Tag Archives: Sinfulness

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.

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.

A Call to Repentance and Turning Away from Your Sin

28 Monday Sep 2015

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When it comes to learning, a common method that is often used is ‘repetition.’ The word ‘repetition’ essentially means to repeat a behavior with the end result being a learned trait or behavior. In the educational field, repetition or rehearsal is often used in order to achieve mastery over a certain skill. The mind that God has given us is designed to work within the realm of repeated behavior to learn.

As we do something over and over again, it becomes 2nd nature to us and, as a result, we no longer think it strange to behave in the manner that we learned. It is the constant exposure to a behavior that causes our mindset to change so that what we continue to do is then learned. It then means that certain boundaries that were once in place before the repetitious learning are no longer defensible to one’s mind. Repetition is a lifelong process for learning that obviously begins at our youth. It is this type of education that creates a mode of daily operation in what one has constantly learned to do.

In our world today, the aspect of sin and sinful behavior has taken on an accelerated form of acceptance and even its own lifestyle. We are living in a global society in which ‘anything goes’ which is meant to suggest that one can live as they see fit. Sin and the participation in sin is apart of our nature. This means that a continued lifestyle of sin leads to further sinful behavior because we learn from what we do constantly.

However, Jesus Christ died on the cross for a reason and that was so that you and I could be saved from the penalty of sin. In addition to this, Christ’s sacrifice demands that all who choose, will heed the call to repentance and turn from sinful behavior.

In the book of John chapter 5, Jesus encounters a man at a place called ‘Bethesda’ which is located in Jerusalem. According to verse 5, there was a man who had been lying near a pool and he had been paralyzed for 38 years. The pool was meant to be a place of healing. It is at this point that Jesus asks the man a question:

Verse 6:

(NLV) “Jesus saw him lying there and knew the man had been sick a long time. Jesus said to him,“Would you like to be healed?”

This verse is important to examine because Jesus was asking the man if he wanted to be healed from his condition. When you think about the condition that sin leaves us in, it is a condition that leads to a life of destruction. Sin is what separates us from having a relationship with God, however, it is because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross that we all have a way of escape.

The question that Jesus asks the sick individual suggests that Jesus is offering an alternative to the condition. Of course, it also symbolizes that the sick man has a choice to make.

Verses 7-9:

(NLV) “The sick man said, “Sir, I have no one to put me in the pool when the water is moving. While I am coming, another one gets in first.” Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your bed and walk.” At once the man was healed and picked up his bed and walked. This happened on the Day of Rest.”

Once the man accepts Christ’s offer and he is obedient to the original command to get up, he is immediately healed of his condition. However, there is something else to take note of in verse 14.

(NLV) “Later Jesus found the man who had been healed in the house of God. He said to him, “Listen! You have been healed. Stop sinning or something worse will come to you.””

Not only does Jesus offer a change in the man’s condition but He says “Stop sinning or something worse will come to you.” Other translations of the Bible use the words “Go and sin no more.” Why does Jesus tell this individual not to sin anymore and why does He warn him that if he does that something worse will happen to him? It is clear that the man who had been stricken with paralysis had sinned in his past which caused his condition. It is unclear as to what sin he had committed, but the fact that Jesus tells him not to sin anymore suggests that Jesus knew that his condition was a result of his sin.

In the world that we live in today, many believe that you can seek forgiveness from God and continue to sin as you please. However, just as Jesus made a call for the sick individual to be healed from his condition, Jesus is making the same call to many today. That call is one of repentance. Many are now adhering to the message of ‘God is love’ which is absolutely true. God is a God of love and He wants us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

However, what this teaching or message lacks is the other part which is that God is a God who expects us to be Holy and to abstain from sin. Since God is Holy then we are to be Holy as 1 Peter 1:16 says. Satan desires that we remain in the condition of sin because he understands that we cannot fully please God or have a relationship with Him while we are in our sin. Deception has been infused into our world system and it has even crept into many churches.

