BIBLICAL DOCTRINE vs. LONG–HELD TRADITION

“You are like a building that was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.  Christ Jesus himself is the most important stone in the building and that whole building is joined together in Christ.  He makes it grow and become a holy temple in the Lord.  And in Christ you, too, are being built together with the Jews into a place where God lives through the Spirit.”  ~ Ephesians 2:20-22

Valley of Dry Bones

 

Daily I read God’s Word and daily I am grieved all the more at what has become of the Church.  Let me propose a question: What has become of the Church Christ built?  I have great joy in knowing that the Church He established is stronger than ever, but it’s not what the natural eye would perceive to be.  Jesus said the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church that He establishes.  He said that upon the confession of who He is would His Church be built (Matt. 16:18).   

So what do I mean by the Church not being perceived with the natural eye?  The Church that Christ has established is not an assembling of a couple of hundred people or the large building you see as you zip by on the street.  It’s not that televangelist channel you faithful watch, nor is it that revival or popular crusade you attend that is the Church Christ established and is building.  No, the Church is much more.  Jesus said He would be the one to build His Church (Matt. 16:18).  The New Testament Church is the spiritually transformed body of believers, body meaning the total sum.  Jesus spent 40 days continuing to give instructions and commands after His resurrection.  His last command was to MAKE DISCIPLES – not just evangelize (Matthew 28:16-30).  

My minor grief comes from the fact that most “churches” today are lopsided in their mission.  Fewer and fewer are devoted to fulfilling the Great Commission.  They spend more time talking about the manifesting gifts of the Holy Spirit, being volunteer-oriented,  seeking prosperity or doing mission trips (short & long term).  But the greater problem is being overlooked.  There are very few who are dedicated to obeying Christ in His Word.  Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:14-16).  It can not all be put on the elders of the churches for the lack of obedience, as the true Word of God is available to all.  There however is a greater standard for those who would desire to lead (James 3:1-12).  Unfortunately, there is a plaguing trend amongst the churches to teach opinions and traditions rather than biblical doctrine – Sound Doctrine. 

As churches seek to increase their numbers with programs and flashy services, they lean more and more to a Seeker-friendly establishment rather than being a part of the Church Jesus is building.  There is a failure to trust the Lord to take care of what He started.  It is as if to say that God can not handle growing what He began.  Do not act shocked at that last saying.  Pastors and church leaders are doing it all over the place, teaching their opinions with smooth words that entice and comfort the flesh of man (1 Thess. 2).  As a result, congregations, by the truck loads, hang on to LONG TRADITIONS, never seeking for themselves biblical SOUND DOCTRINE (Matthew 6:19-21).  If you listen to people talk about what they do know of the Scriptures, you hear of beliefs long held because they were taught by their pastors, youth leaders, and their parents, but there rarely is ever any SOUND DOCTRINE involved.  Do you know why you believe what you believe?  Do you see yourself as God sees you or are you still claiming to be a part of the world by your words and actions? 

Traditions can be a valuable part of our lives.  They do have their place.  But they are only “lasting” to God when they are rooted and controlled by SOUND DOCTRINE.  Is what you believe in God’s written Word?  Are your traditions from a biblical heritage or are you on auto-pilot?  When will we receive all that comes in the free gift giving by Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection?  When will we let go of our family traditions and take the opportunity to go to our heavenly Father for guidance in His traditions.  This day choose who you will serve – The way of LONG-HELD TRADTIONS or God’s SOUND DOCTRINE.  

Speak in faith, walk in faith, know the Word of God and be transformed in your life by the renewing of your mind – that only comes from knowing Jesus, God the Son, personally – not from afar with man-made traditions.  Be blessed this thanksgiving and set your mind on things above.  Today, if you are in Christ, you are a new creature…the old has gone away, the new has come.

Valley of Dry Bones

Valley of Dry Bones

BELIEVE IT ALL OR NOT AT ALL

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine (teaching), for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 

I have had the disappointing privilege of meeting numerous people claiming to be Christians/ believers of God/ followers of Christ, who do not take the Bible as complete literal truth.  They say that some parts are not to be taken literally, but then I read Scriptures like the opening passage and grow sad for them.  My first thought is to ask them, well, what do you think about yourself in relation to God?  This is important and detrimental to understanding if one is of Christ or not.  Either you BELIEVE IT ALL OR NOT AT ALL.  This is to preachers as much as the congregations of your churches.

