Tag Archives: Jesus

Coming as You Are but Being Changed From Your Original State

11 Tuesday Aug 2015

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

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Throughout human history, there have been phrases that have been coined. Some phrases have been etched in our memory, our culture and our everyday speech.  Other phrases have become altogether trite or cliche to the point that the phrase is no longer effective. There are even phrases that Christians have instituted which have been adopted in everyday language concerning those of us who are in Christ.

One such term is ‘Come as you are.’ This term or phrase is not found anywhere in the Bible in its exact wording, however, the concept of coming to Jesus or coming to God as you are is Biblical. The exact origin or even timeframe  of the expression seems to be unknown or at the very least its origin is not altogether certain.  Nevertheless, what is certain is that this phrase has made its way into Christendom.  What does this phrase mean exactly?

Usually, this phrase is used to suggest to those who are non-Christians that they can freely come to Jesus for salvation in the condition that they are in. It can even be applied to Christians who need to recommit their lives to Christ and surrender all that they have and who they are in their entirety. The essential point is that ‘Coming as you are’ means that regardless of what your spiritual condition is, God wants you just as you are.  It is meant to denote that even if your physical appearance (e.g. clothing) does not signify the lifestyle of a Christian who lives in modesty that anyone can come to Christ as they are in their current state.

However, it seems that this phrase has lost an important part of what it truly means to ‘Come as you are.’ Biblically, there are multiple parts as it relates to the process of salvation. The first is that there is the point of surrender. This means that an individual feels the conviction of the Holy Spirit which causes them to turn away from their sinful ways. It involves an active confession of their sins, accepting Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior and renouncing their lifestyle of sin.

Secondly there is the point of conversion or transformation.  This means that the individual’s life is no longer the same as it was, but it has been transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit and the acceptance of Jesus Christ.  Finally, there is the point of spreading the Gospel and the gift of salvation to others. It means that the converted is now taking on the responsibility of sharing with others the opportunity of conversion from darkness into the light of Christ.

In the book of Mark chapter 2, Jesus returned to a place called Capernaum. In this place, Jesus lodged as a guest at a local home. Eventually, the news of Jesus’ resting place became public and the house where he was staying became packed with visitors. In verses 3-4 of Mark chapter 2, we see that four men carry a paralyzed man to Jesus with the attempt to receive healing of the infirmity. However, because of the largeness of the crowd, they are unable to reach Jesus.  So, they devise a plan to remove the roof of the house to have the paralyzed individual lowered in.

Verse 5 says:

(NLT) “Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” 

In verse 11 Jesus gives the paralyzed man the command to get up. Jesus says,

(NLT) “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

Verse 12:

(NLT) “And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!”

It is important to take note of a couple of principles from this scripture:

1. The paralyzed man came to Jesus to be transformed – Not only was the man paralyzed physically, but it is obvious that he committed some sort of sin or sins within his life, that needed forgiving by Jesus. Notice that in verses 3-4 that the paralyzed man and 4 others were intentional about seeing a change in his condition. So much so that they forcibly removed the roof of the house in order to receive a miracle of healing. Basically, the paralyzed man was committed to trusting in Jesus’ ability to heal him of his paralysis.  It wasn’t enough for the paralyzed man to merely come to Jesus as he was, but he knew that at some point when he came into contact with Jesus, that he would be changed from his original condition.

Essentially, the concept of ‘Come as you are’ in modern times has stopped at the part of coming as you are. The next part of the equation is to be changed. It is often that the notion of ‘Coming as you are’ means that we come to Jesus as we are and that is the end of the story. However, this scripture shows us that transformation comes at the point of contact with Christ. Jesus Christ did not die for you and I to remain in our sin. He died on the cross and rose again so that we could be set free from the power of sin. Some even use the argument that it takes time for God to deliver us from our struggles or addictions. What we see in Mark chapter 2 is that deliverance was swift because of the paralyzed man’s faith and Christ’s intervention. This is not to say that you and I will never be tempted or we will never battle against sinful desires. However, the goal should be to let go of every sin that tries to weigh us down.

2. When you truly come to Christ your life is forever changed – It is a sad story to see many who claim Christianity and yet their lives are similar if not the same as those who are of the world.  The Bible makes it clear in Matthew 5 verse 13 that we who are in Christ are the ‘Salt of the Earth.’ This means that our lives must be sanctified or separated for God’s use.  It also means that who we are must be the complete antithesis of those who are living in ungodliness. There are many examples of those who have confessed that Jesus is Lord, but the true transformation has not taken place in their heart.