God is calling us to repentance which means that He wants us to ask Him to forgive us of our sins. True repentance means that there is an acknowledgment of wrongdoing. However, that is not where repentance ends. The 2nd part to repentance is to actively turn away from your sin and not to return to it. Jesus told the paralyzed individual not to sin again because if he did he would experience worse consequences.

The message of Jesus Christ is both one of redemption but also a call to holiness. The point of being changed from one’s condition isn’t to go back to what was once detestable and sinful, however, it is to commit oneself to the aversion of sin. Even those who do not believe in God believe that the sin that they live in will not and does not equal consequences. However, if you look at the world around us you can see the consequences that exist.

Turning away from your sin is not only beneficial because you will avoid further consequences, but it shows an allegiance and a love for God. At the end of the day, God wants us to choose Him and to love Him with all of our heart. It is the avoidance and remittance of sin that shows God how much we love Him. Truly following Christ involves living in holiness and adhering to God’s Word.

The common argument is that none of us are perfect and that we all sin. This statement is a fact in that none of us are perfect. However, more often than not this is used as an excuse to continue in sin and to take advantage of God’s grace. Another issue is that many would rather not be told that they are in danger of going to Hell because of their sin. Many believe that to be condemnation. However, it would be far worse not to hold each person to God’s standard of holiness by allowing sin to run rampant in the life of a believer or even a non-believer.

Jesus Christ does not offer condemnation, but He offers eternal life. The only way to achieve eternal life is to accept Christ’s sacrifice, repent of your sin and to turn from it. Even those of us who are in Christ must actively pursue holiness because it is what God requires. We as humans will never be perfect in our endeavors, but God does not expect those who are called to live sinfully with the assumption that it is permissible to sin and yet claim allegiance unto God.

The more you love God with all of your being, the less you will desire to sin which means even when you falter it is less likely that you will go back to the same sin. Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? The process for salvation starts at acknowledging that you are a sinner and that you need salvation. Secondly, you must believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord. Then you must turn from your sin and seek God in daily prayer, reading His Word, and connecting with other believers in the faith. Today is the day to heed the call to repentance and to turn from your sin.

Death by Pride – The Consequences of Ignoring Your Sin

14 Monday Sep 2015

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Have you ever given someone a piece of advice that would have proven to be beneficial and yet the individual scoffed and ignored your words? If so, you might have noticed that at some point the individual who chose to ignore you ended up in a situation that would have been avoided had they listened to your advice. It is the ignorance of a matter that often causes much of the blunders in our lives and even throughout our world. Time and time again, there are warnings that resound in our life and yet such warnings are not taken seriously.

The reason why is because of the element called ‘pride.’ Pride in its most basic definition is the disposition of self-sufficiency. It is to hold to the belief that you know what is best rather than seeing another person’s point of view. In our world today, the element of pride has taken root, more so now than ever. We live in a world in which the very essence of existence is now surrounded by secular humanism or better known as ‘human pride.’ If you look at various television commercials, you will notice that there has been an increase in the rise of human innovation with a focus on technology.

Essentially this means, many are now looking within themselves for inventive ideas rather than recognizing that we as humans do not have the intellectual capacity to do or invent without the direction and power of God. In the book of Proverbs chapter 16, the topic of pride is addressed. Throughout the book of Proverbs, pride and Godly wisdom are mentioned multiple times because King Solomon who was the writer of Proverbs, wanted the reader to understand that a life that is ruled by pride rather than wisdom is a life that is destined for failure.

Proverbs chapter 16 verses 1-5 says the following:

(NLV) “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the thoughts of the heart. Trust your work to the Lord, and your plans will work out well. The Lord has made all things for His own plans, even the sinful for the day of trouble. Everyone who is proud in heart is a shame to the Lord. For sure, that one will be punished.”

