*Verses from NIV
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "in tithes and offerings. You are under a curse---the whole nation of you---because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. (NIV: Malachi 3:8-10)
Every year we need to stop and consider our priorities. God would ask each one of us to list what are the most important matters in your life. Does God rank in your top five? If you say, I think He should be #1. Then God will ask, "Have you been robbing me?" as He asked Israel long ago?
The Israelites were requested to tithe one-tenth of all they earned (Deuteronomy 12:11-14; 14:22). Yet, this was the bare minimum. Besides their tithing, they brought burnt offerings, sacrifices, special gifts, and all the choice possessions that they had vowed to the Lord. What else could we give besides our money? How about our time or use of some skill?
The Lord knew that it would be easy to say that He has the first place in our hearts so He puts what we have to the test. It actually comes down to whether or not we will trust God when we give in abundance to Him.
The Apostle Paul says it this way:
"Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (NIV: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
*Verses from NIV
"And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light." (NIV: Genesis 1:3)
God has given mankind, those created in His image and likeness, a marvelous ability. On the one hand, it is quite hidden, but on the other we see its effects daily. An excerpt from a poem I wrote says,
"Words may be shallow or deep and profound
Words may be steadfast or lying around
Words may be heard or just empty sound
Words set you free or keep you bound"
Our God is a speaking God and not a speechless idol which has no power to affect its worshippers (Psalms 115:2-8). When God speaks, things happen (Isaiah 55:11; Luke 1:37). So it is with our own speaking. We have the power to confess the Word of God daily and make it real in our lives. (Romans 10:8-17; Revelation 12:11). Unfortunately, we can also speak negatively and tear ourselves away from God's goal (Proverbs 6:2)
Although it is better to speak out loud, we may be talking to ourselves about all the wrong things and have a running conversation in our mind. This can bring about a negative result. Paul says it this way:
"Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." (NIV: Romans 8:5-6)
*Verses from NIV
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name; Who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (NIV: John 1:12-13)
The problem with the word "believe" is that it is too common of a term today. One easily dismisses what has been proposed in the Word of God. This is probably why Scripture emphatically declares that those who are born of God have nothing to do with man's belief in some blood line, some natural understanding, or some good intention.
No, the basis for believing here is receiving and subjectively experiencing God Himself. For example, James 2:19 tells us:
"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder." (NIV)
The demons may believe in God more than you do because they are fearful. Yet, they have nothing to do with God because they do not subjectively receive Him.
People today classify belief as a known or unknown fact which they adhere to. The Bible, on the other hand, says believing is a transaction with the living God that produces a substantial result: eternal salvation. Believe it or not! (John 3:16-18; 2 Timothy 1:8-12)
*Verses from NIV
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you know the truth (reality), and the truth (reality) shall set you free. They answered Him, We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free? Jesus replied, I tell you the truth (reality), everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son set you free, you will be free indeed." (NIV: John 8:31b-36)
It is ironic that in the United States everyone is for FREEDOM! Nevertheless, everyone's definition for freedom is so different. The superficial way of looking at freedom is that I can do what I want, when I want, and no one should be able to limit my rights. This type of freedom is selfish and self-centered.
A more noble approach to freedom is that the American people should be able to govern them-selves the way they want through elected representa-tives that collectively carry out the will of the people for the betterment of the country.
However, there is a flaw with each approach. Jesus warned us that anyone who sins is a slave to sin. This means no matter how noble a people we want to be, sooner or later, corruption will bring us down. Despite the fact that the Unites States began with strong Christian roots, people are under the bondage of sin more than ever. Once we give up Christ's teachings, which bring us into life, we no longer have liberty or the freeing truth that is only within God (2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1, 13-14)
*Verses from NIV
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (NIV: Matthew 5:38-42)
Should Christians never fight back and let all types of people take advantage of them?
Jesus was instructing His disciples on what type of attitude they should have. They should not be self-seeking, combative, try to get even, or seek re-venge. The Lord emphasized the matter of meekness, which is, gentle, deferential and compliant towards others. As those living in the kingdom of God, Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." (NIV: Matthew 5:3)
Nevertheless, Jesus Himself never lost sight of the real world and the evil that was within it. Right before He was crucified He instructed His disciples in this way, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?" "Nothing," they answered. He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." (NIV: Luke 22:35-36).
