Q: What hinders a husbands prayers from being answered?
A: This comes from 1 Ptr 3:7. Peter encourages husbands to "be considerate" of your wives, to "treat them with respect" and as "heirs with you of the gracious gift of life." To hinder means that something is in our way, an obstacle. When a husband, and a wife, are not receiving the unconditional love of God that meets the deepest desires of their heart, they will have no alternative then to seek it from each other. And when you have two people come together looking for something neither of them have to give, conflict ensues. Two people cannot love each other unconditionally, only conditionally. And when those conditions aren't being met hate will arise. Therefore, you won't be praying or you will be praying in the flesh for things God didn't necessarily promise to give.
Only when we are experiencing the love of God that meets the deepest desires of our heart will we "serve one another in love (Gal 5:13)." And when a husband is serving his wife in love with the love he has received from God, she will be submissive to his role as leader of the household, and vice versa. 1 Corinthians 13 is a description of the love God has for us. And when we realize He has been patient, kind, long suffering, keeps no record of wrongs, etc, we will be able to serve one another in love. We will engage each other with what we have to give rather than with the false expectation of what we hope to get that the other doesn't have to offer. When that happens order will be established in a marriage and Ephesian 5:23 will be realized. "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior." Husbands will be considerate, respectful and knowledgeable of the gift of life they have in Christ in proportion to their understanding of all they have been given from God as a result of His love for them. Therefore, when they pray there will be no hindrance because their relationship with their wives is grounded in the love of the Lord. Be blessed.
Q: What is Jesus ultimate "purpose" for our lives?
A: God's ultimate purpose is for us to be at home with Him in Heaven. "Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Cor 5:5)." God created mankind so that He might indwell us and be our life. As it has been said, "God in the man is indispensable to the life of the man." That is why we read in Genesis 2 that God gave Adam the "breath of life" and he became a "living being." When it says that God gave us His Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come, that means He gave us His life to carry us through this life, through death, and on into eternity. It is a life that can never leave us because there is no sin that can cause His life to leave because of the eternal redemption (Heb 9:12) purchased by Christ at the Cross. And now, through us, He is able to reach the lost world with the same message of the saving life of Christ that we accepted.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Ptr 3:9)." We see clearly that God wants all to repent of their unbelief in Jesus Christ and accept the Gospel. Those that do are given the Holy Spirit and in turn we serve others in love with the love God has expressed towards us in hopes that some may accept God's gift of His Son. Jesus gave His life for us, so that He could give His life to us, so that He could live His life through us. That is God's ultimate purpose for us. Be blessed.
Q: Why is it important to protect your "thought" life?
A: We protect our thought life because the real battle we wage in this life is between the truth and the lie. The truth being our identity in Christ. The lie being what Satan wants us to believe about ourselves. "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he (Pr 23:7 KJV)." What we think about ourselves eventually plays itself out in what we say, do and how we treat others. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Mth 6:21)." Too many Christians get off track focusing on their flesh and what they are doing and not doing or what they have and don't have. It is a mindset which asks, "Am I doing good and avoiding evil?" or "Will God bless me or curse me?" This plays right into Satan's hands. If he can get our eyes on ourselves it means they're off of Jesus. It is not about whether or not we are being obedient and repentant enough. It is about do we know who we are in Christ?
God sees you as holy (Heb 10:10), blameless (Eph 1:4), pure (1 Jn 1:7), set apart from sinners (1 Cor. 6:11), exalted above the Heavens (Eph 2:6), forgiven (Eph 1:7), at peace with Him (Rom 5:1), totally blessed (Eph 1:3) and given everything (2 Ptr 1:3). How does knowing this truth effect your thought life? And how will that truth play itself out in your life as you move forward? When you know how God sees you and who you are in Christ you will engage the world with what you have to give it not in hopes of what you hope to receive from it. This keeps your mindset focused on Christ and what He did for you and not on your flesh and what you are trying to do for yourself and Him. This is what it means to have the "mind of Christ." As we learn to trust and depend on Him our thoughts will be in accordance with the truth He has revealed to us. Be blessed.
Q: Why does God "pursue" us?
A: God doesn't so much pursue as He draws us to Himself. Jesus said, "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself (Jn 12:32)." Jesus is like a lighthouse. A lighthouse is a very bright light used for the guidance of ships in avoiding dangerous areas. The lost, unbelievers, are similar to those ships trying to navigate in the dark. The Bible says that "whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him (Jn 3:36)." The lost are already under the condemnation of God and headed for eternal separation from Him in Hell. But Jesus, the Light of the world, shines through us to act as that "lighthouse" to draw the lost to Him for salvation. God draws us to the Lord in three distinct ways.
There is the "light" of Creation. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Rom 1:20)." There is the "light" of our conscious. "[T]he requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them (Rom 2:15)." And, of course, the "light" of Jesus Christ. "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (Rom 3:22)." It is up to the individual to respond to all the evidence God has clearly revealed to us in this world. It is through all this evidence that God's love for us is revealed. It is in His love for us that His "pursuit" of us is made known. That is why there is no excuse (Rom 1:20) for those who reject His gift of life found only in Jesus Christ. Be blessed.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Past, Present and....and....and...
"[Jesus] I have failed you so many times but you always tell me to “get back up”..Your grace and mercy is so so awesome that I can’t even explain..Thank you for shedding your blood that covers all my sins past and present..I just want to say I love you [Jesus] with all me heart."
This is a quote from a Christian regarding the forgiveness of sins as it pertains to a music video on the subject. Sounds great, right? Yes it does, but it is incomplete. It is incomplete because it denies the completeness of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Saints, Jesus died for our past, present and future sins at the cross. He didn't die only for the sins you committed prior to accepting Him as your Savior only to leave it up to you to get yourself forgiven from that point on. The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23) and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Heb 9:22). Hebrews 10:17-18 reminds us that we "have been forgiven" and there is "no more sacrifice for sin." This means to put away your confession booths, short accounts, altar calls, repeating the Lord's Prayer, acts of penance, 1 John 1:9ing, rosary beads or whatever it is you do to receive more forgiveness. They are only sacrifices that are no longer required or accepted by God. In Christ we have forgiveness of sin (Eph. 1:7). God's forgiveness is not conditional on our ability to forgive others, but we forgive others as we have been forgiven (Eph 4:32; Col 3:13). Your sins do not separate you from God. Nothing separates us from the love of God (Rom 8:39). You don't lose fellowship with God when you sin. "God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful (1 Cor 1:9)."
We are at peace with God (Rom 5:1). If you believe your sins still come between you and God you are not at peace. We have been called to rest (Heb 4:9). You are not at rest if you are still trying to get forgiveness for your sins. We have been given access to approach the throne of grace with confidence (Heb 4:16). You can't approach God if you believe your sins come between you. Christ's death purchased "eternal redemption (Heb 9:12)." When Jesus died He said "it is finished (Jn 19:30). God is not counting our sins against us (2 Cor 5:19). If all this is true why are we still counting our sins against ourselves? It is the grace of God that teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness (Titus 2:11-12). It is not our self-righteous acts which don't promote any internal change and leave us powerless against our sins. You are forgiven. You are holy, without blemish and free from accusation (Col. 1:22). Don't let anybody, whether it be Satan, a fellow Christian, yourself or a music video tell you otherwise. Jesus died once and for all (Heb 9:26). Any attempts at obtaining more forgiveness is insulting the Spirit of grace (Heb 10:29). Jesus is coming back to get you not bear your sin again (Heb 9:28).
You will never mature in your faith, never grow and never experience God's love until you realize you are forgiven. I "implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20)." Be blessed!
This is a quote from a Christian regarding the forgiveness of sins as it pertains to a music video on the subject. Sounds great, right? Yes it does, but it is incomplete. It is incomplete because it denies the completeness of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Saints, Jesus died for our past, present and future sins at the cross. He didn't die only for the sins you committed prior to accepting Him as your Savior only to leave it up to you to get yourself forgiven from that point on. The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23) and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Heb 9:22). Hebrews 10:17-18 reminds us that we "have been forgiven" and there is "no more sacrifice for sin." This means to put away your confession booths, short accounts, altar calls, repeating the Lord's Prayer, acts of penance, 1 John 1:9ing, rosary beads or whatever it is you do to receive more forgiveness. They are only sacrifices that are no longer required or accepted by God. In Christ we have forgiveness of sin (Eph. 1:7). God's forgiveness is not conditional on our ability to forgive others, but we forgive others as we have been forgiven (Eph 4:32; Col 3:13). Your sins do not separate you from God. Nothing separates us from the love of God (Rom 8:39). You don't lose fellowship with God when you sin. "God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful (1 Cor 1:9)."
We are at peace with God (Rom 5:1). If you believe your sins still come between you and God you are not at peace. We have been called to rest (Heb 4:9). You are not at rest if you are still trying to get forgiveness for your sins. We have been given access to approach the throne of grace with confidence (Heb 4:16). You can't approach God if you believe your sins come between you. Christ's death purchased "eternal redemption (Heb 9:12)." When Jesus died He said "it is finished (Jn 19:30). God is not counting our sins against us (2 Cor 5:19). If all this is true why are we still counting our sins against ourselves? It is the grace of God that teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness (Titus 2:11-12). It is not our self-righteous acts which don't promote any internal change and leave us powerless against our sins. You are forgiven. You are holy, without blemish and free from accusation (Col. 1:22). Don't let anybody, whether it be Satan, a fellow Christian, yourself or a music video tell you otherwise. Jesus died once and for all (Heb 9:26). Any attempts at obtaining more forgiveness is insulting the Spirit of grace (Heb 10:29). Jesus is coming back to get you not bear your sin again (Heb 9:28).
You will never mature in your faith, never grow and never experience God's love until you realize you are forgiven. I "implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20)." Be blessed!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The Day and Hour Unknown
Q: I have become friendly with a Christian who says she has been directly spoken to by God who appeared to her and told her about the last days for man on earth and when this would occur. Should I believe her?
A: No, you should not believe her. The fact you are asking for guidance is evidence that you don't believe your friend, either. If your friend was aware of when and where a thief was going to break into her home would the thief have any success of doing so? Of course not! She would not only have made sure her home was locked and secured, she would have notified the proper authorities so they would be able to apprehend the criminal. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him (Matthew 24:42-44)." The clear meaning of what Jesus is saying is that nobody knows when that Day will come. Therefore, how would your friend know this information that the Bible clearly says nobody knows?
Many people throughout time have believed they had some special knowledge about when the Lord will come back. All of them have been proven to be the false prophets that they are. In fact, even Jesus Christ did not know when that Day would come. "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father (Matthew 24:36)." Why would God directly speak to your friend about a Day and hour that is unknown to anybody, including Jesus Christ? In some ways she is saying that she has been elevated to a position above Jesus Christ. If I have any advice for you it would be to stay away from your friend because she, in many ways, is calling God a liar. At the very least she is taking the name of God in vain by attributing something to God that He did not do. Furthermore, God has already revealed to us what the signs of the last Days for man would look like.
"In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit (Jude 1:18-19)." A perfect sign of living in the Last Days are unbelievers who promote and engage in ungodly desires and follow mere natural instincts. Abortion, fornication, homosexuality, materialism, acceptance of false religions and denouncing Christianity are just a few of the sinful acts that are becoming increasingly normal. Jesus, in Matthew 24, talked about other signs of the Last Days. He mentions false Christ's, false prophets, Christian persecution, "wars and rumors of wars," nations and kingdoms rising against each other, famines and earthquakes. We see all of these things going on today to varying degrees. And as Jesus said "All these are the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:8)." A pregnant woman knows she will have a baby, but doesn't know the day she will give birth. However, her growing belling and the eventual "birth pains" are signs that giving birth to her child is not far off. So it is with these signs and the return of Jesus Christ.