In this scripture, the first thing we can extract is that we as humans suffer from pride because it is within our very nature. In the first part of verse 2 King Solomon says “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes” which is meant to suggest that naturally because of our sinful nature, we are more self-reliant rather than reliant upon God. So, in the very heart of you and I is where pride exists. However, it is through the remission of sin and acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice that our prideful nature is altered.

When you and I make the decision to surrender our life unto God through Christ, we are laying down our pride and our own way of living. If you look at our world you can see the consequences which are born out of pride. Many see their way of living as ‘pure’ just as the scripture says in Proverbs chapter 16. Essentially, many ignore their sin because they are spiritually blind to their sin in addition to being resistant to the spiritual things of God.

The lawlessness and the consequences that come with an abundance of sin is based on humanity’s willingness to embrace human pride. If you read further into Proverbs chapter 16 you will see that there is evidence of what happens when pride reigns in the life of a person who chooses not to submit to God.

Verse 5:

(NLV) “Everyone who is proud in heart is a shame to the Lord. For sure, that one will be punished.”

Another translation of the Bible which is the English Standard Version (ESV) uses the word ‘abomination’ rather than shame. In God’s view, it is abominable or shameful for we as humans to operate in our own pride. The reason is because pride is rooted in selfishness which means that God does not have the freedom to reign in our lives. Pride is one of the many sins that were passed down from Adam & Eve unto us as we were born into this world. It is the person who is prideful who does not repent before God. They believe that their actions are not sinful but rather their actions are in purity.

However, our world shows us the very things that occur when each generation operates in blatant un-repentance and pride. Why is it that there is so much gun violence that is occurring in America? Why is it that countries around the world are experiencing governmental upheaval and economic uncertainty? One of the main symptoms is human pride. There is such a concentration on how ‘we’ as humans can build our own empires and solve our own problems.

However, every time we think that we can operate separately from God it becomes a reality that not only is God displeased with us, but that He leaves us to our own devices which usually means demise. King Solomon says that the person who is proud is the person who will meet punishment from God. Another verse confirms this notion.

Verse 18:

(NLV) “Pride comes before being destroyed and a proud spirit comes before a fall.”

The ultimate ending for a person who is prideful and ignores their sin is destruction. There are many who are given the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior, and yet they ignore the call of God unto Himself through repentance. It is the proud person who says, ‘I am a good person.’ or ‘What I do isn’t that bad.’ However, the actions and words of a person can tell you just what is in their heart. Many have forsaken the ways of the Lord in exchange for their sinfulness. Most don’t want anyone to tell them how to live their own life. Many want to be unaccountable, but the truth is, on the day of judgment, God will give every person what they deserve.

However, you have an opportunity to avoid the penalty that comes with living in sin. Verse 6 of Proverbs chapter 16 says,

(NLV) “Sin has been paid for by loving-kindness and truth. The fear of the Lord keeps one away from sin.”

King Solomon says that your sin and my sin has already been paid for by God’s loving-kindness and His truth. The way that this has occurred is through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross is sufficient to remove the stain of your sin, however, you must be willing to take God’s way out to be saved. Secondly, there must be a fear of the Lord. ‘Fear’ also means reverence in this context. Many (even those who claim Christianity) continue to operate in sinful behavior because they don’t fear God.

Without a reverential disposition towards God then you will believe that your own standard is what brings salvation and the solution to life’s problems. However, God wants you and I to come to Him to lay down our pride. The term ‘death by pride’ essentially means that both a spiritual and physical destruction result from a life steeped in pride. If you don’t believe that it can happen to you, simply peer through the windows of our society and notice how immoral and godless humanity has become. In fact, if you decide to reject God’s decrees and embrace a prideful stance, then you will personally see the negative results.

Humanity has become its own undoing, however, the solution is Jesus Christ. If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior, today is the day to relinquish your pride. God wants to know you and He wants to be your lifeline through Christ in these uncertain times. Pride runs rampant in our society, but the remedy to such pride is to bow down in humility before Jesus Christ. Only in doing so will you experience true freedom and the answer to life’s challenges.

