"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."
Revelation 22:13 NASB
The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God..." As we saw previously, God is eternal. He has always been, and will always be.
In the above text, Jesus states that He is the beginning of all things, the first and the last. This repeats the word of the Lord given through the Prophet Isaiah,
"Thus says the Lord the King of Israel, and His Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
'I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me.'"
And again He states,
"Is there any God besides Me, or is there any other Rock? I know of none."
Isaiah 44:6,8 NASB
There is no other God, or any other being who pre existed God in order to create Him! God existed before all, and created all. This leads us to the conclusion that God exists in and of Himself.
The creator of the universe was not created or caused by any other thing. He was not caused by chance, He did not evolve, He has always been, the self existing God.
This should create in us an awe of God. Like the Psalmist, we should break out in praise,
The heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies is comparable to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty is like the Lord, a God greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all those who are around Him? O Lord God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty Lord?
Psalm 89:5-8 NASB
God is indeed awesome as His word declares. We must ever be careful to fear Him, to avoid bringing Him down to our finite understanding, and thus creating a small god to our liking.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Thursday, December 11, 2014
The Immensity of God.
The eternity of God is a hard concept to grasp. Likewise, the idea that God fills up space is just as difficult to fathom, never the less, it is true.
Read what the Psalmist writes,
Where can I go from your Spirit? Or, where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there, if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me.
Psalm 139:7-10 NASB
There is no place in the universe where God is not present. God fills all things, as He testifies of Himself,
"Am I a God who is near," declares the Lord, "And not a God far off? Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?" declares the Lord. "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" Declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:23-24 NASB
Again, in the New Testament, testimony is given concerning the immensity of God. Stephen quotes Isaiah 66:1,
"However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says:
'HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND THE EARTH THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?' says the Lord, 'OR WHAT PLACE IS THER FOR MY REPOSE?
Acts 7:49 NASB
God cannot be contained in houses or buildings that we human beings make for Him. He fills all things as the Apostle Paul states,
The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
Acts 17:24 NASB
That they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said "for we are His children."
Acts 17:27-28 NASB
Which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Eph 1:23 NASB
You see, God fills all things. He is everywhere. He cannot be contained in buildings, or confined by space. Billions of people exist on the earth today, but God cannot be squeezed out by such a large population of people. He fills the world, as Paul stated above, we live and move and exist in Him. He fills all in all, everything.
Just as God is eternal, time cannot contain Him, so also space goes on to infinity. There is no end to space, and God infinitely fills all of space.
Once again, we can but stand in awe of God. Our minds find it hard to comprehend the awesomeness of an eternal, and ever present God. God is indeed large, He transcends all of our limited conceptions of His true greatness. Do not limit God with your own ideas of His nature and character, but let Him reveal Himself to you through His testimony of Himself in His written word.
Read what the Psalmist writes,
Where can I go from your Spirit? Or, where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there, if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me.
Psalm 139:7-10 NASB
There is no place in the universe where God is not present. God fills all things, as He testifies of Himself,
"Am I a God who is near," declares the Lord, "And not a God far off? Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?" declares the Lord. "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" Declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:23-24 NASB
Again, in the New Testament, testimony is given concerning the immensity of God. Stephen quotes Isaiah 66:1,
"However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says:
'HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND THE EARTH THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?' says the Lord, 'OR WHAT PLACE IS THER FOR MY REPOSE?
Acts 7:49 NASB
God cannot be contained in houses or buildings that we human beings make for Him. He fills all things as the Apostle Paul states,
The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
Acts 17:24 NASB
That they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said "for we are His children."
Acts 17:27-28 NASB
Which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Eph 1:23 NASB
You see, God fills all things. He is everywhere. He cannot be contained in buildings, or confined by space. Billions of people exist on the earth today, but God cannot be squeezed out by such a large population of people. He fills the world, as Paul stated above, we live and move and exist in Him. He fills all in all, everything.
Just as God is eternal, time cannot contain Him, so also space goes on to infinity. There is no end to space, and God infinitely fills all of space.
Once again, we can but stand in awe of God. Our minds find it hard to comprehend the awesomeness of an eternal, and ever present God. God is indeed large, He transcends all of our limited conceptions of His true greatness. Do not limit God with your own ideas of His nature and character, but let Him reveal Himself to you through His testimony of Himself in His written word.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
A Cry For Revival: Is God Unjust?
A Cry For Revival: Is God Unjust?: There seems to be this idea that a God who would punish evil doers is somehow unjust. This idea has even been accepted by many who prof...
The Eternity of God.
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were born, or you gave birth to the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
Psalm 90:1-2 NASB
It is of the utmost importance that we know God. Correct theology, and doctrine has its place of importance in understanding God. However there is a danger in seeking to define God. In desiring to know and understand God, we tend to shrink Him down to a manageable level; something that our finite minds can grasp. We want a God we can completely understand, without having to stretch our minds, or leave some things to faith.
In doing this we place God within a box so to speak. We create a small god, someone who is limited much like we are. We bring Him down a little closer to our level, someone a lot like ourselves, of course with some divine attributes.
The idea of eternity is one of those concepts that our minds, at least my mind, cannot grasp completely. In some sense, I can understand that time will march on for eternity, never ending, going on for ever and ever. I think that many, if not most of us can grasp the fact that our souls will exist throughout eternity, and God as well, exists forever, with no end.
The tough one for me is the fact that God has existed from eternity, He has no beginning, as well as no end. That is impossible for the mind to fully comprehend. However hard to understand, it is still fact. As the above text states, God has existed from everlasting, and will continue on with no end (Psalm 90:2, 93:2).
This is one of God's divine attributes. This is what makes Him God. He has always been and will always be. Nobody created God, there was no cosmic bang, or any other thing that was responsible for God to come into existence. He has always been.
Sometimes it is good for us to have our view of God stretched. It is good for us to be unable to apprehend some of the truths about the very person of God. It keeps us in awe of Him, in awe of His character and majesty. It tends to produce a holy fear of Him in our hearts. It keeps us from creating a smaller god, one that we can be comfortable with.
The biblical account of creation presupposes the existence of God, when it tells us "In the beginning God created" (Genesis 1:1). God already existed to create the world. We see the same thing in Proverbs, where we are told that God possessed wisdom at the beginning, at creation. In fact God has always possessed wisdom, from everlasting it has been established (Proverbs 8:22-31).
When Moses was confronted by God in the burning bush, he wanted to be able to tell the Israelites who sent him. God said. "I AM WHO I AM, thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, I AM has sent you" (Exodus 3:14). God revealed Himself to Moses as the eternal God. In the same way, Jesus declared Himself eternal, thus making Himself equal with God (John 8:58).
Centuries before the birth of Christ, the prophet Micah foretold the birth of One, "whose goings forth are from eternity" (Micah 5:2). Jesus Christ has existed from eternity. All things were created by Him, through Him and for Him (Col 1:16). He is eternal, as is the Holy Spirit who was also in existence at creation (Gen 1:2).
We also see the eternity of God in the worship that is ascribed to Him.
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.
Revelation 4:8b
The angelic beings have worshiped God from their beginning.They worship the one who has always been, who now is, and who will always be. The first worshipper, has worshipped the God who has already existed before him. In Revelation 4:8, every living thing in heaven and earth, and under the earth, and in the sea, worship the eternal God.
God is indeed the high and exalted One, holy, and eternal (Isaiah 57:15). This scripture paints an awesome picture of God. He is far above us. He cannot be brought down to a manageable level, to a place where we can be more comfortable with our views of Him. Yet He will dwell with those who are of a broken and contrite heart.
Paul speaks of God in a similar fashion.
Who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
1 Timothy 6:16 NASB
Paul is encouraging Timothy to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the return of Christ. Likewise we are to fight the good fight of faith until Christ returns for those of us who remain faithful to Him (1 Tim 6:12-16).
It is true that God is lofty. As God He transcends everything that we can imagine, yet He considers those who with broken hearts, will surrender their lives to Him and His service.
The idea of an eternal God should cause us to fear and reverence Him, for it is the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 2:5, 9:10). Who are we as created beings to think that we can define God as we please? Get into the word of God with passion and purpose, determining to know God. Make it your all consuming pursuit, and He will lead you to the true knowledge of Himself (Proverbs 2:1-5).
Before the mountains were born, or you gave birth to the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
Psalm 90:1-2 NASB
It is of the utmost importance that we know God. Correct theology, and doctrine has its place of importance in understanding God. However there is a danger in seeking to define God. In desiring to know and understand God, we tend to shrink Him down to a manageable level; something that our finite minds can grasp. We want a God we can completely understand, without having to stretch our minds, or leave some things to faith.
In doing this we place God within a box so to speak. We create a small god, someone who is limited much like we are. We bring Him down a little closer to our level, someone a lot like ourselves, of course with some divine attributes.
The idea of eternity is one of those concepts that our minds, at least my mind, cannot grasp completely. In some sense, I can understand that time will march on for eternity, never ending, going on for ever and ever. I think that many, if not most of us can grasp the fact that our souls will exist throughout eternity, and God as well, exists forever, with no end.
The tough one for me is the fact that God has existed from eternity, He has no beginning, as well as no end. That is impossible for the mind to fully comprehend. However hard to understand, it is still fact. As the above text states, God has existed from everlasting, and will continue on with no end (Psalm 90:2, 93:2).
This is one of God's divine attributes. This is what makes Him God. He has always been and will always be. Nobody created God, there was no cosmic bang, or any other thing that was responsible for God to come into existence. He has always been.
Sometimes it is good for us to have our view of God stretched. It is good for us to be unable to apprehend some of the truths about the very person of God. It keeps us in awe of Him, in awe of His character and majesty. It tends to produce a holy fear of Him in our hearts. It keeps us from creating a smaller god, one that we can be comfortable with.
The biblical account of creation presupposes the existence of God, when it tells us "In the beginning God created" (Genesis 1:1). God already existed to create the world. We see the same thing in Proverbs, where we are told that God possessed wisdom at the beginning, at creation. In fact God has always possessed wisdom, from everlasting it has been established (Proverbs 8:22-31).
When Moses was confronted by God in the burning bush, he wanted to be able to tell the Israelites who sent him. God said. "I AM WHO I AM, thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, I AM has sent you" (Exodus 3:14). God revealed Himself to Moses as the eternal God. In the same way, Jesus declared Himself eternal, thus making Himself equal with God (John 8:58).
Centuries before the birth of Christ, the prophet Micah foretold the birth of One, "whose goings forth are from eternity" (Micah 5:2). Jesus Christ has existed from eternity. All things were created by Him, through Him and for Him (Col 1:16). He is eternal, as is the Holy Spirit who was also in existence at creation (Gen 1:2).
We also see the eternity of God in the worship that is ascribed to Him.
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.
Revelation 4:8b
The angelic beings have worshiped God from their beginning.They worship the one who has always been, who now is, and who will always be. The first worshipper, has worshipped the God who has already existed before him. In Revelation 4:8, every living thing in heaven and earth, and under the earth, and in the sea, worship the eternal God.
God is indeed the high and exalted One, holy, and eternal (Isaiah 57:15). This scripture paints an awesome picture of God. He is far above us. He cannot be brought down to a manageable level, to a place where we can be more comfortable with our views of Him. Yet He will dwell with those who are of a broken and contrite heart.
Paul speaks of God in a similar fashion.
Who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
1 Timothy 6:16 NASB
Paul is encouraging Timothy to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the return of Christ. Likewise we are to fight the good fight of faith until Christ returns for those of us who remain faithful to Him (1 Tim 6:12-16).
It is true that God is lofty. As God He transcends everything that we can imagine, yet He considers those who with broken hearts, will surrender their lives to Him and His service.
The idea of an eternal God should cause us to fear and reverence Him, for it is the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 2:5, 9:10). Who are we as created beings to think that we can define God as we please? Get into the word of God with passion and purpose, determining to know God. Make it your all consuming pursuit, and He will lead you to the true knowledge of Himself (Proverbs 2:1-5).
