We have seen and testify that the father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.
1 John 4:14 NASB
The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son.
And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
1 John 5:10-12 NASB
And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
1 John 5:20 NASB
The word of God is very plain when it comes to the salvation of our souls. We may think there are many ways to heaven, but God is clear in telling us that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between us as sinful men, and God, whom we have offended (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
Consider what Peter says about Jesus being the only way of salvation.
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ - This Jesus whom you crucified."
Acts 2:36 NASB
He goes on to tell his listeners, who were cut to the heart by his words, to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2:37-38).
Peter also tells the crowd who gathered at the healing of a lame man (Acts 3:1-11), that faith in the name of Jesus was the basis for the miracle that had just occurred, and that they could experience refreshing from the Lord, through Jesus, the one appointed for them, if they would repent (Acts 3:16-20).
Peter tells the religious leaders that this sick man was healed in the name of Jesus, and that in fact salvation is found in no other name (Acts 4:10-12).
Jesus is the one exalted by God as a Prince and Savior to grant repentance, and forgiveness from sin (Acts 5:30-31).
The Apostle Paul writes that we have peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). Jesus Christ was the one who died for us. It is through Him that we are reconciled to God the Father (Romans 5:6-11).
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). There is no one else, no other belief system, that can ease a guilty conscience. In fact Paul declares that if anyone preaches another gospel, he is to be accursed (Galatians 1:8-9). People have always been so willing to believe something other than the truth (2 Cor 11:3-4). False teachers and false doctrines have existed from the very beginning, leading people astray from the truth that can save them. It is no different today. Thousands are led astray by cults, a soft gospel, new age, universalism, and a host of other deceptions.
Jesus Himself declared that He was sent for the salvation of the world, and it is through faith in Him that one is saved (John 3:16-17). As Jesus claimed, He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
Contrary to the opinion of many, the way is narrow, and few find it (Matt 7:13-14). There is no other way!
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Making Comparisons.
People tend to consider themselves as good. They know they have a fault or two, but basically they are good at heart.
They look around and see that they are not like the single mother down the street who has never married, or like the man struggling with drug addiction.
It is easy to see the sins of others while we conveniently overlook the obvious in our own lives (Matt 7:3). In order to justify ourselves in the eyes of God, we fall into the trap of making our own standard of judgment (2 Cor 10:12). Paul says that those who do this lack understanding.
Consider Adolph Hitler. We could compare our lives and actions with his, and come to the conclusion that we are not that bad. After all he was guilty of countless atrocities. He was responsible for the suffering of countless numbers of people, displacing them from their homes and countries, splitting up families, imprisonment, torture, and the systematic slaughter of millions of Jewish people and other groups he deemed inferior.
Stop and think however, at what point did his actions become too much? When he began to invade other countries? When he began to round up people, or when he began to kill them? At what point did he become bad? Was it long before this, beginning with smaller, less noticeable sins?
See how useless it is to judge ourselves by ourselves as sinful human beings? We have no true standard to base our judgment on.
We have a standard. It is the standard that God uses, and it is absolute. It is God's law, and He will use it to judge us with all fairness (James 2:12). James tells us that if we keep the whole law, and yet break one commandment, we become guilty of all of it (James 2:10).
You see God's standard is not like ours, where we decide if we are good enough by looking at how many things we have done, compared to how many, and of what sort of sins others have committed. To be a lawbreaker in just one point of God's law, is to be a lawbreaker.
Look at the example of Hitler again. We might say that we have never killed another person, let alone be responsible for the genocide of an entire people group. What does God have to say about prejudice though? In this same passage The law of liberty condemns it as murder (James 2:1-13).
How many of you are prejudiced against another race, or someone of another social status, or economic class? God calls this murder!
Jesus considers anger murder as well (Matt 5:21-22). John, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, condemns hatred as murder (1 John 3:15).
This tightens things up for us quite a bit! Do we look so good now, when we measure ourselves by God's standard?
It is a shocking thing to consider that an individual who hates a racial group is just as evil in God's sight, as someone who has actually carried out genocide!
This principle holds true for adultery as well. You might think you are faithful to your spouse, not like that guy down the street who is having an affair, but what about your thought life? Do you look at others with lust in your heart? If so, you are guilty of adultery according to Jesus, who will be your judge someday (Matt 5:27; Acts 17:30; Romans 2:16; 2 Cor 5:10).
The truth is, no matter how hard we try to justify ourselves in God's eye, we fall far short of His standard. We need a Savior, not only to make it possible to be forgiven, but to change our hearts and lives!
As sinful human beings, we are liars, thieves, adulterers, blasphemers, and murderers. We worship gods of our own invention, making us idolaters. We have all sinned and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Our only hope is found in Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins (1 Peter 2:24). We need the new birth with its life changing power to set us free from sin. We need the life changing power of Christ turning us towards living righteously in this present age (Titus 2:11-12, 3:5; Gal 1:4; 2 Cor 5:17). We need the law of God written upon our hearts (Heb 10:16-17).
Stop looking at others, and surrender to Jesus Christ today!
They look around and see that they are not like the single mother down the street who has never married, or like the man struggling with drug addiction.
It is easy to see the sins of others while we conveniently overlook the obvious in our own lives (Matt 7:3). In order to justify ourselves in the eyes of God, we fall into the trap of making our own standard of judgment (2 Cor 10:12). Paul says that those who do this lack understanding.
Consider Adolph Hitler. We could compare our lives and actions with his, and come to the conclusion that we are not that bad. After all he was guilty of countless atrocities. He was responsible for the suffering of countless numbers of people, displacing them from their homes and countries, splitting up families, imprisonment, torture, and the systematic slaughter of millions of Jewish people and other groups he deemed inferior.
Stop and think however, at what point did his actions become too much? When he began to invade other countries? When he began to round up people, or when he began to kill them? At what point did he become bad? Was it long before this, beginning with smaller, less noticeable sins?
See how useless it is to judge ourselves by ourselves as sinful human beings? We have no true standard to base our judgment on.
We have a standard. It is the standard that God uses, and it is absolute. It is God's law, and He will use it to judge us with all fairness (James 2:12). James tells us that if we keep the whole law, and yet break one commandment, we become guilty of all of it (James 2:10).
You see God's standard is not like ours, where we decide if we are good enough by looking at how many things we have done, compared to how many, and of what sort of sins others have committed. To be a lawbreaker in just one point of God's law, is to be a lawbreaker.
Look at the example of Hitler again. We might say that we have never killed another person, let alone be responsible for the genocide of an entire people group. What does God have to say about prejudice though? In this same passage The law of liberty condemns it as murder (James 2:1-13).
How many of you are prejudiced against another race, or someone of another social status, or economic class? God calls this murder!
Jesus considers anger murder as well (Matt 5:21-22). John, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, condemns hatred as murder (1 John 3:15).
This tightens things up for us quite a bit! Do we look so good now, when we measure ourselves by God's standard?
It is a shocking thing to consider that an individual who hates a racial group is just as evil in God's sight, as someone who has actually carried out genocide!
This principle holds true for adultery as well. You might think you are faithful to your spouse, not like that guy down the street who is having an affair, but what about your thought life? Do you look at others with lust in your heart? If so, you are guilty of adultery according to Jesus, who will be your judge someday (Matt 5:27; Acts 17:30; Romans 2:16; 2 Cor 5:10).
The truth is, no matter how hard we try to justify ourselves in God's eye, we fall far short of His standard. We need a Savior, not only to make it possible to be forgiven, but to change our hearts and lives!
As sinful human beings, we are liars, thieves, adulterers, blasphemers, and murderers. We worship gods of our own invention, making us idolaters. We have all sinned and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Our only hope is found in Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins (1 Peter 2:24). We need the new birth with its life changing power to set us free from sin. We need the life changing power of Christ turning us towards living righteously in this present age (Titus 2:11-12, 3:5; Gal 1:4; 2 Cor 5:17). We need the law of God written upon our hearts (Heb 10:16-17).
Stop looking at others, and surrender to Jesus Christ today!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Don't be a Fool.
The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God."
Psalm 14:1a
The bible tells us that one who denies the existence of God is a fool. These are strong words, and they are not my words, but God's.
