Religion's Crime Against God

# 263: They Say “Impossible”

2008-10-12T18:46:00.002-06:00

For logical, rational, educated human beings to actually believe there is a spirit realm, to a degree where it would change their life, is nonsensical. You see, logic will deny there is such a thing as life after death, or that there even is a heaven. The physical world says, "We are and have only what we see and no more." And I can understand that point of view.

When you get most if not all of the sciences in the world who deny that God created--if there is a God--the universe out of nothing physical, and deny that humans are a special creation of His, this is too much for any rational person to believe.

It seems that the more education and intelligence a person has the more difficult, if not impossible, it is to believe in a realm that is invisible. Why is that? I believe that human intelligence is a deterrent to believing in invisible things; their logic says impossible.

That is the reason why Jesus chose uneducated, ordinary men as His disciples. Matthew 11:25. "I praise you, Father Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." Does that mean that it would be impossible for educated and intelligent people to believe? No, but they would have a more difficult time believing. The only thing is when they do believe, their faith may be a bit superficial. What I mean is that they may harbor a little bit of doubt because of their logical thinking which does not leave them just because they decided to believe in Jesus, thus, making their devotion a little less than acceptable.

Does that mean that the intellect of Christians is just a little bit above the level of morons? Absolutely not! It means we don’t have to be wiz kids to become Christians. The secret is we must believe as little children do. Matthew 18:3. "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Also Luke 18:17. "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." When children are told some new facts, it is easy for them to believe because they trust the one who is teaching them. What is being said here means that as simple it is for a child to believe-- Click post # 232: "The Faith of a Little Child"--it is an extremely difficult for adults to believe in spiritual matters to the point where all doubt is removed. And doubt is a formidable deterrent to Godliness that will allow compromise to enter one’s life.

I wish I could give you a formula in which we could believe as little children. I am not sure there is one. The only thing Jesus didn’t mention is that little children can be naive which would make them not the best candidates to believe, since there are many beautiful, silver-tongued spiritual deceivers in the world vying for the attention of naive, foolish and gullible people.

Then there is Matthew 10:16, which teaches that we must ". . . be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Therefore, here is the formula: become like little Children, don’t be naive and gullible as fools and to be wise as serpents and innocents as doves. That formula seems to be contradictory. What else is new?

Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.

Don’t let anyone tell you that it is an easy thing to believe in God without doubt, and to have all the above qualities. It most likely is one of the most difficult things a person can be asked to do. The possible answer, as mentioned in post # 232 is to have a desperate life or death need to find a life better than what one has at the present. That type of need is not found to any great degree in America. And even those who have a great need, may not be aware of the rescue plan that is offered by Almighty God.

Now we have a large class of intellectuals, such as the biologists, cosmologists, physicists, astronomers, geologists and other sciences that shout: impossible. They say, the Bible is wrong and is nothing more than but a bunch of stories, myths and old-wives tales. They believe the way they do because they can prove with an abundant amount of empirical evidence from various sources that the earth and the universe are billions of years older; they most likely are correct. Where they error is that they believe the universe was a random happening via the Big Bang, and it and humans have no specific purpose for their existence, and if there is a God, he had nothing to do with the creation of the universe.

The Old Testament teaches that the earth is about 6000 years old. That seemed like an apparent known truth until science proved otherwise. Therefore, it is now a known error, even though that belief is unswerving held by millions of people who call themselves Christians; these people have to be pitied for their credulity. To get more info that may help explain the truth of the matter, please, for your sake, click on post # 143 or 109, "Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design." Also, you can click on post # 200, "Science Removes Doubt."

If any more was to be said, it will only be a repeat of what is taught in the above mentioned posts.

# 262: Disease, Sickness, Demons and Evil Spirits

2008-10-02T15:19:00.002-06:00

Few of us can get through life without having to put up with some type of ailment/s. That is part of life. My question is why? Is there anything we can do about it? I checked the New Testament to see what insight, if any, it may have to offer; this is what I found:

Luke 13:10-12 and 16. "On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, Woman, you are set free from your infirmity. Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. . . . Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?" In this healing, Satan was responsible for this woman’s misery.

2nd Corinthians 12:7-9. "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me, but he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Click on post # 255: to see what ‘Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh’ was. Satan can cause heart aches to even to the holiest of holy.

The term ‘possess an evil spirit’ is mentioned many, many times in the New Testament. Most of the time, it mentioned people who were possessed by evil spirits. One such example of being possessed by an evil spirit was mentioned in Matthew 8:28. "When he arrives at the other side of the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. What do you want with us, Son of God? They shouted. Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time? Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs. He said to them, Go! So they come out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water."

There is a similar account in Luke 8:26-33 which most likely is the same account, although some of the details are different, even though the finality is identical: the pigs being drowned in the water. It may be that violent people are possessed by evil spirits. And that they know their end will be painful.

In the four gospels, there are a dozens-or-so verses where either Jesus or His disciples drove out evils spirits from those who were possessed with them.

Now the question comes up, does the New Testament indicate that sickness and disease somehow were associated with some form of satanic powers? The New Testament seems to indicate that assumption. Even though there are people who believe that Satan does not really exist; and yet, they have to admit there is an evil force in this world. Where does this evil force get its power? There is an evil being (Satan and all his cohorts) who are the source of most if not all unpleasant situations.

Mark 1:39. "So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons." Since Jesus was more powerful than the demons, he was able cleanse those who had them. Then the question comes up, where do the evil spirits go? Answer: In other people whose desires are conducive to evil.

Matthew 5:37. ". . . anything beyond this comes from the devil." Much of what we are not aware of comes from the Devil.

Luke 4:33. "In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit." This verse says demons and evil spirits are one and the same.

Matthew 9:2. "When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." There are several indications that physical illness is the result of a person’s sin.

Matthew 10:1. "He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive our evil spirits and to cure and heal every kind of disease and sickness." Jesus Christ had and still has the power to give authority to heal other humans (His disciples and apostles).

Matthew 9:33. "And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been dumb spoke." Demons are responsible for the misery of many sick and diseased people.

Matthew 12:34. "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good?" People who don’t belong to or obey Jesus are classified as vipers.

Matthew 12:43-45. "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, I will return to the house I left. When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first." Evidently, evil spirits are not complete unless they possess the bodies and souls of humans. Could anyone imagine having more than one evil spirit?

Matthew 13:19. "When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart." It is imperative that we gain understanding of the complete Will of God on this earth. If we don’t, we can be tricked into allowing all our Christian efforts to be snatched by the evil one.

Matthew 17:18. "Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment." Jesus, along with those He chooses had and still has the power to overpower demons.

Mark 2:5. "When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven." This verse is similar to the one in Matthew 9:2.

Mark 3:11. "Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him [Jesus] and cried out, You are the Son of God." Verses like this one indicate that evil spirits have the ability to see what humans cannot. That means just because a person can see the future or things that normal people can’t, doesn’t mean they are of God, as they may profess.

Mark 5:2-15: "When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was able to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. . . . For Jesus was saying to him, Come out of this man, you evil spirit. . . . A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them. He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. . . . When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who was possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind." This tells me that when evil spirits are driven out of humans, they would rather live in animals than be inactive in only spirit form. These verses are telling the same story as in Matthew 8:28."

Exodus 34:7. "Yet he [God] does not leave the guilty unpunished: he punishes the children and their children for the sins of their fathers to the third and fourth generation."

Exodus 20:5. ". . . for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me. . . ." These two verses in Exodus seem completely unfair. Yet, through genetics, mutations or environment, the saying is true; like father like son.

Mark 6:7. "Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits." Evil spirits have no power over those who have been given authority over them.

Mark 8:33. Jesus Talking to Peter: "Out of my sight, Satan!" he said, "you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Those who have their mind on the things of people can be classified as workers of Satan. If that is true, we live in a world full of satanic people, dressed in angel’s garb.

Mark 9:20. "When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth." Those with evil spirits know those who posses the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Luke 4:33-35. "In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cries out at the top of his voice, Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the holy one of God! Be quiet! Jesus said sternly. Come out of him! Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him." Anyone with the Spirit of Jesus will be feared by Satan’s evil spirits.

Luke 13:11. "And a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, woman you are set free from your infirmity. Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God." Isn’t that wonderful? It is a shame we don’t see those types of healings in our modern times. This verse is identical as the one previously mentioned.

Luke 13:32. "He replied, Go tell that fox. . . . Here Jesus is saying that some people are liken to foxes.

John 9:1. "As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind." Again, it is true the sins either of the parent or ourselves are responsible for many of our ailments.

John 5:9 & 14. "At once the man was cured; picked up his mat and walked." Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, see you are well again, Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you." Quite often we are responsible for our own ailments because of our unnatural lifestyles. Of course, their desires are secretly inspired by the devil.

Acts 19:16. "The man who had the evil spirit jumped on them [the seven sons of Sceva] and overpowered them. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding." Evils spirits give tremendous strength to some humans.

1st Timothy 4:1. "The Spirit clearly says that in the latter times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." This verse is more true in our modern church than all the others verses put together. But spirits/demons do it in a sly way to make it look like it is genuine Christianity.

This tells me that in our sophisticated culture where ‘seeing is believing.’ There are many evil forces that dictate and control much of what is going on in this world. Where do you and I stand?

If a person doesn’t desire to believe in evil spirits and the devil, no problem; then you have to believe that all humans have a sinful human nature: that nature is the realm through which selfishness and evil work. You see, all wild animals are concerned with only one thing: survival of their kind. If you want to believe it or not, those wild things is where our self-centered, evil nature comes from. And that is where evil spirits get their power. Think about it. Leave me a comment. This subject is wide open.