The Open Door to Sin – What Happens When a Nation is Godless?

20 Thursday Aug 2015

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ID-10023038When you look at an open door what comes to your mind? Most would probably think of an open door as a way out. An open door can signify the exit from one place to another. However, if you think about an open door, it also signifies an entrance into another room or an establishment. Where there is an open door it means that there is a probability that someone may enter through the doorway. The individual who enters may or may not have permission, however, the open door provides an opportunity for all to enter uninhibited.

It is often that an open door can pose a security risk to a residence or an establishment. As long as the building in question does not have security on the premises then the open door leaves everyone within the building and any associated property in a vulnerable state. The key to eliminating theft of personal or public property or even potential injury is to close the door to the outside. It is then appropriate to lock the door to ensure that no one without appropriate access can enter. Doing so secures the establishment and all who reside within it.

If you were to turn on your local, national or international news channel, you may ask yourself the question, ‘What in the world is going on?’ Every day there are a myriad of examples that point to the door that has been left open to the abundance sin. Various nations within our world have essentially approved of a Godless style of living. World leaders and their governments are not seeking God’s will as it relates to domestic or foreign policy. Rather they are seeking human means to accomplish agendas that are not possible without divine intervention.

In the book of Isaiah chapter 9, we see one of the many moments in which Israel is given a prophetic judgment. Isaiah was one of many prophets who spoke to Israel concerning sin and the eventual judgment that God would bring. Here is what Isaiah says to the people of Israel:

Verses 8-10:

(NLT) “The Lord has spoken out against Jacob; his judgment has fallen upon Israel. And the people of Israel and Samaria, who spoke with such pride and arrogance, will soon know it. They said, “We will replace the broken bricks of our ruins with finished stone, and replant the felled sycamore-fig trees with cedars.”

Verses 11-13: 

(NLT) “But the Lord will bring Rezin’s enemies against Israel and stir up all their foes. The Syrians from the east and the Philistines from the west will bare their fangs and devour Israel. But even then the Lord’s anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike. For after all this punishment, the people will still not repent. They will not seek the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”

The first thing to notice in verses 9 and 10 is that the people of Israel were showing pride or arrogance. In verse 10 the people of Israel are self-confident about rebuilding their surroundings and replanting what they had previously. Essentially, they were busy doing what they desired in their own human strength rather than submitting themselves to God. That is the same disposition much of humanity has today.

Many within our world today have adopted the secular humanist mindset of doing everything without a supreme authority. The secular humanist does not believe in God nor will he/she acknowledge His existence because they believe in human willpower.  As a result of such arrogance, those who believe in their own intellect and ability are utterly rejected and destroyed by God.

Going back to the scripture, notice what occurs in verses 11-13. Isaiah prophesies that Israel’s enemies will return to destroy them for their arrogance and rejection toward God. Verse 13 says that the people of Israel would not repent nor would they seek the Lord. Essentially they did what many have and continue to do today and that is that they have chosen not to repent of their sins.

Verses 14-17: 

(NLT) “Therefore, in a single day the Lord will destroy both the head and the tail, the noble palm branch, and the lowly reed. The leaders of Israel are the head, and the lying prophets are the tail. For the leaders of the people have misled them. They have led them down the path of destruction. That is why the Lord takes no pleasure in the young men and shows no mercy even to the widows and orphans. For they are all wicked hypocrites, and they all speak foolishness.”

Notice that in verse 16 Isaiah says that the leaders of Israel have misled the population toward destruction. Even in verse 17, Isaiah says that the Lord was displeased with the young men of Israel because of their wickedness and foolish speaking. Verses 19-20 will help us to extract the principles concerning what happens when a nation is Godless.

(NLT) “The land will be blackened by the fury of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The people will be fuel for the fire, and no one will spare even his own brother. They will attack their neighbor on the right but will still be hungry. They will devour their neighbor on the left but will not be satisfied. In the end, they will even eat their own children.” 

