Tag Archives: Sin

The Christian Response to the World

12 Sunday Jun 2016

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

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Emergency Responders (also known as EMTs or paramedics) serve the purpose of responding to life-threatening circumstances. Daily throughout the world there are thousands of EMTs who risk their lives in order to save the lives of those who are in dire need. It is the job of a paramedic to deliver swift assistance despite any obstacles that may interrupt their mission.

Every paramedic that takes their job seriously understands the stakes involved in each assignment. It is critical for them to make it to their destination in a timely manner to avoid the death of a patient. There is, of course, no guarantee that said patient will survive the trip to the hospital, but it is the response and the understanding of the paramedic that creates an increased chance for survival. It is the duty of each responder to utilize their skill sets in addition to making the proper judgment call concerning a patient.

Today in our world, the subject of Christianity or being a Christian has taken on a different meaning than it has in years past. For example, according to a recent article published by CBN News, many Christians within the United States now feel threatened by those who are non-Christians. Essentially, the tide has turned towards marginalization against Christians worldwide.

While persecution against Christians isn’t a new concept, the increase in the negative pressures against Christ-followers has grown tremendously. However, even with the various threats and staunch opposition against Christians, there is still a response that every Christian should have toward the world. What is the Christian response to the world? Here are a few considerations:

Showing forth the Love of Jesus Christ – Often times, Christians are painted as hypocritical and extremely judgmental. However, the Christian’s response should be one of love towards those who are not in Christ. This does not mean that the truth should not be given to those who reject God. Ephesians 4:15 says that Christians are to speak the truth in love. Many see speaking God’s truth as being judgmental or harsh. This isn’t the accurate way to view the Christian’s response. Speaking the truth in love means to give each person who does not know Jesus Christ, an opportunity to hear the Good News. This means, sharing forth both the penalty that comes with sin (spiritual death and eternal damnation in Hell) and also the redemptive work of Jesus Christ which involves coming into the saving grace of God. We must love those who are in their sin without compromising the truth of God’s Word.

1 John 4:8 says,

(NKJV) “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

Since God is love, then the Christian’s response to the world should be one of love because we who are in Christ are connected to God’s love because He is love. Loving those in the world means that we treat each person with kindness and showing forth a steady disposition of who God is through our conduct towards others. Galatians 6:10 says that we are to do good unto all men. We can only treat those in the world with love if we are abiding in Christ.

Standing for God’s Truth – In the current social climate, there are many examples of those who claim to be Christian and yet they have actively compromised what God’s Word says just to avoid ridicule from the world. The Bible makes it clear that we as Christians are to stand for God’s truth regardless of the cost.

1 Corinthians 16:13 says,

(NLT) “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.”

To stand for God’s truth is to be unwavering in what God’s Word says. If God has stated in His Word that something such as lying, homosexuality, murder, stealing, and fornication is a sin, then regardless of what the world says, it is still a sin. The truth of God cannot be changed and Christians should not compromise just to appease the masses. To do so is to give in to false doctrine or Satan’s deception. The Apostle Paul gives Christians a mandate in Ephesians 4:14:

(NKJV) “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,”

Paul is essentially saying that the Christian must be spiritually mature so that we are not subdued or deceived by every doctrine or belief that appears before us. Just because the world has approved of “same-sex marriage” or attempting to redefine gender norms doesn’t mean that Christians are to agree with such standards. Our standard is none other than God’s Word because He has established the order that humans are to follow through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The response of a Christian is to stand firm in the faith and remain in a solid position against Satan’s attempt to delude and confuse.

Surrendering our lives unto God – One of the key differences between the world and the Christian is that of a life of submission unto God. Those in the world submit to their fleshly desires which comes from the adherence to Satan’s influence. However, the Christian response to the world is to live in submission unto God because of our love for Him. Jesus said in John 14:15, (ESV) “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Obedience is the way that a Christian ought to live. This means that if God impresses upon your heart to share the Gospel with someone who is lost, then it is your duty to be obedient in that moment. Daily, our lives are to be under the authority of God by the words that we say, the things that we do, and the associations that we have in our lives. The world operates in recklessness because those without Christ are outside of the boundaries of restraint which comes from the Holy Spirit and His influence. A life that is yielded unto God is a life that will reap the benefit of a fruitful existence.

Separation from the world – The Bible makes it clear that the Christian is to be separated from the world. The Apostle Paul says it this way in 2 Corinthians 6 verses 14-18:

(ESV) “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said: I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

Essentially, Paul is saying that Christians are not to form partnerships with those in darkness. Light and darkness cannot exist in the same vicinity. One has to overpower the other, which means that the two are altogether different. The deception of the world offers a merger between Christians and those who are not. However, Paul says that there must be a separation between those in darkness and those in the light of Christ. So, we as Christians are to live separated from the ways of this world and not to adopt what the world has approved of.

At the end of it all, Christians are meant to show forth God’s Spirit here on Earth. It is our duty to respond to the world with love, God’s truth, submission unto God, and separation from a sinful lifestyle. Just as an EMT responds to emergency situations, our job is the same. The world needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must proclaim Gods truth and do so without changing the message of hope or failing to make a plea for those to come out of their sin.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your savior? God desires that you know Him in a relationship with Him through Christ. Accept this gift of life by believing that Jesus died on the cross and rose again. Turn from your sin and follow Jesus Christ to a destiny of life in abundance.

Daring Not to Conform to the World

28 Saturday May 2016

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“Truth or Dare?” is a game that many adolescents have played for centuries and continue to play today. Historically, this game is said to have its roots as early as the 1700’s during the era of ancient Greece. Since then, many children and even teens have participated in this game as a way to have fun with their peers.