In conclusion, A positive note: even though Satan, most likely, is responsible for much if not all sickness and diseases, our Lord God capitalizes on that evil when it comes on His chosen people by giving them the longing to leave this ungodly world as soon as possible, along with becoming more fervent in their devotion to Jesus Christ. They can’t wait for this life to be over. This author is one of them.

# 261: A Comment Sent to Post # 6

2008-09-25T16:43:00.005-06:00

This comment is long and detailed, too long for the comment section. I felt it would be of interest to many bloggers, so I put it in the main section of this blog. My response is short and to the point.

robov has left a new comment on your post "# 9: A Message for Evangelicals, Pentecostal, Asse...":

This is an interesting one. Many speak against the prosperity message and declare that as Christians we should be poor or at least not prosperous or wealthy. After all Jesus was poor and we should be like Him. Yet scripture declares: 2Co 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. Now I've heard it preach, Ahhh, yes, but Paul means spiritually rich. The Greek word Rich here is "plousios" Thayer Definition:

1) wealthy, abounding in material resources 2) metaphorically abounding, abundantly supplied 2a) abounding (rich) in Christian virtues and eternal possessions New American Exhaustive Concordance:plousios; from G4149; wealthy: - people (1), rich (19), rich man (7), rich man’s (1), rich people (1). So the word rich here refers to material wealth as well as in Virtues. The key I believe though is what a person does with that wealth and who they believe it came from. For God clearly declare's in Deu 8:18 "But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. NASB

I believe the downfall according to scripture is the "love of money" as stated in 1Tim 3:3, 1Tim 6:10, 2Tim 3:2, Heb 13:5. Jesus also said in Matthew Chapter 6 Starting in verse 24, Jesus says that you cannot serve two masters. Referring to God and wealth. Then he goes on from verse 25 - 34 telling us not to worry about getting material things such as clothing, food and drink, generally material "STUFF", but rather HE says verse 33."But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

So again the focus should be the Father and His Kingdom and His Righteousness, the result of this being that He will provide all your material needs. So I asked myself one day "What is His Kingdom, how would it look and where would I learn about it." Scripture of course and the teachings of Jesus. "His Righteousness" was easy, for I have no righteousness of my own apart from what's been imputed to me by faith. Jesus is my righteousness. But back to operating the kingdom princles as I am learning to do and seeing results for the first time in my 5 1/2 year Christian walk.

Jesus showed us much, to much to put here so I will choose a few only. Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." NASB or I like this Translation:Give, and you will receive. A large quantity, pressed together, shaken down, and running over will be put into your pocket. The standards you use for others will be applied to you." God's Word.

There's a cause and an effect here. You give, then you receive. Operating in the kingdom priciples is no more diffult than understanding what God said to Noah after the flood: Gen 8:21 The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. Gen 8:22 "While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease."

Isn't it intersting here also that God said never again will "I" curse the ground. The earth is cursed today because of man. One only needs to look to the destructuon of our environment to know that. But I digress. God said as long as the earth remains it will be seed time and harvest, Sowing and reaping, this does not apply only to planting and harvesting seeds. It is a spiritual principle that applies to every area of our life.

Jesus taught us about the seed and the harvest, Mark chapter 4 in the parable of the sower. He said the sower sows the seed and depending on where it landed determined the harvest that was produced. The seed that fell on the good soil returned up to a hundred fold return. Now the seed Jesus said is the "Word" and the soil He said is our heart. Everything with God is a heart thing, he looks upon our heart. How hard it is He said for the rich to get into the kingdom, why, because their trust is in their riches rather than in the source of the riches. The sower sows the seed(Word), which determines the harvest. Are you sowing word's of life(God's word) over your situation or word's of death(the devil's words) Are you speaking to your mountain and commanding it to get smaller or are you speaking to the mountain and declaring that it is getting bigger. Jesus said that we could have whatever we say and brothers and sisters, most of us are getting exactly what we say, because what we say is what we believe and what we believe is what we say and that is what ends up manifesting in our lives. Romans 4:17 say Faith comes by hearing....... and by hearing the words of Christ. What are you hearing that's building your faith. That we shouldn't be wealthy or prosperous. Abraham was a very wealthy man on the earth in his day and we are joint heirs. We are sons of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Kings sons and daughters are not poor but are entitled to everything their Father has.

I understand your intention here JC, and I believe that your heart is right. There are many out there that are abusing this prosperity principle. But Jesus said that you would know a person by there fruit. If the particular ministry is reaping abundantly, look to see if they are sowing that wealth abundantly. Are they leading many to Jesus. In my own life I do want to be prosperous and if I can become wealthy, it means I can sow into more and more ministries. But I do not expect God to just throw the money on my lap or into my bank account supernaturally. I work hard for it and trust that he will provide greater opportunities for me to gain more. I sow abundantly and reap abuntantly and daily I declare it and speak it out of my mouth. I speak in agreement with what God says. I give and it's given unto me. Everything I set my hand to prospers, no weapon formed against me will proper. I'm learning everyday to sow the Word of God over my life, my children's lives and all those that I'm praying for. If I have lack I call abundance according to the Word. I say my mountain of debt is getting smaller. I'm simply doing the sayings of Jesus and it's working. The Word of God is living and active, Jesus said my Word's are Spirit and they are life. John 6:63God spoke everything in the universe into existence, the invisible into the visible. We are created in His likeness and image and Ephesians 5:1 says we're to be imitators of Him. Start saying what God says about who you are and about your situation not what some Pastor or person says. God told His people they could have whatever the say, but instead we continually say what we have.

Pro 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words Deu 30:11 "For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. Deu 30:12 "It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?' Deu 30:13 "Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?' Deu 30:14 "But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.

Deu 30:15 "See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity; Deu 30:16 in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the LORD your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it. I finish with this, many of us(Christians) have cut ourselves so short of all that Father God's has given us and we do it because we think we're being humble. There's nothing humble about not accepting and receiving all that God has for us. That's called presumption. There's also a vast difference between humility and arrogance, don't get the two confused.

God has given man dominion over the earth and His situations and the power of His living Word, and if you've received Jesus as Lord then you also have the power of His annointing. Nothing should be impossible to you. Love and life in Christ

Rob.

Dear Rob,

Thanks much for sending us this comment. I know exactly where you are coming from, and why you believe as you do. It was not too long ago that I was in your shoes.

Several errors in your belief concerning the subject of material wealth and prosperity. The first is this: in the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was never promised eternal life, even though it does mention eternity concerning God. Israel was promised the land flowing with milk and honey. Yes, they were promised material wealth and prosperity over and over again. And what did they do with it, over and over again? Turned their backs on their Lord and went the way of the nations around them.

Therefore, the Old Testament Scriptures concerning making us wealth and prosperous for holy and good reason, does not apply to the Church of Christ. Christ came to fulfill the law. Wealth didn’t make them obedient or holy nor does it do any good for Christ’s Church, except to make modern-day Pharisees. Jesus Christ said, "Blessed are the poor." No where does it say, 'blessed are the rich.'

You see, wealth for good or selfish reasons produces a secret pride in what we have accomplished. And that is the least of the damage it does. It makes us feel secure in our success. We don’t have to rely on God. Money is God’s most formidable enemy. As you know, money speaks louder than Scripture, regardless how noble and noteworthy one’s intentions may be. That is why Luke said speaking for Jesus in Luke 16:15. "What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight." Tell me, what is more highly valued than money? Not even health.

The reason Jesus Christ said the above is because how can a person have love for God and Godly love for their needy neighbors around the world and still have more than their immediate needs. Authentic love is that demanding. The whole will of God is displayed in these two commands: love God with all our energies and love your neighbor as yourself. Do this and you will live. Luke 10:27. For that simple reason, your rationale is in serious error.

I could give you dozens of New Testament verses that are in this blog that speak of the damage material prosperity does to people who are honest and sincere "christians." But I won’t do that.

I realize having or desiring wealth/security is one of the strongest human desire. Therefore, I can understand why many churches and individuals, like yourself, have incorporated it into their Christian lives. The only thing is that what Christ offers apart from material wealth is far superior, and is more potent, but it must be experienced to be know, which doesn't come cheap.

Think about this: if material wealth was a pillar in the Christian life--as if it isn't--and you were a wealthy Christian and a role model for other Christians; what would those who emulate you seek? Holiness and obedience or wealth? You see, it is not money that people love, it is what they can do and get from it.

Rob, I beg you to reconsider your stance on the benefits of material wealth in the Christian life. I am aware it is next to impossible to do that, but with God’s help, you can do it. The road you are now on is a portrait/recipe for eternal destruction. In this last sentence, I am speaking for Jesus Christ. jc.

Rob, I just read you comment on # 248: The knack of Making Sin Acceptable. What you believe about sin is the most ungodly scenario I have heard to date. You could not pay me to put such ungodly stuff in this blog, because I wouldn’t want any of the Christians who regularly read this blog to know that type of belief actually exist. Do me and yourself a favor, please don’t correspond to this blog any more, unless or until you straighten up your life.

# 260: The Cross

2008-09-01T18:04:00.003-06:00

Why is the cross mentioned so often in Scripture, and what are the implications and aspects of the cross for disciples of Jesus Christ?