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
The Foundation of God's Throne.
For I proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
Deuteronomy 32:3-4 NASB
As the above text shows, God is upright in all of His dealings with mankind. There is no injustice found in Him. Everything He does is perfect and right.
As the sovereign ruler of the universe, it is of the utmost importance that He be perfectly just in all of His ways. What would we think of a ruler who created laws that were unfair, oppressive, and impossible to obey? Furthermore, what would we think of a ruler who did not enforce the laws of His kingdom, laws that were just and fair, laws that were in the best interests of His kingdom and it's subjects?
We see examples of this in human governments. There have been ruthless dictators who have ruled with an iron fist, men who have oppressed and killed millions of their subjects.
Then we see those who fail to uphold the laws of their countries. They let criminals go free, or get by with a sentence that falls far below that which the crime deserves.
We all understand that this is wrong. That men who rule in this way are unjust, and unfit to rule! We can see that the lenient judge, is just as wrong, as the ruthless dictator. Both of them have built their kingdom and rule upon a throne of injustice and evil.
This is not so with God. His rule is founded upon the principles of righteousness and justice (Psalm 89:14, 97:2). The law of God is perfect, righteous in every respect. He upholds it in truth and justice. There is no wavering with Him, no partiality is found in His character. He is bound by His very character to uphold His law in truth and justice. If it is broken, the penalty that is required must be fulfilled, or God is no longer just. The implications of this astound one's mind! Can God still be God, if He denies in any measure, one or more of His divine attributes? Would He then cease to be good, and become evil?
You see, God is perfectly just, and cannot sway from this for even an instant, no matter who he is dealing with. We can depend on Him to render a just verdict every time. There is no partiality with God. He has no favorites, and He will not turn a blind eye away from sin, and those who commit it.
God also loves His rebellious creation, and does not desire their death, but that they would turn from their sin and live (Ezekiel 18:32; John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9).
For God to pardon sin, and to still be just, He had to offer up His Son for us. Jesus Christ was pierced for us, crushed for our sin (Isaiah 53:5). Our sin was placed upon Him (Isaiah 53:6; 1 Cor 15:3; 2 Cor 5:21). There can be no other way for God to exercise pardon in the case of one who has violated His law.
Once again, God is righteous in all His ways, and just in every decision. He must uphold His law, and execute the penalty of the law. He is bound to do this by His very character.
Our sin cost Christ dearly. He suffered and died an agonizing death upon a Roman cross on our behalf. What was even more agonizing to Jesus, was that moment when God the Father forsook His Son, because of our sin, placed upon Him (Matt 27:46). To have the intimate closeness He shared with His Father broken was more devastating to Him then the pain of crucifixion. This separation is what we experience ourselves, when we choose to go our own way in sin, rather than obey God.
God has made a way to justify the sinner, and yet be just in His action (Romans 3:23-26). By the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf, He has upheld the righteousness of His law, and executed it's penalty in a way suitable to allow Him to pardon a repenting sinner.
I say repenting, because to merely pardon one who has no desire to change, but still persist in rebellion against God, would still dishonor the righteousness of His law, and bring into question the very righteous and just character of God. It would be an act of injustice still.
Jesus did not die so that we could go to heaven, and enjoy eternal life in fellowship with God. He died to set us free from sin. He died so that we could be made holy in our conduct (Romans 6:22; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:1-2).
The repentant sinner receives mercy as he places his trust in Christ, but he has been called by God to be conformed into the image of His Son Jesus (Romans 8:29). It is through this union with Christ that we find ourselves now actively fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law we once cast aside (Romans 8:4). Instead of being lawbreakers, we now obey God's law from the heart!
It is safe, and wise, for God to forgive the sinner, and make a new creation out of him (2 Cor 5:17). His law is still upheld in all it's glory, as Christ honored it's penalty by His death and resurrection. Now by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within the pardoned sinner, the law is upheld once again as it is lived out in reality through the life of the one whom God saved.
Deuteronomy 32:3-4 NASB
As the above text shows, God is upright in all of His dealings with mankind. There is no injustice found in Him. Everything He does is perfect and right.
As the sovereign ruler of the universe, it is of the utmost importance that He be perfectly just in all of His ways. What would we think of a ruler who created laws that were unfair, oppressive, and impossible to obey? Furthermore, what would we think of a ruler who did not enforce the laws of His kingdom, laws that were just and fair, laws that were in the best interests of His kingdom and it's subjects?
We see examples of this in human governments. There have been ruthless dictators who have ruled with an iron fist, men who have oppressed and killed millions of their subjects.
Then we see those who fail to uphold the laws of their countries. They let criminals go free, or get by with a sentence that falls far below that which the crime deserves.
We all understand that this is wrong. That men who rule in this way are unjust, and unfit to rule! We can see that the lenient judge, is just as wrong, as the ruthless dictator. Both of them have built their kingdom and rule upon a throne of injustice and evil.
This is not so with God. His rule is founded upon the principles of righteousness and justice (Psalm 89:14, 97:2). The law of God is perfect, righteous in every respect. He upholds it in truth and justice. There is no wavering with Him, no partiality is found in His character. He is bound by His very character to uphold His law in truth and justice. If it is broken, the penalty that is required must be fulfilled, or God is no longer just. The implications of this astound one's mind! Can God still be God, if He denies in any measure, one or more of His divine attributes? Would He then cease to be good, and become evil?
You see, God is perfectly just, and cannot sway from this for even an instant, no matter who he is dealing with. We can depend on Him to render a just verdict every time. There is no partiality with God. He has no favorites, and He will not turn a blind eye away from sin, and those who commit it.
God also loves His rebellious creation, and does not desire their death, but that they would turn from their sin and live (Ezekiel 18:32; John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9).
For God to pardon sin, and to still be just, He had to offer up His Son for us. Jesus Christ was pierced for us, crushed for our sin (Isaiah 53:5). Our sin was placed upon Him (Isaiah 53:6; 1 Cor 15:3; 2 Cor 5:21). There can be no other way for God to exercise pardon in the case of one who has violated His law.
Once again, God is righteous in all His ways, and just in every decision. He must uphold His law, and execute the penalty of the law. He is bound to do this by His very character.
Our sin cost Christ dearly. He suffered and died an agonizing death upon a Roman cross on our behalf. What was even more agonizing to Jesus, was that moment when God the Father forsook His Son, because of our sin, placed upon Him (Matt 27:46). To have the intimate closeness He shared with His Father broken was more devastating to Him then the pain of crucifixion. This separation is what we experience ourselves, when we choose to go our own way in sin, rather than obey God.
God has made a way to justify the sinner, and yet be just in His action (Romans 3:23-26). By the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf, He has upheld the righteousness of His law, and executed it's penalty in a way suitable to allow Him to pardon a repenting sinner.
I say repenting, because to merely pardon one who has no desire to change, but still persist in rebellion against God, would still dishonor the righteousness of His law, and bring into question the very righteous and just character of God. It would be an act of injustice still.
Jesus did not die so that we could go to heaven, and enjoy eternal life in fellowship with God. He died to set us free from sin. He died so that we could be made holy in our conduct (Romans 6:22; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:1-2).
The repentant sinner receives mercy as he places his trust in Christ, but he has been called by God to be conformed into the image of His Son Jesus (Romans 8:29). It is through this union with Christ that we find ourselves now actively fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law we once cast aside (Romans 8:4). Instead of being lawbreakers, we now obey God's law from the heart!
It is safe, and wise, for God to forgive the sinner, and make a new creation out of him (2 Cor 5:17). His law is still upheld in all it's glory, as Christ honored it's penalty by His death and resurrection. Now by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within the pardoned sinner, the law is upheld once again as it is lived out in reality through the life of the one whom God saved.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Without Excuse
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse...
Romans 1:20 NASB
One needs only to look around at the natural beauty of the created world to understand that there is an almighty God who has created all of this. As the above verse states, His attributes, His eternal power, and His divine nature are clearly seen, being understood through what has been made. This speaks volumes about what man understands about God deep down within his heart. Man knows that there is a holy, just God who created all things, and who cannot tolerate sin.
Sadly the Bible goes on to say that man rejects this revelation, choosing instead to worship the creation rather than the creator (Romans 1:21-25). This rejection of God is our downfall. This is the source of all the wicked, immoral behavior we see in the world today.
It is little wonder that the world largely rejects Biblical creationism for the lie of Darwinism. This is man's effort to deny the revelation of God that he receives from the creation around him, and rejects. Men love darkness rather than the light.
This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.
John 3:19 NASB
Out of the hearts of depraved men comes all manner of wickedness. Read Romans 1:21-32. Sexual immorality, homosexuality, greed, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, arrogance, disobedience to ones parents, inventors of evil, envy, God haters, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful, and those who may not do such things as these, but heartily approve of those who do! Those today who may not participate in the scandalous behavior of others, but embrace and encourage their sin, are just as lost and guilty as if they did. What does this say about churches who embrace deviant sexual behavior? Gay marriage, the ordination of gay ministers, and the open acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle is nothing more than the outflow of a heart that is dead to the things of God.
We are without excuse. No one was born a homosexual, just as no one was born a gossip! We reject the revelation of God that we have received. He turns us over to our wicked passions because we would rather live selfish lives serving a god of our own invention than to serve the only true God who created us. This is nothing but gross idolatry!
This is not only about homosexuality, reread the passage in Romans. There are many other sins listed that are just as wicked in God's sight, and He will judge them as well. What about gossip, or arrogance? How about deceit? We see more murder today than ever before, and remember that anger is seen as murder in God's eyes (Matt 5:21-22).
Wicked behavior, and the wide acceptance of it is the result of our own choice. We cannot call it an alternative lifestyle, or claim God made us this way. The tolerance of sin in this world today only serves to show us how wicked and depraved this world really is. One whose life is filled with the sinful acts mentioned in this passage of scripture can be assured that they are dead spiritually and in need of a radical life change that can only be found in Christ.
Our only remedy is to turn in brokenness and repentance to the Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself to deliver us from this wicked world (Gal 1:4). Only He can set the captives free. Only in Him can we find true grace and mercy.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Pray For Those In Authority.
It is near election time once again, and feelings are running quite high, as usual. Many individuals are disgusted with the state of things in this nation, disgusted with the political system, and the politicians.
To add fuel to the fire, many individuals are unhappy at the recent decision of the Supreme Court to not hear the same sex marriage cases.
I find that countless numbers of Christians are in the midst of this fray. Many desire a complete change come this election cycle. A lot of Christians flood social media with their desire to see a "christian" white house, to see christian policies enacted, to see this nation return to godliness.
In fairness, it would be wonderful if our President truly repented of his sin and surrendered his life to Christ. The same goes for all of our leaders in whatever office they hold. It would be great if the courts upheld biblical morality in all of their decisions, and we found this nation on it's knees before God.
Sadly, I believe a lot of this amounts to little more than an election season rant. We want different leaders, so we hope to throw the old ones out, and replace them with "godly" ones. I truly believe that the desire of most individuals seeking a "godly white house" is not the salvation of our president, but to vote him out of power! Sounds harsh, but I believe it is true!
The truth is we live in a fallen world, run by fallen people. Plain and simple. We are not going to find an on fire sold out to Jesus president and congress and judicial system, governors, mayors, and so on, no matter how hard we try. The world is the world! The world is lost in sin. How can we expect sinful government officials to somehow give us the moral upright government that we desire?
Look at all of the professed christian politicians. Look at the mud slinging, name calling, broken promises, all in the name of getting elected. I find it disgusting to even take part in this! Their conduct goes against the law of love that governs the true child of God (Matthew 7:12; 1Cor 13:4-7; James 2:12).
We live in this world, but as Christians we belong to the kingdom of God! This world is not our home, and no matter how hard we try to fix it through politics and earthly ways, we will fail! We need to be about the business of our Heavenly Father. We are to seek His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). It is through working to build God's kingdom, that we will see this world changed.
