Test Yourselves

Test Yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you- unless indeed you fail the test?

2 Corinthians 13:5 NASB

Not everyone who professes faith in Jesus Christ is truly following Him. God has seen fit to include this warning in the scriptures to cause us to examine ourselves and consider if our Christianity is real or not. 

It is easy to claim to be a Christian. We can fool others, and even ourselves, but when our attitudes and actions are placed alongside the "plumb line" of God's standard the truth is plain to see.

... But when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.

2 Corinthians 10:12

I will not attempt to make an exhaustive list, but I will put down some key points to look at as we determine the reality of our faith.

1. True faith results in action.

Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

James 2:17 NASB

Faith is much more than agreeing with some biblical facts about Jesus. An individual who believes in the biblical sense of the word places their confidence in Christ to take full control of their very lives. They commit to follow and obey in all things. To say that I believe Jesus died and rose for me, therefore I am a Christian, while my life remains identical to the atheist's who lives next door, is a denial of truth. Is your faith accompanied with the proof that it is real?

2. Are we purifying our lives in anticipation of Christ's return?

And everyone who has this hope fixed upon Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 

1 John 3:3 NASB

In the same way that a bride adorns herself for her wedding day; for the moment that her groom will see her enter the sanctuary, a Christian looks to the day that he or she will see Jesus face to face. A believer does not want to be ashamed of standing before Jesus in soiled garments.

Christ gave Himself up for the purpose of sanctifying the Church. Through the "washing of the word" we are being cleansed so that someday we will stand before Him without spot or wrinkle ( Ephesians 5:25-27). In response we keep ourselves pure through obedience to His word (Psalm 119:9).

3. A lifestyle of sin, or one of righteousness?

In 1 John 3:4-10 we see two lifestyles placed before us. One is marked by the consistent practice of sin. That individual resembles the devil who has sinned from the beginning. The other is a life marked by the practice of righteousness. A person who consistently does what is right and pleasing in the sight of God resembles Christ who is righteous. 

The difference between the two is the new birth. A change has taken place in the life of one who has surrendered their lives to Jesus, who has come to destroy the devil's work.

By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious; anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother 

1 John 3:10 NASB

4. Are you fulfilling the law?

One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?"

And He said to him, " ' You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the prophets."

Matthew 22:36-40 NASB 

God never intended the Law to be a checklist. It's not something where we can open our Bibles to the first page and mark off each command as we find them and obey them. God wants our love. We are called to love Him first and foremost of all. 

To love God is to be passionate about Him. It means we desire His plans and purposes to be fulfilled in the earth, even at great cost to us. If we love God we will make the advancement of His kingdom our priority in life (Matt 6:33). We will avoid the things that compromise and distract us from that mission. An individual who claims to love Him will obey Him. How can we say we love God if we are disobedient? That is a contradiction, it is impossible to love Him while we thwart His plans and purposes, His will, to be done in and through us. 

Likewise, we are called to love one another. Jesus makes it simple for us. We are to treat others in the same way we wish them to treat us (Matthew 7:12). Love is the fulfillment of the Law. When we love someone we will not do things that harm that person. All of the commandments find their fulfillment in us when we "love our neighbor as ourselves" (Romans 13:8-10). 

James warns us against breaking this royal law of love. In a letter where he confronts favoritism in the Church, he states that this particular sin is a violation of the law. In fact, he likens this particular sin to murder. How we treat our fellow man matters to God. Judgement without mercy will be shown to the unmerciful (see James 2:2-12). Do you love God first and foremost of all? Do you treat others in the same way you would like them to treat you? The two commandments are bound up in each other. You can't keep one and break the other. It doesn't work that way.

I could go on with many more points, but these are sufficient to make the point. Search the word, test yourself. How does your Christianity line up with the scriptural standard? 

The Marks of a Christian: Obedience

In the last several posts I have discussed several different marks or characteristics that identify one as a Christian. I identified love, true repentance, and faith in Christ, as indispensable qualities found in the lives of those who are born again. In this post I would like to look at  righteous living, a life of consistent obedience. I admit there is some overlap between these individual points, but I believe it is important to turn these things around in our minds and look at them from various aspects, to gain a thorough understanding of what it means to be a Christian.

We see a relationship between repentance, submission to Christ, and a faith that finds its expression in loving obedience. All of these points are necessary parts of the whole Christian life.

     And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 

     The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 

     but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 

     the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. (1 John 2:3-6 NASB)

That is pretty simple to understand. If we know Christ in a salvific way, if we have a relationship with Him, we will keep His commandments. The one who abides in Christ will walk in the same way Jesus walked. This is what a disciple, or one who follows Jesus does. As it states above, one who claims to know Jesus, who says that they are a Christian, yet they live in disobedience, is a liar. That is not my statement, it is taken right out of this scripture passage. 

