Tag Archives: Life

The Distractions of Life – How Satan Diverts Your Attention

15 Wednesday Jul 2015

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If you have traveled through any highway or any major roadway, you might have noticed roadside advertisements. Such advertisements are usually called, “billboards.” A billboard is a large sign that is designed to get the driver’s attention for the specific purpose of relaying a message. The message may be to promote a restaurant or a hotel, or perhaps to send a message that invokes thought or encouragement. Regardless of what the message may be, a billboard holds the key purpose of grabbing your attention. In many cases, a billboard may cause the driver to consider the attraction to the point that they end their travel at that very moment. This in turn means that the driver found something of worth or was compelled to put their journey on hold to see what is so attractive about the promotion.

In life, there are a multitude of distractions that you and I face every day. Satan who is the enemy of our soul has cunningly incorporated various mechanisms to distract us from coming into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. There are many who are living in sin because they have voluntarily given up the opportunity to be free from the power that sin holds over humanity. In the book of Proverbs 4:25-27, the following scripture is recorded:

(ESV) “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”

In this chapter of Proverbs, the topic is that of a Father’s instructions to his sons. Throughout this chapter, there are various words of encouragement and admonishment to be wise, and to get wisdom. In verse 14 of this chapter, there is a mention of deviating from the path of evil.

(ESV) “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.”

It is important to note that the instructions given by the writer focus on adhering to a life that is aligned within a path of righteousness instead of evil. However, the focal verses which are verses 25-27, point to maintaining a life that is not distracted. The writer says, “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” What does this writer mean when he says this?

To look directly forward is to look ahead without taking notice of your surroundings. In this context, it means that one is staunchly focused on what is in front of them rather than any distractions that could be within the vicinity. In today’s environment, it is extremely important to be alert but to also remain focused. This is especially true as it relates to our spiritual development. The writer is suggesting that it is better to keep your eyes focused ahead of you, rather than on what is around you.

The reason is because if your attention is diverted elsewhere and not on the things of the Lord, then you will fall prey to the deceptive attacks of satan. In Psalm 141 the psalmist David cries out to the Lord with the intent to seek Him for His help. In verse 8 David says, “But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!” The posture that we are all to have is one of an undivided attention unto God.

Going back to Proverbs 4, verse 26 says, “Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.” This means that we should be mindful of the path that we take so that we are walking in steps that are ordered and set by God. Often times, there are many distractions which are presented to us, which cause us to veer off of the path that God has designed for us.

Daily, the media continues to promote poison and deceptive words which infiltrate our minds and our hearts. This in turn creates a system of falsehoods which become accepted as the truth, despite satan delivering “the truth” disguised as a multitude of lies. John 8:44 calls satan the “Father of lies.” It is satan’s goal to distract and to deceive by using any means that he can. He understands that if he is successful in distracting those who are not built up in Christ, then he will have the masses walking in blindness towards destruction.

However, the writer in Proverbs 4 encourages us to be thoughtful about our path and where we are headed. Not being prudent about your destination is sure to bring you to an end that God never intended. The final verse in this chapter says, “Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” This goes back to the original point which is to stay focused in your attention and to abstain from the evil path.

So, how does Satan divert our attention and what can you do to stay focused? Here are a few considerations concerning this matter:

1. Satan uses what is attractive to us – The thing about sin is that it is attractive and it appeals to our flesh. It is because we are human beings, we are tempted daily to indulge in our sinful nature. So, satan challenges us daily with what our flesh desires because he knows that if we are operating in carnality, then we will give in.

2. Satan uses the majority to influence – Once you have a majority of individuals that have given into temptation, it is much easier to go in the direction of the masses. The path that is separate or contrary to the norm is one that is isolated. Thus, satan will often use others to ostracize and break you down into submission so that you conform to the ways of this world.

However, even in the midst of satan’s tactics, here is what you can do to avoid his distractions:

1. Live a life that is surrendered unto Christ – The very first step for anyone is to live in obedience unto Jesus Christ. This means, accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior. If you have not given your heart to Jesus, you have an opportunity to do so. By taking this first step, you are in a position of safety and your spirit is now open to the things of God.