So here’s the question.  Do you believe the Bible literally or not?  Better yet, do you even have a true understanding of God’s Word to be able to make a valid case for why you do not read the Bible in its full context to be taking literally?  Jesus validated the Old Testament Scriptures quoting them numerous times as He taught those who were listening.  Before you decide to take issue with me on this, understand that this is not my original thought or question.  You would have to take your resistant heart up with Christ.  Read below and decide for yourself. 

“If god were your Father, you would love me, because I came from God and I am here.  For I didn’t come on My own, but He sent Me.  Why don’t you understand what I say?  Because you cannot listen to My word.  You are of your father the Devil, and you want to carry our your father’s desires.  He was a murderer from the beginning and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in Him.  When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of liars.  Yet because I tell you the truth, you do not believe Me.  Who among you can convict Me sin?  If I tell the truth, why don’t you believe Me?  The one who is from God listens to God’s words.  This is why you don’t listen, because you are not from God.”  ~ Jesus (John 8:42-47)

Stakes of the Enemy Rise

Jesus said, if you’ve done it to the least of these, you’ve done it unto Me.  (Matthew 25:39-41)

Betrayal – when I seek my benefit or my protection at the expense of one that I have a convenant relationship with.  When push comes to shove, if I choose me over the other person, it is an ultimate abandonment of that relationship (John 15:13). 

Because we are living in the last days, Satan is raising the stakes.  The threat of his very existence is real and sure.  His days are numbered, and anything he can do to carry out the evil of his heart he will be tried.  If you look around you, in the newspapers, on the TV, there is constant reporting of the wickness that increasingly plagues this world.  From the onset, the devil has sought to destroy mankind.  Why?  Because of the value that God has been placed on your life.  What is that value?  The very life of Christ (John 3:15-18).

When a mother has had a traumatic experience and is now in the hospital for an emergency birth, the doctor walks in the waiting room to the father.  He gives the undesired, unthinkable, gut wrenching news that there are complications that have brought them to a difficult cross in the roads.  The father is asked to make a choice of which life to save, because only one will make it.  The father now has to choose between the love of his life or the baby he has never met.  How is he to make such a choice?  He rushes to the bedside of his best friend as tears stream down his face.  He can’t imagine life the way it is at this very moment.  Gasping to get the words out, he asks his wife what to do.  She stares at him with eyes of sadness for the pain that she sees in his face.  As she shakes her head head, she whispers, “I choose him.”  The father quietly closes his eyes in disbelief as his mouth quivers.  For seven months they have planned for the day that their baby boy would come into the world.  He looks to the doctor and asks, “What do I do?”  The doctor just stares back with no words.  The husband looks back at his wife and says these words: “Life is not for rent.  You can’t just check out when you want.  Only the Lord has the right to give life and to take it away.  Baby, pray with me please.”  He takes her hand and they begin to pray.  As they are praying she softly says, “I love you.  Take care of our son and tell him what a blessing he is.  Let me go so he can live.  I’m fine and you will be too.  You will heal.  You know it.”  He opens his eyes and asks her not to go.  She pulls him closely and whispers, “Only God has the right to give life and to take it away.  This is not goodbye.  It’s I’ll see you soon.”  He quickly replies in tears, “I’ll see you soon baby.”….

Five years later, three kids are playing on a playground.  A little girl falls and scrapes her knee.  As she begins to cry, the other two little boys run to help her up.  One of the little boys says, “You’re fine.  Get up and stop crying.”  The other little boy says, “He’s right.  My dad always tells me, ‘You’ll be fine and you’ll heal.”  He helps her up and then he runs to his dad who awaits him.  His dad smiles and asks him, “Do you know who told me the same thing?”  The little boy replies, “My mom who gave her life so I could live.” 