Again we read this,

     Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. 

     And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 

     Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 

     And you know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. 

     No one who abides in Him sins;  no one who sins has seen Him or known Him.

     Little children, let no one decieve you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous;

     the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

     No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in Him; and he cannot sin because He is born of God.

     By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.

     For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 

(1 John 3:2-11 NASB)

As children of God, we have a hope of an eternity with Jesus. When He appears we will be transformed. The cares and burdens of this life will be over. Every tear will be wiped away. As Christians we should long to see Jesus, the one we love and follow (2 Timothy 4:8). This being the case, a true child of God purifies themselves now in this lifetime in preparation of the day we see Jesus face to face.

Like a bride dressed in beautiful white dress gets ready to meet her groom, a Christian keeps themselves from spiritual defilement. Anything that would bring shame on that day we meet Jesus must go (see 1 John 2:28). 

Jesus came to take away sins. Not only did He provide an atonement for sin, but He also destroyed the power sin holds over our lives. We don't have to sin if we are in Christ. An inner transformation has taken place in one who has been born again. The Holy Spirit abides within us, the power behind the New Covenant ( Jeremiah 31:33). He whom the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36). This is why John can say that no one born of God sins. He is not implying some form of sinless perfection, but a consistent obedience as opposed to habitual sin. The Greek construction of these verses is speaking of an ongoing practice of either sin, or righteousness. A Christian may fail under temptation, but he will get up and confess that sin and keep moving forward with Christ. On the other hand, someone who claims to be a Christian but shows no real life change has no real assurance of their salvation at all. You are known by your fruits. The children of God and the children of the devil are known by how they live. That is the proof of whom you follow. 

If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him. (1John 2:29)

The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And we know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. (1 John 3:24)

This is not something we do to earn our salvation. No amount of obedience or righteous acts will ever tip the scales in our favor. As I have previously written, this obedience flows out of our salvation in Christ. When we turn from our sinful lives and embrace the call to follow Jesus we will, by His grace and strength, obey Him. Righteousness is much more than being right with God, it is also doing what is right as well. If our repentance is real and our commitment to follow Christ is real, then our obedience will be real as well. It will be selfless, an outflow of love for God, and our fellow man.

Considering the Poor

 One mark of a healthy Christian is their concern for the poor. As one reads through the Bible God's heart for the poor becomes evident. If we as Christians are filled with the Spirit of God, this same heartbeat should be ours as well. To not feel a sense of care, a care that leads to action, is to leave one wondering if God does in fact live within him or her.

James puts it like this, "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; not withstanding ye give them not those things   which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone (James 2:14-17 KJV).

And John has this to say, But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and truth (1 John 3:17-18 KJV).

In Matthew 25:31-46 we read of the nations being gathered before Jesus. In this passage a separation occurs between the "sheep and goats." The sheep to eternal life, and the goats to destruction. The basis of this judgement is how we treated the "least of these" in this lifetime. Did we see them hungry and feed them, naked clothe them, visit the sick and those in prison? This is a sobering passage of scripture. Jesus equates our response to the needy around us to our response to Him. 

I am aware that there are those who will say that these scripture examples are speaking of the brethren, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. To be sure, if we fail to care for one another within the body of Christ, we are in a most pitiful situation. But what about the poor in general, who are all around us?

 I have seen Galatians 6:10 misused to focus almost entirely on the household of faith (the church), to the exclusion of the poor who are lost and dying without Christ. Yes, we recognize that we should do good to all men, but the emphasis is on especially the household of faith. Of course, all the effort stays "in house" while the world at large is ignored. 

A certain man wishing to justify himself, once asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" Did Jesus tell him that he only needed to care for his immediate family and friends, or only the members of his synagogue, or local church? Do we love only fellow Christians, and spend all of our resources and efforts on them?

The parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:27-37) tends to step on toes, destroying our comfort zones in the process. A certain man was on his way to Jericho from Jerusalem. This was a very dangerous road, and he was beaten, robbed, and left for dead. Now several men passed by, one a priest, and the other a Levite. They were fellow Jews, and one would think that surely they would show compassion. However, they looked at him, crossed the road, and passed on. Now these were religious men, yet their religion was worthless. They are a good example for those of us who take the name of Christ yet close up our hearts to the needy ones around us! 

Now a Samaritan came along. The Samaritans were hated by the Jews. Ethnically, they were a mix of nationalities living in what had once been the northern kingdom of Israel. We might expect this individual to look upon this helpless man and walk on as well. We might think that he had every right to despise this Israelite. After all, that is what racism tends to do.

Then an amazing thing happens. He stops and helps this man. He gets him to an inn and pays all of his expenses. This hated Samaritan was filled with compassion for his enemy. You see, love crosses all of the barriers we tend to put up in our lives. Racism, social status, religion, all of these tend to keep many of us from loving our neighbor! 

