Church

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THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST

Who is Jesus Christ? The name Jesus or Jesus Christ has name recognition. In the world scene many hear His name most often being used in profanity. Most of those hearing the name Jesus or Jesus Christ have no real understanding who He is. Many today will say as the religious leaders in the Old Testament said that he was a great prophet, a great teacher, or healer.

Do you know that many “Christians” do not know or believe that Jesus Christ is God? All you have to do is ask: do you believe Jesus is God? Many people believe in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Correctly speaking they should be addressed as: God the Father, Jesus is God the Son, and Holy Spirit is God the Spirit. They are the three in one. Jesus is God the Son.

I realize that the mystery of the triune of God is difficult to understand yet it is one of the doctrines revealed in Scripture. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Genesis 1:1 says that “God created the heavens and the earth.” Then, Colossians 1:16 gives the added detail that God created “all things” through Jesus Christ. The plain teaching of Scripture, therefore, is that Jesus is the Creator of the universe. Continue on by reading John 1:1 in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word when capitalized refers to Jesus. There are three important things in this passage about Jesus and the Father: 1) Jesus was “in the beginning”—He was present at creation. Jesus had existed eternally with God. 2) Jesus is distinct from the Father—He was “with” God. 3) Jesus is the same as God in nature—He “was God.” One additional point is that the Holy Spirit was present at the creation.

My second question is: what is the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Many have heard that “Christ died for their sins” but they have no idea what it really means. The Apostle Paul writes in: 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 (KJV)  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. This is the basic of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul also wrote in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

It is important to know that it is through the Gospel that God works to take people from death to life. A person who does not believe he is a sinner will see no need for a Savior. Romans 3:23 says that there is none righteous, no not one. Romans 3:23 says we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Everyone has transgressed the laws of God in thought, words, and deeds more times than you can ever imagine. Where most people fall short is when they put other gods before God as stated in the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3. This can include family, job, possessions, fun, and the list goes on. The Gospel is the truth that we are all sinners before God and under the sentence of eternal death or separation from God and all the good things He offers.

Another part of the Gospel is God’s love. Again, most people cannot comprehend God’s love for us. One reason is they don’t understand that there are four types of love found in the Bible; Eros, Storge, Philia, and Agape. The one attached to God is Agape love. Agape love is a sacrificial love. Most of us live with the other three because it is difficult for us to be sacrificial. It goes against our selfish nature.

My third question is: what is the Atonement of Jesus Christ? The Atonement is the heart of the Gospel. This is where you can see and understand the great love that God has for us. God the Son became a man, lived a perfect life, allowed himself to be arrested, tried, convicted, and crucified. Crucifixion was one of the cruelest form of punishment ever performed on a person. I would recommend that everyone read how much suffering takes place when a person is crucified. Maybe, just maybe it might tell you how much God loves you. Before Jesus was placed on the cross he was beaten beyond words and recognition.

The love of God continues as Jesus is hung on the cross. God the Father takes all the sins we have committed and will commit and put them on Jesus, Jesus became our substitute for our sins. Jesus bore the wrath of God for the sins we commit. Jesus suffered the punishment and death we deserve. On top of all this, God turns His back on Jesus as Jesus cried out: “My God, My God why has thou forsaken me” as seen in Matthew 17:46. Why? Because Jesus took our sins upon Him. God hates sin.

After hours of suffering, Jesus finally said “it is finished” and died on the cross. He died bearing our sins. He overcame the enemies of sin and death. Jesus was buried and on third day He came back from the dead, never to die again. Again, God shows us how much He loves us by giving us eternal life after our physical death.

Atonement refers to the forgiving or pardoning of sin in general and original sin in particular through the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus, enabling the reconciliation between God and his creation.

Finally I ask, is the blood shed by Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary important in the atonement? After God delivered Israel out of Egypt the whole sacrificial ceremony was established by God. According to Leviticus 17:11 God says of the blood: ‘For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.’ Let’s look at additional Scripture.

Matthew 26:28 (KJV) for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Hebrews 9:12 (KJV) Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 9:22 (KJV) and almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without the shedding of blood is no remission.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (KJV and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

When was the last time you heard a sermon on the blood, the atonement or the gospel. The whole idea of the blood sacrifice of Jesus, His atonement, and the Gospel has been disappearing in last couple of generations among the Christian churches. About the only time you hear of the blood is when we partake of communion. It appears that the modern church attempts to deal with the guilt of sin through counseling or some other type of program. For the most part if we are honest, the sting of sin remains in our conscience. The Bible still makes it clear that only blood can take away the guilt of sin.