The point is that God has done the same thing for all of mankind.  As much as He loves His Son, he was willing to let Him go to save our lives.   Christ laid down His life for you, and He took it back up to guarantee you a life of eternity with God one day.  From the onset, the devil has sought to steal, kill and destroy you.  Why?  Because of the value that has been placed on your life.  Satan has already lost the war, but the battles still rage.  Your value is priceless.  The stakes of the enemy have been raised, but you’re not for sale.  Trust Christ.  He chose youv(Ephesians 1:1-12).  If you don’t know Him, He still knows you and is calling you to Him.  Today, go with God and never look back.  The stakes ofthe enemy rise, but Jesus will never betray you (2 Timothy 2:11-13).

CROSS BATTLE IN SUPREME COURTS

Sharp debate at high court over cross on US land

NOTE:  I wanted to share this because the general public doesn’t know about these type of issues that are being presented that threaten so many future rights that we take for granted.  Read it, know it for yourself and visit the ACLJ.org website if you want to know how you can help.  God warned about these times throughout the Bible.  Specifically, read 2 Timothy 3:1-5 to see some specifics that you can not deny are becoming more and more common today.  You don’t have to believe in God to see that what He has said is true.

Battle for the Mojave Cross

By MARK SHERMAN, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – As the Supreme Court weighed a dispute over a religious symbol on public land Wednesday, Justice Antonin Scalia was having difficulty understanding how some people might feel excluded by a cross that was put up as a memorial to soldiers killed in World War I.

“It’s erected as a war memorial. I assume it is erected in honor of all of the war dead,” Scalia said of the cross that the Veterans of Foreign Wars built 75 years ago atop an outcropping in the Mojave National Preserve. “What would you have them erect?…Some conglomerate of a cross, a Star of David, and you know, a Muslim half moon and star?”

Peter Eliasberg, the American Civil Liberties Union lawyer arguing the case, explained that the cross is the predominant symbol of Christianity and commonly used at Christian grave sites, not that the devoutly Catholic Scalia needed to be told that.

“I have been in Jewish cemeteries,” Eliasberg continued. “There is never a cross on a tombstone of a Jew.”

There was mild laughter in the packed courtroom, but not from Scalia.

“I don’t think you can leap from that to the conclusion that the only war dead that that cross honors are the Christian war dead. I think that’s an outrageous conclusion,” Scalia said, clearly irritated by the exchange.

The court is considering whether the cross’ presence on the land violates the Constitution, despite Congress’ decision to transfer the land on which the cross sits to private ownership.

Scalia made plain his view of the case, strongly suggesting that he sees no problem with the cross at all. By contrast, lower federal courts did find a constitutional violation and were not persuaded that the land transfer fixed the problem.

The cross has been covered with plywood for the past several years following the court rulings. Court papers describe the cross as being 5 feet to 8 feet tall.

Although Scalia’s take on the dispute seemed clear, the case appeared to diminish in importance as the hourlong argument continued.

Rather than serve as a statement about the separation of church and state or even how people get past the courthouse door to challenge religious symbols on government land, the case could end up focused narrowly on the land transfer.

Even on that issue, the court appeared divided between conservatives and liberals.

Several conservative justices seemed open to the Obama administration’s argument that Congress’ decision to transfer to private ownership the land on which the cross sits ends any government endorsement of the cross and takes care of the constitutional questions.

“Isn’t that a sensible interpretation” of a court order prohibiting the cross’ display on government property? Justice Samuel Alito asked.

The liberal justices, on the other hand, indicated that they agree with a federal appeals court that ruled that the land transfer was a sort of end-run around the First Amendment prohibition against government endorsement of religion.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, often the decisive vote in these cases, said nothing to tip his hand.

Veterans groups are on both sides of the case, with some worrying that other religious symbols that serve as war memorials could be threatened by a ruling against the Mojave cross.

Eliasberg, who represents the former National Park Service employee who sued over the cross, said their fears are misplaced. He said two prominent symbols in Arlington National Cemetery, the Argonne Cross Memorial and Canadian Cross of Sacrifice, are different.

Context matters, Eliasberg said, noting that the Veterans Administration offers a choice of 39 different emblems and beliefs on tombstones at Arlington.

