Tag Archives: Salvation

The Unchanging Truth – Jesus Christ

08 Friday Apr 2016

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The world that we live in has always changed concerning the sociological perspective. Various lifestyles and belief systems have evolved over time to accommodate those who feel that they are on the fringes. There are laws that have been instituted in many nations that have become centered around “civil rights” which is proposed with the objective to include all people. With such changes and laws, new cultural norms have become imprinted upon most of the world.

For example, the mass movement of homosexuals seeking “equality” in terms of marriage rights has taken root over the past 5-7 years. There is also the issue of being transgender and wanting to be recognized as the gender that you choose rather than what you were born as. These issues have become the centerpiece of social adaptation and political influence. As a result, a sweeping majority worldwide have assimilated into such societal change. However, there is one fact that remains and that is, despite how much humanity itself changes, God’s truth and His Word does not change.

In the book of Hebrews chapter 13, there are a few key verses which point to the fact that the truth of Jesus Christ and God’s Word does not change.

Verses 7-9:

(NKJV) “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.”

In this passage, the writer is speaking primarily to Palestinian Jews while also including the Hebrews of all connected churches in the body of Christ. In this passage, the writer is writing to encourage believers in the faith of Jesus Christ. Verse 7 begins by suggesting that the believers who were the target of this admonishment, should remember those who taught them in the faith.

The writer desires that believers remember the guidance of their spiritual leaders who were responsible for conveying the message of God’s Word. But notice a key point in this passage and that is in verse 8.

Verse 8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Why did the writer want believers in Christ to understand this point? When you look at our world, it is constantly changing as mentioned earlier in this blog post. Daily, humanity continues to grow in wickedness because for one, the End Times are upon us. Secondly, sinfulness has been accepted by our world which means that there is an openness to sin and those who choose to sin.

However, when the writer says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, he is stating that the truth of Jesus does not change. Jesus Christ is the living Word which means that it is His Word that cannot and does not change. Jesus Christ was given the authority by God to be the truth. Jesus said in John 14:6 that He is the way, the truth, and the life.

What this means is that the truth of Christ does not and shall not change. The author of Hebrews makes that clear when he says that Jesus is the same forever in that, He does not change. It is the truth of Jesus Christ that will remain which means that all of the principles found in the Word of God also remain the same.

In the social climate that we live in, many have deemed the Bible to be either irrelevant or it has become flexible in what it says. Many have now bought into satan’s lies by assuming the position that God’s Word does not mean just what it says. In essence, many have taken scripture out of context, or they have ignored what God has to say about a subject altogether.

However, God’s Word does not change for any person. The truth of His Word which also encompasses Jesus Christ remains intact. Regardless of how the world portrays sin as acceptable and glamorous, the fact is that God is still a righteous judge. This means, that any nation that gives the stamp of approval on sin, it will be met with quick judgment which means destruction.

America and many nations around the world will eventually succumb to the wrath of God because of the disobedience and blatant sin of humanity. One cannot sin and expect to come away without any consequences. It is the job of every Christian to stand firm in the faith as 1 Corinthians 16:13 says to do.

Also, notice, that the writer of Hebrews says in verse 9, not to give in or be carried about by strange doctrine. This means not to be caught up in the wind and influence of teachings that are false. What our society has suggested and continues to impose is a bevy of falsehoods which are completely against the Word of God.

Since God’s Word is the basis for absolute truth, then anything that we as humans attempt to come up with does not meet the standard of truth. Relativism is what our society pushes frequently. At the same time, by imposing relativism, there no longer becomes a basis for absolute truth. This, in turn, means that the line between right and wrong is erased. It becomes a personal conviction of right and wrong, which no longer places God as the standard for all things good or evil.