I wonder how many Christians who are so concerned about the spiritual condition of our leaders, actually obey the instruction given to us to pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-4)? How many of us obey Paul's instruction to honor those in authority, to give them the respect that is due them (Romans 13:7)?
These instructions were written to Christians living under the oppressive rule of the corrupt Roman government. They were under leaders such as Nero, who severely persecuted them. Yet they were told to be in subjection, and to give proper respect! They were to pray for their leaders, not curse them.
They understood the fact that God had placed these governments in place for keeping order (Romans 13:1-5). They understood that the world would take care of the world, they were to be about the business of Christ's kingdom. They could only change this world for the better as they proclaimed the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit.
As Christians we must honor our leaders, no matter how bad of a job we think they are doing. They will ultimately stand before God to answer for how they ruled in this life. Better yet, let's pray for them! Let's pray that they would be saved. Let's pray that God would give them wisdom to rule rightly.
If we would do this, we would find that things would indeed go well for us as the scriptures promise (1 Timothy 2:2). If we choose to keep on harping and criticizing, waiting for a better election, we will be bitterly disappointed.
No matter the outcome of this or any future elections, those who are living for Christ, and not caught up in this world system, can have the peace that comes from knowing that this world is not our home. It cannot stop Christ or His kingdom, to which we truly belong.
To add fuel to the fire, many individuals are unhappy at the recent decision of the Supreme Court to not hear the same sex marriage cases.
I find that countless numbers of Christians are in the midst of this fray. Many desire a complete change come this election cycle. A lot of Christians flood social media with their desire to see a "christian" white house, to see christian policies enacted, to see this nation return to godliness.
In fairness, it would be wonderful if our President truly repented of his sin and surrendered his life to Christ. The same goes for all of our leaders in whatever office they hold. It would be great if the courts upheld biblical morality in all of their decisions, and we found this nation on it's knees before God.
Sadly, I believe a lot of this amounts to little more than an election season rant. We want different leaders, so we hope to throw the old ones out, and replace them with "godly" ones. I truly believe that the desire of most individuals seeking a "godly white house" is not the salvation of our president, but to vote him out of power! Sounds harsh, but I believe it is true!
The truth is we live in a fallen world, run by fallen people. Plain and simple. We are not going to find an on fire sold out to Jesus president and congress and judicial system, governors, mayors, and so on, no matter how hard we try. The world is the world! The world is lost in sin. How can we expect sinful government officials to somehow give us the moral upright government that we desire?
Look at all of the professed christian politicians. Look at the mud slinging, name calling, broken promises, all in the name of getting elected. I find it disgusting to even take part in this! Their conduct goes against the law of love that governs the true child of God (Matthew 7:12; 1Cor 13:4-7; James 2:12).
We live in this world, but as Christians we belong to the kingdom of God! This world is not our home, and no matter how hard we try to fix it through politics and earthly ways, we will fail! We need to be about the business of our Heavenly Father. We are to seek His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). It is through working to build God's kingdom, that we will see this world changed.
I wonder how many Christians who are so concerned about the spiritual condition of our leaders, actually obey the instruction given to us to pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-4)? How many of us obey Paul's instruction to honor those in authority, to give them the respect that is due them (Romans 13:7)?
These instructions were written to Christians living under the oppressive rule of the corrupt Roman government. They were under leaders such as Nero, who severely persecuted them. Yet they were told to be in subjection, and to give proper respect! They were to pray for their leaders, not curse them.
They understood the fact that God had placed these governments in place for keeping order (Romans 13:1-5). They understood that the world would take care of the world, they were to be about the business of Christ's kingdom. They could only change this world for the better as they proclaimed the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit.
As Christians we must honor our leaders, no matter how bad of a job we think they are doing. They will ultimately stand before God to answer for how they ruled in this life. Better yet, let's pray for them! Let's pray that they would be saved. Let's pray that God would give them wisdom to rule rightly.
If we would do this, we would find that things would indeed go well for us as the scriptures promise (1 Timothy 2:2). If we choose to keep on harping and criticizing, waiting for a better election, we will be bitterly disappointed.
No matter the outcome of this or any future elections, those who are living for Christ, and not caught up in this world system, can have the peace that comes from knowing that this world is not our home. It cannot stop Christ or His kingdom, to which we truly belong.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
The Necessity of the Great Commission.
Every so often someone brings up the question of what happens to people who never heard the gospel; people in a far away remote land who never had the chance to hear the gospel of Christ.
I am surprised to see the large number of so called Christians who believe that God in His mercy overlooks their sin because they never had a chance to hear about Christ, therefore they could not believe.
I find problems with this view based on the scriptures. Remember all scripture is God breathed, (1Tim 3:16), and is our final authority on this and other matters of faith and practice. This is God's word to us, telling us His desire and will concerning this question.
Jesus commanded that we should go to the farthest corners of the earth with the message of the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-16; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8). If those who had never heard the gospel were saved in their ignorance of the truth, wouldn't it be better if they didn't hear? It would seem that Jesus is commanding us to go and do something that might just be the thing that damns a soul rather than saves it. If they were saved anyway, it would be better for them to have never known the truth, than to risk rejecting it.
Look at what Paul tells us about those who sin without the law. They will perish without the law (Romans 2:12). Why? Because they are a law unto themselves. They understand right and wrong even though they have never seen a bible, never heard a gospel message, never met a missionary. Their conscience condemns or approves their actions, because the work of the law is written upon their hearts (Romans 2:14-15).
They need someone to tell them the good news of Jesus Christ, because they have sinned against the knowledge that they have, however dim it may be, and they are lost!
Look back to Romans 1:18-23. God has revealed Himself to all mankind in every place, whether through His word, or through creation. We are condemned when we reject this revelation and worship the creation instead of the God who created it. Look at the all of the idolatry throughout the world. Consider what it must be like in unreached places! These individuals are lost, and we must reach them!
Finally the Apostle Paul speaks of confessing Jesus, and believing in Him for salvation (Romans 10:9-10). This is how we are saved, by turning from our sins and self, and by faith surrendering ourselves to the lordship of Christ, casting ourselves upon His mercy.
Look further on though when he mentions those who have not believed or heard the message of the gospel (Romans 10:14-15). He says that they cannot hear or believe unless someone is sent to them! He says the feet of those bringing the good news of salvation are beautiful! If it is true that they are saved because they have never had the chance to hear, then why would Paul say the feet of those sent to proclaim salvation to them are beautiful? It would be better to stay far away from them and let them remain in their ignorance, than to risk their souls by telling them the truth.
The truth is we are all lost apart from Christ. We all need to be saved from our sin no matter where we live. It is this sin, this rebellion against God that separates us from Him and subjects us to eternal damnation. God desires that all have an adequate opportunity to hear the message of life, and have a chance to repent of their sins, and trust in the mercy of Christ and be saved (1Tim 2:4). They are lost if they are not reached!
I am surprised to see the large number of so called Christians who believe that God in His mercy overlooks their sin because they never had a chance to hear about Christ, therefore they could not believe.
I find problems with this view based on the scriptures. Remember all scripture is God breathed, (1Tim 3:16), and is our final authority on this and other matters of faith and practice. This is God's word to us, telling us His desire and will concerning this question.
Jesus commanded that we should go to the farthest corners of the earth with the message of the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-16; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8). If those who had never heard the gospel were saved in their ignorance of the truth, wouldn't it be better if they didn't hear? It would seem that Jesus is commanding us to go and do something that might just be the thing that damns a soul rather than saves it. If they were saved anyway, it would be better for them to have never known the truth, than to risk rejecting it.
Look at what Paul tells us about those who sin without the law. They will perish without the law (Romans 2:12). Why? Because they are a law unto themselves. They understand right and wrong even though they have never seen a bible, never heard a gospel message, never met a missionary. Their conscience condemns or approves their actions, because the work of the law is written upon their hearts (Romans 2:14-15).
They need someone to tell them the good news of Jesus Christ, because they have sinned against the knowledge that they have, however dim it may be, and they are lost!
Look back to Romans 1:18-23. God has revealed Himself to all mankind in every place, whether through His word, or through creation. We are condemned when we reject this revelation and worship the creation instead of the God who created it. Look at the all of the idolatry throughout the world. Consider what it must be like in unreached places! These individuals are lost, and we must reach them!
Finally the Apostle Paul speaks of confessing Jesus, and believing in Him for salvation (Romans 10:9-10). This is how we are saved, by turning from our sins and self, and by faith surrendering ourselves to the lordship of Christ, casting ourselves upon His mercy.
Look further on though when he mentions those who have not believed or heard the message of the gospel (Romans 10:14-15). He says that they cannot hear or believe unless someone is sent to them! He says the feet of those bringing the good news of salvation are beautiful! If it is true that they are saved because they have never had the chance to hear, then why would Paul say the feet of those sent to proclaim salvation to them are beautiful? It would be better to stay far away from them and let them remain in their ignorance, than to risk their souls by telling them the truth.
The truth is we are all lost apart from Christ. We all need to be saved from our sin no matter where we live. It is this sin, this rebellion against God that separates us from Him and subjects us to eternal damnation. God desires that all have an adequate opportunity to hear the message of life, and have a chance to repent of their sins, and trust in the mercy of Christ and be saved (1Tim 2:4). They are lost if they are not reached!
Sunday, September 28, 2014
The Words of Jesus.
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect even as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Matthew 5:44-48 NASB
These are some sobering words for most of us I believe. Sadly too many who call themselves Christians relate to what Christ was trying to correct. We are counted among those to whom Christ said "You have heard that it was said." We love those who love us back, but hate our enemies.
Take a serious look at what Jesus teaches us in the Sermon on the Mount! It is a radical departure from the way society believes and lives.
The world's way of doing things is selfish. The world is looking out for itself, it's own interests at the expense of others. Revenge and retaliation are what motivates the world rather than love and forgiveness.
As Christians, we belong to a different kingdom. We live in this world, but we have forsaken it and its ways. Therefore we no longer look at things in the same way the world does.
As Jesus taught, we are to love our enemies. I'm afraid that many who call themselves Christians do not love their enemies, whoever they may be. We have bought into the lie that we must demand our rights, retaliation is okay, war is called holy, and so on.
What does the Bible say about our rights (Matthew 5:38-42, Luke 6:29-31)? What does it say about forgiveness ( Matt 6:12, 14-15, Col 3:13)? Look at what the Apostle Paul said about revenge (Romans 12:17-19).
Do you see the majority of Christians today actively living these concepts out in their daily lives? Too many of us are being overcome by evil, instead of overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21).
I don't mean to say that there should not be justice and that evil should just be allowed to go on unchecked. Look at what Paul teaches us in Romans thirteen. The governments of this world are set into place by God (Romans 13:1). He has placed them in power for the purpose of dealing with the evils within society (Romans 13:4).
I understand that there are bad governments in the world. The government in the days of the early Church was one of the worst, and greatly persecuted Christians. History is filled with evil empires, bent on conquest and destruction. However it stills stands that God has ordained the government for the purpose of dealing out justice.
We as Christians are to let the government do this. We are to forgive. We are to love even our enemies, praying for them that they might be saved. Remember, we are of a different kingdom!
As believers we are to pray for the governing authorities (1Timothy 2:1-4). We are to respect those in authority, honor them, and pay our taxes (Romans 13:5-7, 1Peter 2:13-15). Remember, at the time this was written, a government existed that brought severe persecution to the Church!
My point in all of this is to remind you that as Christians we are called to be radically different than the world around us! We are to love instead of hate one another. We are to forgive and let go, instead of retaliating, and harboring bitterness within our hearts.
This is so opposite the way we live today, even within the professing Church. We have conformed to the worldly way of dealing with our enemies, to our shame. What do you think Jesus thinks of many of His professed followers as they scream for revenge, and tightly hang on to their rights. Remember what He said as He hung dying upon the Cross? "Father forgive them" (Luke 23:34).
He calls us to do the same. He is our example, we are to follow in His steps (1Peter 2:21-23). We also must entrust ourselves to Him who judges righteously.