2. Spend time in prayer and in God’s Word – Arming yourself against the distractions of this world requires that you have a life that is rooted and grounded in God’s word and that you are praying daily. Seeking God’s presence will increase your spiritual awareness so you can see what distractions exist through God’s eyes. Having God’s word hidden in your heart, gives you His truth which will always supersede the lies that satan produces.

3. Know your enemy – You must understand how satan operates. He desires to destroy humanity and to disrupt the very idea of anyone having a relationship with God through Christ. If you don’t know what the enemy uses as bait, then you must familiarize yourself with his strategy. This is so you can take measures to be built up in your relationship with God.

The overall message from Proverbs chapter 4 is to walk in the way that God has for us. You can only do that when you are in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Doing anything in your own will-power is certain to end in defeat. However, God wants to guide you on a path that is consistent with His design, and one that leads to victory and not destruction. Seek the Lord while He may be found, and avoid the evil path that satan desires for you to take.

Maximizing the Time That You Have Before Its Too Late – Choosing Jesus Christ

14 Tuesday Jul 2015

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

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ID-1002578If you have ever had a job interview or an appointment that was of importance, you would have taken the extra steps to make it to your destination on time. To be on time or early, is to prepare ahead of time so that you do not miss an important opportunity. So, this means that you will ensure that before the time of your appointment, you would have planned ahead in the event of an un-forseen disaster.  For example, en route to your destination there might be a car accident impeding your progress. However, because you were well prepared, you were able to move beyond the accident and make it to your appointment on time.

However, what if you did not prepare before your appointment? What if you took it for granted that you would make it to your meeting on time and decided not to leave your home with a sense of urgency? The chances are, you would likely be tardy to your appointment, which would have a set of negative ramifications. Most know that if you were to show up to a job interview late, you would not be considered for the position. The reason is because your lateness disqualifies you in addition to it being a signifier to the employer that you may repeat the pattern if hired.

Spiritually speaking, there is an element of “waiting too late” to make a decision concerning your eternity.  In the scripture of Matthew 25: 1-13, Jesus is teaching by using a parable.  In this passage, He illustrates the “Parable of the Ten Virgins.” There is much that both Christians and non-Christians can learn from this parable. Starting with the first few verses, Jesus says the following:

Verses 1-5:

(ESV) “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.”

So, here you have 10 virgins in which 5 were wise, and 5 were unwise. Notice that verse 5 says, “As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.”  This is of importance because it suggests that we are all given time by God to prepare for eternity. So, verse 5 says that the bridegroom was delayed, which meant that there was time for preparation.  However, in the earlier verses, 5 virgins were unprepared and did not fill their lamps with oil. 

Verses 6-9:

(ESV) “But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’  But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'”

In verse 6, we see that the bridegroom finally appears at the appointed time. The wise virgins were the individuals who were prepared for the coming of the bridegroom. However, the foolish virgins were unprepared, and they attempted to get oil from the other 5 virgins.  However, they were unsuccessful in their request, and they are told to get oil elsewhere.

Verses 10-13:

(ESV) “And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

The unwise virgins made a final attempt to purchase oil, but as they were purchasing the oil, the bridegroom arrived, and it was too late to gain entry to the wedding feast. As the end of verse 11 says, the virgins cried, “Lord, Lord, open to us.” but verse 12 says, “But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’”

The lesson that we can all take from this parable is that we must be prepared for our eternity. Whether you are in Christ or not, there is an urgency that we all must have concerning where we end up after our physical life is done.  The passage of the 10 virgins is critical because it shows what can happen when you are prepared and unprepared.

For the virgins who were prepared, they were able to gain access to the wedding feast. However, for those who were not prepared, they were denied access and they were told the exact words that God gives in Matthew 7: 21-23.  This scripture is similar to Matthew 25, because the concept is that there will be those who will wait until it is too late to gain entry into Heaven, and will find that their tardiness will be met with denial.