Jesus tells us to love our enemies and to do good to them (Matt 5:44, Luke 6:35-36). Our neighbor can be anyone who we come into contact with who has a need that we can meet. Jesus gives us a command that comes right from the Father's heart for the poor, Fear not, little flock; for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:32-34 KJV). 

Not only is this a command from Christ to those who would follow Him, but it is also a gauge of our hearts! What motivates us? Are we moved with compassion for others, or driven by our interests only? However, we are not to merely look out for ourselves, but others as well (Phil 2:4).

We read of the emphasis placed on the care of the poor and needy by the fledgling Church. They care of the poor was the one thing that Peter, James, and John urged Paul and Barnabus to remember, and of course Paul was eager to do this (Gal 2:10). Remembering widows and orphans in their distress was considered "Pure and undefiled religion" before God (James 1:27). After the "birth" of the Church on the day of Pentecost the believers practiced the words of Christ, sold their possessions, and took care of the needy among them (Acts 2:44-45, 4:34-35). Notice the selflessness that these new Christians displayed before all those around them! 

So let us examen ourselves to see where we are at spiritually speaking. Are we filled with love and compassion for others? Or do we tend to neglect, or even refuse to help others in need? This is not meant to bring on a guilt trip, but to encourage us to lay down our lives, and begin to love our neighbor as ourselves. 

 

He Who Overcomes

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me

you may have peace. In the world you will have 

 tribulation: but be of good cheer, 

I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NKJV)

     The bible is filled with admonitions to overcome. As followers of Christ, we face perils of all kinds. There is the world and all of its temptations, the lust of the eyes, of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). The Christian will face hatred and persecution for their faith in Jesus (John 15:18-21). Just as the world did to Jesus, they will do to His followers as well. We understand from the scriptures that perilous days will come (2 Tim 3:1-5). False teachers and deception has, and will continue to abound (Matt 24:4, 24; Acts 20:29-30; 2 Peter 2:1). Ultimately, Satan prowls around as a lion, seeking someone to devour (2 Peter 5:8; Rev 12:7-12).

     In the seven letters to the churches found in the book of Revelation we see a variety of pitfalls that have been prevalent for the last two thousand years of church history. We see the cold formal church, doing the right things, but lacking love (Rev 2:1-7).

     Then there is the church undergoing persecution, found in Revelation 2:8-11. Compromise with sin and doctrinal error have persisted as well, as we see in the letters to the church in Pergamos (Rev 2:12-17), and Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29). One thing that is worth noting here is the fact that several of these churches were doing right things, they had those who were faithful, yet the fact that error and compromise was allowed, was in effect destroying their spiritual life, and consequently their witness before the world. 

     We go on to read of a church that was busy, they had a reputation of being an alive, perhaps vibrant church, but the reality was, they were dead (Rev 3:1-6)! Then there was a faithful church, in spite of everything they faced, they persevered in standing true to Christ (Rev 3:7-13). 

     Perhaps the church everyone is the most familiar with is the "lukewarm church" of Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22). This church thought they were in great shape, but they did not realize their spiritual poverty. they were self sufficient and proud, and did not realize that God was about to spit them out of His mouth.

     The common theme found in each of these letters is the call to overcome.  The lack of love, compromise with sin, doctrinal error, persecution, spiritual deadness, and lukewarmness, had to be overcome. The simple truth is that we are overcome by the things we do not overcome! We read in closing chapters of Revelation, who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son (Rev 21:7 NKJV).

     I would like to stress here that I am not advocating a works salvation where we earn God's favor. However, Jesus came to set us free from our sin, and how saved are we, if we willingly remain in it? Once again, we are overcome by what we do not overcome!

     Peter warns of those who once escaped the bondage of this world, through the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and then were once again entangled and overcome  (2 Peter 2:19-20). You are overcome by what bring you into bondage!

     Jesus has the answer for us. We read that we overcome by the blood of the lamb, the word of our testimony, and our willingness to stand firm, even in the face of death (Rev 12:11). Thousands of Christians have faced persecution and death and remained faithful to the end. It has been said that the blood of the saints is the seed of the church, and I believe it. 

     John tells us, For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4-5)? Just as Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33), we too can overcome the world. By faith in Christ, a faith that goes beyond believing right things about Jesus, to a faith that ruthlessly follows Him, trusting Him to guide, give courage, and empower. Real biblical faith adheres to Christ through all circumstances, shunning error and compromise, and boldly standing firm to the very end. If we truly believe who Jesus says He is, then will He not remain faithful to His word? In His word we find promises to bring us through all manners of temptations and trials. He has made it possible for us to become partakers of His divine nature, granting us all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:2-4). 

     As His followers it is time to draw a line in the sand, to make that irrevocable choice to stand firm to the end. Be an overcomer.

     

 

Diligence.

