your life to Jesus Christ so that you will experience the blessings of God. As in the scripture, the 10 servants were called to invest what the soon to be King had given to them. That is what God calls each person to do which is to invest with the life that He has given to us. Once Jesus Christ has been accepted as Lord and Savior, then there must be an investment in God’s Kingdom.

2. Humanity often refuses the Kingship of God – This means that there are those who haven’t given God the ability to have free reign in their life. In the scripture of Luke chapter 19, in verse 14, the people who were to be subjected to the individual chosen to be King in the parable did not want him to have authority over them. We can see blatant evidence of many who have made the choice to reject God’s authority which means that they are not subject to God and His Kingship. If you look at our world today, you can see the signs of what occurs when humanity rejects the authority and leadership of God. There is a de-evolution that occurs when we as humans decide that we want to be our own god or that we want to deny God’s involvement in our lives.

To grasp the principle of investing wisely or unwisely, there must be an examination of the next few verses:

Verses 15-17:

(NLT) ““After he was crowned king, he returned and called in the servants to whom he had given the money. He wanted to find out what their profits were. The first servant reported, ‘Master, I invested your money and made ten times the original amount!’ “‘Well done!’ the king exclaimed. ‘You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.’”

In these 3 verses, the servants are called in and they are assessed in order to discover the amount of profit they would provide to the King. In verse 16, one of the servants proclaimed that 10 times the original amount was made off of what the King had given. Of course, the King expresses his gratitude and pleasure towards the servant. In return, the servant was given governorship over ten cities.

In verses 18-19, another servant gives his report to the King in which 5 times the original amount of what was given was produced. The servant is rewarded with 5 cities to be the governor over. However, notice what occurs in verses 20-22:

(NLT) ““But the third servant brought back only the original amount of money and said, ‘Master, I hid your money and kept it safe. I was afraid because you are a hard man to deal with, taking what isn’t yours and harvesting crops you didn’t plant.’ “‘You wicked servant!’ the king roared. ‘Your own words condemn you. If you knew that I’m a hard man who takes what isn’t mine and harvests crops I didn’t plant, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’”

Based on the above scripture it may seem like the King was a bit harsh towards the servant, because the servant made the claim, “you are a hard man to deal with”. The servant essentially expressed his apprehensiveness and even what seemed to be distrust toward the King and what he does with the funds he is given. However, what the servant should have realized is that the money that he was given did not belong to him but to the King. The servant is then called, ‘wicked’ because he was disobedient and he failed to use what he was given to multiply.

Notice the final verses of this parable:

Verses 24-26:

(NLT) “Then, turning to the others standing nearby, the king ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’ “‘But, master,’ they said, ‘he already has ten pounds!’“‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. And as for these enemies of mine who didn’t want me to be their king—bring them in and execute them right here in front of me.’””

In these verses, the judgment of the King is clear. The King orders that the money is taken from the servant who did nothing with it and that his portion be given to the servant who did the most. The King also instructs that those who use what they have been given well will receive more and those who do nothing will lose what they have.

The final instruction given is that those who despised the King and shunned his Kingship would be executed because they were considered to be enemies of the King. It is quite clear that in this parable the expectation and desire of God is that we as humans use what He has given to us.

All of us were given gifts and talents but also an opportunity to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. A major part of investing wisely is to accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. When you and I choose to surrender our lives and forsake our sin out of obedience unto Christ, we then have a new beginning. The reconciliation between God and humanity is only bridged when there is a repentance of sin and a rejection of it through the acceptance of Jesus Christ.

Another part of investing one’s life wisely is understanding that God desires to use each person for His glory. Many are squandering their lives looking for fulfillment in various ways, and yet their lives are wasting away. God wants to use the life that He has given to you to bring others to the knowledge and experience of His great love. Also, He wants to know you in intimacy which comes from an actual relationship with God through Christ.

The final thought to examine is that when we as humans reject God’s great love and Kingship, then we are considered to be His enemies or against Him. As a result, we ultimately lose the benefits that God offers through His blessings when we invest unwisely. To invest unwisely is to either invest in things that have no eternal value or not to invest in the things of God at all.

The question then becomes, are you investing wisely or unwisely? If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior, then you are unable to invest what you have wisely. The first step is to make the wisest decision possible which is to give your life to Jesus Christ. He will show you how to live for God and how to live in this life. By having a relationship with Christ, you will know what your purpose is and how to use God’s gifts for His glory and the benefit of others.

God – The Righteous Judge

08 Thursday Oct 2015

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ID-10095619When you think about the word ‘justice’ what comes to your mind? In just about every society, there is some form of a system in place which is meant to provide judgment for those who participate in criminal activity. Justice which has now become a universal goal for humanity is a concept that has not always yielded the appropriate results.

Throughout our world system, there have been countless times in which individuals who were guilty of a crime were exonerated of all wrongdoing. On the other hand, there were individuals who were innocent and yet they were mistakenly charged for a crime that they did not commit. The machine of justice has proven to be both a success and a failure in the eyes of humanity. However, there is one judge who surpasses all others in the delivery of justice and that is the Lord God Almighty.

In the book of Romans chapter 14, the Apostle Paul is admonishing Christians not to judge one another. Throughout this chapter, Paul encourages believers in the faith not to quarrel over what seems to be trivial in nature. For example, in verses 1-3, Paul uses the example of disagreeing on what type of food one should eat and that it is unnecessary to get into disputes regarding the choice of food. Even in verse 5, the Apostle Paul mentions the issue of honoring a certain day as ‘holy’ over another and that Christians should not argue over such things.

In the time that Romans chapter 14 was written, Paul was addressing issues of those who were still torn between keeping the ceremonial Jewish laws and those who were breaking away from such tradition. However, Paul wanted to encourage unity among those in Christ which meant to refrain from judging one another. Here is what Paul says in verses 10-12:

(NLT) “So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’ Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.”