One aspect concerning the cross which is not found in the Bible is that it was Rome’s way of punishing criminals found guilty of a capital crime/s or less serious offenses--like the two robbers crucified alongside Jesus--with a horrific death; a death that was shameful, slow and extremely painful--Hebrews 12:2. "Jesus. . . scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of glory." The reason is was shameful was because the soldiers divided the garments of the one they were crucifying, leaving the condemned person naked--check the gospel of John, 19:23-24. The reason it was slow was because the injuries were on the bodies’ extremities (hands and feet) with no fear of immediate death. There may not have been a more painful death as a form of execution. Another reason for this extremely slow and painful death was Rome’s way of keeping a tight reign/control over the rabble throughout the entire Roman Empire. Most would think twice before breaking Roman law because of the severity of dying on a cross. That may be what we need to keep potential criminals in control, instead of a slap on the hand/wrist, as it were?

Actually, the wooden cross may have been no more than a fairly straight tree trunk, bark and all, without the cross bar? Why would Rome go through the trouble of making extra work for themselves, and use up scarce lumber by placing a cross bar. Another reason for supposing a tree trunk was uses is because there are five verses that use the word ‘tree’ instead of the cross. There are three different Biblical authors who used the word ‘tree’ instead of cross: Luke, in the book of acts used it three times, Paul, in the book of Galatians, and Peter, in 2nd Peter. Another possible reason why the tree trunk was called a cross was to signify that if anyone in the Roman empire disobeyed/crossed Roman law, their desires for life would be shortened by placing them on a tree. Repeating, if anyone crossed Roman Law, Rome would cross them. Either way, the end result (death) and the slow and excruciating pain was the same.

1) The cross is symbolized in several different ways. One of the main ways is to bring death to our sinful human nature. That death is to be continually activated--the cross--throughout our lives. Since our sinful, animal nature is tremendously strong, we have to continually put it to death. Taking up our cross daily which is not an actual cross, signifies the death of desires and actions which oppose the ways of God’s Will. Without putting our selfish ways to death everyday of our lives, our sinful nature will, with little or no effort, slowly gain control of our lives again, and most often without our knowledge, until we are too far gone into the ways of the world/Satan to regain our faith, love and obedience. Hebrews 6:4-6. "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace."

Romans 6:6. "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. . . ."

Romans 6: 11-12. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires."

Galatians 2:20, Paul blatantly says: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." That verse should be the cry of ever born-again Christian."

Galatians 5:24. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires."

Matthew 16:24. "Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

Luke 14:27. "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me daily cannot be my disciple."

Therefore, the cross we must take up daily is not an actual cross we hang around our neck to signify we are somehow affiliated with Christianity, or a cross we hang on the wall, or a picture of a cross or any other way a cross is displayed. The cross (death of our old self) is to express our diligence in continually paying attention to all our desires and actions so that they conform to the Will of God. To actually believe and live as if our old self has been crucified, is not an easy thing to accomplish; but with God’s power we will continually live for Christ, since we will believe that our sinful nature has been crucified. This concept of carrying our cross daily is one of the most difficult to explain in a way that is understood by all disciples of Christ.

2) 1 Corinthians 1:18. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." That is still true today. This verse seems to indicate that carrying our cross is the power of God working in us. Wow!

3) Then there is the stigma the cross carries or should carry. When our lives conform to the dictations of the New Testament, we no longer will conform to the ways of the world. This type of holy life in which we continually carry our cross will be offensive to many, because our changed lives will testify that the way they live is ungodly and sinful.

Galatians 5:11. "Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished,"

Galatians 6:12. "Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcision. The only reason they are doing this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ."

4) Are we living as enemies of the cross of Christ? We can know that answer by what this next verse indicates: Philippians 3:18-19. "For as I [Paul] have often told you before and now say again with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven." Paul is adamantly saying, by the way we live and not by what we say will tell if we are enemies of the cross.

5) Since many humans love to boast, let us boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians 6:14. "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Yes, let us boast in the difficulties of living in a way--the cross--that brings glory to God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

1st Corinthians 2:31. "Therefore, as it is written: Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

6) Do atheists think all Christians are foolish and naive to put our faith in a crucified Jew? Do Jews refuse to believe in a Jew who died on a Roman cross for their sins, so that they may be connected (become one) with the God who created the universe?

1st Corinthians 1:23. "Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block for Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. . . ."

In conclusion, the aforementioned twelve or so verses used, have nothing to do with a physical wooden cross, they are all symbolic/a condition giving the true meaning of the cross. It is only apropos to condense the meaning of the cross with all its complexities and erroneous beliefs into a simple sentence: the cross of Jesus Christ and the cross we are to bare, are not trinkets, or even fixtures on church buildings, but are the mainstay and centerpiece of the genuine Christian life.

The apostle Paul puts it this way in 1st Corinthians 2:2. "For I resolved to know nothing while with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."

I will take the time to pray to our God through Jesus Christ for those who adhere to most of the Biblical principles displayed in this blog, and share that good news with someone who might be interested in learning what the complete gospel of Jesus Christ is about--the sour along with the sweet. That sharing will, without a doubt, be good works/fruit that is required of all Christians/disciples of our blessed Savior. Do that and I am certain God through His Holy Spirit will personally bless you in ways you may never have asked for or expected! Amen and amen.

# 259: Christ in You

2008-08-17T15:37:00.004-06:00

It could be that most people who call themselves Christians, are not aware of the high position and responsibility they have been given when they accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Making that position come to life is what this post will attempt to accomplish.

Marriage between a man and woman, most often, is the closest relationship humans can experience. That is, or should be, a relationship of oneness. What is good for one is good for the other. Likewise, what is bad and hurtful for one is bad for the other. This principle, though said in a few words, if the backbone of life in our civilized world. Take marriage away from society and life would be chaotic and lawless.

It breaks my heart more than most will ever know that Christianity ought to be is a marriage of oneness with Jesus Christ. And what do we have instead is a religion of oneness with self and company. Many will deny this serious charge, nevertheless it is the truth. Put in a simple question: what do the run-of-the-mill Christians do to advance the cause of their Lord/boss? Little or nothing! As partners with Christ, it is our duty to continue the work He started. That is the work of showing and telling the world around us exactly what Jesus Christ commanded, and the eternal benefits or repercussions if we obey or make excuses not to obey.

Other than possibly going to church and saying their prayer, if even that, people who have supposedly given their allegiance to the Son of God are not much different than upright, honest and respected atheists. In fact, atheists, quite often, live better lives. Does organized religion per se confront those who live in this manner? Why should they; if the did, they would lose money and membership. Therefore, they turn a blind-eye and say to themselves, "No one is perfect. God is a loving, merciful, compassionate and forgiving God." That is true, but the only thing, God is merciful to those who fear Him. There are over a dozen verses that teach us to fear the Lord, or else. I will quote just one. Luke 1:50. "His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation," The only thing, there is no fear of God in their lives. If they knew what fear of God meant, they would find out all that God requires from disciples of Christ, as is clearly and candidly displayed in the New Testament. Instead, their main pastime and activities are things that bring temporal pleasure and satisfaction.

If anyone is not familiar with 2nd Timothy 3:1-5, for your sake read it and see the similarities these tough verses have with our modern Christian church. Of course when I use the term organized religion, I am not referring to all churches; there are a few that preach and live according to Scriptural commands. But from my personal experience, they are few-and-far-between. Any Church with a large attendance would never qualify as being forthcoming with the imperative teachings as presented in the New Testament. Why? Mega-churches, out of greed for money and people--they call it Godly prosperity--teach a message of Biblically ear-tickling lullabies, while leaving out the meat. Then it could be said, if they never had a taste of Biblical meat and potatoes, they wouldn’t miss them.

If anyone is new to this blog and is not aware of what these commands are, the ones which are avoided by many Christian churches, just read a few of the post within this blog. For over three years, we have been and will continue to defeat the silent lies of popular churches that thrive on hypocrisies and pleasant trickery, while avoiding those that are hard to accept. There can be no tolerance from God or this Biblical blog for this deadly sin of silence.

Most Christian churches say they are Bible believing, and that is true, but they believe only the parts that are pleasant to the laity, such as the acceptance of a lifestyle where material wealth and prosperity is acceptable and even desired, while Scripture teaches that it is detestable in God’s sight, This blog quite often speaks openly on our human nature’s tendency of want/have material wealth and prosperity.

That is not to say a rich or prosperous person can’t become a disciple of Christ; everyone is more than welcome. 1st Timothy 6:17-18. "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, . . . Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." But there is one stipulation: since the rich must be generous and willing to share with those in need, the question comes up: how much of their wealth do they have to share with the needy so what remains in their possession will not be an obstacle to their Salvation? Did you notices this verse didn’t say share with their church.

When one is rich, it is an easy thing just to drop the ransom money--give or go to hell--into the basket, but to actually get out and win souls for Christ, takes guts and determination. That is what the wealthy and even the not so wealthy negate from their "christian" lives. Other than the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses--which I believe are cults--I personally don’t know of any denomination that teaches the imperative results of this personal witness. Without these good works, we are no more than lazy, decrepit, religious bystanders. Ouch!

In contrast to the aforementioned verse in 1st Timothy, this is what Jesus commands in the sections concerning the rich young ruler and the good Samaritan. Matthew 19:20-21. "All these I have kept, the young man said. What do I still lack? Jesus answered, if you want to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." In Luke 10:25 & 27-28. ". . . What must I do to inherit eternal life? . . . He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself. You have answered correctly, Jesus replied. Do this and you will live." Action is a precursor to discipleship. Said another way; both verses have prerequisites to eternal life: love for God, love for neighbor and the poor. They are not eternity bound Christians if they do not believe and obey these commands.

