Tag Archives: Life

God – The Place of Safety During a Time of Peril

30 Monday Nov 2015

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Over the last month, our world has witnessed unspeakable tragedies at the hands of terrorists who desired to kill innocent civilians. One of the major tragedies which took place was in Paris France. On November 13th, 130 people were killed in multiple locations by those who had a connection to the terrorist organization called ISIS. In addition to this tragedy, there were other terrorist attacks that occurred shortly after in Africa. Boko-Haram which is another terrorist group also claimed the lives of innocent civilians.

The last few weeks has been a trying time for many worldwide. After such death took place, many continued to ponder why, and how such atrocities could occur. Our world is seemingly experiencing a quagmire of events, but the question on the minds of many is, ‘Is there hope?’ Is our world so broken and divided that hope cannot be found? The answer to that question can be found in the book of Psalms, chapter 91.

Based on historical accounts and commentaries, it is unclear as to whether or not this Psalm was written by a man named Moses or if it was written by the Psalmist David. However, it is believed that David was the writer of this chapter. In this passage, the writer is proclaiming the very safety and sanctuary that God provides to those who are in a relationship with Him. This period of scripture was written during a time of pestilence and great despair.

Verses 1-4:

(NLV) “He who lives in the safe place of the Most High will be in the shadow of the All-powerful. I will say to the Lord, “You are my safe and strong place, my God, in Whom I trust.” For it is He who takes you away from the trap, and from the killing sickness. He will cover you with His wings. And under His wings you will be safe. He is faithful like a safe-covering and a strong wall. “

In the first verse the writer says, that the person who lives in the safe place of the Most High will be in the shadow of the All-powerful. Essentially, this means that anyone who lives or abides in God through Jesus Christ shall be hidden under the safety and presence of Almighty God. The way of the world is to operate in fear and dismay. That isn’t to say that you and I do not experience moments of concern or that we are never afraid.

However, the key is that when your life is hidden in God through Jesus Christ, then you are no longer vulnerable nor are you fearful. The reason is because it is God who is the one who is your place of refuge. The media has become prolific in pushing satan’s agenda of fear. Satan understands that if he can create an atmosphere of fear, then he will cripple those who are open and willing to listen.

Instead, the Psalmist encourages us to trust in the Lord who is the one who is our place of safety. However, the only way that you can experience God’s provision is by having a relationship with Jesus Christ. In doing so, you will live or abide in the presence of God when you are living in submission unto Him.

Verses 5-7 continues by impressing the point of living in reliance upon God and not being afraid. The essence of these verses is that God will protect those who have chosen to abide in Him. Verse 7 points out that there will be those around you who may befall destruction, but if you are in God through Christ then you will be in a safe position.

Verses 8-10:

(NLV) “You will look on with your eyes, and see how the sinful are punished. Because you have made the Lord your safe place, and the Most High the place where you live, nothing will hurt you. No trouble will come near your tent.”

Verse 8 is clear that those who are sinful or have chosen not to live in God through Christ will receive their due judgment. In these dangerous times, it is paramount that we find ourselves living in God and also living for Him. The fact is that the escalation of sin in our world has made it increasingly necessary to be found in the safety of the Lord. Without Him, your life is left open to the tactics and snares of the enemy.

However, the scripture says in verse 9 that those who have made God their place of safety will be covered under God’s protection. The key is remembering that if you live outside of the parameters of God, then you are open to anything that may occur. It is the person who lives a life that is anchored in sin, who will suffer the consequences.

The above scripture is not to be taken to mean that a person who is in Christ will never experience trouble. Since we are all human, we will all face challenges and times of trouble. However, the meaning of verse 9 is to suggest that you will be spared from destruction rather than overtaken by it.

Verses 11-13 further establishes what the Psalmists suggests which is that God will protect those who are in Him. Verse 11 says that God’s angels will watch over those who trust in the Lord. Verses 12-13 continue by pointing to the ability that we who are in Christ have to overcome difficult and troubling situations.

