The other day I found the Bible I had as a kid packed away with some books. I don’t remember when, where or how I got it and there is nothing special about it other than the content. Many emotions and memories came to me as I looked it over. I remember in many hard times I read it, no rhyme or reason, I just read parts flipping through the pages hoping God would answer me somehow. In that time, I really had no idea how to approach reading the Bible, which I think is something many people can relate to. I knew there was much to learn and know, but I had no idea how to gain this knowledge. This was the beginning of my love for the Word of God.
In the last several years I have been feeling the call to teach from the Bible. So in trying to work out what I felt was a call 4 or so years ago, I started a Christian blog and a little later a bible study podcast on the book of 1st Peter. Now I may be a terrible writer, bad speaker and lacking as a teacher, but I love doing it. I love talking about the Bible and what Jesus did for us and more personally, what He did for me. I am very much a work in progress and I thank God at minimum, every morning when I wake up and every night before bed for what He has blessed me with. I love my family more than anything on this earth and if I can pass on something to all four of my children, it would be my passion to love and learn more about Jesus. I hope they will always stay on the narrow path.
I love looking at that old bible because it reminds me of where much of my curiosity for learning about God came from and how far I have come as a man and how much more I have to go. More importantly it reminds me how forgiving, loving and awesome God is and how far He has brought me as a Christian. In this life I will never be worthy of what Christ did for me, but I don't want it to be for a lack of trying.
So go dig out your bible and read it. Find out why after 2000 years, Jesus, a poor carpenter who never traveled more than 200 miles from home, is still the most important and compelling figure of all time. It could change your life. May God bless you.
Merry Christmas everyone, thanks for checking in >>John
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
This is the REAL way “Love Wins”
Serve God with Spiritual Gifts
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Behave Like a Christian
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. - Romans 12:1-13 (NKJV)
I was reflecting on Romans 12:3-13 today and it got me thinking about how many people we take for granted around us that allow our lives to go so smoothly. I’ll give you this, my smoothly may be much different than your definition, but we in America have it pretty easy compared to most around the world.
For now, we can worship freely without fear of violence. We are protected by the most advanced military in the world. Most of us live pretty close to hospitals, EMS, Fire and rescue (many of them volunteers). We have Police to protect us, people to come pick up our trash, water treatment plants that make sure we have clean running water and sewage treatment plants that make everything else “goes away”. Here is a biggie, we have food everywhere. I can drive 5 minutes and pass 20 places that serve food.
We can live our lives the way we do because of the love, caring, talent and hard work of people of the past and present. I have heard the term that “we stand of the shoulders of giants” that so many greats came before us. There are so many great people in this world that do so much for so many. We Christians owe so much to so many, so shouldn’t we live lives worthy of the sacrifice of so many?
In verse 9 it says “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.”
We hate evil, we should serve and thank one another, love and lift each other up. We should not be self absorbed shut-ins spending our time trying to avoid contact with the “outside” world.
Verse 2 tells us “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Let’s change our hard coded mind sets to think outside the box when it comes to helping others. Lets humbly and thankfully serve each other. Think of someone who makes your life easier day in and day out. They don’t do it for praise or thanks....but why not make their day and do something for them, not just a “thank you”, but a gesture that shows you care about what it is they do and who they are? In using our individual talents in helping and loving each other, we can lift each other up as one in the body of Christ.
This is the REAL way “Love Wins”.
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Thanks for checking in and God Bless>>John
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Behave Like a Christian
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. - Romans 12:1-13 (NKJV)
I was reflecting on Romans 12:3-13 today and it got me thinking about how many people we take for granted around us that allow our lives to go so smoothly. I’ll give you this, my smoothly may be much different than your definition, but we in America have it pretty easy compared to most around the world.
For now, we can worship freely without fear of violence. We are protected by the most advanced military in the world. Most of us live pretty close to hospitals, EMS, Fire and rescue (many of them volunteers). We have Police to protect us, people to come pick up our trash, water treatment plants that make sure we have clean running water and sewage treatment plants that make everything else “goes away”. Here is a biggie, we have food everywhere. I can drive 5 minutes and pass 20 places that serve food.
We can live our lives the way we do because of the love, caring, talent and hard work of people of the past and present. I have heard the term that “we stand of the shoulders of giants” that so many greats came before us. There are so many great people in this world that do so much for so many. We Christians owe so much to so many, so shouldn’t we live lives worthy of the sacrifice of so many?
In verse 9 it says “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.”
We hate evil, we should serve and thank one another, love and lift each other up. We should not be self absorbed shut-ins spending our time trying to avoid contact with the “outside” world.
Verse 2 tells us “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Let’s change our hard coded mind sets to think outside the box when it comes to helping others. Lets humbly and thankfully serve each other. Think of someone who makes your life easier day in and day out. They don’t do it for praise or thanks....but why not make their day and do something for them, not just a “thank you”, but a gesture that shows you care about what it is they do and who they are? In using our individual talents in helping and loving each other, we can lift each other up as one in the body of Christ.
This is the REAL way “Love Wins”.
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Thanks for checking in and God Bless>>John
Saturday, April 9, 2011
10 Resolutions for Mental Health
Great article by Pastor John Piper:
On October 22, 1976, Clyde Kilby, who is now with Christ in Heaven, gave an unforgettable lecture. I went to hear him that night because I loved him. He had been one of my professors in English Literature at Wheaton College. He opened my eyes to more of life than I knew could be seen. O, what eyes he had! He was like his hero, C. S. Lewis, in this regard. When he spoke of the tree he saw on the way to class this morning, you wondered why you had been so blind all your life. Since those days in classes with Clyde Kilby, Psalm 19:1 has been central to my life: “The sky is telling the glory of God.”
That night Dr. Kilby had a pastoral heart and a poet’s eye. He pled with us to stop seeking mental health in the mirror of self-analysis, but instead to drink in the remedies of God in nature. He was not naïve. He knew of sin. He knew of the necessity of redemption in Christ. But he would have said that Christ purchased new eyes for us as well as new hearts. His plea was that we stop being unamazed by the strange glory of ordinary things. He ended that lecture in 1976 with a list of resolutions. As a tribute to my teacher and a blessing to your soul, I offer them for your joy.
1. At least once every day I shall look steadily up at the sky and remember that I, a consciousness with a conscience, am on a planet traveling in space with wonderfully mysterious things above and about me.
2. Instead of the accustomed idea of a mindless and endless evolutionary change to which we can neither add nor subtract, I shall suppose the universe guided by an Intelligence which, as Aristotle said of Greek drama, requires a beginning, a middle, and an end. I think this will save me from the cynicism expressed by Bertrand Russell before his death when he said: "There is darkness without, and when I die there will be darkness within. There is no splendor, no vastness anywhere, only triviality for a moment, and then nothing."
3. I shall not fall into the falsehood that this day, or any day, is merely another ambiguous and plodding twenty-four hours, but rather a unique event, filled, if I so wish, with worthy potentialities. I shall not be fool enough to suppose that trouble and pain are wholly evil parentheses in my existence, but just as likely ladders to be climbed toward moral and spiritual manhood.
4. I shall not turn my life into a thin, straight line which prefers abstractions to reality. I shall know what I am doing when I abstract, which of course I shall often have to do.
5. I shall not demean my own uniqueness by envy of others. I shall stop boring into myself to discover what psychological or social categories I might belong to. Mostly I shall simply forget about myself and do my work.
6. I shall open my eyes and ears. Once every day I shall simply stare at a tree, a flower, a cloud, or a person. I shall not then be concerned at all to ask what they are but simply be glad that they are. I shall joyfully allow them the mystery of what Lewis calls their "divine, magical, terrifying and ecstatic" existence.