Matthew 5:44-48 NASB
These are some sobering words for most of us I believe. Sadly too many who call themselves Christians relate to what Christ was trying to correct. We are counted among those to whom Christ said "You have heard that it was said." We love those who love us back, but hate our enemies.
Take a serious look at what Jesus teaches us in the Sermon on the Mount! It is a radical departure from the way society believes and lives.
The world's way of doing things is selfish. The world is looking out for itself, it's own interests at the expense of others. Revenge and retaliation are what motivates the world rather than love and forgiveness.
As Christians, we belong to a different kingdom. We live in this world, but we have forsaken it and its ways. Therefore we no longer look at things in the same way the world does.
As Jesus taught, we are to love our enemies. I'm afraid that many who call themselves Christians do not love their enemies, whoever they may be. We have bought into the lie that we must demand our rights, retaliation is okay, war is called holy, and so on.
What does the Bible say about our rights (Matthew 5:38-42, Luke 6:29-31)? What does it say about forgiveness ( Matt 6:12, 14-15, Col 3:13)? Look at what the Apostle Paul said about revenge (Romans 12:17-19).
Do you see the majority of Christians today actively living these concepts out in their daily lives? Too many of us are being overcome by evil, instead of overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21).
I don't mean to say that there should not be justice and that evil should just be allowed to go on unchecked. Look at what Paul teaches us in Romans thirteen. The governments of this world are set into place by God (Romans 13:1). He has placed them in power for the purpose of dealing with the evils within society (Romans 13:4).
I understand that there are bad governments in the world. The government in the days of the early Church was one of the worst, and greatly persecuted Christians. History is filled with evil empires, bent on conquest and destruction. However it stills stands that God has ordained the government for the purpose of dealing out justice.
We as Christians are to let the government do this. We are to forgive. We are to love even our enemies, praying for them that they might be saved. Remember, we are of a different kingdom!
As believers we are to pray for the governing authorities (1Timothy 2:1-4). We are to respect those in authority, honor them, and pay our taxes (Romans 13:5-7, 1Peter 2:13-15). Remember, at the time this was written, a government existed that brought severe persecution to the Church!
My point in all of this is to remind you that as Christians we are called to be radically different than the world around us! We are to love instead of hate one another. We are to forgive and let go, instead of retaliating, and harboring bitterness within our hearts.
This is so opposite the way we live today, even within the professing Church. We have conformed to the worldly way of dealing with our enemies, to our shame. What do you think Jesus thinks of many of His professed followers as they scream for revenge, and tightly hang on to their rights. Remember what He said as He hung dying upon the Cross? "Father forgive them" (Luke 23:34).
He calls us to do the same. He is our example, we are to follow in His steps (1Peter 2:21-23). We also must entrust ourselves to Him who judges righteously.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Which City Are We Seeking?
Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.
Hebrews 13:12-14 NASB
I want to ask professing Christians some very serious questions. Which city are you living for? Which kingdom are you seeking? Is it the heavenly kingdom of Christ, or the world in which we live?
The Bible speaks of Christians as those who are seeking a heavenly kingdom. Look at the above text. It says to us that just as Christ went outside the gate to die for our sanctification, so we to are to bear His reproach outside the camp.
Outside the camp was the place where refuse was discarded and burned (Hebrews 13:11). This is not a pleasant place to think of going out to, but being a true follower of Christ in this world is not always an easy pleasant thing to be either. The world will despise those who have renounced it and its ways. History has shown us how this world has treated godly men and women down through the ages. It has scorned them, mocked them, imprisoned them, and killed them.
The temptation for many is to please man rather than God. We might claim to be Christians but remain silent, watch what we say, compromise the truth, etc. Jesus said if we are ashamed of Him, He is ashamed of us. It is just that simple (Mark 8:38)! If are trying to please man, then we are not servants of Christ (Galatians 1:10).
This world is not our home! We must go outside the camp, just like Christ! Be willing to suffer reproach.
This world is only temporary. It will not last, so why do we spend ourselves in pursuit of all that it can offer us? Someday all that can be shaken will be shaken. Only the Kingdom of God will remain. That is what we stand to inherit as followers of Christ, and not this world (Hebrews 12:26-28).
Jesus told us to lay up eternal treasure, to live for eternal things, not temporal material things (Matthew 6:19-21). What we pursue, the things that take up our time, thoughts, money, effort, are what we worship! That is right. Is Jesus Christ enthroned in your heart? Are you consumed by Him and His service, or are you consumed by the things of this life? Are you spending your days living for temporal things? Even things innocent and even needful can become snares and idols to us!
Look at men like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Bible tells us that they did not consider this world their home. They were looking to the city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10, 13-14). They had come out of this world. They did not look back at what they had left or else they would have returned to it (Hebrews 11:15). Remember Lot's wife looked back as Sodom and Gomorrah were burning up? Where do you suppose her heart was (Genesis 19:24-26)?
Jesus said that no one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). What are we looking at, our eternal home with Christ, or our temporal life on this earth?
These patriarchs of renown did not look back from where they came from, but looked to the heavenly kingdom they would one day possess. They clung to the promise of God by faith while living on this earth, and God was not ashamed to be called their God ( Hebrews 11:16).
What about us? Is God unashamed to be called our God, or do we bring Him reproach by our worldly mindedness? What our we looking forward to, the city whose builder and maker is God, or mere material things that will someday be shaken and destroyed?
As Christians, we are indeed strangers and pilgrims upon this earth. Let us live like it.
So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.
Hebrews 13:12-14 NASB
I want to ask professing Christians some very serious questions. Which city are you living for? Which kingdom are you seeking? Is it the heavenly kingdom of Christ, or the world in which we live?
The Bible speaks of Christians as those who are seeking a heavenly kingdom. Look at the above text. It says to us that just as Christ went outside the gate to die for our sanctification, so we to are to bear His reproach outside the camp.
Outside the camp was the place where refuse was discarded and burned (Hebrews 13:11). This is not a pleasant place to think of going out to, but being a true follower of Christ in this world is not always an easy pleasant thing to be either. The world will despise those who have renounced it and its ways. History has shown us how this world has treated godly men and women down through the ages. It has scorned them, mocked them, imprisoned them, and killed them.
The temptation for many is to please man rather than God. We might claim to be Christians but remain silent, watch what we say, compromise the truth, etc. Jesus said if we are ashamed of Him, He is ashamed of us. It is just that simple (Mark 8:38)! If are trying to please man, then we are not servants of Christ (Galatians 1:10).
This world is not our home! We must go outside the camp, just like Christ! Be willing to suffer reproach.
This world is only temporary. It will not last, so why do we spend ourselves in pursuit of all that it can offer us? Someday all that can be shaken will be shaken. Only the Kingdom of God will remain. That is what we stand to inherit as followers of Christ, and not this world (Hebrews 12:26-28).
Jesus told us to lay up eternal treasure, to live for eternal things, not temporal material things (Matthew 6:19-21). What we pursue, the things that take up our time, thoughts, money, effort, are what we worship! That is right. Is Jesus Christ enthroned in your heart? Are you consumed by Him and His service, or are you consumed by the things of this life? Are you spending your days living for temporal things? Even things innocent and even needful can become snares and idols to us!
Look at men like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Bible tells us that they did not consider this world their home. They were looking to the city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10, 13-14). They had come out of this world. They did not look back at what they had left or else they would have returned to it (Hebrews 11:15). Remember Lot's wife looked back as Sodom and Gomorrah were burning up? Where do you suppose her heart was (Genesis 19:24-26)?
Jesus said that no one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). What are we looking at, our eternal home with Christ, or our temporal life on this earth?
These patriarchs of renown did not look back from where they came from, but looked to the heavenly kingdom they would one day possess. They clung to the promise of God by faith while living on this earth, and God was not ashamed to be called their God ( Hebrews 11:16).
What about us? Is God unashamed to be called our God, or do we bring Him reproach by our worldly mindedness? What our we looking forward to, the city whose builder and maker is God, or mere material things that will someday be shaken and destroyed?
As Christians, we are indeed strangers and pilgrims upon this earth. Let us live like it.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
The Enduring Word.
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| The Grass withers, and the flower falls off |
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| but the Word of the Lord abides forever 1 Peter 1:24-25 NASB |
Friday, September 5, 2014
Holding a Form Of Godliness.
We read in 2 Timothy 3:2-5, of a worldly, selfish professed Church. Paul describes them as lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, no self control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure instead of God. They hold to a FORM of godliness but deny it's power.
Look around! The "Christian television" is filled with ministries and churches that fit into this category. Professed believers are living the above lifestyles with little or no shame. Ministers are coming into homes (2 Timothy 3:6) via the media further enslaving individuals already captivated by sin. The modern "gospel" seems to be all about us. God lives to make us happy. The absolutes are blurred, in fact they are swiftly passing away. If it feels good, if it works for you, do it! God lives to see you happy! It is your pleasure He desires.
This is an abomination! Millions are rushing to hell as smooth preachers encourage them on. Paul says to have nothing to do with such people (2 Timothy 3:5). These ministers are rejected as regarding the faith (2 Timothy 3:8)!
People may read this and consider it judgmental as many do as others speak out against the worldliness that permeates our culture today. You better call Paul a mean spirited judgmental person as well, as these are his words as inspired by the Holy Spirit!
People wake up! God is telling us to flee from such things! He is warning us that this is not the way of truth. A lie is still a lie when it is all over. Eternity is too long of a time to suffer in regret and endless torment as we realize we have been deceived!
The good news is this. Jesus still saves and sets sinners free! There is a true church, one where the truth is proclaimed and lived. Lives are being transformed by the grace of God. The word of God is still being upheld as the unchangeable truth. This is the church that overcomes, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).
Beware of a gospel that allows you to remain in your sin! Beware of a gospel that promotes self over God. Beware of a gospel with no cross, no self denial. Test all things according to the standard of God's word (Acts 17:11, 1John 4:1).
A form of godliness is worthless without the power to transform lives!
Look around! The "Christian television" is filled with ministries and churches that fit into this category. Professed believers are living the above lifestyles with little or no shame. Ministers are coming into homes (2 Timothy 3:6) via the media further enslaving individuals already captivated by sin. The modern "gospel" seems to be all about us. God lives to make us happy. The absolutes are blurred, in fact they are swiftly passing away. If it feels good, if it works for you, do it! God lives to see you happy! It is your pleasure He desires.
This is an abomination! Millions are rushing to hell as smooth preachers encourage them on. Paul says to have nothing to do with such people (2 Timothy 3:5). These ministers are rejected as regarding the faith (2 Timothy 3:8)!
People may read this and consider it judgmental as many do as others speak out against the worldliness that permeates our culture today. You better call Paul a mean spirited judgmental person as well, as these are his words as inspired by the Holy Spirit!
People wake up! God is telling us to flee from such things! He is warning us that this is not the way of truth. A lie is still a lie when it is all over. Eternity is too long of a time to suffer in regret and endless torment as we realize we have been deceived!
The good news is this. Jesus still saves and sets sinners free! There is a true church, one where the truth is proclaimed and lived. Lives are being transformed by the grace of God. The word of God is still being upheld as the unchangeable truth. This is the church that overcomes, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).
Beware of a gospel that allows you to remain in your sin! Beware of a gospel that promotes self over God. Beware of a gospel with no cross, no self denial. Test all things according to the standard of God's word (Acts 17:11, 1John 4:1).
A form of godliness is worthless without the power to transform lives!
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Beware of False Prophets.
Jesus warns us in His sermon on the mount to beware of false Prophets (Matthew 7:15-20). He tells us that they may look like the real thing on the outside, they may look like godly pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc. but on the in side they are not so.
Paul warns us of a day when people will not desire to hear the truth, but will gather teachers to themselves who will tell them ear tickling things (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
I want to look at the idea of a prophet. What is a prophet according to the word of God? People think of prophecy and prophets as foreseeing the future, the foretelling of future events, such as disasters, famines, or other future events concerning nations or individuals.
To be sure, biblical prophets have accurately foretold future events, but that is not all that a prophet was called to do.