That old hymn of Robert Lowry sums it up so well: What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

The sacrifice Jesus Christ made in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross of Calvary to help us overcome sin and death is the Atonement. He paid the price for our sins. This is the most important event in the history of mankind.

If you would like to draw closer to God, you must deny self-according to Jesus in Matthew 16:24 (KJV) then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

I believe that this can be accomplished by following Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Here are some suggestions that may help:

To renew your mind you need to ask God for help as this is a gift that He gives to those that ask.

Ask God for forgiveness of your sins and then forgive yourself.

You need to realize that there is no limit to forgiveness.

Change your lifestyle and the environment you live in.

Understand what Jesus did for you because of the sins you did and do.

Realize that you are the only one that can change yourself by putting on the armor of God as found in Ephesians 6:10-18

Have faith and believe that God loves you and he will help you. This can be a test as the devil will try to hinder you. Stay strong in Jesus.

What does Jesus Christ, the Gospel, and the Atonement mean to you? Can you understand how much God loves you and so do I?

WHY?

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WHY?

As a former law enforcement officer, I have to ask, why was there such a demonstration this past week regarding guns behind words such as safety and other words? Don’t misunderstand, I am all for safety as I spent 20 years protecting people, property, and rights of people. I respect the rights of people to have the freedom of speech and to demonstrate as long as it is lawful.

The question I have is why single out guns when there are more important issues of safety than guns? The gun issue falls under the protection of the 2nd amendment of the Constitution. The illegal drug use does not fall under the umbrella of the Constitution. It falls under state regulation.

My career as a law enforcement officer both with local and state departments, I saw the destruction of drugs destroy people’s lives even unto death. I saw chronic marijuana smokers die because of residue built up in their esophagus until they choked to death. I saw the results of LSD users who thought they could fly and jump off high rise buildings. I saw many who just took too much of their drugs and overdosed and died. The examples keep on going.

Today the drug epidemic is worse than when I was involved. There are over 1000 individuals die every week from both illegal and legal use. How many realize that is way more than guns kill. By the way it is not guns that kill people, it is people with guns that kill people. Drugs kill people. Also, it is not the law bidding citizen that is involved. So why is the push to penalize them when there are more important issues to confront?

The main reason drugs continue to survive is because of greed and people wanting and needing (addiction) them. Look at the push to legalize pot which many states have and some are considering. Why, because of the almighty dollar. Many will argue with this point, but I saw it and know that marijuana will lead to more addicting drugs.

It is interesting how the minorities get there way and the majority pays for their rights. Wake up America and realize we the majority need to stand up for our rights and not let the minority rule. Remember how one person took prayer out of the schools. How one person started the kneeling at the National Anthem? There is a great push to take God out of everything and the attacks go on and on.

Like I said, I am all for protection of all people. We need to start using common sense in our priorities. Guns are not the problem, people are the problem. Drugs are more of a problem. It is becoming an epidemic.

We should have learned when alcohol was legalized. Look at what a destroyer it is. How many people die, injured, families destroyed, all because of greed. Alcohol does not take the number of lives that people with guns do, but one life is too many. Oh, yes there are groups that are fighting the cause. Again they are the minority.

Do you realize that more people die at the hands of a knife than that with guns? Nobody seems to want to regulate knives. I know there are some who are saying that I am being ridiculous. Am I! A life is a life.

We cannot depend on our governments to curtail the problems because some on the inside are too deep in the pockets of the establishment. Now, it seems that the majority of politicians both national, state, and local do not care what the American people want or demand.

The movement of demonstration against guns and safety were well organized. The number shows that. I just have one question, why guns when there are more important issues? What about the mental conditions of the shooters? The red flags are there, but nobody wants to look at them. It isn’t the guns, it’s the people. We are headed into a lawless society if we don’t change our ways.

One last thought, plain old common sense knows that bad people will always have guns or some other weapon to attack “maybe you or a member of your family” and we will have no defense if they take away our guns. Do you not understand that evil does not abide by the law. Past and present situations show that to be true.

Maybe we need to bring God back into our lives. Churches and Christians need to stand up to the evil that is taking over our country. Jesus said to come and follow Him. WHY NOT? It sure is better than where we are are headed.