But, let's be clear that the Last Days have been going on since the day Jesus Christ ascended back into heaven. For nearly two thousand years all the signs the Bible speaks of have been going on. While we do not know the Day or hour of Christ's return or for the events of the End Times to begin, the signs are clear. However, every day is the "end" for many people because they die. This should be a sign not to focus on the future, but to focus on spreading the Gospel so people will be prepared for the future. The Bible says that a "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment (Hebrews 9:27)." Therefore, we should be more concerned about getting unbelievers saved instead of claiming to have special revelation of a future event God is clear He hasn't revealed to anybody. If you're in Christ that Day will be a glorious time to behold, but the exact opposite for unbelievers. Let us make every effort to be available to the Lord to use us to win souls for the Kingdom because when He returns it is "not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him (Hebrews 9:28)."
A: No, you should not believe her. The fact you are asking for guidance is evidence that you don't believe your friend, either. If your friend was aware of when and where a thief was going to break into her home would the thief have any success of doing so? Of course not! She would not only have made sure her home was locked and secured, she would have notified the proper authorities so they would be able to apprehend the criminal. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him (Matthew 24:42-44)." The clear meaning of what Jesus is saying is that nobody knows when that Day will come. Therefore, how would your friend know this information that the Bible clearly says nobody knows?
Many people throughout time have believed they had some special knowledge about when the Lord will come back. All of them have been proven to be the false prophets that they are. In fact, even Jesus Christ did not know when that Day would come. "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father (Matthew 24:36)." Why would God directly speak to your friend about a Day and hour that is unknown to anybody, including Jesus Christ? In some ways she is saying that she has been elevated to a position above Jesus Christ. If I have any advice for you it would be to stay away from your friend because she, in many ways, is calling God a liar. At the very least she is taking the name of God in vain by attributing something to God that He did not do. Furthermore, God has already revealed to us what the signs of the last Days for man would look like.
"In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit (Jude 1:18-19)." A perfect sign of living in the Last Days are unbelievers who promote and engage in ungodly desires and follow mere natural instincts. Abortion, fornication, homosexuality, materialism, acceptance of false religions and denouncing Christianity are just a few of the sinful acts that are becoming increasingly normal. Jesus, in Matthew 24, talked about other signs of the Last Days. He mentions false Christ's, false prophets, Christian persecution, "wars and rumors of wars," nations and kingdoms rising against each other, famines and earthquakes. We see all of these things going on today to varying degrees. And as Jesus said "All these are the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:8)." A pregnant woman knows she will have a baby, but doesn't know the day she will give birth. However, her growing belling and the eventual "birth pains" are signs that giving birth to her child is not far off. So it is with these signs and the return of Jesus Christ.
But, let's be clear that the Last Days have been going on since the day Jesus Christ ascended back into heaven. For nearly two thousand years all the signs the Bible speaks of have been going on. While we do not know the Day or hour of Christ's return or for the events of the End Times to begin, the signs are clear. However, every day is the "end" for many people because they die. This should be a sign not to focus on the future, but to focus on spreading the Gospel so people will be prepared for the future. The Bible says that a "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment (Hebrews 9:27)." Therefore, we should be more concerned about getting unbelievers saved instead of claiming to have special revelation of a future event God is clear He hasn't revealed to anybody. If you're in Christ that Day will be a glorious time to behold, but the exact opposite for unbelievers. Let us make every effort to be available to the Lord to use us to win souls for the Kingdom because when He returns it is "not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him (Hebrews 9:28)."
Friday, January 22, 2010
My Answer is ... January 22, 2010
Q: DON’T YOU DARE GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAM! BELIEVE YOU’RE “DREAM” EVEN IF NOBODY ELSE CAN SEE IT!
A: On your way to trying to fulfill your dreams take a moment to realize that in Christ you're the fulfillment of God's dream. Jesus said, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Lk 15:10)." When you repented of your unbelief in the Gospel and accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, God's dream was fulfilled in you. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Ptr 3:9)." As you do whatever it is to make your dreams come true, stop along the way and take note that God wants all to come to faith in Christ. Be available to Him to use you as an instrument of fulfilling His dream not so much trying to use Him as an instrument to fulfill your dreams.
And remember, regardless of whether your dream comes true or not, God has already met the desires of your heart in Him. It was this realization that comforted Paul as His life and missionary work drew to a close. "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil 4:13)." Paul recognized that God hadn't promised to fulfill his dreams, but because of what God had given him through faith in Christ, he was content to allow God to fulfill His dream through him. My prayer is that all the saints of God will align their own dreams with that of the Lord. May God continue to reveal to you the blessings you already have in Christ Jesus. Amen!
Q: Romans 12 says therefore I urge you brothers in view of Gods mercy offer your bodies as a "living" sacrifices holy pleasing to God..What does it mean to be a "living" sacrifice?
A: A living sacrifice (Rom 12:1) is when we totally submit ourselves to the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We do this, as the passage says, "in view of God's mercy." As Romans 11 says about his mercy, "salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious (Rom 11:11)." The Gentiles, of which I am one, were grafted into the olive branch of salvation because of the Jews rejecting their Messiah. Subsequently, out of a thankful heart towards all the Lord has done for me, and given me, in Christ I allow Him to live His life through me. He is able to do that because He has given met the deepest desires of my heart for unconditional love and total acceptance in Him. When these needs are met there is no alternative than to rest from my own self-righteous acts of disobedience and allow Him to serve the world in love through me.
Another point that can't be missed in all of this is that submitting ourselves as living sacrifices is said to be holy and pleasing to God and "our spiritual act of worship." We are already holy and pleasing to God because of faith in Christ and our resting from our own works. This is a far cry from what is taught in most Christian circles. Many saints are told to wear themselves out with constant and endless "acts of obedience" designed to either receive blessings or avoid punishment. Furthermore, our spiritual act of worship is not sitting in church on Sunday morning singing and raising our hands, it is being available to God on a daily basis to be a witness for Him to the lost and hurting world. When you realize that you are unconditionally loved, totally accepted, holy and pleasing to God what is your response going to be? It is going to be living a life of thankfulness and looking for every opportunity to be used by Him as a living sacrifice. That is the Christian life, God living through us to fulfill His will that all men should be saved. Be blessed.
Q: The bible says have the "mind" of Christ..What does that mean?
A: The mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16) is a description of how the Holy Spirit instructs Christians on how to discern between the truth and the lie. The passage in 1 Cor 2 talks about our faith not resting on the the wisdom of men (v5). What is the wisdom of men? It is the wisdom that goes against the clear teaching of Scripture. Teachings like all faiths to heaven, that sexual sin should be encouraged and legalized, that godliness is a means to gain, that abortion is not murder, that science disproves the Bible and so on. Ultimately, relying on the Holy Spirit helps us discern the truths of Scripture (v14). Apart from relying on the Holy Spirit it is easy to fall prey to the wisdom of this age and the rulers of this age who promote it. Is it any wonder so many Christians are tossed by every wind of doctrine (Eph 4:14)?"
A key to this passage of Scripture is how Paul says he speaks "a message of wisdom among the mature (v6)." It is immature Christians, and unbelievers, who fall prey to false teachings, false doctrines and are manipulated by the godlessness of the world. Apart from the mind of Christ, how will you be able to rightly divide scripture, test the Spirits and function in a fallen world? You won't! Satan is the god of this age."The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Cor 4:4)." We know that Satan has blinded unbelievers. Therefore, Christians should not be blind to his schemes. We who have the mind of Christ have a faith that does "not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power (1 Cor 2:5)." Let us use our minds to battle the enemy because he is already defeated. Be blessed.
Q: What is the "one" thing the enemy(devil) want Christians to do?
A: The one thing the devil wants Christians to do is to continue to "eat" from the "wrong tree." Satan said to Eve, "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (Gen 3:5)." Christians, although they will never admit to it, live a life of trying to be like God through the knowledge of good and evil. They will say we must be more Christlike, that we must learn to stop sinning, or that we must become better Christians. Well Jesus Christ was the only one who ever lived a sinless life and He was God. Therefore, in order to try and be like God we go about trying to define what is good and what is evil and then dedicate ourselves to a life of obedience and repentance to whatever it is we have defined. The result is a trying to live a life we can never live, focused on what we are doing, not on what Christ has done, and we end up in total frustration not knowing God or experiencing His love and promised rest.
Normally, we try to live this life through subjecting ourselves to the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount or the various laws of our particular denominations and churches. All we end up discovering is that we can't be like God because we only reveal more sin in our lives. Thankfully, that is what God wants us to discover. He wants us to realize we can't live the Christian life, nor does expect us to live it, so that we will put total trust and dependence on Him and the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is the grace of God that "teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:12)." Christians live by faith not by obedience and repentance to rules designed to modify our behavior. Stop eating from the wrong tree and start resting in Christ's finished work on your behalf and resurrected life in you! Remember, God gave His life for you, so He could give His life to you, so He could live His life through you. Amen!
A: On your way to trying to fulfill your dreams take a moment to realize that in Christ you're the fulfillment of God's dream. Jesus said, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Lk 15:10)." When you repented of your unbelief in the Gospel and accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, God's dream was fulfilled in you. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Ptr 3:9)." As you do whatever it is to make your dreams come true, stop along the way and take note that God wants all to come to faith in Christ. Be available to Him to use you as an instrument of fulfilling His dream not so much trying to use Him as an instrument to fulfill your dreams.
And remember, regardless of whether your dream comes true or not, God has already met the desires of your heart in Him. It was this realization that comforted Paul as His life and missionary work drew to a close. "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil 4:13)." Paul recognized that God hadn't promised to fulfill his dreams, but because of what God had given him through faith in Christ, he was content to allow God to fulfill His dream through him. My prayer is that all the saints of God will align their own dreams with that of the Lord. May God continue to reveal to you the blessings you already have in Christ Jesus. Amen!
Q: Romans 12 says therefore I urge you brothers in view of Gods mercy offer your bodies as a "living" sacrifices holy pleasing to God..What does it mean to be a "living" sacrifice?
A: A living sacrifice (Rom 12:1) is when we totally submit ourselves to the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We do this, as the passage says, "in view of God's mercy." As Romans 11 says about his mercy, "salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious (Rom 11:11)." The Gentiles, of which I am one, were grafted into the olive branch of salvation because of the Jews rejecting their Messiah. Subsequently, out of a thankful heart towards all the Lord has done for me, and given me, in Christ I allow Him to live His life through me. He is able to do that because He has given met the deepest desires of my heart for unconditional love and total acceptance in Him. When these needs are met there is no alternative than to rest from my own self-righteous acts of disobedience and allow Him to serve the world in love through me.
Another point that can't be missed in all of this is that submitting ourselves as living sacrifices is said to be holy and pleasing to God and "our spiritual act of worship." We are already holy and pleasing to God because of faith in Christ and our resting from our own works. This is a far cry from what is taught in most Christian circles. Many saints are told to wear themselves out with constant and endless "acts of obedience" designed to either receive blessings or avoid punishment. Furthermore, our spiritual act of worship is not sitting in church on Sunday morning singing and raising our hands, it is being available to God on a daily basis to be a witness for Him to the lost and hurting world. When you realize that you are unconditionally loved, totally accepted, holy and pleasing to God what is your response going to be? It is going to be living a life of thankfulness and looking for every opportunity to be used by Him as a living sacrifice. That is the Christian life, God living through us to fulfill His will that all men should be saved. Be blessed.
Q: The bible says have the "mind" of Christ..What does that mean?
