Redemption

THE HEART

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THE HEART

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The word “Heart” occurs over one thousand times in the Bible, making it an important subject that Christians should become aware of what God has to say about it. The “Heart” is the center for both the physical and spiritual activities of our lives.

The heart is the core of our being and the Bible sets the importance of keeping our hearts pure.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

This article is not about the heart as a vital organ, a muscle that pumps blood throughout the body. Neither is this article concerned with romantic, philosophical, or literary definitions. When the Bible in the Old and New Testaments speak about the heart, it never means merely human feelings.

The Biblical word “Heart,” is the inner part of man, made of three parts all together, with the primary part:

  1. Mental Process, which is the major part, which is to lead a person in their life.
  2. Emotions, enriching our lives.
  3. Will, where decisions are made between rational and irrational.

We need to remember that God created male and female in His image. Geneses 1:27, so God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. With that in mind we must realize that God has a heart.

We have a heart because God does. David was a man “after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22).

And God blesses His people with leaders who know and follow His heart (1 Samuel 2:35 and Jeremiah 3:15).

Let us look at some additional verses regarding the “Heart.”

Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Rather than trust our hearts, we are to commit our hearts to God. In all your ways submit to him.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Now, let us look at the other side of the “Heart.”

Mark 7:21-23 (NIV). 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean.

We all have a heart problem. Our biggest problem is not external but internal.

Jeremiah 17:9-10, (NIV) The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind to reward a man according to his conduct.

Matthew 12:34 (NKJV) For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

There is hope, for God has provided a way for our “Heart” to be changed. In order to be saved, the heart must be changed. This can only happen when we have faith and believe in Jesus Christ. It happens when the power of God, by His grace creates a new a new heart of the one who believes in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for that is the Gospel.

Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV). 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone.

He will fill your “Heart” with new ideas, new wisdom, and new desires. It is a free gift. All you have do is receive Jesus as your Savior. God loves you and so do I. Love to all.

WHAT IS THE GOOD NEWS?

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WHAT IS THE GOOD NEWS?

In our world today, I’m sure most people are looking for some form of good news. Most of the news on the media, for the most part, is bad news. Even in our personal lives most of us are searching for some good news. It appears that we are all suffering from some sort of trial(s) in our life. Trials appear in all aspect of our lives: marriage, family, financial, jobs, friendship, health, and the list goes on. It seems that on rare occasions, we have a brief encounter with some good news. No one has a perfect life although some appear too.

So what is the answer? In order to understand why we have all this bad news, we have to understand what caused the problem. It all started back with a couple called Adam and Eve. They were disobedient in regards to God’s commands. This was a sin against God and His instructions. God hates sin because He is a Holy God. Everyone needs to understand this. When you come to understand what your Creator expects from you, then your life will be transformed into His love and peace and understanding. That is why He provided you with a Book of Instructions called the Bible. This is where you will find the truth for your life.

The translation of “Good News” comes from “What is the Gospel?” The problem is no one deserves to go to heaven. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Agnostics, and Atheists are not worthy to go to heaven. Worthy means to be deserving. Do you think you deserve to go to heaven when you die? Do you deserve an eternity of peace and good in return for the life you’ve lived? Everyone was born into a world of sin. That makes everyone a sinner and according to God, we all sin. God’s Word tells us if we break one of God’s commandments, we break them all. Look at what 1 John 1: 8 (NIV) says: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

In Romans 3:23 (NIV) it states: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

God is “holy, holy, holy”. He is set apart from all that we know. What we do know is that He is revealed in the Bible as just and very loving. He created each one of us in order to love us and for us to love Him. He wants everyone to enjoy His presence for eternity. That is why He provided a salvation solution through His son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ is the core of the Gospel or the Good News. This provision is by the grace and mercy of God Almighty.

God provided a sacrificial Lamb for our sins. His name is above all names. It is Jesus Christ. Jesus took everyone’s sins upon Him when He was crucified on the Cross of Calvary. This gift of salvation is a free gift. According to the Bible, we must receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. According to John 3:3 (NIV): Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, unless a man is born again,” he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This birth is a spiritual rebirth where the Holy Spirit joins together with your spirit and guides you into the truth. You repent (turn away) of your sinful life and join Jesus as a new person fully cleansed of your sins by the blood of Jesus Christ and now have your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life where you will spend eternity (forever) with a Heavenly Father who loves you very much. This is the Good News. No more bad news forever (eternity). Love to all.