The all important question is this: why is material wealth and prosperity more than a hindrance, actually an abomination, for those who claim Christianity as their religion? The answer may surprise many. Why would wealthy people have an immediate need for eternal life when they already have all they need and even more? They want the best of both worlds. They desire to go to heaven, but don’t want to die just yet. They want to continue to be spend-thrifty and enjoy life here just a little bit longer. The implication: heaven and its future pleasures are not real, since they don’t actually need them in the secure and luxurious positions they are now in. They are having too much fun as they eat, drink and get merry. This paragraph infers that it is impossible to have one’s mind and heart on Godly matters while enjoying the things this deceitful world offers.

Where as Christians who have it hard in this world, can’t wait to go to heaven; they are longing for death (sleep) so as to end their miserable earthly lives. I am one of the latter group. Here is the last reason wealth is not acceptable for followers of Christ: how can anyone have more than they need, when there are many millions in dire need of the basics? That goes to demonstrate that the wealthy and prosperous have no Godly love for those in need. With no love, comes damnation. That is the reason Jesus said in Luke 16:15. "What is highly value among men is detestable in God’s sight." Arguably, if anyone believes the New Testament, the above verses and divine logic, ends all controversy. This seems to say that many millions of rich people who remain rich after accepting Christ as their Savior and still claim Christianity as their religion are doomed to hell. Statements like that are not welcome in organized religion. Repeating: that is the lie this blog has been exposing and hopefully defeating for over three years. I am sure this section will fall onto many deaf ears with aggressive thoughts.

I didn’t mean to stray away from the subject of ‘Christ in you’ as the title says; Christ in you is the answer for all the woes of Christianity. Colossians 1:27. ". . . Christ in you, the hope of glory." Let us start with this question: do you and I know for certain that we are possessed with the Spirit of Christ? We could easily say yes and leave it at that. That is where the problem starts and doesn’t end there.

The terms, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, Christ in you, born again, and a few more are terms used which are one and the same Spirit.

Here is a test: if some are just starting out as Christians, and desire to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit, it most likely won’t start out with a bang. Slowly the new convert will notice that they have loving and holy desires they never had before. These desires may vary, but they all have one thing in common: to really get to know Christ and what He expects from them. God’s Spirit never forces His ways on anyone. He must work through our freewill. When we start to obey our new desires, which are inspired by the Holy Spirit, that is some evidence that the Spirit of Christ is living in us. As we start to mature, the vast number of our actions will correspond with the instructions in the New Testament. That is more evidence that we are being guided by Christ who lives in us. Nevertheless, never forget this verse: Acts 5:32. "We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

At that point, we can honestly say that Christ is in us. That is not to say every person that is doing good is indwelt by the Spirit. Continued obedience to Christ’s commands will determine who is who. Those who don’t have God’s Spirit, but say they do, their true colors will start to show when they search for an easier way to God’s heaven, by making little of God’s unnatural commands or negating them all together. In fact, it is impossible to continue to do good works and grow in faith and love without the Spirit. Another indication of His presence is we will never be content with how much we are doing for the Lord; there will always be room for more. When we feel content with our position or works in Christ, that may be a sign that spiritual complacency is setting in, which is the beginning of the end. What is being said is to be a recipient of the Spirit of Christ is the most crucial part in the Christian life. In fact, anyone without the Spirit is not a Christian. Romans 8:9. "And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ."

Here is an aspect of our heavenly position that needs some down-to-earth explaining: without our knowledge, at the moment of conversion, we are justified and sanctified in God’s sight. 1st Corinthians 6:11. "But you were washed, you were sanctified, (made holy) you were justified ( made free of all sins) in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." That means if one was to die a short while after one accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, eternity would be waiting for him/her. Here is my point: since God gave us a new status, now considers/made us pure and holy by forgiving all our sins; that is the perfect incentive to live pure and holy lives; if for no other reason, we will live up to our new status of how God sees us as new creations, created in the image of God.

God sees us as perfect; since the vicarious exchange of Christ taking all our sins upon himself and in exchange gave us his perfection, we are given the privilege and pleasure to live out that perfection as we "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to." Luke 13:24.

Inactivity in the Christian life breeds the need for worldly joy. Spiritual joy will not materialize when one is inactive in doing God’s will. And it takes effort to do the works of God. Most prefer to take the course of least resistance. The only thing, with Christ in us, we will not take that course. For that reason, I pray to God that all who are reading this blog will continue to grow in faith and love, thus become strong in the things of God and Christ. Amen.

Since I have separated myself from most, if not all, worldly activities, and things that bring pleasure, I find no joy from living in this world, except the spiritual joy of allowing Jesus Christ to live and love through my body. For that reason, even though death is a dreaded enemy for those who are disobedient, those like this author who have a genuine hope of spending eternity with God and Christ, death is a welcome friend.

Although in the Book of Acts, it tells of when certain people initially received the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues and prophesied as a sign that they received the Spirit. Nowadays there is even better evidence of Christ in us: when one is continually being led by God’s Spirit. With that Spirit, we are given the power to lead a sin-free life; while sin is evidence that one is under the control of the evil-one. There is one exception: when a person sins inadvertently/unintentionally. That is a sin that will not lead to death. Leading a sinless life is a hard teaching. Even though it is taught throughout the New Testament, 1st John make it absolutely clear with no wiggle room: verse 3:6. "No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him." Also verse 8-9. "The reason the Son of God came was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed [the holy Spirit] remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God."

Just a final reminder: your life and how you live it, should be of major concern; that is all you have of earthly value that can determine if you will spend eternity in the presence of a God of love or in a place of eternal and unbearable pain. For that reason, it is the business of Christ and this Biblical blog to teach you, if necessary, how God desires to make your life holy, pure and pleasing to Him. That is our quest. We pray that those who have or desire to have Christ living in them are the ones who will respond to our plea to take this post and blog seriously. Amen.

In conclusion, it is a spiritual fact, when we are recipients of the life and Spirit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which is freely given, it can be said, regardless how lowly our station, we are truly living the high-life, as God meant it to be lived.

# 258: The Devil’s Trap

2008-08-04T19:27:00.003-06:00

2nd Timothy 2:25-26.“Those who oppose him [the Lord] he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

Mark 4:18-19. “Still others . . . hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” These are just a few of the activities most of us may be engaged in, which are the devil’s favorite traps. This similar theme is also presented in Matthew 13:22 and Luke 8:14.

When we initially accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we freely enter into the first phase of discipleship. As new disciples of Jesus Christ, we must learn how we are expected to live in a way that pleases the one who bought us. 1st Corinthians 6:19. [at this time] “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” Since we literally sold ourselves in exchange for eternal life, we now belong to Christ, and therefore we are obligated to obey all His detailed instructions. As His disciples, there is only one authority as to where we can learn what is expected of us: the New Testament (NT) of the Christian Bible. Let us make sure we have an up-to-date Bible with our modern language and not one of antiquity, like the King James Bible. There are several good ones; I prefer the New International Version.

Now for those who believe they are Christians and disciples of Christ, and are standing firm in the Lord, without an intimate knowledge of our instructions in the NT; take warning It just may be, your faith is in vain and useless. Repeating, all the instructions in the NT are of absolute necessity to know and obey. Because it is by our obedience to His commands which is conclusive evidence that we belong to the Son of God. If we are not producing good fruit/deeds/works--they are one and the same--regardless how much and how loud we shout from the roof tops that we are Christians, we are being tricked/deceived (in the devil’s trap) without knowing it. It is impossible to be genuine Christians if we are not heading in that direction of knowledge and obedience. If anyone has a legitimate argument with what is being said herein, please leave a comment or send an email.

In the name of Jesus Christ, I strongly suggest everyone to read the complete NT or listen to it via CDs at the minimum of once a month; the exception is the book of Revelation. If you have never read it before, read it once, just so you know basically how confusing and extremely difficult, if not impossible, most sections are to understand. Of course chapter 2 and 3 are informative, concerning the seven churches, as to what God hates and glories in. Even though I think most of you have in past times read the NT; notwithstanding, unless you have a photographic memory, much of what is of extreme importance will/may be forgotten. Just remember, we are not just talking about the ins and outs of religion, this is a matter of your life and death, and I am not excluded.

As we continually to listen or read the NT and become familiar with its contents, we will notice contradictions especially in the four gospels. Do not let that trouble anyone. Those errors do not take away from the holiness, love and purity of God and Christ, or the basis of Godly authority in the NT. The most likely reason why one gospel is different than another is because several centuries before any manuscripts were copulated by the early church in the third and fourth century, many people attempted to formulate the facts surrounding the life of Jesus. Apart from the four gospels we now have, there were many more accounts written of the life of Jesus Christ. They were rejected as being inconsistent with the four that seemed to be most creditable. Luke 1:1. “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, . . .” And besides that, the gospels and epistles were written, some possibly from memory, 20 to 40 and even more years after the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Then in 315 AD, after years of squabbling over what letters and gospels were to be included in the Holy Canon, Atheanius, a powerful, early church leader, was influential enough to finally recommend that only 27 books be included as the NT. They remain to this day. That seems to indicate, that individual gospels/letters of the NT were floating around from church to church for over two centuries. Therefore, during that time, human error or intentional changes have taken their toll. Evidence of those individuals letters moving from one church to another is seen in several places, but none are more evident than in the first verses of the books of James and 1st Peter. James 1:1. “James, a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:” 1st Peter 1:1. “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.” If anyone desires more information on this subject, click on post # 110: “Contradictions and Uncertainties.”

