Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
The sin "problem"
I have noticed a disturbing trend in Christians whoagree that sin is bad and who say yes you must be holy to see God but then say but dont worry about sinning its not that big a deal. Just ask for forgiveness and bam problem solved. Even though the bible says that only those with clean hands and a pure heart will ascend to heaven. Psalms 24:3-4 or how about epistles of John.
And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
Is the blood of Christ such a common thing to us that we blow off the price He paid, ignore the sin we harbor in our life then eat and wipe our mouths and say Ive done nothing wrong. I am a good person because of what Christ has done for me. But if I ignore sin in my life, or even more insidious the desire to sin. I am spitting on God's grace and His son. I need to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.
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 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.
Or how about Hebrews
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The Lord will judge His people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Gods not just a big push over. Pay attention to what you are doing before its to late. Your motives and desires are just as important as your actions.
And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
Is the blood of Christ such a common thing to us that we blow off the price He paid, ignore the sin we harbor in our life then eat and wipe our mouths and say Ive done nothing wrong. I am a good person because of what Christ has done for me. But if I ignore sin in my life, or even more insidious the desire to sin. I am spitting on God's grace and His son. I need to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.
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 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.
Or how about Hebrews
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The Lord will judge His people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Gods not just a big push over. Pay attention to what you are doing before its to late. Your motives and desires are just as important as your actions.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Awesome
It is an amazing feeling to hear what God has been telling me out of the mouth of my Pastors from the pulpit. God is speaking if you will only quite down your busy life to hear.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
A fair exchange?
Why do "Mature Christian" exchange a passionate outgoing love of God for a purely service oriented walk. They seem to sit on pews or stand obediently when commanded but expressions are far away thinking about whatever and wherever but not on God. Are you kidding me? Is the blood of Christ such a common thing to you now? Does the name of Jesus not bring a sense of awe but just a memory of duty. So what that you do what God commands you. Woe to you if you don't. If you do only what you have been commanded then you are an unprofitable servant. You have only done your duty. Young Christians may do stupid things but they love with all their might. luke 17:7-10. 1st corinthians 9:16
Stop being so full of yourself the only reason you are worth anything is that Christ redeemed you in Gods eyes. You are not doing God a favor by serving Him, Hes doing you one.
Stop being so full of yourself the only reason you are worth anything is that Christ redeemed you in Gods eyes. You are not doing God a favor by serving Him, Hes doing you one.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Being me
I find it very amusing when people think I should be the person they think I should be. Seriously, why is your way so good? No I don't like your reality TV shows or your soulless movies because I feel they are shallow and irresponsible. I dont really care about the latest fashions and hair styles. I dont feel the need to buy a new wardrobe or car every year or so just so people think I am important financially. I am content with what God has given me. I have a wonderful wife who loves me, a caring church family, close friends and amazing brothers, sisters, parents and cousins. What more could a man want.
Friday, November 13, 2009
livin life
As happens so very often, my thoughts have been on Romans 12 today. Whenever I start to reflect on myself, I go here and open up my thoughts and motives to the word. Very quickly I can see where I am.
"In view of God's mercy" For me this is the most important statement. The questions all begin here. Without knowledge of the mercy of God, I can never see clearly enough to see anything wrong with myself. I can always justify my actions to myself, because I know I am a nice guy. I am wonderful and do everything from a moral high point. PHHHH yeah right! I am an adulterer, a liar, a murderer, a thief, complacent, brutal, and heartlessly cruel, without God. With God I am something altogether different. God loved me even when I hated Him and gave His son to take my punishment when I could care less. So I deserve nothing but judgment. "In view of God's mercy" going from this statement I have to realize my motives are skewed so I can't trust them.
"be transformed" From here I have hope, because transformation is not only possible but expected. "by the renewing of your mind" This is where I transform. As the way I think is transformed not once, but as a constant renewal. A fresh outlook is the only way to change. With this knowledge, that God's mercy is available and it will transform the way I think and therefore the way I act, I can read the bible and it be more than a collection of good ideas or dusty old stories.
So that is what I need to see to look at my self. The rest of the chapter is all about what a follower of Christ is, in regard to other Christians, non christians and in themselves.
I am not perfect but Christ is making me more and more like Him. When I see His face I will finally be complete. Finally be what God intended at the very beginning of time.