A: The mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16) is a description of how the Holy Spirit instructs Christians on how to discern between the truth and the lie. The passage in 1 Cor 2 talks about our faith not resting on the the wisdom of men (v5). What is the wisdom of men? It is the wisdom that goes against the clear teaching of Scripture. Teachings like all faiths to heaven, that sexual sin should be encouraged and legalized, that godliness is a means to gain, that abortion is not murder, that science disproves the Bible and so on. Ultimately, relying on the Holy Spirit helps us discern the truths of Scripture (v14). Apart from relying on the Holy Spirit it is easy to fall prey to the wisdom of this age and the rulers of this age who promote it. Is it any wonder so many Christians are tossed by every wind of doctrine (Eph 4:14)?"
A key to this passage of Scripture is how Paul says he speaks "a message of wisdom among the mature (v6)." It is immature Christians, and unbelievers, who fall prey to false teachings, false doctrines and are manipulated by the godlessness of the world. Apart from the mind of Christ, how will you be able to rightly divide scripture, test the Spirits and function in a fallen world? You won't! Satan is the god of this age."The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Cor 4:4)." We know that Satan has blinded unbelievers. Therefore, Christians should not be blind to his schemes. We who have the mind of Christ have a faith that does "not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power (1 Cor 2:5)." Let us use our minds to battle the enemy because he is already defeated. Be blessed.
Q: What is the "one" thing the enemy(devil) want Christians to do?
A: The one thing the devil wants Christians to do is to continue to "eat" from the "wrong tree." Satan said to Eve, "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (Gen 3:5)." Christians, although they will never admit to it, live a life of trying to be like God through the knowledge of good and evil. They will say we must be more Christlike, that we must learn to stop sinning, or that we must become better Christians. Well Jesus Christ was the only one who ever lived a sinless life and He was God. Therefore, in order to try and be like God we go about trying to define what is good and what is evil and then dedicate ourselves to a life of obedience and repentance to whatever it is we have defined. The result is a trying to live a life we can never live, focused on what we are doing, not on what Christ has done, and we end up in total frustration not knowing God or experiencing His love and promised rest.
Normally, we try to live this life through subjecting ourselves to the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount or the various laws of our particular denominations and churches. All we end up discovering is that we can't be like God because we only reveal more sin in our lives. Thankfully, that is what God wants us to discover. He wants us to realize we can't live the Christian life, nor does expect us to live it, so that we will put total trust and dependence on Him and the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is the grace of God that "teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:12)." Christians live by faith not by obedience and repentance to rules designed to modify our behavior. Stop eating from the wrong tree and start resting in Christ's finished work on your behalf and resurrected life in you! Remember, God gave His life for you, so He could give His life to you, so He could live His life through you. Amen!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Third Person
Q: It is clear to me that the Father is omniscient. I also believe the Son of God is omniscient but that He gave it up for a while during His ministry on Earth and relied upon the Father for His strength. I am not so sure about the Holy Spirit. Is there any scripture that can support a claim either way? If He knows one less thing than the Father, then He isn`t omniscient. If He is omniscient, how can this be reconciled with Mark 13:32?
A: It is clear to me that the Holy Spirit is also omniscient. To say otherwise is to call into question God Himself. We must remember that there is only one God. In order for Him to reveal Himself to us in a way in which we could begin to grasp who He is, He revealed Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Mark 13:32 says, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." The absence of the Holy Spirit being mentioned in this particular passage doesn't eliminate Him from being fully God and fully omniscient. By that same reasoning we could suggest that Jesus, the Son, is not God because the passage says that the Son doesn't know the day or hour. One could say that Jesus isn't God because He doesn't know everything. But, as you mention in your question, Jesus "gave it (His deity) up for a little while." Therefore, it is not a stretch to believe that an all powerful God could withhold some of His power when He felt it necessary to do so. With that said, there is plenty of evidence proving the omniscience of the Holy Spirit.
"For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:11)." If God is omniscient and the Holy Spirit is said to know the thoughts of God, then it is safe to say that the Holy Spirit is omniscient. "Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God (Acts 5:3-4)." Here in Acts we read where Ananias is accused of lying to the Holy Spirit. And then Peter equates lying to the Holy Spirit as lying to God. In numerous places in Scripture we find where it says God raised Jesus from the dead. In Romans 1:4 we see where Jesus was raised from the dead "according to the Spirit of holiness." In just these few passages we see the Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God, is equated to God when lied to and is said to have raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Clear evidence that the Holy Spirit is fully God.
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast (Psalm 139:7-10)." The psalmist gives us some of the clearest evidence of the omnipresent abilities of the Holy Spirit. God is the only one whose presence we are unable to flee from. The Holy Spirit doesn't know "one less thing than the Father" because He is God just like the Father. In John 14:26 it says "the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." Then in John 15:26, we see Jesus say when "the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me." These two passages tie the Holy Spirit to God the Father and God the Son. The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit is equal to God because He is God. In fact, the Holy Spirit is the greatest evidence of God in many ways.
Have you ever wondered how God can indwell every believer, all over the world, at the same time and have an individual relationship with us all? That is due to the Holy Spirit indwelling each and every one of us. Paul asks the question, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God (1 Corinthians 6:9)?" We have God indwelling us in the form of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the very life of God that is His promise to us of our eternal inheritance. Wherever a believer is the Holy Spirit is also. Thus, God is there with them as well. That is the very definition of being omniscient which is having "complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness or understanding." We will most likely never know all there is to know about God. But, we can take comfort in the fact that not knowing all He is doesn't prevent us from spending eternity with Him in Christ. We know of God as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This alone is not the full scope of who He is, only of how He has revealed Himself to us so that we could begin to have a relationship with Him. Be thankful that we have an eternity in which to get to know God because of work of Christ on our behalf.
A: It is clear to me that the Holy Spirit is also omniscient. To say otherwise is to call into question God Himself. We must remember that there is only one God. In order for Him to reveal Himself to us in a way in which we could begin to grasp who He is, He revealed Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Mark 13:32 says, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." The absence of the Holy Spirit being mentioned in this particular passage doesn't eliminate Him from being fully God and fully omniscient. By that same reasoning we could suggest that Jesus, the Son, is not God because the passage says that the Son doesn't know the day or hour. One could say that Jesus isn't God because He doesn't know everything. But, as you mention in your question, Jesus "gave it (His deity) up for a little while." Therefore, it is not a stretch to believe that an all powerful God could withhold some of His power when He felt it necessary to do so. With that said, there is plenty of evidence proving the omniscience of the Holy Spirit.
"For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:11)." If God is omniscient and the Holy Spirit is said to know the thoughts of God, then it is safe to say that the Holy Spirit is omniscient. "Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God (Acts 5:3-4)." Here in Acts we read where Ananias is accused of lying to the Holy Spirit. And then Peter equates lying to the Holy Spirit as lying to God. In numerous places in Scripture we find where it says God raised Jesus from the dead. In Romans 1:4 we see where Jesus was raised from the dead "according to the Spirit of holiness." In just these few passages we see the Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God, is equated to God when lied to and is said to have raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Clear evidence that the Holy Spirit is fully God.
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast (Psalm 139:7-10)." The psalmist gives us some of the clearest evidence of the omnipresent abilities of the Holy Spirit. God is the only one whose presence we are unable to flee from. The Holy Spirit doesn't know "one less thing than the Father" because He is God just like the Father. In John 14:26 it says "the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." Then in John 15:26, we see Jesus say when "the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me." These two passages tie the Holy Spirit to God the Father and God the Son. The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit is equal to God because He is God. In fact, the Holy Spirit is the greatest evidence of God in many ways.
Have you ever wondered how God can indwell every believer, all over the world, at the same time and have an individual relationship with us all? That is due to the Holy Spirit indwelling each and every one of us. Paul asks the question, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God (1 Corinthians 6:9)?" We have God indwelling us in the form of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the very life of God that is His promise to us of our eternal inheritance. Wherever a believer is the Holy Spirit is also. Thus, God is there with them as well. That is the very definition of being omniscient which is having "complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness or understanding." We will most likely never know all there is to know about God. But, we can take comfort in the fact that not knowing all He is doesn't prevent us from spending eternity with Him in Christ. We know of God as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This alone is not the full scope of who He is, only of how He has revealed Himself to us so that we could begin to have a relationship with Him. Be thankful that we have an eternity in which to get to know God because of work of Christ on our behalf.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
No Dream Apart from Christ
"From ONE MAN HE MADE EVERY NATION OF MEN, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live (Acts 17:26)." From God's perspective there is only one race, the human race. Separating ourselves based on skin color is the creation of man fueled by our sinful and fallen nature. From God's perspective He only sees Jew, Gentile and the Church, made up of Jews and Gentiles. Furthermore, He sees only those spiritually dead to Him in sin or those who are spiritually alive to Him in Christ. There will be no unity amongst mankind apart from coming to faith in Jesus Christ."There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all ONE IN CHRIST JESUS (Gal 3:28)." I think it safe to say there is neither black, white, brown, red nor yellow as well.As Christians our identity is as children of God (John 1:12). That is an identity that will never change. As long as we insist on identifying ourselves by what makes us different, and demand being identified by that difference, we will never see the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. realized. As long as we see ourselves as African-American, White-American, Latino-American and so forth there won't be unity. As long as we keep putting faith in our Catholicism or Protestantism (or non Christian faiths) and even humanism there will be no unity. No amount of marching, protesting, tolerance, political correctness or changing of laws will ever change the human heart. The only way to truly effect change is through an encounter with Jesus Christ. When He changes your heart your behavior will follow and the dream will be realized. Be blessed.
Friday, January 15, 2010
My Answer is ... January 15, 2010
Q: “YOUR STILL HERE”!!! The devil may have knocked you down, “but” your “STILL HERE”..People may have walked out on you, laughed at you, betrayed you, “but” your STILL HERE ..You may have went threw the toughest trial, “but” your “STILL HERE”…Declare on this facebook page that you are “STILL HERE!
A: The trials of life, whether caused by our own actions or the actions of others are not something to be downcast over. We should be thankful in that they not only turn our focus to the Lord and His sufficient grace, but also confirm the scriptures we hold so dear. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (Jn 16:33)." When we have trouble it is not so much Satan attacking us, but the byproduct of living in a fallen world. In fact, we as Christians were never promised immunity to the problems of this world, but told that we have overcome the world in Christ (1 Jn 5:5).
It is the sufficiency we have in Christ that led Paul to exclaim, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances (Phil 4:11)" and that regardless of his circumstances he said he could "do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil 4:13)." Saints, God has not promised us a life of comfort, free from the trials of life. He promised us that He would never leave us or forsake us in the midst of those trials. Therefore, as Peter said, "do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you (1 Ptr 4:12)."
You are "STILL HERE" because God is not finished using you to glorify Himself through you. When life has you down be thankful that it is not a reflection of God's view of you, but an opportunity for Him to continue to reveal His faithfulness to you. After all, "GOD, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, IS FAITHFUL (1 Cor 1:9)." Rejoice in the truth and be blessed by it. Amen.
Q: What does it mean to"delight" yourself in the Lord?
A: To delight yourself in the Lord is to find complete joy and satisfaction in what God has already given you and blessed you with through your faith in Jesus Christ. God created mankind with the need for, amongst other things, unconditional love and total acceptance. He did so in a way that only He is capable of fulfilling those needs. That is why He "has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Ptr 1:3") and "has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph 1:3)." To attempt to get the desires of our heart met outside of a relationship with our God can only lead to sin. Unfortunately, much of Christianity encourages sin with what is taught.