Diligence is a word that somehow seems to be forgotten. It is seldom mentioned from the pulpit, overlooked by the best selling "Christian" authors of the day, and has been replaced with a more passive type of "faith" by modern Bible teachers. It is far more comfortable to be passive, easier to just sit back and "trust" Jesus. After all, the work of the cross is a finished work.

 It is true that the work of Christ is a finished work in the sense that there is nothing we can do or add to it, it is equally true that we must actively participate in our salvation. As Paul states in Philippians 2:12, we are called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Faith is an active faith, and salvation in its true sense is a life to be lived out in the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal 2:20, Romans 8:13-14).

Diligence means to give wholehearted effort to something. A diligent person is one who takes great care, goes to great length, and perseveres against all odds, to accomplish a purpose. They accomplish what they set out to do, because it is of utmost importance to them.

Contrary to those who claim that this amounts to mere works done in a legalistic spirit, the Bible sets forth plainly that we are to be diligent in our Christianity. There are two passages in 2 Peter that we will look at. 

Grace and peace be multiplied to you, in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or shortsighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. (2 Peter 1:2-11 NASB)

This is working out our salvation with fear and trembling! We are not working for our salvation as if it were something we could earn or accomplish on our own, but working out what God is working in our lives (Phil 2:12-13). We have God given faith, we have God's promises to us as found in His word, and we are made partakers of His divine nature. We now must yield to Him, submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in obedience to His word. We, like Paul the Apostle, are to press on to maturity (Phil 3:7-17). The Christian life is a life of continual growth. It is impossible to remain stationary, and yet be alive as a Christian. We must be diligent in this or we risk drifting away from the hope of our salvation (Hebrews 2:1-3). This passages ends with the exhortation to make our calling and election sure. Again, this is not self effort, not a call to salvation by works, but an admonition to persevere in our life in Christ. If we are not following Jesus, if we are not walking in the Spirit, we are falling away from Christ, and risk our very souls. Salvation is a radical transformation of heart and life. It must be lived out in our daily lives if it is real.

The Apostle peter, in speaking of the return of Christ and the end of the age, has this to say,

But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless. (2 Peter 3:13-14 NASB)

Those who are longing for the return of Christ are to be diligent in their conduct today! John admonishes us to abide in Him so that we will not be ashamed at His coming (1 John 2:28-29). This involves living righteously. Again he writes that those who are looking for the appearance of Christ will purify themselves just as Christ is pure. Once again, this is speaking of the purity of our heart and actions (1 John 3:3-6). We are told that no one who abides in Him sins, as He has come to take away sins. We must be ever so diligent in our daily lives, each and every moment, that we are not led away from Christ through complacency or allowing sin in our lives. This takes effort, diligence. 

Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23 NASB) 

Was Jesus Teaching Law Instead Of The Gospel?

The teaching exists, and is in fact quite common, that what Jesus taught in the gospels is not gospel, but law. The idea is that Jesus came to people who were under the Old covenant; who were under law, therefore what He said to them has little or no application for us today. One must go to the writings of the Apostle Paul, they say, to understand the gospel of grace under the New Covenant.

The Sermon on the Mount, his teachings on anger, forgiveness, worry, laying up treasures, divorce and remarriage, turning the other cheek, etc. were all law given to people under law, and while they may have some merit today, they are quite unnecessary, as they have nothing to do with salvation in this day of grace. Many teachers exist, indeed have existed in the past as well, who explain  away all of His teachings found in the gospels in this manner.

Jesus taught much in the three and a half years He walked upon this earth. Could it be true that what He taught, what He emphasized was only for a brief transition period between the dispensations of law and grace? Could it be possible that what He taught His disciples the night of His betrayal and arrest on obedience, abiding in the vine, and bearing fruit (John 14:21, 15:1-11), could be safely disregarded within the next few days after His resurrection? What about His severe statement found in Matthew 7:21-23? He states that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the will of His Father in heaven will enter. Those who live disobedient lives will be cast out on the day of judgment, as workers of lawlessness. Is this a mere legalistic statement that we can now safely ignore as those who are not under law but grace? What about the sheep and goat judgment found in Matthew 25:31-46? Has this threat now passed from us under the New Covenant?

Look at what Jesus began to proclaim from the very start of His ministry.

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

(Matt 4:17 NASB)

And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me; because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.

He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind,

to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord."