The key portions of the scripture to focus on for the purposes of this blog post are the words “we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” Paul also says, “Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.” Paul wasn’t just referring to those who are in Christ, but this applies to every person. It is God who will judge and He shall do so righteously.

When most think of a judge it is usually appropriate to assume that the concept of a fair or just ruler is what many expect. The reason why many expect a fair ruling from a judge is because the judge as a figure represents justice or the delivery of fairness. God is the one who we will stand before at the end of our lives. It is His judgment that is final but how He judges is based upon how we live.

For example, there are those who are currently living in their sin and believe that they will avoid the due penalties that come with living in sin. The truth of the matter is that God sees your current actions and you just like I will be judged when life on this Earth is complete. God judges righteously which means he judges with fairness in addition to ensuring that every deed is either rewarded or punished accordingly.

Even those of us who are in Christ, we are going to be judged for what we do. A person who has given their life to Jesus Christ will be judged according to the profession of faith and also whether or not what is professed lines up with what is done. It will be our connectivity to God through Christ that will be examined. This means that if our life is not anchored or secured in Christ that God will remove us from His presence which is according to Matthew 7:23.

So, it is incumbent upon each individual (Christian or non-Christian) to understand that everyone will be judged according to what is done and based on every word that is said. Often times, humanity has shown a level of pride that caters towards assuming the role of ‘being the ultimate judge.’ Basically, the secular humanist does not feel an obligation towards anyone else as it relates to accountability especially an entity that is invisible.

However, even those who choose not to adhere to godly principles will be judged in the end. God who is the righteous judge will ensure that all verdicts and decisions will be handed down justly. You and I will give an account for what we have done in our life. The first thing that will be examined is whether or not a relationship with Jesus Christ was cultivated. If the answer to such a question is yes, then your eternity is certain and it will be spent in Heaven with the presence of God.

If the answer is no, then you can expect to be met with the isolation and fiery result of Hell. The interesting thing about God being a righteous judge is that while His verdicts are always just there are also moments in life when He grants us clemency. This means, that grace and mercy are extended toward us.

How often can you say that you received favorable treatment or were given an opportunity that you didn’t deserve? Such an experience is known as ‘grace.’ It is the offering of what is undeserving or in spite of what was done. Here on Earth, God offers grace even to those of us who do not deserve it. Jesus Christ dying on the cross to save us from our sins was not only an act of love but an act of grace.

You and I are sinful in our nature which means by default, we were meant to be destined for Hell. However, grace is the element that gives us an opportunity to avoid the death sentence that we deserve. God’s grace is available, but the key is understanding that when a decision is made to to accept Christ’s sacrifice, His grace is then extended to us. Those who are in sin can also experience God’s grace but such grace is limited because of one’s allegiance to a sinful lifestyle. It is also important to note that even with the grace of God, His grace is not given with the expectation that we would continue to sin.

Mercy which is also what God gives unto us is essentially the act of not giving what is deserved. To have mercy is to withhold a harsh judgment even when the person deserves what should be given. God has shown you and I mercy because He did not allow the judgment of destruction to override His great love for us. Instead, God’s mercy is what gave us the way of escape which was and is Jesus Christ. In fact, every day that you and I live is a gift of mercy because, in our imperfections, God is still merciful.

The fact is, however, both ‘grace’ and ‘mercy’ have their limitations toward those who are in constant rebellion. Since God is the righteous judge, He will always ensure that every judgment is given soundly and also finally. He decides what the ultimate punishment or reward will be for each person. However, the determination of which we will receive is based upon whether or not we are obedient unto God through Christ.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If your answer is no, then the judgment that God would hand down if you were to die today would be one of separation and destruction in Hell. Don’t wait until it is too late to decide who you will serve. Jesus Christ died and rose again so that you could be reconciled back to God through Christ. The judge who is God will rule in fairness, but He wants you to choose Him today. Once the judgment of God is given, it is final. Today is the day to have a new life in Christ and in doing so, your life, and even your eternal life will be secure in God.

Who Are You Looking to for Guidance? – Seeking God for Direction

06 Tuesday Oct 2015

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Last week on Thursday, October 1st, yet another mass shooting took place in the state of Oregon at Umpqua Community College. The now-deceased gunman shot and killed 10 individuals while wounding another 9. Many Americans and even those around the world are once again pondering the universal question when such tragedies occur, “Why?” Time and time again we have witnessed unspeakable calamities which not only affect the families that were directly involved, but such occurrences have shaken the human experience in a collective manner.

As a result of another mass shooting, many Americans, and even politicians are calling for an introduction to new gun laws to mitigate such shootings from occurring in the future. Some are even calling for a strict plan to address mental health in America. There seems to be so many who are calling for answers as to what should be done to put an end to the violence. Many are seeking human means and solutions to address what is truly a spiritual issue.

Shortly after the massacre took place, the President of the United States was quoted as saying, “our thoughts and prayers are not enough,” which was meant to suggest from his perspective that more should be done to address the ongoing issue. However, the problem with the President’s statement is that it does not take into account that with all action there must be divine providence at the hands of God. All of us desire order and laws to institute accountability, however, how many are willing to allow God to be the basis for their foundation and guidance?

In the book of Galatians chapter 2, specifically, verses 15-21, the Apostle Paul gets into the issue of being justified by faith rather than being justified by the works of the law. In verse 15, the Apostle Paul makes an important note about being Jewish by birth but also not being a Gentile sinner. The reason why Paul mentions this is because, by Jewish custom, following ceremonial laws or a strict adherence to Mosaic laws was implemented habitually. However, notice what Paul says in verses 15 and 16:

(ESV) “We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.”

