I was at the grocery store today. While I was there I thought I would try to pick out the shoppers that are Christians. I guess there should be something that sets them apart from the unbelievers. A different hair style? Different clothes? Do they buy different items? Smell different? Christians don't smoke so all non-smokers must be Christians. I didn't see anyone carrying a Bible. The cars in the parking lot all looked normal. Some of them had fish symbols on the back, I guess they belonged to the non-smokers.
Please forgive me for being so sarcastic. The point I'm trying to make is this, what does a Christian look like? How are we set apart? There have been times when someone has said to me, "You must be a Christian because you ......... I've also heard, "I thought you were a Christian, why did you .......
We need to get a picture of what a Christian life is and what it is not. It's not a life of strict rules, regulations, dos, and don'ts. That's what the world/unsaved think. Do this, don't do that, don't smoke, drink, or chew, or hang around with women who do. Is that the best way we have to show who Jesus is, what he's done, and why we follow Him? Read Colossians 2:16-23.
1 Peter 1:15 says, "...but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct." Romans 12:1 says, "...to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God..." The question then is this, what does it mean to be holy?
To be holy means to be separated unto God, the result being conduct befitting those so separated. Some Bible translations use the word sanctification. Sanctification is separation of the believer from evil things and ways. I would say set apart from the "world" or "earthly ways".
When I say earthly ways, what am I talking about? There are many Scriptures that tell us. The one that comes to mind for me is this, Colossians 3:5-10. It says, "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Paul then goes on to say in verses 12-14, "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. And above all put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
How important is love? Matthew 22:37-40 says, "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 first commandment. And the second is just like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Of course this love is extended to enemies too. In Matthew 5:44 Jesus says, "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Read 1 Corinthians 13, the "love" chapter, apply it to your life and include your enemies. Wow!
Let me take some lines out of Romans chapters 12-15 to bring this entry to a close. We should not be conformed to this world but transformed by renewing our minds. We shouldn't think too highly of ourselves. Our love should be genuine, outdoing one another in showing honor. We should be patient in tribulation and constant in prayer. We should contribute to the needs of the saints and show hospitality. If you are wronged, do not avenge yourself. A Christian overcomes evil with good, feeding a hungry enemy. Pay taxes, revenue, respect, and honor to whom it is due. We should welcome one who is weak in faith. Don't pass judgement on each other over special days, eating, or abstaining from, certain foods. "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." (Rom.15:1,2) We should live in harmony with one another and be servants.
There is so much more. How does all this compare with the wisdom of the world? How does it compare with your experience? Living this way would truly set you apart. I think it would be noticed too. God bless y'all real good.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
I Confessed Already
Rudy Baga's blog titled "There are two shackles around the ankles of many Christians"(Monday Aug.13), is a must read. I have linked to his blog. With apologies to him, I would like to try and reinforce his article.
1 John 1:9 has lead to a huge misunderstanding. It reads, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This one verse has lead many Christians to think that all sin must be confessed to be forgiven. Note that I said "Christians". These are ones who have already confessed, agreed with God that they were sinners in need of His grace, and received it.
Now, if it's true that all sin must be confessed to be forgiven, then can I assume that all unconfessed sin will not be forgiven? Again I am referring to a Christian. Can I assume that Jesus' blood only covered my sins up to my "birth from above" and after that I have to confess for the sins I commit afterward to be forgiven? If I have one unconfessed sin, I'm going to hell. Is that your understanding?
For the sake of this article I would like to define confession as I believe most Christians would define it. I believe most would define confession as asking forgiveness of sins committed.
[That is not the definition and if you read Rudy's blog, he defines it for you. He says, "First of all the word for “confess” in the original Greek, means to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent, (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). This gives a little different feel than what we typically think of with confession."]
I only bring this up because of a conversation I had the other night. The person I spoke with believes unconfessed sin will land you (Christian) in hell!! I am talking about a born again Christian women who has been a believer for a long time!