The good thing about knowing that these errors exists is that no one can surprise us by throwing them into our faces, such as atheists or those who just wants to rattle our faith. Another good that can come out of these inconsistencies is if someone doesn’t really believe or has a meager faith, these errors will be a good excuse for them to forsake their religion. Good riddance

Back to the main subject: Even though living in a way which pleases God and Christ can not save us, it is absolutely necessary as confirmation that our faith is real, without any mealy-mouth excuses. Actually, it is impossible to live a holy life without the information of what Christ commands, which is available only in the NT. Some might say, “But I pray, go to church, watch Christian programing on TV etc. Isn’t that enough to prove that I am a Christian?” An astounding no! That is the reason Christianity is in the sad shape it is in. Don’t believe all that some preachers of trickery teach, what Christian books exclaim, or even this Biblical blog, even though I elaborate or try to explain the full impact of many of Christ’s teaching.

Some might ask, “How then were people saved in the middle or dark ages or even before, when Bibles were forbidden to be in the possession of the common people?” That is a good question. The only answer I can give is that God is just, and if a person’s heart is right, I am sure exceptions have/will be made. But now that Bibles are a dime a dozen, those exceptions cannot be made for ignoring God’s Word.

Another reason why Christianity has become a passive religion is because we do not obey these upcoming command and many others like them: 1st Corinthians 15:58. “Therefore, my brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Hebrews 10:24. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” That is one of the main intentions of this blog.

This is worthy of repeating: the only way we can protect ourselves, or better yet, allow God to protect us from Satan’s trickery and trap is to become familiar with all the instructions in the New Testament as to what is good and what may not appear to be evil, but still is ungodly and of the devil. When we are in the devil’s trap, we, most likely, will be the last ones to know it, since the devil makes his schemes seem acceptable and many times even godly. We must never forget this fact: the devil’s business is deceit. The sad part of deceit is that we all are being deceived--hopefully in a small way--in one way or another, regardless how holy we may believe we are. The thing is to expose our own deceits by living as close as possible to every word taught in our instruction book, the NT. Another thing: no one can get all he/she need to follow the way of holiness and love from going to any church, regardless how good and decent it may be. It is our own personal responsibility to get it straight from the horses mouth, as it were. The reason I say that is because quite often some of the imperative but seemingly impossible-to-adhere-to commands are not mentioned from most pulpits, so as not to lose church members.

Several of those pivotal verses come to mind, the ones we most often are guilty of, concerning living as part of this self-centered world. “Though we live in the world, we are not to be part of the world; 1st John 2:15-17. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has or does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” Personally, this command poses no difficulties for me, but may be a great sacrifice for some.

This next verse is one of the most difficult for me to obey: Colossians 3:1-2. “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” The reason this is difficult for me is because I take this verse literally. The word ‘set’ is what gives this verse teeth; it doesn’t mean occasionally but constantly.

There are so many worldly chores that have to be done in life where one must put his/her mind completely on what one is doing, which may have nothing to do with ‘things above.’ Therefore, we must attempt to get engaged in as few things as humanly possible that take our minds off heavenly things. No matter how I look at it, this, I believe is the most difficult command to conform to in the NT. This command is one where the evil-one can have a heyday (the devil’s trap). He loves it when we somehow have our minds on important earthly things and not on Godly things.

# 257: Stunning Short Notes and One Liners

2008-07-12T13:38:00.002-06:00

This is a repeat of post # 140 which was first published on 4/16/06. As I reread it recently, I was impressed with some of the mind provoking truths it presents. I believe new bloggers may also be impressed.

What follows are a few short themes for contemplation, meditation, and prayer. Many are something of an encapsulation of issues already covered in this blog. Others were more briefly touched upon, while some are new concepts. Study them; live them; they are great jumping-off points in one’s Christian walk.

In the Christian life, the main, if not the only, way to put prosperity and wealth in its proper place, is to actually start experiencing the holy life of Jesus Christ.

Having Christ-like belief leaves little room for ego.

Only a big person who knows how important he/she really is, can be truly humble without fear of losing any of his/her greatness.

Don't tell me about Christ, show me Christ.

To love people as Christ would, is to tell and give them what they need and not what they think they need, or want. In most cases this kind of love will be blatantly rejected and called judgmental.

Do you know exactly on what day Christ will return to Earth, not in the sense that one can mark it on the calendar? Read on. We know that Jesus Christ will return at the end of time to square-things-up with Mankind. If, at a given time, there was the remotest possibility that several more people would believe Him and be saved if He waited a few more days, would He wait? Certainly! He would wait and He will wait until the world is so evil that there is absolutely no chance of even one more person repenting and believing in Him. That is the day He will return. I think we are getting close to that day, don't you?

I want to ask you a two part question. Don’t tell anyone your answer, but you must give yourself an honest answer, right from your heart. Don’t lie and tell yourself something that will make you feel good. If you do, you will only be cheating yourself. If your answer makes you feel bad, it might be closer to the truth. Here are the questions. 1) What is the most valuable thing/things in your life? 2) What is the greatest desire or aspiration in your life? By giving yourself honest answers you have revealed who your god is, your source of worship and the name of your true religion.

The name of my religion for years has been “self interest”--staying young and healthy--in the name of good and God. What a rude awaking I got when I found out. Now, my God is Jesus Christ. My life now displays Him as my source of worship.

When Christians are certain of their future, they can borrow from that future to meet present day needs. In other words, since many live in the past, why can’t they live in the glorious future? Our belief in what the future will be is converted into reality by our faith.

How do you think Jesus Christ felt, being the Son of God? How do you think we should feel, by faith, having been given the same status as Jesus, which is being clones-of-Christ-in-the-making? Of course, we should feel the same way He did. When we do, O what power we will have to believe and love as He did. Then we can rightly say ‘Look out world here we come.’

One of the biggest crimes against God that one of His own can commit is to waste time on things that do not spiritually enrich our lives, even good, innocent and important as they may seem and more.

We are not made Christ-like as a means in itself, but for God to bless others through us.

When we say we are Christians but our lives do not display Christ, what evidence remains to substantiate our claim?

It is immoral not to help those who truly have needs and actually cannot help themselves. Conversely, it is immoral to enable those whose needs are fraudulent.

When we suffer for the cause of Christ, He actually shares our pain with us.

To know the truth of Jesus Christ is great, but that truth must be put into practice to be of any value. To know this truth, which makes one feel knowledgeable and important of sorts, without having a desire or ability to live it, is much more deadly than not knowing any truth at all. In other words, the deception of having knowledge of the truth and thinking it is of value, without applying it, is a greater deception than being deceived by ignorance of that truth. Are any of us guilty of this?

When someone loves you in truth, their love is like a magnet; it can either attract or repel, hurt or bless. You choose.

Any religious worship is false if it doesn't bring us closer to God so that the world can see Christ more clearly through our lives.

Our personal defeats are a great instructor in that they can bring us to Christ and His victorious life.

When we purposely do not do all the good we can in our Christian life, will grace take up the slack? I don’t think so. Grace enables us to apply our maximum effort.

What and where a person is at present is not as important to God as the future. He looks at the true desires of one’s heart.

When we love someone they are our business. Since they are our business, THEIR NEEDS ARE OUR DEBTS. Pour our lives into theirs. Love makes unity.

Grace does not release us from the responsibility to give our all; in fact, when we start to understand the value of grace, we realize that grace empowers us to give our all.

Satan has the ability to mimic, through his people, all that God does through His people. This is a solemn warning to examine the motives behind any life.

A face is worth a thousand words: As Abe Lincoln said years ago, “By the time a man is forty, he is responsible for what his face looks like.”

Debt is the worst kind of hidden poverty, since one usually doesn’t recognize it as poverty. If that is the case, this country is in sad shape with its $ 8 trillion debt and counting. It will be our downfall.

God hates it when we replace Him with religious rituals and formalities.

We all need attention. When our attention comes to us from God through faith, we don't need attention from men/women.

Although a clear conscience does not justify us in God's sight, we need a clear conscience as to our lifestyle to make sure we are not working for the enemy without knowing it.

What is of greatest value in one's life, will take over and control that life.

A person can experience the future in the present when one is sure of what the future will be.

When we are living in God's will, everything that happens to us is according to God's will, because He is in control. Praise The Lord.

No one is able to know Jesus Christ or even have a desire to do so, as long as any self-interest (ego) dominates that life.

The closer one gets to being like Jesus Christ, the more one will be misunderstood by the religious. It’s a very reliable barometer.

The face with a smile that is genuine, will continue to smile even after it is slapped.

I read good in all that God allows to happen to me.

The sin that doesn't seem like sin to us, especially the kind we theologically rationalize, will get us if we don't recognize it as the sin it is.

To have God's love is to treat everyone equally, regardless of how we feels about them.

A person’s teaching must spring from one's Christian life that is lived in bleief and obedience to God, and not merely from religious books written by others, otherwise words get passed on and then become the criteria for Christianity. Repeating, teaching must be based on Christian truth and truth must be experienced to have any value, in God’s sight.

The seal or mark of the presence of God's Spirit in a person is the holiness and love in one's life that springs from belief.

God never fails us, it is we who fail when we don't continue to believe and obey with our lives.

If there is no controlling, dominating purpose and direction in a person’s life, then there is no real reason for life, just existence.