Basically, in both Matthew 25 and Matthew 7, the reality for those who are unprepared is that they will not be received into the Kingdom of God.  Only those who have chosen Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior on Earth will be granted everlasting life and will abide in God’s presence forever. Undoubtedly, there will be those who leave this Earth, and will have left without choosing Jesus Christ.

They will be the same individuals that will stand before God’s seat of judgment, making a plea with Him to avoid the fiery depths of Hell.  However, as verse 23 says in Matthew 7, God will say, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” The point is that God does not recognize anyone who has not willfully given their lives over to Christ.  He only recognizes those who have accepted the gift of life which is Jesus Christ.

You and I, we have time because we are yet breathing.  However, there will come a day when our lives will end.  When your life is over, do you want to stand before God knowing that you have given your life to Jesus and that your eternity is secure?  Or will you stand before Him in judgment, hearing the words “I never knew you, depart from me.”? The great thing about God is that He gives everyone an opportunity.  Just like the 5 foolish virgins had the time to prepare, you have time to secure your eternity in Heaven with God.

This scripture and principle can also be applied to the coming of Jesus Christ. The truth is, that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent. No one knows exactly when He will return, but we can all be assured that He will.  Various signs are swirling around us daily, which points to the approaching return of Jesus Christ. So, just like the 5 wise virgins we must be ready for Christ’s return.

It would be unfortunate to live a life toiling away to reach status, self-satisfaction, and pleasure only to lose your soul at the end of it. All of us have something in common – we are each given 24 hours a day to live. The difference between all of our lives is that none of us knows when our time will end. Your time may come today, tomorrow, next week, or next year. However, regardless of when your time on Earth is over, you have a choice.

You can choose Jesus Christ in the pardon of your sins and be eternally secured. Or you can continue a path without God which is one that is destined for Hell and eternal separation from God. The choice is yours and yours alone. Even for those of us who are in Christ, we must ensure that we are living wisely, by discerning our own relationship with God. We must please God with everything we have so that we will be greeted with affirming words of how we lived from our Heavenly Father. All of us, must choose. Choose Jesus Christ before you lose the gift of time which is your God given opportunity.

Do Not Worry – Trusting in God Despite Your Surroundings

08 Wednesday Jul 2015

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

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If there is one thing that we as humans have in common, it is that of economic security. Regardless of what country you come from, or what your social status is – we all need a form of currency to sustain our day-to-day lifestyle. Essentially, currency is a way to barter or seek an exchange for products that we may need or want. It is such an important part of our lives, that whenever there are threats to our economic stability, panic begins to ensue.

For example, in recent news, the government of Greece has sought its 3rd bailout in 6 years. The current amount owed on the Greek National debt is at a staggering 242.8 billion in Euros.  As a result, Greece is in the process of negotiating with the European Union to avoid a default which would mean bankruptcy.  However, such negotiations have stalled, leaving Greek citizens in a debilitating state.

The crisis in Greece hasn’t exactly been isolated in terms of its effects.  China is now reporting a decline in its economy as a result of the crisis in Greece, which may even mean that other countries could feel the ripple effect.  Many are looking at this crisis and are worried about their own livelihood. Questions such as, “What will this mean for my retirement?” and “Will my country’s economy be affected?” are being asked by many worldwide.  The fact is, the world is intertwined economically, which means that if one major country falters, others will follow.  You might read this, and you too may be worried.

However, in Matthew Chapter 6, verses 25-34, Jesus is teaching His Disciples by admonishing them not to worry.  He starts off in verses 25-27 by saying:

(NIV) “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

One of the interesting things about what Jesus references in these verses is, the example of nature.  Basically, Jesus mentions the birds of the air and He points to the fact that God provides for the birds. Have you ever seen a bird providing for itself?  In your time, it is likely that you have not. That is because, birds are unable to provide for themselves. Which means, that God provides in various ways for the birds since they are incapable of doing so on their own.

What Jesus wants you and I to understand is that we should not worry about our lives. Instead, Jesus is teaching the concept of trusting in God and understanding that He will provide for us. Jesus says at the end of verse 26, “Are you not much more valuable than they?” This is to say, that if God can provide for the birds of the air, He can certainly provide for you, regardless of what your needs are.