What Paul is essentially saying in these verses is that faith in Jesus Christ is what justifies or proves us as acceptable unto God rather than using the works of the law to justify oneself. It is the devotion and honor unto God that gives us the ability to be acceptable instead of looking to the law to create a change in the human heart. The problem with our global society today is that many are looking to the law or their government to execute morality and guidance rather than looking to God who is the one who gives us the formula for morality and godly wisdom.

Much of the reason why many of these mass atrocities continue to plague our world is because of humanity’s irreverence and staunch opposition towards the things of God. Paul says that the works of the law will not justify which means that solely focusing on the law to vindicate or exact true conversion is futile in its endeavors. In America, many politicians are looking to solve issues of violence, drug abuse, financial disparities and a whole host of other issues by doing so in their human will.

However, whenever a nation is not built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ then it will ultimately crumble from within. The fact is that demonic forces have run rampant throughout our world because many within each nation have decided that secular humanism and a deviation from godly principles will solve each calamity. However, when humanity exalts itself or other idols are allowed to be worshiped, then the presence of demons and satanic influences begin to proliferate.

The tragedy that occurred last week in Oregon in addition to various tragedies that have occurred in the past and present history of our world is the result of sinfulness and a lack of reverence for God. The Apostle Paul continues in the next few verses:

Verses 17-18:

(ESV) “But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor.”

Verses 19-21:

(ESV) “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”

In verse 19 Paul says that through the law, he died to the law. What does Paul mean? Basically, the Apostle Paul was subjected to the law in terms of abiding by various laws in order to maintain order or compliance within society. However, Paul understood that the law is not what brings true morality but rather it is life in God through Jesus Christ. Paul finishes in verse 19 by saying “so that I might live to God.”

Paul says that he died to the law meaning, he does not look to the law as a measurement to fulfill righteousness but rather when life in Jesus Christ is lived, we automatically know the difference between right and wrong. Paul says that it is Christ who lives in him which then results in a life that is lived in obedience unto God. In the final verse, Paul says that if the law grants righteousness then it would mean that Jesus Christ’s death was in vain.

The overall principle to learn is that we as humans should not look to the law or our government to institute morality or to even provide it. The guidance that you and I should be looking to is none other than God through Jesus Christ. Much of the chaos that we see within many nations is due to the corruption and sinful behavior of leadership.

Unfortunately, those who are citizens within each nation are looking to their leaders to legislate and bring change, but such change cannot come at the hands of humanity. The prayers of the righteous and the obedience of those who are willing to seek God is what will foster a revolution. However, tragedies that we have seen will, unfortunately, become common place as long as humanity is insistent upon its own way.

For such calamities to be mitigated, there must be a surrender to the things of God. Even in your own life, there must a relinquishing of your pride and a surrender unto Jesus Christ in Holiness and obedience. Otherwise, your life will not be under the guidance and straightened path of God. It is only in Christ that our lives have order and meaning. Without Jesus Christ, then there is a constant quandary about how to solve problems that arise in life.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior? If not, then you don’t have the necessary key who is Jesus Christ to provide the answers to any questions you have. Our world groans and constantly seeks the answers to various situations that surface, and yet the very answer they seek is found in Christ. Repent of your sins, and believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and allow Him to radically change your life.

Defending the Faith

28 Monday Sep 2015

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

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cross-sword-and-shield-mdWarfare is a concept and a reality that has existed for centuries. Many wars have been fought for justifiable reasons and there have been many wars that were unjustified. However, in every war that has taken place, the element of defending one’s position and territory has been at the forefront of the war itself. The objective of any war is for one side to be victorious over the other, however, the common factor is that both sides are usually defending what they are in pursuit of.

To defend territory or a position is to actively stand against an adversary who threatens to advance which means gaining control or power. In Christendom, a popular scripture that is often quoted comes from Ephesians 6:12 which says:

(KJV) “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

The above scripture is meant to focus on the aspect of warring or fighting a spiritual battle. This part of life is something that we are engaged in daily which is a spiritual battle. However, there is another aspect that we are to focus on as Christians even in the realm of spiritual warfare and that is ‘defending the faith.’ What is defending the faith and what does the Bible tell us about it?

1 Peter chapter 3 and verse 15 references the term ‘defense’ and the concept of defending the faith. The term ‘defense’ is not necessarily used in every translation but the concept remains the same. The context in this part of the chapter was to encourage Christians to defend the faith regardless of the opposition from unbelievers. The Apostle Peter wanted Christians to know that in the event that persecution occurs we are to defend what it is that we believe and our stance in Christ.

Verses 14-16:

(ESV) “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”

Peter says we are to “always be prepared to make a defense” which means we who are in Christ are to stand against the opposition. The fact is that Christians are given a charge to defend the faith which is an active stance against those who oppose. Many have unfortunately taken the position of restraining or containing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In today’s social climate, it has become the norm to relegate one’s belief or stance to oneself rather than imposing on anyone else.

However, the imposition of the Gospel or the faith is not to be squelched but to be shared with the lost. We should defend the faith because in such a defense we are showing forth our allegiance unto God and the things of God. There is a term that also aligns with defending the faith and it is ‘apologetic.’ This is a theological term which means to give a rational defense for the Christian faith. The word ‘apologetic’ can be broken down into the Greek form which is ‘apologia’ which means to give a reason or defense.

When we as Christians are challenged by the culture, we are not to run unashamedly nor are we to capitulate with what the social and even spiritual climate dictates. We are living in a time period in which the false doctrine both in many churches and even in society has become acceptable. Secular humanism, the influence of Islam, agnosticism and various religions have become taken as truth rather than seeing each as an extension of what satan wants to use to pervert and ultimately deceive.

