I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold all is vanity and striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 1:14 NASB
The vast majority of people living on this earth, never rise higher than the temporal in their pursuits. Some accomplish great things in their short existence in this life, but for most, life is an ongoing struggle to get by, a never ending cycle of daily, mundane routines, and even great accomplishments prove to be unfulfilling.
King Solomon experienced first hand the bitter disappointment of mere human accomplishment. He had wealth and possessions, and experienced all sorts of pleasure, but it left him empty and disillusioned with life. It was all meaningless, a chasing after the wind. This is what he had to say after a life of pursuing temporal things,
All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor.
Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 NASB
We have been created to know God, to fellowship with Him, and to love Him supremely. There is absolutely nothing that we can pursue or accomplish that will bring us the inner peace and satisfaction that can only be found in Christ. Sadly, mankind has chosen instead to live selfishly, to fill his life with earthly pursuits and pleasures, and to deny the revelation of God to His soul, thus cutting himself off from the one thing he needs (Romans 1:18-23). Mankind has chosen instead to pursue the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16-17). The things of this world can never satisfy, and one day, they will all pass away and be no more. It is indeed like chasing after the wind, it cannot be caught.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Such Were Some Of You.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NASB
We are told in the word of God that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God. Thayer's definition of unrighteous is as follows:
1. Descriptive of one who violates or has violated justice.
a. unjust
b. unrighteous, sinful
c. one who deals fraudulently
with others, deceitful
An unrighteous individual is one who cares little about fairness and justice. By this definition an unrighteous person is one who does whatever pleases him with little or no concern for the rights and well being of others. In the eyes of God, this is wicked behavior; sin. Such an individual stands opposed to God. The truth is, they are stubbornly resisting the rule of God in their lives (Romans 8:6-8).
Notice that Paul tells these people that "Such were some of you." These individuals had been unrighteous individuals. They had partaken of the various sins listed in this passage of scripture. They had been fornicators and idolaters. Their lives had once been filled with sexual immorality, deception, dishonesty, drunkenness, and anger. He speaks of this however of being in the past. They were once living in these things, they were once sinners, but they no longer were. What made the difference? What happened to change their behavior and lives?
Paul tells them they were washed, sanctified, and justified, in the name of Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of God. These individuals had been washed, that is born again spiritually. They had experienced the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, poured out through Jesus Christ (Titus 3:5-6). This is the new creation spoken of in 2 Corinthians 5:17.
They had been sanctified, that is they were set apart, dedicated to God. An unrighteous person is dedicated to self. Everything that flows out of their lives is aimed self, with little or no regard for God or their fellow man. A life dedicated to God is a life that bears the fruit of righteousness. A sanctified person loves the Lord God with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loves his neighbor as himself. His actions are different, because his heart is different. He has an inner purity of heart now, that he never had before.
They had also been justified. That is, they were now right with God. He had pardoned their past, and they now enjoyed right standing with Him. They were treated by God as if they had never sinned. This is what it is to be justified.
Understand that they were changed. Once again, Paul tells them that they were once sinful, but they had been washed, sanctified, and justified. The new birth had transformed their lives. They were saved, not in sin, but from it. The gospel's power is a transforming power that will not leave you the same. Jesus calls us to come to him. It is true that we are to come as we are, but we come as we are to lay down and surrender; give up our stubborn rebellion against God, and submit to His life changing power, through the new birth.
Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NASB
We are told in the word of God that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God. Thayer's definition of unrighteous is as follows:
1. Descriptive of one who violates or has violated justice.
a. unjust
b. unrighteous, sinful
c. one who deals fraudulently
with others, deceitful
An unrighteous individual is one who cares little about fairness and justice. By this definition an unrighteous person is one who does whatever pleases him with little or no concern for the rights and well being of others. In the eyes of God, this is wicked behavior; sin. Such an individual stands opposed to God. The truth is, they are stubbornly resisting the rule of God in their lives (Romans 8:6-8).
Notice that Paul tells these people that "Such were some of you." These individuals had been unrighteous individuals. They had partaken of the various sins listed in this passage of scripture. They had been fornicators and idolaters. Their lives had once been filled with sexual immorality, deception, dishonesty, drunkenness, and anger. He speaks of this however of being in the past. They were once living in these things, they were once sinners, but they no longer were. What made the difference? What happened to change their behavior and lives?
Paul tells them they were washed, sanctified, and justified, in the name of Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of God. These individuals had been washed, that is born again spiritually. They had experienced the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, poured out through Jesus Christ (Titus 3:5-6). This is the new creation spoken of in 2 Corinthians 5:17.
They had been sanctified, that is they were set apart, dedicated to God. An unrighteous person is dedicated to self. Everything that flows out of their lives is aimed self, with little or no regard for God or their fellow man. A life dedicated to God is a life that bears the fruit of righteousness. A sanctified person loves the Lord God with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loves his neighbor as himself. His actions are different, because his heart is different. He has an inner purity of heart now, that he never had before.
They had also been justified. That is, they were now right with God. He had pardoned their past, and they now enjoyed right standing with Him. They were treated by God as if they had never sinned. This is what it is to be justified.