Growing in Christ

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 I am going to assume that the majority of people reading this post are adults or soon to be. Everyone started out in this physical realm as a new born child. As you continued to grow physically, you are now an adult. Depending on your age, it has taken time for you to become an adult. As a child you continued to grow as you were fed physical food. I only bring this up because it helps us to gain understanding of spiritual growth.

There are many similarities between physical growth and spiritual growth. In order for you to enter into a spiritual growth, you must be born again. John 3:3 Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, unless a man is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” It comes down to this, flesh gives birth to flesh and Spirit gives birth to spirit. Born again literally means born from above. Also, it can mean becoming children of God through your trust in Jesus Christ.

God created you in three parts, body, soul, and spirit. Our body is our outer part containing our five senses with which we contact all the things of the physical, material realm. Our soul is our inner part containing our mind, emotion and will with which we contact all the things of the psychological realm. Our spirit is our innermost part with which we contact God and substantiate all the things of the spiritual realm.

You may ask, why does a person have to be born again? The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:1 (NKJ), and you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins. In Romans 3:23, Paul said sinners are spiritually dead when they receive spiritual life through faith in Jesus Christ. This is related to a rebirth. Only those who are born again have their sins forgiven and begin their relationship with God.

Let us look at additional verses from God’ Word that follow your rebirth in receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior.

2 PETER 3:18 (NKJ) 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen

MATTHEW 4:4 (NKJ) 4 but He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'”

EPHESIANS 4:15 (NKJ) 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ –

1 PETER 2:2 (NKJ) 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.

1 TIMOTHY 4:15 (NKJ) 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.

James 1:22 (NKJ) 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

The Holy Bible is your spiritual food. You must feed your spirit on the Word of God and act on what you learn just as you have done in your physical life. When you were a toddler, you learned to walk after falling down many times. Even as you got older you attempted many things and failed. You only mastered something after many attempts. You will fall many times or fail to understand what God has said to do or don’t do as a new born Christian. You don’t become an adult Christian overnight. When you fall, get up and try again.

There are several versions of the Bible that are easy to read. My suggestions are that you begin to read Books of the Bible that are easy to understand such as 1, 2, 3, John, the letters to the Galatians, Ephesians Philippians, and Colossians. Before you begin to read any Scripture, ask for the leadership of the Holy Spirit as He is the one that will guide you into all truths. Meditate on what you read and pray for God’s revelation on what you read.

Always remember that God is your Heavenly Father and He will watch over you and protect you as any good parent would do. Don’t ever be afraid of Him as He loves you very much and so do I. Love to all.

SALVATION

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SALVATION

Since one of my main concerns is, where will people especially family, friends and acquaintances spend eternity, I believe that I should discuss how salvation is explained in the Bible. First of all we need to understand that salvation is a free gift. It is the most important gift you will ever receive. It is a gift that will last for eternity.

What is eternity? Most people do not understand the meaning of eternity. To most it means a long, long time. Eternity is the fullness of time, past, present and the future all experienced at once. There is no end. When you take your final breath here on earth and you cross over, your final destination will be spent in eternity. Where that will be is going to be your choice. God has given us a free will to make choices especially regarding salvation.

Let us look at what the Bible says regarding salvation. I believe that the salvation that God provides in Jesus Christ is a continual process and not just a one-time experience. I base this on the fact the Bible tells us that we must be born again according to Gospel of John 3:3 that says: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”. When a person is born physically, they start out as an infant and continue to grow into maturity. When you are “born again” in Jesus Christ you become a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. When a person is “born again” they begin a new life in Jesus. We are all sinners and when we invite Jesus into our life, we get saved by believing on Jesus Christ and recognizing that we do not have the righteousness to get by God’s judgment. That is why God provided a Savior for all mankind who put their trust in Jesus Christ and believe in Him for their salvation. Romans 3:10 says “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one”. When you are born physically, you continue to grow. When you are born again, you begin to grow in your new life in Jesus. Salvation through Jesus Christ is the main topic in the New Testament of the Bible. This is God’s way of delivering us from sin and death.

To be born again is to undergo a “spiritual rebirth” (regeneration) of the human spirit. Regeneration comes through the working of the Holy Spirit. The biblical truth is that we are saved by God’s grace through our faith (believing and trusting) in Jesus, the Savior that God provided thru His grace.