On one hand many Christians are taught that these desires are sinful and must be avoided through submission to biblical commands or church doctrine. This only leads to more sin as one quickly realizes their inability to meet these obligations. On the other hand many Christians are told that God wants to meet these needs by blessing their flesh with the things of the world. This only keeps a person focused on indulging the insatiable flesh with physical and material gain which will never meet those needs. When a Christian realizes what God has given them as an inheritance through their faith in Christ they will have a complete 180 degree turnaround. They will engage the world with what they have to offer it, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, rather than with what they hope to get from it that it cannot provide. Be blessed.
Q: "I found my soul mate". Is that a true statement?...How does God want us to choose our mate?
A: Depending on your perspective I don't see any biblical foundation for there being soul mates. If by such a term we mean that there is only one person out there for us to find to be our mate, I disagree. However, the dictionary definition of a soul mate is "one of two persons compatible with each other in disposition, point of view, or sensitivity." If we use this definition for soul mate we clearly see that it can be fulfilled by any two people who have the same "disposition, point of view, or sensitivity."
There are many people who believe that there is only one particular individual with whom we are to spend our lives. However, this seems to leave everything up to fate or destiny. This is a belief more closely associated with paganism than the Bible. It can lead to people falsely trying to justify their belief that everyone has a soul mate that God has prepared for them. Therefore, you better figure out which one it is, or you'll mess up every other marriage for certain by skewing the marriage pool. This could lead to a lot of unnecessary frustration for those involved. God has given us free will to choose who to be with, or who not to be with, in a relationship.
After the creation of Adam, God said that he was "free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17)." God only told Adam where not to eat, but he was free to eat whatever else he desired to satisfy his appetite. We see this same principle applied by God when He instructs Christians on the relationships we should be involved in. God says that we should not be "unequally yoked" with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). This definitely applies when it comes to deciding who you want to marry. Again, we don't see God specifically telling us what individual to be with, but, from where to choose that individual. Be blessed.
Q: "Fear not"....When fear tries to present itself, how should we(Christians) fight fear?
A: The Bible says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love (1 Jn 4:18)." If you are living in fear it is because you are not trusting God. And you are not trusting God because you lack knowledge. Many Christians believe that the burden for living the Christian life is on their shoulders. And to attempt to live that life they must put themselves under some sort of law to do so. The byproduct will be fear and worry as you realize you will never be obedient or repentant enough to please God. Thus, you will live in fear that your sins separate you from God and that He does not love you.
You will always live in fear that you're not truly a Christian and are in danger of God's wrath. You can't receive the love of God, approach Him in confidence or grow in your faith when you believe that it is up to you to bridge the gap between you and Him. This leads to anger at God which leads to disillusionment and, ultimately, to more sin in your life. When you don't believe you are unconditionally loved and totally accepted by God you have no choice, but to turn to the world to look for it. And all the world offers is a poor substitute that can only be received through sin.
"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father (Rom 8:15)." If you are living in fear it is because you are believing something wrong about God. You are His child. You are totally forgiven and accepted by Him. He indwells you forever. There is nothing to fear in that. The sooner you believe it, the sooner you will stop living in fear. Be blessed.
Q: How do you know you are walking in "faith" and not "worry"?
A: It is the difference between resting and working. Faith is your response to the truth that has been revealed to you. The evidence of which is living a life of trust and dependence on the Lord. Worry is not believing God and what He has revealed to you. It is expecting something from God He did not promise to give. Another definition of worry is "to move with effort." In other words, one sign you are worrying is that you are "working" for what you already have received through faith.
The Bible says a Christian is already Holy (Heb 10:10). Faith says to live as who you are in Christ. Worry says live a sinless life of trying to be like God. The Bible says you have forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7). Faith says thank you for the forgiveness you already have and that when you sin to approach God to find mercy in your time of need (Heb 4:16). Worry says you're not forgiven and you need to seek more forgiveness through meaningless and worthless sacrifices like asking God to forgive you, keeping short accounts, answering altar calls, repeating the Lord's Prayer, etc. The Bible says you have been given everything you need for life and godliness (2 Ptr 1:3) and that you have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Faith says to live a life of discovering what you already have in Christ. Worry says live a life of focused on your flesh and continually seeking material blessings and avoiding curses through obedience and repentance.
"We live by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7)." Do you want to live a life of faith or a life of worry. The righteous live by faith in what what they have. Those that worry are living by sight, focused on their life circumstances, and not trusting God. How are you living? Be blessed.
A: The trials of life, whether caused by our own actions or the actions of others are not something to be downcast over. We should be thankful in that they not only turn our focus to the Lord and His sufficient grace, but also confirm the scriptures we hold so dear. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (Jn 16:33)." When we have trouble it is not so much Satan attacking us, but the byproduct of living in a fallen world. In fact, we as Christians were never promised immunity to the problems of this world, but told that we have overcome the world in Christ (1 Jn 5:5).
It is the sufficiency we have in Christ that led Paul to exclaim, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances (Phil 4:11)" and that regardless of his circumstances he said he could "do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil 4:13)." Saints, God has not promised us a life of comfort, free from the trials of life. He promised us that He would never leave us or forsake us in the midst of those trials. Therefore, as Peter said, "do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you (1 Ptr 4:12)."
You are "STILL HERE" because God is not finished using you to glorify Himself through you. When life has you down be thankful that it is not a reflection of God's view of you, but an opportunity for Him to continue to reveal His faithfulness to you. After all, "GOD, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, IS FAITHFUL (1 Cor 1:9)." Rejoice in the truth and be blessed by it. Amen.
Q: What does it mean to"delight" yourself in the Lord?
A: To delight yourself in the Lord is to find complete joy and satisfaction in what God has already given you and blessed you with through your faith in Jesus Christ. God created mankind with the need for, amongst other things, unconditional love and total acceptance. He did so in a way that only He is capable of fulfilling those needs. That is why He "has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Ptr 1:3") and "has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph 1:3)." To attempt to get the desires of our heart met outside of a relationship with our God can only lead to sin. Unfortunately, much of Christianity encourages sin with what is taught.
On one hand many Christians are taught that these desires are sinful and must be avoided through submission to biblical commands or church doctrine. This only leads to more sin as one quickly realizes their inability to meet these obligations. On the other hand many Christians are told that God wants to meet these needs by blessing their flesh with the things of the world. This only keeps a person focused on indulging the insatiable flesh with physical and material gain which will never meet those needs. When a Christian realizes what God has given them as an inheritance through their faith in Christ they will have a complete 180 degree turnaround. They will engage the world with what they have to offer it, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, rather than with what they hope to get from it that it cannot provide. Be blessed.
Q: "I found my soul mate". Is that a true statement?...How does God want us to choose our mate?
A: Depending on your perspective I don't see any biblical foundation for there being soul mates. If by such a term we mean that there is only one person out there for us to find to be our mate, I disagree. However, the dictionary definition of a soul mate is "one of two persons compatible with each other in disposition, point of view, or sensitivity." If we use this definition for soul mate we clearly see that it can be fulfilled by any two people who have the same "disposition, point of view, or sensitivity."
There are many people who believe that there is only one particular individual with whom we are to spend our lives. However, this seems to leave everything up to fate or destiny. This is a belief more closely associated with paganism than the Bible. It can lead to people falsely trying to justify their belief that everyone has a soul mate that God has prepared for them. Therefore, you better figure out which one it is, or you'll mess up every other marriage for certain by skewing the marriage pool. This could lead to a lot of unnecessary frustration for those involved. God has given us free will to choose who to be with, or who not to be with, in a relationship.
After the creation of Adam, God said that he was "free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17)." God only told Adam where not to eat, but he was free to eat whatever else he desired to satisfy his appetite. We see this same principle applied by God when He instructs Christians on the relationships we should be involved in. God says that we should not be "unequally yoked" with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). This definitely applies when it comes to deciding who you want to marry. Again, we don't see God specifically telling us what individual to be with, but, from where to choose that individual. Be blessed.
Q: "Fear not"....When fear tries to present itself, how should we(Christians) fight fear?
A: The Bible says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love (1 Jn 4:18)." If you are living in fear it is because you are not trusting God. And you are not trusting God because you lack knowledge. Many Christians believe that the burden for living the Christian life is on their shoulders. And to attempt to live that life they must put themselves under some sort of law to do so. The byproduct will be fear and worry as you realize you will never be obedient or repentant enough to please God. Thus, you will live in fear that your sins separate you from God and that He does not love you.
You will always live in fear that you're not truly a Christian and are in danger of God's wrath. You can't receive the love of God, approach Him in confidence or grow in your faith when you believe that it is up to you to bridge the gap between you and Him. This leads to anger at God which leads to disillusionment and, ultimately, to more sin in your life. When you don't believe you are unconditionally loved and totally accepted by God you have no choice, but to turn to the world to look for it. And all the world offers is a poor substitute that can only be received through sin.
"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father (Rom 8:15)." If you are living in fear it is because you are believing something wrong about God. You are His child. You are totally forgiven and accepted by Him. He indwells you forever. There is nothing to fear in that. The sooner you believe it, the sooner you will stop living in fear. Be blessed.
Q: How do you know you are walking in "faith" and not "worry"?
A: It is the difference between resting and working. Faith is your response to the truth that has been revealed to you. The evidence of which is living a life of trust and dependence on the Lord. Worry is not believing God and what He has revealed to you. It is expecting something from God He did not promise to give. Another definition of worry is "to move with effort." In other words, one sign you are worrying is that you are "working" for what you already have received through faith.
The Bible says a Christian is already Holy (Heb 10:10). Faith says to live as who you are in Christ. Worry says live a sinless life of trying to be like God. The Bible says you have forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7). Faith says thank you for the forgiveness you already have and that when you sin to approach God to find mercy in your time of need (Heb 4:16). Worry says you're not forgiven and you need to seek more forgiveness through meaningless and worthless sacrifices like asking God to forgive you, keeping short accounts, answering altar calls, repeating the Lord's Prayer, etc. The Bible says you have been given everything you need for life and godliness (2 Ptr 1:3) and that you have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Faith says to live a life of discovering what you already have in Christ. Worry says live a life of focused on your flesh and continually seeking material blessings and avoiding curses through obedience and repentance.
"We live by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7)." Do you want to live a life of faith or a life of worry. The righteous live by faith in what what they have. Those that worry are living by sight, focused on their life circumstances, and not trusting God. How are you living? Be blessed.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Burden of Evangelism
Q: As an evangelical born again Christian I struggle with the thought that, considering the immensity of Christ`s sacrifice of suffering and death, that apparently only a very small minority of mankind are on their way to heaven. Some theologians get around this by saying that many souls will call upon the Lord in their dying breath and be saved. No doubt there will be some such eleventh hour conversions. But many? I know that there is some anecdotal evidence but little if any scriptural evidence that this is common. What do you think?
A: The first thing to look at is the fact that you came to Christ yourself. Despite whatever obstacles, doubts, questions, distractions and so forth that your own life experience presented, it all worked together to bring you to faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, I would suggest to you to extend that same possibility to each individual in the world. The Bible is clear in telling us that "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)." God doesn't want anybody to perish and face an eternity separated from Him. Hell was created for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). It was not prepared for mankind. However, if someone remains dead to God in their sins what else is there for God to do them but cast them into eternal fire?
Furthermore, we read in the Bible that "since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20)." Mankind is without excuse when it comes to denying God and, ultimately, the salvation offered in Jesus Christ. How often do you hear unbelievers say "there is no God"? This passage affirms that these people have clearly denied the evidence that God has presented to them in the world, yet they refuse to respond to it. It is not that they don't believe in God, it is that they are looking for a god that justifies their own worldview. Others will deny God by asking, "If there was a God why is there so much suffering in the world?" The simple answer to that question is that we live in a sin cursed world where even the "creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time (Romans 8:22)." Unbelievers simply don't want the truth.