Miracles are not for the comfort of the church, but to display the greatness and power of God in His people and all for His glory.

If obedience to His commands is LOVE for God, then disobedience to His commands is HATE for God. Amen.

The relationship we will have with Christ in eternity can be ours now through faith. In fact, we must experience it now, if even in a small way, to live as He requires.

When God gives someone more than he needs, though it may seem deserved since it came by his/her effort, it is to be used for others in need or to promote the gospel, and not for one’s pleasure or security.

An unbeliever grows older until final death. A believer grows newer day by day, as he/she grows into the likeness of Christ, and culminates with true life at the end of spiritual growth in this temporal life.

I don't want to go to that church: they are a bunch of nuts. They actually love their neighbor as themselves. Is this said of your church?

The big difference between true Christianity and all of the other religions is they may center on the desire to live a selfless life through self-improvement, whereas Christianity’s primary goal is to know and love God and care for others.

Only by doing what one believes, does one become what one believes.

Every Christian needs to believe the Father as Jesus did and then demonstrate Him to the world with the power of Jesus.

When someone does not give in to any of the body’s desires, excluding the essentials for existence, then one can be assured that they are living in Christ.

All doubt comes from the Devil. Everyone who doubts what God says is doing the Devil’s work. God says, “Love others.” Satan says, “Love and care for self.”

The truth doesn’t get much more hard-edged than the aforementioned. God bless all who take it to heart.

# 256: The Kingdom of God is Within You

2008-07-06T10:53:00.002-06:00

I was inspired to explore this profound truth and the depth of implications it can reveal; even though I do not feel qualified to do so. Regardless how inadequate I feel; I must start.

The basic truth it suggests is that the love, holiness and all other Godly attitudes which are in God’s kingdom in heaven, are available to anyone on earth who through faith, love and obedience are genuine disciples of Christ. That would make our planet a place where God and His holiness abide through His children. That, by all means is the loftiest goal anyone can strive for. But is that even possible? Yes The answer is no matter how much we do to promote the cause of Christ, we could do more. There are no limits in experiencing God’s goodness. This tells me, we as God’s children have our work/obligation cutout for us.

The aforementioned statement says that when we are in the company of a truly Godly person, we are in the midst of God’s kingdom. It is like being in the presence of Jesus Christ. We are vibrant, active ambassadors for God. That leaves no room for goofing-off.

Colossians 1:22. “. . . the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you the hope of glory.”

Could there be a more splendid lifestyle? Absolutely not. Then what are we waiting for? Let us get our butts off the couch and make this holy goal a reality. It won’t be easy to even start on this path of God’s holiness, and thus fulfill Scripture and our spiritual potential. By the way, with the Spirit’s help, it will take every bit of spiritual backbone we can muster up. Let us not forget, the more difficult the challenges life gives us in accomplishing our Godly potential, the greater the glory for God, Jesus Christ and all His holy ones. This and only this will display to all that the kingdom of God is really in us. We are the only ones who will be qualified to tell the world by our lives and words, the grandeur of living, empowered by the kingdom of God which is within us. Never forget this promise: 2 Peter 1:4. “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world by evil desires.” Also a promise of confidence. Phillipians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.

The first thing we must do is to get intimately familiar with all the instructions in the New Testament, so we through our second nature, know what we must do and not do. Of course, we can only do this with the help of the Holy Spirit. Without God’s Spirit we are nothing in God’s sight and can do nothing, regardless how much some “Christians” may shout to the contrary.

Acts 17:11: ‘Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

Only thing, there is one pending difficulty: our sinful human nature. It is strong and desires its own way; not that it can’t be subdued. Here are a few tips that will help us be victors: Separate ourselves from the attitudes and desires the people of this world have. This won’t happen overnight. The best way to do this is to fill ourselves with spiritual matters, to the point where we won’t have the time and hopefully the desire to engage in them.

Colossians 3:1-2 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set you minds on things above, not on earthly things.

The hardest activity to conquer will, most likely, be television. The vast majority of programs on TV are ungodly junk, even on public television. Another thing is to break ourselves from worldly activities, which have nothing to do with acquiring holiness. This will be more difficult if there are children/child in the family or a non-Christian spouse.

1st John 2:15-16. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of the eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

One of human nature’s strongest desires is to be ‘king-of-the -hill.’ Being a disciple of Christ, taking the lowest place is what we must strive for and be servant of all. This type of attitude doesn’t set well with Americans who have been taught to go for the highest place. The reason for this attitude is humility never comes from the ones on top. The display of humility is love, and love without humility is a sly form of arrogance.

Matthew 18: 1-5. “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child and had him stand among them. I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Also, Mark teaches the same principle: 9:35. “Sitting down, Jesus called the twelve and said, If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and servant of all.”

We must learn to do for others instead of wanting others to do for us. I will use a play on words spoken by President John F. Kennedy. Ask not what God can do for you; rather, ask what God can do through you for others. 1st Corinthians. 6:20. “You are not our own; you were bought at a price. . . .” In other words, let us not be concerned how our standing is with Christ, rather let us be concerned with how others are doing with Christ. Genuine Christianity is to make a whole hearted effort to cater to the spiritual and material needs of others. After that we can care for our own needs. This teaching may sound strange to some, but remember, it comes from the kingdom of God that live within us, and is not of this world.

Philippians 2:3-5. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”

We must love where love is not deserved, they are the ones who need it the most. Only one thing, if we listen to our human intellect, they are the ones we may resist helping, for one reason or another.

Ephesians 4:22-24. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

As most of us can tell, if and when the kingdom of God is within us, it will not be your typical Christian life as we see it in America or the world. It is a life where self is left behind and God’s Spirit is brought to life.

1st Corinthians 15: 58. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know your labor in the lord is not in vain.”

Living life when the kingdom of God is within us is liken to putting money into God’s bank. What I am getting at is this: are all the aforementioned edicts absolutely necessary to get to heaven? I will answer that strawman question this way: it all depends where a person stands. Is one living for God’s interest or for self interest? There is no in between. We are either for Christ or against Him. And to have love for Christ means we will make every possible effort in every possible way to live to the point where we can honestly say, it is not I who live but Christ lives in me. That is exactly what the apostle Paul said in Galatians 2:20. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

When we have the kingdom of God within us, it will be our desire to please God in every thing we say, do and think. Of course, as mentioned previously, we must know what we are required to do and not do in order to please Him. That knowledge can come from only one source: the New Testament, and not so much from what religion per se, teaches us.

There is one conundrum of sorts: regardless how much effort we make in pleasing our God and Father, we who have the kingdom of God within us, will at all times be in the constant need of more and more of God’s grace and mercy; the holier we become the more we will be aware of that need. That is not an excuse for compromise, but to live our lives in the holiest and purest way possible. The Christian meaning of holiness is to separate ourselves from as many things and attitude as possible, that do not enrich our relationship with Christ. If we do compromise our efforts, others will be affected adversely who hold us as role models.

I will leave you with several more New Testament verses which imply to the greatness of living in the kingdom of God which is within us.

1st John 4:12. “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

Galatians 4:19. “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of child-birth until Christ is formed in you.”

Ephesians 5:1-2. “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us . . .”

1st Thessalonians 3:13. “May he strengthen your heart so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”

In conclusion: this post can be condensed into one paragraph: when we have the Holy Spirit of God actively living in us, we will live in such a holy way which assures us, and confirmed by God’s Spirit that the kingdom of God is within us. It is an actual prelude of eternity in which we experience the Godly ecstasy of the kingdom of God/heaven on earth. It must be experienced to be known, just as much as the joy of love making cannot be known until sexual maturity is reached. Amen

#255: Paul's Thorn in the Flesh

2008-06-30T10:47:00.001-06:00

Webster’s definition of the word ‘thorn’: 3 anything that keeps troubling, vexing, irritating one, like a constantly pricking thorn: usually in the phrase ‘thorn in one’s side’ (or flesh). As to what the Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, as described in 2nd Corinthians 12:7, other than a gnawing discomfort, has been a puzzle for most who desire to have a clear-cut answer. And yet, there seemed to be no concise answer. Nevertheless, there are many pieces to that puzzle; and when those pieces are all coalesced, an answer seems to emerge. This subject may not interest many, but others would like a creditable answer to this intriguing question that has been no more than a poor case of mere speculation.

In this post, I will let the New Testament speak for itself. I will use over a dozen New Testament verses that are interconnected.

Paul was an extremely zealous Pharisee, a strict observer of the mosaic law, as were other Pharisees. His name was changed from Saul to Paul after he became a believer in Jesus Christ--a new life, a new name.

Before Paul’s conversion, as he was on the road to Damascus--Acts 9th Chapter--he was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. In fact, he was going to Damascus to get permission from the high priest to imprison all who belonged to the Way (an early group of Jewish Christians). When Paul was nearing Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. The light was so brilliant that it blinded him, so that he had to be lead by the hand. Jesus spoke to him of what he must do to promote the cause of Jesus Christ. In short, that was the beginning of his conversion to Christianity. While in Damascus, a man named Ananias was commanded by a holy vision to place his hands on Paul’s eyes to restore his sight. Ananias replied,” This is the man that has done much harm to your saints.” Nevertheless, he placed his hands on Paul; then Paul could see again, but apparently his vision was still impaired to some degree.

Some believe it was Paul’s poor eyesight that was his thorn. There are three verses that imply that Paul’s eyesight was not the best.