And He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

(Luke 4:17-21 NASB)

Jesus begins His ministry preaching the kingdom of heaven. This is a new thing, not the chosen kingdom of Israel with all of it's rituals and laws, but the kingdom of heaven. He is proclaiming the gospel to the poor, and release to the captives, sight to the blind, and freedom for the spiritually oppressed. This is good news, as that is what is meant by the term gospel. This is not law, as so many believe, but the good news, the gospel. This same gospel of the kingdom was proclaimed by Philip (Acts 8:12), and the Apostle Paul (Acts 20:25, 28:30-31). Jesus was not teaching something temporary during a transition from law to grace, but was teaching the same gospel that was later proclaimed after His ascension. Jesus states, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come " (Matt 24:14 NASB)

When John the Baptist sent his disciples to question Jesus if He was the Messiah, Jesus replied to them in a similar manner. "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have the gospel preached to them (Luke 7:22 NASB). Once again, Jesus is not claiming to preach law, but the gospel. We read later on in Luke's gospel that the law and prophets were proclaimed until John (the Baptist). Since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached (Luke 16:16). Once again the good news of the gospel, not law.

Prior to His ascension, Jesus gave His disciples the "great commission." They were to go into all the world and make disciples, (Mark records Preach the gospel), teaching them to observe all that Jesus had commanded them (Matt 28:19-20). Jesus emphasized obedience to His commands.

God has always had a moral standard of righteousness that He requires from each and everyone of us. This has been true from the very beginning. In the Old Testament, as well as the New, we read that we are to be holy, as God is holy (Lev 11:45; 1 Peter 1:15-16), we are to love God with supreme love (Deut 6:5; Matt 22:37), and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Lev 19:18; Matt 19:19; Luke 10:25-28). Jesus summed up the law and prophets by telling us to treat others in the same way we would like them to treat us (Matt 7:12). When God gave Israel the ten commandments (the moral law), He was not giving them some terrible, burdensome commandments to make life miserable for them. To the contrary, He was showing them how He expected them to live; how they were to worship and love Him, and how they were to treat one another. Paul repeats this theme in his epistle to the  Romans when he states that loving our neighbor is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:8-10). 

When Jesus ministered upon this earth, He set about to uphold the law, which had become twisted and made of non effect through the vain teachings of the scribes and Pharisees of the day. He was not imposing legal standards that must be rigidly kept if one was to be saved, but He was holding forth, for the world to see, God's holy standard of righteousness; what He expects from all people, namely, that we would give up our selfish devotion to our own welfare and lusts, and instead love God with supreme love, and love our neighbor as ourselves. 

To refuse to do this, to selfishly pursue our own interests at the expense of our devotion to God, and our care for our fellow man, is rebellion. Paul tells us that the mind set on the flesh is hostile to God, refusing to be subject to the law of God. There is that word law again. Paul teaches us that if we are not in subjection to the law of God, we are His enemies, and are dead spiritually (Romans 8:6-8). Jesus teaches us that those who love Him will obey Him, and be loved by God, the Father (John 14:21). Once again, remember the solemn warning found in Matthew 7:21-23. God has always, and will always, expect obedience. this applies to the New Covenant, as well as the Old Covenant. God's standard of righteousness has not changed.

We read in Hebrews 8, 

For if the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, "Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, when I will effect a New Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not like the covenant which I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; for they did not continue in My covenant, and I did not care for them, says the Lord. 

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people."

(Heb 8:7-10 NASB)

We also read this in Romans 8,

For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, 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 8:3-4 NASB)

The problem was not the law, the law is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12). The problem lies within us. We do not wish to submit to it. the law serves to show us God's standard, but it does not empower us to obey it. The entire chapter of Romans 7 is a lesson on the futility of a person under the law trying to be good on his or her own. It cannot be done. Jesus tells us that the problem is found within the heart of man (Mark 7:20-23). The one who commits sin is the slave of sin (John 8:34). Paul agrees with this (Romans 6:16), as does Peter (2 Peter 2:19).

What the New Covenant provides is the willingness and power to subject ourselves to God's standard and will for our lives. We can now live victorious lives in freedom from the dominion and power of sin. Instead of being forgiven in our sin, we are forgiven and set free from the power of sin, and enabled to be obedient to the law of God. This is not a slavish obedience, but a loving surrender to the rule of Jesus Christ over every area of our lives. Jesus said that the one whom He sets free is free indeed (John 3:36). Back up a few verses, and you will read that it is essential to continue in His word if we would be His disciples, and find the truth that makes us free (John 8:31-32). Once again, obedience is essential to the life of a true disciple. Not legalism, but love.

We read that Jesus came to redeem us from this present evil age (Gal 1:4); that He came to destroy the devil's works, and as a result, the one born of God does not sin (1 John 3:8-9). Yes, we must be forgiven our past, as it stands between us and God. but it is also true that we are in desperate need of transformation, if we are to live a life pleasing to God by faith.

To many, it may appear that Jesus was teaching commandments and laws, while Paul was teaching salvation by grace through faith, but a careful reading of the epistles of Paul, as well as Peter, James, and the epistles of John, show us that it is all the same message, the same gospel that Jesus proclaimed as well. We must heed His warnings to the disobedient. We dare not become careless or complacent when it comes to His commands and teachings, for He requires of us that we be obedient to the faith, as Paul also agrees with (Romans 1:5; Titus 3:11-13). 

Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."

(2 Tim 2:19 NASB)

The Christian's Response.

You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Exodus 23:9 NASB)

     How do we put into practice the words of Jesus in these dark days of fear and hatred? What is the Christian's response to those who would close their hearts against another who is in need (1 John 3:17)?  When others around you are demanding to close the borders against Syrian refugees, how do you respond? Could it really be true that terrorists are coming into this country in this way, or are we really being overly suspicious?

     Look at the words of Jesus very carefully, because what He teaches us speaks to this situation. What He says goes completely against the ways of this world, yet it is a standard that He holds His followers to!

     "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

(Matthew 7:12 NASB)

     "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also. And whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.

(Luke 6:27-28 NASB)

     "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."
(Luke 10:27 NASB)

     This is just a sampling of Jesus' teaching on love. Notice that Jesus does not limit love to those who love us back, but He extends it to all, even those who are our enemies (Matt 5:43-48). We are to treat everyone in the same manner that we would have them treat us! We are to love our neighbor in the same way that we love ourselves. And who is my neighbor? Your neighbor is anyone with a need that you can meet. This is not something that is defined by political or racial lines. A neighbor can be anybody, of any ethnic or religious background. He may be your enemy, but Christ calls us to love them. The true neighbor is one who shows mercy to one in need (Luke 10:29-37).

     This is how the Bible defines love.
           Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NASB)

     According to this, love gives people the benefit of the doubt. Love is not suspicious of others, yet this is what we are seeing of so many people today, even among those who call themselves Christians. Is it possible that a terrorist may try to sneak in as a refugee? I imagine so, but yet, put yourself in the shoes of a refugee who is fleeing for his life. Wouldn't you desire help if you were in that situation? There are thousands upon thousands of people who are in this situation today. Yes they are Muslim, but they do need help, and they do need the Savior! Perhaps this is an opportunity to reach out to them with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
     The teachings of Christ run counter to the way we are used to doing things. In the natural, we are bent on self preservation, but Jesus calls those who would be His disciples to lose their lives for His sake (Mark 8:34-35). The follower of Christ understands that this world is only a temporal thing, and that if he or she was to die in the service of Christ, they have an eternal home with Christ. They understand what it means to lose all for Him. It is a different principle entirely from that of the world. Jesus calls His followers to selfless love, not self preservation. This be the response of all who name the name of Jesus.

     

     

    

The Prosperity Gospel According to Jesus.

     Listen to these words of Jesus found in the Sermon on the mount,

     Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
     But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
     For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
                                                   Matthew 6:19-21 KJV

     Jesus teaches us the uncertainty of riches. They are only temporal things, here today and gone tomorrow. The markets may crash, thieves may steal, a valuable object may rust or be destroyed in some other manner. Yet we as human beings place such a high emphasis on the material things of this world. We live as if we must accumulate as much as possible. We stockpile things, we work hard to make more money just so we can buy more. We put away money and just sit on it, because it is ours and we might need it for a "rainy day." 
     Jesus knows the heart of man, that it is deceitful and wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). It is so easily drawn away by things. Our stockpiles of material things are the proof of our allegiance to these things. Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
     Jesus has a financial plan for us so to speak. He calls us to lay up treasure in heaven. He shows us how this is accomplished.

     Fear not, little flock; for it is the Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
     Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags that wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
     For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
                                                        Luke 12:32-34 KJV

     Instead of accumulation, Jesus says to give it away! He tells us to sell our possessions and give to the poor. This is how we are to store up the true riches in heaven! This does not sound like the prosperity gospel that so many follow today. You see, we can't take it with us. We are entrusted with money and possessions in this lifetime to be used for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. There is a saying, "Only one life will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." This is what Jesus is talking about. We are blessed in this life to be a blessing to others. The scriptures abundantly teach us that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. This involves the giving of ourselves, our time, our money and possessions, to live this out in our day to day lives.
     Jesus is teaching us that to cling to our material possessions will bankrupt us in the end. It is a law of the kingdom of God that we lose ourselves for Christ's sake if we would find life. This includes our possessions. Christ commands us to renounce all that we have if we would be His disciples (Luke 14:33). 
     True sowing and reaping is not about sowing a financial seed into a ministry so that we can get more money back; it is about making the kingdom of God our priority, evidenced by our giving of what we have to others for the sake of Christ. After all, isn't it the Fathers good pleasure to give us the kingdom?
     
     

Strangers and Exiles.