This chapter closes with final words of encouragement in verses 14-16:

(NLV) “Because he has loved me, I will bring him out of trouble. I will set him in a safe place on high because he has known my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will take him out of trouble and honor him. I will please him with long life. And I will show him my saving power.”

Once again, the last verses confirm the notion that even those of us who are Christians will experience troubling situations. However, the promise is that God will deliver us out of perilous occurrences. Notice the words, “because he has known my name.” This is meant to denote that there is a relationship between God and an individual.

There are many who call on God’s name in the time of trouble, but yet they are not saved. The reason is because God does not recognize a person who hasn’t given their life to Jesus Christ. It is when you surrender your life to Christ that God recognizes you and that you can have a relationship with Him. Only those who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ will be those who are hidden in God’s safety.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? If not, then today is the best day for redemption. The world that we are living in is becoming more sinful and it is more dangerous than ever before. Rather than being in a state of vulnerability, it is more beneficial to accept Christ as your savior by confessing your sins. Then you must turn from your sinfulness and live a life in righteousness and obedience. If you desire safety in these dangerous times, then reach out to Jesus Christ and accept Him. God wants to be your place of safety.

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.

There is Only One Way to God – Jesus Christ

22 Tuesday Sep 2015

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ID-10071822The world that you and I live in is diverse in its population. There are various belief systems, cultures, religions, and ethnic groups. With such diversification, there has been an introduction of what resides within our world’s culture. In our modern day, it is nearly impossible to live in a nation that has not seen some sort of diversity in one form or another. While there are nations that are considered to be autocratic or heavily opposed to diverse thinking and living, most nations and the people within them have become exposed to some degree. Much of the reason for that is because of technology and how it has become a global means for communication.

With all of the diversity within our world, many have begun to become more open to the idea of ‘global unity.’ This means that there has been a concerted effort to unify humanity regardless of one’s background or belief system. It has even come to the point in which some have even made the statement that ‘there are many ways to God.’ This belief and false doctrine has been one of the many tools that satan has used to deceive even those who claim to be in Christ. However, God’s Word gives you and I the basis for absolute truth.

In John chapter 14, Jesus is speaking to His Disciples as He admonishes them not to be troubled but to have faith in God. It was at this point in which Jesus was explaining to His Disciples that He was soon to be crucified but that He would later return. The Disciples were in a quandary about where Jesus would be going, but He gives them comforting words throughout this chapter. In verses 1-4 of John chapter 14, Jesus says the following:

(NLT) “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”

What Jesus is saying in these verses is that He is leaving in order to prepare a place of residence for those who follow Christ as He told His Disciples. He says to the Disciples that they already know the way and to where Jesus is going. The ‘way’ that Jesus mentions is the path to His crucifixion and ascension into Heaven with God the Father. However, Thomas did not understand this which is evident in His question in verse 5. Jesus says to Thomas in verse 6:

(NLT) “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

The answer to Thomas’s question about the way to the place where Jesus would eventually go (which was to Heaven with God the Father) was and is through Jesus Christ. Jesus makes it clear in verse 6 that He is the only way to get to God. Our world has presented a multitude of lies which come directly from satan himself.

We are living in a time in which you can believe what you desire, and it can be taken as absolute truth. Now, there is a movement in which the embrace of various religions has become more of the norm. If you are a Muslim, Buddhist, atheist, agnostic, or of any other belief outside of Christianity it is now seen as morally and socially acceptable. However, the interesting fact is that slowly but surely, those who are truly in Christ are becoming marginalized.

Jesus says in John chapter 15 in verses 18-19 the following:

(NLT) “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”

What Jesus says here should be the way that we who are in Christ approach the subject of ‘global unity.’ The emphasis of such unity is for satan to get everyone who will, to agree with his agenda as long as it does not include the truth of Jesus Christ. Basically, it is satan’s goal to get the world to embrace every sort of sin and belief outside of God’s Word. We who are in Christ should keep in mind that we are not to be accepted or embraced by this world. We should also understand that we who are in Christ are not to accept or believe in the false doctrine of those who are apart of this world system.