Love to all.

What Do You Call Yourself?

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WHAT DO YOU CALL YOURSELF?

If someone was to ask you to define yourself, what would you say? Are you going to call yourself a Christian or are you going to say that you are a Believer? Before you answer, it is important to know what the Bible says about this subject.

Only three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; and 1 Peter 4:16) will you find the word Christian used. In Antioch (Acts 11:26) followers of Jesus were called Christians due to their behavior, speech, and activity because it resembled what Jesus Christ said and did. The unsaved people of Antioch used the name Christian to make fun of the followers of Jesus.

Now, let us look at the word Believer. There does not appear that the word Believer is found in the New Testament. The word Believers (not Believer singular) is found twice in the New Testament, Acts 5:14 and 1 Timothy 4:12.

Today, there is a strong distinction between Believer and Christian. The term Christian was not used to describe the first Believers and it should not be used now. Approximately 75% of Americans identify themselves as Christians. If our country had this many people following Jesus as they did in Antioch our culture would not be in such rapid decline as it is today. Many non-believers look at those that call themselves Christians and blaspheme the name. Unfortunately many people who claim to be Christians do not seem to exhibit the characteristics and lifestyles that demonstrate that they follow Jesus Christ.

The use of the word Believers really refers to the act of believing or of having believed. Most people if asked to describe their belief will not say they are Muslim, Buddhist, or Hindu or something else. They will say they are Christians without having the slightest clue as to what they are saying. Many people will tag themselves with the title “Christian” without exhibiting the characteristics and lifestyles that show they follow Jesus Christ. The first-century Christians followed the teachings of Jesus Christ. Today, this practice has lost its meaning because people have lost the understanding of what it means to follow Jesus and His way of life.

Do you realize that there are people sitting in church today that do not believe in Jesus Christ, let alone trust Him and they call themselves Christians because they go to church. Unfortunately going to church does not make you a Christian any more than going into a barn makes you a farmer. Our society has put the label of a Christian on those that are considered religious or on someone that they consider has high moral values. It even goes so far as a good person is a Christian. Even a person who attends church regularly and works in the church is considered a Christian and the list goes on.

It appears that many people prefer to take the definition of a Christian that comes from Webster’s Dictionary than believe the Bible on what God says. Many secular definitions and interpretations of God’s Word falls short of communicating biblical truth of what it means to be a Christian.

Biblically, the word Christian comes from the Greek word Christianos which is defined as a follower of Christ who is called the Messiah or the Anointed One referring to Jesus Christ.

The Bible is very clear in explaining what a person must do to be a follower of Jesus Christ. In John 3:3-7 Jesus says: ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born again.” What Jesus is saying is that a person must confess and repent of their sins. Then believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He died on the cross for our sins. Now we must put our faith and trust in Jesus in every aspect of our life.

The Bible teaches us in Titus 3:5 that the good works we do cannot and does not make us acceptable to God. Salvation in Jesus Christ is a free gift. You cannot earn it. Jesus paid the price on the cross so we may have eternal life with Him. All you have to do is receive it. . Ephesians 2:8 tells us that it is “by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” If you would read and study Acts 11: 20-26 you will learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

I believe that there is another choice for a true follower of Jesus other than Christian and Believer. It is one that I prefer. Look at what Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV) says: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. The word Amen means ‘so be it.’
The keyword or correct title for a true follower of Jesus is Disciple. You will find that title over 296 times in the New Testament. Are you willing to be called a Disciple of Jesus? Then pick up you cross and follow Him. Love to all!

What Do You Know?

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WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

Most people are going to answer this question with their intellectual being. They live from the neck up, a life of the mind. They will evaluate things based on what they think they know. They will evaluate themselves and others on what they think they know.

One of the main problems we have is that we don’t know what we don’t know. This covers a large area in anyone’s life. This is especially true in the Christian realm. There is not one human being that knows everything especially things related to our Heavenly Father. There may be some that think they know it all.

Even though God gave us a Book of Instructions, the Bible, the majority know very little about God, less about Jesus Christ, and less about the Holy Spirit. Look at what the following verse says in the New International Version and the Living Bible Version.

1 CORINTHIANS 8:2 NIV 2 The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.

1 CORINTHIANS 8:2 LB 2 If anyone thinks he knows all the answers, he is just showing his ignorance.

As long as you are reading accurately what the Bible says (and that only comes through the leadership of the Holy Spirit) will you know the truth. One of the truths is that the Holy Spirit only resides in those who have received Jesus Christ as their Savior.