Did Jesus change? No! God established law that good would punish evil. (NIV: Romans 13:1-6)
*Verses from AMP
"In THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned,) and created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving, (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. And God Said, Let there be light; and there was light." (Amp: Genesis 1:1-3; See Hebrews 11:3; Job 9:5-7; Isaiah 45:7; Jeremiah 4:23)
Due to our living in a scientific age, we hear of cave men and dinosaurs and wonder how they fit into the book of Genesis. Even harder to grasp is stating the world as we know it is only 6000 years old instead of millions of years.
Nevertheless, Genesis chapter 1 may be giving us an account of how God first created, then purposely destroyed the earth by water and finally remade the earth some time afterwards in 6 days. Since the sun, moon, and stars were created on the 4th day, we should not assume what is men- tioned are 24 hour days.
Isaiah 45:18 does tell us that God did not create the earth waste. So what happened? Did Satan fall as lightening from heaven to earth? (Luke 10:18) Was he responsible for the destruction of this first creation by water? According to Genesis 1:9, God did not create the earth here. It simply appeared from under the water. Much of what God did was to remake and not create as He did in the beginning.
God has not given us all the details because this is not His purpose. However, man today does have a 6000 year history and that is all we know.
*Verses from AMP
"And [so] the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed in (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) God, and this was accounted to him as righteousness (as conformity to God's will in thought and deed), and he was called God's friend." (Amp: James 2:23)
What does it take to be God's friend? You may think it requires that you do all the right things and never make a mistake. However, if you look at the life of Abraham, you do not see a perfect man, but one who has flaws and shortcomings.
Yet, see how they matched one another: "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He[even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life." (Amp: John 3:16)
It is also written:
"AFTER THESE events, God tested and proved Abraham and said to him, Abraham! And he said, Here I am. [God] said, Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I will tell you. And Abraham stretched forth his hand and took hold of the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! He answered, Here I am. And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear and revere God, since you have not held back from Me or begrudged giving Me your son, your only son." (Amp: Genesis 22:1-2, 10-12)
Abraham understood what God felt and was willing to do what God would do Himself! How about you?
*Verses from AMP
"May this water that brings the curse go into your bowels and make your body swell and your thigh fall away. And the Woman shall say, So let it be, so let it be." [Amen, Amen] (Amp: Numbers 5:22)
Did you know that the initial usage of the word "Amen" was for a woman to accept a curse if she had committed adultery? It was next employed on Mount Ebal for the people to accept a curse if they would not obey God's law. (Deuteronomy 27:14-26)
During the reign of King David the word "Amen" began to refer to positive things. When David declared that Solomon would succeed him, "Benaiah, son of Jehoiada answered the king and said, "Amen! May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, say so too." [Amen] (Amp: 1 Kings 1:36) When David brought up the ark, thanking the Lord with a psalm, all the people said, "Amen." (1 Chronicles 16:36). Later when Ezra blessed the Lord, all the people said, "Amen." (Nehemiah 8:6)
"Amen," meaning "Let it be so" concluded each of the 4 books of the Psalms in 41:13; 72:19; 89:52 and 106:48. In Isaiah 65:16, the God of "Amen" is mentioned twice, but is translated as either "Truth" or "Faithfulness." In the New Testament, God's promises become the "Yea or Amen" in Christ.( 2 Corinthians 1:20)
Eventually, "Amen" becomes the response of Christians and of the angels to all God has done through Christ. There is no longer agreement to cursing, but only to God's blessing. (See Hebrews 13:21, 25; 1 Corinthians 14:16; Revelation 7:12) This is because Christ Himself is the "Amen" to God and will build His church. (Revelation 3:14; Matthew 16:18)
*Verses from AMP
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God. And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory." (Amp: Romans 8:14-17)
One's status in this world determines a great deal. Your status often determines what kind of recognition and privileges you are entitled to. Lucifer, the highest archangel in the universe, wanted to be equal with God. This led to his rebellion and the relinquishing of his privileges. He could never tolerate mankind receiving what he himself wanted so desperately.
Some have stated that since the Apostle Paul says we are adopted by God, we could never partake of the life and nature of God as genuine children. However, the Bible speaks about those born of God, who have the very life of God: "You have been regenerated (born again), not from a mortal origin (seed, sperm), but from one that is immortal by the ever living and lasting Word of God." (Amp: 1 Peter 1:23; See John 3:6; 3:36; 5:24;l 10:10; Colossians 3:4; 1 John 5:12)
Paul does affirm that even legally (as in an adoption) we have a right to inherit all that is entitled to us as sons of God because we are indeed genuine brothers of Jesus Christ who have the same Father. (Hebrews 2:10-14)
*Verses from AMP
"Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him." (Amp: John 14:23)
We all know that a house is not the same as a home. Is it not amazing that the God of the universe who dwells in the heavens seeks a dwelling place which He can call home?