He then goes on to say, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” The thing about worrying is, it is a useless condition to exist in. Worrying only leads to panic, which creates discomfort in your mind and body. While in our humanity, we react to various situations, we must realize that living in worry and fear detracts from our trust in God and what He is capable of doing.  So, rather than living in worry and fear, we should grasp the condition of absolute trust which is to lean on God’s ability and not our own. 

In verses 31-32, Jesus says:

(NIV) “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”

Jesus says that we should not worry for material things or even the things we are in need of. He even goes on to say that the “pagans run after these things,” which essentially means that the world operates in worry, fear, and panic. Those in the world seek after materialistic means to satisfy and build their hopes upon. If you were to turn on your local or national news, you would find that much of what is reported is negative. Buzz words such as “Breaking news” and other terms that are used,capture our attention. However, much of what is reported doesn’t inspire or produce hope. Most of what the media spews is hopelessness and fear.  As a result, we who watch begin to operate out of the fear that was disposed upon us.

Those who are not in Christ put their hope in the ever fallible and weakening world system.  Many who are not anchored in God, have sought the words of their politicians, or the value of their economic currency.  While at the same time we can see the very plight that is occurring in just about every nation concerning government and the global economy. Those who put their trust in a decaying world system will find themselves in despair and without hope.

However, Jesus says that “your heavenly Father knows that you need them,” meaning, God already knows what you and I are in need of.  If you are trusting in Him wholeheartedly, then you will experience what Philippians 4:19 says, which is that God shall supply all of our needs according His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. That is the hope that we have.

Jesus ends this chapter by saying:

(NIV) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 

The condition that Jesus gives here is that if we seek God’s Kingdom first, then everything that we need and desire will be given unto us. Seeking God’s Kingdom means to first, give your life to Christ. If you have not done so, then you have an opportunity to receive Christ in the pardon of your sins.  Then, once you are in Christ, you must begin by living in your God-given purpose which ties into elevating the Kingdom of God.

Finally, Jesus ends with the words, “do not worry about tomorrow.” Have you ever found yourself in fear or worried about your future? Jesus says that we should not worry about tomorrow, because for one, God already knows what we are in need of.  Secondly, every day has its own responsibilities.  Our future is in God’s hands, which means that He knows the beginning to the end.

Regardless of what the media says, or what your own life may look like, God knows where you are. Worrying only gives power to your enemy who is satan. He knows that if you concentrate on all of the negativity, then you will hinge your hopes on finding a human solution. Attempting to solve problems by human means results in confusion and an increase in chaos. The proof in that is, that we have various issues worldwide while global leaders are attempting to solve them in their own power. It doesn’t work without seeking God for the answers.

We should be aware of our reality and the world around us, but we are not to worry about what occurs.  Simply because, God can and will protect those who are hidden in Him.  Are you trusting in God with your life? Seek the Lord, and find out what it is like to live in His security.

The Connection That Gives Life

02 Tuesday Jun 2015

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ID-10011760Technology has become a prevalent part of how we live in our day-to-day lives. There is a concerted emphasis on utilizing the internet for research, entertainment, and social networking. Our lives have become centered around the very use of technology to the point where it is now a way of life. However, there is one thing that technology must encompass in order for it to exist and function, and that is a connection.

All technological devices that require any sort of electricity requires a connection.  Even with wireless technology, at some point there must be a connection that either replenishes the energy supply or maintains the electrical current so that the connection is consistent. Without the connection, then the device in question will no longer function.  Our lives are also examples of what it looks like when we do not have the divine connection that only Jesus Christ can give us.