If we are hated or scorned by the world, then we are in such a position because Jesus Christ was hated first. Our world is now pushing forth the lie that there are many ways to God or to salvation. However, Jesus Christ is the only way. Satan has used the media to indoctrinate both today’s youth and even adults into believing that you can and should accept the various ways that exist in this life.

The truth of the matter is that you and I are free to choose what path we shall take and what we will believe. However, with such choices there are either positive or negative consequences. Choosing to abide by the false doctrine of believing that there are many ways to God will lead to destruction. Jesus Christ is the only way to God and the only way to salvation.

Many have now said that America is a pluralistic society which in many respects is absolutely true. As a nation, America has embraced just about any sort of sinful lifestyle and belief system that you can think of. However, with such a pluralism, there is a degradation and moral decay that exists. Many cannot understand how it is that crime continues to increase, and why we see tragedies that occur daily.

It is because America as a nation and even the world around us has embraced moral relativism and even more so our world has embraced sin in its very embodiment. However, the answer to our world’s problems is Jesus Christ. Christ is the way to receive eternal salvation. Hell is a place that is reserved for those who choose not to follow Christ but to accept sinful living. However, the gift of Jesus Christ is everlasting life.

There are many choices that you and I can make in this life. The world continues to offer the perceived way to happiness and to salvation. However, the way of a world that is in darkness is the way that leads to spiritual and moral decadence. What the media has said and continues to suggest is nothing more than false doctrine. The truth of Jesus Christ and God’s Word is what will last and it is the only truth to stand on.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior? If you are not in Christ, then you are on a path that leads to a life of uncertainty and a destiny that leads to destruction. However, Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again so that you would have life and have it abundantly. Confess your sins and believe in your heart that He is Lord. For those of us who are in Christ, we must ensure that we are not deceived and that we know God’s Word and that we have the Holy Spirit to teach us how to navigate through the world’s deceptions. Jesus Christ is the only way to God.

The Cost of Being a True Disciple of Jesus Christ

03 Thursday Sep 2015

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Today, a woman by the name of Kim Davis has become a national news story for her open and unabashed defiance against same-sex marriage. In Rowan County Kentucky, Davis served as a court clerk in a Federal statehouse. As a part of her job, Davis was ordered to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, however, since the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in June, it is now legal for same-sex couples to be married. As a result of Davis’s defiance, she not only received public and private scrutiny but now she resides in prison.

Kim Davis was questioned by a same-sex couple who wanted to know the authority that Davis had to deny them a marriage license. Her response was that she was operating “Under God’s authority.” Davis made it clear from the very beginning that her stance was firmly rooted in her alignment with the commands and principles of God’s Word. However, as a result of her stance to comply with godly values, she was persecuted for the faith.

In the book of 1 Peter Chapter 3, the Apostle Peter touches on the subject of suffering for doing good. “Doing good” is meant to denote the active participation in seeking to exemplify a life of God’s righteousness. Verses 13-18 adequately explain what we as Christians should do and how we ought to approach persecution at the hands of unbelievers.

Verses 13-14:

(NLT) “Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.”

Peter makes it clear that when we who are in Christ suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ and His righteousness, we will be rewarded. There is a reward that God will give to every person who stands for His Holiness and His Word as they are persecuted by unbelievers.

Verses 15-17:

(NLT) “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!”

Verse 18:

(NLT) “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.”

In examining the above verses of 15-18, there are a few principles that we can extract for understanding what the cost is for being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

1. To be a disciple of Christ it will cost you your life – The Apostle Peter says “You must worship Christ as Lord of your life.” When you accept Christ as your Savior, you also accept Him as your Lord. This means that you are no longer operating under your own volition, but you have given your life unto God through Christ. To be a disciple is to give up your very life for the cause of Christ. Persecution against Christians isn’t a new phenomenon because it has occurred for centuries. However, even in our modern day, Christians are being persecuted for the faith.

There will be a day in America when those who are truly in Christ will experience persecution on the same scale that occurs overseas. While many are still under the false belief that America will always be a country of ‘religious freedom’ the fact is that we who are in Christ will be challenged. Just as Kim Davis was jailed for her stand against homosexuality, you and I who are in Christ may see the day that our belief in God and even the truth that we speak will be attacked. However, as disciples of Jesus Christ our lives will be given for the sake of Christ. This means literally and even in how we live daily.