Understand that they were changed. Once again, Paul tells them that they were once sinful, but they had been washed, sanctified, and justified. The new birth had transformed their lives. They were saved, not in sin, but from it. The gospel's power is a transforming power that will not leave you the same. Jesus calls us to come to him. It is true that we are to come as we are, but we come as we are to lay down and surrender; give up our stubborn rebellion against God, and submit to His life changing power, through the new birth.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Strive to Enter the Narrow Door.
The question was asked of Jesus, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved (Luke 13:23)?"
We tend to view salvation as a very simple concept; something that is easily obtained. If one were to ask a number of individuals if they were Christians, the number of people who responded in the affirmative would probably be quite high. This does not agree with the words of Jesus however. Look at His response to this question,
"Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
Luke 13:24 NASB
Does this answer shock you? Jesus is saying that many will seek to enter the path to life, but will be unable to. This agrees with what He tells us in Matthew's gospel as well. There will be few on the narrow road to life, while the broad path to destruction will be full (Matthew 7:13-14). What about the vast number of people today who claim to be Christians? Are they saved or not? Either Jesus is wrong in this instance, or we are! I do not doubt the words of Jesus, so the fact remains: Few find the way to life! Something is wrong. There are multitudes of souls who are deceived about the state of their salvation.
Jesus tells us that we must be born again. There is no entering the kingdom without experiencing the new birth (John 3:3-7); without being regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). We must become a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:17), redeemed from lawlessness, and purified for His possession and use (Titus 2:14).
Once again, multitudes are deceived on this question of salvation. They consider themselves Christians, basing this on various reasons, but false reasons nonetheless.
1. Heritage. Many people grow up in "Christian" homes. They have godly parents, grandparent, and so on. They go to church, and even have good morals. These people will tell you that they are "Christians", but this is a deadly error.
2. Religious traditions. There are those who have been baptized as infants, partake of communion, been confirmed, are members in good standing, and regularly attend church. These people would also consider themselves "Christians", but they too are on the broad road to destruction. The religion of many never rises higher than outward forms and traditions. It is all external, void of the inner change of heart that only Christ can bring.
3. Belief. Faith is essential to the salvation of one's soul. Sadly, for many, faith is nothing more than agreement with creeds or historical facts about Jesus. Saving faith is much more than believing some facts about Christ, it will move you to action. The bible tells us that even the devils believe and tremble. Faith will, by its very nature, compel you to act upon your beliefs (James 2:14-26).
4. "Confession" of sin. In a moment of emotion or guilt, many individuals will say a prayer, confess a sin, go to confession, even ask Jesus into their hearts. For some, they are sincere, and do indeed surrender their lives to Christ, and receive new life. However, many have no real intention of serving Christ. They are content to say a prayer, hoping to be forgiven, but not desiring to give up sin. They may follow a routine of daily confession, but once again it is nothing more than a ritual, allowing them to feel comfortable in sin.
5. Good works. Many people consider themselves to be basically good. They look at the good things they do, and trust that these things will gain favor with God. People tend to overlook the sin in their lives, believing that somehow the good in their lives will outweigh the bad in God's standard of judgment. It's funny how we can recognize injustice in our human court systems, but yet expect that God will somehow let us off the hook based upon our performance.
6. Giving up sinful habits. Many individuals will give up a sinful habit in hopes that God will show them mercy. The problem with this is that the heart is still evil. To give up something in hopes that God will do something for us is selfish. It shows no regard for the God whom we have offended by our sin. It only shows that the heart of man is wicked, selfish in its very core. It is impossible for us to atone for our sin by cleaning up our lives. Once again, we are quick to point out injustice, but somehow expect God to be unjust on our account?
No doubt there are many more ways in which people are deceived into believing they are Christians when in fact they are not. People may make professions of faith, say a sinners prayer, go to an altar, repent over and over again, and be baptized in water, but if the life is not changed, the heart has not been changed, nothing has happened.
The problem is found in the heart of man. It is deceitful; desperately sick beyond cure (Jeremiah 17:9) Out is this evil heart flows every manner of sin and wickedness (Matthew 12:33-35; Mark 7:20-23). The word of God tells us that only the pure in heart will see God, and enjoy fellowship in His presence (Psalm 24:3-4; Matthew 5:8). Where are we to get a pure heart, when ours are defiled and dirty? We will never find a pure heart through all of our attempts to please God through religious traditions, good works, and empty resolutions. A change of heart is beyond us. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, but that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. We must be born again (John 3:6-7).
Once again, there is the issue of sin. We are told in the word of God, that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). People understand in an abstract way, that they have done wrong, but once again, many think that they are not that bad. Again, the good outweighs the bad in the minds of many people. What does the law of God say to us about the condition of our hearts?