God Himself declares: "THUS SAYS the Lord: Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house would you build for Me? And what kind can be My resting-place? For all these things My hand has made, and so all these things have come into being [by and for Me], says the Lord. But this is the man to whom I will look and have regard: he who is humble and of a broken or wounded spirit, and who trembles at My word and reveres My commands." (Amp: Isaiah 66:1-2)
We may think that it is merely a human custom for a man and woman to get married and settle down in a home together. Yet this institution comes straight from God. He alone declared, "It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper, meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him." (Amp: Genesis 2:18)
Is it no wonder that marriage is difficult? It did not originate with man. When man tries to uphold something according to the nature of God, he fails. Yet God wants to have a marriage for eternity:
"And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, all arrayed like a bride beautified and adorned for her husband; Then I heard a mighty voice from the throne and I perceived its distinct words, saying, See! The abode of God is with men, and He will live (encamp, tent) among them; and they shall be His people, and God shall personally be with them and be their God." (Amp: Revelation 21:2-3)
*Verses from AMP
"You offspring of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil (wicked)? For out of the fullness (the overflow, the [a]superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks.The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things.But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak." (Amp: Matthew 12:34-36)
I used to think that idle words were just meaningless sayings. Often when we are with friends or one's spouse, we make frivolous comments or make light jokes. Yet, the Lord Jesus was not referring to these kinds of off-the-hand comments. No! He was pointing to words that have a negative impact proceeding from evil intentions.
In Matthew 20:3, 6, the Lord spoke about men who were idle in the market place because they chose not to work. They did nothing that was beneficial all day. In 1 Timothy 5:13 the word refers to gossips and busybodies who say what they should not say and talk of things they should not mention. In Titus 1:12 those who are idle are liars, hurtful beasts, and lazy gluttons. An idle person tends to be unfruitful because they lack growth n the divine life. (2 Peter 1:8). They may have a tendency to speak one way, but in reality are hypocrites who do not live up to what they profess (Luke 12:1-3).
Idle words tear down others rather than build them up. They are words which are unprofitable and useless. Anyone guilty of this offense the Lord will judge severely.
*Verses from AMP
"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you" (Amp: 1 Peter 5:10).
Once we believe, that is, receive the Lord Jesus Christ, we are given God's eternal life through His divine Spirit. (John 3:6; 16) As wonderful as this is, it is not the end, but rather the beginning. God sees His newly re-
generated children as new born babies needing the proper growth, develop-ment, and training. His desire is that all would become full grown sons of God. (Romans 8:14; 1 Peter 1:3; Titus 2:11-12). A person’s actual physical age does not change this fact.
Unfortunately, just like children, we are often not so willing to eat and drink the healthy Word of God (1 Peter 2:2-3) and grow in grace in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). So what is God to do? Since He has committed Himself to us, He will do everything possible to help us get what we need. This includes the school of hard knocks which we typically refer to as sufferings. Even if we have not done anything wrong, sufferings are quite useful in God's hand to help perfect, complete, or consummate His will in us (Hebrews 2:9-10). The Lord Jesus Himself was not exempt from this kind of dealing from the Father's hand.
This does not mean we look for suffering or inflict intentional pain upon ourselves. We do not need to help God out. We only need to learn the lessons God is trying to teach us. Otherwise, God may have to put us through the same life lesson numerous times. This could end up being painful indeed. Yet, if we become pliable clay for God to mold, we will be able to say as the Apostle Paul did in 2 Corinthians 12:10, "So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).
*Verses from AMP
"Behold, I was brought forth in [a state of] iniquity; my mother was sinful who conceived me [and I too am sinful]. Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart" Psalms 51:5-6).
The thought of original sin is based upon the fact that what Adam and Eve ate in the garden became absorbed into their being which was then transmitted to all mankind (Romans 5:12). King David was fully aware of this from his own experience. He knew that he was plagued with something that caused him to sin against the commandments of God. The Apostle Paul confirmed this fact hundreds of years later by his own experience (Romans 7:14-20).