So, the overall message to every believer is not to be enticed and captured by the changing tide of our time. Whether it is the embracing of homosexuality, murder, lying, stealing, adultery, fornication, or any other sin, the Christian is to remain rooted and grounded in Gods Word. The truth of God will always stand because it is the very thing that shall never perish.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, that Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but His words shall not pass away. This means that regardless of what comes and goes, it is the truth of Jesus Christ that will never end. It doesn’t matter what becomes “the law of the land” or what matter of persecution shall come to the body of Christ. We who are the chosen of God and those who have been called out of darkness must stand for God’s truth.

If you are reading this and you don’t know Jesus Christ in the pardon of your sins, then you are in darkness. The Bible says in Romans 6:23 that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. If you don’t know Jesus, you have an opportunity to accept the sacrifice of Christ on the cross for you. He came to die and be resurrected so that you could be saved from destruction. Accept Jesus Christ, and obtain salvation. To those who are in Christ, remain steadfast in the faith and know God’s truth rather than accepting the lies of the world.

5 Things That You Cannot Change

03 Tuesday Nov 2015

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We live in a global society in which there have been enormous sociological changes. From the institution and even evolution of the internet to the change in how humanity has become more globalized than ever before. The introduction of change is ubiquitous. Such shifts in our society have also included cultural changes related to the embrace of homosexuality, abortion, divorce, lack of marital or relational commitment, and a whole host of other issues.

The reality of our world is that the times that we live in have become altered so that you have the option to ‘invent your own truth.’ This means that what you believe is personal and it is not to infringe upon anyone else. We live in an era of unabashed freedom or at least the term ‘freedom’ is used to justify one’s actions. However, what many in our society fail to realize is that despite all of the social changes, there are moral and even spiritual absolutes. More so spiritually, there are at least five key aspects of life that cannot change:

1. Negative consequences that come with living in sin – The Bible is quite clear when the issue of sin is addressed. The Apostle Paul makes a reference to the consequences of sin in Galatians chapter 6, and verses 7-8. Paul says the following:

(ESV) “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

These two verses make it clear that whatever a person sows, is what they will reap. When a person is constantly sowing to their flesh or living their life in sin, then eventually, their life will reap corruption. Our society is decaying rapidly, both morally and spiritually. Many have been deceived to think that you can embrace the idea of what you deem to be ‘acceptable’ without negative consequences. The fact is, that when you are in unrepentant sin, then you are open to being devoured by satan.

Rather, the alternative is to live a life that is rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ. As the above scripture says, the person who sows to the Spirit, will reap eternal life. This means, by living for Jesus Christ and rejecting sin, you will avoid the negative consequences of sin. The key is recognizing that we cannot change the negative consequences of sin.

2. The judgment of God – Whether the judgment of God occurs here on the Earth or after you and I pass away, every person will be judged for what they do. God’s judgment is final, regardless of what we think or how much we may balk against it. When God brings judgment upon a nation, it usually means that those within the nation have lived in wickedness.

Concerning God’s judgment, John 3:18 says the following:

(ESV) “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

The fact is that anyone who is not in Christ and does not follow His commands is condemned. Our world continues to promote sin while at the same time the judgment that God will bring is unavoidable for those who choose to live in disobedience and according to their fleshly desires. However, it is the person who believes that Jesus Christ is Lord and has accepted Him as Lord and Savior, they will be the individual who escapes the wrath of God.

Despite how much we as humans believe that we are in control, we cannot change the judgment that will fall as it relates to those who embrace wicked behavior. The answer however, is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior which is the way to avoid condemnation.

3. The authority of God – In the age of secular humanism, there has been a concerted effort to elevate human ability which is akin to attempting to ‘be God’ or ‘be a god.’ The fact is that we as humans are limited in our abilities. Despite the constant push for deciding one’s own fate, and being ‘the captain of one’s own ship’ the immutable reality is that God is the ultimate authority.

In Genesis chapter 11, verses 1-9 tells the story of ‘The Tower of Babel.’ In this scripture, it is recorded that humanity at one point decided to build a tower that would reach high to the heavens. In pursuit of such a feat, the people began in their quest to achieve greatness. However, the scripture shows us that eventually God confused the language of the people who attempted to build their tower.