Take the old testament prophets for example. Look at men like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel for example. These individuals were sent by God to confront His backslidden people with there sin and rebellion. They were sent to call the nation of Israel to repentance, to call them to forsake idolatry, and to return to the living God.
These men spoke as moved by God. They spoke His words, in His power, in His timing. The message they proclaimed offered hope to those who returned to God, but judgment to those who persisted in sin.
John the Baptist was a prophet who came preaching a message of repentance. He confronted people with their sin, pointed the people to the Savior, but did not have any soothing words for those who would not give up their sin (Matthew 3:1-10, Mark 1:4-8, Luke 3:1-20, John 1:19-35).
Look what was happening in the days of Jeremiah. Prophets were telling the people that all was well, no harm would befall them, everything was all right, but these people were living in rebellion to God (Jeremiah 23:16-17). God declared that these shepherds were destroying the sheep (Jeremiah 23:1). In fact His anger would not turn back. In other words there are severe consequences for our sinful actions, no matter what anyone else may think or say (Jeremiah 23:20-22). God did not send these men, and God has not sent those who teach similar things in our churches today!
We hear the message that it doesn't matter how we live after we become Christians, because God covers us, He does not see our sin etc. I believe in grace, I believe in the cleansing blood of Christ, but I also believe the many warnings in scripture that show us that God will not allow us to persist in sinful lifestyles and call ourselves followers of Christ.
We must pay careful attention to what we are taught, going to the word of God as the standard by which we judge all things pertaining to life and godliness. Jesus said that we will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16). Does what they teach line up with the WHOLE council of scripture? I don't mean to take a verse here or there and see if it fits. Is it biblical?
How about their lives? Do they live Godly lives above reproach? This is a scriptural requirement for a minister of the gospel (1 Timothy 3:1-10, Titus 1:5-9). This is God's standard for anyone who would represent Him in the ministry. We see so many today whose lives are filled with scandal, yet we are told we must not judge them. God says they are not qualified! You will know them by their fruits! How about the individuals that sit under their ministry? Do their lives show the godly change that takes place in a true believer, or do they remain unchanged, but entertain a false hope? We see too much of this I'm afraid.
Too much is at stake. We must be in the word and see for ourselves what God says, what He requires. Test all things, because one day we will appear before God, and only the truth will stand.
Paul warns us of a day when people will not desire to hear the truth, but will gather teachers to themselves who will tell them ear tickling things (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
I want to look at the idea of a prophet. What is a prophet according to the word of God? People think of prophecy and prophets as foreseeing the future, the foretelling of future events, such as disasters, famines, or other future events concerning nations or individuals.
To be sure, biblical prophets have accurately foretold future events, but that is not all that a prophet was called to do.
Take the old testament prophets for example. Look at men like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel for example. These individuals were sent by God to confront His backslidden people with there sin and rebellion. They were sent to call the nation of Israel to repentance, to call them to forsake idolatry, and to return to the living God.
These men spoke as moved by God. They spoke His words, in His power, in His timing. The message they proclaimed offered hope to those who returned to God, but judgment to those who persisted in sin.
John the Baptist was a prophet who came preaching a message of repentance. He confronted people with their sin, pointed the people to the Savior, but did not have any soothing words for those who would not give up their sin (Matthew 3:1-10, Mark 1:4-8, Luke 3:1-20, John 1:19-35).
Look what was happening in the days of Jeremiah. Prophets were telling the people that all was well, no harm would befall them, everything was all right, but these people were living in rebellion to God (Jeremiah 23:16-17). God declared that these shepherds were destroying the sheep (Jeremiah 23:1). In fact His anger would not turn back. In other words there are severe consequences for our sinful actions, no matter what anyone else may think or say (Jeremiah 23:20-22). God did not send these men, and God has not sent those who teach similar things in our churches today!
We hear the message that it doesn't matter how we live after we become Christians, because God covers us, He does not see our sin etc. I believe in grace, I believe in the cleansing blood of Christ, but I also believe the many warnings in scripture that show us that God will not allow us to persist in sinful lifestyles and call ourselves followers of Christ.
We must pay careful attention to what we are taught, going to the word of God as the standard by which we judge all things pertaining to life and godliness. Jesus said that we will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16). Does what they teach line up with the WHOLE council of scripture? I don't mean to take a verse here or there and see if it fits. Is it biblical?
How about their lives? Do they live Godly lives above reproach? This is a scriptural requirement for a minister of the gospel (1 Timothy 3:1-10, Titus 1:5-9). This is God's standard for anyone who would represent Him in the ministry. We see so many today whose lives are filled with scandal, yet we are told we must not judge them. God says they are not qualified! You will know them by their fruits! How about the individuals that sit under their ministry? Do their lives show the godly change that takes place in a true believer, or do they remain unchanged, but entertain a false hope? We see too much of this I'm afraid.
Too much is at stake. We must be in the word and see for ourselves what God says, what He requires. Test all things, because one day we will appear before God, and only the truth will stand.
Friday, August 22, 2014
We Need Discernment.
Many Christians and non Christians as well have been beguiled into blindly accepting the "Heaven is For Real" book and movie.
I viewed the movie last night, and all I can say is we need discernment! There was nothing in this boy's experience that can be substantiated by scriptural proof, to put it bluntly! The things he saw are fluffy and unbiblical, such as Jesus' rainbow colored horse.
The Jesus that he saw, and confirmed by the art of a girl who also claims to have seen visions is not the Jesus described in Revelation 1:14-15. I have problems with people's ideas of "What Jesus looks like" (Exodus 20:4). I believe that we do not really know much about what Jesus looks like other than He took on flesh as a man. We worship in Spirit and truth (John 4:24).
This movie seems to leave one with the new age/universalist feeling that all beliefs will get you to heaven, if you are a good person, you will get there.
God forgive me if I am wrong about this, but I fear that this movie further propagates the easy feel good gospel that prevails today. Any of the things this boy saw could just as easily been passed to him by "familiar spirits". Satan passes himself off as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
I did not see the gospel proclaimed in this movie. What I saw was a false hope that will lead thousands of deceived souls to an eternal separation from God in endless torment.
WE NEED DISCERNMENT CHURCH!
I viewed the movie last night, and all I can say is we need discernment! There was nothing in this boy's experience that can be substantiated by scriptural proof, to put it bluntly! The things he saw are fluffy and unbiblical, such as Jesus' rainbow colored horse.
The Jesus that he saw, and confirmed by the art of a girl who also claims to have seen visions is not the Jesus described in Revelation 1:14-15. I have problems with people's ideas of "What Jesus looks like" (Exodus 20:4). I believe that we do not really know much about what Jesus looks like other than He took on flesh as a man. We worship in Spirit and truth (John 4:24).
This movie seems to leave one with the new age/universalist feeling that all beliefs will get you to heaven, if you are a good person, you will get there.
God forgive me if I am wrong about this, but I fear that this movie further propagates the easy feel good gospel that prevails today. Any of the things this boy saw could just as easily been passed to him by "familiar spirits". Satan passes himself off as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
I did not see the gospel proclaimed in this movie. What I saw was a false hope that will lead thousands of deceived souls to an eternal separation from God in endless torment.
WE NEED DISCERNMENT CHURCH!
Monday, August 4, 2014
Growth In the Knowledge of Jesus.
I was once asked by an individual what I thought about divorce and remarriage. He was confused because the bible said one thing, and the early church fathers were split on their take of the issue.
The role of women in ministry can also become a thorny issue to deal with. Was it a cultural issue for a specific time, or is it a command for today as well? There are about as many answers to this as there are commentaries dealing with Paul's instructions concerning women.
My point is not to argue these issues out in this post. I prefer to let the bible speak clearly, after all it is God's book, inspired by Him, for our benefit. We would do well to clear our minds of all preconceived ideas, and come to the word of God with an open heart and mind. After all it is the will
of God that we are seeking, right?
As the early Anabaptist leader Conrad Grebel said "I believe the word of God without a complicated interpretation". The bible can be hard to understand in many instances, but yet God desires us to dig in and seek out the truth. He is not going to hide truth from an individual who desires to apply it to his or her life. We get into trouble when we want to know what the bible says about something, but we are unwilling to put it into practice in our lives. We cloud things up when we depend more on human tradition, and interpretation, then upon the illumination of the Holy Spirit.
We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17-18). We need to watch ourselves so that we are not led astray by the errors of unprincipled men.
Is it ok to use commentaries? Yes, but use discernment! They are written by fallible men, often with a denominational slant. We need to train ourselves to come to the Word with an open mind and heart, realizing that this is the last word on what is true in the eyes of God!
The role of women in ministry can also become a thorny issue to deal with. Was it a cultural issue for a specific time, or is it a command for today as well? There are about as many answers to this as there are commentaries dealing with Paul's instructions concerning women.
My point is not to argue these issues out in this post. I prefer to let the bible speak clearly, after all it is God's book, inspired by Him, for our benefit. We would do well to clear our minds of all preconceived ideas, and come to the word of God with an open heart and mind. After all it is the will
of God that we are seeking, right?
As the early Anabaptist leader Conrad Grebel said "I believe the word of God without a complicated interpretation". The bible can be hard to understand in many instances, but yet God desires us to dig in and seek out the truth. He is not going to hide truth from an individual who desires to apply it to his or her life. We get into trouble when we want to know what the bible says about something, but we are unwilling to put it into practice in our lives. We cloud things up when we depend more on human tradition, and interpretation, then upon the illumination of the Holy Spirit.
We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17-18). We need to watch ourselves so that we are not led astray by the errors of unprincipled men.
Is it ok to use commentaries? Yes, but use discernment! They are written by fallible men, often with a denominational slant. We need to train ourselves to come to the Word with an open mind and heart, realizing that this is the last word on what is true in the eyes of God!
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Convictions Worth Dying For.
It seems that a majority of "Christians" today do not hold too tightly to their convictions. They may hold to various beliefs and convictions, but are easily persuaded to compromise, lay these beliefs aside, or just remain silent.
I understand that there are some things that are personal, and we are not to judge another on these things (Romans 14:1-13). This is not what I am referring to. I am writing here about Jesus Christ, and our unwavering commitment to follow Him as Lord of our lives, no matter where it leads us, and how much it costs us.
The Anabaptists of the sixteenth century are a little known group of people who grew out of the reformation. They followed Christ with an all out passion. Their property was confiscated, they were imprisoned, tortured, and put to death for their beliefs.
What were these beliefs that meant so much to them? They believed that the scriptures were for them, that they were to be believed and lived out. They believed that the kingdom of God was within them, Christ was the head of the Church, not a city council or other form of human government. They rejected the notion that the consecrated bread became the body of Christ during communion. They saw the communion elements as symbolic of Jesus body and blood. They saw that infant baptism was not biblical. They believed that one was to be baptized upon a true confession of faith. They took the words of Jesus to love ones enemies quite literally. They went out as missionaries throughout Europe preaching repentance from sin and faith towards God, baptizing all who truly believed. Revival followed them. Multitudes embraced the message of the gospel and were baptized as a seal of their surrender to Christ.
They were at odds not only with the Roman Catholic Church, but were also branded as rebels and heretics by the leaders of the reformation as well. It was Martin Luther himself who declared that they must be put to death for their rebellion against church authority. This did not discourage or stop them. They picked up their cross and followed Christ all the way, many of them to the death.
We need the boldness and conviction that these Christians, and many others throughout history had. Many today are suffering untold horrors in other lands while we waffle and waver and remain silent, afraid to ruffle feathers and go against the current. We see so much worldliness in the church and do nothing. We follow along as we see a church fighting spiritual battles in the political arena. We have become materialistic, storing up treasures on earth instead of heaven. We know nothing of true cross bearing for the sake of Christ. The modern message of Christ has become so watered down and distorted, but most of us say nothing, sadly many of us do not even realize this is happening.
God, grant us the grace to stand for you! Wake us up and give us courage! May we hold firmly to Godly convictions, and change this world for you.