Based on all of these verses from Isaiah chapter 9 here are a couple of things that occur when a nation is Godless:

1. Self-destruction – Verses 19-20 point to the very things that would occur to the nation of Israel at that time.  It was because of their sinfulness and arrogance that Israel would essentially commit mass genocide.  That is what is occurring today. Television anchors, news analysts, and even the common viewer seem to be in a quandary as it relates to how it is that so much unrest and violence could erupt worldwide.  The answer is in humanity’s Godlessness.

For example, recently in America there has been a massive spark in criminal activity. Various cities have seen an increase in crime which includes a massive uptick in gun violence. Why is America witnessing so much violence? The answer is in the fact that America as a whole has chosen to forgo godly principles while instead embracing the concept of secular humanism. Our global population is paying the price for an outright rejection of God’s decrees. Basically, many nations are suffering from self-destruction because of a refusal to submit unto God. Isaiah says in verse 20 “In the end they will even eat their own children.” How often do we see such a massive amount of genocide among humanity? It has become the norm in our world. 

2. Corrupt leadership – The passage of Isaiah chapter 9 also points to what occurs when sinfulness and pride becomes the culture within a nation. Verse 16 mentions that the leadership in Israel had misled the people. Today we see what happens when global leaders are corrupt in their very nature. Many of them have sold out to their national currency for the sake of political power and fame.  As a result, the people who they rule over end up in a place of hurt and poverty.

A leader who is corrupt and lacks the fear of God is a leader who leads his/her nation to destruction.  This in turn will cause an instability in each country’s population which means that more tensions between domestic governments and civilians will take place. The result of any nation that denies God’s existence or His principles will be that of economic and social chaos. Day by day we can see our world unraveling before our eyes because of those who are in authority and their unwillingness to submit unto a Holy God.

The bottom line is that a nation that embraces sin is a nation that leaves the door open to demonic spirits to have control. Why is it that mass shootings and terrorist attacks are always blamed on ‘mental health issues?’ The issue is much deeper than what the media tells you. There are evil spirits that satan uses to capture the heart and mind of any person who is open to rejecting God’s will.

All of the violence and confusion that we see is a direct result of a world that has balked at God’s order. While there are still Christians who will refuse to follow after what this society has set in place, the majority of those in sin are making a decision that is proving to be destructive. What is the answer to all of the chaos?

The only answer is Jesus Christ. If you don’t know Jesus then you won’t be able to traverse through these dangerous times.  While the End Times are here and there are many signs of Christ’s coming, Jesus is still the answer for a broken world. Accept Christ in the confession of your sins and believe in your heart that He is Lord. When you do so your eyes will be illuminated to the very sin and depravity of a wicked world. Your eyes will also be opened to see the glory of God Almighty.

The Coming Judgment of God (Part 2) – Preparing Yourself Spiritually

19 Wednesday Aug 2015

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Full Size ImageThunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and even snow storms are a normal part of the natural occurrence of weather patterns. Each year, we can see both the beauty and the severity that exists as it relates to active weather scenarios. With each storm that approaches there is also the personal responsibility of everyone who will be affected to prepare and prepare adequately. Storms that are severe can and often impose hazardous conditions to those within range.

Thus, it is paramount that anyone who is warned of a looming storm prepare before it actually occurs. Lack of preparation will only lead to a disaster which could mean suffering minor or major injuries or even losing your life. Natural disaster mitigation has become more important than ever before due to the increase in the severity of weather patterns.

Spiritually speaking you and I must prepare ourselves before the judgment of God falls upon the nation that we live in. It is a fact that all nations will be judged by God at some point. In the book of Psalms chapter 9, the Psalmist David is actually giving adoration unto God for the judgment that He gives. Many of the Psalms which were written by David are songs of praise for the attributes and even the many acts that God had done for David in his life.