You must understand that the word “knowledge” in the Bible means to understand, recognize, and acknowledge something. In order to know something you need to perceive it and be aware of it. In the Scriptures, “knowledge” means to have a deeper appreciation of something or a relationship with someone. You cannot just know of God’s existence, you must learn how to appreciate Him and come to a personal relationship with Him. Have you ever thought about why God created you? He wants a family and He wants to be a Father to you. He wants that personal relationship with you just as you have with your earthly family.

I have questions for those reading this post. Do you know God or do you know about Him? Do you know Jesus or do you know about Him? Do you know the Holy Spirit or do you know about Him. To find the answer you must look deep inside yourself.

I know of Billy Graham, I know of George W. Bush, I know of Donald Trump but I do not know them because I do not have a personal relationship with them. So, I ask again, do you know God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son or the Holy Spirit. It is quite another thing to know them personally.

With a lot of people, they may attend Church, Sunday School, Youth Activities and Worship Services but their quest to know more about God ends there. Any further action requires a commitment to Him and that is where a major problem occurs.

People struggle with the aspects of the Christian life due to lack of knowledge, wrong information, laziness, apathy or anything that takes away from what they think is theirs. Perform a self-evaluation and ask yourself, do I know as much as I think I do? Are my evaluations correct? Am I using the right criteria? Do you see things as God sees them? Everyone has to make choices. We have to rely on what we know in making decisions or we can proceed with God helping us. You can trust God and know it is the truth or you can continue in the path of self-destruction. I still make mistakes when I rely on my own judgement as I’m not perfect. I do know without any doubt that when I trust God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit for their help, life is much better. Each day I draw closer to my Heavenly Father and someday I will join Him in His Kingdom. I hope to see many of you there.

One becomes wiser when we realize that we need God’s wisdom and guidance in all we do. Walk humbly before God and invite Him to guide you in all you do and enjoy His blessings. After all, He knows everything regardless of how small it may seem.

God loves you and He created you to know Him personally. We need to know that our faith is what continues our relationship with our Savior. Love to all.

WORSHIPPING GOD

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WORSHIPPING GOD

This topic follows my experience of going to church with my granddaughter and her husband. I have to say that it was a delightful and rewarding time. Also, I have to say that it is a church of the 21st century. Although it seemed strange at first, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. Most of my experience of going to church during my almost 80 years has been of the old traditional style of church services. Even when I preached, it was the old traditional services. Don’t misunderstand, I love the old time religion, but I believe that we must learn what true worship is regardless of where you are.

The church services are held in the local High School auditorium since it is a new church on the rise. It is a “come as you are” church which I have to say pleased my heart. My past experiences have witnessed churches that had and some still have policies that prevent a certain class of people from attending services. All I can say regarding churches that set standards that make it difficult for people to worship God, “ ask yourselves, is your way the way of God?”

According to Webster’s Dictionary, 1828, it defines worship as to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission. Worship is not songs we sing, nor the amount of money that you put in the offering, nor how much you volunteer. Yes, these and other acts you may perform are important but do not define true worship. The Book of Psalms has many references regarding worship. Look at what (Psalm 96:9 (NKJV) says: Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.

If you believe in God, then you must worship God because He is God. Period. True worship is defined by the priority you and I place on where God is in our lives and where God is on our list of priorities. Do we submit to what God wants or what self wants? I must say that I sought after my selfish desires for part of my life. I know that I missed out on a lot of God’s blessings all because I wanted to satisfy my worldly desires.

So, what is true worship? According to the Apostle Paul. He described true worship in Romans 12:1-2, “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable, or well pleasing and perfect.”

The above passage contains all the elements of true worship, motivation, the mercies of God, the Holy Spirit, everlasting peace, eternal joy, saving faith, comfort, strength, wisdom, hope, patience, kindness, honor, glory, righteousness, security, eternal life, forgiveness, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, freedom, intercession and much more.