Jewish and Muslim veterans, by contrast, object that the Mojave cross honors Christian veterans and excludes others.

Whatever the court decides, it seems unlikely that the Mojave cross — where Easter Sunrise services have been held for decades — would have to come down.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg indicated, and Eliasberg agreed, that even if the court finds problems with what Congress did, lawmakers probably could find a valid way to sell or give the land to veterans groups.

A decision is expected by spring.

The case is Salazar v. Buono, 08-472.

THE GRACIOUS VERDICT

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.  Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.  But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”  John 3:17-21

Desiring to be in the Light

Did you catch that last part – the part about those who desire to and actually come into the light?  How awesome is it to see a heart truly transformed for God’s glory?  There’s no faking it.  There are no traditional or cultural reasons why they do it.  They simply do it because they desire to be right with God.  They love His Son and don’t claim to be in love with Him.  This person is the one who doesn’t have a walk that looks different from their talk.  I admit that I have been the opposite of this person in my past, thinking that I was right with the Lord, but honestly my heart was far from Him.  To believe that Jesus is who He says is different from truly believe in Him.   How so? 

There are many who already believe that God exists, and even more that believe He that Jesus existed, but they don’t believe in Him.  Man!!  Even the demons do that (James 2:19).  But these people don’t plan on giving their life to Him for Him to do as He pleases.  They don’t desire to have everything wrecked that they’ve worked so hard to build (their current life).  They only want Him to be involved when times are tight and when things are great and their greed wants more prosperity in what they already have.  No, these people simply believe, but fear their evil deeds being judged, so they do as Jesus said.  They will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. v. 21 

The one that Jesus speaks of in the passage above is one who has laid their entire life before God and said “have your way.”  This seems so hard to do when we try to comprehend it with our fleshly, finite mind, but when our heart is sincere and desiring true salvation from the Father, then our Spirit trumps our flesh and we make that true decision to “come into the light” of God.  

But here’s some encouragement for the fellow believer, the one who thinks he believes and the non-believer alike.  God has already judged sin and taken action of punishment on His one and only Son.  What that means for each of us is that we have the opportunity to come before God without fear that we will be condemned to “fire and brimstone” because of our wickedness.  In fact, just the opposite happens.  When we realize who God is and what His Son has done for us, then we can make the decision in our hearts to surrender our lives to God, repent of all our sin, and receive the free gift of forgiveness due to Jesus’ sacrifice!  How awesome is that?  This decision is more important than any other you will ever make in life.  It’s bigger than deciding to get married, or whether or not to have the baby at the risk of the mother’s life, or even ending life support for that loved one who you can’t seem to depart with.  Yeah…it’s that big.  It’s eternity!!  It’s awesome and shouldn’t be taken lightly or made on a whim.  You have the same opportunity that I had.

I remember the day I said the “sinner’s prayer,” but it wasn’t the same day that I gave my life to Christ.  No, that happened when I realized what I’m sharing with you now.  Evaluate your life and know for yourself where you stand with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. 

NOTE: It’s not often that I get a post on here that is all about lubby-dubby grace from God and zen-like love, but I wanted to provide my fellow believer’s in Christ who have a hard time reading postings of judgment and rebuke.  However, let me say that if you are a person who is all about trying to lead people to Christ by only talking about how he was “nice” and “loving,” you’ve done everyone a disservice.  John 3:16, itself, is about the entire wrath of God that we deserve being placed on His Son for our many sins.  That’s brutal!!  Get it right!  Man, I almost made without any correcting.

HALF-BAKED CHRISTIAN

Matthew 7:13-23

The Narrow and Wide Gates

 13“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

A Tree and Its Fruit

 15“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

 21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

So you want to bake a cake.  You’ve got the all of ingredients and the instructions in front of you:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees (check); Flour (check); three eggs (check); whole stick of butter (check); milk and vanilla extract (check, check).  Now you are good to go.  You mix everything as instructed, pour it into the prepared baking pan and slide it in the oven.  The cooking time calls for 30-45 minutes, depending on elevation.  You walk away and come back 20 minutes later to the most delicious smell, so you grab the pan holders, open the oven and take the cake out.  You are ready to dig in, but when you do, you find a half baked cake that how now collapsed.  What happened?!!  Did you have all of the ingredients?  YES.  Did you mix it right?  YES.  Did you follow all the way through with the process though?  No.  A cake is not really a cake (by definition) if it’s only half-baked. 