1. No other gods (Exodus 20:3).
2. Idols are forbidden (Exodus 20:4-5).
3. Misuse of God's name is forbidden (Exodus 20:7).
4. Keep the Sabbath holy (Exodus 20:8-11).
5. Honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12).
6. Murder is forbidden (Exodus 20:13).
7. No adultery (Exodus 20:14).
8. Theft is wrong (Exodus 20:15).
9. Lying is sin (Exodus 20:16).
10. Coveting is forbidden (Exodus 20:17).
Do you want to know what your heart is like? Do you think that you are a good person in the eyes of God? Look at these commandments and see how many of them that you have broken. Jesus tells us that one does not need to physically commit adultery, but to entertain dirty thoughts makes you just as guilty (Matthew 5:28). Divorce and remarriage fall under this category as well, in the teaching of Jesus (Matthew 5:31-32; Mark 10:2-12). Murder begins in the heart as well, and words spoken in anger, will place us under God's judgment (Matthew 5:21-26).
We can now see that in the eyes of God we are indeed sinful. All of our self righteousness crumbles away when we are confronted with our true condition. None of us can say that we have never lied, or used the name of Jesus as a curse word, or disobeyed our parents. What about idolatry? We worship wealth and possessions, we lust and covet, we are all guilty before a holy God, who will judge us according to our deeds (Romans 2:6, 3:19; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 20:12-13, 22:12). As fallen man, we are enemies of God, refusing to submit to Him (Romans 8:7). The wages of sin is death, eternal separation from God, in everlasting torment (Romans 2:5, 6:23; Rev 20:14-15).
There is a promise of a new heart, one upon which the law is written, a soft heart submitted to the will of God; the Holy Spirit living in us, directing us into obedience to the law of God (Jeremiah 31:33-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Hebrews 10:16-17). Imagine desiring to obey Christ instead of hating His law? This is the transformation that occurs in the individual heart by the new birth. If any one is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old way of sin is gone, and the new way of living for Christ has come. It is a radical change that begins in the heart, and flows out into the life of the individual (2 Cor 5:17).
Jesus Christ gave His life to save you from sin and self. By His sacrifice on the cross; His death and resurrection from the dead, you can have new life in Him. You can be forgiven for your sinful past, and be empowered to overcome sin; to rise above this evil age, and live a triumphant life of service to Him, the one who died for you.
It is your sin that has separated you from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). At the root of sinful behavior lies pride. The proud heart declares that it will not submit to God; it will do whatever it pleases, not caring who it hurts, whether God or our fellow man (Psalm 36:1-4). This is what must die; our prideful hearts. God is opposed to the proud. There is no grace given to a proud individual. It is the humble who receive grace (James 4:6). David understood that it was a broken and contrite heart that God desired (Psalm 51:17). We are told in Isaiah 57:15 that the holy God dwells with the contrite and lowly in spirit. This is why Jesus tells us that we must be converted and become as little children. We must humble ourselves. It is not all about us, but about the God we have spurned (Matthew 18:3-4). James tells us submit to God, to draw near to Him, and to cleanse our hands. That is, to repent. We must weep and mourn over our sin, humbling ourselves before the Lord (James 4:7-10).
Repentance is something that is largely neglected in modern versions of the gospel, yet there is no salvation without it. This is why so many are on the broad road to destruction. Few individuals will humble themselves, give up their pride, and turn from their sin. Many desire forgiveness, and the promise of heaven, but desire to run their lives apart from God while on this earth. However, Jesus stressed the need for repentance (Matt 4:17; Luke 13:1-5), as did the apostles (Acts 2:38, 20:21, 26:20). Remember, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
To repent is to change one's mind about sin. Proper repentance goes even deeper than acts of sin, to the very root of sin, which is pride. In other words, a repentant individual understands that he has been in stubborn rebellion against God. He has lived life for himself, not caring about God or His law, not caring if it offended God, or hurt others. A repentant individual understands that he is an evil person, and that his actions and attitude of heart are an offense to God. The truly repentant grieves over this. He is filled with sorrow at the thought that he has stubbornly resisted God. He turns from his sin and rebellion, not because he is afraid of punishment, but because he no longer desires to fight God. He desires to submit and obey. Many are sorry for sin because they have been caught. They desire to get out of the consequences. Godly sorrow however is based upon the souls grief that it has offended God (2 Cor 7:10).
The repentant soul also realizes the pain and harm he has caused others by his actions. The truly repentant individual will do what he can to make offenses right with his fellow man. It might involve apology for past hurts, or restitution for property taken. A thief who will not restore what he has taken, is still a thief, untouched by the grace of God (Leviticus 6:2-7; Luke 19:8-9).
Humility and repentance are hard for the proud heart. This is indeed a reason why so few are able to enter through the narrow door. It is hard to squeeze through a tight space; it hurts. It hurts our pride to humble ourselves and admit we are wicked individuals, but this is what we must do if we would truly confess our sin to God. A repentant individual will not excuse his sin, or try to justify his actions, because he is brokenhearted. It is hard for the arrogant to truly repent in godly sorrow; to make wrongs right with those who have been hurt.