However, those who are truly in Christ must be willing to defend the faith and stand for God’s truth regardless of what the cost may be. However, notice how we are to do so according to verse 15:

“yet do it with gentleness and respect”

Even in speaking the truth to those who are in darkness we must do so with gentleness and respect. Calling something out for what it is can be done respectfully because it means that it is being done in love towards the person. Many have embraced the belief that mentioning Hell and even the aspect of sin should be avoided. Not telling a person who is in danger of destruction is much worse that the backlash and opposition that will be given.

Instead, Christians are called to defend the faith or to give a reason as to why we believe. We are also called to give those who are lost the truth of Jesus Christ. However, we must do so with gentleness and respect which means that our tone should be truthful but also with a caring disposition which emanates from our relationship with Christ. The fact about eternal damnation can be given to the world without it utterly destroying the person in the process.

The goal of reaching those in Christ isn’t to speak with words of vitriol but to simply give those in their sin the lifeline who is Jesus Christ. The truth of God will convict which is the job of the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility is to deliver the message as it is by giving the consequences of what will occur if a person in sin does not receive the intervention of Jesus Christ. We are not to add or remove anything from the the Word of God.

At the end of the day, the defense of the faith is necessary because both salvation and the reality of Hell and eternal separation from God are crucial nuggets of truth for every person. While our society continues to erode in sin, there must be those who are willing to stand firm and defend the truth of God. Not to do so would mean that we as Christians have given up not only our position but our territory to the enemy.

Satan wants to eliminate every opportunity for someone’s eyes to be opened to the truth. We as Christians must give the world a reason as to why it is that we believe in God. Why should holiness and an abstinence from sin be the way that we as Christians live? Why is it that social issues such as homosexuality and abortion should be openly addressed by those who are in Christ instead of remaining in silence? Why is it that God’s Word and an adherence to it is to be applied to one’s life?

For every Christian, the answer lies in verse 15 in which Peter says, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy.” This is not only expected of each Christian, but it is a command. The reason is because everything that we do we do so out of reverence unto Jesus Christ because He is Holy. With honoring His holiness, there is an expectation that we would then defend the truth of God in the midst of opposition and deception. The point is to go after those who are in their sin and give them God’s Word.

Our concern isn’t whether or not someone is offended by God’s truth because believe it or not there will be those who find God’s truth offensive. This is not contradictory with the statement of being gentle and respectful. The reason is because those who are in their sin will naturally reject any truth that God provides. It is only when a person’s heart is open and a choice has been made to surrender that such truth will convict and open their blinded eyes.

The concern of every Christian should be to model the example of Jesus Christ and to give the Gospel to all of humanity. Many have unfortunately remained in silence for a fear of rejection and not wanting to be challenged by those in sin. However, the defense of our faith requires that we challenge the opposition since the opposition is so adamant about challenging those in Christ.

Jesus Christ is the lifeline for every lost soul, but it is a choice that one makes to accept or reject the gift of life. Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If not, then you are in sin and you need a savior. Jesus is the one and only one who can save you from your sinful condition. Accept this gift of life and allow your life to be made whole through the redeeming power of the cross.

A Call to Repentance and Turning Away from Your Sin

28 Monday Sep 2015

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When it comes to learning, a common method that is often used is ‘repetition.’ The word ‘repetition’ essentially means to repeat a behavior with the end result being a learned trait or behavior. In the educational field, repetition or rehearsal is often used in order to achieve mastery over a certain skill. The mind that God has given us is designed to work within the realm of repeated behavior to learn.

As we do something over and over again, it becomes 2nd nature to us and, as a result, we no longer think it strange to behave in the manner that we learned. It is the constant exposure to a behavior that causes our mindset to change so that what we continue to do is then learned. It then means that certain boundaries that were once in place before the repetitious learning are no longer defensible to one’s mind. Repetition is a lifelong process for learning that obviously begins at our youth. It is this type of education that creates a mode of daily operation in what one has constantly learned to do.

In our world today, the aspect of sin and sinful behavior has taken on an accelerated form of acceptance and even its own lifestyle. We are living in a global society in which ‘anything goes’ which is meant to suggest that one can live as they see fit. Sin and the participation in sin is apart of our nature. This means that a continued lifestyle of sin leads to further sinful behavior because we learn from what we do constantly.

However, Jesus Christ died on the cross for a reason and that was so that you and I could be saved from the penalty of sin. In addition to this, Christ’s sacrifice demands that all who choose, will heed the call to repentance and turn from sinful behavior.

In the book of John chapter 5, Jesus encounters a man at a place called ‘Bethesda’ which is located in Jerusalem. According to verse 5, there was a man who had been lying near a pool and he had been paralyzed for 38 years. The pool was meant to be a place of healing. It is at this point that Jesus asks the man a question:

Verse 6:

(NLV) “Jesus saw him lying there and knew the man had been sick a long time. Jesus said to him,“Would you like to be healed?”

This verse is important to examine because Jesus was asking the man if he wanted to be healed from his condition. When you think about the condition that sin leaves us in, it is a condition that leads to a life of destruction. Sin is what separates us from having a relationship with God, however, it is because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross that we all have a way of escape.

The question that Jesus asks the sick individual suggests that Jesus is offering an alternative to the condition. Of course, it also symbolizes that the sick man has a choice to make.

Verses 7-9:

(NLV) “The sick man said, “Sir, I have no one to put me in the pool when the water is moving. While I am coming, another one gets in first.” Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your bed and walk.” At once the man was healed and picked up his bed and walked. This happened on the Day of Rest.”

Once the man accepts Christ’s offer and he is obedient to the original command to get up, he is immediately healed of his condition. However, there is something else to take note of in verse 14.