Galatians 6:10. “You see what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand ”

Romans 16:22. “I, Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.” (He wrote the letter of Romans for Paul). Most likely, it was difficult for Paul too write.

Galatians 4:15. “I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.” Again, this implies that Paul’s eyes were impaired. Therefore, it is understandable why some believe it was Paul’s eyesight that was his thorn.

Another wild guess was that it was Paul’s wife that was his thorn, since he was away from home much of the time. Only thing, no where in Scripture does it give even a hint of Paul being married. This guess doesn’t pass ‘the smell test’, to say the least.

There is another train of thought that has been floating around–mostly by men, that turns my stomach. It is that Paul had a weakness when it came to sensual desires. This belief is farther from the truth than heaven is from hell. I am certain those who believe this way are the very ones who need an excuse to somehow justify their weakness when it comes to moral conduct. I will unequivocally refute that belief by bringing up two sections of Scripture.

First) 1st Corinthians Chapter 7. In this Chapter, he is giving instructions on how men and women must conduct themselves in marriage and its implications. Then he talks about it would be better if they stay single, but if they can’t control themselves to marry. Then in verse 6, this is what he says, “I wish that all men were as I am.” The implication here is that he is single and has no need or desire for women or marriage. Never once in any of his letter to the churches is it even implied of him being a womanizer or of being married.

Second) In Romans 7th Chapter there are several of the most misunderstood verses in the complete New Testament; and that heresy had done more damage to Christianity than any other false teaching. I have been so upset about how this section of Scripture has been so perverted, that I wrote a complete post on this very section. # 130: “The knack of Making Sin Acceptable”.

If one is not familiar with the New Testament and parts of the Old Testament, much of post #130 will sound like Greek. Not to confuse anyone, it might be best for some to skip this complex and extremely long post, until better and more complete knowledge of what the Bible is about, has been acquired.

I will summarize that complete post in a few concise sentences. In the Old Testament, some of the great prophets of God, often use the personal, pronouns ‘I’, ‘me’, or ‘my’ to denote the nation of Israel, especially when Israel went astray from God’s commands. In that post I quoted many of those Old Testament verses. That is exactly what Paul did; he spoke the same as old Testament prophets , using the singular pronouns ‘I’, ‘me’, or ‘my’ to refer to Israel. When people (Gentiles) who were/are not familiar/aware of that type of writing, think Paul is writing about himself. Repeating: when Paul says ‘I’, ‘me’, or ‘my’, he, without a doubt, meant the nation of Israel. He starts in Romans Chapter 7 verse 18 and ends in verse 20. Please read it for yourself. I will only quote verse 18-19. “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, but the evil I do not what to do–this I keep on doing.”

In conclusion to the three dubious theories of Paul’s thorn in the side, I now will display what, most certainly, is his thorn. First. I want everyone to imagine they did something that was very bad, and possibly, out-of-charter to do, it was very shameful and horrid act in your past life, something that adversely affected the lives of other in a very harmful way. You might have acted in innocence or actually were malicious. Either way, you were completely forgiven. And even though you were forgiven, the memory and realistic images of the people you hurt or killed--like in an auto accident–-are still constantly on your mind. You just can’t forgive yourself. This thought pattern torments you night and day. You just can’t get free of it.

Now, attempt to put yourself in the place of the Apostle Paul as a zealous Pharisee, before he was converted to Christianity. At this time, without his knowledge, Paul was doing Satan’s work in the name of Jehovah. This goes to show that religious people can unintentionally be on the evil-one’s side. He sanctioned the execution of Stephen, one of God’s great holy men. He persecuted and put many who believe in Jesus Christ in jail, and had others put to death–Act 22:4.

Let me quote a dozen or so verses, showing after he became a Christian himself, the images of those He persecuted just wouldn’t go away; he just couldn’t get the hatred he had and all the harm he has done to the people he now loves, out of his sight nor off his mind. The reason this is evident is by the many times he brought up these painful incidents in his many letters to the churches. Those persecuted people are the very ones he lovingly dealt with, after Jesus Christ made him the lead apostle in the difficult task of converting the Gentiles to Christianity.

Here are the verses that imply his past sins against Christ’ Church continually haunted him, and this remorse is his thorn in the flesh. See if you don’t agree. The following is paraphrased from 2nd Corinthians 12:7-10. The reason Christ gave Paul this thorn–-although Paul called it ‘a messenger of Satan’--is so he would not become conceited, because all the great work Christ is doing through him, and his surpassing great revelations from God. When Paul asked the Lord three times to take it away, the Lord said to him, “ My GRACE is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” There is the clue: the word ‘grace’. Grace has to do mainly, if not exclusively, with forgiveness of past sins (being made acceptable and perfect in God’s sight). That tormenting guilt is exactly what he needed to keep him humble. That phrase ‘My grace is sufficient for you.’ implies, Paul’s feeling of remorse will/can never separate him from the love and need–-yes need--God has for him.

1 Timothy 1:15. “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.” Meaning: no one persecuted the early Christians more then him. He is still the chief of sinner; nevertheless, a forgiven chief of sinner.

Philippians 3:6. “. . . as for zeal, persecuted the church;”

Acts 22:4. “I persecuted the followers of this Way to their DEATH, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison.”

1st Corinthians 15:9. “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”

Acts 22:19. “Lord, I replied, these men know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarded the clothed of those who were killing him.”

Acts 8:3. “But Paul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.”

Galatians 1:13. “For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.”

1 Timothy 1:13. “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.”

Acts 9:1. “Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogue in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”

That murderer, devoted to God’s law, who persecuted the Jews that he felt were violating what the old Testament Scripture commanded, was turned by Christ into a man who in Romans 13:9-10, said this: “. . . Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” And He also said this in Romans 12:20. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink, . . .”

You decide for yourself if the above verses are a legitimate reason for Paul’s thorn in the flesh (the vivid memories of past crimes against Jesus Christ). Leave me a comment.

I end with this conclusion: the crux of Paul’s thorn is twofold: showing us, no matter how bad or violent one’s past is/was, God’s grace and mercy can erase it all, although the memory may still haunt the individual. God’s grace and mercy is like getting a cheap piece of the metal (lead) and turning it--clash bam allacazam--into a beautiful, shiny piece of valuable gold.

Also, when God blesses a person to do great work for Him, a thorn of some sort may be the best remedy to keep a person humble and void of conceit.

# 254: Advantages of Living Godly Lives

2008-06-27T19:41:00.007-06:00

This post will, no doubt, be the most encouraging post so far in this blog. Most often I report on the shortcomings of traditional religions, which is truly needed. Without a doubt, there are many advantages that are derived from conforming to the ways of Jesus Christ, in comparison to the good things which are offered and taught by this ‘me-first’ world. There are so many advantages that I don’t know where to start. By all means, the greatest advantage is that genuine Christians have complete confidence in a hope that is sure; that hope is for life in the hear-after which is immeasurably superior to what this world offers. Hope is an attribute that makes life worthwhile. The greater and more certain the hope, the more meaningful and enjoyable life will be.

One emotion the people of this world lack is a joy that overrides all of the disappointments that are bound to come. They may have happiness, the only thing, happiness always depends on good events that are happening or have happened. The permanent joy the Lord gives through His Holy Spirit has its sights on what good things are to come: seeing Jesus Christ face to face. By not depending on “good things” in this world, we automatically have the advantage of looking forward to eternal treasures and pleasures. This type of joy must be experienced to even start understanding what is being said.

In America, not much, if any, physical suffering will be inflicted on Christians by others, because of our freedom of religion. What we will experience is being a pariah and treated with scorn by those who think we are religious nuts (out of our mind). That type of suffering I enjoy; in fact, it brings a euphoric blast to my heart.

In countries where the Christian religion is looked down on, or outlawed, the physical suffering by outsiders may be extreme. Still, joy will be in their/our hearts with the blessed possibility that we will be in the presence of our Lord and Savior because of our pending martyrdom for Jesus Christ.

Even though God loves all people and desires all to be saved, we are taught by Scripture that God has a very special love for His children. As He is the Father of all obedient Christians, it brings confidence to those who are proud of having such a powerful and influential Parent. Also, it feels great to know that we are in His care at all times. Is there a better joy that anyone can experience than to know for certain that he/she is loved and cared for by the most powerful entity in the whole universe? There is no doubt there are many more advantages for disciples of Christ. Here are a few more.

Having a roadmap for life is one of the most valuable assets in the Christian life. And that is exactly what we have. That guidance comes in two forms from the New Testament and the guidance we receive from God’s Spirit. They are never in conflict.

John 16:13. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

Luke 78-79. “. . . because of the tender mercy of our God . . . to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

That is a great advantage God’s children have over the people of this world. Only one thing, we must make sure the inspiration we are listening to is not the spirit of this world. Just remember, that evil spirit comes with sweet words and presents himself as an angel of light. Most often we can tell who he is because his inspirations are not in accordance with New Testament Scriptures. That is an excellent reason to be thoroughly familiar with our holy instruction book; that is if we wholeheartedly desire to do what is right, and thus please our Savior in every way.

By the way we life, we will bring the Word of God to life. Then and only then, those who also desire to live a holy life, will have us as their model and mentor. That is the best if not the only way to propagate the life of Jesus Christ. The holy life Jesus Christ lived and the words He taught will be our guide to God’s blessed eternity.