Understand that a selfish individual will not repent by themselves, at the drop of a hat. It is not that simple. We are so selfish, apart from Christ, that we will not do this. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin (John 16:8). He shows us our great wickedness, and brings us to a place where we either harden our hearts even more, or submit to God. For every sinner who turns to God and finds grace, how many more violate their conscience, resisting the work of the Spirit in their hearts, and put off their soul's salvation?
Submission to God flows out of this repentance. The soul who comes to Christ with a broken heart will submit to Him, and His will for their life. It is a surrender, a turning from disobedience to obedience, from rebellion to submission. Self is no longer on the throne, Christ is. Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters, one or the other has to go, and if we would follow Jesus, self must give way to His rule over our lives (Matt 6:24). It is hard to give up our right to ourselves. Jesus teaches us to count the cost. It is high, and few are willing to pay it (Luke 14:27-33). We are not our own however, we have been bought with a price, the blood of Jesus (1 Cor 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
Submission and faith go hand in hand as well. The very idea of faith is that of taking on a cause. In this case, it is recognizing Who Jesus Christ really is, understanding that He rose from the dead, and is alive forevermore. What are we to do about this fact, knowing He calls us to live for Him? Indeed, faith in the atoning work of Christ on our behalf is expressed as we come to Him for pardon. However true faith implies also that we trust in Him to not only to forgive us, but to cleanse us from our sin. It is the seeking of a new heart, believing that He will transform us from the inside out. This is the new birth that Jesus says we must experience. I mentioned the taking on of a cause. When we recognize that Jesus has called us to follow Him in a life of obedience to His will, by faith, we take on the cause of Christ. This is what it means to believe on Him. If we believe that He is God come in the flesh, crucified, risen, and seated at the right hand of God, it will cause us to act on that belief. Faith will follow Jesus! Most miss this, and settle for mere head knowledge; empty belief that never moves them to act on what they believe. Jesus replied to those who wanted to do the works of God, to "Believe in Him whom He has sent (John 6:28-29). He was saying that if we believe in Him with biblical faith, it will move us to act. We will follow Him, by faith. We will take on His cause as the mainspring of our lives. I heard a definition of faith that went like this, "Forsaking All, I Take Him. This sums it up well, for we are called to forsake all for His sake, including ourselves.
We must go public with our faith. We are to be baptized upon our confession of faith (Acts 2:38). We confess with the mouth and believe with the heart unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10). Too many are embarrassed to publicly confess Christ. We are often called upon to slip up a hand quickly with all eyes closed, so that we will not "embarrass" anyone. If one cannot publicly confess Christ, one will never follow Him either. Many forfeit their souls because of this. It is nothing but pride, and God opposes it.
It is a narrow gate, and a narrow path. Few find it, because few will humble themselves. Few are willing to pay the price of absolute surrender; of forsaking all. Strive to enter the narrow door. There is no other way.
We tend to view salvation as a very simple concept; something that is easily obtained. If one were to ask a number of individuals if they were Christians, the number of people who responded in the affirmative would probably be quite high. This does not agree with the words of Jesus however. Look at His response to this question,
"Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
Luke 13:24 NASB
Does this answer shock you? Jesus is saying that many will seek to enter the path to life, but will be unable to. This agrees with what He tells us in Matthew's gospel as well. There will be few on the narrow road to life, while the broad path to destruction will be full (Matthew 7:13-14). What about the vast number of people today who claim to be Christians? Are they saved or not? Either Jesus is wrong in this instance, or we are! I do not doubt the words of Jesus, so the fact remains: Few find the way to life! Something is wrong. There are multitudes of souls who are deceived about the state of their salvation.
Jesus tells us that we must be born again. There is no entering the kingdom without experiencing the new birth (John 3:3-7); without being regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). We must become a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:17), redeemed from lawlessness, and purified for His possession and use (Titus 2:14).
Once again, multitudes are deceived on this question of salvation. They consider themselves Christians, basing this on various reasons, but false reasons nonetheless.
1. Heritage. Many people grow up in "Christian" homes. They have godly parents, grandparent, and so on. They go to church, and even have good morals. These people will tell you that they are "Christians", but this is a deadly error.
2. Religious traditions. There are those who have been baptized as infants, partake of communion, been confirmed, are members in good standing, and regularly attend church. These people would also consider themselves "Christians", but they too are on the broad road to destruction. The religion of many never rises higher than outward forms and traditions. It is all external, void of the inner change of heart that only Christ can bring.
3. Belief. Faith is essential to the salvation of one's soul. Sadly, for many, faith is nothing more than agreement with creeds or historical facts about Jesus. Saving faith is much more than believing some facts about Christ, it will move you to action. The bible tells us that even the devils believe and tremble. Faith will, by its very nature, compel you to act upon your beliefs (James 2:14-26).
4. "Confession" of sin. In a moment of emotion or guilt, many individuals will say a prayer, confess a sin, go to confession, even ask Jesus into their hearts. For some, they are sincere, and do indeed surrender their lives to Christ, and receive new life. However, many have no real intention of serving Christ. They are content to say a prayer, hoping to be forgiven, but not desiring to give up sin. They may follow a routine of daily confession, but once again it is nothing more than a ritual, allowing them to feel comfortable in sin.