The reason was because the people wanted to assert their own authority aside from God Himself. They were idolatrous because they attempted to serve and elevate themselves. In today’s time, we are living among many who have made themselves to be as God in terms of authority. However, God’s authority supersedes anything that humanity can create. Regardless of what we attempt to do, we must answer to God who is both the creator and the ultimate judge.

4. The Truth of God (His Word) – For many centuries, the Word of God has been debated among scholars and even among those who are unbelievers. However, it is the Word of God that remains true and will remain true for eternity. Psalm 119:89 says:

(ISV) “Your word is forever, LORD; it is firmly established in heaven.”

Regardless of how much our world culture changes or even the times we live in changes, it is God’s Word that will never change. Humanity attempts to denounce and even make it seem as if the Bible is ‘outdated’ and ‘old fashioned.’ However, the words that were written were given by the inspiration of God. Since these words come directly from God, then His words are absolute truth. The truth of God cannot be changed because they are concrete.

Even if our world attempts to nullify what God has proclaimed about sin or even eternal life, His Word cannot be stopped or changed. Everything that occurred in the Bible, and every prophetic Word that was written has and is coming to pass. The truth of God’s Word will always remain, even if society tries to discredit or defame the Bible, it will always stand.

5. God’s love – Regardless of our sin or even the choices we make, God’s love is one thing that will never change. It is the sin in our lives and an active participation in it that creates a chasm between God and humanity. His love is never a question, but rather it is whether or not we will be devoted to Him.

Psalm 136:26 says:

(NLV) “Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.”

God loves humanity and desires that we have a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. It is the love of God that surpasses any other love or figure of love that the world attempts to create. Satan doesn’t want you and I to know God’s great love or to have a relationship with Him. This is why satan uses distractions and lies to put us into a place of separation from God. While the enemy influences us, it is our choice to believe his lies and reject God.

However, God gives each person an opportunity to know Him. His love will never change, which means, as long as you are alive you have an opportunity to know Him. Even if you have made mistakes in your past, God’s love goes beyond what you have done. The question is, will you surrender your life unto Jesus Christ?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are in a place of separation from God. The 5 points named are aspects of God that will never change. Our world is fluid and constantly changing, however, God is the only constant that will always exist. Without Him, then you and I are left up to the devices and ways of this world. Accept Christ today, and allow God to show you just how loving and constant He truly is.

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.

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

24 Thursday Sep 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verse 17:

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

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

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

Verse 21:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moving from a Private Relationship with Christ to a Public Declaration

23 Wednesday Sep 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

21 Friday Aug 2015

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If you have been exposed to a certain truth then usually you would find it difficult to stifle the knowledge that you have gained. For example, if you found that there were certain foods or chemicals that proved to be dangerous to your health and the health of your family, you would probably find the time to discuss it with those closest to you. The reason is because the element of truth was divulged which means that you became aware of what was at one point destroying your health. You were unashamed in lifting the haze from the eyes of others. Even if it meant a rebuttal against your new found evidence, you chose to communicate the truth unashamedly.

We are living in a global society in which it seems that just about everything you can think of is permissible. Whether it be committing adultery, being homosexual or transgender, or even the beginning of approving marijuana as a legal drug – there are many behaviors and lifestyles that are seemingly no longer off limits. Our society has grown increasingly sinful to the point that whatever you feel is best is how you should live. However, the caveat in this mentality is that it is now expected that those who disagree with such lifestyles should not tell someone else ‘how to live their life.’ 

This is especially true for those in Christ. It seems that many Christians have become marginalized as it relates to speaking God’s truth to others.  Or, many have purposely sat on the sidelines and avoided the truth of Jesus Christ to avoid a confrontation with others. However, in the book of Romans chapter 1, the Apostle Paul gives his own statement regarding the Gospel of Jesus Christ and remaining unashamed of the Gospel.