We are told that the heavens declare the glory of God. Daily they declare His works, and from night to night they reveal knowledge. We can not hear their speech audibly, but they utter the glory of God throughout the earth (Psalm 19:1-4).
This agrees with what the Apostle Paul tells us in the book of Romans. God has revealed Himself to us through what He has created. We have a clear understanding of the existence and eternal attributes of the almighty God, deep within our conscience, leaving us without excuse to worship and obey God.
Only a fool would suppress this knowledge, but that is what men do. They violate their consciences, as they deny the God revealed to their souls, and recreate one who is more to their liking (Romans 1:18, 21-23). Paul says that they became fools (Romans 1:21).
In his wicked heart, man has decided that he would rather live for himself, he would rather be in control of his life and destiny. Man would rather live selfishly with little or no regard for the rights and happiness of others.
For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and the greedy man curses and spurns the Lord. The wicked in the haughtiness of his countenance does not seek after Him. All his thoughts are, "There is no God."
Psalm 10:3-4 NASB
It comforts a man's troubled soul when he can deny the existence of God. His sinful life rises up and condemns him through his conscience. In his pride mankind pursues wickedness, and finds comfort and even strength in his denial, or re-creation of God. (Psalm 10:5-11).
This is seen in the theory of evolution. In order to suppress the knowledge of God revealed in creation, men have chosen to reject the creator, and instead declare that the creation created itself. This is a doctrine of fools seeking to stamp out the very idea of God.
Only a fool would deceive himself, so that he could continue in a destructive life of sin. God will judge sin, and the wicked will not stand. The way of the wicked will perish (Psalm 1:4-6).
Even now, the unrestrained sin that is so prevalent in society is a sign of the judgment of God (Romans 1:22-32). Men who deny the truth revealed, are turned over to a depraved mind.
A day of wrath is coming upon the whole world (Rev 19:11-16). Don't be a fool, repent and give your life to Christ!
Psalm 14:1a
The bible tells us that one who denies the existence of God is a fool. These are strong words, and they are not my words, but God's.
We are told that the heavens declare the glory of God. Daily they declare His works, and from night to night they reveal knowledge. We can not hear their speech audibly, but they utter the glory of God throughout the earth (Psalm 19:1-4).
This agrees with what the Apostle Paul tells us in the book of Romans. God has revealed Himself to us through what He has created. We have a clear understanding of the existence and eternal attributes of the almighty God, deep within our conscience, leaving us without excuse to worship and obey God.
Only a fool would suppress this knowledge, but that is what men do. They violate their consciences, as they deny the God revealed to their souls, and recreate one who is more to their liking (Romans 1:18, 21-23). Paul says that they became fools (Romans 1:21).
In his wicked heart, man has decided that he would rather live for himself, he would rather be in control of his life and destiny. Man would rather live selfishly with little or no regard for the rights and happiness of others.
For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and the greedy man curses and spurns the Lord. The wicked in the haughtiness of his countenance does not seek after Him. All his thoughts are, "There is no God."
Psalm 10:3-4 NASB
It comforts a man's troubled soul when he can deny the existence of God. His sinful life rises up and condemns him through his conscience. In his pride mankind pursues wickedness, and finds comfort and even strength in his denial, or re-creation of God. (Psalm 10:5-11).
This is seen in the theory of evolution. In order to suppress the knowledge of God revealed in creation, men have chosen to reject the creator, and instead declare that the creation created itself. This is a doctrine of fools seeking to stamp out the very idea of God.
Only a fool would deceive himself, so that he could continue in a destructive life of sin. God will judge sin, and the wicked will not stand. The way of the wicked will perish (Psalm 1:4-6).
Even now, the unrestrained sin that is so prevalent in society is a sign of the judgment of God (Romans 1:22-32). Men who deny the truth revealed, are turned over to a depraved mind.
A day of wrath is coming upon the whole world (Rev 19:11-16). Don't be a fool, repent and give your life to Christ!
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Open Air Preaching
Here is a link to an open air presentation of the gospel. http://www.bibletube.tv/media-gallery/16616
Today if You Hear His Voice...
You men who are stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just what your fathers did.
Acts 7:51 NASB
The individuals that this verse is speaking of were those who had rejected the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. They were the ones who had been responsible for betraying Him into the hands of the Romans, and having Him put to death.
They stubbornly refused to hear what Jesus taught. They refused to accept that what He proclaimed was the truth, and they must put it into practice in their lives. They stiffened their necks and hardened their hearts against the truth.
Many individuals are just like that today. They hear the faithful witness of the gospel, and they are angered. They hear as the word of God is proclaimed in truth, and close their ears, and stubbornly refuse to submit to the claims of Christ.
These individuals are not merely resisting what men teach, but are in fact resisting the Holy Spirit as He convicts of sin, righteousness and judgment in their own sinful hearts (John 16:8-11). It is in fact the Holy Spirit working through the witness of faithful believers, who convicts the sinner of his sin, who convinces the sinner of his lost condition, of his danger, and need for the Savior.
To go on resisting the Holy Spirit by rejecting His message is to do so at your own eternal peril. We are given this warning in scripture,
Today if you would hear His voice, do not harden your hearts...
Psalm 95: 7-8; Hebrews 4:7
This is a grave warning to heed the voice of the Holy Spirit. The ancient Israelites failed to do this and suffered severe consequences because of their stubborn refusal to hear and obey.
We are warned in Proverbs, that to stubbornly resist reproof is fatal to our souls.
A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
Proverbs 29:1 NASB
Friend, are you one who has heard the gospel message and closed your ears against it? Have you felt conviction of sin deep within your heart, and yet tried to ignore it, tried to drown it out? You are resisting the Holy Spirit! He is convicting you because God loves you and is not willing that you perish, but that you would repent of your sin and follow Jesus (2 Peter 3:9).
Do not resist Him a moment longer. You will never come to Christ and be saved without the work of the Holy Spirit in your heart. He will only be resisted so much before it is too late.
Acts 7:51 NASB
The individuals that this verse is speaking of were those who had rejected the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. They were the ones who had been responsible for betraying Him into the hands of the Romans, and having Him put to death.
They stubbornly refused to hear what Jesus taught. They refused to accept that what He proclaimed was the truth, and they must put it into practice in their lives. They stiffened their necks and hardened their hearts against the truth.
Many individuals are just like that today. They hear the faithful witness of the gospel, and they are angered. They hear as the word of God is proclaimed in truth, and close their ears, and stubbornly refuse to submit to the claims of Christ.
These individuals are not merely resisting what men teach, but are in fact resisting the Holy Spirit as He convicts of sin, righteousness and judgment in their own sinful hearts (John 16:8-11). It is in fact the Holy Spirit working through the witness of faithful believers, who convicts the sinner of his sin, who convinces the sinner of his lost condition, of his danger, and need for the Savior.
To go on resisting the Holy Spirit by rejecting His message is to do so at your own eternal peril. We are given this warning in scripture,
Today if you would hear His voice, do not harden your hearts...
Psalm 95: 7-8; Hebrews 4:7
This is a grave warning to heed the voice of the Holy Spirit. The ancient Israelites failed to do this and suffered severe consequences because of their stubborn refusal to hear and obey.
We are warned in Proverbs, that to stubbornly resist reproof is fatal to our souls.
A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
Proverbs 29:1 NASB
Friend, are you one who has heard the gospel message and closed your ears against it? Have you felt conviction of sin deep within your heart, and yet tried to ignore it, tried to drown it out? You are resisting the Holy Spirit! He is convicting you because God loves you and is not willing that you perish, but that you would repent of your sin and follow Jesus (2 Peter 3:9).
Do not resist Him a moment longer. You will never come to Christ and be saved without the work of the Holy Spirit in your heart. He will only be resisted so much before it is too late.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Foolishness, or Power?
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18NASB
The world is filled with people seeking to overcome their problems. There are as many self help books, motivational gurus, talk show hosts, counselors, psychologists, pills, and so on, as there are problems to overcome.
Sadly the world pursues hopeless solutions while scorning the only thing that can deliver them from the real issue of sin.
The cross of Christ is considered foolishness by the wise of every age. Man has invented gods to worship, and rituals of every sort in an attempt to ease his guilty conscience.