7. I shall sometimes look back at the freshness of vision I had in childhood and try, at least for a little while, to be, in the words of Lewis Carroll, the "child of the pure unclouded brow, and dreaming eyes of wonder."
8. I shall follow Darwin's advice and turn frequently to imaginative things such as good literature and good music, preferably, as Lewis suggests, an old book and timeless music.
9. I shall not allow the devilish onrush of this century to usurp all my energies but will instead, as Charles Williams suggested, "fulfill the moment as the moment." I shall try to live well just now because the only time that exists is now.
10. Even if I turn out to be wrong, I shall bet my life on the assumption that this world is not idiotic, neither run by an absentee landlord, but that today, this very day, some stroke is being added to the cosmic canvas that in due course I shall understand with joy as a stroke made by the architect who calls himself Alpha and Omega.
>>By John Piper
On October 22, 1976, Clyde Kilby, who is now with Christ in Heaven, gave an unforgettable lecture. I went to hear him that night because I loved him. He had been one of my professors in English Literature at Wheaton College. He opened my eyes to more of life than I knew could be seen. O, what eyes he had! He was like his hero, C. S. Lewis, in this regard. When he spoke of the tree he saw on the way to class this morning, you wondered why you had been so blind all your life. Since those days in classes with Clyde Kilby, Psalm 19:1 has been central to my life: “The sky is telling the glory of God.”
That night Dr. Kilby had a pastoral heart and a poet’s eye. He pled with us to stop seeking mental health in the mirror of self-analysis, but instead to drink in the remedies of God in nature. He was not naïve. He knew of sin. He knew of the necessity of redemption in Christ. But he would have said that Christ purchased new eyes for us as well as new hearts. His plea was that we stop being unamazed by the strange glory of ordinary things. He ended that lecture in 1976 with a list of resolutions. As a tribute to my teacher and a blessing to your soul, I offer them for your joy.
1. At least once every day I shall look steadily up at the sky and remember that I, a consciousness with a conscience, am on a planet traveling in space with wonderfully mysterious things above and about me.
2. Instead of the accustomed idea of a mindless and endless evolutionary change to which we can neither add nor subtract, I shall suppose the universe guided by an Intelligence which, as Aristotle said of Greek drama, requires a beginning, a middle, and an end. I think this will save me from the cynicism expressed by Bertrand Russell before his death when he said: "There is darkness without, and when I die there will be darkness within. There is no splendor, no vastness anywhere, only triviality for a moment, and then nothing."
3. I shall not fall into the falsehood that this day, or any day, is merely another ambiguous and plodding twenty-four hours, but rather a unique event, filled, if I so wish, with worthy potentialities. I shall not be fool enough to suppose that trouble and pain are wholly evil parentheses in my existence, but just as likely ladders to be climbed toward moral and spiritual manhood.
4. I shall not turn my life into a thin, straight line which prefers abstractions to reality. I shall know what I am doing when I abstract, which of course I shall often have to do.
5. I shall not demean my own uniqueness by envy of others. I shall stop boring into myself to discover what psychological or social categories I might belong to. Mostly I shall simply forget about myself and do my work.
6. I shall open my eyes and ears. Once every day I shall simply stare at a tree, a flower, a cloud, or a person. I shall not then be concerned at all to ask what they are but simply be glad that they are. I shall joyfully allow them the mystery of what Lewis calls their "divine, magical, terrifying and ecstatic" existence.
7. I shall sometimes look back at the freshness of vision I had in childhood and try, at least for a little while, to be, in the words of Lewis Carroll, the "child of the pure unclouded brow, and dreaming eyes of wonder."
8. I shall follow Darwin's advice and turn frequently to imaginative things such as good literature and good music, preferably, as Lewis suggests, an old book and timeless music.
9. I shall not allow the devilish onrush of this century to usurp all my energies but will instead, as Charles Williams suggested, "fulfill the moment as the moment." I shall try to live well just now because the only time that exists is now.
10. Even if I turn out to be wrong, I shall bet my life on the assumption that this world is not idiotic, neither run by an absentee landlord, but that today, this very day, some stroke is being added to the cosmic canvas that in due course I shall understand with joy as a stroke made by the architect who calls himself Alpha and Omega.
>>By John Piper
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Japan: After Empathy and Aid, People Want Answers - John Piper
Priorities
First things first.When Christians see suffering they feel empathy. We too have bodies (Hebrews 13:3). Therefore, love commands, “Weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).
Then comes aid. We want to help relieve human suffering—all of it, especially eternal suffering:
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).And that includes enemies:
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you (Luke 6:27);But sooner or later people want more than empathy and aid—they want answers.
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink (Romans 12:20).
Proclamation and Power
When love has wept and worked, it must have something to say about God. It doesn’t need to have all the answers. Only God does. But it has the Bible, and the Bible is not silent on this matter.No earthquakes in the Bible are attributed to Satan. Many are attributed to God.1 This is because God is Lord of heaven and earth:
He commands even winds and water, and they obey him (Luke 8:25);Earthquakes are ultimately from God. Nature does not have a will of its own. And God owes Satan no freedom. What havoc demons wreak, they wreak with God’s permission. And God has reasons for what he permits. His permissions are purposes. That's the point of Job 1-2 and Luke 22:31-32.
He sends forth His command to the earth. . . . He gives snow like wool; He scatters hoarfrost like ashes. He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before His cold? . . . He makes his wind blow and the waters flow (Psalm 147:15-18);
He looks on the earth and it trembles . . . touches the mountains and they smoke! (Psalm 104:32);
[He] shakes the earth out of its place, and its pillars tremble (Job 9:6).
Purpose
God does nothing without an infinitely wise and good purpose:He is wise and brings disaster (Isaiah 31:2);Therefore, God has a good and all-wise purpose for the heart-rending calamity in Japan on March 11, 2011 that appears to have cost tens of thousands of lives.
The Lord is good (Psalm 100:5);
All his works are right and his ways are just (Daniel 4:37).
Indeed, he has hundreds of thousands of purposes, most of which will remain hidden to us until we are able to grasp them at the end of the age:
How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! (Romans 11:33);Yet there are possible purposes revealed in the Bible that we may pray will come to pass:
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us (Deuteronomy 29:29).
- The end-time earthquakes in the book of Revelation (see above) are meant as calls to repentance—to warn people who deny Jesus Christ that a day is coming when unbelievers will cry to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb” (Revelation 6:16).
- The end-time earthquakes in Matthew 24:7-8 are meant to be interpreted as “the beginning of the birth pangs.” That is, they are a wake-up call to this world that God's kingdom will soon be born. So be alert and prepare to meet Jesus Christ.
- God's unilateral taking of thousands of lives is a loud declaration that “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away” (Job 1:21). The message for all the world is that life is a loan from God (Luke 12:20) and belongs to him. He creates it and gives it and takes it according to his own will and owes us nothing. He has a right both to children (2 Samuel 12:15) and to the aged (Luke 2:29). It is a great gift to learn this truth and dedicate our lives to their true owner rather than defraud him till it is too late.
- The power felt in an earthquake reveals the fearful magnificence of God. This is a great gift since “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10). Most of the world does not fear the Lord and therefore lacks saving wisdom. The thunder-clap summons to fear God is a mercy to those who live.
- When the earth shakes under our feet there is a dramatic sense that there is no place to flee. In most disasters the earth is the one thing that stands firm when wind and flood are raging. But where do you turn when the earth itself is unsafe? Answer: God.