In the first part of this chapter (verses 1-6) the Apostle Paul greets Christians in Rome via a letter that he had written. It is important to focus on what Paul says in verses 2-5 when he talks about the Gospel.

Verses 2-5:

(NLT) “God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life, he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.”

Notice that Paul says in verse 5 that God had given he and other Apostles the privilege and authority to spread the Good News to Gentiles everywhere regarding the things God has done for them. This was so they would believe and obey God which would bring glory to His name. The key word in this scripture is ‘privilege.’ The Apostle Paul understood that it was and is a privilege for all Christians to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are in their sin.

In this scripture, Paul also uses the term ‘Gentiles’ who were a group of people who were considered to be godless or pagan. There was a major divide between the Jews and the Gentiles because they both stood on opposite ends of the spectrum concerning salvation and how they lived. However, despite the historical implication between the two groups Paul understood that salvation was for all. (Inclusive of the Jews and Gentiles as verse 16 says.)

Going back to the scripture, Paul shows us that it is a privilege and an honor to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who are in their sin. Part of the reason why many Christians and Pastors have deviated from teaching and proclaiming the Gospel is because the sense of it being a privilege and an honor has become lost. How great is it that you and I who are in Christ have an opportunity to be representatives of Jesus Christ? God being the creator of the universe has picked you and I to proclaim His truth to a dying world. There is no other opportunity greater than that.

In verses 8-15 of chapter 1, Paul continues by stating that he longs for fellowship with Christians in Rome.  He also reiterates his willingness to spread the Good News to all which he sees as his obligation or duty as a representative of Jesus Christ. After verses 8-15, the key verses to focus on are verses 16-17.

(NLT) “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”

Paul makes it clear that he is unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In these two verses, he points to the fact that it is God’s power that is at work during the salvation process.  In addition to this, Paul mentions that the Gospel or the Good News is the message of how we as humans are redeemed or as he says “how God makes us right in his sight.” The process of the transformation from a sinner into a saint is done by faith as Paul concludes in verse 17.

However, the key point of this passage is that Paul was unashamed when it came to delivering the Gospel throughout the world. That is the same boldness and disposition that we as Christians need today. Too often, there have been too many cases of Christians who have capitulated to what the world desires. Instead, we who are unashamed and truly in Christ should push back against satan’s agenda.

If you examine the life of Jesus’ 12 Disciples, each one of them with the exception of the Apostle John, were martyred for the faith.  Basically, they gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus. This is what seems to be missing in Christianity today. Many Pastors and church leaders are so focused on maintaining their membership that they have essentially forsaken the Great Commission.  God isn’t concerned with the number of members that a church has. His concern is whether or not the Gospel of Christ is being proclaimed and whether or not the image of God is being perpetuated in humanity.

It seems that the body of Christ today has lost the actual goal of Christianity. The goal is to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost. Instead, many have allowed a sinful world to dictate what can and cannot be declared publicly. The interesting thing is, many who are in their sin have become more vocal about what it is they believe. We are seeing new movements within our world that have nothing to do with instituting godly values or godly principles.

Those who are unrepentant in their sin are now becoming the majority while it seems those in Christ have become silenced by the media and by the majority. Many Christians today don’t want to offend those in their sin, so they pacify the behaviors of others rather than speaking the truth of God to those who are dying in their sin. In effect, the body of Christ has become weakened because many have laid down their arms and shrank back from the stance of declaring God’s truth.

The Apostle Paul was unashamed of the Gospel and he like many other Disciples during his time were killed for what they stood for. The fact is, the cost that Jesus Christ paid was greater than any persecution (whether it be verbal or physical) that we could endure. If we are ashamed of the Gospel, then it says little to nothing about the power of the Cross of Jesus Christ. It also says that we as believers don’t care about our fellow humans who are destined for Hell.