In chapter 9, David starts in verses 1-2 by giving praise:

(NLV) “I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart. I will tell of all the great things You have done. I will be glad and full of joy because of You. I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.”

Verses 3-6:

(NLV) “When those who hate me turn away, they fall and are lost from You. For You have stood by my right actions. You sit on Your throne and are right in how You judge. You have spoken sharp words to the nations and have destroyed the sinful. You have thrown out their name forever and ever.”

It is clear in verses 3-5 that David found himself in conflict with those who were considered to be his enemies. In Psalm 109, David prayed for the destruction of those who hated him or were against him. However, in Psalm 9, notice that the word ‘judge’ is used. This word is used to indicate that God is the ultimate judge over each person. This means that ultimately God will have the final say over every life and every nation.

Verses 6-8:

(NLV) “Those who fight against You are finished forever. You have destroyed their cities. They will be remembered no more. But the Lord lives forever. He has set up His throne to say who is guilty or not. He will punish the world by what is right. He will be fair as He rules the people.”

These verses point to the fact that God has and will judge the world. David says that God “will punish the world by what is right.” which means that any nation or any person who is not following God’s decrees or His will, will find themselves in a state of punishment as it relates to the wrath of God. As mentioned in part 1 of the topic of the coming of God’s judgment, there will be a day in which God’s judgment will fall.  Sin cannot continue without a penalty. David made it clear that God’s judgment during His time of living was one of fairness and swift punishment against all who rejected God in His righteousness.

If you look at our world today, there are many signs of the coming judgment that God will bring. Various acts of violence occur daily in addition to blatant examples of God’s decrees being rejected by the masses.  The truth is that we are living in a world that is godless.  It doesn’t mean that those who God has called out of darkness do not exist. However, the majority have decided to embrace wickedness and a lifestyle that is open to sinful behavior. Even with the monumental evidence pointing in a direction of accepted sinfulness, there are things that you and I can do to prepare for the coming wrath of God.

1. Ensure that you are truly in Christ – To be found in Christ is the safest place that you can be during a time of disaster.  Scripture makes it clear that everyone who engages in pride and a rejection of God’s authority will be judged and taken down.  Isaiah 2:12 says the following:

(KJV) “For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon everyone that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:”

However, in order to avoid calamity, you and I must find ourselves in a position of surrender unto Christ. You can think of being in a relationship with Jesus as being in a bunker or a cellar during a time of destruction. A bunker is a place in which you can hide during a time of a nuclear explosion. The purpose of a bunker is to shield those who are confined within it from the chemical elements and explosions that would be a result from chemical warfare. If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior, you are living in a life of sin and you are vulnerable to God’s judgment.  By finding yourself in Him, you will escape the penalty of a life that will be judged by God rather harshly.

2. Know what the signs of the times are – The truth is that we are living in the End Times. The End Times represent the active scenarios that will take place before Jesus Christ returns for those who have accepted Him as Lord & Savior.  The book of Matthew chapter 24 is a passage of scripture that points to many of the signs that would occur on Earth just before Jesus Christ will return. Many of the signs have taken place such as Earthquakes in many places, in addition to wars and rumors of wars.  Another such sign is the increase in wickedness which is stated in 2 Timothy 3:2.

The point is that we are seeing an escalation in the sinfulness of humanity in addition to increasing tragedies that are occurring daily. What you see on your local, national and international news networks are many signs which are pointing to the End Times. It is important that you and I are aware of the signs so that we are not caught unprepared when Christ returns. 1 Peter 4:7 says to be sober or aware so that you can be watchful and praying. We are to be mindful of the times that we live in and we are to be prayerful about our world and our very lives.

3. Know God’s Voice and know His truth – It is incumbent upon every person who desires to prepare before God’s judgment comes to know God’s voice and His truth. Knowing God’s voice comes by spending time with Him in prayer and in worship. It is the same as building a relationship with a person. The more you communicate and have a relationship, the more you will know the person’s voice or habits. God speaks in various ways but by spending time with Him you are then aware of His voice. God may be speaking to your heart and He may be urging you to deviate from your daily routine which may one day save your life.