It has never been a popular thing for the world to view the turmoil in the hearts of men as a sign of their lost condition. It is not popular today to call all the rebellious behavior that runs so rampant, what it really is, sin.
We have come to a place where what was once viewed as sinful behavior, is now seen as a thing to be tolerated, accepted, and even embraced. Political correctness runs in opposition to good morals.
The world desperately attempts to break addictions to no avail. We try to medicate, we try therapy, we go to support groups, but sin still rules in the hearts of men.
Jesus Christ is the only one who can set the prisoners free. He who the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:34-36). The message of the cross is indeed foolishness to the world. Religion is viewed as a crutch for weak minded people. But the cross of Christ is where the victory is found.
This is where the bondage is broken. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Sin is destroyed in the life of the believer as He identifies himself with Christ, through repentance and faith. (Romans 6:6-7). Our surrender to the Lordship of Christ requires us to live the crucified life, where we have no plans or purposes of our own. Now only Christ lives through us in power (Gal 2:20, 6:14).
Once again, this appears as foolishness to a self sufficient, wicked world system. Christ crucified, living in me is the answer. You can have victory over the sin in your life. You can be set free from the bondage and addictions that control you. You can be free from the guilt that haunts you. You can be reconciled to God.
Come to the cross.
1 Corinthians 1:18NASB
The world is filled with people seeking to overcome their problems. There are as many self help books, motivational gurus, talk show hosts, counselors, psychologists, pills, and so on, as there are problems to overcome.
Sadly the world pursues hopeless solutions while scorning the only thing that can deliver them from the real issue of sin.
The cross of Christ is considered foolishness by the wise of every age. Man has invented gods to worship, and rituals of every sort in an attempt to ease his guilty conscience.
It has never been a popular thing for the world to view the turmoil in the hearts of men as a sign of their lost condition. It is not popular today to call all the rebellious behavior that runs so rampant, what it really is, sin.
We have come to a place where what was once viewed as sinful behavior, is now seen as a thing to be tolerated, accepted, and even embraced. Political correctness runs in opposition to good morals.
The world desperately attempts to break addictions to no avail. We try to medicate, we try therapy, we go to support groups, but sin still rules in the hearts of men.
Jesus Christ is the only one who can set the prisoners free. He who the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:34-36). The message of the cross is indeed foolishness to the world. Religion is viewed as a crutch for weak minded people. But the cross of Christ is where the victory is found.
This is where the bondage is broken. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Sin is destroyed in the life of the believer as He identifies himself with Christ, through repentance and faith. (Romans 6:6-7). Our surrender to the Lordship of Christ requires us to live the crucified life, where we have no plans or purposes of our own. Now only Christ lives through us in power (Gal 2:20, 6:14).
Once again, this appears as foolishness to a self sufficient, wicked world system. Christ crucified, living in me is the answer. You can have victory over the sin in your life. You can be set free from the bondage and addictions that control you. You can be free from the guilt that haunts you. You can be reconciled to God.
Come to the cross.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
The Just Judgment of Christ.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who did the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me."
John 5:25-30 NASB
Be sure of this fact. One day we will all stand before God, to face judgment for how we have lived in this lifetime. We have this lifetime only in which to live our lives, and once we die it is over. We cannot change our lives, we cannot go back and try to undo all of our wrongs. We can be certain that we will stand before God's judgment to receive what is due us according to our deeds (Hebrews 9:27; 2 Cor 5:10; Romans 2:5-13; Rev 20:12-13, 22:12).
You can count on God to be perfectly just and fair to everyone who appears before Him. See what the Psalmist has to say about God's absolute justice.
He summons the heavens above, and the earth, to judge His people: "Gather My godly ones to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice." And the heavens declare His righteousness, for God Himself is judge.
Psalm 50:6 NASB
The heavens declare the righteousness of God. As a righteous judge, He will make no mistakes, He will not be swayed by any excuses, bribes, or show any partiality.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.
Psalm 89:14a
Righteousness and justice are what His rule is founded on. It is impossible for God, the holy, righteous judge, to render an unjust decision. It cannot be any other way. This is a great comfort to those who love and follow Him, those who have suffered at the hands of evil men. At the same time it should strike a holy fear in the hearts of all those who do not know God, nor obey the gospel (2 Thess 1:4-10).
Paul speaks of the justice of God.
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
Who will render to each person according to his deeds.
Romans 2:4-6 NASB
God is patient, waiting for souls to come to repentance, to turn their hearts from selfish, sinful pursuits, to Him and His service.
The blame lies squarely on us. We are the stubborn unrepentant ones who will not give up our sins and follow Christ. God will be perfectly just on that day when the books are opened and our deeds are laid bare for all to see.
Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God.
Romans 3:19 NASB
God's broken law will be the standard on that day. We will not be able to say that we are good people at heart. We will not be able to say that we are not truly sinful, or wicked. We will have no excuses. We will not be able to blame others, or claim we were born that way, or even that God made us that way. Every mouth will be closed on that day as God judges us according to our deeds, lining our lives up against His holy standard found in His law.
The law that condemns idolatry, blasphemy, the dishonoring of our parents, dishonesty, theft, murder, covetousness, and adultery, will be the standard that God will use as He righteously judges our deeds.
Where does this leave you or I, as we all know that we have broken some if not all of these commandments. This only shows us that we have wicked hearts, as it is out of the heart that these evil deeds proceed (Mark 7:20-23).
Our only hope lies in the offering of Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us, to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:2). For those who confess and forsake their sin, there is mercy and forgiveness. Our past is forgiven, forgotten by God. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9). We can be forgiven and start over with a clean slate. We do not have to stand before God with our past condemning us, if we are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
We now have the ability to walk in a manner that pleases God. We do not have to fall into the same pattern of sin that previously ruled our lives. We have victory in Jesus to live above the power of sin. By allowing the Holy Spirit to empower and lead our lives, we find that the righteous requirements of the law are now fulfilled in us (Romans 8:4).
The new covenant promises us that the law will be written upon our hearts (Hebrews 10:16-17). In other words, we will want to do the things that God requires of us in His law. We will love Him, and desire to please Him. Such an individual with a love for God, who orders his life by the Holy Spirit's leading will find himself fulfilling the law as he loves his neighbor as himself (Romans 13:8-10).
This is the new birth, a new creation in Christ. A sinful person forgiven and transformed. Such a one will not dread the judgment, but will look expectantly for the return of Christ (Hebrews 9:28).
John 5:25-30 NASB
Be sure of this fact. One day we will all stand before God, to face judgment for how we have lived in this lifetime. We have this lifetime only in which to live our lives, and once we die it is over. We cannot change our lives, we cannot go back and try to undo all of our wrongs. We can be certain that we will stand before God's judgment to receive what is due us according to our deeds (Hebrews 9:27; 2 Cor 5:10; Romans 2:5-13; Rev 20:12-13, 22:12).
You can count on God to be perfectly just and fair to everyone who appears before Him. See what the Psalmist has to say about God's absolute justice.
He summons the heavens above, and the earth, to judge His people: "Gather My godly ones to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice." And the heavens declare His righteousness, for God Himself is judge.
Psalm 50:6 NASB
The heavens declare the righteousness of God. As a righteous judge, He will make no mistakes, He will not be swayed by any excuses, bribes, or show any partiality.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.
Psalm 89:14a
Righteousness and justice are what His rule is founded on. It is impossible for God, the holy, righteous judge, to render an unjust decision. It cannot be any other way. This is a great comfort to those who love and follow Him, those who have suffered at the hands of evil men. At the same time it should strike a holy fear in the hearts of all those who do not know God, nor obey the gospel (2 Thess 1:4-10).
Paul speaks of the justice of God.
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
Who will render to each person according to his deeds.
Romans 2:4-6 NASB
God is patient, waiting for souls to come to repentance, to turn their hearts from selfish, sinful pursuits, to Him and His service.
The blame lies squarely on us. We are the stubborn unrepentant ones who will not give up our sins and follow Christ. God will be perfectly just on that day when the books are opened and our deeds are laid bare for all to see.
Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God.
Romans 3:19 NASB
God's broken law will be the standard on that day. We will not be able to say that we are good people at heart. We will not be able to say that we are not truly sinful, or wicked. We will have no excuses. We will not be able to blame others, or claim we were born that way, or even that God made us that way. Every mouth will be closed on that day as God judges us according to our deeds, lining our lives up against His holy standard found in His law.