The object of the game is for one person to ask another to tell an embarrassing truth, or to perform an embarrassing or dangerous dare. More so than not, when a dare is performed it can alter a person’s reputation due to embarrassment or it can prove to be risky in terms of doing something that could have consequences towards one’s health. (e.g. Jumping across a steep canyon)

To dare is to take a chance at ridicule from others because it is out of the norm. However, to conform to the consensus of the majority is to essentially lay down what one believes to be accepted by those going in the same direction. Just as in the game of Truth or Dare, a person is chided into doing something risky. However, the person who is asked, they understand that once they perform the act they are no longer operating in the status quo. Not to do the dare only suggests that they would rather remain in the crowd and settle for taking the easier pathway to avoid public scrutiny should the dare be performed.

The Apostle Paul encourages Christians against the very act of conforming to this world system. In Romans 12 verses 1-2 he says the following:

(NKJV) “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

First, Paul broaches the subject of holiness in terms of being a living sacrifice unto God. What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? To be a living sacrifice, it means that a person has yielded their life and their lifestyle over to God through Jesus Christ. It is the crucifixion or death of one’s flesh or an end to the ways of sin. Paul makes it clear that a Christian should live in an acceptable way unto God.

We are living in a time that does not regard holiness or being a living sacrifice as a high priority. Rather, the way of the world is to live according to fleshly desires. As a result, anyone who attempts to deviate from what the world culture embraces is daring to be different but is also taking a risk for public ridicule.

The life of a Christian is one that is separated from the desires of this world and cleaves to the truth and holiness of God. Paul further encourages Christians not to be conformed to the world. This means, we who profess to be Christ-followers are not to agree with what the world dictates. The time that we are living in has made it so that there must be a clear stance for God’s truth. There is a clear line between God’s truth and Satan’s deception.

The question is, will you stand firm and be willing to go against the world culture? The destruction of the family unit through “gay marriage” and even the proposal of “gender identity” have become a part of the forefront of the assault on all that God calls Holy. This among other sins in our world have become commonplace, but yet Paul says in Romans 12 not to conform to the world.

The reason is because by conforming to the world you perpetuate the process of sowing to the flesh which reaps corruption according to Galatians 6:8. However, the gift of God is eternal life which means that you and I no longer have to reap corruption and spiritual death. Instead, Paul admonishes us to be renewed in our mind. This means we must have the mind of Jesus Christ and we must accept Him as Lord of our lives.

All around us, the world is continuing to erode both spiritually and socially. The culture has changed so drastically that sinfulness has created an unstable atmosphere that threatens the lives of all who want to live in peace. However, it is the peace of Jesus Christ that will provide safety for all who believe. Following the ways of the world is akin to jumping off of a cliff just because others are doing so.

Many are living in spiritual blindness because they are living without Christ. This is why Jesus said in John 18:12 that He is the light of the world. The world is already a dark place, but with Christ the illumination of one’s spiritual condition becomes apparent. It is at that moment that the recognition of a need for a savior is made evident. At the end of verse 2 in Romans 12, Paul finishes by stating that if you and I live with a renewed mind and do not conform to this world, that we will then prove the perfect and acceptable will of God.

It is not God’s will that you and I perish, but it is His will that we have everlasting life through Christ. The way that we do that is in a relationship with Jesus. We also accomplish this by being a living sacrifice on a daily basis. Holiness is a concept that is not addressed as much as it were in the past. The reason is because the attempt to merge Christianity and worldliness has taken root in the world around us.

However, God used the Apostle Paul and others in scripture to give us instructions for Holy living and obedience unto Jesus Christ. Without a standard then we as humans no longer have a measuring tool to discern what is right and wrong. It is dangerous when we as humans create our own standards that are outside of the will of God. In doing so, the erosion of the truth becomes an everyday occurrence which leads to deception. If one becomes deceived then Satan has a stronghold over the very life that God has given to us.

Will you dare to go against the world culture? Or will you follow the crowd toward destruction? Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again so that you and I would not have to pay the penalty for sin. If you don’t know Jesus, you have an opportunity to know Him today. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and avoid conformity to this world system. The world is growing increasingly wicked day by day. You can avoid spiritual death by accepting the gift of God which is eternal life through Christ.

The Battle for Your Mind

20 Friday May 2016

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

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ID-10034140The mind is a major part of the human body. While other body parts such as the legs, arms, eyes, and even ears serve an important purpose to our well-being, it is the mind that controls the body as a whole. Our movements are tied to the signals that are sent directly from the brain. Essentially, the brain sends messages throughout the body through what are called “neurons.”

Neurons are nerve cells that transmit nerve pulses in response to the brain’s directions. This is done through the nervous system. The brain’s responsibility is to send signals through each neuron which carries out the instructions to a specific body part. The end result is that of a body part that moves based on the brain’s original signal. Without brain functionality, the body itself would cease to exist because the body cannot receive proper instruction unless signals from the brain are transmitted without interference.

Spiritually speaking, all of us are engaged in a battle over our mind. On one hand, the Almighty God desires to reign and have spiritual control over our mind. On the other hand, Satan desires to corrupt our mind so that we follow him in rebellion and in sin. There is no in between as it relates to God or Satan. However, it is better for every human being to have the mind of Christ just as the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians chapter 2 and verse 16.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 2, in verses 6-16, the Apostle Paul talks about spiritual wisdom and the revelation that comes from knowing God through the Holy Spirit. Paul says in verses 6-8:

(NKJV) “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

The Apostle Paul is speaking to the Corinthians at the church of Corinth in this chapter. In this part of chapter 2, Paul says that he and those who were working with him in the ministry (e.g. Apollos) were speaking wisdom to those who were mature. In this case, Paul was talking about those who were spiritually mature in Christ. The wisdom that Paul says he was speaking with was that of God’s wisdom and not of the world’s wisdom.