When I disagreed with her she immediately asked if I believe in the doctrine of eternal security (once saved always saved). The implication was that I believe a person who has professed faith in Jesus can live a sinful lifestyle and still go to heaven. I was misunderstood. However I am in good company because Paul was misunderstood too. Read Romans chapter six. Verses one and two state, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?"
True born again believers do not want to live a sinful lifestyle, 1 John 5:18. I am not saying that they don't sin. When Christians sin they can be comforted that Jesus took care of it, 1 John 2:1.
Why do Christians want to be in control of their salvation? Why can't we be comfortable with the work that Jesus did? (I had a pastor friend ask me that question.) As a Christian, did you provide the way of salvation, restoring your relationship with God? Did God not call you? Wasn't it God's work? His plan? His Son? His Spirit? His Word? What makes you think you have to sanctify yourself?
Christian! ENJOY YOUR FREEDOM!!!! Use your freedom to serve. Galatians 5:13 says, "For you were called to freedom, bretheran; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another."
Christians do not need to ask for forgiveness to be forgiven. He remembers our sin no more. Read Psalm 103:11,12. Read Isaiah 1:18. Read Romans 8. However, just like our earthly parents, we feel bad for being disobedient to our Father (one who is "unsaved" wouldn't care). We say I'm sorry ,not for forgiveness, but for peace of mind, or a restored relationship, and we move forward in our walk with Him.
This article didn't quite go in the direction I had planned. I'm guessing that is a good thing. Even so, as always, let me know what you think. God bless y'all real good.
1 John 1:9 has lead to a huge misunderstanding. It reads, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This one verse has lead many Christians to think that all sin must be confessed to be forgiven. Note that I said "Christians". These are ones who have already confessed, agreed with God that they were sinners in need of His grace, and received it.
Now, if it's true that all sin must be confessed to be forgiven, then can I assume that all unconfessed sin will not be forgiven? Again I am referring to a Christian. Can I assume that Jesus' blood only covered my sins up to my "birth from above" and after that I have to confess for the sins I commit afterward to be forgiven? If I have one unconfessed sin, I'm going to hell. Is that your understanding?
For the sake of this article I would like to define confession as I believe most Christians would define it. I believe most would define confession as asking forgiveness of sins committed.
[That is not the definition and if you read Rudy's blog, he defines it for you. He says, "First of all the word for “confess” in the original Greek, means to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent, (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). This gives a little different feel than what we typically think of with confession."]
I only bring this up because of a conversation I had the other night. The person I spoke with believes unconfessed sin will land you (Christian) in hell!! I am talking about a born again Christian women who has been a believer for a long time!
When I disagreed with her she immediately asked if I believe in the doctrine of eternal security (once saved always saved). The implication was that I believe a person who has professed faith in Jesus can live a sinful lifestyle and still go to heaven. I was misunderstood. However I am in good company because Paul was misunderstood too. Read Romans chapter six. Verses one and two state, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?"
True born again believers do not want to live a sinful lifestyle, 1 John 5:18. I am not saying that they don't sin. When Christians sin they can be comforted that Jesus took care of it, 1 John 2:1.
Why do Christians want to be in control of their salvation? Why can't we be comfortable with the work that Jesus did? (I had a pastor friend ask me that question.) As a Christian, did you provide the way of salvation, restoring your relationship with God? Did God not call you? Wasn't it God's work? His plan? His Son? His Spirit? His Word? What makes you think you have to sanctify yourself?
Christian! ENJOY YOUR FREEDOM!!!! Use your freedom to serve. Galatians 5:13 says, "For you were called to freedom, bretheran; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another."
Christians do not need to ask for forgiveness to be forgiven. He remembers our sin no more. Read Psalm 103:11,12. Read Isaiah 1:18. Read Romans 8. However, just like our earthly parents, we feel bad for being disobedient to our Father (one who is "unsaved" wouldn't care). We say I'm sorry ,not for forgiveness, but for peace of mind, or a restored relationship, and we move forward in our walk with Him.