2. Suffering comes with being a disciple of Christ – Peter says in this passage that suffering for doing what is right is better than suffering for doing what is wrong. The fact is that the element of suffering or persecution is a part of what it means to be a disciple. We live in an age in which many who claim Christianity are afraid to suffer nor do they want to. Instead, many have embraced various sins including homosexuality in order to appease the powers that be. However, doing so is to align yourself with wicked leadership which is akin to participating in sin itself.

Rather, God is calling each person who is truly serious about their relationship with Christ to follow Him and Him alone. Suffering is a consequence of standing against sinfulness because those who are in their sin are the very enemy of God because they are disobedient in what they say and do. Peter says that it is better to suffer for doing good than to suffer for doing what is wrong.

To suffer because of your sin is much worse because for one there isn’t a reward for suffering in sin. Only destruction and a life of a poor quality result from suffering in sin. To suffer in Christ is to reap a reward both here on Earth and in Heaven. God rewards those who suffer for Christ’s sake. Since we are in Christ, we too are to take on the same type of suffering that Jesus did which is to die to our flesh and to also experience persecution as He did.

3. The testimony of your life will show forth God’s glory – Peter says “Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.” The fact is that a person who is a disciple of Jesus Christ will exhibit a lifestyle that will bring glory to God. Peter says that those who persecute you will be ashamed when they see the good life that you live because you and I belong to Christ. How we live and what we say speaks volumes to the world around us. If you and I are willing to stand up for Christ and against the deception and attacks of the enemy then God’s glory will shine in our lives.

It isn’t enough to merely claim the title of “Christian.” Rather, our lives must show others who God is and what God’s love looks like. Some believe that Kim Davis’s defiance is an act of hate. Those who are blinded from God’s truth will believe the lies of the enemy. Her choice not to issue marriage licenses to gay couples was strictly based off of God’s Word and Her obedience to Him. In standing up for God’s truth, she is embodying what it means to truly be a disciple and to give everything for the sake of Christ. Kim’s boldness will hopefully spark a national and even international response from Christians everywhere not to give into satan’s agenda.

The truth of the matter is, persecution will come to the life of every believer who is truly committed to being a disciple of Christ. The cost of being a disciple involves losing one’s reputation and their very life. All of us who are in Christ are called not only to identify with Christ but to actively pursue the cause of being a disciple of Christ. If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have an opportunity to be a part of this great call. The cost of being a disciple is monumental, but the reward is greater than anything the world can offer.

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.

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.

Awakened & Alive in Jesus Christ

30 Thursday Jul 2015

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

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

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

Verses 1-3:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verse 6:

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

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

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

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

The Good News – What Exactly is it?

20 Monday Jul 2015

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Everyone likes to hear good news because it signifies that something pleasant has occurred.  Good news could be that you will receive a raise or a promotion on your job.  It may mean that you received a positive diagnosis from your doctor after getting a negative report.  Good news essentially means that a person’s fortune or current status in life has improved from a previous status. It is the positivity of any news story that provides joy, hope, and an elevated outlook towards the future.

It is the same type of hope and joy that can be found when the Gospel of Jesus Christ is examined.  What does the term, ‘Gospel’ mean and how does it translate into ‘The Good News?’ In the book of Mark Chapter 16, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is recorded. In this chapter, there is an account of Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James, and Salome. The three women purchase burial spices in order to anoint the body of Jesus in the tomb. According to verses 3-4, they find that the stone which had been in front of Jesus’ tomb had been rolled away.

In verses 5-6, they encounter an angel of the Lord. They are told by the angel that Jesus is not dead but alive.  They were then given the instructions to go to Peter and the rest of the Disciples to deliver the news. However, because they were too frightened, they did not deliver the instructions right away as they had been told. The next day, Mary Magdalene is the first to see Jesus. Mark 16: 9-11 says the following:

(NLT) “After Jesus rose from the dead early on Sunday morning, the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went to the disciples, who were grieving and weeping, and told them what had happened. But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn’t believe her.”