Verse 9:

(NKJV) “But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Paul continues in verse 10 by saying that God has revealed those things to us through His Spirit. “Those things” that Paul mentions are the deep things of God, which are only the spiritual aspects that can be found when you have a relationship with God. Basically, it is through the Holy Spirit and the presence of God that we as humans are able to discern and understand the things of the Spirit. Paul goes on in verse 12 to make a distinction between the Spirit of God and the spirit of the world:

(NKJV) “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”

Going back to the analogy of the brain, our body operates based on the instructions sent from the brain. It is what we know within our brain that enables our body to function. The same works in a spiritual sense. By knowing God through Jesus Christ, and operating in the Holy Spirit, our lives begin to be transformed into the image of God.

However, conversely, if we are operating in sin and following Satan then our lives take on the very attributes that come with evil intentions and wickedness. Paul said in verse 12 to those who were in Christ that they did not receive the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God. In doing so, Paul said that they would know the things freely given by God.

Verse 14:

(NKJV) “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

If you look at the world around you today, much of our world has shown signs of chaos, confusion, and wicked behavior. The reason is because there are many who are living their lives outside of the will of God, which means that they are unable to accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. If you are in sin, then your are not readily able to see your wicked ways because, in order to be convicted of sinfulness, you must be influenced by the Holy Spirit.

Upon receiving Jesus Christ as your savior, the Holy Spirit then comes into your life and begins to manifest Himself by changing old habits and old mindsets. This is why Paul asks the question in verse 16, “For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?”

In other words, when you are following Jesus, and you are living under the influence of the Holy Spirit you will receive instructions from the Lord. In doing so, you are then enabled to be obedient unto God because then you have as Paul says in the latter part of verse 16, “the mind of Christ.”

What does it mean to have the mind of Christ? If you look at the life of Jesus, His life was one of submission unto God. In John 6:38, Jesus said that He came down from Heaven not to do His own will but the will of His Father who is God. The reason why that is important is because Jesus was obedient to the will of God. He gave up His own will at the instruction of God the Father.

Paul encourages Christians in Philippians 2:5 to let the mind of Christ be in us. Basically, to have the mind of Christ is to walk in obedience to God by being influenced and led by the Holy Spirit. It is a constant battle over our mind because God wants control so that He can instruct us in His ways so that we can fulfill the purpose He has given to us. As mentioned before, Satan also wants control. However, his goal is to corrupt our mind so that we may sow to the flesh which then leads to eternal destruction.

Having a life that is postured in surrender unto God through Christ is what leads to a transformed and renewed mind according to Romans 12:2. The reason why having a renewed mind through Christ is so important is because daily you and I are bombarded by this world system. Since Satan is the ruler of this world, he wants to impose his deception upon us.

Many have become deceived into thinking that sin does not exist, but rather it is something to be embraced. The reason why this deception occurs is because many do not have the mind of Christ that comes through the Holy Spirit. The remedy for sin and a corrupted mind is Jesus Christ. When you have a relationship with Christ, you begin to shed the mindset that Satan gives to you, and you take on a renewed disposition.

Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? If not, then you are operating out of a spirit that comes from Satan himself. He wants to destroy your soul and make your life one that lacks abundance. However, Jesus came, died on the cross and rose again so that you and I could know God through Jesus Christ. Allow Jesus to come into your heart, make Him Lord, and let Him change your mind through daily renewal.

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.

Confusion that Comes When Idolatry Is Present

03 Thursday Mar 2016

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In America, 2016 is an election year for the office of the President of the United States. Just as each election cycle surfaces, so does the 24-hour media coverage. Daily, there are news reports concerning each candidate’s polling numbers in addition to the campaign rhetoric. While America prepares to vote for the next President, the world is also watching to see who will be elected as the next leader of the free world.

In this election, there has been a focus on one particular candidate and his name is ‘Donald Trump.’ Mr. Trump is currently running for the nomination of the Republican party. He has also gained a massive amount of support since he began running for President in 2015.

Donald Trump is known for being one of the wealthiest businessmen in the world, and he is also known for his outrageous statements and the reality show that he starred in called ‘The Apprentice.’ However, what seems to keep many Americans and those in other countries dumbfounded is how it is that someone who is flagrant, uncouth, and an instigator, able to garner so much attention?

Many voters throughout various states have now found themselves supporting Donald Trump despite his inflammatory rhetoric. The question is, how is such a thing possible when such leadership would be bound to fail from the beginning? The answer lies in the word ‘idolatry.’

The Bible is very clear concerning idolatry and the confusion that it brings when individuals are open to a lifestyle that is separate from God. It is the rejection of God and His standards that opens the door to deception and confusion among any group of people. The proof in this is found in the book of Isaiah chapter 44.

In the beginning of this chapter, in verses 1-5, the Lord is speaking and pronouncing His blessings over the people of Israel. God makes it clear in these verses that He has chosen Israel and that He will bring blessings to Israel’s descendants.

Verse 3:

(NKJV) “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring;”

It was God’s promise that the people of Israel would be blessed. In verses 6-8, God makes further proclamations that only He alone is God which means that there is no other God greater than He. So, in the first part of this chapter, we can see that God has chosen Israel and that He alone is worthy of the praise and worship that humanity can give Him.

At the same time, God gives the people of Israel a snapshot into what can happen when He is no longer the focus of worship, but rather when idolatry begins to take place.