However, as odd as this may sound, you should be encouraged by what you see going on around you. The Bible says that in the Last Days people "will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them (2 Timothy 3:2-5)." What we see going on today was foretold in Scripture centuries ago. The frustration you have is evidence of the love you have for the lost, but what you see is proof that the Bible is true. People are choosing to deny the Lord out of their own volition because they want to be their own gods.
Remember that none of us love the world the way in which God loves it. He died for their sins and rose from the grave to offer them eternal life just as He did for us. The only thing standing in the way of their salvation is their unbelief. Nobody will be able to stand in front of the Lord and use an apparent lack of evangelism as an excuse. When the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke His disciples for praising Him, Jesus responded, "I tell you ... if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out (Luke 19:40)." God knows exactly where each individual on this planet is and what is in their heart. If they want to know Him, He has put enough evidence in the world for them to respond to. And even if a Christian is not available to reveal the Gospel to them, who is to say that a stone hasn't cried out? Do not concern yourself with whether or not a small minority of believers will be in Heaven. Be thankful that you are already a citizen of Heaven and do whatever it takes to make yourself available to God to be used as a witness of the salvation only found in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A: The first thing to look at is the fact that you came to Christ yourself. Despite whatever obstacles, doubts, questions, distractions and so forth that your own life experience presented, it all worked together to bring you to faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, I would suggest to you to extend that same possibility to each individual in the world. The Bible is clear in telling us that "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)." God doesn't want anybody to perish and face an eternity separated from Him. Hell was created for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). It was not prepared for mankind. However, if someone remains dead to God in their sins what else is there for God to do them but cast them into eternal fire?
Furthermore, we read in the Bible that "since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20)." Mankind is without excuse when it comes to denying God and, ultimately, the salvation offered in Jesus Christ. How often do you hear unbelievers say "there is no God"? This passage affirms that these people have clearly denied the evidence that God has presented to them in the world, yet they refuse to respond to it. It is not that they don't believe in God, it is that they are looking for a god that justifies their own worldview. Others will deny God by asking, "If there was a God why is there so much suffering in the world?" The simple answer to that question is that we live in a sin cursed world where even the "creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time (Romans 8:22)." Unbelievers simply don't want the truth.
However, as odd as this may sound, you should be encouraged by what you see going on around you. The Bible says that in the Last Days people "will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them (2 Timothy 3:2-5)." What we see going on today was foretold in Scripture centuries ago. The frustration you have is evidence of the love you have for the lost, but what you see is proof that the Bible is true. People are choosing to deny the Lord out of their own volition because they want to be their own gods.
Remember that none of us love the world the way in which God loves it. He died for their sins and rose from the grave to offer them eternal life just as He did for us. The only thing standing in the way of their salvation is their unbelief. Nobody will be able to stand in front of the Lord and use an apparent lack of evangelism as an excuse. When the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke His disciples for praising Him, Jesus responded, "I tell you ... if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out (Luke 19:40)." God knows exactly where each individual on this planet is and what is in their heart. If they want to know Him, He has put enough evidence in the world for them to respond to. And even if a Christian is not available to reveal the Gospel to them, who is to say that a stone hasn't cried out? Do not concern yourself with whether or not a small minority of believers will be in Heaven. Be thankful that you are already a citizen of Heaven and do whatever it takes to make yourself available to God to be used as a witness of the salvation only found in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Monday, January 11, 2010
How to Get Your Old Mom Back
Q: I'm 22 years old I respect my parents equally but my relationship with my mom is not so well. It's to the point where I know the second I walk in the house I`m going to get in an argument with her for something. It's almost like everything I do is never up to her expectations. She also believes that I`m not serving God correctly and that the things I do like youth groups and college ministry are not enough. I know she`s my mom but she isn`t very motherly she just being a parent. I feel as though she doesn`t take me serious when I talk to her about my feelings or the need to fix our relationship. She can brag about other people and their kids but never with me it's a little my fault because I am never home but I avoid the house sometimes because I don`t want to argue with her anymore. I've prayed but nothing. Her attitude is bad and she says mean things sometimes that really hurt me even when I don`t say anything hurtful to her. I want my family to go to church together but my dad's a different religion and I feel like he doesn't care, my mom also doesn't give my girlfriend a chance either, she hardly talks to her. I also use this website to show my mom things but she disregards them but when she uses it then its fine, I`m at a loss I want `my old mom` back.
A: I am sorry to hear about your problem. You have touched on quite a few issues that you are dealing with from the expectations of your mother, her views about your relationship with God, your inability to be taken seriously by her, a stagnant prayer life, your dad's different religion, and his apparent disinterest in your situation all the way to your girlfriend being accepted. One common thread I see in all this is what appears to be misplaced dependencies and unrealistic expectations on the part of all involved. All of us were created by God to have the deepest desires of our heart for unconditional love and total acceptance fulfilled by Him. However, when we don't believe these desires are being met through our relationship with God we have no alternative, but to seek them either from the world or religion. And all the world or religion can offer us can only be achieved through some form of sin because in both cases the focus is on what we are doing in order to get the desires of our heart met from sources not able to provide it. And the Bible says that "everything that does not come from faith is sin (Romans 14:23)."
When we are trying to meet the desires of our heart apart from our relationship with Christ we usually identify ourselves with whatever it is we believe is going to meet those needs. In most cases, we identify ourselves through things like our occupation, our behavior or our religion. When it comes to our occupations people identify themselves as such things like businessmen, housewives or mothers, athletes, doctors or lawyers. Often our behavior, mostly negative, can be used to identify us. How many times have we heard an individual identified as an alcoholic, thief or murderer? And we have all heard the terms Baptist, Catholic, Methodist and so on to define our religious identity. However, none of these equate to a Christian's true identity. "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12)." As children of God we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). As God's children we have an inheritance that comes along with our identity. It is in understanding who we are from God's perspective and all that He has given us through faith in Christ that will help us deal with issues like you are facing.
We are unconditionally loved by God. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39)." We are totally accepted by God. "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7)." When you know you are unconditionally loved and totally accepted by God how will that truth change your relationships with other people and how you engage the world? All children desire the love and acceptance of their parents. Many of us go to great lengths just to put a smile on their faces or get a pat on the back from them. Thus, when we believe we are not receiving these things from them no matter how hard we try or what we accomplish it can devastate us emotionally and spiritually. The same goes from the perspective of a parent. They can believe their worth as parents, even their love and acceptance by others and God, is tied to how successful their children are perceived to be. Unfortunately, there is never enough one can do to satisfy that insatiable desire at the depths of our heart.
Since your parents seem to be very religious, perhaps you can interest them in a Bible study on our identity in Christ. If that doesn't work, or you desire to do more, then write them a letter outlining how you are feeling. About a year before my own mother passed away, I wrote her a letter and gave it to her as part of her birthday gift. While my relationship with her was fine, I wasn't sure if she had a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and it bothered me. Previous attempts to talk to her were unsuccessful because, although she claimed to be a Christian, she wasn't comfortable discussing the things of the Lord due to her unfamiliarity with the Scriptures. In order to avoid being confrontational, and to ease my own fears about what she believed, I wrote the letter. She read it and said she understood what I was saying and thanked me for it. Satisfied, I never really addressed the situation again. I left it in God's Hands and just tried to be available to her in case she did want to talk. When she was dying from cancer she made a point of telling me that she was relying on her faith in Jesus to help her deal with the fear and pain. Her passing actually strengthened my faith in Christ as I saw Him working through her. Trust God to work out the issues with your mom and others. When you focus on your relationship with the Lord you will get your mom back as you all grow in your understanding of how He sees all of you.
Thank you for your question and may God continue to reveal to you the blessings you already have in Christ.
A: I am sorry to hear about your problem. You have touched on quite a few issues that you are dealing with from the expectations of your mother, her views about your relationship with God, your inability to be taken seriously by her, a stagnant prayer life, your dad's different religion, and his apparent disinterest in your situation all the way to your girlfriend being accepted. One common thread I see in all this is what appears to be misplaced dependencies and unrealistic expectations on the part of all involved. All of us were created by God to have the deepest desires of our heart for unconditional love and total acceptance fulfilled by Him. However, when we don't believe these desires are being met through our relationship with God we have no alternative, but to seek them either from the world or religion. And all the world or religion can offer us can only be achieved through some form of sin because in both cases the focus is on what we are doing in order to get the desires of our heart met from sources not able to provide it. And the Bible says that "everything that does not come from faith is sin (Romans 14:23)."
When we are trying to meet the desires of our heart apart from our relationship with Christ we usually identify ourselves with whatever it is we believe is going to meet those needs. In most cases, we identify ourselves through things like our occupation, our behavior or our religion. When it comes to our occupations people identify themselves as such things like businessmen, housewives or mothers, athletes, doctors or lawyers. Often our behavior, mostly negative, can be used to identify us. How many times have we heard an individual identified as an alcoholic, thief or murderer? And we have all heard the terms Baptist, Catholic, Methodist and so on to define our religious identity. However, none of these equate to a Christian's true identity. "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12)." As children of God we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). As God's children we have an inheritance that comes along with our identity. It is in understanding who we are from God's perspective and all that He has given us through faith in Christ that will help us deal with issues like you are facing.
We are unconditionally loved by God. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39)." We are totally accepted by God. "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7)." When you know you are unconditionally loved and totally accepted by God how will that truth change your relationships with other people and how you engage the world? All children desire the love and acceptance of their parents. Many of us go to great lengths just to put a smile on their faces or get a pat on the back from them. Thus, when we believe we are not receiving these things from them no matter how hard we try or what we accomplish it can devastate us emotionally and spiritually. The same goes from the perspective of a parent. They can believe their worth as parents, even their love and acceptance by others and God, is tied to how successful their children are perceived to be. Unfortunately, there is never enough one can do to satisfy that insatiable desire at the depths of our heart.
Since your parents seem to be very religious, perhaps you can interest them in a Bible study on our identity in Christ. If that doesn't work, or you desire to do more, then write them a letter outlining how you are feeling. About a year before my own mother passed away, I wrote her a letter and gave it to her as part of her birthday gift. While my relationship with her was fine, I wasn't sure if she had a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and it bothered me. Previous attempts to talk to her were unsuccessful because, although she claimed to be a Christian, she wasn't comfortable discussing the things of the Lord due to her unfamiliarity with the Scriptures. In order to avoid being confrontational, and to ease my own fears about what she believed, I wrote the letter. She read it and said she understood what I was saying and thanked me for it. Satisfied, I never really addressed the situation again. I left it in God's Hands and just tried to be available to her in case she did want to talk. When she was dying from cancer she made a point of telling me that she was relying on her faith in Jesus to help her deal with the fear and pain. Her passing actually strengthened my faith in Christ as I saw Him working through her. Trust God to work out the issues with your mom and others. When you focus on your relationship with the Lord you will get your mom back as you all grow in your understanding of how He sees all of you.
Thank you for your question and may God continue to reveal to you the blessings you already have in Christ.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
My Answer is ... January 10, 2010
Q: DON'T BRING IN THIS NEW YEAR BEING CONDEMNED OR GUILTY OF YOUR PAST... “LET IT GO”!....LET GO of your past hurts,past sins, past mistakes, bitterness, and failed relationships.
A: The reason a Christian is still having to say "LET IT GO" is because he "has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins (2 Ptr 1:9)." And they have forgotten this because they have said to God "I will" do everything you command me to do. But, they soon realize they cannot do everything God commands them to do because as Jesus said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Mt 5:48)." Their sins are a constant reminder of their imperfection. Therefore, they have to come up with ways in which to deal with their sins. This leads to such things like constantly asking God to forgive them, answering "altar calls" every Sunday to "rededicate" themselves to a life they know they can't live, repeating prayers of repentance, keeping short accounts, streaming into confession booths or saying "LET IT GO" on Facebook.