(NLV) “Later Jesus found the man who had been healed in the house of God. He said to him, “Listen! You have been healed. Stop sinning or something worse will come to you.””

Not only does Jesus offer a change in the man’s condition but He says “Stop sinning or something worse will come to you.” Other translations of the Bible use the words “Go and sin no more.” Why does Jesus tell this individual not to sin anymore and why does He warn him that if he does that something worse will happen to him? It is clear that the man who had been stricken with paralysis had sinned in his past which caused his condition. It is unclear as to what sin he had committed, but the fact that Jesus tells him not to sin anymore suggests that Jesus knew that his condition was a result of his sin.

In the world that we live in today, many believe that you can seek forgiveness from God and continue to sin as you please. However, just as Jesus made a call for the sick individual to be healed from his condition, Jesus is making the same call to many today. That call is one of repentance. Many are now adhering to the message of ‘God is love’ which is absolutely true. God is a God of love and He wants us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

However, what this teaching or message lacks is the other part which is that God is a God who expects us to be Holy and to abstain from sin. Since God is Holy then we are to be Holy as 1 Peter 1:16 says. Satan desires that we remain in the condition of sin because he understands that we cannot fully please God or have a relationship with Him while we are in our sin. Deception has been infused into our world system and it has even crept into many churches.

God is calling us to repentance which means that He wants us to ask Him to forgive us of our sins. True repentance means that there is an acknowledgment of wrongdoing. However, that is not where repentance ends. The 2nd part to repentance is to actively turn away from your sin and not to return to it. Jesus told the paralyzed individual not to sin again because if he did he would experience worse consequences.

The message of Jesus Christ is both one of redemption but also a call to holiness. The point of being changed from one’s condition isn’t to go back to what was once detestable and sinful, however, it is to commit oneself to the aversion of sin. Even those who do not believe in God believe that the sin that they live in will not and does not equal consequences. However, if you look at the world around us you can see the consequences that exist.

Turning away from your sin is not only beneficial because you will avoid further consequences, but it shows an allegiance and a love for God. At the end of the day, God wants us to choose Him and to love Him with all of our heart. It is the avoidance and remittance of sin that shows God how much we love Him. Truly following Christ involves living in holiness and adhering to God’s Word.

The common argument is that none of us are perfect and that we all sin. This statement is a fact in that none of us are perfect. However, more often than not this is used as an excuse to continue in sin and to take advantage of God’s grace. Another issue is that many would rather not be told that they are in danger of going to Hell because of their sin. Many believe that to be condemnation. However, it would be far worse not to hold each person to God’s standard of holiness by allowing sin to run rampant in the life of a believer or even a non-believer.

Jesus Christ does not offer condemnation, but He offers eternal life. The only way to achieve eternal life is to accept Christ’s sacrifice, repent of your sin and to turn from it. Even those of us who are in Christ must actively pursue holiness because it is what God requires. We as humans will never be perfect in our endeavors, but God does not expect those who are called to live sinfully with the assumption that it is permissible to sin and yet claim allegiance unto God.

The more you love God with all of your being, the less you will desire to sin which means even when you falter it is less likely that you will go back to the same sin. Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? The process for salvation starts at acknowledging that you are a sinner and that you need salvation. Secondly, you must believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord. Then you must turn from your sin and seek God in daily prayer, reading His Word, and connecting with other believers in the faith. Today is the day to heed the call to repentance and to turn from your sin.

Spiritual Exercise – Working Out Your Salvation

25 Friday Sep 2015

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ID-100179879Physical exercise is a part of life that is usually encouraged to all who have the ability of movement. It is physical movement that is responsible for the strengthening of one’s muscles, the burning of calories, in addition to increased blood flow throughout the body. The more that you exercise, the healthier that you will become. There are various types of exercises that are designed to concentrate on specific body parts.

Exercises can contrast between light and heavy with a special emphasis on improving bodily function. One type of exercise that is common is known as ‘weight lifting.’ Lifting weights are designed to enhance muscle expansion and overall physical strength. The greater number of repetitions, the greater one’s endurance will be when lifting weights. It is also true as it relates lifting heavier objects. The heavier the object, the greater one’s resistance becomes meaning more strength.

In one’s walk with Jesus Christ, there is also the element of ‘working out’ or ‘exercise.’ Such exercise is done spiritually in various ways. In the book of Philippians chapter 2 and verse 12, the Apostle Paul gives simplistic encouragement to Christians. Paul says the following:

(ESV) “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”

In this chapter, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church of Philippi in which he is encouraging Christians not to be proud and to also have a love for each other. In verses 5-11, Paul also mentions that Christ exhibited humility which we as Christians should also seek to model after. However, verse 12 is a direct challenge to every Christian to work out one’s salvation in fear and trembling. What does Paul mean when he makes this statement?

To work out one’s salvation means that there must be an active process of engaging in spiritual activity. The point is to enhance your own life and the life of others through development in Jesus Christ. There are those who believe that one can receive salvation and that is the end of the process. However, the words ‘work out’ is meant to suggest that one is proactive in their own salvation or salvific experience. How do we as Christians work out our salvation? Here are a few considerations:

Reverence God daily – In today’s time there are those within Christianity who have allowed themselves to lose or not fully understand the fear or reverence of the Lord. God is a Holy God who demands that the creation worship Him and He alone. Many have taken the stance of living in religiosity with rituals but not truly seeking to revere the personhood of God. When you have a ‘fear and trembling’ as Paul says in verse 12 it means that you understand the authority of God. It also means that you are not apt to voluntarily sin which means that you abide by the set standard of Holiness and righteousness.

Paul says in verse 13:

(NLT) “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Here Paul says that God works in us which means that if we reverence Him then we are automatically obedient unto God because God then gives us the desire to do His will. A Christian should never lose reverence for God or the things of God. Otherwise, a desecration of all that is Holy and righteous begins to occur which is displeasing unto God.