Since today we live in a scientific age, could this not be the Bible’s way of saying that genetically SIN is passed down from one generation to the next. And as it spreads among mankind, it has afflicted every person in a unique way. We have all heard of or been apart of the following: lusts, lying, stealing, greed, hate, vanity,covetousness, rebellion, addictions, evil, unthankfulness, pride,idolatry, promiscuity, apathy, miserliness, etc.
Because we are not capable of escaping the negative affects of this genetic infection, God supplied those who believe in Jesus Christ with an eternal antidote. Jesus bore mankind’s genetic abnormalities on the cross so we would not have to be cursed by them any longer. In Christ we get re-gene-rated (1 Peter 1:3). God’s gene has the ability to nullify the gene injected into our flesh by the Devil. However, God starts in our spirit, in our inner man, and then works outwardly into our soul,that is, our mind, emotion, and will, until ultimately He subdues our fleshly body. (Romans 6:6) Hallelujah
*Verses from AMP
"Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Amp: Proverbs 22:6)
The hardest thing for a parent is knowing how to raise up their children. After all, they are gifts from God placed into our care (Psalms 127:3). Our desire for each of them should be that they love God and and become responsible, productive adults. The most prudent way for us to do this is to live godly lives before them.
Furthermore, we should never assume our children will drift into being proper human beings. We need a plan. The Bible does focus on some crucial matters. Obviously, no one can rear a child without giving them the proper love. This entails providing for all their needs, but we cannot afford to spoil them so they become self-indulgent and expect everyone else owes them something (2 Corinthians 12:14).
Fathers must learn to not be over barren and needlessly provoke their children to anger (Ephesians 6:4). Yet they must raise them with appropriate, instructive, discipline and counsel them in the ways of the Lord. This will help children learn responsibility and realize that there are always consequences to our actions.
Lastly, our children need to be inoculated from the negative influences of the world (Romans 12:2) so that their humanity remains wholesome and fit for the Lord's use. This requires creative ways to occupy our children by using outside resources. Here are some suggestions on the Web: TPRonline, egadideas, PointManGames, discoveryeducation, and kidshealth.org / Books: "Revolutionary Parenting" by George Barna / My Single Mom Life: Stories and Practical Lessons for Your Journey
*Verses from AMP
"I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father." [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him]---Amp: John 15:15.
"Peace be to you! (Good-bye!) The friends here send you greetings. Remember me to the friends there [to every one of them personally] by name" (Amp: 3 John 15).
Usually Christians address one another as brother or sister. This is because we share a life relationship with one another through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God is our Father and all His children partake of His life and nature (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Nevertheless, Jesus made it clear to His disciples before He departed from this earth, that He regarded them as friends. He explained that His disciples were not just those who dutifully obeyed, but were partners and intimate associates with Him and His heavenly Father (1 John 1:1:3). The Apostle John had similar sentiments to those he wrote to in his epistle.
No doubt, as Christians we do love other believers. Yet, this does not mean that we like one another. The capacity of the divine life is so powerful that one can even love his or her enemies [which just might be the person sitting next to you] (Matthew 5:43-44). So it is no small thing that some brothers and sisters develop genuine friendships and reliable confidants. This is a higher level of fellowship and interaction which is not just about doing spiritual activities. The deepest love that God will ever display among Christians is when a strong commitment is made to one another as friends!
*Verses from AMP
"May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm" (Amp: Ephesians 1:3).
The word "blessing" is derived from the word "eulogize" in the Greek. It means to speak well of, to give praise or thanksgiving in relationship to God, mankind or even things. Wishing someone well, for example, is a form of blessing. Another way to bless others is by praying on their behalf that God would intervene in their lives and grant them what they need.
However, when God blesses, it is not simply a favorable speaking on man's behalf. When God blesses, He acts with an intention of accomplishing His purpose. Instead of allowing man to have his own way that leads to destruction, God speaks His blessing. This speaking brings action because it releases energy to accomplish what is spoken; as when God said, "Let there be light and there was light (Genesis 1:3)."
The Bible, as God's Word, especially towards those who believe, are His blessings towards us (Ephesians 3:20). Due to our appreciation of Him we are able to bless the Lord (Psalms 104:35; Revelation 7:12). Furthermore, despite the fact that we are complete failures and full of weaknesses, God comes in to bless our working on His behalf far beyond what we are able to do (Mark 6:32-44).