This article didn't quite go in the direction I had planned. I'm guessing that is a good thing. Even so, as always, let me know what you think. God bless y'all real good.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Lead From the Front
It's amazing, the things I hear that cause me to stop and think. This past Sunday I heard a preacher on the radio say something to the effect of, lead from the front not from behind. That statement really grabbed my attention.The idea is that it is better to lead from the front by example than to lead from behind with a whip.
I decided to discuss it further with my Wednesday night group this week. Two incidents from the Bible came to mind. The first was the woes to the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23 and the other was Jesus washing the disciple's feet in John 13.
In Matthew Jesus says of the scribes and Pharisees to, "...practice and observe whatever they tell you - but not what they do. For they preach but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others." Later He says, "..you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in." Are you feeling the love? Are you familiar with this side of Jesus? Wait, there's more.
In verse 23 He goes on to say, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel." You need to go to your Bible and read this. He calls them whitewashed tombs full of dead people's bones, unclean, serpents, and a brood of vipers. Then he asks, "..how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?"
Paul in Galatians asks, "Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected in the flesh?" We were once "slaves" to the law. We were in "bondage". Does this conjure up images of a slave master standing over you with a whip to keep you in line? In Christ we have been set free!! Amen? Paul goes on to say in Galatians 5:12, "For I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves." How's that for love and tolerance? He's angry!
Leading people from behind with rules, regulations, and restrictions will not work.
Read Colossians 2:16-23, it refers to those things as "human precepts and teachings".
Paul goes on to say, "seek the things that are above", and "Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth."
Jesus lead from the front. Take a look at John 13. This is a familiar passage. This is where Jesus washes the disciple's feet. Jesus finishes the washing and asks them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example."
Paul lead from the front. 1 Corinthians 4:16 says, "I urge you then, be imitators of me." Again in chapter eleven, verse one, he says, "Be imitators of me as I am of Christ." In Philippians Paul tells them to "join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us."
Timothy was encouraged to lead from the front. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
Are you leading from the front? Are you not only following Jesus' example but setting an example for others? Are you loving, merciful, gracious, and kind? Are you a servant? I'm not just talking about serving other believers but also those outside the church. Are you growing in your relationship with Jesus?
I know there's a time to be firm. We cannot tolerate sin in our lives or the lives of other believers. Jesus was firm with the ones who should have known better. We should be too.
I didn't reach this point in my faith because someone stood over me with a whip ready to strike the moment I stepped out of line. I don't have to look over my shoulder, I only need to gaze toward the front. God bless y'all real good.
I decided to discuss it further with my Wednesday night group this week. Two incidents from the Bible came to mind. The first was the woes to the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23 and the other was Jesus washing the disciple's feet in John 13.
In Matthew Jesus says of the scribes and Pharisees to, "...practice and observe whatever they tell you - but not what they do. For they preach but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others." Later He says, "..you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in." Are you feeling the love? Are you familiar with this side of Jesus? Wait, there's more.
In verse 23 He goes on to say, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel." You need to go to your Bible and read this. He calls them whitewashed tombs full of dead people's bones, unclean, serpents, and a brood of vipers. Then he asks, "..how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?"
Paul in Galatians asks, "Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected in the flesh?" We were once "slaves" to the law. We were in "bondage". Does this conjure up images of a slave master standing over you with a whip to keep you in line? In Christ we have been set free!! Amen? Paul goes on to say in Galatians 5:12, "For I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves." How's that for love and tolerance? He's angry!
Leading people from behind with rules, regulations, and restrictions will not work.
Read Colossians 2:16-23, it refers to those things as "human precepts and teachings".
Paul goes on to say, "seek the things that are above", and "Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth."