When we worship God, I am referring to true worship, God will begin to inspect our hearts. True worship is asking God to inspect our hearts for anything that is not according to His will. This is the promise of true worship as He will begin to reveal His truth about what the condition of our heart is in, then upon surrender of self He will begin to be transform us into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

I would ask you to stop for a moment and reflect on God’s love for you. He has given all he has in order for you to have eternal life with Him in His Kingdom. He will come to you in all His glory and commune with you if you will worship Him as He deserves to be worshiped. The promise is that He will come to you. John 4:23-24 NIV 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you lived in a world that God’ Spirit was not present. I’m sure that many will worship their evil desires since this world is under the influence of Satan as many are now enjoying. Yes, there is a day coming that God will withdraw His presence and let those remaining to come under the rule of the devil. The good news is that Jesus Christ will return again and set up His Kingdom.

If you ask the question, how do I know if I’m properly worshipping God? Here are a few simple rules to follow. Jesus stated in Matthew 22: 36 NIV: the greatest commandment is that you Love your Lord God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This does not say we are to divide our attention between God and worldly things. We must give to God the glory He deserves. Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, giving all to God totally. That includes our hearts, mind, thoughts, attitudes and our hands to help. This is done by the renewing of our minds through the reading and studying God’s Holy Word. This will help develop wisdom and prayer. We must not depend on emotions as emotions will not lead you into God’s truth. Where the mind goes, the will follows. 1 Corinthians 2:16 tells us to have the mind of Christ. You can only renew the mind through the knowledge of the Word of God, the Holy Bible. That is followed up with prayer or communicating with our Heavenly Father. True worship is God-centered worship.

Worship is only reserved for God. We are not to worship His servants (Revelation 19:10), saints, prophets, statues, angels, false gods, or anything of this world such as careers, material possessions, money, health or anything that absorbs our time including families. Again, it is important to realize that worship is reserved for God. Also don’t get caught up in the false worship in hopes for something in return. We must not mock God. God knows our every thought, Psalm 94:11.

True worship comes from the redeemed heart of a man or woman who has been justified before God by faith and who has trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior for forgiveness of their sins. Sin must be dealt with by the washing of the blood of the sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ. John 3:3-7 says that a person must be born again.

True worship is not confined to what we do in church or open praise although these are good and we are told to do them. True worship is our acknowledgement of God and all His power and glory in everything we do. It includes being obedient to Him and His Word.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus discusses the subject of worship with the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus said “you Samaritans worship what you do not know.” They worshipped God in a half-heartedly way because they were not totally committed to God. Today, even true believers can fall into this error.

True worship is a sincere desire to increase your knowledge of God by daily reading and study of the Bible. We need to continue to fill our mind with the things of God. Everything should be done with reference to Him. The Greek word for worship also means “service”. Every day we should offer ourselves first and foremost as a living sacrifice to God. Sacrifice means giving to the Lord whatever He requires of our time, our earthly possessions, and our energies to further His work. The Lord commanded, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Our willingness to sacrifice is an indication of our devotion to God. People have always been tried and tested to see if they will put the things of God first in their lives.

Today, purify your heart and renew your mind so that you may worship God in spirit and in truth. Remember God is holy and someday we will all stand before Him in judgement. Also, He loves you more than you love yourself. My love to all.

Do You Understand The Covenants?

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Do You Understand The Covenants?

There are two covenants in the Bible, one in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament. What is important is that you understand that the Old Testament is not exactly the same as the Old Covenant. The same is true in that the New Testament is not exactly the same as the New Covenant.

In the Old Testament it is recorded that the Old Covenant was an agreement between God and the people of Israel. In the New Testament it is recorded that the New Covenant is an agreement between God and Jesus Christ.  This means that in order for you and me to have salvation, we must be united with Jesus Christ. As the Book of Ephesians says many times: “all those who are in Christ have salvation.”

Hebrews 8:13 NKJ 13 In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

The New Testament reveals and explains the New Covenant very well. The New Covenant did not begin until after the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. The New Covenant was not sealed until the precious blood of Jesus Christ was shed and He paid the price for the remission of sins for all who confess and believe in Him. Jesus said that the New Covenant involved His blood being shed on the Cross of Calvary.

MATTHEW 26:28 NKJ 28 “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

HEBREWS 9:14-17 NASB 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. 17 For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives.

You may ask why this is so important.  Because the Bible says that we need to rightly divide the Word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

How can you have a clear understanding of the New Covenant and what the New Covenant is about if it is confusing to you? One of the main problems is that many teach different things regarding what is in good standing with God. One of the trends today is to preach and teach a feel good way of life. In these types of messages, the message of Jesus Christ is seldom emphasized. I must ask why the core of our salvation is taken away from the truth.