5. Good works. Many people consider themselves to be basically good. They look at the good things they do, and trust that these things will gain favor with God. People tend to overlook the sin in their lives, believing that somehow the good in their lives will outweigh the bad in God's standard of judgment. It's funny how we can recognize injustice in our human court systems, but yet expect that God will somehow let us off the hook based upon our performance.
6. Giving up sinful habits. Many individuals will give up a sinful habit in hopes that God will show them mercy. The problem with this is that the heart is still evil. To give up something in hopes that God will do something for us is selfish. It shows no regard for the God whom we have offended by our sin. It only shows that the heart of man is wicked, selfish in its very core. It is impossible for us to atone for our sin by cleaning up our lives. Once again, we are quick to point out injustice, but somehow expect God to be unjust on our account?
No doubt there are many more ways in which people are deceived into believing they are Christians when in fact they are not. People may make professions of faith, say a sinners prayer, go to an altar, repent over and over again, and be baptized in water, but if the life is not changed, the heart has not been changed, nothing has happened.
The problem is found in the heart of man. It is deceitful; desperately sick beyond cure (Jeremiah 17:9) Out is this evil heart flows every manner of sin and wickedness (Matthew 12:33-35; Mark 7:20-23). The word of God tells us that only the pure in heart will see God, and enjoy fellowship in His presence (Psalm 24:3-4; Matthew 5:8). Where are we to get a pure heart, when ours are defiled and dirty? We will never find a pure heart through all of our attempts to please God through religious traditions, good works, and empty resolutions. A change of heart is beyond us. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, but that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. We must be born again (John 3:6-7).
Once again, there is the issue of sin. We are told in the word of God, that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). People understand in an abstract way, that they have done wrong, but once again, many think that they are not that bad. Again, the good outweighs the bad in the minds of many people. What does the law of God say to us about the condition of our hearts?
1. No other gods (Exodus 20:3).
2. Idols are forbidden (Exodus 20:4-5).
3. Misuse of God's name is forbidden (Exodus 20:7).
4. Keep the Sabbath holy (Exodus 20:8-11).
5. Honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12).
6. Murder is forbidden (Exodus 20:13).
7. No adultery (Exodus 20:14).
8. Theft is wrong (Exodus 20:15).
9. Lying is sin (Exodus 20:16).
10. Coveting is forbidden (Exodus 20:17).
Do you want to know what your heart is like? Do you think that you are a good person in the eyes of God? Look at these commandments and see how many of them that you have broken. Jesus tells us that one does not need to physically commit adultery, but to entertain dirty thoughts makes you just as guilty (Matthew 5:28). Divorce and remarriage fall under this category as well, in the teaching of Jesus (Matthew 5:31-32; Mark 10:2-12). Murder begins in the heart as well, and words spoken in anger, will place us under God's judgment (Matthew 5:21-26).
We can now see that in the eyes of God we are indeed sinful. All of our self righteousness crumbles away when we are confronted with our true condition. None of us can say that we have never lied, or used the name of Jesus as a curse word, or disobeyed our parents. What about idolatry? We worship wealth and possessions, we lust and covet, we are all guilty before a holy God, who will judge us according to our deeds (Romans 2:6, 3:19; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 20:12-13, 22:12). As fallen man, we are enemies of God, refusing to submit to Him (Romans 8:7). The wages of sin is death, eternal separation from God, in everlasting torment (Romans 2:5, 6:23; Rev 20:14-15).
There is a promise of a new heart, one upon which the law is written, a soft heart submitted to the will of God; the Holy Spirit living in us, directing us into obedience to the law of God (Jeremiah 31:33-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Hebrews 10:16-17). Imagine desiring to obey Christ instead of hating His law? This is the transformation that occurs in the individual heart by the new birth. If any one is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old way of sin is gone, and the new way of living for Christ has come. It is a radical change that begins in the heart, and flows out into the life of the individual (2 Cor 5:17).
Jesus Christ gave His life to save you from sin and self. By His sacrifice on the cross; His death and resurrection from the dead, you can have new life in Him. You can be forgiven for your sinful past, and be empowered to overcome sin; to rise above this evil age, and live a triumphant life of service to Him, the one who died for you.
It is your sin that has separated you from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). At the root of sinful behavior lies pride. The proud heart declares that it will not submit to God; it will do whatever it pleases, not caring who it hurts, whether God or our fellow man (Psalm 36:1-4). This is what must die; our prideful hearts. God is opposed to the proud. There is no grace given to a proud individual. It is the humble who receive grace (James 4:6). David understood that it was a broken and contrite heart that God desired (Psalm 51:17). We are told in Isaiah 57:15 that the holy God dwells with the contrite and lowly in spirit. This is why Jesus tells us that we must be converted and become as little children. We must humble ourselves. It is not all about us, but about the God we have spurned (Matthew 18:3-4). James tells us submit to God, to draw near to Him, and to cleanse our hands. That is, to repent. We must weep and mourn over our sin, humbling ourselves before the Lord (James 4:7-10).