To accept Christ isn’t to merely confess your sins but it involves believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord and that you need saving from your sin. Then the next step is to actively pursue the things of God which means seeking God’s presence, studying His word, and surrounding yourself with other believers. When you and I truly encounter God in His Holy presence, sin cannot remain. The paralyzed man was forever changed because he had the faith to believe that Jesus could transform his condition. Verse 5 of Mark chapter 2 uses the words, “Seeing their faith.” which meant that the paralyzed man and his friends believed in their hearts that Jesus could transform. In the end, it meant a life that was changed, and a greater testimony of the things that Jesus could and would do during His life of ministry.

If you really look at what it means to ‘Come as you are’ it means bringing all of your sin and your very life to be surrendered unto Christ. Much of what many think as ‘Coming as you are’ is maintaining a life that isn’t changed but instead it resembles the very things that God wants to deliver us from. Instead, you and I must be willing to release all of our burdens and all of our sins before Him.

Coming to Christ involves ‘Coming as you are’ but it doesn’t involve staying in the same condition.  Otherwise, what does this gift of salvation mean? Do you know Jesus Christ in the pardon of your sins? If not, then you have an opportunity to come to Jesus in your sin. However, you must believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross and that He is Lord. Then once you confess your sins to Him and truly believe that He is Lord, the journey continues with a daily renewal through the Holy Spirit.  You and I can come as we are, but we should not remain the same after encountering the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Staying Focused – Keeping Your Eyes on God

10 Monday Aug 2015

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ID-100279863The human eye is one of the most important parts of the body. While it is true that one can still live without eyesight, having the ability to see is what provides vision to the world around us. The eye is a body part that produces visibility and awareness to objects or human beings that are within our environment. One such fact about the human eye is that it serves an important role in the process of our brain activity.

When you and I look at an object, the image of the object is sent back to the brain in response to what we just saw. So what we perceive or the image that is set before us is parsed as information and sent back to our brain. Another fact about the human eye is that usually the object we are looking at is where our attention becomes diverted. This is of course until we decide to look at another object or person. However, our attention span involves our vision. For example, if you are watching television it then means that your attention is focused toward your T.V. This is because your vision or your eyes are focused on what you are watching rather than what is around you.

The same concept applies to having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Daily, you and I are bombarded with distractions that are designed to divert our attention away from God. Satan uses various measures to place obstacles and sideshow attractions within our view so that we are no longer looking unto God, but instead focusing on the worldly aspects of life. In the book of Genesis chapter 19, the scriptural account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is recorded.

In this chapter, we can see that two angels approach a man named Lot and his family in the city of Sodom. The angels give Lot a warning about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah essentially urging Lot and those with him to leave the city. In verse 13 the angels that the Lord had sent to give a message of urgency to Lot and his family proclaim the following message:

(NLV) “For we are about to destroy this place. Because the cry against its people has become so loud to the Lord that the Lord has sent us to destroy it.”

It is important to note that Soddom and Gomorrah were two neighboring cities that committed various acts of sin. It was the sinfulness that resided in both cities that caused God’s anger and wrath to be unleashed. Soddom and Gomorrah were cities that approved of just about every sin that you can think of. These cities were very similar if not the same as many nations that exist today. However, it is also important to understand that God’s judgment will fall upon every nation that promotes sin which means that there will be a day when all nations that reject God will be met with destruction.

Verses 14-16:

(NLV) “So Lot went out to speak to his sons-in-law who were to marry his daughters. He said, “Get up! Get out of this place! For the Lord will destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was only joking. When morning came, the angels told Lot to hurry. They said, “Get up. Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Or else you will be destroyed when the city is punished.”

Verse 17:

(NLV) “When they had brought them out of the city, one of them said, “Run for your life! Do not look behind you. Do not stop until you are out of the valley. Run to the mountains or else you will be destroyed.”

Notice what the instructions of the angels were to Lot and his family. The angels explicitly give the order to Lot and his family not to look behind them. This, of course, can apply to the concept of obedience. Whenever God gives us commands He does so because He wants to protect us from negative consequences. The negative consequence in this scripture occurs to Lot’s wife.

Verses 25-26:

(NLV) “He destroyed those cities, and all the valley, and all the people of the cities, and what grew on the ground. But Lot’s wife behind him turned and looked toward the cities. And she was changed into salt.”

The punishment for Lot’s wife was that she was turned into a pillar of salt. It was due to her disobedience that she lost her life. However, the principle of this scripture isn’t just that she was disobedient but that she lost her focus. She took her eyes off of where God was leading Lot and his family. Essentially, she was distracted which resulted in her untimely demise.

The key of verse 26 is that Lot’s wife turned backward to look at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The instruction that the angels gave was to run and not to look behind. How often do you find yourself focusing on the daily distractions of this life? Lot’s wife was not focused on what was ahead but rather what was behind her. It is quite easy for you and I to take our eyes off of God. It is God who leads us and guides us if we are willing to be obedient and follow His plan for our lives.