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.
                                                               Hebrews 11:13-14 NASB


    

     There are two kingdoms. The kingdom of this world, and the kingdom of God. These two stand in stark opposition to one another. The one is built upon selfish principles, the other humility and love.
     Jesus tells us that unless one is born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-5). The thing that keeps us out is our pride. As selfish individuals we live for self, at the expense of others. This pride ultimately refuses to submit to God, shutting us out of His kingdom. Only through the new birth, the washing of regeneration, and the renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5), can this selfish principle be eradicated from our lives, making us fit for the kingdom of God.
     Those who have entered Christ's kingdom, through the new birth, are now at odds with the kingdom of this world. It is true, that by our physical birth, we are citizens of this world; we live in the various nations that make up this world, but now we reside in this world as strangers and exiles. We are like pilgrims passing through a strange land. This world is not our home.
     As followers of Jesus, we now live for a different purpose, and have different motives for our actions. This is clearly spelled out for us in the teachings of Jesus, in particular, the "Sermon on the Mount" found in Matthew 5-7. Jesus shows us that the things esteemed by the world, are worthless by the standards of His kingdom. As a result, those who would live by the principles Christ set forth, will find themselves at odds with this world. In fact, they will be rejected. The world in all of its pride, has no room for the meek and humble, no room for those who love their enemies, and who willingly forgive those who wrong them, and despises those who value purity over the pleasures that it has to offer.
     The Apostle Peter addresses the recipients of his first epistle as aliens (1 Peter 1:1). They were not only strangers on this earth, but were also driven from their country as well, because of their faith. Jesus warned us that we would be persecuted for his sake. Just as the world rejected Him, it will also reject His followers (Matt 5:10; John 15:18-20). As the Apostle Paul says, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12).
     In our "American Christianity" we are suddenly becoming aware of a great dividing line. As we see the blurring of truth, and the mass acceptance of sin in our culture, and even among those in the "professing" church, we are forced to either blindly conform to this evil world, or go against the current. It is becoming painfully evident that those who choose to stand alone on the side of righteousness, are in the minority. It is unpopular to stand for Jesus according to biblical principles, and those who choose to do so are finding out that the world does not understand them. In fact we see true Christians being slandered and maligned, in the things they say and do (1 Peter 3:16).
     Peter tells us that as aliens and strangers, we are to abstain from the fleshly lusts that war against our souls. We are to keep our behavior excellent among the inhabitants of this world, so that although they may slander us as evildoers, our good behavior will cause them to glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12).
     We are called to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. This verse tells us that we stand out as lights in this world (Philippians 2:15). Jesus has called us to be light in a dark world. We are to let our light shine before men, so that they may see our good works, and glorify God (Matt 5:14-16). Paul tells us to expose the deeds of darkness (Eph 5:11-14). We have a purpose in this world, to point the way to Christ by our witness, and by our lives. This is why we must not compromise, not give way, and not shrink in fear. Even though we are strangers here, we are ambassadors for Christ, God working through us, to reconcile the world unto Himself (2 Cor 5:19-20).
    
    
   
    

Entering the Kingdom Through Many Tribulations.

     There seems to be this idea in our western evangelical mindset, that once we have come to Christ, everything is somehow supposed to go smooth for the rest of our lives. Thousands of modern day American Christians are comfortably waiting for the day when we will be raptured, and go to glory, with no troubles, no persecution, no dying for our faith.
     This idea however, does not really resemble the way the Christian life is portrayed in the scriptures. Look at the words of Jesus in the sermon on the Mount. He tells us that we are blessed when we are persecuted, slandered, and insulted, because of Christ. Just as the prophets of old were persecuted, we too can expect the hatred of the world (Matt 5:10-12). Jesus tells us that the disciple is not greater than his master. As Jesus was persecuted, so will we be persecuted (John 15:20). Jesus is telling us to expect it; it will happen. As Paul states, "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim 3:12). Once again, if we truly desire to live out our faith in a radical way, we will be persecuted for it. By radical, I mean to follow the commands of Christ. To be radical is to take scripture serious enough to actually put it into practice. To do this will invite the scorn of the world. This also includes the religious world. Backslidden, as well as nominal Christians are offended by truth, whether lived out in front of them, or spoken.
     In the book of Acts we read that it is through many tribulations that we enter into the kingdom (Acts 14:22). There has been persecution since the days of Cain and Abel. God's children have always suffered at the hands of wicked men. Jesus tells us that brother will betray brother to death, fathers will deliver up their children, and children their parents. We are clearly warned by Christ that the one who endures to the end will be saved (Matt 24:10-13; Mark 13:12-13). This is not the gospel that we hear in so many of our churches today. Thousands of Christians have suffered for their faith down through the centuries, and thousands are suffering even now. We tend to look at it as a geographic issue. We live in a country that tolerates Christianity better than other countries. It is true, we don't face some of the dangers that a Christian might in a more hostile country, but we are wrong to believe that we somehow are blessed enough to avoid persecution. If that was the case, the above mentioned scriptures would be false.
     The fact of the matter is this, the world stands opposed to true righteousness. Anybody who takes a real stand for the truth, who boldly lives by biblical standards, and who fearlessly proclaims the word of God to the lost world around them, will invite the world's hatred. A person who hates God, will hate you, if you take His name in truth.
     Jesus tells us that if we are ashamed of Him and His words in this wicked and sinful generation, He will be ashamed of us (Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26). Sadly, we see a carnal "Church" that is ashamed to stand up for Jesus. They reject His words as being offensive and intolerant. This is a big reason why we see so little persecution here in America. It is difficult to differentiate between the "Church" and the world. Let the true Christians stand up however, and the world will despise them. You will lose friends, people will insult you, slander and malign you, if you but only stand up for Christ.
     You can see the moral climate changing here. It will only get worse for those who love Christ, and are willing to live and speak for Him. Remember, Christ has told us these things beforehand, to keep us from stumbling (John 16:1).