If we as true believers fail in our assignment to reach out to anyone who is in their sin, then we are not worthy of the calling that Jesus has given to us. To those of you who are not in Christ, you are the very one’s that Jesus died for. Christ died for all, but He died and rose again so that you and I could be redeemed from our sin. Accept His sacrifice and repent of your sins. The Good News is the story of redemption from destruction and a separation from God. That is the Gospel that must be given to all of humanity. We must share it unashamedly for Jesus Christ.

What is the Purpose of the Body of Christ?

13 Thursday Aug 2015

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The human body is one of the many creations that God has given to us as a gift. If you look at the human body it is comprised of various organs that have specific purposes. Whether internally or externally, the human body is a creation that no one else can claim as its creator other than God Almighty. With the creation of the human body, there are body parts.

Each body part is designed to function in a specific role in the body as a whole. For example, the legs allow the body to move from one place to another. The arms of the body create the capability to reach objects in conjunction with each hand being used to grasp. Body parts such our ears and our eyes allow us to hear and to see what is within our surroundings.  Each body part is unique but when they are working in unison they accomplish the purpose of the body which is to function fully.

The very example of the human body is the imagery that the Apostle Paul uses in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 in verses 12-21. However, before Paul uses the analogy of the human body in reference to those in Christ, he talks about the spiritual gifts that reside within the body of Christ and the diversity of the various gifts.  In verses 4-7 Paul mentions the diversity or differences between the spiritual gifts that God has made available.

(NKJV) “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:”  

In verses 8-11 Paul gives examples of the various spiritual gifts such as teaching, prophecy, the interpretation of tongues, discerning of spirits, and the gift of healing. Paul’s point is that within the body there are different spiritual gifts that exist. As the Apostle Paul continues in this chapter he then uses the analogy of the human body, however, before he begins he says the following in verses 12-14:

(NKJV) “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.  For in fact the body is not one member but many.”

Paul’s point in these verses is that we who are in Christ are to be ‘one’ or unified regardless of what background we may come from. The key is that we are all baptized into one body which means that we are partakers of the Holy Spirit in oneness or unity.  The point of this chapter in 1 Corinthians is to encourage unity within the body of Christ despite the various differences. Paul then uses the example of the human body in verses 15-17:

(NKJV) “If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?”

Verses 20-21:

(NKJV) “But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

In a summary, Paul is basically making the point that the body of Christ should function in unity.  He uses the analogy of human body parts to state that there are different parts, but there is one purpose or goal which is to function together. Even if there are different functions or different members within the body of Christ they cannot say that they do not need each other. Rather, each part must function in harmony in order to achieve the purposes of God.

This then leads to the question, ‘What is the purpose of the body of Christ?’ There are at least three purposes that the body of Christ serves:

1. To enhance and nourish the lives of those in the body of Christ –

Ephesians 4: 11-12 says the following:

(NLT) “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.”

Here the Apostle Paul makes reference to what is called the ‘Five-Fold Ministry.’ The Five -Fold Ministry is a collection of offices held within the body of Christ. These are offices that God has called some within the body of Christ to serve in their particular capacity. However, notice that Paul uses the word ‘gifts.’ Even with these five offices they are also considered to be gifts that God has given to some. Also, as it relates to the earlier passage in 1 Corinthians chapter 12, Paul names other gifts which God has made available to those who He has given them to.

The point is that one of the purposes of the body of Christ is to edify one another or to build up the church or the body of Christ. Edification is to institute a process of building a structure. In this case, the structure is that of the church or the body of Christ.  Our goal as Christians is to serve one another in love and with our deeds. This creates a process of spiritual edification and unity among brothers and sisters in Christ.

2. The body of Christ must reach out to those who are lost and living in sin – In Mark chapter 16 verse 15 Jesus tells His Disciples to spread the Gospel unto all nations. The Gospel is ‘The Good News’ which is the news of redemption through Jesus Christ.  The same command that Jesus gave to the Disciples is the same that applies to each person in Christ. We are not saved by grace to live within our own Christian sphere. We are saved so that we can be witnesses unto those who are in their sin.