The Psalmist David said in Psalm 141 in verse 8,

(NKJV) “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge;
Do not leave my soul destitute.”

The interesting aspect about the trek or path that Lot’s family was instructed to take was that they were headed into a place of safety. It was only when Lot’s wife took her eyes off of her destination that she was no longer in a place of safety. If you think about our world today, much of the violence and tragedies that we see are a result of the sinfulness around us. However, God wants us to put our eyes on Him because He is our place of safety.

It doesn’t mean that we should ignore the plight of our world, but we should remain focused by having our attention placed toward God and the things of God. If you are constantly engrossed in what the media has to say or what your friends have to say, then you will always be in a state of confusion. However, God wants you and I to put our attention where it belongs.

Even as it relates to accomplishing goals in your life that you know are tied to the promises of God, you must keep your eyes fixed toward God. The thing about God is that He wants us to depend on Him for every aspect of our lives. If He is the one who created the Heavens and the Earth then that means He also created every aspect of your life.

It is often easier to take matters into your own hands by attempting to solve your own problems. However, God wants everyone who will to surrender everything to Him and allow Him the space to invoke deliverance. Much of the turmoil that we see in our world is because of humanity’s sinfulness but also its disobedience. There are a myriad of world leaders who are attempting to solve spiritual problems in their human capacity.

However, it is only when our eyes are fixed unto God that He will deliver us and steer us into His will. That is what Lot’s wife failed to do. She misplaced her attention and diverted it to a place of sin and destruction. God desires for you and I to be in a place of safety but also a place of devotion unto Him.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior then you are unable to fix your eyes upon God. Only through Christ can you focus on God who is the one who will lead you and guide you. Our world is ever-changing and it continues to grow worse because of the abundance of humanity’s sinfulness. However, when you focus on God through Jesus Christ you are able to avoid the snares and distractions that satan places before you. As believers, we must stay focused by placing our attention on God.

Being a Student of God’s Word – Knowing His Truth for Yourself

06 Thursday Aug 2015

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ID-100159550 (1)Most who have experienced any sort of education did so in the context of studying a particular subject.  A classroom setting has been one of the most common forms of education in a public setting.  Students gather to receive instruction from their professor or teacher in order to be educated about a specific topic.  Surrounding the topics are various exercises that each student must complete in order to rehearse and ultimately prove their level of ascertaining the material.  Once such exercises are complete, students are usually tested in order to ensure that they have retained the material.

Such tests are given grades and are used as a measuring tool to examine a student’s aptitude in a subject. If the student does well throughout his/her course, then they will be rewarded with a passing grade.  If not, then the student will suffer a failure of the course and will not be permitted to move to the next level of learning.  However, the most important aspect for every student who encounters an assignment or a lesson plan is that of their study. For a student to be successful there must be a regimen which involves either self-study or corporate study with other students.  Without a measured amount of study, there will be a loss of information which results in a failed attempt to obtain knowledge and succeed in the course.

Spiritually speaking it is important for all who desire to seek the righteousness of God and His ways to study God’s Word.  Whether it be studying on your own time or doing so in a corporate setting, the education of God’s Word is invaluable to the life of every believer. In the book of Hosea chapter 4, the account of the prophet Hosea who is speaking to the people of Israel is recorded.  Throughout this chapter, Hosea like other prophets in the Old Testament is seen giving words of judgment and rebuke against those who are in sin.

Verses 1-3 state the following:

(NLV) “Listen to the Word of the Lord, O people of Israel, because He has something against the people of the land. “They are not faithful or kind, and no one in the land knows God. There is swearing, lying, killing, stealing, and sex sins. They are always hurting others, and there is one killing after another. The land is filled with sorrow. Everyone who lives on it wastes away, together with the animals of the field and the birds of the sky. Even the fish of the sea are taken away.”  

In these 3 verses, Hosea is telling the people of Israel what God has given him to say. These were words of rebuke and it was a direct testament to the reality of sin that was occurring among the nation of Israel at that time.  If you look at what Hosea says, you can see a parallel between what happened then and what is happening in our world today. The fact is, there has been an abundance of sin that has swept through our world.

Just by looking at your local, national, and international news networks you can see the same if not worsened acts of sin that Hosea names in this chapter. It is because of humanity’s sinfulness that our global society is in the condition that we see.

In verses 4-5, God speaks through Hosea when he mentions the fact that both the Priests and the people of Israel will fall or as other translations such as The Message Bible uses the word ‘stumble.’ The reason why both sides stumble is because they have essentially turned their back on God to revert to sinful lifestyles.  However, an additional reason is because both the Priests and the people of Israel have forsaken the knowledge of God.

Verse 6:

(NLV) “My people are destroyed because they have not learned. You were not willing to learn. So I am not willing to have you be My religious leader. Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I also will forget your children.” 