The law that condemns idolatry, blasphemy, the dishonoring of our parents, dishonesty, theft, murder, covetousness, and adultery, will be the standard that God will use as He righteously judges our deeds.
Where does this leave you or I, as we all know that we have broken some if not all of these commandments. This only shows us that we have wicked hearts, as it is out of the heart that these evil deeds proceed (Mark 7:20-23).
Our only hope lies in the offering of Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us, to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:2). For those who confess and forsake their sin, there is mercy and forgiveness. Our past is forgiven, forgotten by God. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9). We can be forgiven and start over with a clean slate. We do not have to stand before God with our past condemning us, if we are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
We now have the ability to walk in a manner that pleases God. We do not have to fall into the same pattern of sin that previously ruled our lives. We have victory in Jesus to live above the power of sin. By allowing the Holy Spirit to empower and lead our lives, we find that the righteous requirements of the law are now fulfilled in us (Romans 8:4).
The new covenant promises us that the law will be written upon our hearts (Hebrews 10:16-17). In other words, we will want to do the things that God requires of us in His law. We will love Him, and desire to please Him. Such an individual with a love for God, who orders his life by the Holy Spirit's leading will find himself fulfilling the law as he loves his neighbor as himself (Romans 13:8-10).
This is the new birth, a new creation in Christ. A sinful person forgiven and transformed. Such a one will not dread the judgment, but will look expectantly for the return of Christ (Hebrews 9:28).
Sunday, November 16, 2014
The Witness of the Spirit.
The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.
By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
1 John 3:24, 4:13 NASB
As Christians, God has set our bodies apart to be temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). It is His purpose for us to abide in Him, and He in us.
Paul tells us that the love of God is poured out within our hearts, by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Think of your life before you met Christ. At some point you felt the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, as He showed you your sinfulness, and need for the Savior (John 16:7-11; 1 Thess 1:5). I can remember the unrest and turmoil as I struggled against the Holy Spirit's work in my life before I surrendered to Him.
An amazing thing happens as we repent, and by faith cast ourselves upon God's mercy through Christ Jesus. We have peace. The condemnation we felt is now gone (Romans 5:1, 8:1). Once we are forgiven, and the Holy Spirit enters our hearts, He bears witness with our spirits that we are now children of God (Romans 8:16; Galatians 4:6).
Now instead of convicting of us our sin, instead of driving us to the cross for mercy, the Holy Spirit comforts us, brings us peace, fills our hearts with love, and confirms to us that we belong to God as His children.
It is a wonderful thing to have a clean heart, a conscience at rest. When we felt the guilt of our sin we had no faith. We were unable to approach God with confidence, but now this has all changed (1 John 3:21).
I ask you, "Do you have this witness of the Holy Spirit, that you are a true child of God?" You can have this witness, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are indeed born again.
By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
1 John 3:24, 4:13 NASB
As Christians, God has set our bodies apart to be temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). It is His purpose for us to abide in Him, and He in us.
Paul tells us that the love of God is poured out within our hearts, by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Think of your life before you met Christ. At some point you felt the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, as He showed you your sinfulness, and need for the Savior (John 16:7-11; 1 Thess 1:5). I can remember the unrest and turmoil as I struggled against the Holy Spirit's work in my life before I surrendered to Him.
An amazing thing happens as we repent, and by faith cast ourselves upon God's mercy through Christ Jesus. We have peace. The condemnation we felt is now gone (Romans 5:1, 8:1). Once we are forgiven, and the Holy Spirit enters our hearts, He bears witness with our spirits that we are now children of God (Romans 8:16; Galatians 4:6).
Now instead of convicting of us our sin, instead of driving us to the cross for mercy, the Holy Spirit comforts us, brings us peace, fills our hearts with love, and confirms to us that we belong to God as His children.
It is a wonderful thing to have a clean heart, a conscience at rest. When we felt the guilt of our sin we had no faith. We were unable to approach God with confidence, but now this has all changed (1 John 3:21).
I ask you, "Do you have this witness of the Holy Spirit, that you are a true child of God?" You can have this witness, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are indeed born again.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Are You Guilty of Murder?
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
1 John 3:14-15 NASB
Once again John turns to the love of our Christian brethren as proof of our salvation (1 John 3:10-11, 14). If we cannot love those with whom we share the fellowship of Christ, how can we say we have eternal life abiding in us?
John goes beyond the act of actually killing somebody, and says that to hate a brother is to murder that brother. Listen to what Jesus said about this very same thing.
"You have heard that the ancients were told, 'You shall not commit murder' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good for nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says , 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell."
Matthew 5:21-22 NASB
Likewise, James warns Christians that when they treated fellow believers with partiality they were committing sin. He also makes the connection to murder as Jesus, and John do.
But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not commit murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
James 2:9-11 NASB
This really makes one think soberly! God looks at the inward motives and attitudes that we hold in our hearts. We may not actually kill a person physically, but to be unjustly angry, to harbor feelings of hatred, and to show partiality, is the same in the eyes of God, who declares that NO MURDERER HAS ETERNAL LIFE IN HIM.
Think of all the racial prejudice in the world today. Think of how we so often despise others of lesser means than us. The poor are often treated as inferior by those who are better off than they. This is exactly what James was pointing out in the Church he addressed.
John goes on to say that if we see a brother in need, and we can meet that need, but we close our heart towards that brother, we cannot possibly have the love of God abiding in us (1 John 3:17). This shows that we do not care about that brother, he means nothing to us, we are despising that brother in our hearts.
This should make us think and examine our hearts and actions to see if we can truly say we know Christ, we are born of Him, we have eternal life in us.
Love does not merely consist of feelings and emotions, but in deeds and action (James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:18). It is useless to wish someone well, but to refuse to help them.
These passages deal primarily with the love of Christian brothers and sisters. Jesus also commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and shows us that our neighbor can be anyone we come across that needs our help (Luke 10:27-37). We are to treat one another as we would want to be treated (Matt 7:12). Jesus goes so far as to command that we love our enemies (Matt 5:43-48). This seems a hard saying, and indeed it goes against the way of the world. Only those who are born again of the Spirit of God are able to fulfill such an exacting command.
1 John 3:14-15 NASB
Once again John turns to the love of our Christian brethren as proof of our salvation (1 John 3:10-11, 14). If we cannot love those with whom we share the fellowship of Christ, how can we say we have eternal life abiding in us?
John goes beyond the act of actually killing somebody, and says that to hate a brother is to murder that brother. Listen to what Jesus said about this very same thing.
"You have heard that the ancients were told, 'You shall not commit murder' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good for nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says , 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell."
Matthew 5:21-22 NASB
Likewise, James warns Christians that when they treated fellow believers with partiality they were committing sin. He also makes the connection to murder as Jesus, and John do.
But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not commit murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
James 2:9-11 NASB
This really makes one think soberly! God looks at the inward motives and attitudes that we hold in our hearts. We may not actually kill a person physically, but to be unjustly angry, to harbor feelings of hatred, and to show partiality, is the same in the eyes of God, who declares that NO MURDERER HAS ETERNAL LIFE IN HIM.
Think of all the racial prejudice in the world today. Think of how we so often despise others of lesser means than us. The poor are often treated as inferior by those who are better off than they. This is exactly what James was pointing out in the Church he addressed.
John goes on to say that if we see a brother in need, and we can meet that need, but we close our heart towards that brother, we cannot possibly have the love of God abiding in us (1 John 3:17). This shows that we do not care about that brother, he means nothing to us, we are despising that brother in our hearts.
This should make us think and examine our hearts and actions to see if we can truly say we know Christ, we are born of Him, we have eternal life in us.
Love does not merely consist of feelings and emotions, but in deeds and action (James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:18). It is useless to wish someone well, but to refuse to help them.
These passages deal primarily with the love of Christian brothers and sisters. Jesus also commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and shows us that our neighbor can be anyone we come across that needs our help (Luke 10:27-37). We are to treat one another as we would want to be treated (Matt 7:12). Jesus goes so far as to command that we love our enemies (Matt 5:43-48). This seems a hard saying, and indeed it goes against the way of the world. Only those who are born again of the Spirit of God are able to fulfill such an exacting command.