The purpose of the body of Christ is to evangelize by spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The love of Christ spreads through you and I which means that if we are open and obedient to what God is calling us to do, we will be representatives of Christ in every area of our lives. Reaching out to those who are in darkness in addition to discipling others is what the Great Commission involves.

3. Model God’s love and His truth to a broken world – Those of us who are in Christ must be the example of God’s love and what His truth stands for. Not only must we love our neighbor as our self but we must take a stand against sinfulness by rejecting the lies of the world.  Standing for God’s truth means loving everything He loves and hating everything He hates. We must be the ‘Salt of the Earth’ as Matthew 5:13 declares. We can only do that by showing forth the power of the Holy Spirit in how we live. If God is love and if God represents a righteous truth which is His truth, then we should declare His words and walk in the same manner.

Overall the body of Christ must come together in order to show forth the true power of God within this Earth. Walking in a relationship with Christ is indeed a personal endeavor. However, the body must function together if we are going to serve these three purposes. So many within the body of Christ have become divided based on race, culture, denomination, and doctrine. For too long the body of Christ has been split for various reasons but God is calling us to come together to accomplish His will.

If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior then you won’t be able to fulfill the purposes of the body of Christ.  Join the body in reaching the lost by giving your heart to Jesus Christ. Accepting His sacrifice will change your life and you will become a part of The Great Commission and the body of Christ’s overall mission which is to glorify God in everything that we do.

Fighting for the Next Generations

12 Wednesday Aug 2015

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Children are one of the many gifts that God has given to humanity.  To be a child is to experience life in a stage of innocence and wonder. Even to those who have their own children it is a blessing to birth a child from the womb. A child represents vitality, youthfulness, and imagination. Children were and are meant to be protected in addition to being raised to be aware of the realities of life as they grow into maturity.

In the book of Genesis chapter 1 and verse 28, God gave Adam & Eve a command to “be fruitful and multiply.” This meant that Adam & Eve were given the task to procreate by having offspring. The purpose of procreation was to perpetuate the image of God throughout the Earth. However, because of the sin that entered through Adam & Eve, the image of God within humanity became distorted which meant that each generation was also corrupted upon birth.

However, even with that being the reality, children are still God’s gift to all of us and they hold a special purpose in the heart and mind of God.  That purpose is to continue a godly legacy through each generation that passes.  In the book of Proverbs chapter 22 the writer who was King Solomon provides various words of wisdom which are in the form of instructions. In fact throughout the book of Proverbs there are words of admonishment and encouragement for all to seek wisdom and to walk in God’s righteousness.  It is a book that contains many practical applications for the life of everyone who desires to follow God’s will.

In chapter 22 of the book of Proverbs, there is a key verse to focus on for the purposes of this post.  Verse 6 says the following:

(NKJV) “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

This verse is quite short and yet it is a powerful verse in the Bible because it signifies a reality as it relates to raising one’s child. King Solomon essentially says to raise a child in the way that they should go, with the result being that they will not depart from it.  The question then becomes ‘What is the way that every child should go?’ As mentioned previously, the book of Proverbs was written with the purpose of instituting godly wisdom with practical principles for life.

King Solomon was the wisest man who had ever lived during his time. However, there is one thing that he understood and that was that to obtain wisdom meant to seek the one who dispensed wisdom who was and is God Almighty. The fact is that the way that every child should go is in the way of the fear and the admonition of the Lord. In Ephesians chapter 6 verse 4, the Apostle Paul confirms this notion when he says,

(ESV) “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Basically, every child should be raised to not only fear or reverence the Lord but to at some point cultivate their own relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  However, what we have seen and continue to see are many examples of children who are no longer being raised to reverence God. Children are now being raised by parents who don’t know God for themselves.  As a result, each generation becomes more degenerate and susceptible to the lies that satan imposes.