*Verses from AMP
"Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart" (Amp: Proverbs 3:3).
We live in a world that is highly suspicious. It is has become difficult to trust anyone. There are so many lies floating around, so much misinformation, so many scams being perpertrated, that everyone is wondering what happened to the real McCoy. One can live in a city of millions and still feel all alone. A reaction to all this isolationism has perpetrated gang after gang. Everyone needs security and to feel they can trust and depend on someone. No wonder gangs seek true bonding in the phrase, "I got your back."
Unfortunately, the Chrisitian church over the past 2000 years, has been misled by spiritual leaders who erred, either knowingly or unknowingly, leaving in their wake believers who are angry, apathetic, disheartened, disillusioned or disengaged altogether. Yet, God never promised spiritual leaders who would be perfect. King David, who committed horrendous sins, did repent and restored himself back to the Lord, but that did not mean the children of Israel were exempted from paying a tremedous price (1 Chronicles 21:1-19).
So what should our stand be? As Christians, the Bible has always been clear. Proverbs tells us to continue in love by means of mercy and kindness and to continue in truth by means of putting away all hypocrisy and falsehood. Truly what you see should be what you get. We cannot be the judge of others, let God do this (Romans 12:19); but we must trust God will judge the church and purify it so that those who are faithful to the Lord's word will prevail (1 Peter 4:17; Revelation 3:11-13). At such times we may suffer. Nevertheless, We should never let go of lOving others and bonding with our Christian family which befits this divine summons and earnestly starts in our own homes.
*Verses from AMP
"EXCEPT THE Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; except the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes but in vain" (Amp: Psalms 127:1)
In the ancient times cities always had watchman to look out for the enemy so they would not be invaded or seized by force. In Jerusalem, the most precious part of the city was the temple, the house of God. However, the Psalmist is quite clear that no matter what one does to protect the city or the house, it is in vain if the God of heaven and earth is not using His strength to protect it.
The reason why God protects the city and the temple is for His testimony. He sees His people as a fruitful vine that bear fruit to who He is. Isaiah 27:3b says I, the Lord, am its Keeper; I water it every moment; lest anyone harm it, I guard and keep it night and day. Jesus had the same sentiments in John 15:1-5 with an added warning should the vine (the believers) become unfruituful.
Satan, knowing that Christ was for God's testimony wanted to tempt Him away from His true mission and cause Him to focus on Himself. The verse that Satan spoke was from Psalms 91 that speaks of how God keeps those who are righteous under the shadow of the Almighty and they have made the Most High their dwelling place. Thus satan quoted, "For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone" (Amp: Psalms 91:11-12).
Christ was not deceived by Satan's ploy and quoted another verse from Deuteronomy 6:16 which paralleled His situation, "You shall not tempt and try the Lord your God as you tempted and tried Him in Massah" (Exodus 17:1-7).Unless we rely on God, our testimony in the city and our daily church life will crumble.
*Verses from AMP
"Peter said to Him, Lord, why cannot I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You. Jesus answered, Will you [really] lay down your life for Me? I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me [completely disown Me] three times" (Amp: John 13:37-38).
When our heart first turns to the Lord, our first desire is to follow Him. As We plunge in, we do not give much thought as to what this means. Of course, the Lord is glad to accept our love and devotion to Him and He pours Himself into us as much as we are willing to take. In a sense this is just like a honeymoon where everything is pleasant and wonderful.
Soon we begin to understand, however, that the Lord requires something more of us. He delights in our reading and musing over His holy Word daily. He wants us not only to love Him, but a bunch of strangers who are our Christian brothers and sisters, regardless of whether they have problems or not. He would like, when we have opportunity, to speak the gospel to others even if they are nasty or mistreat us. Then He wants us to take care of them as our ownchildren. He even requests that we tithe 10% of the money we receive and possibly more if there are special offerings needed. Last, but not least, everyone should offer up their bodies as a living sacrifice to serve Him and the church (Romans 12:1) This not only requires extra time, but use of our skills and talents.
Although some may be willing to go this far, there still is a place they cannot go. Peter did not realize that he was incapable of facing life-threatening opposition until he confronted it. Others may have to face family loss, disease, a catastrophic accident or financial hardship. Like Peter, we must all come to see ourselves as we truly are. We will not be able to follow the Lord completley until we do. The Apostle Paul had to learn these lessons as well which he told us about in 2 Corinthians 1:8-10; 4:16-18.