God says through Hosea that His people (meaning those of Israel and the Priests) are in the condition of being destroyed because they have not learned.  The New King James Version translation says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” The prognosis of those in Israel along with the Priests was that they were in danger of being utterly destroyed because they lacked knowledge.  What was it that they lacked knowledge of?  If you read further in verse 6 you will see that God says that they along with the Priests had forgotten the Law of God.

Basically, the Law or Laws of God are the unchanging principles and commands that God has set into place.  The people of Israel as a whole had abandoned the study and adherence to God’s Word.  In addition, the Priests who were called by God to teach the people had forsaken His Word as well. As a result, the Priests were no longer chosen to be representatives of God in the capacity of being Priests.

In looking at this scripture there are a few things we should take note of:

1. We must know the truth of God through His Word – The Bible contains both the Old Testament and the New Testament but both books are relevant with commands and principles for every generation. One reason why there is so much chaos and sin in our world is because there is a lack of knowledge concerning God’s Word.  Especially as it relates to many churches and those in the body of Christ, there has been a watering down of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The fact is that everything that has been prophesied to occur throughout scripture concerning the End Times is coming to pass.  The answers to the questions that those in sin are asking such as, ‘What is happening in our world?’ can be found in God’s Word. However, because there is a deviation from God’s knowledge and obedience unto His principles, humanity perishes because of a lack of learning.  We who are called must know God’s Word and understand that it is absolute truth.

2. There is a penalty for turning away from God and His precepts – The fact is that blatant sinfulness will always have a penalty.  The notion that one can continue in sin (whether Christian or non-Christian) without a consequence is completely debunked when the light that God’s Word provides is shed on the very thought.  The Word of God and truly knowing it will convict you and it will provide a clear path to every problem or question you will have.

The body of Christ today has shown many examples of church leaders who either do not know God’s Word or have excluded certain parts of it in order maintain their church membership. However, whenever you and I forsake God’s Word and obedience unto Him then there is a price to pay.  Israel during the time of Hosea paid a price for their disobedience and not knowing God’s Word.

3. The truth of God cannot be changed – If you look further through the book of Hosea, chapters 9 and 13 show that Israel is judged for its blatant sinfulness. In fact throughout the Bible there were prophecies of judgment against any nation that sinned and turned away from God.  Each prophecy turned out to be true with swift judgment falling on any ungodly nation.  The fact is, God’s word will always be true.

Despite what society claims to be true, moral, and acceptable, it is not the ultimate authority. What our world politicians have established and the media has stated as relative truth cannot stand against God’s absolute truth. Relativism is essentially the way of life as we know it today.  It basically means that one can have their own version of the truth rather than abiding by moral and even spiritual absolutes.  God’s Word will always trump what humanity attempts to change as a new and appropriate version of the truth. Regardless of how much the world changes, God’s Word will never change.

For all of us who desire to be in Christ, it is paramount that you and I take the time to study God’s Word and seek the revelation of it from the Holy Spirit. In today’s time, it is necessary more than ever that we hide God’s Word in our hearts.  Satan distorts the truth and many believe his falsehoods. However, only those who stand firm in God’s Word and take it as the truth will be saved.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior?  If not, you are currently under the deception of satan.  The lies that he has fed you are embedded in your heart.  However, accepting Jesus Christ and learning God’s Word will wash away the sin and the confusion. Take the time today and accept the gift of life that Christ offers.

The Voices Around Us – Who are You Listening to?

06 Thursday Aug 2015

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ID-100277763We are living in what is considered to be the golden age of communication as it relates to social media. Technology has now become the staple of the human communication effort. Daily, we are bombarded with messages through the internet, television, and over the radio airwaves. Much of how many communicate in this day and time is through some form of technology which has deeply embedded itself within our world’s culture.

However, even with such a massive concentration on communication, we must take a step back and ask ourselves ‘What and who are we listening to?’ The media is now available to everyone within a 24-hour time span. If you want to discuss any topic or get the latest news about a matter you are now able to view and listen to just about any news source. It is because of such a concentration within the media that many have taken what is said as absolute truth. As a result, the lies that are reported and pushed onto the masses have caused many both Christian and non-Christian to be led astray.

In the book of Psalms chapter 1, the Psalmist David explains the difference between those who are followers of God and those who are living in their sinfulness. This chapter is quite short in length only containing 6 verses. However, the words that David gives to each reader are words that accurately classify a person who rejects God and a person who embraces God. He starts off by saying the following in verse 1:

(NLV) “Happy is the man who does not walk in the way sinful men tell him to or stand in the path of sinners, or sit with those who laugh at the truth.”

The key part of this verse is the first half which says, “Happy is the man who does not walk in the way sinful men tell him to.” Why does David use the word ‘happy’ in this verse? This particular translation which is the New Life Version uses the word ‘happy’ which can also be translated into the word ‘blessed.’ In fact, the King James Version of the Bible starts with the words, “Blessed is the man.” So, what David is saying is that anyone who decides not to walk in the way of those who are in sin is a blessed person.