Seek God’s truth in His Word – The Apostle Paul gives Christians another nugget of truth concerning God’s Word in Romans 15:4:

(ESV) “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

The Word of God was written through men by the inspiration of God, but it was written for our instruction and our encouragement. When you and I begin to read God’s Word and allow it to guide us, then we will grow spiritually. The Word of God is also the hope and the only hope that we as humans have. Part of the reason why there is so much confusion in our world is because there has been a deviation from the Bible and its truth.

We are living in a time in which many don’t truly know how to rightly divide the Word of truth which has led to many being deceived. However, God’s truth does not change despite how humanity does. We who are in Christ must know God’s Word and look to it for absolute truth and encouragement. It is what will keep us from being led astray into deception. This is why it is important for you and I to constantly meditate on God’s Word and allow His truth to permeate our heart.

Daily prayer – 1 Thessalonians chapter 5:16-18 says the following:

(ESV) “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

The Apostle Paul is once again encouraging Christians through His letter to the church of Thessalonica in which he uses the phrase, ‘pray without ceasing’ which is meant as a directive. We as Christians are to always pray because it keeps the line of communication open to God. God desires that we have a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. One way of doing that is through prayer because it invokes reverence and communication unto a Holy God.

When we pray, we are to recognize that our prayer enhances our connection to God and it also keeps us in the will of God. It is prayer that provides safety, change, power, and the ability to access the authority that we have as Christians. It is also important to understand that in our times of prayer, we should seek to listen to God because He will also speak back to us through the Holy Spirit.

Building relationships with those in the body of Christ – The Bible encourages us to build up one another as it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11. We are to edify each other in the body because when we do, it begins to invoke strength and unity. Walking in this life as a loner only leads to a life that is not vibrant or connected and it lacks accountability.

However, we should be accountable to someone else and we should also keep in mind that the struggle we have with sin is a burden that others can assist us with. We are to bear the burdens of one another according to Galatians 6:2.

The ultimate goal of every Christian should be to seek to be Christ-like which stems from one’s devotion unto God by considering and putting into practice each of these three methods. Active participation in one’s salvation is paramount to growth in God. Salvation does not stop at merely confessing your sins before Jesus Christ, but there is a process of salvation which involves seeking God to purify your heart and mind daily.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior? If not, today is a great day to receive salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He died on the cross and rose again so that you could be redeemed. Start the process by accepting this gift of salvation. After you have done so, the journey continues as you become a new person through Christ.

Day and Night – Recognizing the Difference Between the Two

24 Thursday Sep 2015

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DayNightAll of us have been blessed to have the gift of life. While not everyone will pass away at the same exact time period, the one thing we all have in common is that we each have 24 hours a day that God has given to us. In such a time period, there are at least two distinctions that we all use to determine how much time has passed. The first distinction is that of the ‘daytime.’ Daytime or daylight symbolizes light and even movement. To see the light of day is to experience illumination.

While the hour of morning generally begins at 12:00 am, daybreak is usually understood to take place when the sun begins to rise and darkness begins to recede. Thus, the end of the night is declared which means the beginning of the dawn. Then there is also of course the distinction of the ‘night time’ or ‘dusk.’ The night time period represents darkness and for many a time of rest or seclusion from the world. It is usually a time in which you are unable to see because of the darkness that surrounds you.

Spiritually speaking, there is also such a distinction between light and darkness. The Apostle Paul assists us in the illustration by using the phrases ‘children of the light’ and ‘children of the day.’ This reference can be found in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 in verse 5 in which he says the following:

(ESV) “For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness”

In chapter 5 of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica. He urges Christians in that church to be watchful for the Lord’s return. Paul does so in the manner of reminding those who are in Christ that they are not in darkness, but that we in Christ are children of the light or children of the day. Why does Paul use both of those phrases concerning Christians?

To be a child of the day or a child of the light, it means that there is a sense of illumination and even a distinction. Paul continues in that verse when he says that we are not of the night or the darkness. This is a declaration to those who are in Christ that there is a separation between those in Christ and those who are in sin. Children of the day are individuals who have allowed Jesus Christ to enlighten their spiritual eyes and their heart.

What are the characteristics of a person who is a child of the day? Here are a few considerations:

Godly Love – This is not meant to refer to love as the world casually uses this phrase, but it is meant to denote a love that only comes from God. The world suggests that love is based on a feeling or that it is conditional. However, love that comes from God is unconditional and it seeks to serve others.

Restraint and abstinence from sinful living – A person who is a child of the day will adhere to a lifestyle that is not one of living in sin. Contrary to much of the false doctrine, one who is truly in Christ will shun evil as Proverbs 14:16 says. We are living in a time in which one can claim Christianity or say that they know God, but yet their lifestyle does not line up with God’s demand for self-restraint and obedience unto His commands.

A person cannot be a child of the light or of the day and allow sin to be within their life. Our world today continues to impress the idea that you can believe in God and be ‘religious’ and yet accept sinful behavior and even the sinful behavior of others.

Allegiance to God instead of to what satan desires – Humanity has now embraced secular humanism and ‘global unity.’ However, we who are children of the day must reject satan’s ploy to unify those of us who are in Christ with the wickedness of the world. Our allegiance must be to God and God alone. Anything less than such a stance is to abide by the lawlessness and sinfulness that is presented to those in the faith.

Such characteristics or dispositions as noted above are just a few of the things that separate a person who is of the day and a person who is of the night. What are the characteristics of a person who is a child of the night or in darkness?