Having a firm sense of when God is speaking and what He is saying will be vital during these times. Discerning His voice and knowing what He commands can be a difference in what happens to you and what you may avoid as a result. Knowing God’s Word will also help you to avoid the deception that satan proposes to us daily. If you don’t have a clear understanding of what God’s Word says and how to apply it, then you will fall for the lies of the world.

The fact is that God’s judgment is coming and it is coming soon. While you and I do not know exactly when the next wave of God’s judgment will fall, I can tell you that the day is sooner than not. God has already promised in various parts of the Bible that anyone who rejects His authority will be taken down by His righteous judgment. Every nation that approves of sinful behavior will be met with destruction. The judgment of God isn’t an easy topic to discuss, but it must be shared with the masses.

Every day there are many examples of how close we are coming to the judgment of God. It is only a matter of time before He reveals His wrath on every nation and person who is not found in Him. Will you be prepared for what is coming? If you don’t know Jesus Christ, today is the best day that you can accept His sacrifice. Find your safety in Jesus Christ and avoid the wrath of God’s judgment.

The Coming Judgment of God (Part 1)

14 Friday Aug 2015

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ID-10036968If you have ever watched or even participated in the sport of surfing, you would have noticed that to surf you must endure considerable sized waves from the ocean. A skilled surfer can navigate through the water by employing various techniques in order to ride through waves as they rise and thrash around. However, there are also times in which surfing can be a challenging sport.

Even the most skilled of surfers can encounter waves that are so grandiose that they are unable to maintain stability.  As a result, the wave begins to overcome the individual by completely submerging the surfer underneath the swell of the wave. In some cases, it can be deadly and dangerous to experience a gigantic wave that has the capacity to overpower your very efforts to remain balanced. That is because of the wave’s sheer force which supplants even the most experienced of surfers. Regardless of how much experience a surfer may have, there are moments when he/she is not a match for the magnitude that a raging wave can bring.

The same concept can be applied spiritually in that there will be a day in which all of humanity will see God’s judgment on display. The analogy of a tidal wave represents the judgment of God. Basically, many are in their sin and ignoring the coming wrath and judgment that God will bring. In this context, the reference to God’s judgment is not concerning our individual judgment when you and I will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. The judgment that I am referring to is the wrath that God will display towards every nation that has rejected Him.

In the book of Amos chapter 5, there is yet another example of the people of Israel being judged because of their sins. It is important to note that although God has always had a covenant with the people of Israel, they were not exempt from being judged whenever they forsook God to engage in idolatry and disobedience. Amos was one of the many prophets in the Bible who prophesied against Israel by delivering the message of judgment that God had spoken.

In chapter 5 of the book of Amos, Amos is seen giving a call to repentance as it relates to the people of Israel. As it was many times before, the people of Israel had strayed away from God by turning to foreign gods and to sinful behavior.  Each time they did this they were judged harshly with various consequences.  According to this scripture in Amos, the people of Israel were essentially encouraged to turn back to God rather than continuing in their idolatry.

Verses 1-3:

(NLV) “Hear this word, O people of Israel, this song of sorrow which I sing for you: “The young pure woman Israel has fallen, and she will not rise again. She is left alone on her land. There is no one to raise her up.” For the Lord God says, “The city of Israel that sends out a thousand soldiers will have a hundred left. And the one that sends out a hundred will have ten left.” 

Verses 4-5:

(NLV) “The Lord says to the people of Israel, “Look for Me and live. But do not look for Bethel. Do not go to Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba. For the people of Gilgal will be taken away to a strange land, and Bethel will come to nothing.”