Then what is the deal with the “Half-baked Christian?”  I’m not talking about the Christian who may fall short of God’s glory a couple of times as they strive to live and obey all of God’s written word (Romans 6:23).  No, I’m talking about the person who claims to be a Christian, yet does not display any of the fruits of a Christian.  I do not want to use phrases like “true Christian” or “born-again Christian.”  The term Christian already embodies the characteristics of being true and born-again.  With out these, no one claiming to be is a one at all.  The title is meant for those who are committed to God in Christ completely and no one should have to clarify that they are not a “mere Christian,” but rather a born-again Christian or a “saved” Christian.  The sad fact is that many have, are and will misuse the title for association reason, and in the process, they drag the name through the mud.   

It is kind of like the fade that used to happen where some would falsely claim to be a Kennedy just to have status only to find out that they were a fraud.  Those are known as impersonators.  The same thing is happening in our culture (at least) today with those that claim to be Christians, but are really just cultural christians.  Is this a judgment?  It sure is, but not by me.  These are the words of God all throughout the Bible.  In the book of Amos, God spoke through His prophet to tell the people to shut-up (paraphrasing) with their praises to Him.  He knew their hearts and that they were far from Him and not committed to Him at all.  In the book of Exodus, the God’s chosen were freed, then took it upon themselves to attempt making an image of God so that they could worship Him, but they were concerned with the look and ritual instead of the heart.  As such, many of them were decimated.  But what did God the Son say about those who were and are cultural christians? 

Jesus spoke, as is written in Matthew 7:13-23, about those who claim to be but are not.  If you read it, you’ll know that He admits there being those who are able to do things, but ultimately they were never His followers – they were never Christians.  So, what’s the deal?  Why is this even being discussed?  This point is being targeted, because God does not desire anyone to be deceived; especially those who claim to be Christians and are not.  They will expect Heaven and instead find Hell.  Let’s end on this note.  In the letter to the Romans, Paul speaks about the flesh and the spirit.  The point of it is this.  The mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life.  The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not want to submit to God’s law.   

If you claim to be a Christian, yet you have not died to the flesh, nor continue daily to be sanctified, God says you are not of Him, nor will you see Heaven.  He loves you but will never condone or welcome your sin.  His love to us is the sacrifice of His Son so that we could be made right with Him.  Do not fool yourself.  Know what God says about you.  Ask Him what you must do to be saved and pleasing to Him.  ~  Be blessed.

TRUTH DENIED

Everyone can agree that no one likes to be lied to, and even more, everyone wants to know the truth.  I remember once having someone in my life that I truly trusted, but they acted in a way that caused that truth to be shaken.  In return, I would often ask for the truth, but always got a lie instead.  It wasn’t until the point of no return that I got that truth, and it ruin a relationship that could have been great.  That truth was denied. 

Maybe you can relate.  Maybe you’ve known someone who you trusted – maybe a family member, an older girl/boyfriend, a co-worker, a friend.  It could have been that truth would have keep you and them close to this day, but rather their lie(s) ended what could have been.  Maybe you were the one who did the lying.  Either way, truth was denied. 

So what happens when truth does come but is ignored time and again?  What happens when truth is not embraced, but rather people choose to gamble with lies and fantasies?  Many years ago, Truth came into the world that would save the lives of many.  Can you imagine a truth so powerful?  (So influential and effective that it causes a ripple effect of salvation and redemption)  That’s some truth!  Well, the truth that I’m speaking of is that Truth that is Christ.  Jesus warned that He was the Truth – the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6-7).  The problem is that many, since the beginning of time have denied this truth, seeking man-made truths that are lies and believing them.  The result has always been destruction and total lack of peace and security in the end.  Maybe that’s hard for you to grasp, so let me give you another true-life story that you can more easily relate to (NOTE: this is not shared in distaste, but to share a truth you may not know to give you a better picture of why today is even remembered as it is.  Please do not be offended). 