A Changed Life, Proof of Our Salvation.
We have seen that a person who practices sin is a lawless person, one who has cast off restraint (1 John 3:4). They show by their actions that they actually hate God (Romans 8:7).
John tells us that Jesus came to take away sins (1 John 3:5), and to destroy the devil's works (1 John 3:8). His purpose was to break the hold that sin has upon the life of a lost, selfish individual (John 8:36).
Therefore, one who abides in Christ, that is lives in trusting, obedient, submission to Him and His words, will not live a sinful lifestyle anymore (1 John 3:6). They have been set free from sins power over their lives. They now live to please Jesus their Lord in all they say and do.
Do not be deceived by those who say a Christian can be saved and live a sinful life at the same time. One who practices righteousness is righteous (1 John 3:7). The one who practices sin has not been changed by the power and grace of God through Jesus, and is in fact A CHILD OF THE DEVIL (1 John 3:8; John 8:44).
God's seed now dwells within the true believer. The law of God has been written upon His heart, a provision of the new covenant (Hebrews 10:16; 1 John 3:9). The true born again child of God does not walk in sin because of the redemptive work of Christ on his behalf. True grace teaches us to forsake our sin and to live sensible, upright lives (Titus 2:11-13).
This is not to say that it is impossible for a Christian to fall into sin. A Christian may be overtaken in a fault (Gal 6:1), and brought back to restoration. John writes to us so that we do not sin, but if we do we have an advocate in Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1-2). John is speaking of sin being the exception in the believers life, not the rule. He goes on to say that a saved individual will keep the commandments of Christ (1 John 2:2-6). A born again follower of Jesus lives with the purpose of obeying Christ. They do not seek to hold on to any sin, and if they should fall, they confess it and repent. They grieve because they have offended their God. They do not seek to see how close they can get to sin without losing their salvation. That is a selfish attitude that proves one has no desire to please God, and is devoid of spiritual life.
A transformed life is the proof of our salvation. Jesus has come to change sinners into saints, to totally change their lives (1 Cor 6:9-11; 2 Cor 5:17).
John tells us that Jesus came to take away sins (1 John 3:5), and to destroy the devil's works (1 John 3:8). His purpose was to break the hold that sin has upon the life of a lost, selfish individual (John 8:36).
Therefore, one who abides in Christ, that is lives in trusting, obedient, submission to Him and His words, will not live a sinful lifestyle anymore (1 John 3:6). They have been set free from sins power over their lives. They now live to please Jesus their Lord in all they say and do.
Do not be deceived by those who say a Christian can be saved and live a sinful life at the same time. One who practices righteousness is righteous (1 John 3:7). The one who practices sin has not been changed by the power and grace of God through Jesus, and is in fact A CHILD OF THE DEVIL (1 John 3:8; John 8:44).
God's seed now dwells within the true believer. The law of God has been written upon His heart, a provision of the new covenant (Hebrews 10:16; 1 John 3:9). The true born again child of God does not walk in sin because of the redemptive work of Christ on his behalf. True grace teaches us to forsake our sin and to live sensible, upright lives (Titus 2:11-13).
This is not to say that it is impossible for a Christian to fall into sin. A Christian may be overtaken in a fault (Gal 6:1), and brought back to restoration. John writes to us so that we do not sin, but if we do we have an advocate in Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1-2). John is speaking of sin being the exception in the believers life, not the rule. He goes on to say that a saved individual will keep the commandments of Christ (1 John 2:2-6). A born again follower of Jesus lives with the purpose of obeying Christ. They do not seek to hold on to any sin, and if they should fall, they confess it and repent. They grieve because they have offended their God. They do not seek to see how close they can get to sin without losing their salvation. That is a selfish attitude that proves one has no desire to please God, and is devoid of spiritual life.
A transformed life is the proof of our salvation. Jesus has come to change sinners into saints, to totally change their lives (1 Cor 6:9-11; 2 Cor 5:17).
Friday, November 14, 2014
Lawlessness.
John has this to say about those who practice sin.
Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4).
This is in contrast with those who are waiting for Jesus Christ to return. These are the ones who are purifying themselves in anticipation of seeing Jesus.
A lawless person is a person who has cast off restraint. The law of God means nothing to them, it is there to be broken at one's convenience. They ignore the fact that Jesus did not come to do away with the law (Matt 5:17-20). Many individuals today believe that in the New Testament age of grace, the law is optional, and if it is disobeyed, God doesn't mind because they believe Christ has obeyed it for us. Actually the moral law of God has not been done away with, and God expects us to abide by it. Listen to what Jesus says about those who live without law.
Not everyone who says to Me Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.
Matthew 7:21-23 NASB
Jesus is plain. If we cast off law, if we chose to live our lives in sinful disobedience to God, He will cast us off on that day when we stand before Him. To hear His words and obey is like building a house upon a rock, but to hear and disobey Him, is like building upon a foundation of sand (Matt 7:24-27).
The Apostle Paul stated that it was not enough to hear the law, but one must also obey it (Romans 2:13). According to Paul, it is not the hearer who is justified, but the doer of the law. James says a similar thing about hearing the word, and actually obeying it.
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
James 1:21-22 NASB
James likens one who hears without obeying the word to a man who looks at himself in a mirror and then walks away, forgetting what he looked like. The one who hears and obeys however, will be blessed in what he does (James 1:23-25).
You see, when we decide that we do not have to obey God's moral law, we are rebelling against Him. We are casting off restraint, and deciding that we know what is best for us, and we will live our lives without God. We are actually setting ourselves up as our own little god, to the peril of our own souls.
The point is submission. Do we understand who God is, and who we are, and that we must submit to His authority over our lives? To willingly yield and obey is what biblical faith consists of (James 2:14-26). To say we believe in Christ, but to refuse to submit to Him and His word is an untruth. Paul tells us that such an individual is an enemy of God, and cannot please Him (Romans 8:7-8).
What does your life look like compared to these verses? Are you living your life with no regard for God's law, or are you living in loving obedience to Christ, showing the proof of your faith?
Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4).
This is in contrast with those who are waiting for Jesus Christ to return. These are the ones who are purifying themselves in anticipation of seeing Jesus.
A lawless person is a person who has cast off restraint. The law of God means nothing to them, it is there to be broken at one's convenience. They ignore the fact that Jesus did not come to do away with the law (Matt 5:17-20). Many individuals today believe that in the New Testament age of grace, the law is optional, and if it is disobeyed, God doesn't mind because they believe Christ has obeyed it for us. Actually the moral law of God has not been done away with, and God expects us to abide by it. Listen to what Jesus says about those who live without law.
Not everyone who says to Me Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.
Matthew 7:21-23 NASB
Jesus is plain. If we cast off law, if we chose to live our lives in sinful disobedience to God, He will cast us off on that day when we stand before Him. To hear His words and obey is like building a house upon a rock, but to hear and disobey Him, is like building upon a foundation of sand (Matt 7:24-27).
The Apostle Paul stated that it was not enough to hear the law, but one must also obey it (Romans 2:13). According to Paul, it is not the hearer who is justified, but the doer of the law. James says a similar thing about hearing the word, and actually obeying it.
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
James 1:21-22 NASB
James likens one who hears without obeying the word to a man who looks at himself in a mirror and then walks away, forgetting what he looked like. The one who hears and obeys however, will be blessed in what he does (James 1:23-25).
You see, when we decide that we do not have to obey God's moral law, we are rebelling against Him. We are casting off restraint, and deciding that we know what is best for us, and we will live our lives without God. We are actually setting ourselves up as our own little god, to the peril of our own souls.
The point is submission. Do we understand who God is, and who we are, and that we must submit to His authority over our lives? To willingly yield and obey is what biblical faith consists of (James 2:14-26). To say we believe in Christ, but to refuse to submit to Him and His word is an untruth. Paul tells us that such an individual is an enemy of God, and cannot please Him (Romans 8:7-8).
What does your life look like compared to these verses? Are you living your life with no regard for God's law, or are you living in loving obedience to Christ, showing the proof of your faith?
Monday, November 10, 2014
Purified like Christ.
Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed upon Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
1 John 3:2-3 NASB
As those whose citizenship is not of this world, Christians eagerly await the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20; 2 Timothy 4:8). This is a mark of one who is truly born again. The love that one has for Jesus expresses itself in a longing for His return, just as we long to be united with loved ones who we are separated from in this life.
The true Child of God knows and understands that God is pure. They understand that He is without spot or wrinkle and they also desire to be pure in their conduct as well. As they await His return they are careful to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
They understand that to keep oneself pure, it is important to go to His word, and allow it to shape and mold our lives (Psalm 119:8). Keeping oneself pure in this way is not advocating a works based salvation, on the contrary, we are saved from our sins, and called to live holy lives. We are instructed to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13). We are to cooperate with God by yielding to His word, by submitting ourselves to the Lordship of Christ. In this way we purify our lives.
This is how a Christian lives. He lives to please Christ. He desires to be like his heavenly Father (Eph 5:1). Christ gave Himself to wash us clean, without spot or wrinkle (Eph 5:25-27), and this is the desire of the believers heart, to be clean in his conduct before God, to live a life beyond reproach.
Someone who claims salvation, but carelessly lives in this world, trusting that God will pass over his sinful conduct, while really not desiring to be clean and pure in God's eyes, is lacking the life of God within his heart.
1 John 3:2-3 NASB
As those whose citizenship is not of this world, Christians eagerly await the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20; 2 Timothy 4:8). This is a mark of one who is truly born again. The love that one has for Jesus expresses itself in a longing for His return, just as we long to be united with loved ones who we are separated from in this life.
The true Child of God knows and understands that God is pure. They understand that He is without spot or wrinkle and they also desire to be pure in their conduct as well. As they await His return they are careful to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
They understand that to keep oneself pure, it is important to go to His word, and allow it to shape and mold our lives (Psalm 119:8). Keeping oneself pure in this way is not advocating a works based salvation, on the contrary, we are saved from our sins, and called to live holy lives. We are instructed to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13). We are to cooperate with God by yielding to His word, by submitting ourselves to the Lordship of Christ. In this way we purify our lives.
This is how a Christian lives. He lives to please Christ. He desires to be like his heavenly Father (Eph 5:1). Christ gave Himself to wash us clean, without spot or wrinkle (Eph 5:25-27), and this is the desire of the believers heart, to be clean in his conduct before God, to live a life beyond reproach.
Someone who claims salvation, but carelessly lives in this world, trusting that God will pass over his sinful conduct, while really not desiring to be clean and pure in God's eyes, is lacking the life of God within his heart.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Chosen Out Of the World.
See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
1 John 3:1 NASB
Can you truthfully say with John that the world does not know you? As Christians we are a peculiar people. True Christians do not blindly conform to the ways of this world (Romans 12:2). They do not run in the same course of sin that the world does, and the world cannot understand this (1 Peter 4:3-4).
Jesus told His disciples that they were not of this world, He had in fact chosen them out of it.
If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.
John 15:18-19 NASB
There is something wrong with your Christianity if you are loved and accepted by the world. Jesus said that Christians are chosen out of the world, therefore they are hated by the world. The world loves those who belong to the world! If you belong to the world you are not of the Kingdom of God!
Just as the world hated and rejected Christ, so too His followers will be hated and rejected, the reason being, they do not know God (John 15:21, 23).
There is so much compromise and tolerance today. Everyone is seeking to feel accepted by the world, and yet be called a Christian. This is a great error, that leaves one feeling secure in their sins. Jesus said that the road a disciple travels is narrow with few on it. It is a lonely thing to be a follower of Christ, while the broad road to destruction is filled with people enjoying the fellowship of darkness as they travel to hell (Matt 7:13-14).
The one who compromises with the world, who remains silent while the world around is filled with wickedness, is seeking acceptance by the world. They would rather be safe and loved by what they profess to have come out of, than to take a stand for Christ and His word, Jesus will be ashamed of them at His coming (Matt 10:33; Mark 8:38; Luke 12:9).
These kind of professors are those whose heart is filled with the things of this world, the things that Jesus warns us about seeking. They are pursuing the material treasures of this temporal world, rather than laying up eternal treasure in heaven. They seek their best life now rather than giving Christ and His kingdom the highest priority (Matt 6:19-21, 33).
We have been chosen out of this world. We are not of this world. If this is true in our lives, we will be despised by this world for our testimony of Christ's redeeming work in our lives. If we find ourselves loved and accepted by this sinful world, something is lacking in our profession of Christ!
1 John 3:1 NASB
Can you truthfully say with John that the world does not know you? As Christians we are a peculiar people. True Christians do not blindly conform to the ways of this world (Romans 12:2). They do not run in the same course of sin that the world does, and the world cannot understand this (1 Peter 4:3-4).
Jesus told His disciples that they were not of this world, He had in fact chosen them out of it.
If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.
John 15:18-19 NASB
There is something wrong with your Christianity if you are loved and accepted by the world. Jesus said that Christians are chosen out of the world, therefore they are hated by the world. The world loves those who belong to the world! If you belong to the world you are not of the Kingdom of God!
Just as the world hated and rejected Christ, so too His followers will be hated and rejected, the reason being, they do not know God (John 15:21, 23).
There is so much compromise and tolerance today. Everyone is seeking to feel accepted by the world, and yet be called a Christian. This is a great error, that leaves one feeling secure in their sins. Jesus said that the road a disciple travels is narrow with few on it. It is a lonely thing to be a follower of Christ, while the broad road to destruction is filled with people enjoying the fellowship of darkness as they travel to hell (Matt 7:13-14).
The one who compromises with the world, who remains silent while the world around is filled with wickedness, is seeking acceptance by the world. They would rather be safe and loved by what they profess to have come out of, than to take a stand for Christ and His word, Jesus will be ashamed of them at His coming (Matt 10:33; Mark 8:38; Luke 12:9).
These kind of professors are those whose heart is filled with the things of this world, the things that Jesus warns us about seeking. They are pursuing the material treasures of this temporal world, rather than laying up eternal treasure in heaven. They seek their best life now rather than giving Christ and His kingdom the highest priority (Matt 6:19-21, 33).
We have been chosen out of this world. We are not of this world. If this is true in our lives, we will be despised by this world for our testimony of Christ's redeeming work in our lives. If we find ourselves loved and accepted by this sinful world, something is lacking in our profession of Christ!
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Confidence or Shame?
There are professed Christians who do not look forward to meeting Christ, because they know deep down, that they are not right with God. Their hearts condemn them according to their actions as Paul teaches in Romans 2:12-16.
John tells us that we must abide in Christ if we are to have confidence at His appearing (1 John 2:28). Those who abide in Christ are those who bear much fruit (John 15:4-5).
To abide in Christ is to live in obedient submission to Him as Lord and master. It is to be totally surrendered to Him and His will. It is to live in dependence on Him, trusting Him to empower us to do every good work. It is to be connected to Him through faith. Just as a branch must remain connected to the vine if it is to have life, so we too must remain in Christ or we will be unfruitful, and die spiritually.
The one who abides in Christ will not shrink in shame at His appearing because he is living righteously. John goes on to tell us that if we believe God is righteous, we will also practice righteousness, because we are born of God (1 John 2:29).
The one who is born again now lives by a new standard. He no longer lives selfishly, in rebellion against God, but he lives to please God in all he does. Such an individual finds that what the law requires is being fulfilled in his life as he walks in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4).
This kind of individual is doing what is right in the sight of God and man. He loves God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength, and loves his neighbor as himself. this love shows itself in how he treats others. True biblical love must act, it must prove itself by deeds, or it is not love, just as faith without works is dead, because faith works by love (Gal 5:6; James 2:17, 26).
Look at the bride of Christ at the marriage supper of the lamb in the book of Revelation. She had made herself ready, dressed in fine linen, bright and clean. What did this fine linen represent? The righteous deeds of the saints (Revelation 19:7-8).
The true Christian is a new person, living for the glory of Christ, working out his faith by doing deeds of righteousness. Christians do not work to earn God's favor, they are producing the fruit of righteousness because they are branches abiding in the vine, which is Christ. It is inevitable that they do such things, because if there is no fruit, they are not in Christ, but lost.
Do you look for His appearing with joyful confidence, knowing that you are born again, and faithfully serving Jesus Christ? Or, do you fear His return, knowing you must stand before Him in shame, because you are not born again, and your actions prove it?