Repentance is something that is largely neglected in modern versions of the gospel, yet there is no salvation without it. This is why so many are on the broad road to destruction. Few individuals will humble themselves, give up their pride, and turn from their sin. Many desire forgiveness, and the promise of heaven, but desire to run their lives apart from God while on this earth. However, Jesus stressed the need for repentance (Matt 4:17; Luke 13:1-5), as did the apostles (Acts 2:38, 20:21, 26:20). Remember, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
To repent is to change one's mind about sin. Proper repentance goes even deeper than acts of sin, to the very root of sin, which is pride. In other words, a repentant individual understands that he has been in stubborn rebellion against God. He has lived life for himself, not caring about God or His law, not caring if it offended God, or hurt others. A repentant individual understands that he is an evil person, and that his actions and attitude of heart are an offense to God. The truly repentant grieves over this. He is filled with sorrow at the thought that he has stubbornly resisted God. He turns from his sin and rebellion, not because he is afraid of punishment, but because he no longer desires to fight God. He desires to submit and obey. Many are sorry for sin because they have been caught. They desire to get out of the consequences. Godly sorrow however is based upon the souls grief that it has offended God (2 Cor 7:10).
The repentant soul also realizes the pain and harm he has caused others by his actions. The truly repentant individual will do what he can to make offenses right with his fellow man. It might involve apology for past hurts, or restitution for property taken. A thief who will not restore what he has taken, is still a thief, untouched by the grace of God (Leviticus 6:2-7; Luke 19:8-9).
Humility and repentance are hard for the proud heart. This is indeed a reason why so few are able to enter through the narrow door. It is hard to squeeze through a tight space; it hurts. It hurts our pride to humble ourselves and admit we are wicked individuals, but this is what we must do if we would truly confess our sin to God. A repentant individual will not excuse his sin, or try to justify his actions, because he is brokenhearted. It is hard for the arrogant to truly repent in godly sorrow; to make wrongs right with those who have been hurt.
Understand that a selfish individual will not repent by themselves, at the drop of a hat. It is not that simple. We are so selfish, apart from Christ, that we will not do this. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin (John 16:8). He shows us our great wickedness, and brings us to a place where we either harden our hearts even more, or submit to God. For every sinner who turns to God and finds grace, how many more violate their conscience, resisting the work of the Spirit in their hearts, and put off their soul's salvation?
Submission to God flows out of this repentance. The soul who comes to Christ with a broken heart will submit to Him, and His will for their life. It is a surrender, a turning from disobedience to obedience, from rebellion to submission. Self is no longer on the throne, Christ is. Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters, one or the other has to go, and if we would follow Jesus, self must give way to His rule over our lives (Matt 6:24). It is hard to give up our right to ourselves. Jesus teaches us to count the cost. It is high, and few are willing to pay it (Luke 14:27-33). We are not our own however, we have been bought with a price, the blood of Jesus (1 Cor 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
Submission and faith go hand in hand as well. The very idea of faith is that of taking on a cause. In this case, it is recognizing Who Jesus Christ really is, understanding that He rose from the dead, and is alive forevermore. What are we to do about this fact, knowing He calls us to live for Him? Indeed, faith in the atoning work of Christ on our behalf is expressed as we come to Him for pardon. However true faith implies also that we trust in Him to not only to forgive us, but to cleanse us from our sin. It is the seeking of a new heart, believing that He will transform us from the inside out. This is the new birth that Jesus says we must experience. I mentioned the taking on of a cause. When we recognize that Jesus has called us to follow Him in a life of obedience to His will, by faith, we take on the cause of Christ. This is what it means to believe on Him. If we believe that He is God come in the flesh, crucified, risen, and seated at the right hand of God, it will cause us to act on that belief. Faith will follow Jesus! Most miss this, and settle for mere head knowledge; empty belief that never moves them to act on what they believe. Jesus replied to those who wanted to do the works of God, to "Believe in Him whom He has sent (John 6:28-29). He was saying that if we believe in Him with biblical faith, it will move us to act. We will follow Him, by faith. We will take on His cause as the mainspring of our lives. I heard a definition of faith that went like this, "Forsaking All, I Take Him. This sums it up well, for we are called to forsake all for His sake, including ourselves.
We must go public with our faith. We are to be baptized upon our confession of faith (Acts 2:38). We confess with the mouth and believe with the heart unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10). Too many are embarrassed to publicly confess Christ. We are often called upon to slip up a hand quickly with all eyes closed, so that we will not "embarrass" anyone. If one cannot publicly confess Christ, one will never follow Him either. Many forfeit their souls because of this. It is nothing but pride, and God opposes it.
It is a narrow gate, and a narrow path. Few find it, because few will humble themselves. Few are willing to pay the price of absolute surrender; of forsaking all. Strive to enter the narrow door. There is no other way.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
The Hungry Shall Be Satisfied.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
Matthew 5:6 NASB
"Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh."
Luke 6:21 NASB
"Woe to you who are well- fed now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep."