It feels good for a moment, but as the Bible says it lacks "any value in restraining sensual indulgence (Col 2:23)." God calls us into His Sabbath rest (Heb 4). This is a daily rest from our self-righteous works designed to try and please an already pleased God by what we do. When the focus is on ourselves we will never rest because there will always be one more sin to overcome or one more thing "to do" for God. Paul begged us to "Be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5:20)." When it comes to our sins God "LET IT GO" nearly 2,000 years ago at the cross. Isn't it time you believed God and stopped trying to deal with sins He no longer remembers? LET IT GO!
Q: Jesus says "blessed" is the man(woman) who doesn't walk in the "counsel" of the ungodly? What does that mean?
A: To counsel is to give advice, an opinion or instruction in directing the judgment or conduct of another. The ungodly are described as "men who suppress the truth by their wickedness (Rom 1:18)" and are grouped together with the "sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine (1 Tim 1:9-10)." God is described as the "Wonderful Counselor (Is 9:6)." And Jesus described the Holy Spirit as the Counselor who would "be with you forever— the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:16-17)." Therefore, do you want to consistently take advice or instruction from people who are lost and actively pursuing sin? Or perhaps, would you rather consistently take advice and instruction from the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who indwells you and wants to guide you from within? The answer seems pretty simple. I would choose to have God guide me than unbelieving, unregenerate and ungodly men or women. My prayer is that we spend more time with the Lord, meditating on the things He would like to teach us, rather than looking for guidance from people who don't even know the Lord themselves. Be blessed.
Q: We (Christians) are "justified" but why do some Christians walk around feeling "guilty" of what they did in the past?
A: Christians walk around feeling guilty of the past because of poor discipleship and teaching. They feel that their sins still separate them from God. Countless believers, despite what Scripture says, believe things like a Christian can "lose fellowship" with God or that He "turns His back" on them when they sin. Some even believe you can lose your salvation if you don't stop sinning. And if you believe your sins still come between you and your God you must do something about them which leads to more error. Christians then come up with sacrifices for their sins which are not accepted by God nor are they required. How many Christians continually ask God for forgiveness, keep short accounts, answer altar calls, repeat the Lord's Prayer, go to confession booths and so on? Millions do. It only keeps you focused on sins that God is not counting against you and will prevent you from maturing in the faith or truly experiencing God's love.
The truth of the matter is that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself not counting mens sins against them (2 Cor 5:19). If God isn't counting your sins why are you? Furthermore, scripture says our sins and lawless acts aren't remembered by God and there is no more sacrifice for sin (Heb 10:17-18). If your sins are forgotten and there is no more sacrifice for sin how is your "sacrifice" getting for you what you already have in Christ? Our forgiveness is not conditional based on our seeking more of it. We have forgiveness of sins as an inheritance of our faith (Eph 1:7) and we then share that with others (Eph. 4:32; Col 3:13). "But that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were JUSTIFIED in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Cor 6:11)." Until you settle the forgiveness issue will never rest in the justification you already have because there will always be a sin to deal with until the day you die. Be reconciled!
Q: Jesus says don't just be a "hearer" of the word but a "doer" of the word...What does that mean?
A: I think it was Paul and James that spoke of being a "hearer" and a "doer." Both were in context of the Mosaic Law. One, Paul, was talking about the inability to establish a right standing before God through obedience to it. The other, James, in regards to using the law for its intended purpose, a mirror showing our sinfulness to turn us to Christ. Regardless, the Christian life is not about identifying things Jesus said and then trying to do them only to call on His grace and mercy when we fall short of doing them. We are deceived if we believe we are supposed to dedicate our lives to a life of doing the impossible. Jesus said to "Be perfect, therefore, as your Father in Heaven (Mt 5:48)." How are you doing at that one? He also said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. (Lk 10:27)." How are you doing with those? If your honest you will admit that you are not doing as Jesus said. And that is the point.
Jesus wasn't establishing a new way of life or narrowing the 613 Commandments of the Mosaic Law (there is more than just the first Ten) down to two in order to make it easier for us. He amplified the Law to bury His Jewish audience under their own self-righteousness because they believed they were being obedient enough to God. Jesus wanted them to come to one conclusion, "Who then can be saved (Mt 19:25)?" If you're in Christ your life is not one of "hearing" and "doing" because it, ultimately, leads to having to establish what to do and not to do in order to live. And that is establishing law no matter how you slice it. The Christian life is a life of trust and dependence on the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide you from within not from without through obedience to commands, rules, laws or denominational doctrine, designed to modify your behavior."The righteous will live by faith (Rm 1:17; Gal 3:11)!" Be blessed.
Q: The bible says the Holy Spirit is our "helper"..What does that mean?
A: In the verse where we get this question from it is key to note that it says the Holy Spirit will "bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." This is more a reference to the fact that Jesus would remind the writers of the Gospels and the New Testament (yet to be written at this time) of what He had said to them. With that said, John 14:16 says that Holy Spirit will "be with you forever." Salvation is the restoration of the life of God, lost in Adam, to all who place faith in Christ. When Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will be with the disciples forever He is referring to eternal life. This should comfort all Christians because it is solid evidence we cannot lose our salvation. The Holy Spirit, as Helper, is the "Spirit of truth (John 15:26)." It is in this role that He reveals the meaning of scripture to all believers. Another role He fulfills as Helper is in our time of weakness. Scripture says that during our times of weakness we do not know how to pray, but the Holy Spirit "intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26)." And, ultimately, the Helper acts as our "Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1)" when we sin so we don't have to deal with our sins ourselves. This another reminder that our sins do not separate us from God and never will again. Consistent with what we know to be true about our God, the Holy Spirit does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Be Blessed.
A: The reason a Christian is still having to say "LET IT GO" is because he "has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins (2 Ptr 1:9)." And they have forgotten this because they have said to God "I will" do everything you command me to do. But, they soon realize they cannot do everything God commands them to do because as Jesus said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Mt 5:48)." Their sins are a constant reminder of their imperfection. Therefore, they have to come up with ways in which to deal with their sins. This leads to such things like constantly asking God to forgive them, answering "altar calls" every Sunday to "rededicate" themselves to a life they know they can't live, repeating prayers of repentance, keeping short accounts, streaming into confession booths or saying "LET IT GO" on Facebook.
It feels good for a moment, but as the Bible says it lacks "any value in restraining sensual indulgence (Col 2:23)." God calls us into His Sabbath rest (Heb 4). This is a daily rest from our self-righteous works designed to try and please an already pleased God by what we do. When the focus is on ourselves we will never rest because there will always be one more sin to overcome or one more thing "to do" for God. Paul begged us to "Be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5:20)." When it comes to our sins God "LET IT GO" nearly 2,000 years ago at the cross. Isn't it time you believed God and stopped trying to deal with sins He no longer remembers? LET IT GO!
Q: Jesus says "blessed" is the man(woman) who doesn't walk in the "counsel" of the ungodly? What does that mean?
A: To counsel is to give advice, an opinion or instruction in directing the judgment or conduct of another. The ungodly are described as "men who suppress the truth by their wickedness (Rom 1:18)" and are grouped together with the "sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine (1 Tim 1:9-10)." God is described as the "Wonderful Counselor (Is 9:6)." And Jesus described the Holy Spirit as the Counselor who would "be with you forever— the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:16-17)." Therefore, do you want to consistently take advice or instruction from people who are lost and actively pursuing sin? Or perhaps, would you rather consistently take advice and instruction from the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who indwells you and wants to guide you from within? The answer seems pretty simple. I would choose to have God guide me than unbelieving, unregenerate and ungodly men or women. My prayer is that we spend more time with the Lord, meditating on the things He would like to teach us, rather than looking for guidance from people who don't even know the Lord themselves. Be blessed.
Q: We (Christians) are "justified" but why do some Christians walk around feeling "guilty" of what they did in the past?
A: Christians walk around feeling guilty of the past because of poor discipleship and teaching. They feel that their sins still separate them from God. Countless believers, despite what Scripture says, believe things like a Christian can "lose fellowship" with God or that He "turns His back" on them when they sin. Some even believe you can lose your salvation if you don't stop sinning. And if you believe your sins still come between you and your God you must do something about them which leads to more error. Christians then come up with sacrifices for their sins which are not accepted by God nor are they required. How many Christians continually ask God for forgiveness, keep short accounts, answer altar calls, repeat the Lord's Prayer, go to confession booths and so on? Millions do. It only keeps you focused on sins that God is not counting against you and will prevent you from maturing in the faith or truly experiencing God's love.
The truth of the matter is that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself not counting mens sins against them (2 Cor 5:19). If God isn't counting your sins why are you? Furthermore, scripture says our sins and lawless acts aren't remembered by God and there is no more sacrifice for sin (Heb 10:17-18). If your sins are forgotten and there is no more sacrifice for sin how is your "sacrifice" getting for you what you already have in Christ? Our forgiveness is not conditional based on our seeking more of it. We have forgiveness of sins as an inheritance of our faith (Eph 1:7) and we then share that with others (Eph. 4:32; Col 3:13). "But that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were JUSTIFIED in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Cor 6:11)." Until you settle the forgiveness issue will never rest in the justification you already have because there will always be a sin to deal with until the day you die. Be reconciled!
Q: Jesus says don't just be a "hearer" of the word but a "doer" of the word...What does that mean?
A: I think it was Paul and James that spoke of being a "hearer" and a "doer." Both were in context of the Mosaic Law. One, Paul, was talking about the inability to establish a right standing before God through obedience to it. The other, James, in regards to using the law for its intended purpose, a mirror showing our sinfulness to turn us to Christ. Regardless, the Christian life is not about identifying things Jesus said and then trying to do them only to call on His grace and mercy when we fall short of doing them. We are deceived if we believe we are supposed to dedicate our lives to a life of doing the impossible. Jesus said to "Be perfect, therefore, as your Father in Heaven (Mt 5:48)." How are you doing at that one? He also said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. (Lk 10:27)." How are you doing with those? If your honest you will admit that you are not doing as Jesus said. And that is the point.
Jesus wasn't establishing a new way of life or narrowing the 613 Commandments of the Mosaic Law (there is more than just the first Ten) down to two in order to make it easier for us. He amplified the Law to bury His Jewish audience under their own self-righteousness because they believed they were being obedient enough to God. Jesus wanted them to come to one conclusion, "Who then can be saved (Mt 19:25)?" If you're in Christ your life is not one of "hearing" and "doing" because it, ultimately, leads to having to establish what to do and not to do in order to live. And that is establishing law no matter how you slice it. The Christian life is a life of trust and dependence on the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide you from within not from without through obedience to commands, rules, laws or denominational doctrine, designed to modify your behavior."The righteous will live by faith (Rm 1:17; Gal 3:11)!" Be blessed.
Q: The bible says the Holy Spirit is our "helper"..What does that mean?
A: In the verse where we get this question from it is key to note that it says the Holy Spirit will "bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." This is more a reference to the fact that Jesus would remind the writers of the Gospels and the New Testament (yet to be written at this time) of what He had said to them. With that said, John 14:16 says that Holy Spirit will "be with you forever." Salvation is the restoration of the life of God, lost in Adam, to all who place faith in Christ. When Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will be with the disciples forever He is referring to eternal life. This should comfort all Christians because it is solid evidence we cannot lose our salvation. The Holy Spirit, as Helper, is the "Spirit of truth (John 15:26)." It is in this role that He reveals the meaning of scripture to all believers. Another role He fulfills as Helper is in our time of weakness. Scripture says that during our times of weakness we do not know how to pray, but the Holy Spirit "intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26)." And, ultimately, the Helper acts as our "Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1)" when we sin so we don't have to deal with our sins ourselves. This another reminder that our sins do not separate us from God and never will again. Consistent with what we know to be true about our God, the Holy Spirit does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Be Blessed.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Half Human
Q: Can the Nephilim be saved? While demons had no excuse to deny God and were punished permanently, the Nephilim were half human and born into a broken world. Would it be remotely possible for the Nephilim to become God-fearing and be saved?