One of the most misunderstood advantages we have is we can avoid, with little or no effort, the main thrust of this materialistic, self-centered world, which is that Christians don’t need or desire all the material trappings the pagan world goes after. For instance, things that impress others, like shiny new motor vehicles, big homes in upper-class neighborhoods, always going places and doing things, having more than enough money to blow on anything and everything to show others that they are better than them, etc. We will be content with the least of everything; all we need is the minimum amount of clothing, shelter and food. If we have these we will be more than content with them. We carry very little worthless baggage. For certain, at the same time, we must work and do all we can so as not to be in need and burden other Christians.

1st Timothy 6:8. “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”

Those who get entangled with an excess of worldly things such as a desire to get rich, etc. are on a path that leads to destruction.

1st Timothy 6:9-10. “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Not having a desire to compete or trying to put ourselves above others is one of the greatest advantages we have over non-Christians. We are not concerned with what people think of us; their opinions mean absolutely nothing to us. Rather, we at all times desire to please our commanding officer: Jesus Christ.

Much of my adult life, I was a man of the world. Whatever standards the world set for success, I attempted to follow. I was in a trap that could not be satisfied until I came into the path of freedom that God alone can give. The reason is materialistic attitudes or things, be what they may, can not satisfy the spirit person inside us all. Unknown to most humans, we are spirit beings with physical bodies.

The ways of the world are cruel. The reason they are that way is because it is a dog-eat-dog world, regardless how much one dresses it up as wonderful or paints it pretty.

I don’t often use Bible verses that are made infamous by traditional churches, by being over quoted and under practiced. Nevertheless, these two upcoming verses say much concerning this post and the advantages we have by living a Godly and holy life as taught by Jesus Christ.

Matthew 11:28-29. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Did you notice, these verses do not include the wealthy or the wannabe wealthy.

In conclusion, regardless how modern Christians present themselves, for the most part, they are living lies. What I mean is this: it is difficult if not impossible to separate or tell the difference between atheists and run-of-the-mill Christians, either by their appearance or casually visiting with them. That is an indictment that may tell on them at the resurrection. Our advantage is to have the desire and power to live and speak as the New Testament teaches, which has benefits not only in this world, but also in the world to come.

This is a comment worthy of being read by all the bloggers.

JC, I have come upon your blog this evening, as I was putting the final touches on my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow. My church is currently without a senior minister, and I am concerned we are heading in the direction of “fluff” Christianity or Christianity “lite” where God’s grace and forgiveness are thrown out as a “get out of jail free” card instead of something to be earned and respected. I do not believe Christianity should be a meaningless love feast, like Woodstock In Jesus’s two greatest commandments, He instructed us on how to love with purpose. Christianity was never designed to be a “feel good” religion where anything goes. As you stated repeatedly, there are instructions - and awesome ones, at that on how to be a proper Christian that God gifted to us through his son Jesus Christ.

I am probably preaching to the choir here. I just wanted to tell you that I will visit your site often and am going to give our the web address tomorrow in Sunday School. While I haven’t read everything you’ve written so far, you are speaking what is in my heart and putting a finger on my disappointments in churches, as of late. The other side of “Christian lite” are the churches that ignore Christ’s commandments on loving our neighbor and absolutely are missing the ball on loving Him first and foremost, as they slyly breed hate toward those whose behaviors they do not understand (nor try to). Half the Christian churches are pushing many far from Christ and the other half are forgetting all about Christ I want to see us put Him back in the center and gravitate toward Him rather than leaving Him in a backroom somewhere prior to entering the pulpit.

I appreciate what you are doing and think it is extremely timely and necessary. I look very much forward to reading more of what you have to say.

Thank you

Rachel

jc said: Rachel, thank you very much for your encouraging words. jc

# 253: Religion Gone Bad

2008-06-22T18:20:00.003-06:00

# 253: Religion Gone Bad There are thousands of religions in our world that claim to be true, yet, the majority of those religions come up short when it comes to the criteria that identifies a religion that is true. The question comes up; what is truth? That is the question Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor asked.

If there is one dominating truth, it is something that is good for every human being, regardless of race, creed, color, age, nationality, education or whatever else can separate us. That Godly truth is that everyone should have selfless love for each other. This statement paints a lofty picture of a seemingly unattainable pie-in-the-sky type aspiration.

Yet, the Christian religion was meant to be the religion of truth. Only thing, the New Testament that diligently described that truth has been compromised to the point where it no longer is taught in the vast majority organized religion. The crying shame is we hear the words ‘love and truth’ throughout many religions, but when it comes to putting that principle into practice, they come up null and void. That could be characterized as bad religion.

As has been quoted many times in this blog, that principle originates from the most basic teachings of Jesus Christ. In Luke 10:25, Jesus was asked by an expert in the law. “Teacher, he asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus answered, . . . how do you read it?” The expert in the law answers in the following verses: Luke 10:27-28. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself. You have answered correctly, Jesus replied. Do this and you will live.” That love for God and neighbor is the absolute truth that must be the holy-grail for everyone who calls themselves Christians.

The extent that Godly truth has been compromised by none other than the greatest Christian preacher in the world, was Billy Graham. He was engaged in a crusade in 1987 in Nova Scotia. After he quoted the aforementioned verses, this is what he adamantly said: “No one in the whole world has ever kept those two commands.” After that he said no more about the most important precepts in the Christian Bible. What he did with the wave of his hand and words that flowed from his mouth was to nullify the centerpiece/foundation of all Christianity. Without question, disregarding what Graham said, it must be our main focus to love God and neighbor to the best of our ability for our entire lives, while striving to love God and neighbor to a greater degree every day as we continue to grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ. That statement is what it means to love God with our complete being. That is the absolute truth, without compromise. Anything less than that is bad religion.

Here is a way we can spot most phonies: When people speak well of certain clergymen/women, that is a sure sign of their evil intent. Luke 6:26. “Woe to you when all men speak well of you for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.” Preaching exactly what the New Testament teaches will never win anyone a popularity contest. Therefore, I don’t expect many accolades from some readers of this blog.

When love is no more than a byword/slogan, the result is the reason why Christianity is in the shape it is in. That is Christianity gone bad, while singing the praises of Jesus. This heresy of making little of love for God and neighbor bothers me more than words can tell. By the way, there are dozens of verses which teach that the only way we can display our love for God with all our faculties is to be obedient to all the teachings presented in the New Testament. I will quote just two verses: Luke 11:28. “He replied, blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” 1st John 5:3. “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” Also, there are many verses that make it obvious that we must love those in need. I will quote just one verse. 1st John 3:17. “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

Truth can also be described as being a person, namely Jesus Christ. He said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.” Through Him, truth is personified. As the love Christ has for humanity continues to grow in our lives, we have the right/duty to also personify the truth by saying, “Watch my life, hear my words and you will see truth in action.” Do you think a preacher of any large denomination would have the audacity to challenge his/her parishioners to live the truth as described in Scripture? Don’t hold your breath. In truth, God entrusted all His disciples to spread the truth of the gospel. That is exactly where churches per se, have failed miserably.

Being a disciple of Christ gives us the greatest duty that any person could ever acquire. It is our responsibility to show the lost world what truth is; thus exposing the lies of Satan’s bad religion. Do we do that? A whopping no! Why not? Because, as we were taught by compromised religion, that is not our duty. What most churches teach half truth, which is worse than no truth at all. Why I say that is because most of those church-going-religious-people believe they are going to heaven simply because they go to church and somehow think they believe what the Bible teaches. They are badly mistaken. Without an active, whole hearted love for God and neighbor, it is impossible to please God.

Our whole life must be focused on how we can please God and Jesus with our every thought, word and deed. That is the only way we can live the truth. Do we do that? An resounding NO! Why not? Repeating. because bad religion teaches us, that is not necessary. This is a hard teaching. Yet, by the grace of God and His Spirit that lives within us, we will have the desire and power to please God at all times, and not just by doing little or nothing. To put it another way, we will miss-out in the blessings of heaven more so by the good we didn’t do, and not so much by the evil we did do. It is relatively easy not to do evil things, but extremely challenging to live by the requirements that lead to real life.

It is impossible for people who don’t possess the Holy Spirit to live a life of love, regardless what churches teach to the contrary. Please remember, bad religion will sweet talk us because it wants our money and attendance. Therefore, if anyone thinks this teaching is a lot of bunk, God, Christ and I unequivocally say, you don’t have the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Faith, God’s grace and the Holy Spirit are the spiritual equipment necessary to start live in a way that pleases God. Romans 8:9. “You however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” The reason for the above verse is the Holy Spirit is the critical component which gives Christians the power, or better yet, the willpower to live the Christ-like life. Or course, the Spirit activating His will in our lives does not happen automatically; we have to continually desire Him to manifest Himself by our listening to His Holy inspiration.

Along with that, the Holy Spirit makes us one with Christ, God and each other. That is called the unity of the Spirit. John 14:20. “On the day you will realize that I am in the Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” For that reason, we will never be or feel alone. This presence of God’s Spirit abiding in us will be noticed when we won’t need to be in the company of friends as much as before. This contentment will grow as we continue to live and obey as Scripture dictates.

It will make no sense or logic for those without the Spirit to live and love as Scripture and the Spirit of Christ dictates. And I can understand: I was there at one time. The problem is those without God’s Spirit can’t understand how or why they should consider others better than themselves. The only way anyone can start to understand that Godly principle is to actually start experiencing the way the truth and the life of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, religion gone bad is rampant. Let us identify if we are part of a religion that leads to damnation and make the necessary changes. I say, no religion is better than bad religion. Amen Try to figure out why that short statement is true. Leave a comment. jc