It is important to note that in these verses Amos is speaking to the reality of what Israel had become spiritually. Gilgal, Beersheba, and Bethel were all places that the people of Israel had committed idolatry.  Basically, idols and graven images had been erected in those places but as Amos prophesied, the places where idol worship had taken place would be no more.  Amos urges those in Israel to look to God so that they can live. Essentially, this was the final plea of Amos for those in their sin to turn to God rather than remaining in their disobedience.

Verses 6-7:

(NLV) “Look for the Lord and live, or He will break out like fire in the family of Joseph. It will destroy, and no one in Bethel will be able to stop it. You turn what is right into something bitter. You throw what is right and good down to the earth.”

Amos says that if they continue to reject God that God will destroy them as a fire destroys. Notice also verse 7 in which Amos says, “You turn what is right into something bitter. You throw what is right and good down to the earth.” If you look at all of the chaos and unrest that is occurring within our world today, it is a symptom of an underlying problem which is sinfulness. Just as this scripture points to the sins that the people of Israel were committing, many in our world are doing the same.  

Various laws are being passed worldwide which no longer provide a sanctity for life nor are they based on the foundation of God and His righteousness. Essentially, humanity has turned what is considered to be right or just into as Amos says “something bitter.” Even in verses 10-11, the people of Israel rejected the truth of God or anyone who spoke it. That is what many have done throughout our world. Many have chosen to deny the truth of God only to live by their own standard of truth. When this happens, there is a price to pay which is that of God’s righteous judgment.

In chapter 8 of Amos, the judgment of Israel is further predicted which eventually occurs later in chapter 9.  In chapter 8, Amos has a dream with the symbolism of a basket of fruit.  Here is what Amos says in verses 1-3:

(NLV) “This is what the Lord God showed me: There was a basket of summer fruit. And the Lord said, “What do you see, Amos?” I said, “A basket of summer fruit.” Then the Lord said to me, “The end has come for My people Israel. I will not change My mind again about punishing them. The songs of the king’s house will become loud cries of sorrow on that day,” says the Lord God. “There will be many dead bodies. In every place, they will be thrown out without a word.”

Looking at this scripture it is clear that the end of the people of Israel had come. God declared in verse 2 “I will not change My mind again about punishing them.” It came to a point in which God was so displeased that He had seen enough of the sin.  There will come a day for every nation and person who rejects God that their time will be cut short. If America and other foreign countries insist on instituting societies of blatant sinfulness, then there will be a day of reckoning.  Just as Israel received its judgment at that time, every nation that rejects God will also receive the judgment that it is due. 

The final part to notice are verses 11-12 which says:

(NLV) “The days are coming,” says the Lord God, “when I will send a time upon the land when the people will be very hungry. They will not be hungry for bread or thirsty for water, but they will be hungry to hear the Words of the Lord. People will go from sea to sea, and from the north to the east. They will go from place to place to look for the Word of the Lord, but they will not find it.”

Essentially, God declared that there would be a day in which the people of Israel would find themselves searching to hear from God, but they would hear nothing in return. The reason is because of the disobedience and rejection that the people of Israel engaged in. They were so steeped in their traditions and sinful behavior that they rejected the very God who had given them commands and even provided for them years earlier. So, since they made the choice to reject God, God decided that he would not speak to the people of Israel.

If you look at it in today’s context, our world is in a similar position.  God is speaking to us daily through people and various signs of the End Times. However, the majority are continuing to ignore what God has spoken.  As a result, there will come a day in which it will be too late to make amends for the sinfulness that has occurred.  The people of Israel were cast down for their disobedience.

God does not and will not tolerate the blatant sinfulness that is so prominent in our world today. There will be a time in which the hand of God will be completely removed. God’s grace is still hovering over our nations to a degree, but the more sinfulness that we engage in the further back his grace is removed. Now is the time for you and I to heed the call of God before His judgment falls.

If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior, today is a great day to give your life to Christ.  Our world continues to grow worse, but there is still hope.  Jesus Christ is the hope of the Earth. It is up to you to decide where your life will be found. Ony in Christ will you find safety.