Pray
And let us pray that in this catastrophe the Lord fulfills two other purposes:- That Christians repent of worldliness. “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
- That Christians in Japan and around the world would step forward with extraordinary, sacrificial love to show more clearly the mercy of Christ who laid down his life in the midst of the Father's judgment. The suffering and death of Jesus Christ for the sin of the world is the one place where empathy, aid, and answers meet. He invites everyone to come for all three.
Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28).
Thursday, February 24, 2011
8 Ways God Blesses Us
By : 8 Ways God Blesses Us
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 lists eight ways God blesses us through Christ.
About 1 Corinthians
Corinth was the major commercial center in the Roman Empire. The city was famous for its wealth and also for being filled with every kind of evil. It was home to twelve pagan temples, including the Temple of Aphrodite, which housed over one thousand prostitutes. The city was so wicked that the term “Corinthianize” was coined to describe someone who practiced sexual immorality.
It was a city many would describe as God-forsaken, but God loves the unlovable and saves the unsaveable. So He sent Paul to preach the gospel and establish a church there.
Now living in this environment you can imagine that these new Christians would have trouble – and they did. There were divisions, legal problems, impurity and scandals throughout the Corinthian church. Instead of the Christians influencing the culture, the culture was influencing the Christians. So God lead Paul to write the book of 1 Corinthians to address these problems.
The book begins with nine verses laying out the believers standing before God and Paul uses this standing as the reason why they should change their ways. He basically says, “This is who you were, but this is who you are now in Christ, so live accordingly.”
1) God blesses us by adding us to His Church
Paul addresses the Corinthians in verse 2 as “the church of God which is at Corinth”. The word church means, “The called out ones”. It refers to people of every generation, every race, every nation, every walk of life, who were called out of the world and into the family of God.
1 Peter 2:9 describes the church as “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people,” who are to “proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
It’s a group made up of people so flawed and so deep in sin, yet they’re called “the Church of God.” The reason this is possible is because of the second way God blesses us.
2) God blesses us by sanctifying us
In verse 2 Paul first calls the Corinthians “the church of God”, now he calls them “those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus.”
To be sanctified means to be set apart for God’s purpose. We’re sanctified in three ways: positionally, progressively and ultimately.
We’re sanctified “positionally” when we come to Christ. Hebrews 10:10-12 explains: “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.”
In the Old Testament the priests would continually make sacrifices because they never permanently paid for sin. But Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice and has paid for our sins once and for all. So we’ve sanctified, or set apart, to obtain salvation through Christ.
Then we’re sanctified “progressively” throughout our Christian lives. Progressive sanctification is the process of dying to sin and living for Christ by becoming more like Him. Galatians 5:22 explains that whereas before we did the works of the flesh we’re now to produce the fruit of the Spirit which “is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Progressive sanctification isn’t about our salvation it’s about how we live after we’ve been saved.
Then finally we’re sanctified “ultimately” when we go to heaven. Throughout our lives we wrestle with sin but when we go to be with the Lord our sinful nature is left behind. 1 John 3:2-3 explains that “now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
That brings us to the third way God blesses us.
3) God blesses us by making us saints
Paul continues his address in verse 2 by referring to the Corinthians as “called to be saints or literally “called saints”. The word “saint” means the same as sanctify – to be made separate or to be made holy. Those who are the recipients of sanctification are called saints. So we could refer to saints as “the sanctified ones”.
Notice that they’re called saints now. Saints aren’t canonized by the church. Verse 2 goes on to explain that saints are those “who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” If that describes you then you are a saint right now.
Now we move on to verse 4 and find the fourth way God blesses us.
4) God blesses us by making us recipients of His grace
In Verse 4 Paul says, “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus. The reason we’re the church of God, the reason we’re sanctified, the reason we’re called saints is because of God’s grace.
To receive grace means to receive undeserved favor. Just as there are different aspects of sanctification there are also different aspects of grace that the Christian enjoys.
There’s saving grace which is described for us in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Then there’s sustaining grace which we find in 2 Corinthians 12:9 where Paul is asking God to remove some hindrance. God responds by saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” And that caused Paul to say, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
So God’s grace doesn’t just save us, it also strengthens us, encourages us, and enables us to have joy in all circumstances.
5) God blesses us by enriching everything by Christ
Verse 5 says “You were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge.” Or, as the NIV puts it, “you have been enriched in every way-in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.”
James 2:5 tells us that “God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him.” In 1 Corinthians 2:16 we’re told we have “the mind of Christ” which enables us to think on spiritual things. God showers us with gifts of salvation, fellowship, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness and faithfulness. We’re given everything we need to serve God and be fulfilled spiritually.
6) God blesses us by confirming us
Verse 6 says that “the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you”
When someone comes to Christ the Holy Spirit applies salvation to the believer. Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us that “In Christ you trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
We can rest secure in the knowledge that the promises of God are guaranteed to those who are in Christ.
7) God blesses us by causing us to be blameless in the day of our Lord
Verse 8 says that “you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The day will come when God will judge men according to their works. But Psalm 32:1-2 reminds us that “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity.” Through Christ we stand blameless before God because all our sins were covered on the Cross.
8) God blesses us by calling us into fellowship
Finally in verse 9 we’re told we’re “called into the fellowship.” We’re called into a relationship with God and with fellow believers. 1 John 1:3 says “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. God grants us the gift of a relationship with Him and the opportunity to join others in praising Him.
By : 8 Ways God Blesses Us
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 lists eight ways God blesses us through Christ.
About 1 Corinthians
Corinth was the major commercial center in the Roman Empire. The city was famous for its wealth and also for being filled with every kind of evil. It was home to twelve pagan temples, including the Temple of Aphrodite, which housed over one thousand prostitutes. The city was so wicked that the term “Corinthianize” was coined to describe someone who practiced sexual immorality.
It was a city many would describe as God-forsaken, but God loves the unlovable and saves the unsaveable. So He sent Paul to preach the gospel and establish a church there.
Now living in this environment you can imagine that these new Christians would have trouble – and they did. There were divisions, legal problems, impurity and scandals throughout the Corinthian church. Instead of the Christians influencing the culture, the culture was influencing the Christians. So God lead Paul to write the book of 1 Corinthians to address these problems.
The book begins with nine verses laying out the believers standing before God and Paul uses this standing as the reason why they should change their ways. He basically says, “This is who you were, but this is who you are now in Christ, so live accordingly.”
1) God blesses us by adding us to His Church
Paul addresses the Corinthians in verse 2 as “the church of God which is at Corinth”. The word church means, “The called out ones”. It refers to people of every generation, every race, every nation, every walk of life, who were called out of the world and into the family of God.
1 Peter 2:9 describes the church as “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people,” who are to “proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
It’s a group made up of people so flawed and so deep in sin, yet they’re called “the Church of God.” The reason this is possible is because of the second way God blesses us.
2) God blesses us by sanctifying us
In verse 2 Paul first calls the Corinthians “the church of God”, now he calls them “those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus.”
To be sanctified means to be set apart for God’s purpose. We’re sanctified in three ways: positionally, progressively and ultimately.
We’re sanctified “positionally” when we come to Christ. Hebrews 10:10-12 explains: “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.”
In the Old Testament the priests would continually make sacrifices because they never permanently paid for sin. But Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice and has paid for our sins once and for all. So we’ve sanctified, or set apart, to obtain salvation through Christ.
Then we’re sanctified “progressively” throughout our Christian lives. Progressive sanctification is the process of dying to sin and living for Christ by becoming more like Him. Galatians 5:22 explains that whereas before we did the works of the flesh we’re now to produce the fruit of the Spirit which “is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Progressive sanctification isn’t about our salvation it’s about how we live after we’ve been saved.