We are living in a dangerous time in which the innocence of today’s children is being taken from them.  They are being fed various forms of perversion through the media and shown that life or the things of life are no longer sacred.  At younger and younger ages children are being taught to use violence to exact a means of justice. They are being taught that being homosexual and transgender is ‘normal.’ It is perfectly fine that a child or children can be raised by two mother’s or two father’s.

The entire order and sanctity of life has become debased to the point where moral and even spiritual absolutes are left to be relative as it concerns truth. Today’s children and those generations that follow will face staunch opposition to the things of God. Satan understands that if he infiltrates children in their formative years, that he can corrupt future generations.  His goal is to destroy each seed before it has a chance to grow.

That was the purpose behind satan’s ploy to influence Adam & Eve into sinning. While they both had a choice, he used deception to corrupt future generations.  Of course, there is hope and there is a remedy even for the generations that exist now and will exist. Jesus Christ is the only hope that you and I have.  He is the only hope that each generation has as we live in these troubling times.  However, how do we fight for the generations of today and of the future?  Here are a few considerations:

1. Be the example of Jesus Christ in this dark world – The main reason as to why many children are now in the hands of the enemy is because they have been left without godly examples.  That is not to say that none exist, but if you look at the majority it seems that many parents both young and old have forsaken the laws and commands of God. Children naturally mimic what they see others do which means that if their parents have chosen to adhere to satan’s deception by living in sinfulness then you can expect their children to perpetuate the same sinfulness.

The reason why King Solomon admonishes those who are parents to raise their children in the way that they should go is because if they are raised in godliness, it is less likely that they will leave that path. Even to those who are not parents, it is still a responsibility to be an example to the children in your life. By modeling godliness and rejecting the perversions and falsehoods of this world, you can and will affect the current and next generations.

2. Protect those who can’t protect themselves – The fact is that when you are young you are unable to fend for yourself.  Even in the animal kingdom, young offspring are unable to survive on their own without their parents intervention.  Thus, the parents of the offspring battle against predators to protect their lineage and the future of their offspring.  That is the same mindset that you and I must have.  We must protect those who cannot protect themselves.  Even as it relates to young teenagers, they are vulnerable because they are still developing.

If you and I do not model Jesus Christ and teach each child we come into contact with the ways of godliness, then each generation will lose more and more to the hands of satan. It is true that as time goes forward our world will grow worse and worse according to Matthew 24:12. However, if we stand by to do nothing then there will be many who will enter the gates of destruction. Those of us who know the truth must warn even those who are in their youth.

3. Understand that God’s legacy must be passed down – The future of humanity and our world lies within the hands of the youth of today and those who will come after. God still wants His legacy of love and redemption to be passed down to every generation.  By giving every young person the truth of Jesus Christ, we will ensure that the message of Christ will transfer throughout time. Just because the world has rejected God’s decrees and many have decided to live in sin does not mean that God is not calling those who are coming forth in years to come.

The legacy of God and His righteousness must be handed down to the next generations. It is the only thing that will provide stability in the time of chaos. The fact is, God’s judgment will fall upon every nation and person who rejects Him.  During the times of His judgment there must and will be a generation that will be saved from destruction. The only way that will happen is if we who are in Christ pass the godly legacy that resides within us to the next generation.

As tragic and disturbing as our times may be, there is a duty that you and I have.  We must fight for the current and future generations.  Rather than allowing your children be they biological or not to be handed over to the enemy you must wage a war in the name of Jesus Christ. Our world has decided that it isn’t enough to deceive adults but that it must deceive and destroy the innocence of the youth.

It is time for every adult to understand the tremendous responsibility of fighting for those who are coming after us.  If you don’t know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, you are unable to fight for the next generation.  The battle you fight will be in vain because you are fighting on the wrong side. Accepting Christ and giving your life to Him will give you the opportunity to fight on the side of victory. All of us must fight for the next generations so that lives can be saved instead of lives being lost.

Coming as You Are but Being Changed From Your Original State

11 Tuesday Aug 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verse 5 says:

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

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

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

Verse 12:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.