*Verses from AMP
"What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him? Yet You have made him but a little lower than God [or heavenly beings], and You have crowned him with glory and honor." (Amp: Psalms 8:4-5)
According to Psalms 8, man has such an elevated position that he has been made only a little lower than God Himself. This is why mankind is served by angels: "Are not the angels all ministering spirits (servants) sent out in the service [of God for the assistance] of those who are to inherit salvation" (Amp: Hebrews 1:14)?
Satan would have us belittle ourselves and shrink back from the noble tasks given to us by God as those who are unworthy. In the book of Zechariah 3:1-7 Satan actually appeared before the Lord on the right hand of Joshua to be his adversary and accuse him. The Lord immediately rebuked Satan. Even though Joshua stood before all with filthy garments, the Lord said that his filthy garments should be removed. The Lord then told Joshua that all his iniquity had been taken away and that he would be given rich apparel fitting royalty just as in Luke 15:21-24.
These verses tell us that although Satan is constantly accusing us, God is on our side. But we must remember where our power lies. We overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of our testimony (professing what is true and not a lie) and not loving our soul-life Or self until it is terminated by the cross administered through the Spirit (Revelation 12: 10-11; Romans 8:13). This is why the Apostle Paul wrote the following:
"What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?] Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us? Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love" (Amp: Romans 8:31-35)?
*Verses from AMP
"I [Myself] am this Living Bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread, he will live forever; and also the Bread that I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh (body)---He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has (possesses now) eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day."
(Amp: 6:51, 54.)
Jesus was the first to make it clear that it is most important what one eats. Today everyone knows that one of the biggest problems in America is our diet. It is not that we do not have enough of the right kind of food, but we have so much junk food that it is causing obesity and a host of other diseases.
When Jesus said that He was the living bread, the Jews would have had more insight than we do. The processed bread that we eat today is not living. If you planted this bread in the ground, nothing would happen. It is subpar to real bread with grains that if planted will actually grow. This type of living bread is portrayed in Ezekiel 4:9, "Also take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt, and put them into one vessel and make bread of them."
Jesus wanted to make clear that His blood would be shed for our redemption so man we would not suffer eternal death. This is what is meant by drinking His blood because the life of a human being is in the blood (Leviticus 17:14). On the other hand, the Lord's body would be broken for us just as bread we eat for our life and life suppy. The precious thing about the bread He gives to us is that the life we receive is eternal.
*Verses from AMP
"And Jesus said to Simon, Have no fear; from now on you will be catching men!" (Amp: Luke 5:10)
The problem with fear is that it is always lurking in the shadows. Everyone has those hidden places where fear reigns and inhibits them from carrying out God's purpose. Sometimes our fears are so overwhelming that we allow them to dictate our lives to the detriment of ourselves and others. The Lord has come to stop this trend and to relieve us from the greatest fear of them all: death---"Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to naught and make of no effect him who had the power of death--that is, the devil"--(Amp: Hebrews 2:14)
To our dismay there are more immediate fears we must deal with day by day. It may involve a personal weakness, difficult relatives, a shaky occupation, a volatile marriage, disobedient children, financial woes, etc. You may wonder why the Lord would not just remove these heartaches. If He did, you would not grow up into Him in all things (Ephesians 4:15). The Lord wants to be real to us in the very areas we fear the most.
He wants to prove Himself to us and make His word practical to us according to what He has spoken: "For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not [a]adjusted and [b]adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will ways] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently" (Amp: 1 Corinthians 10:13). Similarly, Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice."
*Verses from AMP
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your [a]moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and [b]recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven (Amp: Matthew 5:13-16)."
Usually when we think about salt it is because of its preserving qualities. We all know how it was used to keep meat fresh and stop decay. It has a purifying affect because it kills germs. Since we live in a world full of corruption and decay we need to be the salt of the earth among our families, neighborhoods, and cities. The more Christians live out Christ according to His divine life and nature, the more there will be a positive effect on the people around us stemming the tide of decay.
Even more so, some people will be enlightened because of their contact with us. Due to what they see in us, there will be a shining which cannot be hidden. Our good deeds will inspire others and awaken them to the injustices in the world. This is the most effective way to deal with our decaying morality and subverted views of right and wrong. As the light, we help make others lucid regarding God's righteousness and their responsibility toward other human beings.
As it is written, "[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves],That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guiltless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world (Amp: Philipians 2:13-15)."