I believe that one of the best explanations of the New Covenant is found in the Book of Ephesians. The phrase “in Christ” is found 28 times. You must ask, why the Apostle Paul brought this to our attention so many times. A person must realize that Jesus is the Truth.

Let us look in Matthew 19:16 the rich young ruler asked Jesus what to do so he could have eternal life. Jesus’ answer in Matthew 19:17 to “keep the commandments” is much different than the answer in Acts 16:31 which says simply to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved,” or 1 John 5:13 which says those who believe in the Son of God may know they have eternal life. In Matthew Jesus is speaking under the Old Covenant. In Acts and 1 John Jesus is speaking under the New Covenant. Although we must not ignore what Jesus said under the Old Covenant, we must realize that we live under Grace and not under the Law.

Under the Old Covenant, keeping the commandments was required as the way to have good standing with God. Under the New Covenant, good standing with God is a gift which comes with believing in Jesus Christ  (Romans 5:17-18, 2 Corinthians 5:21).

In Hebrews 8:6 it says that the New Covenant was established on better promises through Jesus. ROMANS 6:23 NKJ 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If a person is not careful, they can misunderstand the true message of Jesus Christ. We need to realize that there was a dramatic change due to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His teaching changed between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.

After Jesus ascended into Heaven, He continued to speak to us through His apostles by the leadership of the Holy Spirit, mainly by the recordings of the letters to the church, Romans through Revelation in the New Testament. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are about the life of Jesus. Acts is the history of the beginning of the Church.

The truth of understanding only comes through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit only comes to those who have confessed their sins and received and believed in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior according to John 3:3 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Don’t be misled by thinking that Jesus is done speaking. If that were so then there would be no need for the Holy Spirit who speaks to those who have come to know Jesus as their Savior. What a promise God has given to them who know Jesus as their Savior in Hebrews 10:16-17 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” 17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Praise the Lord for the New Covenant. Love to all.

WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE?

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What is your choice? 

Are you playing games with the Lord God almighty? If you believe in any way that God is in the game playing mode, think again? All you have to do is read the Old Testament of the Bible and you will see that He does not play games.

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

God’s word, the Bible has several illustrations of people making the choice between God’s way and the world’s way. The outcome was not pleasant.

We must either grasp God completely or the world completely.  We will fail if we try to serve both.

Revelation 3:16 (NIV) So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

This verse comes with regards to one of the harshest of the seven letters to the churches in Asia Minor. Jesus made it clear that the church at Laodicea was a dead church because of its deeds. Why? Because the church as a whole was spiritually uncommitted to God and His ways.

Many people consider themselves to be “Good Christians” and think they are going to Heaven. I ask you, do you know for sure that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Are we really choosing God’s way or are we juggling His way with the world’s way in hopes everything will come out right? Are you so caught up in things of the world that you are not considering what you are missing in the big picture? In today’s world, it is easy to forget what the Lord wants from you instead of focusing on what you want.

The devil is the great deceiver and he will deceive you into thinking that you are serving God while your heart is devoted to the things of the world. If you are holding on to some things like lust, evil speaking, drinking, covertness, pride, worldliness, and the list goes on, they are false gods. God said He will have no other gods before Him. God is a jealous God and He wants you to be totally dedicated to Him. Hebrews 12:1  says that we should “lay aside every weight and the sin which easily ensnares us” so we can run with endurance, unencumbered by the world.

I know that there are going to be some people that will offer excuses and some will even quote scripture as an excuse. In some cases, those that quote scripture, will pull it out of context. For example, if you believe that drinking alcoholic beverages is OK, you may say that the Bible says that you should drink wine for your stomach sake. What about the other forms of drinks. I just want to ask one question about drinking, do you realize that the industry that produce alcoholic drinks are the cause of so many problems and deaths in our society today? Do you believe that it is right to support such a worldly way? How does anyone justify defiling the temple of the Holy Spirit?

Matthew 4: 2-11 tells us of how the devil tempted Jesus on different occasions. The answers Jesus gave satan is exactly what we should do when we are tempted by him. We can learn many things regarding these accounts of Jesus being tempted. The devil’s snare is to cause you doubt of whether something is good or bad, right or wrong.  Your choice is going to be between God and other gods which cannot offer you anything except temporary pleasure for a season. It is easy to follow false gods. Are you following the Lord or are you on another path?