Then finally we’re sanctified “ultimately” when we go to heaven. Throughout our lives we wrestle with sin but when we go to be with the Lord our sinful nature is left behind. 1 John 3:2-3 explains that “now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
That brings us to the third way God blesses us.
3) God blesses us by making us saints
Paul continues his address in verse 2 by referring to the Corinthians as “called to be saints or literally “called saints”. The word “saint” means the same as sanctify – to be made separate or to be made holy. Those who are the recipients of sanctification are called saints. So we could refer to saints as “the sanctified ones”.
Notice that they’re called saints now. Saints aren’t canonized by the church. Verse 2 goes on to explain that saints are those “who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” If that describes you then you are a saint right now.
Now we move on to verse 4 and find the fourth way God blesses us.
4) God blesses us by making us recipients of His grace
In Verse 4 Paul says, “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus. The reason we’re the church of God, the reason we’re sanctified, the reason we’re called saints is because of God’s grace.
To receive grace means to receive undeserved favor. Just as there are different aspects of sanctification there are also different aspects of grace that the Christian enjoys.
There’s saving grace which is described for us in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Then there’s sustaining grace which we find in 2 Corinthians 12:9 where Paul is asking God to remove some hindrance. God responds by saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” And that caused Paul to say, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
So God’s grace doesn’t just save us, it also strengthens us, encourages us, and enables us to have joy in all circumstances.
5) God blesses us by enriching everything by Christ
Verse 5 says “You were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge.” Or, as the NIV puts it, “you have been enriched in every way-in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.”
James 2:5 tells us that “God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him.” In 1 Corinthians 2:16 we’re told we have “the mind of Christ” which enables us to think on spiritual things. God showers us with gifts of salvation, fellowship, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness and faithfulness. We’re given everything we need to serve God and be fulfilled spiritually.
6) God blesses us by confirming us
Verse 6 says that “the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you”
When someone comes to Christ the Holy Spirit applies salvation to the believer. Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us that “In Christ you trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
We can rest secure in the knowledge that the promises of God are guaranteed to those who are in Christ.
7) God blesses us by causing us to be blameless in the day of our Lord
Verse 8 says that “you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The day will come when God will judge men according to their works. But Psalm 32:1-2 reminds us that “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity.” Through Christ we stand blameless before God because all our sins were covered on the Cross.
8) God blesses us by calling us into fellowship
Finally in verse 9 we’re told we’re “called into the fellowship.” We’re called into a relationship with God and with fellow believers. 1 John 1:3 says “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. God grants us the gift of a relationship with Him and the opportunity to join others in praising Him.
By : 8 Ways God Blesses Us
Monday, February 14, 2011
Make today about real Love, Not Hallmark.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I could not let this day go by without writing something about Love. I published Episode 9 of the 1 Peter Bible study Podcast which has the same theme. Check it out here.
God expects Christians to love others. By our fruit we can tell the level of love we have for our fellow man. Do you actively seek out ways in which to serve and love others? Or, is your thing just to cut checks and allow others to do the work, feeling like you've made a difference? When is the last time you actively sought out to make someone else have a good day?
We all know what it is like when people really make us angry; from rude comments, to inconsiderate behavior, taking too long with our dinner while eating out and so on. We all know how bad this makes us feel. I know I have been there more times than I would like to admit. I have my selfish moments, thinking it is all about me. We all have a tendency to view the world from the standpoint of us being the center and everything else needing to conform to our wants and needs. This is such a unhealthy way to live.
John 13:25 tell us, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” It is a very damaging to have Christians treating each other badly. It not only goes against what God expects from us, it is a bad witness to non-believers. If you quarrel in front of a non believer you may drive them further from Jesus because of your failings. To me, there can be nothing more sad than that. Is it worth sinning to make yourself feel better by snapping at someone to make them feel small because they have somehow wronged you? Would you be comfortable having lots of people see you at moments like that? I know I would not! How we act is proof that we belong to God. How many people right now would accuse you of belonging to God?
Proverbs 10:12 tell us that, “Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions.” Pick your battles, and let things go. Nothing makes you feel better than saying I’m sorry and letting conflict go; doing right feels much, much better than being right most of the time. That last one is for me, this is a major flaw I have and I am sure many others have also.
Start with making someone’s day today. I know this is a day is a day to spend with your significant others. Think about how many people may be lonely today. Think of those who have had the love of their lives pass away; and about those who have their love ones fighting overseas so that others may live with simple freedoms that we all take for granted. Think of that little girl or boy missing their daddy or mommy right now when kids are giving their parents handmade cards and about the hugs and kisses they wish they could give them right now.
Love could be as simple as forgoing coffee and treating someone else to a free coffee, lunch or dinner…or just a smile and a hug for that person who looks like they need it. Call that person you know is alone; stop this time to acknowledge and help that person you ignore every day on the street. Lets us make this day not about Hallmark, expectations and “what did you get?” Lets us today, be what we should be everyday as Christians. Lets love in the Biblical since, let us fill others with love and compassion and overflow their cups; let that person or persons know they are a child of God and that they are loved.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” - Hebrews 6:10
Peace be with all of you today. God Bless. >>John
God expects Christians to love others. By our fruit we can tell the level of love we have for our fellow man. Do you actively seek out ways in which to serve and love others? Or, is your thing just to cut checks and allow others to do the work, feeling like you've made a difference? When is the last time you actively sought out to make someone else have a good day?
We all know what it is like when people really make us angry; from rude comments, to inconsiderate behavior, taking too long with our dinner while eating out and so on. We all know how bad this makes us feel. I know I have been there more times than I would like to admit. I have my selfish moments, thinking it is all about me. We all have a tendency to view the world from the standpoint of us being the center and everything else needing to conform to our wants and needs. This is such a unhealthy way to live.
John 13:25 tell us, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” It is a very damaging to have Christians treating each other badly. It not only goes against what God expects from us, it is a bad witness to non-believers. If you quarrel in front of a non believer you may drive them further from Jesus because of your failings. To me, there can be nothing more sad than that. Is it worth sinning to make yourself feel better by snapping at someone to make them feel small because they have somehow wronged you? Would you be comfortable having lots of people see you at moments like that? I know I would not! How we act is proof that we belong to God. How many people right now would accuse you of belonging to God?
Proverbs 10:12 tell us that, “Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions.” Pick your battles, and let things go. Nothing makes you feel better than saying I’m sorry and letting conflict go; doing right feels much, much better than being right most of the time. That last one is for me, this is a major flaw I have and I am sure many others have also.
Start with making someone’s day today. I know this is a day is a day to spend with your significant others. Think about how many people may be lonely today. Think of those who have had the love of their lives pass away; and about those who have their love ones fighting overseas so that others may live with simple freedoms that we all take for granted. Think of that little girl or boy missing their daddy or mommy right now when kids are giving their parents handmade cards and about the hugs and kisses they wish they could give them right now.
Love could be as simple as forgoing coffee and treating someone else to a free coffee, lunch or dinner…or just a smile and a hug for that person who looks like they need it. Call that person you know is alone; stop this time to acknowledge and help that person you ignore every day on the street. Lets us make this day not about Hallmark, expectations and “what did you get?” Lets us today, be what we should be everyday as Christians. Lets love in the Biblical since, let us fill others with love and compassion and overflow their cups; let that person or persons know they are a child of God and that they are loved.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” - Hebrews 6:10
Peace be with all of you today. God Bless. >>John
Thursday, February 10, 2011
What is humility?