In John 15, Jesus is teaching His Disciples about the various principles as it relates to how they should live and how the world will respond to their decision to follow Christ.  However, for the purposes of this post, the focus will be on verses 1-8.  In these key verses, Jesus uses the illustration of a vine and its branches.  In verses 1-4 Jesus says in the NIV,

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Jesus is saying that he is the “True Vine” or the one that provides life to the branches. There are two things that should be noted in the illustration of the branches and the vine:

1. A connection with Jesus Christ produces life – The key phrase to focus on here is “remain in me.” Jesus said in verse 4, that no one can bear fruit unless they remain in the true vine.  Jesus Christ is the True Vine, which means he provides the connection for all of us to be productive and to have life. Just as a plug into an electrical socket produces an electrical connection to a device, our lives produce life when we are connected to Jesus Christ.  We cannot have life abundantly within ourselves or without Christ.  So many are seeking other connections in our world system, seeking a fulfilled life. However, it is impossible to have true fulfillment outside of Jesus Christ. The sin filled world that we live in offers various methods to produce a version of “life.” Unfortunately, many take what is given as truth and believe that they can have life in the way that is promoted by the world.  Jesus made it very clear that without a connection to Him (the True vine) fruit or life cannot be produced.  Verse 5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Apart from Christ, we can do nothing because He is the power source.

2. A life without a connection to Jesus Christ produces a spiritual death – If you were to turn on a television that was unplugged or it did not have a power source, you would find that the television would remain in the off position.  That is because the television’s power source is not connected. Without a connection or power source, the television becomes worthless, which means it is a candidate to be thrown away. However, when a connection occurs, the television has power to operate which means that it is functioning in its capacity and purpose.  Jesus says in verse 6, “If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” The concept that Christ mentions here involves a person’s life that is not connected to God through Jesus Christ.  In the earlier verse, Jesus says that God who is the gardener, prunes or cuts every branch that does not bear fruit.  Anyone who is not connected to God through Christ, will face the consequence of a life that is destined for destruction.  The pathway in this life is either life or death in the spiritual sense.  There are many who have chosen to live their lives disconnected from Christ, and as a result they suffer short and long-term consequences. 

The promise that Jesus gives to us is that if we remain or abide in Him, then we will bear much fruit.  Verses 7-8 says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Our lives are meant to bear much fruit, and we can be the beneficiaries of God’s blessings.  However, this can only come if we are connected to God through Jesus Christ. 

God is the ultimate power source, but in order to have a life that is fulfilled you must be plugged in through Jesus.  All around us, a world is steadily in decay and decline. Morality and even godly values are no longer held to the highest standard.  Now, a lifestyle of your own choosing and living to please yourself is what has become acceptable. However, those who live a life in disconnection from Jesus only find themselves in a state of confusion.

Various sins which are now considered to be acceptable, only lead to the fruit of pain and chaos.  However, Jesus offers life which is built upon stability and peace.  Just as a device shows its ability to function properly when it is connected, our lives function properly when we are connected to Christ.  If you have already accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior, then you already know the benefits and the power that comes from being connected to Jesus.

However, if you have not, I encourage you to connect yourself to the True Vine.  A life without Christ is one that lacks meaning, order, and joy.  A life with Christ is one that produces much fruit, and at the end of your days on Earth you will have eternal security for your soul.  Choose life by choosing the connection that gives life, and that is Jesus Christ.

The Unpopular Road – The Road to Life

30 Saturday May 2015

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

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ID-100186694We are living in a time in which there are many who are rejecting the truth of God. Many examples can be seen which involve the masses who have turned their back on God, to embrace secular humanism.  It is the rapidity of such change in the world culture that brings to light the scripture which can be found in Matthew 7:13-14.  It simply reads:

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

In this chapter, Jesus was teaching on various topics, which included the principle of the wide and narrow pathway.  What Jesus mentions is the unfortunate fact that there will be many who will choose the opposite of life which is eternal damnation.  1 Corinthians 2:14 says, (NIV) “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”

It is the individual who is entrenched in their sin that does not accept the commands and precepts of God.  The thing about sin is, sin within itself is pleasurable and enticing. However, the joy that can be found in a sinful lifestyle only lasts for a season.  Sin not only brings pleasure, but negative consequences are a result of practicing a life that is sinful.  When Jesus refers to the wide and narrow pathway, He is essentially making the declaration that most will choose the path that goes to destruction. Only a few will choose the path that leads to life.  Why is this so?  Why is it that the majority will walk in a path that is more populous than those who do not?