John tells us that we must abide in Christ if we are to have confidence at His appearing (1 John 2:28). Those who abide in Christ are those who bear much fruit (John 15:4-5).
To abide in Christ is to live in obedient submission to Him as Lord and master. It is to be totally surrendered to Him and His will. It is to live in dependence on Him, trusting Him to empower us to do every good work. It is to be connected to Him through faith. Just as a branch must remain connected to the vine if it is to have life, so we too must remain in Christ or we will be unfruitful, and die spiritually.
The one who abides in Christ will not shrink in shame at His appearing because he is living righteously. John goes on to tell us that if we believe God is righteous, we will also practice righteousness, because we are born of God (1 John 2:29).
The one who is born again now lives by a new standard. He no longer lives selfishly, in rebellion against God, but he lives to please God in all he does. Such an individual finds that what the law requires is being fulfilled in his life as he walks in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4).
This kind of individual is doing what is right in the sight of God and man. He loves God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength, and loves his neighbor as himself. this love shows itself in how he treats others. True biblical love must act, it must prove itself by deeds, or it is not love, just as faith without works is dead, because faith works by love (Gal 5:6; James 2:17, 26).
Look at the bride of Christ at the marriage supper of the lamb in the book of Revelation. She had made herself ready, dressed in fine linen, bright and clean. What did this fine linen represent? The righteous deeds of the saints (Revelation 19:7-8).
The true Christian is a new person, living for the glory of Christ, working out his faith by doing deeds of righteousness. Christians do not work to earn God's favor, they are producing the fruit of righteousness because they are branches abiding in the vine, which is Christ. It is inevitable that they do such things, because if there is no fruit, they are not in Christ, but lost.
Do you look for His appearing with joyful confidence, knowing that you are born again, and faithfully serving Jesus Christ? Or, do you fear His return, knowing you must stand before Him in shame, because you are not born again, and your actions prove it?
Friday, November 7, 2014
The World, or Christ?
John tells us that we cannot love the world and love God at the same time.
Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
1 John 2:15-16 NASB
This is what Jesus taught in the sermon on the mount.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and thieves do not break in or steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
Matthew 6:19-20, 24 NASB
This comes down to the basic question of who or what are we living for? For most, they are living selfishly for themselves. They are storing up their treasures in this life. They are pursuing the things that please their flesh and look good to their eyes. Their lives are spent trying to get ahead in this life. This is where their heart is, as Jesus said.
An individual living for self, and temporal things cannot love God, or live for those things that please Him, because they are exact opposites. A believer in Christ is no longer selfishly pursuing this world and its ways, but living to please God in all he or she does.
Jesus even addressed our need for food and clothing, saying we are not to worry about these things, but instead seek first His kingdom and righteousness. The world seeks after these things. The word seek means to pursue, to live for. For many, their ambition does not rise any higher than the basic essentials of life. Jesus shows us a higher way. When we pursue Him, live for Him and His kingdom, we need not worry about the basic needs of life, He will provide for us (Matthew 6:25-34).
Many professed believers in Christ show by their lives that they are not serving Christ, Their lives are lived primarily for self. This is wicked and shows that they do not love God, or truly desire to serve Him.
Take an honest look at your own life. What motivates the choices you make each day? Can you truly say that you are not living for the temporal gratification of self? What kind of things do you pursue? Do you seek first the kingdom of God in your daily life, or do you seek first your own wants and needs? Is your life about Jesus Christ and living righteously before Him, or is it about getting ahead in this world?
This is an indicator of one's spiritual condition. We cannot love God while we try to hang on to this world with all it has to offer us. This world and all of it's lusts will pass away some day, but the one who does the will of God will live forever (1 John 2:17).
Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
1 John 2:15-16 NASB
This is what Jesus taught in the sermon on the mount.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and thieves do not break in or steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
Matthew 6:19-20, 24 NASB
This comes down to the basic question of who or what are we living for? For most, they are living selfishly for themselves. They are storing up their treasures in this life. They are pursuing the things that please their flesh and look good to their eyes. Their lives are spent trying to get ahead in this life. This is where their heart is, as Jesus said.
An individual living for self, and temporal things cannot love God, or live for those things that please Him, because they are exact opposites. A believer in Christ is no longer selfishly pursuing this world and its ways, but living to please God in all he or she does.
Jesus even addressed our need for food and clothing, saying we are not to worry about these things, but instead seek first His kingdom and righteousness. The world seeks after these things. The word seek means to pursue, to live for. For many, their ambition does not rise any higher than the basic essentials of life. Jesus shows us a higher way. When we pursue Him, live for Him and His kingdom, we need not worry about the basic needs of life, He will provide for us (Matthew 6:25-34).
Many professed believers in Christ show by their lives that they are not serving Christ, Their lives are lived primarily for self. This is wicked and shows that they do not love God, or truly desire to serve Him.
Take an honest look at your own life. What motivates the choices you make each day? Can you truly say that you are not living for the temporal gratification of self? What kind of things do you pursue? Do you seek first the kingdom of God in your daily life, or do you seek first your own wants and needs? Is your life about Jesus Christ and living righteously before Him, or is it about getting ahead in this world?
This is an indicator of one's spiritual condition. We cannot love God while we try to hang on to this world with all it has to offer us. This world and all of it's lusts will pass away some day, but the one who does the will of God will live forever (1 John 2:17).
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Which Jesus Do You Believe in?
People have all kinds of beliefs when it comes to Jesus.
Some believe that He was only a man. They believe He existed, taught about God's ways, and did good things for others. Some even believe He died for sins, but was only a man, not God.
There are those who believe that He was God, but not a man. He came to this earth as God only, although looked human in appearance, but He possessed no humanity.
Some believe that although He existed, He was not the Messiah or Savior of mankind.
These views of Christ are all false and present a different Jesus than the one the Bible shows us. They are just idols, the inventions of man's futile thinking. John warn us that if we believe in a different Jesus we are unbelievers. In fact He calls those who believe this way antichrist!
It is vital to our salvation that we know who Jesus is, and that we are following the true Christ whom the scriptures present.
John writes that we must believe Jesus is the Messiah, that is anointed one or Christ (1 John 2:22).
To deny the Son, is to deny God (1 John 2:23).
We must confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (1 John 4:2-3).
Jesus is God in the flesh, and we must confess Him as such (John 1:1-5, 14-18; 1 John 4:15).
To step out of the doctrine of Christ is fatal to our souls (2 John 1:7-9).
We must be careful that we do not receive a different Jesus than the one taught by the Apostles, and presented to us in the word of God (2 Cor 11:4). There are many deceivers in the world, and to put our faith in a different Jesus will lead us to hell. there is only one Jesus who can save our souls, and we must follow Him.
Some believe that He was only a man. They believe He existed, taught about God's ways, and did good things for others. Some even believe He died for sins, but was only a man, not God.
There are those who believe that He was God, but not a man. He came to this earth as God only, although looked human in appearance, but He possessed no humanity.
Some believe that although He existed, He was not the Messiah or Savior of mankind.
These views of Christ are all false and present a different Jesus than the one the Bible shows us. They are just idols, the inventions of man's futile thinking. John warn us that if we believe in a different Jesus we are unbelievers. In fact He calls those who believe this way antichrist!
It is vital to our salvation that we know who Jesus is, and that we are following the true Christ whom the scriptures present.
John writes that we must believe Jesus is the Messiah, that is anointed one or Christ (1 John 2:22).
To deny the Son, is to deny God (1 John 2:23).
We must confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (1 John 4:2-3).
Jesus is God in the flesh, and we must confess Him as such (John 1:1-5, 14-18; 1 John 4:15).
To step out of the doctrine of Christ is fatal to our souls (2 John 1:7-9).
We must be careful that we do not receive a different Jesus than the one taught by the Apostles, and presented to us in the word of God (2 Cor 11:4). There are many deceivers in the world, and to put our faith in a different Jesus will lead us to hell. there is only one Jesus who can save our souls, and we must follow Him.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Brotherly Love, A Mark of Salvation.
A mark of true Christian conversion is the love that brothers and sisters in Christ have for one another. John has this to say about the love of the brethren.