Zephaniah tells us in 3:12, the “But I will leave among you A humble and lowly people, And they will take refuge in the name of the LORD.”
We are not to think too highly of ourselves. The Lord showed the Jews during those forty years wandering in the desert, that He was in control and He would take care of them by letting them go hungry and then feeding them manna. We become humble when we acknowledge God is in control and release our selfish pride. We become humble when we recognize God knows what we need and that He will be the one to meets those needs.
1 Peter 3:8 says “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” As we turn from being selfish and self centered, we can start to develop compassion and sympathy toward our fellow man.
Jesus was the perfect example of being humble. Born of a virgin in a stable; he was the King of Kings riding in his royal procession on a donkey. He, who knew no sin, became sin so we could become His righteousness; though Jesus is God, He became nothing to die on a cross for us. We should model ourselves after Jesus, serving others and not just being served. Serving others will help us develop a humble heart.
1 Peter 5:6 tells us that the Lord will honor the Humble, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
Psalms 69:32 also tells us that “The humble have seen it and are glad; You who seek God, let your heart revive.” So being humble will open our eyes to see what the Lord does in our lives. We may have a tendency to think that everything is of our own doing. Don’t let pride blind you to what God is doing around you.
Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.
I rise and fall everyday with prayers thanking God for all that I have, from my family, to my health, to my family’s health, to my job, to pretty much everything He has lead me through in my life. It should be a great comfort to us, that humble and thankful praises from us are more pleasing to God than the most costly, pompous sacrifices.
Without God I am nothing; may all the Praise and Glory be to God. Amen
Thanks for checking in and God Bless >>John
We are not to think too highly of ourselves. The Lord showed the Jews during those forty years wandering in the desert, that He was in control and He would take care of them by letting them go hungry and then feeding them manna. We become humble when we acknowledge God is in control and release our selfish pride. We become humble when we recognize God knows what we need and that He will be the one to meets those needs.
1 Peter 3:8 says “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” As we turn from being selfish and self centered, we can start to develop compassion and sympathy toward our fellow man.
Jesus was the perfect example of being humble. Born of a virgin in a stable; he was the King of Kings riding in his royal procession on a donkey. He, who knew no sin, became sin so we could become His righteousness; though Jesus is God, He became nothing to die on a cross for us. We should model ourselves after Jesus, serving others and not just being served. Serving others will help us develop a humble heart.
1 Peter 5:6 tells us that the Lord will honor the Humble, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
Psalms 69:32 also tells us that “The humble have seen it and are glad; You who seek God, let your heart revive.” So being humble will open our eyes to see what the Lord does in our lives. We may have a tendency to think that everything is of our own doing. Don’t let pride blind you to what God is doing around you.
Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.
I rise and fall everyday with prayers thanking God for all that I have, from my family, to my health, to my family’s health, to my job, to pretty much everything He has lead me through in my life. It should be a great comfort to us, that humble and thankful praises from us are more pleasing to God than the most costly, pompous sacrifices.
Without God I am nothing; may all the Praise and Glory be to God. Amen
Thanks for checking in and God Bless >>John
Monday, January 31, 2011
Christ’s death and resurrection; It’s about the “why”.
John 10:18 tells us "No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father."
These words spoken by Jesus have been written down for all to read for almost 2000 years. Yet, many people have worried about “who” killed Christ, missing the point of why it happened and in turn, taking God’s hand out of it. Genesis 50:20 tells us "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive." So what men meant for evil by killing Christ, God meant for good. The “who” was not important; the “why” was everything.
The great preacher John Piper put it like this, “And since God meant it for good, we must look beyond human causes to a divine propose. The central issue of Jesus death is not the cause, but the purpose-the meaning. Human beings may have their reasons for wanting Jesus out of the way. But only God can design it for the good of the world."
What many fail to see is that Christ’s death and resurrection was so important, so miraculous that it changed everything; nothing would ever be the same again. Christ’s death and resurrection changed the Roman Empire, the very Empire that took his life. Christ’s death and resurrection changed his own unbelieving brother’s mind of who he was. A meeting with the risen Jesus changed the Apostle Paul’s heart to stop hunting and persecuting Christians; and turned him into one of Christianity greatest leaders and writer of much of the New Testament. Christ’s death and resurrection lead the apostles to continue to build Christ’s Church in the face of great opposition and persecution. Seeing Christ’s death and resurrection eventually lead most of the apostles to martyrdom because of their belief and love for Christ. Christ’s death and resurrection was meant to change us forever. Are you fighting that change?
Sometimes we may lose sight of what the gospel is about; we may get wrapped up in details that cause us to miss the meaning. Christ’s death and resurrection has changed our fate and given us new everlasting life. Jesus’ sacrifice paid our ransom. It provided our justification, sanctification and ultimately or salvation; it is our pardon and our purity. So, as you go about your days on earth, keep in mind the meaning of “why” Jesus went to the cross, was crucified, was buried, rose from the grave and ascended into Heaven and act accordingly in all you do. Hope in the grace of God!
Thanks for checking in and God Bless >>John
Friday, January 28, 2011
Question: Are you of the world or just in it? How we fall short.
Be in the world not of it. This is a hard one for us Christians. We are told to “Be Holy, because I am Holy” by God in 1 Peter 1:16. We are to separate ourselves from the “Worldly” things and through our sanctification process we are to be more like Christ and not enjoy the things we know are morally bankrupt, like most things coming out of Hollywood and the secular music industry.
I think most Christians fall in the middle on this topic; not too much bad…but there is some in there. Some of us may be somewhat more discerning on what we consume on TV, Movies and Music. Some of you may not think about what you watch or listen to at all; well, unless you have kids and sometimes you will filter their entertainment (hopefully).
Now I would hope anyone with children would be monitoring what they watch, listen to and what they go see at the movie theater. It does take more time to block channels, check on the music they listen to, install a filter for the internet and read about the movie they are going to see with friends. These are the basic things you should do to protect your kids, because society does not care. If you don’t believe me, just watch a PG-13 movie and see the nonsense they put in for “entertainment” value and if you need me to tell you what is on the internet, then you should not have kids.
I have gone the long way round to get to this point, if those of us who do all this filtering for our kids find it important, why is our filter for ourselves not better? If we truly believe that the content is not good, why is it okay for us? Why are we still watching shows that are inappropriate? There are some shows that are perfectly fine, but there are movies, TV shows and music that just plain glorify sin and sinful lifestyles. Now, a show having sin in it, is much different than a show which says, “its okay, here it is in your face nonstop”.
I hear about it all the time; Christians who see no problem with consuming these things which go completely against Christian beliefs. They justify it and make excuses for it all because they find joy in it and it might be too much work to find something else. Now if you go through all that trouble for your kids, what do you think they learn by seeing you finding joy in those things? You are saying, “You’re not old enough to enjoy this sinful, bad stuff yet…but someday you can have all you want like us!”.
John 17:15-16 says, "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
Thanks for checking in and God Bless >>John
I think most Christians fall in the middle on this topic; not too much bad…but there is some in there. Some of us may be somewhat more discerning on what we consume on TV, Movies and Music. Some of you may not think about what you watch or listen to at all; well, unless you have kids and sometimes you will filter their entertainment (hopefully).
Now I would hope anyone with children would be monitoring what they watch, listen to and what they go see at the movie theater. It does take more time to block channels, check on the music they listen to, install a filter for the internet and read about the movie they are going to see with friends. These are the basic things you should do to protect your kids, because society does not care. If you don’t believe me, just watch a PG-13 movie and see the nonsense they put in for “entertainment” value and if you need me to tell you what is on the internet, then you should not have kids.
