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.
    

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.



    

Freedom.

       Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of The Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
                                      Romans 8:1-4 NASB

     The Apostle Paul has just finished describing the battle that one faces apart from Christ. The battle to be free from sin, to do the things that one knows are right, instead of the things that one knows are evil. All the good intentions in the world are not enough to overcome the selfish desires that are rooted in the heart of an individual who is striving in the flesh to please God. Paul raises the cry of anguish and despair, "Who will deliver me from this body of  death (Romans 7:24)?" 
      Indeed everyone reading this can relate to a time when they were made aware of their sinful state, and desired to be free, to be accepted by God, but found that their efforts were like those of the individual described by Paul in this seventh Chapter of Romans.
      Many Christians have begun in the Spirit, only to try to be perfected in the flesh (Galatians 3:3). This is just as futile, as Jesus states "Apart from Me You can do nothing" (John 15:5).  They find that the willing is present in them, but the doing is quite another thing (Romans 7:18).
       He now turns to the answer. Victory from the bondage to sin is found in Jesus Christ (Romans 7:25). All of the struggle with the sin nature, all of the guilt, all of the condemnation can be overcome in Christ.
     There is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). We are free from the condemnation of our conscience. We are freed from the law's pronouncement of GUILTY. We are set free from the penalty of spiritual death and eternal separation from God. And as we will see, we are freed from the power that sin holds over us.
     This verse is often quoted by individuals who are still living a lifestyle of sin. They are trying to feel good about themselves and still cling to their sinful habits. It is often used to silence well meaning Christians who are concerned about the souls of  fellow believers who have lapsed into sin. This however, is a refuge that will not stand on the day of Christ!
     This promise of no condemnation is for those who are in Christ. To be in Christ is quite a different thing from what many people believe it to be! It is also qualified by the statement " Those who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:4). I like how this verse reads in the King James version. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Most of our modern translations do not translate it this way, but verse 4 still carries this idea.
     So what does it mean to be in Christ Jesus? It is a joining to Him by faith, a living faith that goes beyond head knowledge, to acting out our belief. It is a submission to His lordship of our lives. This is the surrender Jesus sets before all who would be His disciples (Matthew 10:37-39, Mark 8:34-35, Luke 14:33).
     To be found in Christ is to make Jesus your life (Colossians 3:3-4). It is not about us. Our lives are to revolve around Him. We are to make His kingdom and righteousness our highest priorities (Matthew 6:33). Paul was crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20, 6:14). This was in a spiritual sense meaning he was dead to everything but the life of Christ in him.
     Those who are in Christ understand the concept of the vine and branches in John 15. They lean upon Him for the grace to overcome in every situation. They bear fruit because they are united to Him with a faith that obeys as well as depends upon Him for strength. They understand that the life sap flows as long as they stay connected, but to be severed through disobedience, or self reliance is fatal (John 15:4-6). It is as natural as the metaphor Jesus uses to describe this union with Himself.
     The one found in Christ will be like Him (1John 4:16-17). The one who abides in Christ will keep His commandments(1 John 5:3). The one who abides in Christ will walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). This is a walk of love, a walk of obedience, and a walk of self sacrifice.
     The one found abiding in Christ will have the witness of the Spirit (1John 3:24, Romans 8:16). This inner witness of The Spirit bearing witness with our spirit, is sadly overlooked too often. Many individuals claim to be born again but are always filled with guilt and doubts. The witness of the Spirit is a vital biblical truth, an experience that is tangible. Those who have experienced it know it beyond a shadow of a doubt.
     There are many more things I could put down here, but these will suffice to make the point.
      The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
     The freedom to overcome sin is found when we are surrendered to Christ. When we have renounced sin and self, and put on Christ, then His power flows through us. God did for us what the law could never do. All the law could do was show us what God requires of us. It condemns us when we break it, but it cannot empower us to obey it. That is true of any law. It tells you what to do, but it does not enable you to do it. We may agree that it is good, we may obey some of it, or obey it some of the time, but as long as we are selfish individuals we will never give it the whole hearted obedience that is required of us.
     Christ came to earth as a man. While here he was tempted in every way we are, yet He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). His obedience to the law was perfect, making Him the only possible sacrifice for sin.  He broke the power of sin by His death on the cross (Hebrews 2:14-15) making it possible for us to live free from its power (Romans 6:6-7). 
     In Christ we have everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4). It is up to us to walk in the power available to us. We must make an irrevocable decision to die to sin, and to live for Christ in righteousness (Romans 6:11,19). We must walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16,25). This means that we diligently obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit as He directs us by the Word of God, and guides us through our conscience. We must always remember that all we need to follow Christ will be abundantly supplied.
     Why not trust Him today?

    
    

I Will Cleanse You (+playlist)

God's Property.

     Christian, you are not your own. You no longer belong to yourself. You have been purchased by God, the price being the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor 6:19-20). You have given up the right to yourself in surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
     As bond slaves of Christ (1Cor 7:22) your life is no longer yours to do with as you please. As Temples of the Holy Spirit we must have pure hearts and clean hands (Psalm 24:3-4; 1 Cor 6:19). He will not dwell in an unclean vessel, a heart that is bent on sinful behavior.
     We have an obligation to live for Christ alone. Our lives are to be lived as a sacrifice, poured out on the altar of service to Christ our Redeemer and King (Romans 12:1). We have no right to do anything for ourselves, but ALL must be done for His glory (1Cor 10:31) and in His name (Col 3:17). This is our only reasonable response in view of what Christ has done for us. This is where we find our true freedom, our God ordained purpose, as we are swallowed up into the sweet will of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!