Verse 9:

(NKJV) “Those who make an image, all of them are useless, And their precious things shall not profit; They are their own witnesses; They neither see nor know, that they may be ashamed.”

First notice, that God declares that the idols that are worshiped are useless in their being. It is a waste of time to worship another god because it profits absolutely nothing. God also says in verse 9, that “they neither see nor know, that they may be ashamed.” This means, that there has been a cloud of delusion placed over anyone who chooses idol worship over God.

Verse 10:

(NKJV) “Who would form a god or mold an image that profits him nothing?”

In our world today, we see many examples of idol worship which often times includes self-worship. The question that God asks is, why would someone commit idolatry only to find that it is worthless? The same is happening today. There are so many who chase after fame, money, sex, large homes, and even self-gratification only to find that they are empty on the inside. This is one reason why America and many nations in our world are experiencing a lack of fulfillment and inner turmoil within.

In verses 11-16, God continues by making it known that when idolatry is committed, there is a great deal of work that is spent making and worshiping a false god only to find that it profits nothing. In these verses God gives us the imagery of someone who takes the time to build an idol and in verse 17, this same person begins to worship it.

(NKJV) “And the rest of it he makes into a god, His carved image. He falls down before it and worships it, Prays to it and says,“Deliver me, for you are my god!”

How often do we see idol worship today in the nation that we live in? Many seek the answers to life’s problems from other sources rather than seeking and worshiping God. Even in this election season in America, many are seeking the answers from each politician rather than understanding that it is God’s desire that we seek Him.

In verses 18-20, we can see just what happens when idolatry is allowed to flourish:

(NKJV) “They do not know nor understand; For He has shut their eyes so that they cannot see, And their hearts, so that they cannot understand. And no one considers in his heart, Nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say, “I have burned half of it in the fire, Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals; I have roasted meat and eaten it; And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?” He feeds on ashes; A deceived heart has turned him aside; And he cannot deliver his soul, Nor say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?”

Notice that in verse 18, God says that they who are worshiping idols do not understand. God says that He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and their hearts so they cannot understand. A major reason why we see many accepting what would normally be considered foolish is because God has blinded the eyes of those who have rejected Him. He has also allowed their hearts to be darkened so that they can no longer understand that what they are doing is foolish.

In verse 19, God says that those who worship idols no longer have the understanding to realize that what they have created is worthless but yet they continue to worship only to find that they are consuming the empty works of their own hands. Finally, in verse 20, God says that it is the heart that is deceived that is turned aside. As a result, anyone who is deceived is unable to save their own soul.

This is why we see confusion running rampant in our world. What seems like it would not make sense logically, many now seem to approve of what was once deemed unacceptable. It is because of idolatry and the sinfulness of humanity that we see a massive delusion that has taken place. However, there is a remedy for this.

Jesus Christ was born to die on the cross for the sins of the world. As long as God is rejected in the heart of man, then confusion and deception lead to a life that is spent living in sin. However, Christ died and was resurrected so that you and I may have life and life more abundantly. The blood of Jesus breaks the power that sin has over humanity but it is a conscious decision to accept this gift of life.

Will you accept Jesus’ sacrifice and make Him your Lord and savior? Until you do, you will find that your life will be empty and lacking meaning. God desires that you have life abundantly and it can only be done through Christ. Accept the gift that God has given by giving your life to Jesus in repentance and acceptance of His sacrifice on the cross.

Multiplication – By God’s Design

22 Monday Feb 2016

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Simple mathematics encompasses the understanding of addition and subtraction. For example, 2+2 = 4 and 3-1 = 2. In arithmetic, there is also the element of multiplication. 9×9 = 81 or 4×3 = 12. When two or more numbers are multiplied they increase at a higher number compared to simply adding each number. To multiply is to produce greater numbers based on the values that are given. In mathematics, it is better to multiply than to add numbers if you want to achieve a greater result. This is simply because it would take longer to add than to multiply.

Multiplication isn’t just a mathematical concept but it is God’s original plan concerning humanity. In the book of Genesis chapter 1, God gives the very first man and woman their task which is stated as follows:

Verse 28:

(KJV) “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

The key words in this verse are “Be fruitful, and multiply.” Why did God give Adam and Eve this instruction? If you look at verse 27 of this same chapter, it will shed light on what God desired:

Verse 27:

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God, created he him; male and female created he them.”

The key point of verse 27 is that God created humanity in His image. Verse 27 and verse 28 took place before sin entered into the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience. However, God created you and I, to be in the likeness of His own image. It was because of sin that the image of God in humanity became distorted which gave humanity a distorted image of ourselves and of who God is.

At the same time, the reason why God gave Adam and Eve the task to be fruitful and multiply was because God designed reproduction as His plan to reproduce His image and glory in the Earth. Many today and even in times past have had children for various reasons. Some have children because they desire to see a legacy lived on from their own offspring. Others have children because they want to transfer love to the next generation.

There are even those who desire to see themselves in their children as they are born and as they grow. However, God isn’t concerned with these reasons as much because none of these explanations have to do with reproducing God’s image in the Earth. Having children and even desiring to have them is a noble adventure, but it is God’s plan for the Earth to be filled with the image of Himself.

How does this happen? Here are a couple considerations:

1. There must be a spiritual rebirth through Jesus Christ – For humanity to perpetuate the image of God, the acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior is the first step. Whether you have children or not, the image of God can be reproduced in the Earth. It just so happens that one of those ways is through the reproduction that comes from a male and a female. By God’s design, it is the standard for a man and a woman to be joined in marriage and to have offspring.