I have gone the long way round to get to this point, if those of us who do all this filtering for our kids find it important, why is our filter for ourselves not better? If we truly believe that the content is not good, why is it okay for us? Why are we still watching shows that are inappropriate? There are some shows that are perfectly fine, but there are movies, TV shows and music that just plain glorify sin and sinful lifestyles. Now, a show having sin in it, is much different than a show which says, “its okay, here it is in your face nonstop”.
I hear about it all the time; Christians who see no problem with consuming these things which go completely against Christian beliefs. They justify it and make excuses for it all because they find joy in it and it might be too much work to find something else. Now if you go through all that trouble for your kids, what do you think they learn by seeing you finding joy in those things? You are saying, “You’re not old enough to enjoy this sinful, bad stuff yet…but someday you can have all you want like us!”.
John 17:15-16 says, "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
“Christ does not pray that they might be rich and great in the world, but that they might be kept from sin, strengthened for their duty, and brought safe to heaven. The prosperity of the soul is the best prosperity. He pleaded with his Holy Father, that he would keep them by his power and for his glory, that they might be united in affection and labours, even according to the union of the Father and the Son. He did not pray that his disciples should be removed out of the world, that they might escape the rage of men, for they had a great work to do for the glory of God, and the benefit of mankind. But he prayed that the Father would keep them from the evil, from being corrupted by the world, the remains of sin in their hearts, and from the power and craft of Satan. So that they might pass through the world as through an enemy's country, as he had done. They are not left here to pursue the same objects as the men around them, but to glorify God, and to serve their generation. The Spirit of God in true Christians is opposed to the spirit of the world. (Jn 17:17-19)” - Matthew Henry
Thanks for checking in and God Bless >>John
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Live, enjoy life, love the Lord, your family and your neighbor.
Below is a small excerpt from Episode 8 of the Study of 1 Peter; Listen here:
The reason for conducting ourselves in fear is, the One we call Heavenly Father judges everybody by the same measure. We all know what our deeds say about our hearts right? We have all probably heard the sayings “actions speak loader than words”, “People will know us by our fruits” right?
Jesus used the same word for fear when He said, Luke 12:4-5 “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!" I don’t know about you, but this cause a little fear in me.
I am sure we can all agree that our deeds say a lot about our heart; even if you are not a Christian you probably think this. We don’t know a lot of really good people that just do bad things, nor do we know a lot of bad people that do really good things. Just to be clear here, I am not saying our works or deeds save us. There is only one thing that the Bible tells us will save us and that is Faith in Jesus Christ, but there is also one standard of judgment, our deeds.
If you think about it and realize that we going to be judged according to our work, then you are going to watch what we do. We should be afraid to do evil. We should be afraid not to do good on earth. Someday, we are all going to stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account for what we have done.
My friends, this “Hide and seek” of sin is not a game we can win with God. He sees all, he knows all, He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the maker of Heaven and Earth and everything in it. You cannot hide from Him and He knows every hair on your head and every thought in it. This is why you need to fear God. This is not Santa Clause we are dealing with, though we may think of Him that way sometimes.
God does love you, but we should not live as if the blood of Christ sacrificed for us was not something of infinite value. Live, enjoy life, love the Lord, your family and your neighbor. Put others before ourselves and we will be good.
I’ll leave you with two verses to read:
Deuteronomy - 10:12-13 And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Psalms 86:11- Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
The reason for conducting ourselves in fear is, the One we call Heavenly Father judges everybody by the same measure. We all know what our deeds say about our hearts right? We have all probably heard the sayings “actions speak loader than words”, “People will know us by our fruits” right?
Jesus used the same word for fear when He said, Luke 12:4-5 “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!" I don’t know about you, but this cause a little fear in me.
I am sure we can all agree that our deeds say a lot about our heart; even if you are not a Christian you probably think this. We don’t know a lot of really good people that just do bad things, nor do we know a lot of bad people that do really good things. Just to be clear here, I am not saying our works or deeds save us. There is only one thing that the Bible tells us will save us and that is Faith in Jesus Christ, but there is also one standard of judgment, our deeds.
If you think about it and realize that we going to be judged according to our work, then you are going to watch what we do. We should be afraid to do evil. We should be afraid not to do good on earth. Someday, we are all going to stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account for what we have done.
My friends, this “Hide and seek” of sin is not a game we can win with God. He sees all, he knows all, He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the maker of Heaven and Earth and everything in it. You cannot hide from Him and He knows every hair on your head and every thought in it. This is why you need to fear God. This is not Santa Clause we are dealing with, though we may think of Him that way sometimes.
God does love you, but we should not live as if the blood of Christ sacrificed for us was not something of infinite value. Live, enjoy life, love the Lord, your family and your neighbor. Put others before ourselves and we will be good.
I’ll leave you with two verses to read:
Deuteronomy - 10:12-13 And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Psalms 86:11- Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Be a man, Biblically
Men, are you the leader of your family? Not a leader in the “Do as I say, or you’re going to get it!” leader, but as in a father leading his family to be Godly people way. Do you respect and honor your wife as your co-heir? Does SHE feel that she is respected, satisfied and happy? Does SHE feel you are a good leader, provider and spiritual shepherd for your family? Do your children see you as a role model of how a Christian, moral, honest, family loving man should act?
In relation to God, do you need to be drug to church? Does your wife have to leave you and take your kids to go to Church? What do you think this teaches your children? These are all question we as men need to ask ourselves and our families to get answers to. We as men cannot be truly Christian husbands and fathers unless we spiritually lead our families. If you don’t lead them society will, and we see what that leads to.
Men, ask yourself, “How do I change?”, “How do I become a man of God?”, “How do I become a better husband, better father and better man?” Men, these questions should always be on your mind. This change is done in the form of striving to change from a Godless, worldly (as in secular or of “this” world) man to a man of God. We are told to conform to the image of God in Romans 8:29, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” - Ephesians 5:25
Below is a list I could not improve on from a sermon, “Marriage and Men”, by Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hills Church:
“Ephesians 5:25 calls men to love their wives as Christ loves the Church. Men are not ready to be good husbands until they are a part of the Church and understand how Christ loves the Church by taking responsibility for her and sacrificing himself for her.Men you need to understand that a wife’s fears (1 Pet. 3:6) are legitimate; men dominate the lives of women and children, for good or for evil. Honor your wife:
Honor your wife in marriage. Take a wife honorably. Establish right priorities, and be a one woman man—absolutely faithful to your wife.
Honor your wife physically. Be strong for your wife, not against her. Be protective of her and present with her.
Honor your wife emotionally. Be emotionally present and intimate. Take her on dates.
Honor your wife verbally. Speak honorably to her. Speak honorably of her, when she is present and absent.
Honor your wife financially. Provide for the financial needs of your family, organize your budget, and be generous towards your wife.
Honor your wife practically. Consider her needs and how you can serve her.
Honor your wife parentally. Be “Pastor Dad” by shepherding your children (praying with them, teaching them about Jesus, reading the Bible with them, etc.).
Honor your wife spiritually. You initiate and lead prayer, Bible, chats, church attendance, etc. Take responsibility for your church.”
“You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.” - (1 Pet. 3:7). Repent.
So men, humble yourselves, speak to your wives, speak to your children, man up and lead your family for good, not evil. You need to step up and not be little boys; do the job that was given to you by God and rise up and lead your Christian family. If you are not doing the job, repent; commit yourself to being a man and a family leader in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
WANTED: Weekly guest poster for the John Christian Doe Bible Study Blog
Well hello everyone! I’m on the hunt! I am looking for a guest poster for the John Christian Doe Bible Study Blog. This would require one weekly write up on any of the following topics: Christian living, Apologetic's, Short Bible study, or other topics depending on content.