Let us look at additional scripture that refers to our salvation.

John 3:7-8: Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. / The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

ACTS 4:12: And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

John 14:6: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Also – Romans 10:9-13, 2 Peter 1:10-11, Titus 2:11

Individuals who profess to be born again often state that they have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Old and New Testament are full of passages that say we are saved by God’s grace through our belief in His Savior. I challenge anyone who can show me in scripture where anyone or anything besides belief in God’s Savior, Jesus Christ, is required for salvation.

If you have invited Jesus into your life, praise God. If not, confess you are a sinner and invite Him into your life. Remember that eternity awaits your presence. Don’t put off something as important as your salvation because of stubbornness, earthly desires, or I will do it tomorrow, or I am not worthy attitudes. God loves each one of us and wants us to enjoy His salvation. He showed us His love by the sacrifice and suffering of His Son who died and shed His blood on the Cross of Calvary for our sins. Give up those selfish worldly desires and join me in eternity with my Savior Jesus Christ. Love to all.

IS THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SENDING THE RIGHT MESSAGE?

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IS THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SENDING THE RIGHT MESSAGE?

I have been thinking about the message the Christians Community has been sending to the lost regarding salvation. How are we attempting to reach those who we believe are not saved? For some time, have we been sending the wrong message regarding God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit? It is evident that something is not right regarding our redemption plan. Otherwise we would be in a worldwide revival. It appears that we are working a dead horse with spreading the Gospel. Is it time for a new message or going back to the messages that drew people to Jesus Christ?

One thing I notice is that the messages we hear today about religion is more about church membership, baptism, involvement, commitment, dedication and of course tithing or giving. Don’t misunderstand, all of those have their place in salvation if presented properly. The most important factor regarding salvation must focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His death, burial and resurrection and the precious blood that saved us sinners. I have noticed an increasing trend toward messages that make people feel good. There is also the guilt trip message. Also, I notice that churches are neglecting Bible study and old fashion prayer meetings and replacing them with a social atmosphere. I believe that anyone who leads a flock, whether it is one or a thousand, may they be reminded of what it says in Jeremiah, Chapter 23.

People are being introduced to excitement and hype. Success is counted by numbers. I believe that the natural man and even the evangelicals do not completely understand what a personal (distinctive to a certain person), intrapersonal (inside or within), and interpersonal relationship (relationship between persons) with Jesus Christ is all about. I believe that if we did, there would be more people seeking Jesus. If a person does not understand the relationship connection, how can they explain it to others correctly? How can we begin to understand the function of the Lordship of the Living Lord Jesus? Not just accepting an opinion that He is Lord, God, and Deity, but as the acceptance of the fact that my life is no longer mine to determine, but is entirely at His disposal and determination. In Luke 6:46, Jesus rebukes those who addressing Him as Lord. He said, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

Another contributing factor to the decline is the one on one contact with the lost. One of the many reasons people shy away from personal contact is fear. Does this have something to do with the relationship a person has with Jesus? I notice that many individuals communicate through the use of banners. Again, don’t get me wrong, banners for the most part encourage and support the saved and we all need encouragement. I ask you, are they reaching the lost and winning souls for Jesus Christ? Beware of Satan’s deceitful ways when approaching lost souls. Modern technology cannot replace the old fashion personal contact. Believe it or not, people love personal contact.

Could our churches be teaching that a person can be a Christian and not be a disciple? Is man changing God’s plan? My understanding is that when you follow Jesus Christ, you become a disciple. I believe that if you use the name Christian, you are a follower of Jesus. Don’t use the name in vain.

I ask my true brothers and sisters in Christ, are we allowing converts to become disillusioned and confused by what we are presenting as salvation? Are we presenting half-truths and not the whole truth as presented in the Bible? They then fade away and turn back to the way of the world or seek out a feel good church. I can assure you that a feel good sermon is only temporary. True blessings from God only come when a person believes wholeheartedly from his or her heart on Jesus Christ and follows the instruction of the Bible as God teaches. Are we failing to teach the Word of God and its truth?

Is your salvation based on a carnal nature and carnal wisdom? When you have to make important and even non-important decisions, do you follow God’s instruction or your own carnal way? Are you afraid that you cannot live as God wants you to because of guilt (which comes from the devil) of past sins? Let go and let Jesus save you and be set free. Give all to Him and receive the peace and understanding of a loving God and Savior. Let the Master of Life take over and be blessed.