Of course, it is a known fact that not everyone can have children because there may be medical problems that do not allow for childbearing. However, God does not just use the birth of children for perpetuating His image. Discipleship is also the concept that God has provided to Christians. Matthew 28:19 says:

(NLT) “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus was talking to His own Disciples in this verse. God desires that we as humans know Him, but to do so, we must accept Jesus Christ. We must be born again through the Spirit (John 3:1-12).

2. Spreading the Gospel – The Gospel simply means, “Good News.” What is the Good News? The Good News is that Jesus Christ came to die on the cross for the sins of humanity. This means, that we now have a way of escape from the destruction that comes from living in sin. Christ’s atoning sacrifice gives you and I the opportunity to be redeemed from sin and to avoid Hell.

Jesus gives His disciples what is known as “The Great Commission.” This is stated in Mark 16:15:

“And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”

Multiplication comes when those who have accepted Christ, begin to share the Gospel to all people. It is through the spreading of the Gospel that reproduction of God’s image in the Earth can take place. It is passing on the remedy of Jesus Christ to someone who is suffering from the disease of sin. Once the person who is in sin accepts the remedy, then they can pass it on to someone else.

It should also be noted that satan has a plan for multiplication as well. His method is to spread sinfulness and evil to as many as He can. This is so he can stop the process of regeneration as it relates to humanity being reconciled to God through Christ. However, the key is understanding that God desires that we come to the knowledge of His love through Jesus Christ.

The first step is to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? You have a tremendous opportunity to take part in the multiplication of God’s image in the Earth. By accepting Christ, you then have the honor of spreading the Gospel to someone else who is lost in sin. It is God’s design to not only multiply His image in the Earth but to reclaim humanity through Jesus Christ. Take part in this process by believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord, and be used to spread the Good News to the world.

Do You Know Jesus?

15 Monday Feb 2016

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Most of us know what it is like to have a friendship or even a romantic relationship as it relates to daily personal life. It is the connection to one or more individuals that creates a sense of acceptance, emotional attachment, and intimacy. Only those who are closest to you, have a place reserved in your life as opposed to those who are only acquaintances who would be left standing on the outskirts.

It is the relationship and connection with those who are closely held to your heart, that creates a significant bond that is difficult to shatter under negative circumstances. In such relationships that are built, there is a commonality in addition to understanding one another. However, if one does not maintain a steady connection with those who are deemed important, there is a great potential for a loss of said connection which means the relationship no longer thrives.

As a result, any relationship whether familial, friendly, or romantic begins to suffer from a breakdown which can ultimately lead to a relational demise. This means that in order for one to have relationships that are built to thrive, there must be a continual connection and growth in each interpersonal relationship.

In the book of John chapter 8, the principle of knowing God through Jesus Christ is shown in verses 12 – 19. Jesus is speaking to Pharisees who were religious individuals who believed that life was better lived according to the Mosaic law rather than deviating from the law. Throughout scripture, the Pharisees can be seen challenging Jesus on various issues, however, Jesus would always bring them back into accountability and God’s truth.

Verses 12-13 in John chapter 8 says the following:

(NLV) “Jesus spoke to all the people, saying, “I am the Light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will not walk in darkness. He will have the Light of Life.”The proud religious law-keepers said to Him, “You are talking about Yourself. What You say about Yourself is not true.”

In verse 13, the Pharisees challenge Jesus regarding His statement that He is the Light of the world. One reason as to why the Pharisees misunderstood and believed Jesus to be a liar is because they were so caught up in their allegiance to the Mosaic law. The scripture in this translation refers to the Pharisees as “proud religious law-keepers.” This suggests that the Pharisees were arrogant and they bought into the lie that religion was superior to following the words of Christ.

Even in our world today, there are many who have placed much emphasis on worldly knowledge and human wisdom that there isn’t a reverence for the things of God. There are religious zealots who proclaim that what they believe is the truth, however, anything that stands outside of the truth of Jesus Christ is following in step with satan’s deceptions. The proof of this is that Jesus says in verse 12 that anyone who follows Him will not walk in darkness.

This means, that without Christ one cannot live in this life and navigate successfully because only Jesus is the light by which we have guidance to the path that God desires for humanity. Regardless of other religions or even those whose choose not to believe, Jesus Christ is the only way, the only truth, and the only way to life. (John 14:6)

Jesus continues in the next few verses:

Verses 14-17:

(NLV) “Jesus said, Even if I speak of Myself, what I am saying is true. I know where I came from and where I am going. You do not know where I came from or where I am going. You say as a man would say if people are guilty or not guilty. I am not saying anyone is guilty. But even if I did, it would be true. I am not alone. The Father Who sent Me is with Me. It is written in your Law that when two men agree about something, it proves it is true. I speak for Myself and the Father Who sent Me speaks for Me.”

Essentially, Jesus further states to the Pharisees that He is speaking the truth, but His truth is validated by God Almighty. Jesus says that He speaks for Himself, but it is God the Father who sent Jesus and speaks for Him. This makes it so that Jesus’ words are the final authority because it is God who has given Him the authority to speak with such truth.

However, notice that Jesus says in verse 14 that the Pharisees do not know where Jesus came from or where He is going. Verse 19 says:

(NLV) “The proud religious law-keepers asked Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus said, “You do not know Me or My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”

Jesus’ words make it clear that the Pharisees did not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. As John 14:6 states, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Without a relationship with Jesus, there isn’t a way to have a relationship with God the Father. The Pharisees did not know Christ in obedience or in following Him, which is why they never understood Christ’s words. If they were followers of Christ, then they would have known God for themselves.

The question that all of us must answer is whether or not, we know Jesus for ourselves. With all of the deception that exists in our world, it is very easy to think that one can have true peace, joy and understand love without knowing Jesus Christ. It is Christ who gives us the opportunity to know God because Christ is the only way to God.