I have attached a link below for your viewing. I pray that you have the courage to watch it in its entirety. Love to all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9vINvMb4R8&feature=player_embedded

YOU REAP WHAT YOU HAVE SOWN.

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YOU REAP WHAT YOU HAVE SOWN.

Galatians 6:7-8 (KJV) 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

This illustration comes from the Bible regarding farmers planting their crops or sowing their crops. If bad seed is sown, then bad crops will grow. If good seeds are sown then good crops will grow. Many people will relate to this explanation than to the above Scriptures.

You are given one life here on earth. During your younger years, you are dependent on others for guidance regarding what is put into your mind and body. As you grow older you eventually reach an age of accountability. This is where you are able to understand right from wrong, or good or bad. Your end of time is not based on your happiness or how well you are, but on holiness. God’s plan for you is that you become one of his saints. I ask you, is that your goal or is it to live it up today for tomorrow I may die? I don’t believe that is why God created you.

You may say, ‘I know that I need to do what is right,’ but do you? In order for a person to know what God wants for their life, they must read and reread and then study God’s Word to know the truth. Have you ever thought about the seriousness of the sacrifice God through His love gave to us? He put His Son, Jesus Christ through severe beatings, ridicule, and suffering on the Cross of Calvary so that we could join Him in His new Kingdom. God knows the thoughts and the intents of our hearts. All of us have sinned, and we all need the mercy of God. That is why Christ came and shed His blood for our sins. He died on the cross and rose again. God loves us in spite of all our sin, and He will forgive us if we come by faith to His Son, Jesus Christ, confessing our sin. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). There is a high price to pay for low living, and sin is no respecter of persons. The only way for sin to be taken away is at the cross.

Logic tells us that if you sow sunflower seeds it produces sunflowers, if you sow watermelon seeds, it produces watermelons and so forth. Now logic should also tell you that if sow good deeds, good will come to you. On the other hand, if you sow bad or trouble, you can expect bad to come to you. It is not your intentions that cause good or bad, it is your actions. If you keep sowing bad seed you will reap what you sow. You need to come to the understanding of cause and effect.

For example, if you smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, use drugs, cheat, lie, steal, lust, be jealous, be involved in pornography, eat unhealthy, or any of the other sinful acts, you are going to reap what you sow. We need to be mindful, that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. All you have to do is watch the daily news and someone is reaping what they have sown. I know that there are going to be some who say that I won’t get caught or I’m careful. I’m sure that is what the ones who are paying the price have said. What people are failing to realize is that the Bible says they will reap what they sow and the Bible is the truth that sets you free. In Proverbs 6:12, 14-15 we read, “A wicked man devises evil continually, he sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who covers his sin will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Notice that we have to confess and forsake (turn away from) our sins. All of our actions have consequences so don t be surprised when they come back to haunt you. Many of our problems regarding our health are lifestyle related. Just think about it.

Leviticus 19:19 says, “You shall not (is a command) sow your field with mixed seed.” The devil sows tares. That is what he does. Tares are a species of rye grass that are a strong soporific poison. It has appearance of wheat until the ear appears and only then the difference is discovered. The devil, his demons are real and they are dangerous. All sin originates with the devil and it is poisonous. If you attempt to claim ignorance, you are mocking God for He has given you the resource to know what is right or wrong, the Holy Spirit and the Bible. God created you with the hope you would depend on Him for your needs. No one can live the Christian life on their own regardless of whether you believe it or not. You need to realize that God is in control of everything. Sure you are free to choose, just remember, you reap what you sow. You may think you are right but are you? You have to live with the results of your actions.

Many people think that going to church on Sunday is enough as long as it is a feel good sermon, they don’t like a sermon that hits home. They think that if they read a couple Bible verse during the week or say a little prayer during the day is all that God wants. Think again for the Bible says different. Read it and find out what the truth really is. God wants total surrender.

God’s Word is the final word so put your faith in Him in every area of your life so that you reap what God wants you to have in this life and the one to come and trust Him for the outcome. He loves you and so do I. Love to all.

Sacrific of Praise

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SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

What does this mean?

Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV) 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks …

When we hear the word ‘sacrifice’ we usually think of something that is going to cost us. On the other hand, when we hear the word ‘praise’ we think of something good. These two words seem to be opposite. It appears that we are to offer the sacrifice of praise continually and it is to be by Him. In God’s spiritual realm these two words are woven together. When we offer praise to God or someone else, it does not cost us anything. Most often, I believe that most people are generous with praise to God or to someone when something good takes place.