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.
    

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.
    
    

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?
    

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?

    
    

In the Power of the Spirit.

     And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
                                         1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NASB


     For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction...
                                           1 Thessalonians 1:5a NASB

     In this day of technology and unlimited resources we have much at our fingertips with which to reach the world for Christ. Sadly, in spite of all of our programs and efforts, we see so few individuals truly born again. The majority of those who make "decisions" for Christ, go on with their lives with no change.
     Compare this with the early church. They had no computers, no power points, no sound systems, no programs, little money or possessions, yet they set the world on fire for Christ. People got saved and were radically changed. Addictions were broken. demons cast out, idols were abandoned, and sin was put away for good.
     We have so much, and accomplish so little. They had so little and accomplished so much. Could it be that we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit as they were? I believe the answer is yes. God has not changed, we have. The method is the same: reliance on the power of God. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts with power. The new birth is accomplished through the power of the Spirit. The new life of holiness is worked out in the power of the Holy Spirit.
     We need to get back to the basics. We need to get back to doing things God's way. We need to be baptized, filled to overflowing, in and with the Holy Spirit.

Partakers of the divine nature.

     Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
     For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

     2 Peter 1:3-4 NASB

     We read this scripture portion and give mental assent to it. We believe in our minds that God can give us everything we need to live godly lives. We know He has promised us many wonderful things. Many of us would agree that through Christ, we become partakers of His divine nature.
     What if we actually took this to heart, and actually lived as though we believed it? What a difference we would see in our lives! We would see victory over temptation, we would see habitual sins broken, we would see power in our witness, we would see a Church that is no longer worldly, but Christ like!
     Our faith is only as good as we are willing to step out in it! Take God at His word and live it.

The call of God part 3

     For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.
     1 Thessalonians 4:7,8 NASB

   "Therefore,come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me," says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
     2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1 NASB

     These two passages of scripture expand upon the first two aspects of God's call to us.
     1. We are called to be holy.
     2. We are called to adoption as children of God.

     The first passage makes it clear that holiness is not an option. God has not called us to remain in sin.
He has called us to be separate from sin, and to serve Him with all that we are. This passage contains a warning to those who think that holiness is not required by God. To reject holiness is to reject God.
     The verses in 2 Corinthians link holiness (separation) to adoption. The context of these verses deal with the Corinthian believers who were dabbling with immorality, selfishness, and idolatry. Paul tells them that there has to be a separation. Light and darkness do not mix. Righteousness and lawlessness do not mix. there is no harmony between Christ and the devil. Since Christians are the temple of the Living God, it stands to reason that they must come out of all unholy alliances, they must turn their backs on sin, and be separated unto God.
     This passage contains a promise. If they would come out of the sinful life they were dabbling in, if they would avoid immorality, God would be a father to them, and they would be sons and daughters to Him.
     God will not have His children unequally yoked. He will not have His children playing with sin. God calls each one of us to live lives that are dedicated to Him. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).






    

The call of God part 2.

     He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.
     Ephesians 1:5 NASB

    We were once children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), but God in His mercy has chosen us to be adopted sons, through the offering of Jesus Christ. We were once sons of disobedience (2:1), children of the devil (John 8:48), but now we have received the spirit of adoption testifying that we are children of God (Romans 8:15,16).
     Most children when asked what they want to be when they grow up, will desire to be like  their parents. A little boy will say "I want to be just like my dad". A little girl will desire to grow up to be like her mother.
     Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children (Ephesians 5:1). It is the same for the child of God. They desire to be like God. To have the same attitudes, desires, and actions. The child of God does not want to do anything that would bring sorrow or reproach to the name of his heavenly Father.
     We are told in Romans 8:14, that it is those who are led by the Spirit of God, who are the sons of God. It is also those who walk in the Spirit (order their lives by) that do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
     Can you say that you are a true son? Does your life imitate your heavenly Father? Does the Spirit bear witness with your Spirit that you are indeed a child of God?