The world we live in promotes all inclusive religion. One can worship Buddha or Allah and it still lead back to the same source. However, this notion is false and it is one of the many lies that satan uses to distort the clarity that God offers. Without having a relationship with Jesus Christ, then there is a loss in connection to God the Father.

God desires to know each human being in intimacy. Sin is what separates us from having an unhindered relationship with God. It was God’s plan that Jesus Christ would die on the cross as the atonement for the world’s sins. Without the shedding of Christ blood, there would be no other way to remove the stain of sin. There would also be a relational gap between humanity and God.

This means that because of Christ, we have an opportunity to know God. However, it takes a decision to know God through Jesus Christ. How do you do this? The first step is to come to the acknowledgement that you are a sinner and need a savior. If you don’t know Jesus Christ in the pardon of your sins, then you are living in sin. Once you have acknowledged that you are a sinner, and you have repented from your sin and turned away from your sin, it begins the process of a relationship with Christ.

For those of us who are in Christ, we must seek God daily through prayer, reading scripture, and worship. To know God is to have an ongoing and intimate relationship with Christ. It doesn’t just happen overnight as some may believe. Just like any human relationship, it takes time to experience growth and connection. The more you spend time with God, the more you begin to know Him and the more your life exemplifies who God is.

It is only through Christ that we are able to show love to a dying world, and to give sinners an opportunity the receive the invitation to know God through Christ. Regardless of what our world promotes today, the overarching truth is that Jesus is the only way to have everlasting life. He is the only way to know what love is, and how to love others. Do you know Jesus?

 

 

Start 2016 by Committing Your Ways to the Lord

01 Friday Jan 2016

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2015 has now passed and it is in the book of history. Today is the beginning of a brand new year for all of us who were given an opportunity to see the turn of another season in life. This is a time in which many will start the year by establishing New Year’s resolutions. For some it may mean losing weight, becoming fiscally responsible, or it may mean accomplishing other personal goals that were not achieved in 2015.

However, in the midst of the busyness of this new year, it is important for all of us to understand that the best way to start and to finish each year is to commit our ways unto the Lord. This is a message for both the Christian and the non-Christian. For those of us who are in Christ, the Bible makes it clear throughout many scriptures that our focus should be to seek the Lord in all that we do. This, in turn, means that our lifestyle will be pleasing unto Him as we live and walk by the Holy Spirit.

For those of you who are not in Christ, this is an open invitation for you to be redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ by simply believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord. It also means that you must repent of your sins which begins the process of transforming your life from condemnation to redemption. The key is understanding that without Christ, your life is destined for destruction. However, Jesus died so that you would have life and have it abundantly.

The scripture that we should all focus on for daily guidance is that of Proverbs 16:3 which says:

(NLT) “Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.”

There are many who will have their own plans and goals for the new year, but the writer who is King Solomon encourages the reader to commit their ways or actions to the Lord. Why does King Solomon admonish us to do this? As the second part of verse 3 says, your plans will succeed.

The world often defines success based on monetary gain or even having material wealth. While there is nothing inherently wrong with having wealth, that does not define success in the eyes of God. What God is concerned with is whether or not you and I have surrendered our lives unto Him. Solomon says to commit your works or actions to the Lord.

By committing your actions to the Lord, you are first acknowledging God as Lord. This means He has free reign in your life. Many in our world today have forsaken God and traded in obedience for an aversion to secular humanism which is rooted in pride. By nature, we are prideful because of being born into sin.

However, the opposite of pride is humility which means to place yourself in a position where you are no longer in control. In this case, to be humbled under the hand of God is to admit that you need Him to succeed in this life. It also means that you are willing to act in submission unto God by choosing His ways over your own ways.

To commit your actions unto the Lord is to also reject sin regardless of the form it comes in. When you and I are in sin, we are operating in rebellion against God which means we are unable to commit our ways unto the Lord. However, repenting and turning away from your sin, you are then able to experience the fullness of God and everything that He has planned for you.

Proverbs 3:6 says:

(ESV) “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

What God desires from each of us is submission and acknowledgement. However, to do so, a choice must be made. In this coming year and every single day, there will be challenges as well as personal victories. Throughout our lives, God wants to have dominion so that He can show us the path that we should take. Having goals that you desire to accomplish is admirable.

At the same time, our goals should be aligned with God’s will so that He can direct us as we journey through life. 2015 was a year in which our world witnessed many tragedies at the hands of terrorists and criminals. It was a year that showed the very evil that satan represents. However, the safest place that anyone can be is in God through Jesus Christ.

The fact is that 2016 may very well show forth more violence and evil because according to Matthew chapter 24, we are living, in the End Times. Such things that include Earthquakes, violence, wars and rumors of wars must take place. Prophetically, the issues we see in our world must occur for Jesus Christ to return for His church.

However, it is the person whose life is anchored in Christ and who has decided to commit their actions unto the Lord who will benefit. God desires to know you and me through Jesus Christ. It is up to you to decide whether or not you will surrender your life. Surrender is never easy because it involves the destruction of your pride.

Today is the 1st day of 2016 which means all of us have an opportunity to start at the beginning. However, will you choose to do so without the guidance of God? In such dangerous times, no one can afford to live without Jesus Christ. To do so is taking a chance and that chance will ultimately lead to destruction.

Let your new year start off with Jesus at the center of your life. New Year’s resolutions come and go, however, a life that starts each year and each day with God at the helm is a life that is destined for success. You don’t have to live each day without the presence and guidance of God. Jesus died on the cross to save the world, which means the invitation is open to whoever desires.

Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? Don’t  enter  this new year without accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Our world continues to erode both morally and spiritually, however, the answer to the woes of this world is Jesus Christ. Let your life be committed to God which will always result in success. May 2016 not only be a happy new year but also a new year that involves submission and commitment to God and His will for your life.

Run the Race and Finish Strong

30 Wednesday Dec 2015

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ID-100354832.jpgA marathon is a type of race that involves long distance running. Athletes participate with the intent to complete what may seem like to outsiders a monumental task. Each participant understands that it isn’t about winning the race or achieving a top position. The ultimate goal is to endure until the end.

As each runner goes forth, they battle through pain, fatigue, and the ever present thoughts of quitting before the race ends. However, the belief in each person’s heart and mind is that they are able to cross the finish line. There are even those who experience injury and complete exhaustion and yet they push forward until the very end. It is the accomplishment of completing a marathon that matters the most.

Spiritually speaking, we all face our own marathon experience throughout life. Both to the believer and unbeliever, life does not conceal or limit its challenges. However the great news is that with Christ anyone can have an opportunity to run their race with endurance and strength. The offer of guidance and faith is available, even to those who are among the godless.

In the book of Hebrews chapter 12, verses 1-2 says the following:

(NLV) “All these many people who have had faith in God are around us like a cloud. Let us put everything out of our lives that keeps us from doing what we should. Let us keep running in the race that God has planned for us. Let us keep looking to Jesus. Our faith comes from Him and He is the One Who makes it perfect. He did not give up when He had to suffer shame and die on a cross. He knew of the joy that would be His later. Now He is sitting at the right side of God.”

The author of the book of Hebrews remains unknown to this day, however, some believe that the Apostle Paul may have written this book. This book was written to Christians who were experiencing persecution at which the writing of this epistle took place between 65 to 85 A.D.

In verse 1 of this chapter, the writer makes reference to those who had faith in God who surround those in Christ as a cloud. Other translations say a “great cloud of witnesses.” If you read chapter 11 of Hebrews, you will see the individuals who were noted as those who had faith in God. Individuals such as Noah, Enoch, Abraham and Sarah were known to have been enshrined in what is known as the ‘Hall of Faith.’

However, the admonishment from the writer is to Christians to first, put aside everything that creates an impediment. Some translations use the word ‘sin’ in order to make the point of obedience and surrender unto God. This writer makes this point because if we who are in Christ are going to please God, we must first rid ourselves of the sin in our life.

This means, that we must seek God for forgiveness and allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Believe it or not, sin can be a hindrance to you because it creates a separation between you and God. We are unable to adequately accomplish great things for God as long as we have allowed sin to flourish and have a residence in our life.

In verse 1 the writer continues by saying that we must run in the race that God has planned for us. Other translations say to “run the race with patience.” In any case, all of us have a race or a path that God has carved out for us to run. Your path is different from my path, but God has designed a race specifically for you. The key is that we must run the race and do so with patience.

Sometimes, circumstances arise in life that has the potential to cause you to quit. However, the encouragement is not to quit but to run through the process. The writer also says in verse 2 that we are to look unto to Jesus. This means that when we are facing fiery trials, we must keep our eyes focused on Christ.

Regardless of how difficult a season may be, the key is to look to the Lord because He is your strength even when you have none left. Verse 2 continues when it says, “Our faith comes from Him and He is the One Who makes it perfect.” Faith comes when our lives are surrendered to God. Our job is to believe, but it is God who increases our faith if we believe that He is able to accomplish anything we are seeking Him for.

Our faith is also perfected and sharpened as we continue to live in obedience unto Christ. The final part of verse 2 makes note of Jesus Christ and the cross. The writer is essentially saying that Jesus did not give up when he faced shame and even death on the cross. Rather, Jesus understood that the victory would be won if He was obedient even unto death. As the scripture points out in the last portion, now Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God.

This essentially means that we who believe and follow Jesus, we too have an opportunity to receive the victory. Anyone can run in a marathon, but to finish and finish strong is what invokes a sense of victory and accomplishment. I have my own race in life that I am running, but I realize that it is through my faith in God and obedience unto Him, that I am able to accomplish all things through Christ as Philippians 4:13 says.

It may be tempting for you to give up, and perhaps you have contemplated it. Maybe you are experiencing a difficult situation in your life and you want to quit. The message is to you, and that message is to look to Jesus for your faith and strength. Jesus Christ is the Rock and He is the one who will give you the endurance to finish and finish strong.

Those who give up, forfeit their inheritance and their blessing. The writer encourages us as Christians to walk in righteousness and to turn to Jesus for our faith. If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior, then you are running the race without guidance. You too have a race to run, but God wants you to run with Him and on His path.

Accept Christ’s gift of life by acknowledging your sin and by believing that He died on the cross. By accepting Jesus into your life, you are able to run this race with God’s help. All of us must run this race and finish strong. You and I are able to do so only through Jesus Christ.

Knowing God’s Will for Your Life

02 Monday Nov 2015

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ID-100268904When traveling on a freeway or even a residential road, you will at some point see a sign that points you into the direction that you want to go. With each moment of travel there is always a destination, however, it involves making a turn that will put you closer or perhaps further away from where you intend to go. For example, it is easy to miscalculate by turning too soon, or by not turning soon enough.

As a result, you may end up lost or further behind in reaching your destination. There are also moments in which we think that we can get to our ending point in our own way, but it may turn out to be a path that creates a loss in productivity and time. Spiritually speaking, we can travel in a direction that is planned by God, or we can travel in our own direction.