This means that one can only benefit from going in the opposite direction of someone who is walking in sinfulness because those who are in Christ are no longer spiritually blind. In the world we live in today, the media blitz (e.g. Television, Radio, Magazines, Newspapers) and even the social media blitz are being used as tools not necessarily to inform but to distract and ultimately destroy. Satan has cunningly used various means to ensnare many individuals by promoting his lies which are disguised as absolute truth.

There has been, of course, the massive media campaign that incorporates the phrase, ‘Follow us on Twitter’ which many have now taken and used to garner a mass following. However, what satan has constructed is a society that has become built on following others rather than following after God Almighty. This is not to suggest that the use of Twitter or any other social media website is inherently sinful. However, the fact is that many have misplaced their priorities and have become duped into following after other humans who are living in sin.

What David is saying is that the person “who does not walk in the way sinful men tell him to” is happy or blessed. It is when we begin to follow the trends and the words of what our global society has set up that we are in error. The only way to avoid the traps and devices that satan has put into place is to follow after God through the Lord Jesus Christ. There are a whole host of sinful behaviors and lifestyles that have become acceptable because many are listening to what has been said.

David concludes in verse 1 by suggesting that not only should we not follow the words of those who are sinful but we should not partake in communion or fellowship with those who reject the truth. To do so puts you in a dangerous place. For anyone who wants to avoid destruction, there must be an abstinence from sinful company which means those who are living in darkness. The psalmist David continues in verses 2-3:

(NLV) “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

The person who is ‘happy’ or ‘blessed’ is the same person who delights him/herself in the Word of God and he/she finds the time (day and night) to concentrate and meditate on His Word. Essentially what this means is, anyone who is truly in Christ will ensure that God’s Word is their basis for truth. Much of the world relies on the truth of what others have said, but it is God’s Word that is the absolute truth. It goes beyond what laws have been passed, what your President or politician has deemed moral. It even goes above and beyond what your friends and family may accept as their own truth.

David makes it clear that we who want to be godly and have a relationship with Him must rely on God’s Word for the truth. As loud as many of the voices around us may be and as abundant as such means for communication may seem, the fact is that God’s Word will supersede the word of every human being. Listening to the poison that the media puts forth on a daily basis is a sure way to be beguiled or deceived. However, God’s Word will always stand as the truth that cannot be changed.

In verses 2-3 of this passage, David suggests to us that those who find their delight and concentration in the Word of God will be established in a place of abundance and fruitfulness. Only those who have chosen to listen to the poison and misleading words of the world will find themselves in a place of lack and confusion.

Verses 4-6:

(NLV) “Sinful men are not like this. They are like straw blown away by the wind. So the sinful will not stand. They will be told they are guilty and have to suffer for it. Sinners will not stand with those who are right with God. For the Lord knows the way of those who are right with Him. But the way of the sinful will be lost from God forever.”

This scripture says that sinful individuals do not have the same outcome as those who are seeking God and meditating upon His Word. Essentially, David says that the sinful will experience utter destruction or in His words, “the sinful will be lost from God forever.” The King James Version of the Bible uses the term, ‘perish.’ However, God wishes that no man or woman perish but that everyone would come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

The overall message to all of us is that we must not submit or adhere to this world’s system. It is designed to ensnare and destroy every person who decides to agree with and accept the conditions that are set in place by satan. Instead of listening to or accepting the counsel from those who are living in sin, it would be beneficial to give your life over to God through Christ.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior? Today is a great day to relinquish control and begin by accepting His gift of life. Jesus came to die on the cross so that you could be redeemed and set free. Our world is only growing worse and much of the poison around us has infected the masses. However, the remedy is Jesus Christ. He wants to be in a relationship with you, but the choice is yours. Are you willing to listen to the wisdom and the instructions of God rather than those in the world? Take an opportunity today, and heed the call of God.

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

04 Tuesday Aug 2015

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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.

Growth (Part 1) – Are You Growing in Godliness?

04 Tuesday Aug 2015

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When you look at life it can be characterized by various examples of growth. From the day that a new-born child enters into this Earth, to a tiny seed that is planted in fertile soil. There are many examples of living organisms that show forth what growth looks like. For example, if a baby is blessed to experience life outside of his/her mother’s womb they will hopefully grow to reach their first year of life. It is then that years pass and the infant becomes a toddler, and then of course a young child.  After surpassing the stage of a young child, then the teenage years begin which results in a brand new life experience.