Unrepentant sin – If you look at the world around us, many have taken God’s truth and spiritual and even moral absolutes and made it into a complete lie. It is now acceptable to do ‘what you feel’ is the right thing and to accept a myriad of sins. Those who live in unrepentant sin are doing so because they are unable to accept the things of the Holy Spirit as 1 Corinthians 2:14 says. Their eyes have not been illuminated by Jesus Christ, which means sin is natural which means they are in darkness.

Confusion about what is true and what is a lie – Our world today has become entrenched in the delivery of various mixed messages that many are confused as to what is right and what is wrong. Even many who claim to be Christians have allowed the world to dictate what God has said and what God hasn’t said. It is the person who is a child of the night that cannot understand the truth of God because they adhere to false doctrine.

Rapid decay both spiritually and physically – If you are a child of the night or in darkness then your life will begin to exhibit a decline in many different ways. Outside of Jesus Christ a person’s life cannot be full of peace or safety because there is a staunch opposition to God who gives life in abundance. Various examples can be shown of what a life looks like when it is unattached from Jesus Christ. Many who commit suicide or even those who are caught in addiction are simply mirroring the symptoms of a broken life without Christ.

Just as there is an obvious delineation between day and night, spiritually there is a divide between light and darkness. What the world promotes is a merge between the two, however, if a person is truly in Christ then such a merger cannot take place because the world will not accept the things or the people of God as they are. To a sinner who chooses to reject God, anything that resembles His light cannot and will not be accepted.

The reason for this is because, where there is light the darkness begins to fade. That is how the life of every Christian should operate. Are you a child of the day or a child of the night? If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior then you are living in darkness. Jesus came and died so that you could be a child of the day. The world is rapidly changing for the worse, but there is hope in Jesus Christ. Accept His gift of life and allow God to show you His marvelous light.

A Change of Heart – From Darkness into the Light of Christ

24 Thursday Sep 2015

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Surgical procedures have been a part of human and medical history for quite some time. The purpose of performing surgery is to either remove an infected or non-working body part or to replace it with a fully functioning part that enhances one’s life while increasing longevity. Such procedures include the amputation of limbs, removing cancerous cells and tumors, and even knee replacement. There is also such a surgery called a ‘heart transplant.’

The very first heart transplant took place on December 3rd, 1963, in Cape Town South Africa. A man by the name of Lewis Washkansky who was 53 years old received a new heart from a 25-year-old woman by the name of Denise Darvall. At the time, it was a revolutionary surgery which paved the way for future heart transplants worldwide. Such a medical advancement has led to those with chronic heart ailments suddenly finding a 2nd chance at life even if it means living an extra 5-7 years.

The concept of a heart transplant is to exchange a heart that is in poor condition for a heart that is considerably healthier. Spiritually speaking, all of us have an opportunity to experience a change within our heart because of God through Jesus Christ. In the book of Ezekiel Chapter 11, Ezekiel who was one of the many prophets that God used is seen recounting a vision that God had given to him. This vision encompassed Ezekiel seeing the leaders of Israel being judged for their allowance of sin.

In verses 1-12 of this chapter, Ezekiel speaks to Jaazaniah and Pelatiah who are the leaders of Israel. God gives Ezekiel the command to tell them what the Word of God would be towards the leadership and the nation of Israel for their sinfulness and disobedience unto God. In verses 5-12, Ezekiel prophesies the punishment that would occur to the leaders and those who would remain in disobedience.

In verse 13, Pelatiah is then struck dead which leaves Ezekiel wondering what would befall the rest who were in Israel. Here is what God says to Ezekiel in verses 14-16:

(NLV) “Then the Word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, your brothers, your family, those who were driven out of the land, and all the people of Israel are those of whom the people of Jerusalem have said, ‘They have gone far away from the Lord. This land has been given to us for our own.’ So tell them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “I sent them far away among the nations. I divided them among the countries. But still I was a holy place for them a little while in the countries where they had gone.”’

Verse 17:

(NLV) “So tell them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “I will gather you from the nations. I will gather you together out of the countries where you have been divided. And I will give you the land of Israel.””

At that particular time, there was a group of people who were taken into captivity into the land of Babylon. They had left the land of Jerusalem, however, those who were still in Jerusalem were obstinate and believed that the land belonged to them instead. However, God promised to restore those who were exiled, into their rightful place in addition to the fact that God had been their their place of sanctity. Here is what God had also promised in verses 18-21:

(NLV) “When they return to it, they will take away all its hated and sinful things. I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will walk in My Laws and keep them, and obey them. They will be My people, and I will be their God.”

Verse 21:

(NLV) “But as for those whose hearts go after their hated and sinful things, I will bring their actions upon their own heads,” says the Lord God.”

There are a couple of key points that can be extracted from verses 18-21:

  1. God can transform the heart of every human being – All of us are born into sin when we enter into this world. This means that our heart is automatically filled with sinfulness and darkness because of the sin of Adam & Eve. However, the remedy for a transformation of the heart is through Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross and He rose again from the dead so that we would be redeemed. However, if you and I have not accepted this gift of life then our heart is still unchanged.

    Jeremiah 17:9 says, (ESV) “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”

    Sin is what resides within our heart because of our sinful nature, but we need God through Jesus Christ to renew our heart and to make it pure. Just as a person who has a heart transplant does so to remove a bad or failing heart in exchange for a new one, all of us are in need of a spiritual conversion. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that our heart can be changed, but we must surrender our lives unto Christ.

  2. The person who remains in their sin will suffer the consequences – In verse 21 of Ezekiel chapter 11, God declares to Ezekiel that those whose hearts are seeking after sinful things will eventually meet their demise based on what they have chosen to do. The fact is that a person whose heart is steeped within sinfulness is a person who will ultimately come to destruction both physically and spiritually. Since wickedness is within our heart from the very beginning, then it is the same wickedness that will lead us down a path that is destructive. The evidence can be seen throughout our world. Crime, political corruption, and various types of self-abuse and even abuse towards others are symptoms of the wickedness that reside within the heart of those without Christ.