*Verses from AMP
"And as they led Him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross and made him carry it behind Jesus. (Amp: Luke 23:26).
It may seem that when anyone decides to follow the Lord, it is simply a personal matter. On the contrary, others are affected despite their intention not to be involved. This interference in the lives of other people is often the reason they have a negative reaction. No one wants to be put out because of situations beyond their control. Yet this is what happened to the man who was forced to carry the cross of Jesus.
Our former friends, who we use to hang out with and have a good time, were set aside. Now we can no longer take pleasure in the things we once partook of and our friends are offended because we have abandoned them. Is this not what Peter says, "For the time that is past already suffices for doing what the Gentiles like to do--living [as you have done] in shameless, insolent wantonness, in lustful desires, drunkenness, reveling, drinking bouts and abominable, lawless idolatries. They are astonished and think it very queer that you do not now run hand in hand with them in the same excesses of dissipation, and they abuse [you]---Amp: 1 Peter 4:3-4.
Therefore, we must have a sober mind and realize that when we follow the Lord Jesus Christ, others may have to suffer due to the life we are leading. Hopefully, it will lead them to salvation and they will not just be inconvenienced or be left with a bad taste in their mouth. Jesus also had to deal with His own family:
"Jesus was still speaking to the people when behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to Him. Someone said to Him, Listen! Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to You.
But He replied to the man who told Him, Who is My mother, and who are My brothers? And stretching out His hand toward [not only the twelve disciples but all] His adherents, He said, Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother!" (Matthew 12:46-50)
*Verses from AMP
"At my first trial no one acted in my defense [as my advocate] or took my part or [even] stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the [Gospel] message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was delivered out of the jaws of the lion.[And indeed] the Lord will certainly deliver and draw me to Himself from every assault of evil. He will preserve and bring me safe unto His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen (so be it)."---Amp: 2 Timothy 4:16-18
We may feel that within the church life that too often we are left alone. This can make us feel unloved, unwanted, or unimportant. None of these things may be true, but when one feels isolated, it is easy to become upset, bitter, critical or judgmental. The Lord only knows how much blame there could be. Undoubtedly, as believers, we are short in many ways, and negligence seems to be at the top of the list.
The Apostle Paul himself while in prison and facing trial under Nero was keenly aware that the brothers displayed a lack of concern. He could have been quite negative towards the brothers when this all happened. However, he showed a spirit of meekness and did not charge anyone with anything.
Paul learned that God Himself was His best ally and friend. It may be that the Lord would have us spend more time with Him alone. This is the best way to get to know Him and for Him to enlighten us about ourselves. This is why He would take His disciples aside to Himself alone. More often than not, such a quiet time may be a blessing in disguise:
"And as soon as He was alone, those who were around Him, with the Twelve [apostles], began to ask Him about the parables. He did not tell them anything without a parable; but privately to His disciples (those who were peculiarly His own) He explained everything [fully]."---Amp: Mark 4:10, 34
*Verses from AMP
"You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from [your] forefathers, not with corruptible things [such as] silver and gold; But [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot" (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Even though most Christians realize that Christ died for their sins, they do not understand that the sin which indwells us (Romans 7:18-20) is accommodated by the lifestyle handed down from our forefathers. Hence, the very fabric of our human existence rests upon associations We have within our supporting family unit.
The Apostle Paul explained it this way in Colossians 2:8, "See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men's ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah)."
We are not an island to ourselves and everyone is plunged into a particular culture. This culture may or may not recognize Christ as the Savior of mankind. Despite having been taught by our parents a particular belief system, this does not mean that it is based on the truth.
The education we receive may be fraught with erroneous facts that detour us from knowing Christ. Our social network may be very strong with people we respect and admire, but it may foster a lifestyle that subverts us from knowing Christ. Our political affiliations may be quite important to us, but they may cause us to advance causes which have nothing to do with Christ. Christ is supremely unique and no philosophy, religion or system compares to Him.
*Verses from AMP
"In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths" (Amp: Proverbs 3:6)
When Jonathan Edwards was 19 years old, he desired to follow the Lord as much as possible. He realized Christ would have to give him the strength to do what he had resolved in his heart, but he was nevertheless determined to be spiritually exercised to fulfill these resolutions. Although he had 70 items he wanted to fulfill, I have selected 12 for our consideration. It shows that a young person can lead the way in spiritual things as Edwards' did:
#1 I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration.