I understand that there are some things that are personal, and we are not to judge another on these things (Romans 14:1-13). This is not what I am referring to. I am writing here about Jesus Christ, and our unwavering commitment to follow Him as Lord of our lives, no matter where it leads us, and how much it costs us.
The Anabaptists of the sixteenth century are a little known group of people who grew out of the reformation. They followed Christ with an all out passion. Their property was confiscated, they were imprisoned, tortured, and put to death for their beliefs.
What were these beliefs that meant so much to them? They believed that the scriptures were for them, that they were to be believed and lived out. They believed that the kingdom of God was within them, Christ was the head of the Church, not a city council or other form of human government. They rejected the notion that the consecrated bread became the body of Christ during communion. They saw the communion elements as symbolic of Jesus body and blood. They saw that infant baptism was not biblical. They believed that one was to be baptized upon a true confession of faith. They took the words of Jesus to love ones enemies quite literally. They went out as missionaries throughout Europe preaching repentance from sin and faith towards God, baptizing all who truly believed. Revival followed them. Multitudes embraced the message of the gospel and were baptized as a seal of their surrender to Christ.
They were at odds not only with the Roman Catholic Church, but were also branded as rebels and heretics by the leaders of the reformation as well. It was Martin Luther himself who declared that they must be put to death for their rebellion against church authority. This did not discourage or stop them. They picked up their cross and followed Christ all the way, many of them to the death.
We need the boldness and conviction that these Christians, and many others throughout history had. Many today are suffering untold horrors in other lands while we waffle and waver and remain silent, afraid to ruffle feathers and go against the current. We see so much worldliness in the church and do nothing. We follow along as we see a church fighting spiritual battles in the political arena. We have become materialistic, storing up treasures on earth instead of heaven. We know nothing of true cross bearing for the sake of Christ. The modern message of Christ has become so watered down and distorted, but most of us say nothing, sadly many of us do not even realize this is happening.
God, grant us the grace to stand for you! Wake us up and give us courage! May we hold firmly to Godly convictions, and change this world for you.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Saturday, May 17, 2014
God's Hatred.
The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
Psalm 11:4-5 NASB
We don't like to think that God would hate someone. We tend to think that God is all about love. We would agree that God hates the sin, but surely He does not hate the sinner, but that is not what this verse is saying. In God's view, the sinner and the act are not separated. The act of sin is such that it flows out of the heart. This is a heart that stands opposed to God and His rightful rule over ones' life. This is the attitude of the heart spoken of in Romans 8:7.
There are many passages in the Bible that call the individual by the name of his or her sin. 1 Corinthians 5:11 mentions immoral persons, revilers, drunkards, and swindlers. Murderers, sorcerers, idolaters, and liars are referred to in Revelation 21:8. There are probably many more, but these suffice to make the point, that a person who lies is a liar, one who kills is a murderer, one who steal is a thief, one who is unfaithful to a spouse is an adulterer, etc. In the eyes of God, the sin is not separated from the individual. God hates the sin, and hates the sinner as well.
You might wonder, what about John 3:16? Doesn't God love the lost? Yes He does! He loves the lost so much that He sent Jesus Christ to die for each and everyone of us! He has made every provision necessary for us to be forgiven, restored, and delivered from our sinful lifestyles. He is not willing that any should perish. He is longsuffering toward us, giving us ample time to repent of our rebellion against Him (2 Peter 3:9). Yes He loves us, but sinful man does not want anything to do with this God who loves him.
God is a holy God. He is also perfectly just in all His ways. Righteousness and justice are what His rule is founded upon (Psalm 89:14). As such, He has a perfect hatred toward sin. He must judge it, His very nature demands it. What would we think of an earthly judge who coddled criminals, and overlooked serious crimes? We would all think it was wrong, an injustice! How much more then is God perfectly just in all of His ways? When I say that God hates, I am not referring to the type of hatred that we see in so many individuals. This is not an exasperated or hardened heart type of hatred that is found in fallen man. This is a holy hatred that the holy God has for evil. We often fail to understand how evil sin really is, how wicked the individual sinner is, and how abhorrent this all is to God. We often fail to understand that vengeance belongs to God, and He will act on it (Hebrews 10:29-31). Sin is an in your face act against God. I understand that scripture differentiates between unintentional sin, sins of weakness, and such. This is not what I am referring to. What God hates is rebellion. The mindset that I am in charge of my life. I will do whatever I want, and I don't care how it affects God or anyone else. Self on the throne instead of God! It is out of this mindset that we see so much evil in the world. This is what God hates, these are the people that God hates, and will someday punish.
Jesus Christ gave of Himself for us, to redeem us. He bore the judgment for our sin, so that we could be forgiven, so that we could live in God's loving presence. As I mentioned, God loved us enough to make a way for us to be spared His wrath. It is up to us to submit to Him, receive His pardon, and let Him change our lives completely.
Consider yourself a defendant in court. You have just been found guilty of murder and are now waiting for the judge to pass sentence. You have appeared before this judge many times. When you were fourteen, he let you off with a warning. You were caught with the wrong crowd, and he wanted to give you a second chance. The next year it was petty theft, and you had to check in with a probation officer. Over the next decade you were in and out of jail for various offences. Theft, drugs, DUI, domestic violence. You received suspended sentences, reduced sentences, time off for good behavior, and so on. You appeared before this judge over and over and over. He was lenient, he was kind, he was patient. Now you are waiting for sentence. The crime is more serious this time. You know it looks bad, but this judge has always seemed fair in the past. He asks you to rise, and make any final statements you would wish the court to hear before sentencing. You tell the court how you messed up again, how you have struggled to live a productive life, how sorry you are. You tell how you will never do it again, you will reform if you just get another chance. You remind the judge of his past kindness, and ask for mercy. What you hear next shocks you to the core. " I have dealt with you for the last twelve years. I have shown mercy over and over. I have been lenient toward you in the hope you would reform and become a productive citizen. You have shown by your actions that I was wrong. I never want to see you in my court again. I sentence you to be taken to the place of execution in three days, where you will be hung by the neck until dead. Guards remove the prisoner!"
This might seem harsh or shocking to some. God loves us. Even while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God is giving us time to repent of our sin, our hostility toward Him. He does not want to see us die (Ezekiel 18:23,32). However, if we neglect our salvation (Hebrews 2:2-3) there is nothing left for us.
Choose Christ today, and abide in His love. Let Him wash you, cleanse you and make you a new creation (1John 1:9, 1 Cor 6:11, 2 Cor 5:17).
Psalm 11:4-5 NASB
We don't like to think that God would hate someone. We tend to think that God is all about love. We would agree that God hates the sin, but surely He does not hate the sinner, but that is not what this verse is saying. In God's view, the sinner and the act are not separated. The act of sin is such that it flows out of the heart. This is a heart that stands opposed to God and His rightful rule over ones' life. This is the attitude of the heart spoken of in Romans 8:7.
There are many passages in the Bible that call the individual by the name of his or her sin. 1 Corinthians 5:11 mentions immoral persons, revilers, drunkards, and swindlers. Murderers, sorcerers, idolaters, and liars are referred to in Revelation 21:8. There are probably many more, but these suffice to make the point, that a person who lies is a liar, one who kills is a murderer, one who steal is a thief, one who is unfaithful to a spouse is an adulterer, etc. In the eyes of God, the sin is not separated from the individual. God hates the sin, and hates the sinner as well.
You might wonder, what about John 3:16? Doesn't God love the lost? Yes He does! He loves the lost so much that He sent Jesus Christ to die for each and everyone of us! He has made every provision necessary for us to be forgiven, restored, and delivered from our sinful lifestyles. He is not willing that any should perish. He is longsuffering toward us, giving us ample time to repent of our rebellion against Him (2 Peter 3:9). Yes He loves us, but sinful man does not want anything to do with this God who loves him.
God is a holy God. He is also perfectly just in all His ways. Righteousness and justice are what His rule is founded upon (Psalm 89:14). As such, He has a perfect hatred toward sin. He must judge it, His very nature demands it. What would we think of an earthly judge who coddled criminals, and overlooked serious crimes? We would all think it was wrong, an injustice! How much more then is God perfectly just in all of His ways? When I say that God hates, I am not referring to the type of hatred that we see in so many individuals. This is not an exasperated or hardened heart type of hatred that is found in fallen man. This is a holy hatred that the holy God has for evil. We often fail to understand how evil sin really is, how wicked the individual sinner is, and how abhorrent this all is to God. We often fail to understand that vengeance belongs to God, and He will act on it (Hebrews 10:29-31). Sin is an in your face act against God. I understand that scripture differentiates between unintentional sin, sins of weakness, and such. This is not what I am referring to. What God hates is rebellion. The mindset that I am in charge of my life. I will do whatever I want, and I don't care how it affects God or anyone else. Self on the throne instead of God! It is out of this mindset that we see so much evil in the world. This is what God hates, these are the people that God hates, and will someday punish.
Jesus Christ gave of Himself for us, to redeem us. He bore the judgment for our sin, so that we could be forgiven, so that we could live in God's loving presence. As I mentioned, God loved us enough to make a way for us to be spared His wrath. It is up to us to submit to Him, receive His pardon, and let Him change our lives completely.
Consider yourself a defendant in court. You have just been found guilty of murder and are now waiting for the judge to pass sentence. You have appeared before this judge many times. When you were fourteen, he let you off with a warning. You were caught with the wrong crowd, and he wanted to give you a second chance. The next year it was petty theft, and you had to check in with a probation officer. Over the next decade you were in and out of jail for various offences. Theft, drugs, DUI, domestic violence. You received suspended sentences, reduced sentences, time off for good behavior, and so on. You appeared before this judge over and over and over. He was lenient, he was kind, he was patient. Now you are waiting for sentence. The crime is more serious this time. You know it looks bad, but this judge has always seemed fair in the past. He asks you to rise, and make any final statements you would wish the court to hear before sentencing. You tell the court how you messed up again, how you have struggled to live a productive life, how sorry you are. You tell how you will never do it again, you will reform if you just get another chance. You remind the judge of his past kindness, and ask for mercy. What you hear next shocks you to the core. " I have dealt with you for the last twelve years. I have shown mercy over and over. I have been lenient toward you in the hope you would reform and become a productive citizen. You have shown by your actions that I was wrong. I never want to see you in my court again. I sentence you to be taken to the place of execution in three days, where you will be hung by the neck until dead. Guards remove the prisoner!"
This might seem harsh or shocking to some. God loves us. Even while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God is giving us time to repent of our sin, our hostility toward Him. He does not want to see us die (Ezekiel 18:23,32). However, if we neglect our salvation (Hebrews 2:2-3) there is nothing left for us.
Choose Christ today, and abide in His love. Let Him wash you, cleanse you and make you a new creation (1John 1:9, 1 Cor 6:11, 2 Cor 5:17).
Friday, April 25, 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
The Breastplate of Righteousness.
Having put on the breastplate of righteousness.
Ephesians 6:14b
To understand what Paul is saying to us, we need to understand what righteousness is.
There is that aspect of righteousness that deals with our acceptance by God. We have been justified through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and therefore are now reconciled to God. He has forgiven us our sins, and now deals with us as if we had never sinned.
Righteousness also consists in purity of heart. A righteous individual is one who desires to please God. It is his heart's desire to obey God, not for reward, but an obedience flowing out of love.
It is only natural that one who desires to please God with all of his heart, will indeed do so. Works of righteousness will flow out of such a heart. This is the individual who has presented himself to God as one alive from the dead (Romans 6:13). He has become a slave of righteousness (Romans 6:16,17,18), leading to sanctification, and eternal life (Romans 6:22-23).
This is not to say that it is our good works that lead to salvation. Salvation is a life long process to be worked out (Philippians 2:12-13). We work it out by faith. Jesus died to free us from the sinful lives that we have all lived. He died that we might bear the fruit of righteousness for His glory. A righteous life is proof that we are indeed righteous in the eyes of God (1John 2:29, 3:7).