The answer lies within a few considerations:

1. It is easier to walk in the way of the majority – Anti-conformity has become less and less in the sense of deciding to live for Christ in a godless society.  The truth is, authentic Christians who not only claim Christianity but live it has become less common.  Now, pressure from a growing trend of those who are secular humanists and who believe in the “live and let live” mentality, has been applied to those not willing to bend.  One reason why the gateway to destruction is so broad, is because the road to pleasure and acceptance from society is easier.  It isn’t popular to stand up for Jesus Christ and it never was.  Even more so now, taking a stance against “gay marriage”, abortion, and other sins that have become socially acceptable puts one on the fringes of society. However, Jesus understood that even if society chooses to perish, the way to life would yield eternal security in addition to a better life on Earth.

2. Sin is enjoyable – As mentioned, living in a life of sin appeals and pleases the flesh.  If sin didn’t feel good, then most wouldn’t engage in it.  It is our sinful nature which calls out to us to fulfill the desires of the flesh.  Often times, sin entices us through temptation.  As James 1:14 says in the NIV, “but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” Sin resides within us because of the original nature passed down from Adam & Eve.  It is the sin that brings pleasure in the perspective of one who is walking in ungodliness.  There are many who entertain and even allow the pleasures of the flesh to direct their lives – however it eventually leads to a destructive lifestyle.  The results of living in a life of sin is one of a depraved mind, a seared conscience, and ultimately a spiritual and physical death.

3. The lies of satan are accepted as truth – Satan is a crafty individual who understands how to use various tactics to deceive.  John 8:44 describes satan as the “Father of lies.” In fact, in the very beginning satan lied and deceived Adam & Eve.  In Genesis 3:4-5, satan in the form of a serpent is speaking to Adam & Eve.  In the exchange, satan attempts to manipulate them by twisting the word of God.  God’s original command to Adam & Eve was not to eat the fruit from the tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil, or they would die.  However, here is what satan says in response to this: (NIV) “The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Satan told a half truth when he said that they would not die.  He was correct in that Adam & Even would not die after eating the fruit.  However, what he did not say was that there would be a spiritual death that would be the result of their disobedience. Satan often twists God’s word in order to deceive those who are willing to accept his lies. As a result, many walk in a path that is full of those who are also deceived.

So, these three elements play into the reason for a wide path to destruction. As the Bible says, there are few that find the path to life.  Most follow the trends of a world that is living in sin, however there is a cost that comes with disobedience.  Jesus Christ died for that cost, so that you wouldn’t have to pay it.  Satan will not tell you the damage that can be done when you sin and remain in disobedience.  Instead, he withholds the truth and speaks lies so that he can ensnare those who are willing to follow.

All of us have a choice of whether to surrender to God through Jesus Christ, or to remain in our sinfulness.  The reward for turning to Christ is life and life abundantly. You have been redeemed because of Jesus Christ, but it is up to you to accept His gift of salvation.  You can live under the grace, protection, and love of God once you have turned from your wicked ways.  Walking in the popular path is what brings pain, confusion, and chaos.  Choose life, and choose the less popular road to life.

Your Debt Was Paid on Credit Through Jesus Christ

28 Thursday May 2015

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

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The credit card has become a common means to purchase goods.  In America and even around the world, the credit card is a useful tool to not only pay in expediency but to also purchase and pay later. It was designed so that the consumer could purchase an item while simultaneously allowing the debt that they owe to be paid for by the institution that they are borrowing from.  However, there is a catch as it relates to credit card usage.

The use of any credit card will involve the following stipulations:

1. Every lending institution offers an interest rate –  This means that upon purchase, the lender applies interest which is based on the fact that the borrower is using their service. You can think of interest as a surcharge that is instituted throughout each month of the billing cycle. An interest rate gives the lender a percentage of money in return.  If a person’s creditworthiness is exceptional then they will benefit from a lower interest rate which means the lender yields less of a return.  However a higher interest rate is based on a person’s lack of creditworthiness, meaning that the lender will earn more in interest.