I would like to assign a day for your Blog to post(after my review), so that would be "your" day. If you think it will fit in here send it in and we can have a look! If you would like to be considered, please submit a post for review to johnchristiandoe@gmail.com and I will have a look and we can move on from there. I know I have a bunch of smart Christian people out there with some talent to add to the staff writers here! Oh, and this is a non paying gig....
Thanks for checking in, God Bless! >>John
I would like to assign a day for your Blog to post(after my review), so that would be "your" day. If you think it will fit in here send it in and we can have a look! If you would like to be considered, please submit a post for review to johnchristiandoe@gmail.com and I will have a look and we can move on from there. I know I have a bunch of smart Christian people out there with some talent to add to the staff writers here! Oh, and this is a non paying gig....
Thanks for checking in, God Bless! >>John
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Money lost, money found - News from King George
From Fredericksburg.com:
"These are my favorite kinds of stories:
Guy loses money two days before Christmas, guy is distraught. Had $700 in a bank envelope, which somehow disappeared from the time he left the bank in Dahlgren to when he arrived at his daughter’s house a few miles away. Retraces his steps, goes back to the bank, but their cameras show nothing.
Man thinks money is gone. And it’s a big chunk of change for a man living off disability, trying to support his daughter, who lost her job last year. He planned to buy her a used car with the money.
Then, nothing short of a miracle happens. ALMOST THREE WEEKS LATER, another man–who happens to be a crime-scene investigator–happens to spot some money by the side of the road. He calls the sheriff’s department, and he and the deputy scour the area for clues. They find a BB&T envelope, go to the local branch, and the teller immediately knows who lost a pile of cash. “Was it $700?” she asks. She produces paperwork to show her customer had withdrawn the money–35 twenty-dollar bills, to be exact–and that’s just what the crime-scene investigator found." read more>>
"These are my favorite kinds of stories:
Guy loses money two days before Christmas, guy is distraught. Had $700 in a bank envelope, which somehow disappeared from the time he left the bank in Dahlgren to when he arrived at his daughter’s house a few miles away. Retraces his steps, goes back to the bank, but their cameras show nothing.
Man thinks money is gone. And it’s a big chunk of change for a man living off disability, trying to support his daughter, who lost her job last year. He planned to buy her a used car with the money.
Then, nothing short of a miracle happens. ALMOST THREE WEEKS LATER, another man–who happens to be a crime-scene investigator–happens to spot some money by the side of the road. He calls the sheriff’s department, and he and the deputy scour the area for clues. They find a BB&T envelope, go to the local branch, and the teller immediately knows who lost a pile of cash. “Was it $700?” she asks. She produces paperwork to show her customer had withdrawn the money–35 twenty-dollar bills, to be exact–and that’s just what the crime-scene investigator found." read more>>
You never know who is on the other end of the line.
So last night after I wrapped up writing before bed, I start going through my nightly “lock down” of the fort. Alarm is on, doors are all locked, lights out; I put down those darn things that stop the cold air from coming under the door. Then I make sure I grab my cell phone (my alarm clock) before heading up to bed. Now as I start my ascent I notice, yet again, I have stayed up too late writing. “this is going to hurt in the morning”, then mid thought, RIIIIINNNNNNGGGG of the house phone! Oh no, the babies going to wake up! I run to answer it, thinking it’s never good to have a phone ring at 12:20am for people on either end. Panicked, I answer, “Hello?”… nothing. Again, I make a more pronounced hello, maybe they didn’t understand. “Heeeeelllllooooo?”… again nothing.
Now I can hear some rustling on the line, so I’m getting annoyed thinking this might be some boy calling my oldest daughter thinking this is her cell phone, which gets taken every night anyway. So now, I am planning my retaliation call and hang up. I go to see the last call on caller ID and NOOOO, I hit the ring volume and make the phone ring again EVEN louder. Darn new phones! Now after a quick listen to see if the baby is crying yet, its all clear. I find the “CID” button, push it and see the number.
Hmmmm, that’s funny, somehow this diabolical phone mastermind has spoofed my cell phone number and called my house! I check the time, yes, that’s the call that just happened. Well let’s take a look at my cell phone and see if my house number was dialed out, because there is no way they got in here, got my phone and called my house while I am holding the phone! There it is, my home number dialed out…..Man, I just cranked called myself. Now all I have to do is get by the wife without having to admit my buffoonery. I creep in the room and Victory! She is sleeping! None the wiser, so don’t say anything okay?
Thanks for checking in and God Bless!
Now I can hear some rustling on the line, so I’m getting annoyed thinking this might be some boy calling my oldest daughter thinking this is her cell phone, which gets taken every night anyway. So now, I am planning my retaliation call and hang up. I go to see the last call on caller ID and NOOOO, I hit the ring volume and make the phone ring again EVEN louder. Darn new phones! Now after a quick listen to see if the baby is crying yet, its all clear. I find the “CID” button, push it and see the number.
Hmmmm, that’s funny, somehow this diabolical phone mastermind has spoofed my cell phone number and called my house! I check the time, yes, that’s the call that just happened. Well let’s take a look at my cell phone and see if my house number was dialed out, because there is no way they got in here, got my phone and called my house while I am holding the phone! There it is, my home number dialed out…..Man, I just cranked called myself. Now all I have to do is get by the wife without having to admit my buffoonery. I creep in the room and Victory! She is sleeping! None the wiser, so don’t say anything okay?
Thanks for checking in and God Bless!
Friday, January 14, 2011
The blessing the love of family brings us
Have you ever been on fire for God so much to preach and spread his word that it makes it almost hard to get it all out. I feel so convicted right now the words escape me; I don’t have the hours in the day to devote the time I want or need to. God has led me to pour this attention and love into my family, and I have never been happier or felt more blessed to have them. I see an excitement to learn from my children, which makes my heart overflow with joy. They truly are and always will be my greatest ministry and next to our Lord Jesus Christ, my wife and my children are the best thing to ever happen to me. Please take a moment to marvel in the splendor of what God has given to us in family, and recognize the blessing the love of family brings us.
Thanks for checking in and God Bless>>
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Have a little respect - Leave the War Memorial alone
I am appalled and yet not surprised. The open attacks on Christians is just par for the course now a days. If this was a Jewish or Muslim symbol there be no one saying a word.
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it." -Matt. 7:13
Taken from CNN.com : "A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that a cross displayed on public property for nearly a century is unconstitutional.
Three versions of the Christian symbol have been erected atop 822-foot Mount Soledad in the posh La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, California, since 1913.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the argument that the cross is solely a memorial.
Photo taken from CNN.com
The current 43-foot cross was erected in 1954 in honor of Korean War veterans and has been the subject of near constant judicial back and forth since 1989, when two Vietnam War veterans filed suit against the city, saying it violated the California Constitution's "No Preference" clause.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the argument that the cross is solely a memorial."
Read More >>
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it." -Matt. 7:13
Taken from CNN.com : "A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that a cross displayed on public property for nearly a century is unconstitutional.
Three versions of the Christian symbol have been erected atop 822-foot Mount Soledad in the posh La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, California, since 1913.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the argument that the cross is solely a memorial.
Photo taken from CNN.com
The current 43-foot cross was erected in 1954 in honor of Korean War veterans and has been the subject of near constant judicial back and forth since 1989, when two Vietnam War veterans filed suit against the city, saying it violated the California Constitution's "No Preference" clause.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the argument that the cross is solely a memorial."