"In view of God's mercy" For me this is the most important statement. The questions all begin here. Without knowledge of the mercy of God, I can never see clearly enough to see anything wrong with myself. I can always justify my actions to myself, because I know I am a nice guy. I am wonderful and do everything from a moral high point. PHHHH yeah right! I am an adulterer, a liar, a murderer, a thief, complacent, brutal, and heartlessly cruel, without God. With God I am something altogether different. God loved me even when I hated Him and gave His son to take my punishment when I could care less. So I deserve nothing but judgment. "In view of God's mercy" going from this statement I have to realize my motives are skewed so I can't trust them.
"be transformed" From here I have hope, because transformation is not only possible but expected. "by the renewing of your mind" This is where I transform. As the way I think is transformed not once, but as a constant renewal. A fresh outlook is the only way to change. With this knowledge, that God's mercy is available and it will transform the way I think and therefore the way I act, I can read the bible and it be more than a collection of good ideas or dusty old stories.
So that is what I need to see to look at my self. The rest of the chapter is all about what a follower of Christ is, in regard to other Christians, non christians and in themselves.
I am not perfect but Christ is making me more and more like Him. When I see His face I will finally be complete. Finally be what God intended at the very beginning of time.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Exposed to danger!
I've been thinking lately of why people don't help others. As a christian it is expected of me by God and certainly by other people. So why do we (Christians) not do it?
I feel that older Christians are far more liable to do this. When I say "older" this isnt age, this is maturity in Christ. A 70 year christian is just as capable of being hidebound as a 16 year old who grew up in church. A mature christian however wont talk to "those" people. They are the enemy who might corrupt them or embarrass them in front of other Christians. They don't get emotionally involved with them because non Christians might betray them. So they are kept away as an acquaintance, never close, never loved, never cared for. We pray for them. We hope for them to have a full life in Christ. We never really get to know them or learn who they really are. Sinners are nothing more then a sinner. People are much more then that. And their lives are much more complex than they "just chose it."
A new christian is far more free in who they spend time with. You look at them and they are always inviting there friends and buds to Christ without thought of what "church" people might think of them. The grace of God is still fresh and new.
Us older churchers need to open our eyes to the world of people around us. Making a difference in peoples life means making a difference. Words mean nothing without action to back them up. Without putting yourself in emotional danger you can never reach anyone.
I feel that older Christians are far more liable to do this. When I say "older" this isnt age, this is maturity in Christ. A 70 year christian is just as capable of being hidebound as a 16 year old who grew up in church. A mature christian however wont talk to "those" people. They are the enemy who might corrupt them or embarrass them in front of other Christians. They don't get emotionally involved with them because non Christians might betray them. So they are kept away as an acquaintance, never close, never loved, never cared for. We pray for them. We hope for them to have a full life in Christ. We never really get to know them or learn who they really are. Sinners are nothing more then a sinner. People are much more then that. And their lives are much more complex than they "just chose it."
A new christian is far more free in who they spend time with. You look at them and they are always inviting there friends and buds to Christ without thought of what "church" people might think of them. The grace of God is still fresh and new.
Us older churchers need to open our eyes to the world of people around us. Making a difference in peoples life means making a difference. Words mean nothing without action to back them up. Without putting yourself in emotional danger you can never reach anyone.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Thoughts on a being a prostitute.
Now when I say being a prostitute I mean toward God. In my sunday school class tonight we went over the book of Hosea. For you who have never read Hosea here is a brief overview.
Hosea was a prophet. As a prophet he was tasked by God to turn the hearts of the people back to the Lord. His task was to marry a prostitute. When she left him again to go back to her old ways and got into a lot of trouble, he went and got her. paid her debts and took her home. This was all to show the children of israel how much God really loves them, and how far he would go to rescue them.
All this had me thinking about the love of God. Have I been saved for so long that I have started to treat the blood of Christ as a common thing? Has what He has saved me from, become nothing big? I don't want to sit back, resting on my laurels and smuggly declare "I go to church faithfully, I give, I do this I do that I I I." I deserve hell but Christ has paid my price. God made the way for me to get to Him. What I do for God is a privilege. Im not doing God a favor by doing Him a solid.
Hosea was a prophet. As a prophet he was tasked by God to turn the hearts of the people back to the Lord. His task was to marry a prostitute. When she left him again to go back to her old ways and got into a lot of trouble, he went and got her. paid her debts and took her home. This was all to show the children of israel how much God really loves them, and how far he would go to rescue them.
All this had me thinking about the love of God. Have I been saved for so long that I have started to treat the blood of Christ as a common thing? Has what He has saved me from, become nothing big? I don't want to sit back, resting on my laurels and smuggly declare "I go to church faithfully, I give, I do this I do that I I I." I deserve hell but Christ has paid my price. God made the way for me to get to Him. What I do for God is a privilege. Im not doing God a favor by doing Him a solid.
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