2. The consumer must pay the lender back for the debt owed – Upon every purchase, the institution expects that the borrower pay them back in full for the service rendered.

While a credit card may be a useful tool in a moment of emergency or even convenience, it can be dangerous to ones financial health depending on how it is used. If you look at the credit card in its essence, it is nothing more than an opportunity for lenders to take advantage.  While you pay and owe a debt, they incur revenue from the interest rate and your debt that is paid.  However, there is one such individual who does not operate as a common lender does, and that is Jesus Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 5:21, the Apostle Paul states the following about Jesus Christ:

(NIV)“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 

Jesus Christ was not only given as a sacrifice in the place of you and I, but He essentially became the sin that emanates from our very existence.  All of us were born into sin because of the disobedience of Adam & Eve.  As a result, we carry the same lineage that was passed down through their actions.  The bad news is that because of our lineage, we have become products of Adam & Eve which also means that we inherit the consequences because of our sinful nature.  The consequences are that of a life that is destined for destruction because of our sinful state.  However, there is great news for you and the rest of humanity.

There is a term which is called “The 2nd Adam.” As the Bible records, Adam did not follow God’s original order which was not to eat from the tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil.  However, because Eve ate from the tree and Adam followed her, sin entered into the world through Adam & Eve but primarily because of Adam’s disobedience.  So, as a result, sin became a by-product of Adam’s actions which set in motion the consequences of sin.  The term, “The 2nd Adam” comes into play when Jesus Christ is introduced as the savior of the world’s sin.

Essentially, Jesus is called the 2nd Adam because He is the alternative to the 1st Adam. To get a better picture, the Apostle Paul explains the difference between the first human which was Adam and Jesus Christ.  In Romans 5: 12-17 Paul says the following:

(NIV) “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned — To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come. But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”

What Paul is saying in the above scripture is that death and condemnation are the result of the 1st Adam or the original human who sinned.  It is because of Adam’s disobedience that we are all born into sin.  This means, our destiny before Jesus Christ was to accept eternal damnation because of our sinful state.  However, once Jesus Christ came and was sacrificed on the cross for our sin, it was His death and resurrection that turned the tide of the original condemnation.  In the above scripture, it is apparent that Jesus is the one who gives life rather than death.

So, the principle of “The 2nd Adam” is that Jesus Christ broke the chain of sin and condemnation when He died on the cross.  It was because He became sin for us and he took my debt and yours, we no longer have to live in condemnation nor are we doomed to destruction.  Just as the lending institution takes the payment of what we wish to purchase, Jesus Christ has done the same thing.  The difference however between lending institutions and Jesus Christ is that we are not obligated to pay back the debt.

Creditors have the position of receiving your pay once the billing cycle begins so they can be paid back (with interest) in return for their services.  However, the great thing about Jesus is that He paid a debt that you and I owe.  Since we were all born into sin, the original judgment was and is that we would be condemned.  However, the alternative is that Jesus Christ became the substitute for the debt that we owe.  The Bible says in Romans 3:22 that through faith in Jesus Christ we are made righteous.

You have an opportunity to be made righteous because of Christ.  We are not saved by works or trying to be a “good person”.  We are saved by grace and every human has an opportunity to be saved.  As long as humanity remains in its sinful nature and disobedience, then of course we shall not experience an escape from destruction.  While Christ’s sacrifice took the debt that you and I owe, it is still up to us to make a decision to repent.  By repenting of our sin and turning away from it, then the power of sin is no longer effective in our lives.

If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, take the time to accept this gift of life.  It doesn’t cost you anything to accept this gift.  The only thing you must do is ask for forgiveness, turn from your sin and live a life that is pleasing to God.  The gift of life has already been paid for on credit through Christ.  In return, you will have a life that is full of abundance and eternal security.  Choose life by accepting this precious gift. For those of us who have already accepted it, we are the beneficiaries of this gift of life. It is open to all who will receive.  Choose Jesus Christ and find out what this gift of life can afford to you if you are willing to accept it.