A: The assumption that the Nephilim were “half human” is a dangerous premise to set in regards to the scriptures. To presume that demons were able to procreate with humans in order to have offspring is not supported by the Scriptures and, if accepted, would call into question the very nature and validity of Jesus Christ. In fact, it was Jesus who said, "a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have (Luke 24:39)." If a demon, or spirit, had flesh and bones then the virgin conception of Mary, the mother of Jesus, could easily be said to have been an interaction with a demon. Thus, Jesus is no longer God in human flesh, but the offspring of a demon and human union. If that were the case we have basically destroyed the authenticity of the Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1 clearly states that all the living creations of God are designed to reproduce "according to their kinds." When it comes to mankind, specifically, this has to be the case otherwise God's plan for the redemption of mankind falls apart. "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man (1 Corinthians 15:21)." Adam sinned and the Spirit of God left him. Subsequently, all mankind is born spiritually dead to God in sin. If you interject a variable like demons and humans having children then you have to account for why mankind is held solely responsible for what demons would have played a part in. Furthermore, you then would have to ask why God said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them (Genesis 6:7)." If God sent the Flood to destroy mankind and what He had created then why didn't He mention fallen angels, demons, if they played a part in the wickedness on earth?
There are quite a few theories as to who the Nephilim were, including the one you have put forth in your question. However, I believe the best interpretation of who they were must be rooted in the belief that they were humans just like you and I. Just prior to the introduction of the Nephilim, God says, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal, his days will be a hundred and twenty years (Genesis 6:3)." It is pretty clear that the inhabitants of the world were mortal men, not anything other than that. If you continue to read, the Nephilim were described as "men of renown" in verse 4. And it is my understanding that the word Nephilim is Hebrew for "fallen ones." What better description for mankind then "fallen ones." It perfectly describes descendants of Adam who was responsible for the Fall of mankind in the first place. Because Adam fell all mankind fell because we are all born in his image. Without that consistency the redemption that has come through Jesus Christ would not be adequate.
This leads to the answer to your question. The Bible is clear that regardless of what time one lived on this earth salvation has always come by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. To prove this point the Apostle Paul pointed to Abraham as an example. "What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3)." Ultimately, we look to Jesus Christ as the substance that fulfills the types and shadows of the Old Testament (Hebrews 10:1). Jesus said, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms (Luke 24:44)." In fact, the reason the Jews celebrated Passover was to keep them focused on their Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was to come. "Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed (1 Corinthians 5:7)." The people in the time before Christ looked expectantly towards His coming, just as those of us alive today look back in thankfulness that He has come. Thank you for your question and I hope my answer helps.
A: The assumption that the Nephilim were “half human” is a dangerous premise to set in regards to the scriptures. To presume that demons were able to procreate with humans in order to have offspring is not supported by the Scriptures and, if accepted, would call into question the very nature and validity of Jesus Christ. In fact, it was Jesus who said, "a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have (Luke 24:39)." If a demon, or spirit, had flesh and bones then the virgin conception of Mary, the mother of Jesus, could easily be said to have been an interaction with a demon. Thus, Jesus is no longer God in human flesh, but the offspring of a demon and human union. If that were the case we have basically destroyed the authenticity of the Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1 clearly states that all the living creations of God are designed to reproduce "according to their kinds." When it comes to mankind, specifically, this has to be the case otherwise God's plan for the redemption of mankind falls apart. "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man (1 Corinthians 15:21)." Adam sinned and the Spirit of God left him. Subsequently, all mankind is born spiritually dead to God in sin. If you interject a variable like demons and humans having children then you have to account for why mankind is held solely responsible for what demons would have played a part in. Furthermore, you then would have to ask why God said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them (Genesis 6:7)." If God sent the Flood to destroy mankind and what He had created then why didn't He mention fallen angels, demons, if they played a part in the wickedness on earth?
There are quite a few theories as to who the Nephilim were, including the one you have put forth in your question. However, I believe the best interpretation of who they were must be rooted in the belief that they were humans just like you and I. Just prior to the introduction of the Nephilim, God says, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal, his days will be a hundred and twenty years (Genesis 6:3)." It is pretty clear that the inhabitants of the world were mortal men, not anything other than that. If you continue to read, the Nephilim were described as "men of renown" in verse 4. And it is my understanding that the word Nephilim is Hebrew for "fallen ones." What better description for mankind then "fallen ones." It perfectly describes descendants of Adam who was responsible for the Fall of mankind in the first place. Because Adam fell all mankind fell because we are all born in his image. Without that consistency the redemption that has come through Jesus Christ would not be adequate.
This leads to the answer to your question. The Bible is clear that regardless of what time one lived on this earth salvation has always come by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. To prove this point the Apostle Paul pointed to Abraham as an example. "What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3)." Ultimately, we look to Jesus Christ as the substance that fulfills the types and shadows of the Old Testament (Hebrews 10:1). Jesus said, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms (Luke 24:44)." In fact, the reason the Jews celebrated Passover was to keep them focused on their Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was to come. "Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed (1 Corinthians 5:7)." The people in the time before Christ looked expectantly towards His coming, just as those of us alive today look back in thankfulness that He has come. Thank you for your question and I hope my answer helps.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
My Answer is ... January 3, 2010
Q: The bible says The "LOVE" of money is the "root" of all evil...So is it "evil" for Christians to be "wealthy"?
A: No, it is not evil for Christians to be wealthy. However, God is not concerned whether or not we are wealthy, poor or somewhere in between. Christians focus on blessings of the flesh because they mistakenly believe that through the acquisition of these material blessings it will meet the deepest desire of their heart for unconditional love and total acceptance. Therefore, the unhealthy pursuit of material wealth and money has caused some to " have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Tim 6:10)." Therefore, you see many Christians sitting under the teaching of "men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain (1 Tim 6:5)." These men manipulate scripture, primarily hanging out in the Old Testament, in order to control their flocks by telling them that God will bless them if they are obedient. They take scriptures meant for the Jews and apply them to Christians in an effort to separate them from their money under the promise God will reward them for doing so. The only one "blessed" with wealth is the pastor. What Christians need to realize is that God has already given you everything you need for life and godliness and blessed you with every spiritual blessing in order that you will be content regardless of your circumstances. When you have the deepest needs of your heart met through what you have already received from God you will no longer chase after those things in an area that can't provide them. Thus, you won't be expecting something from God He didn't promise to give. Be blessed.
Q: Why is the five fold ministry (pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets, apostles) important for us in the body of Christ?
A: I don't believe the "Five Fold Ministry" is in effect today. The primary reason is because two fifths of the so called ministry are not possible today. There are no apostles or prophets still around. An apostle was one who was chosen to give eyewitness testimony of the resurrected Christ (Acts 1:21-26;5-32; 1 Cor 9:1). And Paul indicated he was the last one to see the risen Christ (1 Cor. 15:8). Unless one is 2,000 years old there is nobody alive today that can qualify to be an apostle. In Ephesians 2:20 and 3:5, Paul states that the church has ""been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets" and that Christ's mystery regarding the church was "revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit." Any revelation regarding scripture or God's plan ended with the closing of the Canon of Scripture. There is no need today for visions and revelations from modern day apostles and prophets. To claim otherwise is to deny the sufficiency of the Bible (2 Tim 3:16) and opens the door to all sorts of heresy and error. Paul even warned us about "false apostles" (2 Cor. 11:13-15). The thing that must continue, in context of Eph 4:11-13, is not the "five fold ministry," but the "building up of the church" (v12). The offices of apostle and prophet ceased once their role in "equipping the saints" was completed. That happened at the end of the first century when the final letters of the scripture were finished. It is the Holy Spirit that reveals to us the meaning and purpose of the Scriptures already in our possession. It is He that leads us into all truth, not modern day "apostles" and "prophets." Be blessed.
Q: How do you know you are walking in the "spirit" and not the "flesh"(old sinful nature)?
A: You are not walking in the Spirit if you are living a life of obedience and repentance. If you are then you are guilty of being deceived by the same lie that Satan told Adam and Eve in the Garden. In order to live a life of repentance and obedience you have to live your life in accordance to good and evil. And that is eating from the wrong "tree." Satan told Adam and Eve that they would "be like God" knowing good and evil. Many Christians are guilty of trying to "be like God" through subjecting themselves to a lifestyle designed to modify their behavior in order to do good and avoid evil. The truth is much different. God designed us to have the deepest needs of our heart fulfilled. That can only be accomplished through total trust and dependence on Him. God gave Himself to us, in the form of the Holy Spirit, when we accepted Christ by faith. We were given everything we need for life and godliness and blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms through faith in Jesus. Therefore, we have unconditional love, total acceptance, meaning and purpose to life our hearts truly desire, in Him. This knowledge allows us to engage the world with what we have been given rather than what we hope to get from it that it cannot provide. We sin because we are looking for the desires of our heart to be met in something other than a relationship with our God. The goal of the Christian life is not to stop sinning through obedience and repentance. The goal of the Christian life is to start trusting and depending on the Holy Spirit to live the life only He can live through us. And when we do that He is not going to lead us into sin. Remember, the fruit of the Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit, not our fruit. Be blessed.
Q: How can we as christians not "yield" to "temptations" that come our way?
A: The answer lies in identifying the reason why we sin. We sin because we are looking for unconditional love, acceptance, meaning and puropose to life apart from a relationship with our God. Mankind was designed to have the deepest desires of our heart filled. God did this so that He would be the only one that can fulfill those desires. If we don't believe we are having those needs met through a relationship with Him through faith in Christ, we will seek it from the world. And all the world offers is it through some form of sin. Keep in mind, we don't have these desires met through an obedient lifestyle designed to identify sin and avoid it. We will never avoid sin completely, but we will only experience a diminishing of sin through trust and dependence on our God. This happens as a direct result of the knowledge that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness and blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Part of that inheritance is the fact that we are unconditionally loved and totally accepted by God. And it is this knowledge that leads to us engaging the world with what we have been given from God rather than trying to get from the world that which it cannot provide. Remember, the goal of the Christian life is not to stop sinning through a lifestyle of repentance and obedience by avoiding evil and practicing good. The goal of the Christian life is to start trusting and dependening on God through the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead us from within. And when we are doing that He is not going to lead us into sin. Be blessed.
A: No, it is not evil for Christians to be wealthy. However, God is not concerned whether or not we are wealthy, poor or somewhere in between. Christians focus on blessings of the flesh because they mistakenly believe that through the acquisition of these material blessings it will meet the deepest desire of their heart for unconditional love and total acceptance. Therefore, the unhealthy pursuit of material wealth and money has caused some to " have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Tim 6:10)." Therefore, you see many Christians sitting under the teaching of "men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain (1 Tim 6:5)." These men manipulate scripture, primarily hanging out in the Old Testament, in order to control their flocks by telling them that God will bless them if they are obedient. They take scriptures meant for the Jews and apply them to Christians in an effort to separate them from their money under the promise God will reward them for doing so. The only one "blessed" with wealth is the pastor. What Christians need to realize is that God has already given you everything you need for life and godliness and blessed you with every spiritual blessing in order that you will be content regardless of your circumstances. When you have the deepest needs of your heart met through what you have already received from God you will no longer chase after those things in an area that can't provide them. Thus, you won't be expecting something from God He didn't promise to give. Be blessed.