Read More >>
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Call to Action - Spirit-prompted generosity
Reading a devotional today I came across this passage:
“17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth”. - 1 John (3:17-18) NIV2010
Today really I feel convicted with the need to act. I am reflecting on a situation in my personal life which takes me out of my comfort zone and calls me to action. I know all of us have those around us in need. Right now someone needs you to help. Let’s reflect the love of God in our hearts on the world. I know in this, our Lord will rejoice.
"Compassion equals Spirit-prompted generosity in the face of Greed" – Mark Batterson(Pastor, Writer)
“17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth”. - 1 John (3:17-18) NIV2010
Today really I feel convicted with the need to act. I am reflecting on a situation in my personal life which takes me out of my comfort zone and calls me to action. I know all of us have those around us in need. Right now someone needs you to help. Let’s reflect the love of God in our hearts on the world. I know in this, our Lord will rejoice.
"Compassion equals Spirit-prompted generosity in the face of Greed" – Mark Batterson(Pastor, Writer)
Saturday, December 18, 2010
It's that time of year Again!!
Taking a break from working on my next Podcast on 1 Peter 1:8-9 and I came across this passage in Mathew....good stuff Merry Christmas!!!
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:20-21
Friday, January 30, 2009
Still haven't found what you're looking for?
Psalm 127:1-2
Prosperity Comes from the LORD.
A Song of Ascents, of Solomon.
"1 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it;Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep."
This psalm was written by David to his son Solomon. While David was building the military security forces in Israel he placed Solomon in charge of the protecting the gates and building the first Temple to God.
David is reminding his son that all building and fortifying and preparing was futile if the city is not in the service of God. Sodom and Gomorrah could have spent day and night preparing and securing themselves, but nothing they could have physically done could have prevented their destruction by God.
At the end of verse two in Psalm 127:1-2 David tells Solomon, that even in his sleep God gives to His beloved, those who believe and serve the Lord. This is a reference to when the Jewish people received manna, food from heaven, as they slept each night in the wilderness. They did not have to earn it or work for the food. When they awoke, they would find enough manna for the day waiting. God provided.
Sadly, too many of us spend lives looking for something other than God to fill our longing for meaning; business, money, hobbies, relationships, clothes, sports, etc. There is nothing wrong with any of these things, but trying to fill a void only God can fill will leave you unfulfilled and wondering why your life has never seemed satisfactory. Those who do find fulfillment in nothing but worldly things find that it is short lived. I have been there and I think many of us have heard people talk about “something missing” in their lives …like so many before me, I have found that God is that “something missing”.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34)
Thanks for checking in and God Bless.
Prosperity Comes from the LORD.
A Song of Ascents, of Solomon.
"1 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it;Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep."
This psalm was written by David to his son Solomon. While David was building the military security forces in Israel he placed Solomon in charge of the protecting the gates and building the first Temple to God.
David is reminding his son that all building and fortifying and preparing was futile if the city is not in the service of God. Sodom and Gomorrah could have spent day and night preparing and securing themselves, but nothing they could have physically done could have prevented their destruction by God.
At the end of verse two in Psalm 127:1-2 David tells Solomon, that even in his sleep God gives to His beloved, those who believe and serve the Lord. This is a reference to when the Jewish people received manna, food from heaven, as they slept each night in the wilderness. They did not have to earn it or work for the food. When they awoke, they would find enough manna for the day waiting. God provided.
Sadly, too many of us spend lives looking for something other than God to fill our longing for meaning; business, money, hobbies, relationships, clothes, sports, etc. There is nothing wrong with any of these things, but trying to fill a void only God can fill will leave you unfulfilled and wondering why your life has never seemed satisfactory. Those who do find fulfillment in nothing but worldly things find that it is short lived. I have been there and I think many of us have heard people talk about “something missing” in their lives …like so many before me, I have found that God is that “something missing”.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34)
Thanks for checking in and God Bless.
Friday, January 16, 2009
The best Friday ever.
So today I am up at 5am, I shower, get dressed, and shuffle out the door to the commuter lot. In my still asleep mind, the thought…no wait, dream crosses my mind, “Should I drive in, it’s like 100 below zero and FRIDAY!”
I decide to drive to WAWA to get coffee and try and wake my mind up to make a decision. For those readers who are not familiar with WAWA, it is THE BEST gas station ever with great coffee and pretty good food. I don’t know I’m American, I love stupid things.
Anyway, I have coffee now, but can’t drink it because it is 200 degrees. I think I ate a bagel sandwich-yes I know, I said my mind was sleeping. I drive back to the commuter lot, get out, stand in line, get in a car, 45 minutes later I’m on 14th and New York ready to start my walk west down Pennsylvania Avenue. Yes, the same location as the Bologna mystery of a previous blog, also the new address of the soon to be President Obama, maybe you have heard of him.
So now it is a brisk 10 degrees with about a 10 mile an hour wind in my face…so if my math is correct that comes out to 1000 degrees below zero. Now my face and legs feel like they are on fire but it’s only a half mile to go, so I push on. I now have to dodge security and blockades all down the Pennsylvania Ave….lucky I didn’t forget my badge, oh wait, ah here it is. 10 minutes later I am at my building and shocked that my coffee didn’t freeze solid. My math may have been off on the temperature calculation.
I am now frozen; face burning worse than any ski trip wind burns I have received before. I get into the elevator and look up into the mirrored ceiling to confirm my face is still there, it is, but is a very nice shade of pink. 7th floor, I’m here. I walk down the hallway turn into my cube where a coworker asked why I’m here. What do you mean “Why am I here?” Oh, no my heart sinks…today is my work from home day! I got up 3 hours early and came here for nothing. Happy Friday!!!!
I’m taking the train home where my wife will pick me up and take me to get my car. I must be a constant source of amusement to her.
Podcasts are coming everyone, will be recording this weekend.
Thanks for checking in and God Bless.
I decide to drive to WAWA to get coffee and try and wake my mind up to make a decision. For those readers who are not familiar with WAWA, it is THE BEST gas station ever with great coffee and pretty good food. I don’t know I’m American, I love stupid things.
Anyway, I have coffee now, but can’t drink it because it is 200 degrees. I think I ate a bagel sandwich-yes I know, I said my mind was sleeping. I drive back to the commuter lot, get out, stand in line, get in a car, 45 minutes later I’m on 14th and New York ready to start my walk west down Pennsylvania Avenue. Yes, the same location as the Bologna mystery of a previous blog, also the new address of the soon to be President Obama, maybe you have heard of him.
So now it is a brisk 10 degrees with about a 10 mile an hour wind in my face…so if my math is correct that comes out to 1000 degrees below zero. Now my face and legs feel like they are on fire but it’s only a half mile to go, so I push on. I now have to dodge security and blockades all down the Pennsylvania Ave….lucky I didn’t forget my badge, oh wait, ah here it is. 10 minutes later I am at my building and shocked that my coffee didn’t freeze solid. My math may have been off on the temperature calculation.
I am now frozen; face burning worse than any ski trip wind burns I have received before. I get into the elevator and look up into the mirrored ceiling to confirm my face is still there, it is, but is a very nice shade of pink. 7th floor, I’m here. I walk down the hallway turn into my cube where a coworker asked why I’m here. What do you mean “Why am I here?” Oh, no my heart sinks…today is my work from home day! I got up 3 hours early and came here for nothing. Happy Friday!!!!
I’m taking the train home where my wife will pick me up and take me to get my car. I must be a constant source of amusement to her.
Podcasts are coming everyone, will be recording this weekend.
Thanks for checking in and God Bless.
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