    The remedy to such darkness is to be enlightened through Jesus Christ. God wants each of us to experience His fullness and to have our eyes illuminated to who He is and to the world around us. However, all of us must come to a point of surrender which means that we must confess our sins unto Jesus Christ. Without a remission of sin and an acceptance of Jesus Christ, then darkness will continue.

Are you in need of a change of heart? Do you suffer from a heart that is cold and callous and in need of the breath of life? Only Jesus Christ can provide the answer to your cold heart. The world offers many ‘solutions’, but the fact is that none of what is offered works. Jesus Christ is the only solution to a world that writhes in pain at the destruction caused by humanity’s sinfulness. Accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and experience the newness of life.

Moving from a Private Relationship with Christ to a Public Declaration

23 Wednesday Sep 2015

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All of us have certain parts of our life that are private and public. For example, it is generally best not to divulge information regarding one’s love life to the public or even to strangers. Usually, if any information is shared, it is within the realm of secrecy with those who are trustworthy. However, there are other elements of life in which it is perfectly acceptable to share publicly. One instance can include one’s general interest such as participating in sports or even being a spectator of sporting events.

Most of us utilize a delineation between what should be shared publicly and what should remain a private matter. However, as it relates to one’s relationship with God through Christ, the question that should be answered is whether or not we who are in Christ should remain private about or faith or not. Should Christians relegate themselves to a private relationship with Jesus Christ? The answer to this question can be found Mark chapter 8. The key verses are verses 34-37.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His Disciples in which He predicts His own death on the cross. The Apostle Peter then reprimands Jesus in verse 32. However, in verse 33, Jesus rebukes Peter for his reprimand. Notice what Jesus continues to say in verses 35-38:

(NLT) “Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

These 4 verses are not only convicting, but these words spoken by Jesus are meant to challenge every believer not only to follow Christ but to lose their life for the sake of the Gospel and for Jesus. In return, one will gain eternal life and a life that is lived with purpose and abundance according to God’s Will. However, notice what Jesus says in verse 38:

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Jesus makes it clear that if anyone is ashamed of the message of Jesus Christ then Jesus Himself will be ashamed when He goes before God in Heaven. Essentially, this means that if we who are in Christ are not in full allegiance to God both privately and publicly, then God will not be pleased with our life. The point of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to spread the good news about Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the ability that such sacrifice provides for humanity to be redeemed.

Also, notice the words that Christ uses when he says, “these adulterous and sinful days” which is meant to suggest that the people within the culture at that time were sinful and adulterous. If you look at our world today, sin has increased and it has become acceptable to many. God is calling every person who claims to be a Christian to follow Him through Christ.

This means being adamant about one’s relationship with Christ and even one’s stance regarding sin. If you look at the life of Jesus, He openly taught the masses in addition to challenging people to come out of their sin and not to return to it. One other example of a public declaration of faith and allegiance unto God occurred in the book of Acts chapter 4. In this chapter, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin Council.

The Sanhedrin Council were a group of 71 members who were responsible for instituting or approving law within the land of Israel. You can think of them as the equivalent of the U.S. Supreme Court. In Acts chapter 4, Peter and John are arrested for preaching the message of Jesus Christ, and they are later brought before the Council for questioning. In verse 2, there were Sadducees and Priests who found Peter and John relaying the message of Christ and they found it to be appalling.

(NLT) “These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead.”

In verses 5-7, Peter and John were then questioned by the Council in which the leaders asked the following question in verse 7, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” Here is the response that Peter and John give in verses 8-12:

(NLT) “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.

For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

If you look at these verses, it is clear that Peter is defending the faith and publicly proclaiming both the healing power of Jesus Christ in addition to the fact that salvation only comes through the name of Jesus Christ. This is a great example of what it should look like for those who are in Christ to unashamedly share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Peter and John were persecuted for standing up for Jesus Christ and they were brought before powerful individuals.

We are living in a time in which there are some who claim Christianity that believe it is better to be ‘private about their faith.’ If you look at these two scriptures from the book of Acts and Mark, you can see that privacy was not a policy as it related to declaring the message of Christ. It is true that everyone must make their own choice regarding their eternity and who they will serve, but we as Christians are not called to be silent.

The goal of every Christian should be to spread the Gospel to the lost, and to be examples of Christ in how we live. Doing so privately only excludes those who are in need of a savior. The fact is that we are all in need of a savior, however, if we who are in Christ do not share the Gospel with others then we are essentially depriving those in their sin of the very opportunity that we had.

There are Christians in today’s society who are afraid of the consequences of sharing their testimony of their spiritual conversion. It is as if challenging someone to come out of their sin and to accept Christ is no longer a priority. Rather, the priority has centered around being peaceful and agreeable with those in the world. However, the Apostles and even Jesus Christ were not timid about God and the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

We who are in Christ need to have the same tenacity and the same unflinching resolve as it relates to sharing the Gospel. Part of the reason why so much sin is occurring in our world is because there are Christians who know the truth of God but have not openly shared it with others. We who know the truth and who have been transformed must make a decision to let the world know of the salvation that is available. The call is for every person who is in Christ to stand up for God and make a public declaration of what it is you believe.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are apart of those who are lost. Jesus Christ died on the cross for you and His blood was shed for your sins. The amazing gift of life that God has given to you is available, but you must choose Christ. Those of us who are in Christ must publicly declare and show forth the truth of God in what we do and what we say. Privacy about one’s relationship with Christ should not be the norm, but instead our lives should be the shining city on a hill that cannot be hidden.