If you and I travel in our own direction, it will always lead us astray and we are then no longer in God’s will. How do we know what God’s will is for our lives? A great example of this can be found in the book of Genesis. Chapter 15 is where the Lord gives Abraham a promise which is that Abraham would be the Father of many nations.

It was promised in verses 4-5 of chapter 15. Abraham (whose name was originally Abram) is one of the great Biblical Patriarchs who God would use in order to establish the line that Jesus Christ would later come through. However, in the first portion of chapter 15, God says the following to Abraham:

Verses 1-3:

(NLV) “After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a special dream, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your safe place. Your reward will be very great.” Then Abram said, “O Lord God, what will You give me? For I have no child. And the one who is to receive what belongs to me is Eliezer of Damascus.” Abram said, “Because You have not given me a child, one born in my house will be given all I have.””

It is clear in these verses, that Abraham’s concern or desire was to have a child at some point. Abraham also states that all of his belongings would be given to Eliezer who was already within Abraham’s house. Eliezer was a relative of Abraham.This meant that by default, Eliezer would be granted an inheritance despite the fact that he is not Abraham’s biological son.

God then makes a promise to Abraham in verses 4-6:

Verses 4-6:

(NLV) “Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This man will not be given what is yours. But he who will come from your own body will be given what is yours.” He took him outside and said, “Now look up into the heavens and add up the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then He said to him, “Your children and your children’s children will be as many as the stars.” Then Abram believed in the Lord, and that made him right with God.”

Essentially, it was God’s will that Abraham have offspring because God had promised it. In verse 6 it says that Abraham then believed what God had told him, and it put him in the correct standing with God. The principle to be gained from verse 6 is that when we hear what God has promised us, and we accept it as His will for our life, then we are in the right position to be blessed by God.

However, we will see later in the book of Genesis that there is a scheme to circumvent God’s original plan for a child. In chapter 16, Abraham laments the position that he is in as it relates to not having an heir. In this chapter, Sarah, Abraham’s wife (whose original name was Sarai) is introduced in verse 1.

It is because of Abraham’s lack of an heir and the fact that Sarah had not borne a child that Sarah decided to come up with her own plan. Chapter 16 indicates that Sarah decided that it would be best for her maid or servant Hagar to bear the child that Abraham and Sarah desired.

Abraham agrees with Sarah, and eventually Hagar gives birth to a child who is named ‘Ishmael.’ Once again, it wasn’t God’s will for Abraham to have an heir through anyone else but his wife Sarah. If you look at chapter 17 in verse 16, God specifically says that a child will be born from Sarah’s womb. However, Abraham hearing God’s promise that he and Sarah would bear a son laughs to himself. Notice the exchange between Abraham and God in verses 17-19:

(NLV) “Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed. He said to himself, “Will a child be born to a man who is 100 years old? Then Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live before You!” But God said, “No, but your wife Sarah will give birth to your son. And you will give him the name Isaac. I will make My agreement with him and for his children after him, an agreement that will last forever. “

The point to be made is that God’s will is not only perfect, but His will can be known if we are truly seeking to please Him. The problem with Abraham and Sarah is that they did not align themselves with God’s will. In their case, it was due to unbelief that God had the supernatural power to grant them a son even as they were both approaching the age of 100.

You and I can understand God’s will for our life by listening to God for His will and His direction. This is what Abraham and Sarah failed to do. While they both heard what God had promised, neither were willing to surrender or adhere to God’s proclamation. Thus, it caused a setback for Sarah and Abraham because they lost time in the process of attempting to solve the problem on their own.

When you desire to know God’s will for your life, you must be willing to obey His commands, which means that you are willing to follow. Regardless of how strange or erroneous God’s will may sound to you, it is imperative to take His word over your own desires. When you do so, you will find that the outcome of your obedience is fruitful and time will not be wasted.

Secondly, you can know God’s will by hearing the voice of others in your life who are operating out of godly wisdom. God will often use others to confirm what His will is for your life. Even in the Bible, there were instances in which an Angel sent from God would deliver a message to a specific individual. Usually, the message concerned the person’s destiny or proclamation that God had spoken over their life. So, there will be times in which God will give prophetic words through someone else, and they may be unlikely.

A final way that we can understand God’s will is through God’s peace. There is peace that surpasses all understanding when we are in His will. Whenever you are doing something outside of God’s will there is conflict. One example in the passage concerning Sarah and Abraham involves Hagar. In verse 4 of chapter 16, the Bible says that when Hagar saw that she was pregnant with Abraham’s child, she began to hate Sarah.

Hagar was Sarah’s servant, but as a result of Hagar’s hatred, Sarah began to defend herself by creating difficult interactions with Hagar. As a result, Hagar eventually left Sarah. The fact is that Sarah and Abraham’s decision created turmoil which meant there was a lack of peace. This was despite the belief that having a child outside of God’s will would solve the problem. So, it is important for those of us who are following Christ, to recognize the peace that comes from being in God’s will but to also recognize potential chaos that occurs when we do anything apart from God.

Overall, we who are in Christ must be willing to seek the Lord and obey His commands so that we are in His will. When we are insistent upon our own way, then the result is usually negative. The lesson that we can take from Sarah and Abraham is to take God at His word and to allow Him to lead us to the appropriate destination.

For those of you who are not in Christ, you are unable to discern what God’s will is for your life. Perhaps you have your own plan and design that you believe to be the best way to live. The unfortunate part is that any plan that you have outside of God’s will does not and will not lead to success. Success defined in Christ is a life that is lead by the Holy Spirit, which means that you are able to live freely under God and have a life filled with joy.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, today is the day to surrender to Christ. Believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross, and accept Jesus as your Lord, and repent of your sins. In doing so, you will gain the first step to knowing what God’s will is for your life.