A breastplate protected the vital organs of a soldier. Likewise, an upright person is blessed (Psalm 5:12, 106:3). God watches over and protects those who are righteous (Psalm 37:39-40, 84:11). It is when we turn from this purity of heart, that we are the most vulnerable. We cannot expect God's favor and protection while living in disobedience to Him.
Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Stand justified before a Holy God, through the blood of Jesus. Put on the wedding clothes of righteous deeds (Rev 19:8). Be upright in heart, and by the grace of God you will prevail.
Ephesians 6:14b
To understand what Paul is saying to us, we need to understand what righteousness is.
There is that aspect of righteousness that deals with our acceptance by God. We have been justified through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and therefore are now reconciled to God. He has forgiven us our sins, and now deals with us as if we had never sinned.
Righteousness also consists in purity of heart. A righteous individual is one who desires to please God. It is his heart's desire to obey God, not for reward, but an obedience flowing out of love.
It is only natural that one who desires to please God with all of his heart, will indeed do so. Works of righteousness will flow out of such a heart. This is the individual who has presented himself to God as one alive from the dead (Romans 6:13). He has become a slave of righteousness (Romans 6:16,17,18), leading to sanctification, and eternal life (Romans 6:22-23).
This is not to say that it is our good works that lead to salvation. Salvation is a life long process to be worked out (Philippians 2:12-13). We work it out by faith. Jesus died to free us from the sinful lives that we have all lived. He died that we might bear the fruit of righteousness for His glory. A righteous life is proof that we are indeed righteous in the eyes of God (1John 2:29, 3:7).
A breastplate protected the vital organs of a soldier. Likewise, an upright person is blessed (Psalm 5:12, 106:3). God watches over and protects those who are righteous (Psalm 37:39-40, 84:11). It is when we turn from this purity of heart, that we are the most vulnerable. We cannot expect God's favor and protection while living in disobedience to Him.
Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Stand justified before a Holy God, through the blood of Jesus. Put on the wedding clothes of righteous deeds (Rev 19:8). Be upright in heart, and by the grace of God you will prevail.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Truth
Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with the truth.
Ephesians 6:14a
Truth is foundational for everything else. What good is it to believe something, to shape your life by those beliefs, only to find out in the end that it was error?
To live the Christian life it is of utmost importance to be grounded in truth. People today like to think that there are many religious systems, and it is merely a matter of one's personal preference which one they will follow. This is absurd, there is only one true God, and He is worshipped according to truth (John 4:23-24).
Jesus said That He was the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). He said that His disciples would know the truth, and the truth would set them free (John 8:31-32).
In contrast, the devil, who is behind false doctrine, does not stand in the truth (John 8:44). It is through deception, that he leads multitudes into error. We must be diligent to test every spirit (1John 4:1). Study the word of God. It is truth. Don't blindly believe everything you hear a pastor, teacher, or anyone else for that matter, say. Does it line up with the word of God?
God promises that His followers will have an anointing from Him that will protect them from error (1John 2:20-21,27). A true disciple will know the voice of Jesus. He will not follow a stranger (John 10:4-5). When John wrote "greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world," he was writing about overcoming deception (1John 4:1-5).
Like a belt, the truth holds everything together. If your armor is held in place by the truth, you will prevail. If it is held by deception, false doctrine, and lies, you will certainly fall.
Ephesians 6:14a
Truth is foundational for everything else. What good is it to believe something, to shape your life by those beliefs, only to find out in the end that it was error?
To live the Christian life it is of utmost importance to be grounded in truth. People today like to think that there are many religious systems, and it is merely a matter of one's personal preference which one they will follow. This is absurd, there is only one true God, and He is worshipped according to truth (John 4:23-24).
Jesus said That He was the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). He said that His disciples would know the truth, and the truth would set them free (John 8:31-32).
In contrast, the devil, who is behind false doctrine, does not stand in the truth (John 8:44). It is through deception, that he leads multitudes into error. We must be diligent to test every spirit (1John 4:1). Study the word of God. It is truth. Don't blindly believe everything you hear a pastor, teacher, or anyone else for that matter, say. Does it line up with the word of God?
God promises that His followers will have an anointing from Him that will protect them from error (1John 2:20-21,27). A true disciple will know the voice of Jesus. He will not follow a stranger (John 10:4-5). When John wrote "greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world," he was writing about overcoming deception (1John 4:1-5).
Like a belt, the truth holds everything together. If your armor is held in place by the truth, you will prevail. If it is held by deception, false doctrine, and lies, you will certainly fall.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Be Strong in the Lord.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
Ephesians 6:10 NASB
The spiritual battle we face is one that cannot be fought in our own strength. We are mere human beings fighting against principalities and powers that we cannot see, and know so little about. Human resources and physical strength are of little use in a conflict that is spiritual in nature.
Our salvation is found in Christ and Him alone (Psalm 62:5-6). It is in Him that we find the strength we need to face the trials and temptations that come our way. We are bound to fail if we do not rely on Him at all times.
Too many Christians feel self confident. They have the pull yourself up by the bootstraps mentality. We have too many self help books, too many seminars for life's issues, too many Christian psychologists, too many programs. In spite of all the life coaches, and all the counselors, and all the self effort we put forth, we see failure all the time. Temptations and habits are never overcome, people still fall the same way consistently. Many Christians remain weak and stunted in their spiritual growth, and others make shipwreck of their faith.
I might seem to be stepping on some toes, and it is not my desire to offend, but I desire to challenge the body of Christ to rise up and fight the good fight of faith in the power of the Lord God Almighty. This is the place of victory.
It was the Apostle Paul's prayer that we would know how great God's power toward us is (Eph 1:19). That is the point. Too many do not truly realize how great this power is. They may understand in some abstract way that God is powerful, but it is not a living active faith that takes Christ and puts Him on, a faith that lives and moves "in Christ", a faith that takes hold and conquers in the name of Jesus.
Paul prayed that we would be strengthened with the Spirit of God in our inner self (Eph 3:16). Paul speaks of the power of God that was at work in his life (Col 1:29). He also encourages us with the fact that God is faithful to strengthen and protect us from the evil one (2Thessalonians 3:3).
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1John 3:8). He came to render him powerless (Hebrews 2:14). We do not need to fail! As our faithful high priest, we can come to Him for grace (Hebrews 4:15-16). We have all we need for life and godliness (2Peter 1:3-4), and it is found in Christ.
We must be in Christ. That is to be yielded to Him. He must be in control of our lives. We cannot be living our way and expect Him to come and help us when we need Him. It is all or nothing in the kingdom of God. James says we must first submit to God, then resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7-8).
It is by faith that we walk in the power of the Lord, a faith that overcomes the world (1John 5:5). Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world (1John 4:4)!
Ephesians 6:10 NASB
The spiritual battle we face is one that cannot be fought in our own strength. We are mere human beings fighting against principalities and powers that we cannot see, and know so little about. Human resources and physical strength are of little use in a conflict that is spiritual in nature.
Our salvation is found in Christ and Him alone (Psalm 62:5-6). It is in Him that we find the strength we need to face the trials and temptations that come our way. We are bound to fail if we do not rely on Him at all times.
Too many Christians feel self confident. They have the pull yourself up by the bootstraps mentality. We have too many self help books, too many seminars for life's issues, too many Christian psychologists, too many programs. In spite of all the life coaches, and all the counselors, and all the self effort we put forth, we see failure all the time. Temptations and habits are never overcome, people still fall the same way consistently. Many Christians remain weak and stunted in their spiritual growth, and others make shipwreck of their faith.
I might seem to be stepping on some toes, and it is not my desire to offend, but I desire to challenge the body of Christ to rise up and fight the good fight of faith in the power of the Lord God Almighty. This is the place of victory.
It was the Apostle Paul's prayer that we would know how great God's power toward us is (Eph 1:19). That is the point. Too many do not truly realize how great this power is. They may understand in some abstract way that God is powerful, but it is not a living active faith that takes Christ and puts Him on, a faith that lives and moves "in Christ", a faith that takes hold and conquers in the name of Jesus.
Paul prayed that we would be strengthened with the Spirit of God in our inner self (Eph 3:16). Paul speaks of the power of God that was at work in his life (Col 1:29). He also encourages us with the fact that God is faithful to strengthen and protect us from the evil one (2Thessalonians 3:3).
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1John 3:8). He came to render him powerless (Hebrews 2:14). We do not need to fail! As our faithful high priest, we can come to Him for grace (Hebrews 4:15-16). We have all we need for life and godliness (2Peter 1:3-4), and it is found in Christ.
We must be in Christ. That is to be yielded to Him. He must be in control of our lives. We cannot be living our way and expect Him to come and help us when we need Him. It is all or nothing in the kingdom of God. James says we must first submit to God, then resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7-8).
It is by faith that we walk in the power of the Lord, a faith that overcomes the world (1John 5:5). Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world (1John 4:4)!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
We Are In a Spiritual War
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of the darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:10-12 NASB
Whether you believe it or not, we are in a tremendous spiritual battle for our souls as well as the souls of countless others. I believe that the Church in general, has been lulled to sleep over the last several generations and is unaware of the danger around her. We have received a message that allows us to sit content with our secure position "in Christ" but does nothing to urge us on to victory against the foes that assail us.
The foes we face are not human, but spiritual. The world lies under the power of darkness, enslaved to satanic forces (Eph 2:2, 1John 5:19). Those who have yielded to sin have opened themselves up to demonic influence, and are sold into slavery to sin (John 8:34, 2Peter 2:19). These people are captives. They are not really in a battle.
I remember before I was saved, I did not have to resist sin. I enjoyed many sinful things. I felt no need to fight or struggle against it. It wasn't until I was convicted of my sin, that a battle began to rage within me.
It is when we are set free by the Son of God (John 8:36) that the devil takes notice. He will not give us up without a fight. He wanders about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1Peter 5:8). It was the devil who was behind the trials of Job (Job 1:8-12, 2:3-7). Satan entered Judas as he plotted to betray Jesus (Luke 22:3-4). It was Satan who was behind Peter's denial of Christ (Luke 22:31). The devil tempted Christ (Matthew 4:1-11). It will be the devil making war against the saints at the end as well (Rev 12:17). Satan and a host of demons are very active, in destroying God's finest creation, man.
To be ignorant of this is dangerous. To refuse to believe it is to invite spiritual ruin. We are in a battle that will not end until all things are put under Christ's feet, and He reigns upon the throne for all eternity.
In future posts I will look at the weapons and armor that God has provided for us as we fight the good fight of faith.
Ephesians 6:10-12 NASB
Whether you believe it or not, we are in a tremendous spiritual battle for our souls as well as the souls of countless others. I believe that the Church in general, has been lulled to sleep over the last several generations and is unaware of the danger around her. We have received a message that allows us to sit content with our secure position "in Christ" but does nothing to urge us on to victory against the foes that assail us.
The foes we face are not human, but spiritual. The world lies under the power of darkness, enslaved to satanic forces (Eph 2:2, 1John 5:19). Those who have yielded to sin have opened themselves up to demonic influence, and are sold into slavery to sin (John 8:34, 2Peter 2:19). These people are captives. They are not really in a battle.
I remember before I was saved, I did not have to resist sin. I enjoyed many sinful things. I felt no need to fight or struggle against it. It wasn't until I was convicted of my sin, that a battle began to rage within me.
It is when we are set free by the Son of God (John 8:36) that the devil takes notice. He will not give us up without a fight. He wanders about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1Peter 5:8). It was the devil who was behind the trials of Job (Job 1:8-12, 2:3-7). Satan entered Judas as he plotted to betray Jesus (Luke 22:3-4). It was Satan who was behind Peter's denial of Christ (Luke 22:31). The devil tempted Christ (Matthew 4:1-11). It will be the devil making war against the saints at the end as well (Rev 12:17). Satan and a host of demons are very active, in destroying God's finest creation, man.
To be ignorant of this is dangerous. To refuse to believe it is to invite spiritual ruin. We are in a battle that will not end until all things are put under Christ's feet, and He reigns upon the throne for all eternity.