#2 To do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general.
#3 Never to lose one moment of time, but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
#4 To be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
#5 To maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
#6 Never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise Him for, or to think any way the more meanly of Him
#7 To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
#8 To strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
#9 To ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.
#10 Never hence-forward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's.
#11 Never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
#12 After afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
*Verses from AMP
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" (Amp: Isaiah 5:20)
God is definite about what He considers good versus evil. It is certainly not compatible with man's thought. In the New Testament Matthew 19:16-17 gives us a window. It says, "And behold, there came a man up to Him, saying, Teacher, what excellent and perfectly and essentially good deed must I do to possess eternal life? And He said to him, Why do you ask Me about the perfectly and essentially good? There is only One Who is good [perfectly and essentially]--God. If you would enter into the Life, you must continually keep the commandments."
In the mind of the Lord Jesus only God is good and if Jesus is truly good, then He must be God. Furthermore, one who is good keeps what God commands. Yet in today's climate of moral relativism, there are no absolute standards that man should live by. Even the church is influenced by what is not only politically, but morally correct by society at large. One might ask, is the church teaching the world or is the world teaching the church?
Man's rationalization of what he considers to be good has no merit when compared to the wisdom of God. Man's condition compared to God is declared in Romans 3:10-12, "As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one. No one understands [no one intelligently discerns or comprehends]; no one seeks out God. All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong and have become unprofitable and worthless; no one does right, not even one!"
Is it no wonder that man loses his way? When human beings decide to take over and act as God, determining their own moral values and goodness, without the living God as a compass, then surely something "Bad" becomes "Good!"
*Verses from AMP
"And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known. I will make darkness into light before them and make uneven places into a plain. These things I have determined to do [for them]; and I will not leave them forsaken" (Amp: Isaiah 42:16).
Don Graves and Ron King wrote an article about how the church needs to remain simple. They stated,
"As simple churches, we are committed to a methodology for doing and being a church that seeks to be uncomplicated in nature, essence and expression. We believe the church of Jesus Christ in all her ways share similar values, but not always similar outward expressions. And for us, those expressions are far too often barriers to those who most need to experience the presence of Jesus Christ. Simple churches come in all shapes, sizes, cultures and theological distinctives. But we do seem to share a common thread:
"1. SIMPLE MISSION: What do we see as our prime directive from the King and how do we accomplish this? We make disciples! We do this by being incarnational in our mission. We carry the life of Jesus in cracked vessels so that the power and beauty we experience and demonstrate is of God and not ourselves."
"2. SIMPLE LEADERSHIP: Who are those among us whom the Spirit has touched to help us reach our full potential in the things of Christ? We recognize those among us who are called by the Spirit to be the spiritual moms and dads of the community. We deeply honor the work of the Spirit of God in those humble servants… Those who serve are those identified as having the spiritual gift of leadership, those who are able to share leadership. Simple leadership may be rotational or situational leadership-not just taking turns, but a community recognition of God’s calling and expression of that calling with a spirit of humility and the ability to listen in each circumstance."
*Verses from AMP
"Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace. (Amp: Ephesians 4:3)
Don Graves and Ron King in their article in how to carry out a simple church life continues as follows:
"3. SIMPLE TEACHING: How do we receive, obey and share God’s story as a community? We learn as a community. Discovering the living Word through the study of scriptures, through life teachings from one another, from our struggles in this life and from spiritually gifted ones among the body of Christ. Obedience to the Word of God is essential in learning what the Bible means."
"4. SIMPLE FELLOWSHIP: In what ways are we a family? What does this look like during the week? We are building community and family life-practicing faith in the daily relationships and opportunities and challenges of life together as they arise, so that all among and around us are encouraged to become whole.
"5. SIMPLE WORSHIP: How does a whole-life love for Jesus demonstrate itself when we gather? We acknowledge Jesus by listening to Him and talking to Him, declaring who He is and what He has done."
"6. SIMPLE GIVING: How do we generously share our resources with one another and with others who are serving the King? We seek to practice wise and generous giving in ways that promote the kingdom, build relationships and reveal the heart of Jesus. We intentionally care for the real needs of our family members and strangers."
"7. SIMPLE SERVING: How has the "neighborhood" benefited from the presence of Christ among us? We are a people zealous for good works to which the Father has called us. Therefore we strive to see that every part of the body of Christ working together performs the work of Jesus on earth, especially in saving what is lost."
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