Now, I ask the question, how about when things don’t go as we want? Are we inclined to praise God or do we begin to moan and groan. When God has blessed us, answered prayers, or put His protection around us, we find it easy to praise Him. This type of praise is not a sacrifice because we can see it and we receive the benefits. I want say that it is good and worthwhile, but it is not a sacrifice. Our praise must not be based on only when good things happen.

Isaiah 29:13 (NKJV) 13 Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths, and honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men.

As you will note in the above verse our praise is not based on what we think. It is based on what is on our hearts. We are not to treat praise to God as some type of reward we give Him for blessing us. What I believe we need to understand is that God through the Holy Spirit can only make changes in us when we are born again. We are transformed into His likeness when we surrender ourselves to Jesus Christ. Otherwise we cannot understand the truth and the truth sets us free.

Real praise comes from a surrendered heart to Jesus and continues regardless of whether the circumstances are good or bad. Sacrificial praise comes when God doesn’t seem to be present, when things seem to crashing in on us. Everyone knows of such circumstances as we all ask God, why?

Despite the pain life is dishing out, we need to understand what God requires from us in order to receive from Him what our hearts desire. We need to honor God in spite of what we think. The following verse sums it up best:

Psalm 51:16-17 (NIV) 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

Jesus loves you and whether you believe it or not, He only wants the very best for you and there are thousands of promises for those who put their trust in Him.

Love to all

ARE YOU A WITNESS FOR JESUS OR FOR YOURSELF?

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ARE YOU A WITNESS FOR JESUS OR FOR YOURSELF?
Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV) “5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone,”
If you are truthful, how do you act around unbelievers and sinners? I’m sure there are many reasons that people give one way or the other. Some will say that Christians should not cast their pearls before swine. As for me, I look at what the Scriptures say regarding how Jesus acted toward sinners including me. Everyone has their own beliefs and that will be their witness regardless of what the Bible says. The truth will come out on judgment day. I can only repeat what the Bible says: “study to show thyself approved.” I don’t believe that any excuse will stand the fire of God.
Ephesians 5:15-16 Walk circumspectly, redeeming the time, because the days are evil, that is dangerous, or times of trouble and suffering. And towards others, or those who are within as well as those who are without.
Grace is the salt that seasons our discourse, makes it savory, and keeps it from corrupting. We need a great deal of wisdom and grace in order to give proper answers to anyone regarding their situation(s). Are you prepared to give answers to questions regarding your faith, objections to your beliefs, why does God let bad things happen to good people, etc.? Maybe people don’t see a Godly image in your life, then that is your witness!
I believe that there is a great temptation to witness to unbelievers by what a person has been taught to believe in their church or denomination instead of what the truth really is. Like I said in one of my posts: ‘Do not let the word (Bible) prevent you from knowing the Word (Jesus).’
Not everyone is on the same level of understanding the truth, so do we convince an unbeliever of the real truth by arguing and trying to convince them that our way is the only way? I observe many posts by individuals that believe their salvation plan is the only way. Usually that comes from their church or denomination. Don’t people know that there are no denominations in Heaven and there is only going to be one way and that one way is the ‘Way of Jesus Christ?’ John 17:11 [Jesus prayed] Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they be one as We are. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I plead with you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
The Bible makes it very clear that false teachers will cause many people into believing false doctrines. In order for you to know that you are right with God is to come to know Him through His Son, Jesus Christ and to trust Him rather than men. Matthew 7:15-16 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.
1 John 4 (KJV) 1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.
Are you going to rely on what men teach about your salvation or are you going to seek and find the truth.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart.
Matthew 7:7 (NASB) ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find, knock, and it shall be opened to you.
John 8:31-32 (NASB) Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
When you hear or read verses like these, do you really understand what God is saying to you? There is only one teacher that we can know for sure that speaks the
Truth when He speaks and that is the Holy Spirit. This privilege is not given to everyone. It is given only to those that are born again. Those who surrender their life to Jesus and He becomes Lord of your life. The phrase “born again” literally means “born from above.” John 3:3-7 Jesus speaks of this.
In conclusion, I have to ask, are you serious about your salvation in Jesus Christ or is it something that takes second place? I believe that God takes the salvation plan very seriously because of the suffering and sacrifice that His Son went through so that you could be part of His Kingdom. Jesus died and shed His blood for you because He loves you. Do you love Him? Love to all.