In future posts I will look at the weapons and armor that God has provided for us as we fight the good fight of faith.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
The Most Terrifying Words You Will Ever Hear.
There are multitudes today who have their hopes set on heaven when they die. Indeed, many of them will spend eternity worshiping Christ. They will see Him face to face, and enjoy His presence for ever.
It will be a terrible, unexpected day however, for countless numbers of people who call themselves Christians. There are those who fully expect to enter in to the joy of the Master (Matt 25:21) Who will instead Hear "I never knew you; Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness" (Matt 7:23).
Not everyone who calls Jesus Lord is going to enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matt 7:21). There will be those who have done great things in the name of Jesus who will hear these dreadful words (Matt 7:22). They may be people who once served God, who have walked in a powerful anointing, but have allowed pride to take the place of God on the throne of their hearts.
Not everyone who says Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
Matt 7:21 NASB
It is those who are doing the will of the Father, who are seeking His kingdom and righteousness as their highest priority in life (Matt 6:33), who will enter in. These are the people who have placed Christ upon the throne in their lives. They truly live for Him, His agenda is their agenda. They have allowed Him to transform their lives. They are victorious in the face of trial and temptation, a victory achieved by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony (Rev 12:11). Their lives are marked by obedience. Not a slavish obedience, but obedience flowing out of a supreme love to God, and a passion for His glory. Should they stumble, they get up in repentance and faith and continue on in the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said that it is a small gate and narrow way that leads to life, and few find it (Matt 7:13-14). Most individuals are sadly on the broad path to destruction. Many hold to a form of godliness without the power (2 Tim 3:5). These individuals show by the fruit of their lives that self reigns in their hearts. Life is all about them, they only want enough of Jesus to get them safely to heaven. But that is not how it works! Their lives are marked by lawlessness (Matt 7:23). They may look good, may be in church, may even have done great things, but they harbor hidden sins, they live for themselves and not for God. They live without law, trusting that they are saved all along.
You do not want to be surprised on that day. What road are you on? Are you truly living for Christ with all your heart? Are you trusting Him everyday to overcome this world, or are you like so many that think everything is ok, as you pursue the things that are only temporal? What will you hear on that day?
It will be a terrible, unexpected day however, for countless numbers of people who call themselves Christians. There are those who fully expect to enter in to the joy of the Master (Matt 25:21) Who will instead Hear "I never knew you; Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness" (Matt 7:23).
Not everyone who calls Jesus Lord is going to enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matt 7:21). There will be those who have done great things in the name of Jesus who will hear these dreadful words (Matt 7:22). They may be people who once served God, who have walked in a powerful anointing, but have allowed pride to take the place of God on the throne of their hearts.
Not everyone who says Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
Matt 7:21 NASB
It is those who are doing the will of the Father, who are seeking His kingdom and righteousness as their highest priority in life (Matt 6:33), who will enter in. These are the people who have placed Christ upon the throne in their lives. They truly live for Him, His agenda is their agenda. They have allowed Him to transform their lives. They are victorious in the face of trial and temptation, a victory achieved by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony (Rev 12:11). Their lives are marked by obedience. Not a slavish obedience, but obedience flowing out of a supreme love to God, and a passion for His glory. Should they stumble, they get up in repentance and faith and continue on in the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said that it is a small gate and narrow way that leads to life, and few find it (Matt 7:13-14). Most individuals are sadly on the broad path to destruction. Many hold to a form of godliness without the power (2 Tim 3:5). These individuals show by the fruit of their lives that self reigns in their hearts. Life is all about them, they only want enough of Jesus to get them safely to heaven. But that is not how it works! Their lives are marked by lawlessness (Matt 7:23). They may look good, may be in church, may even have done great things, but they harbor hidden sins, they live for themselves and not for God. They live without law, trusting that they are saved all along.
You do not want to be surprised on that day. What road are you on? Are you truly living for Christ with all your heart? Are you trusting Him everyday to overcome this world, or are you like so many that think everything is ok, as you pursue the things that are only temporal? What will you hear on that day?
Monday, February 17, 2014
The Nature of Unbelief.
A biblical concept often misunderstood and misrepresented is that of belief and unbelief. For too many, belief involves nothing more than head knowledge, knowing the historical facts about Christ, and agreeing that they are true. Unbelief therefore is nothing more than failing to know these facts, or disagreeing with them.
It is true that one must know and understand the truth of Christ and the gospel in order to believe it, but to be content with a mere assent to biblical facts, and nothing more, is still unbelief. Likewise, unbelief goes much deeper than what we mentally agree to or disagree with.
Consider these definitions of unbelief taken from Thayers Greek Lexicon of the New Testament.
1) 543 Apeitheia. Obstinancy, obstinant, opposition to the Divine will.
2) 544 Apeitheo. 1) Not to allow one's self to be persuaded.
1a) To refuse or withhold belief.
1b) To refuse belief and obedience.
2) Not to comply with.
3) 545 Apeithes. Impersuasible, not compliant, disobedient, contumacious.
4) 570 Apistia. Unfaithfulness, faithless
Want of faith, unbelief
Weakness of faith
Now consider these definitions taken from Strong's concordance
of the New Testament.
1) 543 Apeitheia. Disbelief (obstinant and rebellious):- disobedience unbelief.
2) 544 Apeitheo. To disbelieve (willfully and perversely):- not to believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving.
3) 545 Apeithes. Unpersuadable, that is contumacious:- disobedient.
4) 570 Apistia. Faithlessness, that is (negatively) disbelief (want of Christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience):- unbelief.
While the idea of not believing something, is there, notice the traits that characterize unbelief. Obstinant, rebellious, not compliant to God's will, disobedient unfaithful. An unbelieving heart is dug in and hardened against spiritual truth. It refuses to submit to God's authority. By the way, contumacious means stubbornly rebellious.
Read these verses from Hebrews. Strong's numbers are used where the words unbelief and unbelieving are used. The first few verses are found in Chapter 3.
Take heed brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief (570), in turning from the living God. vs 12.
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not (544)? vs 18.
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief (570). vs 19.
Now look at a few verses found in chapter 4.
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter there in, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief (543). vs 6.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (543). vs 11.
The context of these verses concerns ancient Israel as they left Egypt and headed to the promised land. They failed to trust God time and time again, even though they saw the signs,wonders, and mighty miracles He performed on their behalf. They grumbled, complained, and rebelled against God in spite of the fact that His presence was with them in the cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night.
Their final failure comes as they are about to cross the Jordan to enter the promised land. They listen to the evil report of eight of the ten spies, and refuse to trust God enough to enter and take possession of the promised land.
The verses quoted from Hebrews 3, and 4 were taken from the King James version. They consistently translated the Greek as unbelief, or believed not, in these verses. Later translators more accurately use disobedience in some of these instances, which gives a better understanding of what unbelief truly is. Consider these same verses taken from the NASB.
Take care brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. Heb 3:12
This is speaking of unfaithfulness. A weak, lacking faith that erodes into a turning away from God.
And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. Heb 3:18-19
Here we see the refusal to obey, or believe (544). Vincent's word studies in the New Testament puts it this way.
(Apeitheia) disobedience is the active manifestation of (Apistia) lack of faith.
Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter in because of disobedience. Heb 4:6
This is apeitheia, the word for obstinant and rebellious behavior. This was how their unbelief manifested itself.
Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. Heb 4:11
We are warned to avoid falling into the same attitude of rebellion and disobedience that the Israelites did in the days of Moses.
We can draw several conclusions from these scriptures.
1) Without a proper trust in God, we will not obey Him. If we do not believe He will provide for us, give us strength, believe in His promises to us, we will not obey, just as Israel did not believe He would give them victory over the inhabitants of the promised land, and they chose not to go in.
2) Individuals chose not to believe, because to believe requires obedience, and as lost, selfish individuals we do not want to give up our sin.
3) We can say we believe in Christ, but it is our actions that prove our belief or unbelief. It is like the man pushing a cart on a tightrope high above a gorge. He has a volunteer get in and goes back and forth several times. He asks if those witnessing this feat, believe that he could get them across safely in the cart as well. Everyone is in hearty agreement until he asks for the next volunteer to get into the cart.
Do you believe?
It is true that one must know and understand the truth of Christ and the gospel in order to believe it, but to be content with a mere assent to biblical facts, and nothing more, is still unbelief. Likewise, unbelief goes much deeper than what we mentally agree to or disagree with.
Consider these definitions of unbelief taken from Thayers Greek Lexicon of the New Testament.
1) 543 Apeitheia. Obstinancy, obstinant, opposition to the Divine will.
2) 544 Apeitheo. 1) Not to allow one's self to be persuaded.
1a) To refuse or withhold belief.
1b) To refuse belief and obedience.
2) Not to comply with.
3) 545 Apeithes. Impersuasible, not compliant, disobedient, contumacious.
4) 570 Apistia. Unfaithfulness, faithless
Want of faith, unbelief
Weakness of faith
Now consider these definitions taken from Strong's concordance
of the New Testament.
1) 543 Apeitheia. Disbelief (obstinant and rebellious):- disobedience unbelief.
2) 544 Apeitheo. To disbelieve (willfully and perversely):- not to believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving.
3) 545 Apeithes. Unpersuadable, that is contumacious:- disobedient.
4) 570 Apistia. Faithlessness, that is (negatively) disbelief (want of Christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience):- unbelief.
While the idea of not believing something, is there, notice the traits that characterize unbelief. Obstinant, rebellious, not compliant to God's will, disobedient unfaithful. An unbelieving heart is dug in and hardened against spiritual truth. It refuses to submit to God's authority. By the way, contumacious means stubbornly rebellious.
Read these verses from Hebrews. Strong's numbers are used where the words unbelief and unbelieving are used. The first few verses are found in Chapter 3.
Take heed brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief (570), in turning from the living God. vs 12.
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not (544)? vs 18.
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief (570). vs 19.
Now look at a few verses found in chapter 4.
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter there in, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief (543). vs 6.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (543). vs 11.
The context of these verses concerns ancient Israel as they left Egypt and headed to the promised land. They failed to trust God time and time again, even though they saw the signs,wonders, and mighty miracles He performed on their behalf. They grumbled, complained, and rebelled against God in spite of the fact that His presence was with them in the cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night.
Their final failure comes as they are about to cross the Jordan to enter the promised land. They listen to the evil report of eight of the ten spies, and refuse to trust God enough to enter and take possession of the promised land.
The verses quoted from Hebrews 3, and 4 were taken from the King James version. They consistently translated the Greek as unbelief, or believed not, in these verses. Later translators more accurately use disobedience in some of these instances, which gives a better understanding of what unbelief truly is. Consider these same verses taken from the NASB.
Take care brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. Heb 3:12
This is speaking of unfaithfulness. A weak, lacking faith that erodes into a turning away from God.
And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. Heb 3:18-19
Here we see the refusal to obey, or believe (544). Vincent's word studies in the New Testament puts it this way.
(Apeitheia) disobedience is the active manifestation of (Apistia) lack of faith.
Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter in because of disobedience. Heb 4:6
This is apeitheia, the word for obstinant and rebellious behavior. This was how their unbelief manifested itself.
Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. Heb 4:11
We are warned to avoid falling into the same attitude of rebellion and disobedience that the Israelites did in the days of Moses.
We can draw several conclusions from these scriptures.
1) Without a proper trust in God, we will not obey Him. If we do not believe He will provide for us, give us strength, believe in His promises to us, we will not obey, just as Israel did not believe He would give them victory over the inhabitants of the promised land, and they chose not to go in.
2) Individuals chose not to believe, because to believe requires obedience, and as lost, selfish individuals we do not want to give up our sin.
3) We can say we believe in Christ, but it is our actions that prove our belief or unbelief. It is like the man pushing a cart on a tightrope high above a gorge. He has a volunteer get in and goes back and forth several times. He asks if those witnessing this feat, believe that he could get them across safely in the cart as well. Everyone is in hearty agreement until he asks for the next volunteer to get into the cart.
Do you believe?