Luke 6:25 NASB
Everyone is hungering after something. The world's ways are based upon selfishness. It is all about me and my desires. The selfish individual pursues pleasures, and material things, for selfish ends. People lie, because it is for their own advantage to do so. People steal for the same reason. Selfish pleasure is behind the sin of adultery, including divorce and remarriage (Matt 5:32). The gods we choose to serve, the way we choose to worship them, are all based upon man's desire to do things his way, in a way that benefits him. Covetousness, murder, and disobedience to one's parents, all flow from selfish desire, the desire to do whatever would benefit me, even if it hurts another, including God. It is a disregard for the rights and well being of others.
This is the way the world operates. Everything revolves around selfish principles. Jesus pronounces a woe upon those who are filled now (Luke 6:25). People are filled with their own ways. They do not desire God, in fact they despise Him because He stands in opposition to them and their selfish ways. This is why people invent gods of their own imaginations, because they are selfish, and do not wish to change.
It is when one is conscious of their sin and short coming, that they begin to hunger for righteousness. As they begin to understand that God has a standard that they have violated, they begin to hunger. They begin to desire to please Him, to be in right standing with Him. Jesus tells us that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be satisfied (Matt 5:6).
These are the ones who are sick and tired of the empty life of self and sin. They are sick of living for themselves; sick of taking advantage of others, and sick of rejecting God. They desire to be rightly related to Him. They long to be accepted by Him; to have fellowship with Him, but sin stands in the way. They desire to live differently, to live a life that pleases Him, instead of incurring His displeasure. It is this hunger that drives them to the cross of Christ, where they find peace, reconciliation with God, and the change of heart that they so desperately need and long for.
How about you? What are you hungering for? Are you craving the things of this world; too full for the things of God, or are you desperate for a change; to know Christ, and be born again?
Matthew 5:6 NASB
"Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh."
Luke 6:21 NASB
"Woe to you who are well- fed now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep."
Luke 6:25 NASB
Everyone is hungering after something. The world's ways are based upon selfishness. It is all about me and my desires. The selfish individual pursues pleasures, and material things, for selfish ends. People lie, because it is for their own advantage to do so. People steal for the same reason. Selfish pleasure is behind the sin of adultery, including divorce and remarriage (Matt 5:32). The gods we choose to serve, the way we choose to worship them, are all based upon man's desire to do things his way, in a way that benefits him. Covetousness, murder, and disobedience to one's parents, all flow from selfish desire, the desire to do whatever would benefit me, even if it hurts another, including God. It is a disregard for the rights and well being of others.
This is the way the world operates. Everything revolves around selfish principles. Jesus pronounces a woe upon those who are filled now (Luke 6:25). People are filled with their own ways. They do not desire God, in fact they despise Him because He stands in opposition to them and their selfish ways. This is why people invent gods of their own imaginations, because they are selfish, and do not wish to change.
It is when one is conscious of their sin and short coming, that they begin to hunger for righteousness. As they begin to understand that God has a standard that they have violated, they begin to hunger. They begin to desire to please Him, to be in right standing with Him. Jesus tells us that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be satisfied (Matt 5:6).
These are the ones who are sick and tired of the empty life of self and sin. They are sick of living for themselves; sick of taking advantage of others, and sick of rejecting God. They desire to be rightly related to Him. They long to be accepted by Him; to have fellowship with Him, but sin stands in the way. They desire to live differently, to live a life that pleases Him, instead of incurring His displeasure. It is this hunger that drives them to the cross of Christ, where they find peace, reconciliation with God, and the change of heart that they so desperately need and long for.
How about you? What are you hungering for? Are you craving the things of this world; too full for the things of God, or are you desperate for a change; to know Christ, and be born again?
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Contending for the Faith: The Majestic Holiness of God.
Contending for the Faith: The Majestic Holiness of God.: Who is like thee among the gods, O Lord? Who is like thee, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders? ...
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Get Off The Fence!
And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people did not answer him a word.
1 Kings 18:21 NASB
Elijah called on the apostate nation of Israel to make a decision one way or the other. They had been riding the fence so to speak, worshiping God when convenient, but also worshiping other gods as well.
Jesus also calls upon us to get off the fence as well when He tells us that we cannot serve two masters (Matt 6:24). It is impossible to be a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and to also live for the temporal things of this world. anything that consumes our time and affections becomes a "god" to us. If we are motivated by greed for money or possessions, we are in reality serving money and possessions, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matt 6:21)."
Multitudes are clamoring for earthly treasures, entertainment, and pleasure, while claiming to follow Christ. Such individuals are only deceived. They are sitting on a fence, not coming out on one side or the other. The god they are actually serving will not save them, but only lead them to hell.
Jesus call us to follow Him exclusively. His call is severe. It is the call to deny ourselves; to lose our lives for Him. In fact, we are to renounce all we have, if we would follow Him (Luke 14:25-35).
What about you? Are you sitting on a fence? It's time to get off, and make up your mind about following Jesus.
1 Kings 18:21 NASB
Elijah called on the apostate nation of Israel to make a decision one way or the other. They had been riding the fence so to speak, worshiping God when convenient, but also worshiping other gods as well.