MOMENTS FORGOTTEN:  It was 1987!  At a lecture the other day they were playing an old news video of Lt.Col. Oliver North testifying at the Iran-Contra hearings during the Reagan Administration.

There was Ollie in front of God and country getting the third degree, but what he said was stunning!

He was being drilled by a senator; “Did you not recently spend close to $60000 for a home security system?”
Ollie replied, “Yes, I did, Sir.”  The senator continued, trying to get a laugh out of the audience, “Isn’t that just a little excessive?”

“No, sir,” continued Ollie.   “No? And why not?” the senator asked.  “Because the lives of my family and I were threatened, sir.”    “Threatened? By whom?” the senator questioned.    “By a terrorist, sir” Ollie answered.
“Terrorist? What terrorist could possibly scare you that much?”   “His name is Osama bin Laden, sir” Ollie replied.

At this point the senator tried to repeat the name, but couldn’t  Pronounce it, which most people back then probably couldn’t. A couple of People laughed at the attempt.  Then the senator continued. Why are you
so afraid of this man?” the senator asked.  “Because, sir, he is the most evil person alive that I know of”, Ollie
answered.   “And what do you recommend we do about him?” asked the senator.

“Well, sir, if it was up to me, I would recommend that an assassin team be formed to eliminate him and his men from the face of the earth.”  The senator disagreed with this approach, and that was all that was
shown of the clip.

By the way, that senator was Al Gore!

Also:Terrorist pilot Mohammad Atta blew up a bus in Israel in 1986.  The Israelis captured, tried and imprisoned him.  As part of the Oslo agreement with the Palestinians in 1993, Israel had to agree to release so-called “political prisoners.”

However, the Israelis would not release any with blood on their hands, The American President at the time, Bill Clinton, and his Secretary of State, Warren Christopher, “insisted” that all prisoners be released.

Thus Mohammad Atta was freed and eventually thanked the US by flying an airplane into Tower One of the World Trade Center.  This was reported by many of the American TV networks at the time that the terrorists were first identified.  It was censored in the US from all later reports. 

Both of these stories have affected you in someway, and both are real.  The latter could have spared us a lot of pain and grief.  The former, the one about Christ, still can.  One only needs to act on their part to see the reality of that truth.  You do so by understanding and truly believing what God says about Himself:  in the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God, and the Word was God…He is the truth that has come into the world to show Himself and make Himself known to man…He is God and gave His life, dying and taking the punishment for our sin upon Himself (that is the wrath of God’s judgment for the sin done against Him in our lives), paying the price of our debt owed to God (1 Cor. 7:23).  He was raised three days after His death in the same body, and ascended into Heaven to stand at the right hand of the Father God, pleading on our behalf before God. 

But it’s not that simple.  There is an initial confession that you and I must make, which is that we’ve wrong God, need His forgiveness and are sorry.  But it goes further – REPENTANCE and SANTIFICATION.  To repent means we choose to turn away from that sin and sanctification means a process of being made right with God daily by dying to ourselves continuously.  Neither of these is rarely preached and there are those that would have you to believe that the “Sinner’s prayer” is all you need to do, but it is a lie that is unbiblical and will only cost you your life with God in Heaven.  The truth is that Christ said follow Him, taking up our crosses (denying ourselves).  The cross is a symbol of death, not life.  The “Sinner’s prayer” is but a mere fraction of what is needed on our part.  Nothing that we do will save us (Ephesians 2).  We must truly repent of our sin and pursue a life of Godliness, not a fake one of having it all together, but truly following Christ by keeping His commandments (Mark 8:34-35).  We must truly reverence God with fear and trembling.  Paul told those of Philipi to continue working to complete their salvation, because God is working in us (who believe what He says about His Son) to help us want to do and be able to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:12-13). 

Don’t let anyone deny you of the Truth.  I would be so bold as to say that if they do deny you the Truth of Christ, then they don’t truly love you as they should.  It is your saving grace and no one can take that away from you.  Be blessed today, knowing that God loves you enough to give up His own Son for an opportunity at spending eternity with YOU.