After the teenage years, there are of course the years of adulthood. Once adulthood has been reached, then there is, of course, a transition into the middle-age period. Finally, if God has blessed you to live long enough, you will experience the Elderly stage of life.  As it relates to every living creature there is a time span that God allows for growth.  Each stage is different than the one before it, but there are stages of growth throughout this experience that we call ‘life.’ 

Spiritually speaking there is also the concept of growth.  It is often that you hear of the term, ‘spiritual growth’ in the context of growing in godliness. In order to see where your life stands before a Holy God, the aspect of growing in godliness will be examined. The fact is that all of us are growing in either godliness or in our sinfulness, however, there is a difference between the two but in this post, the elements of what growing in godliness looks like and how it is accomplished will be explored through scripture.

As it relates to growing in godliness, the book of 2 Peter Chapter 1 will give us a better view of what it means to grow closer to God and exhibit His characteristics. In the first part of this chapter, the Apostle Peter makes a declaration of what it means to grow in faith. Throughout this chapter, the Apostle Peter uses characteristics that can be gained when we grow in godliness.  In verses 3-4, Peter says the following:

(NLT) “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”

It is clear that Peter is talking to those who are in Christ because he uses the terms ‘we’ and ‘us.’ Basically what Peter says in verse 3 is that God has given us all that we need to live a godly life.  This means, the way that we ought to live and the principles for godliness are available to every person who chooses to follow God with their life. Notice that Peter says that we who are in Christ have received all that we need for living a godly life, based on our experience and knowledge of who God is.

In order to start the process of living and growing in godliness, it is important to know who God is both through His word and having knowledge of it and also experiencing God in an authentic relationship. To grow in godliness is to spend time with the one who exhibits godly characteristics. Think of it as spending time with your friends – when you are closely attached to those around you, you begin to exhibit similar characteristics. That is how it works in a relationship with God.  The more time you and I spend with Him, the more His traits begin to show forth in our life.

Peter goes on to mention the promises of God in verse 4:

(NLT) “And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”

Part of growing in godliness is not only receiving and understanding God’s promises but also responding in faith towards what God has promised.  The fact is that all of us who are in Christ, God has made certain promises to us. It is by trusting in God’s promises and allowing our faith to be shown in our actions and our words that we are able to please God.  Peter says that the promises of God enables us to share or portray the divinity of God while at the same time avoiding our sinful desires and the corruption of the world.

Peter continues in verses 5-7:

(NLT) “In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.”

In these two verses, the Apostle Peter instructs us to respond to God’s promises. Basically, he says that we are to build our faith by living in moral excellence or essentially to be in good standing with God based on how we live. Notice that he also lists a couple of the fruits of the Spirit.  According to Galatians chapter 5 verses 22-23 the fruits of the Spirit are listed by the Apostle Paul.

Two of the fruits of the Spirit that Peter mentions in the above scripture are self-control and patience.  The result of growing in godliness is exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit.  Peter not only gives us two of the fruits of the Spirit, but he encourages us to display these fruits along with other godly characteristics such love or brotherly affection. How does one exhibit the fruits of the Spirit and how do we display brotherly love towards everyone?

The way that you and I can truly grow in godliness is by allowing God to change our hearts through His Holy presence.  This goes back to the point of spending time with God. Prayer, worship and studying the Word of God are the key ways that we can grow in godliness.  As you begin to seek the presence of God, He begins to saturate you with His presence which then enables you to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit.

Finally verses 8-9 state the following:

(NLT) “The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.”

Peter says that the more you grow in godliness by responding to God’s promises and exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit, then you will be productive in your knowledge of Jesus Christ.  The fact is, the more we experience God in His fullness, the more we begin to know Him.  Some have only an intellectual experience of God, but one cannot be productive if there is a limitation on actual experience. God wants us to know Him and the only way we can do that is if we experience Him in authenticity.

Peter gives a final warning in verse 9 when he warns against a failure of developing in godliness.  When you and I do not develop ourselves in godliness, then we begin to forget the reason as to why Jesus came to save us in the first place.  Jesus Christ bled, died on the cross and rose again so that we could perpetuate the image of God in the Earth and also be redeemed from our sins.

A failure to develop in godliness only means that we who are called to be separate from the world do not fully understand the privilege and honor we have to represent Jesus Christ. Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior?  If not, then you are unable to grow in godliness without Christ. You have an opportunity to be apart of the call of God unto His Holiness and righteous way of life. He wants to cleanse you of all unrighteousness and use you in His Kingdom. Accept this gift of salvation and begin to see your life change because the power of Jesus Christ.

What is Coming from the Fountain of Your Life?

03 Monday Aug 2015

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Water fountains can be seen in public places and are especially common in parks and city surroundings. A water fountain can be used for quenching one’s thirst, or it can serve the purpose of decorating a particular environment. Most who have looked at a fountain or drank from a fountain, understand that what comes from the fountain is based on its source. Water is usually the element that flows from the fountain to give us a pleasurable view, or to eliminate thirst.