Jesus also calls upon us to get off the fence as well when He tells us that we cannot serve two masters (Matt 6:24). It is impossible to be a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and to also live for the temporal things of this world. anything that consumes our time and affections becomes a "god" to us. If we are motivated by greed for money or possessions, we are in reality serving money and possessions, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matt 6:21)."
Multitudes are clamoring for earthly treasures, entertainment, and pleasure, while claiming to follow Christ. Such individuals are only deceived. They are sitting on a fence, not coming out on one side or the other. The god they are actually serving will not save them, but only lead them to hell.
Jesus call us to follow Him exclusively. His call is severe. It is the call to deny ourselves; to lose our lives for Him. In fact, we are to renounce all we have, if we would follow Him (Luke 14:25-35).
What about you? Are you sitting on a fence? It's time to get off, and make up your mind about following Jesus.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Taking God's Side.
"As it is written in the law of Moses, all this calamity has come on us; yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our iniquity and giving attention to Your truth.
"Therefore the Lord has kept the calamity in store and brought it on us; for the Lord our God is righteous with respect to all His deeds which He has done, but we have not obeyed His voice."
Daniel 9:13-14 NASB
People attempt to justify their sin by saying that it really was not that bad. They consider themselves to be basically good at heart. They have a hard time reconciling the fact that a loving God would send anyone to hell. Many think that it would be unfair of God to do such a thing. All of this is nothing more than a feeble attempt at self justification. We think that we can make excuses. Nobody seems willing to take the blame for their sin, and to justify God as being righteous in His judgment upon the sinner.
Look at the thief on the cross however. As his companion railed abuse at Jesus, this man makes no excuses, even taking the blame for his actions, and admitting the justness of the penalty he was now suffering.
But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he was saying, "Jesus remember me when You come in Your kingdom."
Luke 23:40-42 NASB
This guilty thief was not making excuses. He took the responsibility for his guilt. Likewise, he did not complain about the execution of sentence upon him. He knew and admitted that he deserved the punishment he was receiving. When he asked Jesus to remember him, he was asking as a humbled, contrite sinner, seeking grace from the God he had offended.
This is what God desires from us. A frank, humble confession of our sin. He desires us to agree with Him about ourselves. Our sin is vile, an abomination to God. We are to blame for it, no one else. God does not want our excuses and finger pointing. We also must agree with Him that He is just in His judgment. What does it sound like to God when we approach Him for mercy, but we feel as if He was unfair in His judgment against us for our sin? Remember, sin is our rebellion against God (Romans 8:7). This verse tells us that our choice to sin stems from hostility towards God. He has every right as God to punish such hostility, and who are we to think that it is somehow unfair, and undeserved?
Someday we will stand before God, and every mouth will be stopped before Him. We will have no excuses on that day. It will all be over (Romans 3:19-20). Now is the time to humbly agree with God about ourselves, and to receive His mercy by grace, through Jesus Christ! No more excuses! No more self justification! Cast yourselves upon Christ for your souls salvation.
"Therefore the Lord has kept the calamity in store and brought it on us; for the Lord our God is righteous with respect to all His deeds which He has done, but we have not obeyed His voice."
Daniel 9:13-14 NASB
People attempt to justify their sin by saying that it really was not that bad. They consider themselves to be basically good at heart. They have a hard time reconciling the fact that a loving God would send anyone to hell. Many think that it would be unfair of God to do such a thing. All of this is nothing more than a feeble attempt at self justification. We think that we can make excuses. Nobody seems willing to take the blame for their sin, and to justify God as being righteous in His judgment upon the sinner.
Look at the thief on the cross however. As his companion railed abuse at Jesus, this man makes no excuses, even taking the blame for his actions, and admitting the justness of the penalty he was now suffering.
But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he was saying, "Jesus remember me when You come in Your kingdom."
Luke 23:40-42 NASB
This guilty thief was not making excuses. He took the responsibility for his guilt. Likewise, he did not complain about the execution of sentence upon him. He knew and admitted that he deserved the punishment he was receiving. When he asked Jesus to remember him, he was asking as a humbled, contrite sinner, seeking grace from the God he had offended.
This is what God desires from us. A frank, humble confession of our sin. He desires us to agree with Him about ourselves. Our sin is vile, an abomination to God. We are to blame for it, no one else. God does not want our excuses and finger pointing. We also must agree with Him that He is just in His judgment. What does it sound like to God when we approach Him for mercy, but we feel as if He was unfair in His judgment against us for our sin? Remember, sin is our rebellion against God (Romans 8:7). This verse tells us that our choice to sin stems from hostility towards God. He has every right as God to punish such hostility, and who are we to think that it is somehow unfair, and undeserved?
Someday we will stand before God, and every mouth will be stopped before Him. We will have no excuses on that day. It will all be over (Romans 3:19-20). Now is the time to humbly agree with God about ourselves, and to receive His mercy by grace, through Jesus Christ! No more excuses! No more self justification! Cast yourselves upon Christ for your souls salvation.
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