Jesus lead from the front. Take a look at John 13. This is a familiar passage. This is where Jesus washes the disciple's feet. Jesus finishes the washing and asks them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example."
Paul lead from the front. 1 Corinthians 4:16 says, "I urge you then, be imitators of me." Again in chapter eleven, verse one, he says, "Be imitators of me as I am of Christ." In Philippians Paul tells them to "join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us."
Timothy was encouraged to lead from the front. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
Are you leading from the front? Are you not only following Jesus' example but setting an example for others? Are you loving, merciful, gracious, and kind? Are you a servant? I'm not just talking about serving other believers but also those outside the church. Are you growing in your relationship with Jesus?
I know there's a time to be firm. We cannot tolerate sin in our lives or the lives of other believers. Jesus was firm with the ones who should have known better. We should be too.
I didn't reach this point in my faith because someone stood over me with a whip ready to strike the moment I stepped out of line. I don't have to look over my shoulder, I only need to gaze toward the front. God bless y'all real good.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
The Word
A friend of mine made a great comment the other night. He said that he notices an energy that surrounds a conversation that includes the Scriptures. I'm sure many of you have noticed it too. I notice it on Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, and recently, Thursday nights. I've noticed it at work, on camping trips, and family get-togethers.
The comment made me think of a Bible verse, Luke 24:32, "And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" Just reading that verse and typing it created that energy!
I think most of you know what I'm talking about. God's word is powerful!
Let's look at Psalm 119. "Word" is mentioned thirty-eight times. I could be wrong and I'm willing to be corrected but I think that God's word, statutes, and the Scriptures are basically the same. They all come from God.
What can the word accomplish according to Psalm 119? Let's look at it.
v.9 - cleanse your way
v.11 - keep us from sin
v.16 - give us delight
v.17 - bountiful life
v.25 - revive us
v.28 - strengthen us
v.38 - reverence for God
v.41 - salvation
v.42 - provide answers when taunted
v.43 - provides hope
v.49 - provides hope
v.50 - comfort when afflicted, gives life
v.58 - mercy
v.65 - good dealings with God
v.67 - keeps us from straying
v.74 - joy in fellowship with others who revere God
v.76 - comfort
v.81 - hope
v.82 - comfort
v.89 - stability
v.101 - restrain us from doing evil
v.105 - light our way
v.107 - revive us
v.114 - protect us
v.116 - uphold us
v.123 - perseverance
v.133 - direct our steps
v.140 - time tested, tried (confidence)
v.147 - hope
v.148 - source for meditation
v.154 - revive us
v.158 - disgust of sin
v.160 - source of truth
v.161 - stability
v.162 - joy
v.169 - understanding
v.170 - deliverance
v.172 - proclaim, can't keep silent
John refers to Jesus as the Word. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.......And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
2 Timothy 3:14-17 says, "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you have learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Are you feeling it? That's the Spirit working through the Word. God bless y'all real good.
The comment made me think of a Bible verse, Luke 24:32, "And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" Just reading that verse and typing it created that energy!
I think most of you know what I'm talking about. God's word is powerful!
Let's look at Psalm 119. "Word" is mentioned thirty-eight times. I could be wrong and I'm willing to be corrected but I think that God's word, statutes, and the Scriptures are basically the same. They all come from God.
What can the word accomplish according to Psalm 119? Let's look at it.