Generally, the way fountains are created is to bring forth a flow of water from one source. Rarely if ever will you witness a fountain that brings forth multiple streams of fluid because a fountain uses one pump that is connected to one particular source.  In the book of James chapter 3, the first part of this book makes reference to controlling the human tongue.  The writer who is James doesn’t mention the tongue in the context of the organ itself but what this chapter mentions is that what we say or how we speak is quite corruptible.

Basically, James says in this chapter that the tongue is unruly as in it is the most uncontrollable part of our body. Here is what James says:

Verses 1-2:

(NLT) “Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” 

James alludes to the fact of our unruly speech when he says, “For if we could control our tongues.” In verses 3-5, James makes comparisons using various analogies to show that small things can inflict a massive amount of damage. He says the following in the latter part of verse 5 and verse 6:

(NLT) “But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.”

What we say and how we say it can either give life or it can destroy.  What James says in the above verses is that our speech has the ability to kill or destroy what is in the vicinity. The old adage of “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” is 100% false. The fact is that words do hurt because according to Proverbs 18:21, the power of life and death is in the tongue.  You and I can literally destroy someone else or a situation based on the words that we speak.

Going further into this scripture, James not only says that our tongue is unruly, but it is duplicitous in that we often say one thing only to say something that is the complete opposite. James says in verse 9:

(NLT) “Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.” 

This particular verse begins to set up the principle to be gained from this blog post and that is what each of our lives show forth unto God and unto others.

Verses 10-12:

(NLT) “And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.”

James says that for the person who is a Christian, it is the duplicity of our words which brings forth an image that is inconsistent.  Basically, to be in Christ and to commit unrepentant sins as those who are in the world, it is incongruent with the message of what we as Christians profess.  This is in part one of the problems with some who claim Christianity today.  Basically, there are those who are labeled as hypocrites because they profess one thing and they do another.

In the context of this scripture, James is referring to our speech but this can be applied to our behaviors as well.  How can someone who is in Christ and claims to have the love of God within their heart spew hatred and disdain for humanity?  How can anyone who truly loves God commit sins and believe that the grace of God will continue to cover sinful living without consequence? How is it that we who are called to be separate from the world embrace the very sins that God says to shun?

The answer lies in the connection and this begs the question of, ‘What or who are you connected to?’  James asks the question, “Does a spring of water bubble out with both, fresh water and bitter water?” He says emphatically, “No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.” The fact is, whether you are in Christ or a sinner in the world, there isn’t an in-between. 

For those of you who are in the world, you are exhibiting sinful behaviors because your life is connected to the evil and death that satan provides. Anyone who does not know Jesus Christ will sin unrepentantly because their connection is to satan and not to God through Jesus Christ.  When we come into the knowledge of Christ and truly give our lives to Him, we are transformed.

The reason why many profess one thing in their lives and show a completely different disposition is because their lives are not truly connected to God. The Wellspring of life, the Living Water is Jesus Christ. This means that if you are connected to Him, then your life will begin to bring forth Living Water. John 7:38 says:

(NLT) “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'”

In that scripture, Jesus is speaking and He is saying that anyone who believes in Him, rivers of living water will flow from the heart.  Basically, because Jesus Christ is the Living Water, then He provides the water which means that in our connection to Christ, His water begins to flow from our heart.

What you and I speak on a daily basis is indicative of what is within our heart. If someone is constantly speaking words that are filled with anger, hate, depression, and anxiety then it means that their heart is full of what comes out.  If your heart is full of joy, peace, kindness, and love, then your heart is full of what you speak.

There is only one side or the other as James illustrates to us.  You cannot truly be in Christ and yet your words or actions profess a different position. It is the same as someone who is in the world.  A person who is of the world cannot truly be under the influence of satan and yet profess to be a follower of Christ.  For all of us to please God, our lives must be a harmonic symphony that is aligned with God’s commands and our connection to God through Christ.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior?  If not, your life cannot be pleasing unto God.  If you are living in unrepentant sin, there is a high cost that you will pay. However, the beauty is that Jesus paid the cost on the cross so that you wouldn’t have to pay it. Accept Jesus Christ and let the rivers of Living Water flow from your heart.  Such water only produces life rather than the death that sin brings.  Only in Christ can we have life abundantly and life eternally.

The Illusion – Disguised as the Truth

03 Monday Aug 2015

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If you have ever watched television or have seen what are known as ‘Magic tricks’ much of the routines on display are deceptive in their nature.  Many of the tricks and performances are based out of illusions in order to deceive audiences into believing that what they just saw actually happened.  Magicians hide under the guise of mysterious occurrences in order to portray that something supernatural has occurred.  Of course, it is true that trickery and those who delve into magic can tap into satanic influences which can indeed elevate the portrayal of magic to another level.