Notice that the initial reaction of the Disciples was that they did not believe the news that was given. However, Jesus scolds the Disciples and gives them instructions in verses 14-15:

(NLT) “Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead. And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” 

This particular translation uses the phrase, ‘Good News’, however, other translations use the term, ‘Gospel’.  Essentially, the term ‘Gospel’ means, ‘Good News’. The word ‘euangelion’ is Greek for the word, ‘Gospel’.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is considered the ‘Good News’.  However, why does Jesus use that phrase, and why does He instruct the Disciples to go into all of the world to preach this ‘Good News’?

If you look at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in its essence, it was an occurrence in human history that forever changed the dynamic of humanity’s initial destiny which was that of destruction. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was the very act that repaired the chasm that existed between God and humanity. John 3:16 which is one of the most quoted Bible verses, simply states that it was the act of God’s love that gave humanity an opportunity to be redeemed through Jesus Christ. ‘The Good News’ is that Jesus Christ came to die for the sins of the world so that you and I could be redeemed and set free from our sin.

However, the Gospel of Jesus Christ isn’t simply a New Testament occurrence. ‘The Good News’ is actually for both the Old and New Testament because the Gospel goes as far back to the book of Genesis.  The reason why sin entered into the Earth originally was due to Adam & Eve’s disobedience.  Thus, the generation of every person after Adam & Eve, inherited the sinful nature that exists within the world today. Based on that fact, humanity was destined for destruction because of the original condition of being in sin. That is obviously the bad news.

It is important to note that even in the Old Testament of the Bible, there were prophecies of Jesus Christ coming to save humanity from its sinful condition. For example, the Prophet Isaiah prophesied of the 1st coming of Christ:

Isaiah 9:6

(NLT) “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The above scripture is a direct prophecy of the 1st coming of Jesus Christ. Basically, the Gospel of Jesus Christ isn’t limited to the New Testament of the Bible, but it encompasses the entirety of God’s Word.  It was always in God’s plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ, even before He came to the Earth to die and rise again. So, the point is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed good news for all of humanity. The reason why it is called ‘The Good News’ is because, we as humans now have a way of avoiding destruction.

In our sinful state, we are unable to have fellowship or communion with God. It is because of our sin, that we are separated from truly knowing God in an authentic relationship.  However, when Jesus Christ came to die, the power that sin had over humanity was broken.  Christ was the advocate who took the punishment and death that was ours to pay. It was because of Christ’s willingness to become sin for us, that you and I now have an opportunity to be cleansed of our sin through His precious blood.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed ‘The Good News’ for the entire world. Nowhere else in human history will there ever be a greater love than God’s love, and a greater story of redemption. By birth, you and I were born into sin and it is because of that reality that we deserve destruction.  However, the destruction that is pending can be cancelled upon the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior.

Unfortunately, there are many Pastors and even Christians who have not adequately expressed or shown the world what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. There are those who have either watered down the Gospel or have not taken the time to focus on it which, in essence, rejects Christ’s original instruction. Jesus’ original instruction to the Disciples was to preach the Gospel unto all of the nations.  That should be the goal of every Christian because ‘The Good News’ is meant to be spread unto all of humanity.  Not spreading this ‘Good News’ only means that many will be unaware of the reality of Hell and destruction.  Also, by not adhering to Jesus’ instructions, many are missing out on knowing God in an authentic relationship for themselves.

Do you know Jesus as your Lord & Savior?  If you have not accepted Christ’s sacrifice, you have an opportunity.  The bad news is that you are destined for Hell and eternal separation from God’s presence if you do not accept Christ’s sacrifice.  However, the good news is, that Jesus Christ is your way out of such a horrid destiny.  The price has already been paid.  Reach out to Jesus and confess before Him that you are a sinner in need of His saving grace. When you do that, you will be saved, and you will be able to declare the Gospel to another lost soul. This in turn perpetuates the opportunity toward those who will be forever changed because of Jesus Christ.