The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
1 John 2:9-10 NASB
God is love, and those who have been born again and indwelled with the Spirit of God will love one another (1 John 4:7-11). As Christians we are taught by God to love each other (1 Thess 4:9). Therefore to say we are walking in the light while we hate a fellow believer in Christ is an impossibility!
As the scriptures tell us we are walking blindly in darkness if we harbor hate towards a fellow believer.
Love is not a fuzzy feeling about someone. It is a genuine desire to see the best for someone other than yourself. It acts in the best interest of others. So to withhold good from someone in need is to hate that individual, and thus prove our salvation is not grounded in truth (1 John 3:17-19).
Remember as believers we have a common goal, which is Christ. Therefore it is a great evil to despise someone who shares with us in the kingdom of God. To look down on another Christian, to harbor prejudice against another, to show favoritism, is wicked, and acts against the law of love by which we will be judged (James 2:1-13).
Are you walking in the light, loving your brothers and sisters in Christ? If not, I would question your salvation, you can have no assurance unless you walk in love.
The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
1 John 2:9-10 NASB
God is love, and those who have been born again and indwelled with the Spirit of God will love one another (1 John 4:7-11). As Christians we are taught by God to love each other (1 Thess 4:9). Therefore to say we are walking in the light while we hate a fellow believer in Christ is an impossibility!
As the scriptures tell us we are walking blindly in darkness if we harbor hate towards a fellow believer.
Love is not a fuzzy feeling about someone. It is a genuine desire to see the best for someone other than yourself. It acts in the best interest of others. So to withhold good from someone in need is to hate that individual, and thus prove our salvation is not grounded in truth (1 John 3:17-19).
Remember as believers we have a common goal, which is Christ. Therefore it is a great evil to despise someone who shares with us in the kingdom of God. To look down on another Christian, to harbor prejudice against another, to show favoritism, is wicked, and acts against the law of love by which we will be judged (James 2:1-13).
Are you walking in the light, loving your brothers and sisters in Christ? If not, I would question your salvation, you can have no assurance unless you walk in love.
Do You Walk Like Jesus?
John tells us that if we say we abide in Christ, we ought to walk like Him (1 John 2:6). The proof of our relationship with Him is shown by our living and acting just as He did.
It is impossible to have a close personal relationship with someone with whom you cannot agree with. If you do not desire to be like Jesus in His life and conduct you cannot say that you truly abide in Him. What kind of fellowship can you have with Him when His holy ways are so disagreeable to you?
Peter tells us that Jesus left us an example to follow(1Peter 2:21-24). His life was one that was spent on behalf of others. He suffered and died for us so that we could live righteously. He was reviled but did not revile in return. He uttered no threats. He forgave His persecutors.
Look at the sermon on the mount and see that Jesus taught His followers to be forgiving, peacemakers, gentle, to even love their enemies! He taught us not to take revenge, not to retaliate, not to even pursue our own rights! This is so opposite what the world believes, and puts into practice.
Jesus was not one to teach something that He was not willing to put into practice. When He told us that the greatest act of love was to lay down one's life for his friends, He proved it by dying for our sins (John 15:13).
What does your life look like? Are you faithfully following in the steps of Jesus by loving those who do not love you? Are you obeying His commands as He obeyed His heavenly Father (John 6:38)? Do you freely forgive? Do you let go of wrongs done you, do you suffer wrongs without complaint? Are you patient and gentle, do you seek to be a peacemaker as far as it depends upon you (Romans 12:18)?
Jesus was not always meek and mild either. He spoke out against sin and hardened unbelief. There was no compromise with evil for Him, and there can be no compromise for us either. There are times when like Christ, we too must stand against sin, no matter what others may say or do to us. This is where suffering and persecution enter in. We are told that if They persecuted Christ, they will persecute us as well (John 15:20).
This is what Jesus taught us, and how He lived in this world. This is the litmus test of our salvation. Do you walk as Jesus walked?
It is impossible to have a close personal relationship with someone with whom you cannot agree with. If you do not desire to be like Jesus in His life and conduct you cannot say that you truly abide in Him. What kind of fellowship can you have with Him when His holy ways are so disagreeable to you?
Peter tells us that Jesus left us an example to follow(1Peter 2:21-24). His life was one that was spent on behalf of others. He suffered and died for us so that we could live righteously. He was reviled but did not revile in return. He uttered no threats. He forgave His persecutors.
Look at the sermon on the mount and see that Jesus taught His followers to be forgiving, peacemakers, gentle, to even love their enemies! He taught us not to take revenge, not to retaliate, not to even pursue our own rights! This is so opposite what the world believes, and puts into practice.
Jesus was not one to teach something that He was not willing to put into practice. When He told us that the greatest act of love was to lay down one's life for his friends, He proved it by dying for our sins (John 15:13).
What does your life look like? Are you faithfully following in the steps of Jesus by loving those who do not love you? Are you obeying His commands as He obeyed His heavenly Father (John 6:38)? Do you freely forgive? Do you let go of wrongs done you, do you suffer wrongs without complaint? Are you patient and gentle, do you seek to be a peacemaker as far as it depends upon you (Romans 12:18)?
Jesus was not always meek and mild either. He spoke out against sin and hardened unbelief. There was no compromise with evil for Him, and there can be no compromise for us either. There are times when like Christ, we too must stand against sin, no matter what others may say or do to us. This is where suffering and persecution enter in. We are told that if They persecuted Christ, they will persecute us as well (John 15:20).
This is what Jesus taught us, and how He lived in this world. This is the litmus test of our salvation. Do you walk as Jesus walked?
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Obedience, the Proof of Our Love.
In 1 John chapter 2 we find another passage of scripture that show us if we are truly born again or not.
By this we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.
1 John 2:3-6 NASB
Jesus has shown us that the one who loves Him will obey His commands.
"If you love Me, You will keep My commandments."
"He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him."
"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me."
John 14:15, 21, 23-24 NASB
You see, if we truly love someone, we will be absorbed in pleasing that person. If we truly love Christ from the heart, we will be careful to do what He commands us to do, not out of a sense of duty or slavish fear, but because we desire to please Him. The things that Christ desires are the things that we desire, because our highest goal as Christians is to see Jesus Christ glorified.
An individual who claims to know and love Jesus, and yet ignores and disobeys His clear teachings in the scriptures is nothing but a selfish fraud, caring only about themselves. Such a professor is deceived and lost in their sin and selfishness.
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?"
Luke 6:46
Jesus teaches us that it is useless to claim Him as Lord, and yet to live in disobedience to His commandments. He compares it to a builder who builds a house without a foundation upon sand, When a storm arose the house was destroyed (Luke 6:49).
Matthew records this same passage with the warning that Jesus will reject all those who claim Him as Lord, but do not obey Him (Matthew 7:21-23).
So how does your salvation line up with these words? Do you have a living faith that causes you to willingly obey Christ because He is the love of your life, or is your faith a dead empty faith that will lead you all the way to hell (James 2:26)?
By this we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.
1 John 2:3-6 NASB
Jesus has shown us that the one who loves Him will obey His commands.
"If you love Me, You will keep My commandments."
"He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him."
"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me."
John 14:15, 21, 23-24 NASB
You see, if we truly love someone, we will be absorbed in pleasing that person. If we truly love Christ from the heart, we will be careful to do what He commands us to do, not out of a sense of duty or slavish fear, but because we desire to please Him. The things that Christ desires are the things that we desire, because our highest goal as Christians is to see Jesus Christ glorified.
An individual who claims to know and love Jesus, and yet ignores and disobeys His clear teachings in the scriptures is nothing but a selfish fraud, caring only about themselves. Such a professor is deceived and lost in their sin and selfishness.
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?"
Luke 6:46
Jesus teaches us that it is useless to claim Him as Lord, and yet to live in disobedience to His commandments. He compares it to a builder who builds a house without a foundation upon sand, When a storm arose the house was destroyed (Luke 6:49).
Matthew records this same passage with the warning that Jesus will reject all those who claim Him as Lord, but do not obey Him (Matthew 7:21-23).
So how does your salvation line up with these words? Do you have a living faith that causes you to willingly obey Christ because He is the love of your life, or is your faith a dead empty faith that will lead you all the way to hell (James 2:26)?
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