The call of God part 4.

     Who are chosen according to the foreknoweledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood.
     1 Peter 1:1b-2 (NASB).

     God has a wonderful plan for your life. It is not however the plan that so many pastors and teachers preach today. His plan is not material success, ease of living, or even happiness. His plan for you is to be obedient to Jesus Christ! Only in obedience can true happiness be found. To be living in the will of God is the true place of freedom and peace. God's standard of success is not how much money He sent your way, how much stuff He blessed you with, but this: Did you stand strong for Him? Did you obey without compromise?
     As lost sinners, we were once disobedient rebels. We lived for ourselves, wanting whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted it, not caring who we hurt along the way. We had no regard for God. Now as redeemed, set apart (holy) people, we are submissive to the lordship of Jesus Christ with a loving devotion. This means we obey Him because we love Him. We live for Him, His will is our one goal in life.
     To obey Jesus Christ and be sprinked with His blood. If we walk in the light, as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7 NASB). The life God has planned for us is one of following Christ, As we follow Him in obedience to His call, we have peace with Him, fellowship with one another, and victory over the sin and temptations that assail us in this life.
    

A means to an end?

     "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seekining me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.
     John 6:26,27 ESV.

     Jesus had miraculously fed five thousand individuals with two fish, and five loaves of bread. The next day, the people were searching for Jesus, wanting more. They had an encounter with God Himself, but were only interested in what He could give them. He was only a means to an end for them. They cared nothing about knowing Him, loving Him, and serving Him.
     Many today have this same attitude. People are seeking God for things: even necessary things. People are encouraged to come to Christ for happiness, a better life, finances, and a host of many other things.
       It is true that God will provide. He cares for us and desires the best for us. He encourages us to come to Him with our needs and burdens. However He is not a means for our ends! He is the end! We are called to live for His glory, His plans, His purposes. We come to Him for salvation, not so we can be happy, or bettered, but so we can be reconciled to Him, so we can know Him and fellowship with Him. It is about Him!
     Jesus said if we seek His kingdom and righteousness first, that is to make it our consuming priority, He will provide all that we truly need (Matt 6:25-33). We are called to abandon our lives, to live for Him. He is our purpose, not the other way around.

Walking by faith.

     In 2 Peter 1:3-8, we see the key to a life lived in victory.
     1. God has given us all that we need to live godly lives.
     2. We have his promises to deliver us from this corrupt world, and to make us partakers of His divine nature.
     3. We need to walk in these promises by faith. It is not enough to merely believe that God can deliver us, we must live it in our day to day lives. The text says to make every effort to add to our faith, virtue, knowledge, self control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
     4. These things are ours if we know Christ. True knowledge of Christ is a living trust in Him. It is a submission to Him and His will. It lovingly obeys Him in everything, all the while knowing that He will give us all we need to follow Him.

Work out your salvation.

     Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in His sight.
     -2 Peter 3:14 (ASV)

     Now unto Him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of His glory without blemish in exceeding  joy,
     -Jude 24 (ASV)

     So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for His good pleasure.
     Philippians 2:12,13 (ASV)

     We have been called to live lives of holiness, lives that reflect the very character of Christ. At one time we all walked in rebellion against God, spiritually dead, our hearts and lives stained with sin. through repentance toward God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and made new.
     We are called to walk in newness of life. Many people think that salvation means we can live however we please without incurring God's wrath. In reality, salvation is a life changing experience. The very Spirit of God takes possession of our hearts, and begins to direct our lives. It is up to us to walk by the Spirit, following Him in obedience to His leading. The Holy Spirit will always lead us in the truth of God's word. As we allow Him to lead us, we will become more Christ-like in our lives. We are to be diligent. This means that we take great care, make every effort, to live our lives in a way that pleases Christ. There is no room for a half hearted commitment, we must be serious with God.
     When we are dirty we take a shower and get cleaned up. Now we want to stay clean so we try not to get dirty right away. In a similar way we are cleansed by the blood of Christ. God desires us to be clean, pure in heart. It is His will for us to live our lives in conformity to His will. He does not want us to plunge back into the sinful lives that He just cleansed us from. He leads us, we follow and obey. He supplies all that we need to walk in holiness before Him. It is up to us to step out in obedient faith. The grace of God will never lead us where the grace of God cannot keep us.

True greatness.

   Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matt 5:5(NIV).

       The world has never seen meekness as a desirable characteristic. The meek have been seen as cowards, geeks, losers. The Bible portrays meekness in a different light however. Jesus said he was gentle and humble in heart (Matt 11:29). Moses was said to be humble, It is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23).
     The idea behind meekness is one of gentleness. It involves humility, not a self abasing humility, but a humility that sees outward rather than looking in at oneself. At the very core is submission, not a doormat mentality, but a submission born of love. The Bible speaks of two types of submission. There is submission to God ( James 4:4-10), and submission to one another (1 Peter 5:5).
     First of all we must submit to God as our rightfull soveriegn. We must give Him our all and live to please Him. Without submitting first to Him we will never submit to others. Submitting to others is to put others first. It is to see the needs of others and do what we can to help them. (Phil.2:3,4). It is to bear one anothers burdens (Gal. 6:2). It is to forgive, to turn the other cheek. This can be most difficult, to set aside our anger and desire for revenge, to let it all go and forgive! Christ is our great example of this kind of submission (1Peter 2:21-24). To sum it all up, this is fulfilled by us as we love the Lord with all our hearts, and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-40). It is realized by treating others as we would be treated (Matt. 7:12). It is only done by us as it is created within us by the living Christ, dwelling in our hearts by faith.