Pay attention!

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.
     Hebrews 2:1 NASB

     It is vital that we take God and His word seriously. We live in an age where the truth is compromised. People live as if the Bible is irrevelant, as if what it teaches does not matter in the long run. Pastors and bible teachers present a washed down version of what the Bible really teaches, in an effort to please men instead of God.
     Pay attention to the truth! This means that we hold God in a reverent fear! He means what He says. It is important that we hear, and then go and do what He says! It is not enough to know what God says, we must let it have its way in our lives. It must become part of us. If we truly believe in a cause, we will be moved to act on behalf of that cause. If we believe God's word, then we will take it seriously, and live it out.

Christ, the object of our pursuit.

     And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
     Hebrews 11:6 ESV.

     Many individuals seek God. they seek Him to meet needs, they seek Him to provide things, they seek His forgiveness. Many of these needs are legitimate. In fact we are to bring our needs to God, and trust Him to provide for us. Ample scriptures can be found to encourage us to come to God with our cares and burdens.
     However, I believe that far too often we neglect the greatest pursuit of all. We tend to seek our needs. We seek the gift, not the giver. This verse speaks of drawing near to God, seeking Him. We are to believe that He will reward those who seek Him. Our greatest need, and the greatest blessing we can obtain, is the presence of Christ Himself. To walk with Him, and dwell with Him, to live as it were in the very holy of holies itself.
     Let's begin to pursue God Himself, not for what He can do for us, but for the sake of knowing Him deeper. That is true relationship!

Christ is Risen!

     And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
     1 Cor. 15:14 NIV


     The resurrection of Jesus has a profound impact upon our lives. Because Jesus is risen from the dead, we cave freedom from the guilt of sin. We can stand before Him on the day of judgement and be declared not guilty. We do not need to fear death. We too will be raised on that day, and will receive new bodies that will not decay.
     There is power in this life as well. Because Christ arose, we can walk in newness of life. The power of sin is broken. We can live in victory, we can seek the things above where Christ is. We have been quickened by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. We have life on this earth, an abundant life lived in communion with God.
      Our broken fellowship with Him is now restored. We who were once aliens to God and His covenant are now brought in and have become His children!
     Live like you believe Christ is truly risen!

A new creation.

     Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. the old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
     2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV.

     In Christ we are made new. In Him we have been re-created. Once we were selfish individuals, caring nothing for God, or others. In Christ this selfish principle has been destroyed, and been replaced by love; love for God, and our fellow man. The individual who once stole, lied, commited adultry, coveted, profaned God, and served god's of his own invention, is now honest, faithful, and worships the God who redeemed him, in spririt and truth.
     This is accomplished in all who will come to Christ, and immerse their lives in Him, giving all to Him, so that He might be all in them. The life transformed by Christ is completely changed. The old is gone, the new has come. Regeneration is a total makeover, not merely a cleaned up life.
     Are you a new creation? Are you in Christ?

Holiness defined.

     Here is a definition of holiness that I thought was quite good.

     Holiness is a thing of the heart; it is the purging away of the dross of the soul; it is the renewing of our whole nature so that we are made 'partakers of the Divine nature' (2 Pet. i. 4). It makes 'the tree good.'
Booth, William ; Wesley, John ; Bonar, Horatius; Ryle, J. C. ; Brengle, Samuel; Taylor, Jeremy; Law, William (2012-02-27). Top 7 Classics on Holiness: Purity of Heart, Heart Talks on Holiness, Holiness, God's Way of Holiness, Christian Perfection, Serious Call, Holy Living (Kindle Locations 1181-1182).  . Kindle Edition.

Singleness of purpose.

     Devotion signifies a life given, or devoted, to God. He, therefore, is the devout man, who lives no longer to his own will, or the way and spirit of the world, but to the sole will of God, who considers God in everything, who serves God in everything, who makes all the parts of his common life parts of piety, by doing everything in the Name of God, and under such rules as are conformable to His glory.
Booth, William ; Wesley, John ; Bonar, Horatius; Ryle, J. C. ; Brengle, Samuel; Taylor, Jeremy; Law, William (2012-02-27). Top 7 Classics on Holiness: Purity of Heart, Heart Talks on Holiness, Holiness, God's Way of Holiness, Christian Perfection, Serious Call, Holy Living (Kindle Locations 11478-11480).  . Kindle Edition.

     This seems like a lofty ideal, unreachable by most Christians. Indeed we fall far short of this in the Church today. Yet this was normal Christianity for the early Church, This is the standard set forth in the new testament. Whatever we do in word or deed, we are to do in His name, and for His glory. This covers every aspect of life. Eating, drinking, working and resting, our thoughts, our plans all fall under this rule.
     It all comes down to our level of commitment to Christ, and the depth of our love for Him. He desires us to love Him with the totality of our being. We are to be consumed by our love for Him. Everything we do flows from love, with His glory as its motive. It is indeed a lofty place, a high calling, that can only be fueled by the fire of the Holy Spirit consuming the sacrifice of our lives. We must die to self, our plans, our wills, and let Him be all.

Want Faith?

     So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
     Romans 10:17 ESV

     If you want to build up your faith, get into the word of God. This is where God speaks to us. His word is where we find His promises. Read it with a heart that is willing to receive what it says. Allow it to challenge your preconceived ideas. Believe it and act upon it, you will be transformed.