My prayers are with those who lost someone and/or were sadly affected by the events that occurred on September 11, 2001.  Never forget, for the world grows darker by the day and Christ is soon to return.  Are you ready now?

DEVOTIONALS BAD?

Daily devotionals, online sermon scripts, “verse of the day” emails or postings, blogs, and the list go on.

Keep it in perspective

None of these are bad, but they are not to be substitutes for the actual reading of the Word of God – the Holy Bible.  The Word of God is alive (John 1:1) and is the only source of life.  The reason I am writing this, and it could hurt my “reader ratings,” is because I recently had a brother talk to me of the problem he encountered with devotionals in his past (I could relate as you might be able to also).  While the intentions of the writer of the devotional or blog are innocent and the reader’s intentions are honest, there is a dangerous, subtle, deceitful change that can take place (Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4).  But how so? 

PATH USUALLY TAKEN: It kind of happens like this.  You find a devotional book or one online, or a great preacher who truly knows the Word of God and expresses sermonettes through a blog, or something.  You begin to read it as a side bar to your daily reading and studying of God’s Word.  Some days you really get in Bible to know it for yourself.  Other days, you are pressed for time and promise God you’ll get in the Word later that day, but when bedtime comes, you’re too tired, so you ask forgiveness for not reading the Word and you drift off to sleep feeling okay about it all.  Sound familiar?  Well, then you get convinced that the Word is the Word, no matter who you get it, so as long as you read a devotional every morning, whether in an email, on a website or in a book, “you are covered.”  Do you see where I am going with this?  

Anytime my dad and some other preachers have preached, and they start to read in the Bible before a congregation, they tell them to look for themselves, not just listen or to look up at some big screen on the wall.  They encourage and advise them to look at the Bible which should be in their hands.  The messenger should stand behind Christ, not in front.   

WARNING: If you attend a church where the preacher does not advise looking at and reading your own Bible during a service, you should seriously pray about who’s wisdom you are receiving – man’s or God’s.  If man’s – RUN!!!   

Back to it…I’ve said the same things when I give a sermon or led a Bible study.  I don’t want others to take my word as truth without first taking it to the Word of God themselves.  I could misquote some verse, use it out of context, or make up something all together that is not true.  Reputation is the downfall of many, as others depend on that reputation for it’s value, so a congregation logs in on the church website blog or buys that preachers book just because of who he/she is, and they will more than likely never line up what they read with the Word of God – the Holy Bible.  Again, let me through those verses out again (Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4).  Jesus spoke this to Satan, because Satan had his own words.  Someone who doesn’t know any better and/or is weak would have fallen prey, but Christ is the living Word and knew the truth, because He is the truth. 

I could keep beating this horse to take a drink of water, but it does no good if you’re not getting it.  There is no substitute for the God’s Word – supplements yes, but not substitutes.  You’ll never know God as intimately as you could without knowing Him and what He has said about Himself.  Devotionals can’t feed you.  They are only like vitamin supplements with very little nutritional value.  While they give you something good, they can’t replace a full, nutritional course meal that is needed for strength and life.  Devotionals will help you to remember how to be a good person or learn a good lesson, but they will never teach you what only the Holy Spirit can.  They may impact a part of your day or week, but He alone has been promised by Christ to teach you how to walk, not only for a day or a moment or a week, but for eternity with Christ (John 16:5-11). 

THE POINT: There are no substitutes.  Give Him your first.  Get in the Word, read His love letter to you, get to know Him, and get aligned with His truth.

No More Ordinary

“Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, all those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or farms (possessions) for me and for the Good News will get more than they left.”  Mark 10:29

Tired of the normal, everyday, ordinary life? Try really living for Christ Jesus! Guaranteed blessings of eternal life with God but there is a cost – having to die to self & your sin.