v.9 - cleanse your way
v.11 - keep us from sin
v.16 - give us delight
v.17 - bountiful life
v.25 - revive us
v.28 - strengthen us
v.38 - reverence for God
v.41 - salvation
v.42 - provide answers when taunted
v.43 - provides hope
v.49 - provides hope
v.50 - comfort when afflicted, gives life
v.58 - mercy
v.65 - good dealings with God
v.67 - keeps us from straying
v.74 - joy in fellowship with others who revere God
v.76 - comfort
v.81 - hope
v.82 - comfort
v.89 - stability
v.101 - restrain us from doing evil
v.105 - light our way
v.107 - revive us
v.114 - protect us
v.116 - uphold us
v.123 - perseverance
v.133 - direct our steps
v.140 - time tested, tried (confidence)
v.147 - hope
v.148 - source for meditation
v.154 - revive us
v.158 - disgust of sin
v.160 - source of truth
v.161 - stability
v.162 - joy
v.169 - understanding
v.170 - deliverance
v.172 - proclaim, can't keep silent
John refers to Jesus as the Word. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.......And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
2 Timothy 3:14-17 says, "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you have learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Are you feeling it? That's the Spirit working through the Word. God bless y'all real good.
Friday, June 29, 2007
"Let's Play Bible!"
I called a friend of mine the other night and invited myself over to his house. His wife and my wife were going to attend a meeting one evening that week and I thought it would be a good time to get together and "play Bible".
I like to use that term for Bible study. Think about it. It's a lot of fun playing games. We play cards, we play ball, and we play music. Those things are fun, entertaining! It's fun studying the Scriptures too, so why not call it playing Bible!
There really aren't any rules. It's good to play with a few people so you can hear different thoughts but not too many that the game becomes too chaotic, with lots of rabbit trails. It would also be good to have a few different translations and maybe a reference book or two. The most important resource is the Holy Spirit.
When I arrived at my friend's house, we just sat down and started talking. We discussed "repentance" because that's what my Wednesday group had discussed a couple of weeks ago. It was so much fun. I had a great time. I like the dialogue, the back and forth, anticipating what the Spirit will reveal next.
When the women returned from the meeting, I suggested to my friend that we get together and "play" again. Hey! Maybe next time the ladies can play too!. The "game" is fun for everyone, male or female, young or old, mature or new believer.
Proverbs 9:9,10 says, "Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous and they will learn even more. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement." (NLT)
Acts 2:42 says, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (RSV)
Romans 15:14 says, "I myself am satisfied about you, my brethren, that you yourselves are are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another." (RSV)
The growth that results from playing Bible are priceless. From my evenings with the Gerbils and challenges from the German, to Bible and Bagel Fellowship, the Wednesday group, and Ballofdirt, I am growing by leaps and bounds. "You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17, The Message Remix Bible)
I challenge you to gather with a friend, friends, or family and play Bible. It's a "game" that will impact your life. God bless y'all real good.
I like to use that term for Bible study. Think about it. It's a lot of fun playing games. We play cards, we play ball, and we play music. Those things are fun, entertaining! It's fun studying the Scriptures too, so why not call it playing Bible!
There really aren't any rules. It's good to play with a few people so you can hear different thoughts but not too many that the game becomes too chaotic, with lots of rabbit trails. It would also be good to have a few different translations and maybe a reference book or two. The most important resource is the Holy Spirit.
When I arrived at my friend's house, we just sat down and started talking. We discussed "repentance" because that's what my Wednesday group had discussed a couple of weeks ago. It was so much fun. I had a great time. I like the dialogue, the back and forth, anticipating what the Spirit will reveal next.
When the women returned from the meeting, I suggested to my friend that we get together and "play" again. Hey! Maybe next time the ladies can play too!. The "game" is fun for everyone, male or female, young or old, mature or new believer.
Proverbs 9:9,10 says, "Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous and they will learn even more. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement." (NLT)
Acts 2:42 says, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (RSV)
Romans 15:14 says, "I myself am satisfied about you, my brethren, that you yourselves are are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another." (RSV)
The growth that results from playing Bible are priceless. From my evenings with the Gerbils and challenges from the German, to Bible and Bagel Fellowship, the Wednesday group, and Ballofdirt, I am growing by leaps and bounds. "You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17, The Message Remix Bible)
I challenge you to gather with a friend, friends, or family and play Bible. It's a "game" that will impact your life. God bless y'all real good.
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