Q: Why is the five fold ministry (pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets, apostles) important for us in the body of Christ?
A: I don't believe the "Five Fold Ministry" is in effect today. The primary reason is because two fifths of the so called ministry are not possible today. There are no apostles or prophets still around. An apostle was one who was chosen to give eyewitness testimony of the resurrected Christ (Acts 1:21-26;5-32; 1 Cor 9:1). And Paul indicated he was the last one to see the risen Christ (1 Cor. 15:8). Unless one is 2,000 years old there is nobody alive today that can qualify to be an apostle. In Ephesians 2:20 and 3:5, Paul states that the church has ""been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets" and that Christ's mystery regarding the church was "revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit." Any revelation regarding scripture or God's plan ended with the closing of the Canon of Scripture. There is no need today for visions and revelations from modern day apostles and prophets. To claim otherwise is to deny the sufficiency of the Bible (2 Tim 3:16) and opens the door to all sorts of heresy and error. Paul even warned us about "false apostles" (2 Cor. 11:13-15). The thing that must continue, in context of Eph 4:11-13, is not the "five fold ministry," but the "building up of the church" (v12). The offices of apostle and prophet ceased once their role in "equipping the saints" was completed. That happened at the end of the first century when the final letters of the scripture were finished. It is the Holy Spirit that reveals to us the meaning and purpose of the Scriptures already in our possession. It is He that leads us into all truth, not modern day "apostles" and "prophets." Be blessed.
Q: How do you know you are walking in the "spirit" and not the "flesh"(old sinful nature)?
A: You are not walking in the Spirit if you are living a life of obedience and repentance. If you are then you are guilty of being deceived by the same lie that Satan told Adam and Eve in the Garden. In order to live a life of repentance and obedience you have to live your life in accordance to good and evil. And that is eating from the wrong "tree." Satan told Adam and Eve that they would "be like God" knowing good and evil. Many Christians are guilty of trying to "be like God" through subjecting themselves to a lifestyle designed to modify their behavior in order to do good and avoid evil. The truth is much different. God designed us to have the deepest needs of our heart fulfilled. That can only be accomplished through total trust and dependence on Him. God gave Himself to us, in the form of the Holy Spirit, when we accepted Christ by faith. We were given everything we need for life and godliness and blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms through faith in Jesus. Therefore, we have unconditional love, total acceptance, meaning and purpose to life our hearts truly desire, in Him. This knowledge allows us to engage the world with what we have been given rather than what we hope to get from it that it cannot provide. We sin because we are looking for the desires of our heart to be met in something other than a relationship with our God. The goal of the Christian life is not to stop sinning through obedience and repentance. The goal of the Christian life is to start trusting and depending on the Holy Spirit to live the life only He can live through us. And when we do that He is not going to lead us into sin. Remember, the fruit of the Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit, not our fruit. Be blessed.
Q: How can we as christians not "yield" to "temptations" that come our way?
A: The answer lies in identifying the reason why we sin. We sin because we are looking for unconditional love, acceptance, meaning and puropose to life apart from a relationship with our God. Mankind was designed to have the deepest desires of our heart filled. God did this so that He would be the only one that can fulfill those desires. If we don't believe we are having those needs met through a relationship with Him through faith in Christ, we will seek it from the world. And all the world offers is it through some form of sin. Keep in mind, we don't have these desires met through an obedient lifestyle designed to identify sin and avoid it. We will never avoid sin completely, but we will only experience a diminishing of sin through trust and dependence on our God. This happens as a direct result of the knowledge that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness and blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Part of that inheritance is the fact that we are unconditionally loved and totally accepted by God. And it is this knowledge that leads to us engaging the world with what we have been given from God rather than trying to get from the world that which it cannot provide. Remember, the goal of the Christian life is not to stop sinning through a lifestyle of repentance and obedience by avoiding evil and practicing good. The goal of the Christian life is to start trusting and dependening on God through the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead us from within. And when we are doing that He is not going to lead us into sin. Be blessed.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Young Love
Q: I just turned 21, oddly enough I never had a girlfriend, or asked one out. I always was nervous, maybe because of the divorce, and trying to figure out a way to explain the situation to a girl. I have some anxiety and allot of nervousness. I am in college, I know of many Christian girls, but I am too nervous to say anything to them about liking them. Truthfully, I always thought that if I pray about it, GOD will bring me to the right girl, if I am truly in His will for my life. I know that I need to use the brain GOD gave me, even if He does lead me to her, if I say nothing to her, it will all be meaningless. It`s hard because I am so nervous. Many girls smile at me, but I do not know what to do. Will God tell me what to do? My mom and her family think I am crazy, although they wont say so, I can tell. They have no idea how hard it is for my brother and I. Thank You for taking the time to read this!
A: Thanks for your question. My heart goes out to you and your brother regarding the pain you two are experiencing from the divorce. You are not crazy and your shyness towards girls is not something unique to you. Many young men struggle with talking to the opposite sex. I was similar myself when I was your age. One thing you have going for you is that you are a Christian. I was not at that time of my life. There is no magic answer that I can give to you that will give you the confidence or the words to speak to any young lady who you are attracted to. All I would say is not to be overly concerned about it as those things usually fall into place as time goes on. Often times in order to gain the attention and or acceptance of the opposite sex we can make ourselves vulnerable to doing things out of character and sinful in hopes it will result in winning the affections of the one we desire. The one area I would like to focus on is your statement about discovering God's will for your life.
Many Christians make the mistake in thinking that God's will is somehow tied to things like who we date or marry, where we go to school, where we live, what career to pursue and so on. It can paralyze an individual as they believe if they marry the wrong person they have somehow shifted some cosmic balance and will face God's wrath or that something like the divorce of a person's parents is God's will (i.e. punishment) as well. Furthermore, when you think about it who is usually the one who makes the determination of whether or not a person is in God's will? It is usually the individual themselves. They believe that if things work out to their satisfaction than they are in God's will and vice versa. That is a false belief to have. God's will can best be described as a description of the inheritance we have received as a result of the death of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:15 says, "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant." God's will is the promised eternal inheritance we have received through faith in Jesus Christ.
What is a will? By definition, a will is "a legal declaration of a person's wishes as to the disposition of his or her property or estate after death." The Bible has a similar definition. "In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living (Hebrews 9:16-17)." Therefore, we can now see that God's will for us is what He has given to us as a result of the death of Jesus Christ. As heirs we have a right to the inheritance He has given us. Amongst the inheritance we have received is the right to call ourselves new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) who are unconditionally loved (Romans 8:39), totally forgiven (Colossians 2:13) and totally accepted (Romans 15:7) by God. God gave us all this and more as an inheritance so we would not seek it from any other source than Him. He created us to have the deepest desires of our heart met. And He did so because He, through His indwelling Holy Spirit, is the only one that can fulfill those desires.
Most often when we seek after fleshly blessings we are really trying to fulfill the desires of our heart through the acquisition of them. Normally, when we sin it is because we thought that through that sin we would gain some form of love or acceptance. It is possible, and only you can answer this, that the divorce you and your brother endured left you questioning whether or not you both were loved and accepted by your parents. Perhaps, you even thought that you had something to do with the divorce. If so, don't let those thoughts enter your mind any longer. Even if that isn't the case your Heavenly Father has given you unconditional love and acceptance. Do not burden yourself with how to go about approaching young women or paralyze yourself with the stigma you feel the divorce has caused. Focus on your relationship with your God, in Christ, and as you grow and mature in that you will realize how the burden of your past as well as your concern about your possible future with a young lady will not be as much of an issue.
Remember, God doesn't hold your past against you and you shouldn't hold your past against yourself. When God looks at you He sees you as His totally loved and accepted child (John 1:12). He doesn't see you as His child from a divorced home. When the time comes you will find that special lady that you desire to be with and you will find the words to say to her. And rather than being afraid of bringing up the divorce you can you use the divorce as a testimony of how God revealed His love for you. And in the understanding of that love you will have the foundation in which to build a strong marriage. Who knows, you may be able to use your experience to comfort someone struggling with the same thing you are dealing with now. And then you will be able to exclaim, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)." I hope this helps. May God continue to reveal to you the blessings you already have in Christ.
A: Thanks for your question. My heart goes out to you and your brother regarding the pain you two are experiencing from the divorce. You are not crazy and your shyness towards girls is not something unique to you. Many young men struggle with talking to the opposite sex. I was similar myself when I was your age. One thing you have going for you is that you are a Christian. I was not at that time of my life. There is no magic answer that I can give to you that will give you the confidence or the words to speak to any young lady who you are attracted to. All I would say is not to be overly concerned about it as those things usually fall into place as time goes on. Often times in order to gain the attention and or acceptance of the opposite sex we can make ourselves vulnerable to doing things out of character and sinful in hopes it will result in winning the affections of the one we desire. The one area I would like to focus on is your statement about discovering God's will for your life.
Many Christians make the mistake in thinking that God's will is somehow tied to things like who we date or marry, where we go to school, where we live, what career to pursue and so on. It can paralyze an individual as they believe if they marry the wrong person they have somehow shifted some cosmic balance and will face God's wrath or that something like the divorce of a person's parents is God's will (i.e. punishment) as well. Furthermore, when you think about it who is usually the one who makes the determination of whether or not a person is in God's will? It is usually the individual themselves. They believe that if things work out to their satisfaction than they are in God's will and vice versa. That is a false belief to have. God's will can best be described as a description of the inheritance we have received as a result of the death of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:15 says, "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant." God's will is the promised eternal inheritance we have received through faith in Jesus Christ.
What is a will? By definition, a will is "a legal declaration of a person's wishes as to the disposition of his or her property or estate after death." The Bible has a similar definition. "In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living (Hebrews 9:16-17)." Therefore, we can now see that God's will for us is what He has given to us as a result of the death of Jesus Christ. As heirs we have a right to the inheritance He has given us. Amongst the inheritance we have received is the right to call ourselves new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) who are unconditionally loved (Romans 8:39), totally forgiven (Colossians 2:13) and totally accepted (Romans 15:7) by God. God gave us all this and more as an inheritance so we would not seek it from any other source than Him. He created us to have the deepest desires of our heart met. And He did so because He, through His indwelling Holy Spirit, is the only one that can fulfill those desires.
Most often when we seek after fleshly blessings we are really trying to fulfill the desires of our heart through the acquisition of them. Normally, when we sin it is because we thought that through that sin we would gain some form of love or acceptance. It is possible, and only you can answer this, that the divorce you and your brother endured left you questioning whether or not you both were loved and accepted by your parents. Perhaps, you even thought that you had something to do with the divorce. If so, don't let those thoughts enter your mind any longer. Even if that isn't the case your Heavenly Father has given you unconditional love and acceptance. Do not burden yourself with how to go about approaching young women or paralyze yourself with the stigma you feel the divorce has caused. Focus on your relationship with your God, in Christ, and as you grow and mature in that you will realize how the burden of your past as well as your concern about your possible future with a young lady will not be as much of an issue.
Remember, God doesn't hold your past against you and you shouldn't hold your past against yourself. When God looks at you He sees you as His totally loved and accepted child (John 1:12). He doesn't see you as His child from a divorced home. When the time comes you will find that special lady that you desire to be with and you will find the words to say to her. And rather than being afraid of bringing up the divorce you can you use the divorce as a testimony of how God revealed His love for you. And in the understanding of that love you will have the foundation in which to build a strong marriage. Who knows, you may be able to use your experience to comfort someone struggling with the same thing you are dealing with now. And then you will be able to exclaim, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)." I hope this helps. May God continue to reveal to you the blessings you already have in Christ.
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