It’s easy for me to tell you to give your life to Christ  or to live for Him.  It’s a whole other animal for you to actually experience the reason I say this for yourself.  This is more of a message to believers than to the public reader.  Be careful in calling yourself a believer and follower of Jesus.  He loves you greatly, but you should know the whole story by now that if God was not willing to spare His own Son from the cross, who was holy, perfect and without sin, how much more will He judge and punish you who do not truly live for Him in your hearts?  Romans 8:31-33; Matthew 7:21-22

God doesn’t want to take away your fun and happiness in this world, but He is more concerned about the building of your character and strengthening of your walk in this day.  He desires to use you to do great things, but He won’t compete with our “pet demons.”  You read right – Pet Demons.  Some of us like our demons and sin and tend to them like pets.  I know because I’ve been there and the whole lamenting mess is tiring and needs to reached its end.  Let’s get real with where we are with God in His Son.  Let’s truly repent.  Don’t live an ordinary, sterotypical life like the world sees so many hypocritical “christians” do.  Be a “Christians” and live for Him now or not at all. 

“Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, all those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or farms (possessions) for me and for the Good News will get more than they left.  Here in this world they will have a hundred times more homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields.  And with those things, they will also suffer for their belief.  But in this age they will have life forever.  Many who are first now will be last in the future.  And many who are last now will be first in the future.”  Mark 10:29-31

To Become a Ransom for Many

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

So you and I didn’t have ask for anyone to pay a ransom for us, but Jesus did anyway.  Some of us don’t think we owe Him anything for it either – face it, you’ve probably thought that before, and here’s the kicker.  You’re right that you didn’t ask anyone. 

When the Bible says in Matthew 6:8 that the Lord knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.  God stood at the beginning and the end of time both and saw that as He created, there would be a need to satisfy the wrath that He would have against sin.  But don’t let your mind wonder into foolish questions.   God didn’t create sin, sin came into existence out of the disobedience of a few and ultimately many (i.e. you and me) Romans 5:12-21. 

There’s a song out called, “Mercy said no.”  The point of the song is to depict a conversation that could have been had between the Trinity about what to do concerning man and sin.  The thought is that God in all is holiness, must punish sin (which He must and does), and yet the loving attribute of God didn’t want to see man have no chance to be redeemed back to Him, so He made a way – a free gift to us.  Before you and I were thought of, the Godhead – three in one – stood at the beginning of time and said, for them this is what we will do.  God came in the flesh as His only Son, born of a virgin birth, grew up as we all do, lived a sinless life (holy and perfect ) where He was tempted in everyway like us, carried the truth to many, making disciples so that eventually all could know the truth of God’s love, was persecuted by the wicked flesh of man and crucified.  While some thought it was their plan to see His life come to an end, it was the Trinities plan to save mankind from their destructive sin and from the WRATH of God.  He successed. 

As the conversation could have went, God may have said, “I hate sin and must destroy it, for it has permeated the flesh of my perfect creation and they love it.”  Jesus as Mercy said, “No Father, may I take that punishment upon myself as the perfect sacrafice to satisfy your wrath?”  Then the Holy Spirit said, “I will go with Him and after Him to give them internal strength to understand your ways, that they may keep the Words of Jesus and live a holy life that is pleasing to the Godhead – three in one.”  Jesus is mercy for us.  Mercy is “not receiving what you so deserve.”  We’ve sinned against God, and He must punish sin.  It’s not a struggle over egos of who is greater – us or God.  There’s no contest, and God is not in the business of forcing people to love Him.  You and I both have the same choice.  As you read this, God is calling you to salvation with Him and away from His wrath.  Judgment will come and sooner than we think. 

Here’s a thought:  if you were kidnapped and someone paid the ransom for you to be released; you were released and returned home safely; years go by, you come into money and then pay the ransom again yourself – does it make sense?  NOT AT ALL…so why are you choosing to pay a price later that Jesus already paid for you?  I’ve been there and it is only by His grace that I am even alive to ask you this.  Be blessed today, and know that Jesus loved us all enough to endure the cross, die a sinner’s death and rose from the grave to go before God to plead the case for your innocence. 

Jesus is our advocate, defending us when we stand before God in judgment when the accuser  (Satan) attempts to steal us away from God (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25,1 John 2:1).

2 Corinthians 5:19 – God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trepasses to them and has committed to us the word of reconciliation (NKJ).

Prayer – Jesus, come and make my heart your home; come and be everything I am and all I know.  Search through and through, till my heart becomes a home for you. ~ Watermark