However, the bulk of what magicians do is based within deception or illusions. For example, some magicians use mirrors and other tools in order to create an illusion that may be hidden to the naked eye. As a result, the viewer finds him or herself in amazement as to how such an act could be possible when, in essence, the simple root to the act was illusory from the very beginning.

As it relates to the spiritual sense, satan also uses many illusions and deceptive measures to bamboozle those who are unaware.  Not only are his deceptions used against those who are not in Christ, but even those of us who are in Christ can be deceived if we are not discerning of the various tactics and illusions that satan uses. In the book of 1 John Chapter 4, the Apostle John makes reference to those who are false prophets or who engage in false doctrine.  He encourages Christians to be discerning of those who claim to tell the truth, but are truly deceptive. John says in verse 1 the following:

(NLT) “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.”

The first thing to take note of is that the Apostle John warns us not to believe everyone who claims to speak to us “by the Spirit.” What does he mean when he uses that phrase?  In this context, John is suggesting that there will be those who claim to be speaking by the Holy Spirit or by God’s truth. In reality, not everyone who claims to be a Christian or claims to be speaking under the influence of the Holy Spirit is credible in what they say. It is in this particular context that John is admonishing us to guard against those who may be perceived as inherently spiritual or in Christ because they are being used by satan to confuse those who are truly in Christ.

The Apostle John says that we must test the spirit that is on display before us to discover whether or not it is indeed one from God or one from satan.  Both those who are in Christ and those who are not in Christ are subject to be attacked and led astray by false teachers.  Anyone who is not rooted and grounded in God’s Word, and under the influence of the Holy Spirit can be deceived. However, in order to avoid deception you must do as John says which is to “test the spirit.” How do you test a spirit to ensure that it is from God?

The very first way is to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  In the book of Acts Chapter 1, Jesus teaches His Disciples about the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is one of the 3 as it relates to the God-Head or the Trinity.  The Holy Spirit is a person within the Trinity who was given the express purpose of leading and guiding all of His people into the truth. John 16:13 says:

(NLT) “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” 

The Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us into all truth.  That means when we have the Holy Spirit in our lives, He helps us to avoid deceptions and illusions. In order to be free from deception, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit.  In Acts chapter 2, there is of course what is known as ‘The Day of Pentecost.’ It was an event in which believers were gathered in one place (also known as The Upper Room) and the Holy Spirit descended upon everyone who was there.

Acts 2: 1-4

(NLT) “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” 

To be filled with the Holy Spirit, it involves actively seeking God for the in-filling.  Those who were gathered in the Upper Room, they sought God in order to be filled.  We who are in Christ have the same opportunity to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  In doing so, we then have power and discernment which comes from God.

Secondly, to test or discern the spirits as John says, we must know God’s Word.  Having His Word in our hearts will illuminate our eyes to God’s truth. Much of what the world feeds us is false because it is based on the lies that satan concocts.  Daily, the media, and other sources attempt to cloud the judgment and the eyes of the masses. However, only in Christ and in God’s Word is there safety and truth.

There will be many who will pervert the truth of God and suggest that everything that goes on in society is acceptable.  Sins such as homosexuality and even abortion have now become accepted by mainstream society.  So much so, that even some who claim Christianity have accepted these sins among others as harmless.  However, God’s Word unveils what is righteousness and what is sin.  To test every spirit and false doctrine you and I must use God’s Word as a filter.

John continues in 1 John Chapter 4:

Verses 2-3:

(NLT) “This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.” 

The final way that John provides to us is to look at the person’s behaviors and the words that they speak. Those who are teaching falsely will not acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord.  They will also say and do things that do not line up with God’s Word. This scripture says that such a person is of ‘the Antichrist’ which means to be against Christ. There are various deceptions both in our society and even within many churches.

Satan is crafty and subtle as it relates to using anyone to deceive.  Those of you who are not in Christ, you are operating under a deception.  The illusion that satan uses is one of pleasure and equating happiness to materialism. Such things are disguised as the truth only to hide the lies underneath. Jesus Christ wants to open your eyes to His truth.  If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior, you can be redeemed and set free from the illusions of this world.

For those of us who are in Christ, we must guard ourselves in prayer and we must seek the Lord.  The enemy wants to deceive even the very elect, but it is our responsibility to guard our hearts and our minds through the Holy Spirit and through God’s Word.  The illusion is a reality and many have bought into satan’s deceptions.  However, only God can rescue us from the deceptive tools of the enemy.  Accept Jesus Christ and the truth will be revealed unto you.

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

31 Friday Jul 2015

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

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

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

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

Verses 1-2:

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

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

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

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

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

Paul continues in verses 3-4:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31 Friday Jul 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

However, look at Mordecai’s response:

Verses 13-14:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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