I have heard this by direct statement/indirect statement. People say that God loves everyone, as he does, and uses this as an argument for homosexuality. These are the very people that do not read scripture and don't speak with God and I'm going to prove it. Actually God is going to prove it and has proven it by His very word. I'm not going to say too much as I want God's word to speak the truth.
Leviticus 18:28, "DO NOT lie with a man as one lies with a woman, that is DETESTABLE."
Leviticus 20:13, "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is DETESTABLE..." (for those who know I have not finished this scripture there is a reason. God tells us that the one who does not have the Spirit will not understand His Word, as the Spirit is the one who gives understanding. But I think this gets the point across)
Romans 1:24-27, "24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator---who is forever praised. Amen. 26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for UNNATURAL ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed INDECENT acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."
You didn't think I was going to leave out Sodom and Gomorrah did you? This is one example in the bible that many people throw to the wayside because they always say homosexuality wasn't THE reason or wasn't the ONLY reason God destroyed these towns. Again, these are the people that don't STUDY God's holy word or choose to not believe it. God is going to tell us otherwise.
Genesis 19:4-7, "4 Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom---both young and old---surrounded the house. 5 They called to Lot, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.' 6 Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him 7 and said, 'No, my friends. Don't do this WICKED thing.'"
Genesis 19:23-25, "23 By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. 24 The the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah ---from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities --- and also the vegetation in the land."
Jude 7, "In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire."
There is, of course, Hope.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11, "9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (This means they stopped living these lives, repented, believed in Jesus Christ, and now live in the Holy Spirit.)
This is Paul speaking. He is referring to when he was known as Saul.
1 Timothy 1:13-16, "13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners --- of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."
If Jesus will redeem even him, as he puts it, then Jesus will redeem anyone. But first, you must realize that homosexuality is a sin and those living in it will NOT inherit the kingdom of God.
Lord, God almighty. You are absolutely amazing, powerful, and full of grace. You are the creator of this world and everything good in it. I pray that Christians will stop listening to the world and be deceived by their lies. Homosexuality is, indeed, a sin, BUT it is forgivable like so many others. The only unforgivable sin is rejecting you and denying that Jesus is the Messiah. I pray that Christians will study your Word and build a more intimate relationship with you through prayer. Without you we can do nothing. I also pray that Christians will stop being afraid to vocalize your love and truth on things like social media; in places like work, school, shopping centers, sporting events, parks, and even churches. I want to thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to die on the cross so that we will have hope of being with you for eternity. We love you and give you all of our praise. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Be More Tolerant!
Tolerance. What is tolerance, why does the world want the Church to be more tolerant, and how does God view tolerance? I've heard this more and more each day from non-believers and "believers" (yes, the quotations are purposeful). The world wants Christians and religious sects to be more tolerant of everyone and every belief. They ask, "Why are you so narrow minded? Why can't you be more tolerant? You need to be more tolerant like Jesus (Yes, these are non-believers telling believers to be more tolerant LIKE Jesus). So, what is tolerance?
Tolerance, according to Merriam-Webster, is: 1) willingness to accept feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from your own; 2) the ability to accept, experience, or survive something harmful or unpleasant; 3) (this one I am changing one thing, "as a drug" to "as God") the capacity of the body to endure or become LESS RESPONSIVE to a substance (as God) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure.
The world wants us to be more tolerant. Why? The world believes there are many paths to Heaven, salvation, God, or doesn't believe in Heaven, salvation, or God. The world wants to do what they see as right, what will benefit them here on earth, what will give them the most fun. The world believes that abortion is right and reading the Bible in public is wrong. The world tells us that we are intolerant, when they are intolerant of the Bible. Can a Christian read their Bible in school or pray in school? No, because of the intolerance of the world. Christians are intolerant of homosexual relationships, yet the world condemns a Christian when they are truly showing love to homosexuals by telling them about Jesus and not wanting them to continue in sin. The first thing we have to understand is that "sin" is a four-letter word to the world. They don't want to hear that they are sinners, just like Christians don't like being pointed out that they have sinned. It refers to anyone being bad, a certain action being bad, or a certain thought being bad. This is hard for the world because many people believe that humans are born good (these are the people that either don't have kids, didn't parent their kids, or aren't school teachers). It shouldn't stop us from pointing it out to them because otherwise we are being tolerant of their sin and are allowing them to go to hell by not speaking the truth. So, how can we be more tolerant like Jesus? Was Jesus tolerant?
Now, we are about to look at scripture. We will answer if Jesus is tolerant and if the world practices what they preach. First, was Jesus tolerant? One example the world uses is the adulterous woman that the pharisees brought in to the temple. Jesus eventually let the woman go and did not condemn her. This, to the world, is tolerance. If I didn't know scripture and God hadn't revealed his truth to me then this would be a compelling argument. The scripture is from John 8:1-11. The reason I begin at verse 1 is because it's important to know where Jesus is located and what time of day it is. It is dawn and he is in the temple. The pharisees brought the woman in at dawn, which means they kept her all night and waited to condemn her. The pharisees refer to the law about stoning adulterers "such as this woman." What they "forgot" to do as well was bring the man in, for the law states that both the man and woman shall be stoned. The Temple is a holy place and the pharisees are ready to stone this woman in the holy place. We all know the story, but what we tend to forget, and the world just conveniently forgets to mention, is that Jesus did not simply let her go. Jesus told the woman to "Go, and from now on do not sin anymore." Jesus did not tolerate her sin, He told her not to sin anymore. This was a command to the woman for the rest of her life. How much did Jesus tolerate the Pharisees and Sadducees? Not at all. John 2:13-16 refers to Jesus driving all the people from the temple courts because they were selling sacrifices in the temple courts. John 3:1-21 speaks of Jesus telling the pharisee, Nicodemus, how to enter heaven. John 14:6 refers to Jesus saying, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Whoa, this is the tolerance the world wants us to exemplify? Yep, they just don't know it. Matthew 7:13-14 refers to the wide and narrow gate. Matthew 8:18-22 refers to 2 men telling Jesus they will follow him. Matthew 19:16-22 refers to a rich man asking Jesus what "good" thing must he do to get eternal life. Jesus' answer is not even close to tolerance. However, Jesus was, in fact, tolerant. Let's look at this. Jesus was arrested by the chief PRIESTS and elders (I put priests in all caps because I want to emphasize that titleship means nothing to God). Jesus was innocent of all charges, but the priests made up lies and told the people lies to accomplish their agenda. Jesus accepted his fate, he knew there was no other way for humans to be saved from their sin except by his death on the cross. He went through trials, torture (to the point where he was almost unrecognizable), slander, and then death. Yes, Jesus was very tolerant in this manner and THIS is the way we are to be tolerant like Jesus. This also answers the question of "Is the world tolerant?". So, does the world practice what they preach? Nope. They have removed the Bible from schools, prayer from schools, the ten commandments from schools and government buildings. They want to get rid of any mention of God or the name of Jesus from any public place because they don't believe in Him. Tolerance? Really?
The third meaning of tolerance is one that requires us to get so accustomed to the world that we don't even feel the power of the Holy Spirit. It has happened for the most part because I see and hear more so called christians speaking out for the world instead of God. These next two analogies come from Billy Graham's website on tolerance (I highly suggest clicking on the link on the second analogy and read this article). If someone were to ask a man how to get to New York city and he replied, "take any road you wish, they all lead to New York", you would think him to be crazy. This is a liberal way of thinking. Does every road lead us to New York? No, some lead us to Tampa Bay, Nashville, Chicago, etc. Why do we accept the lie that all roads lead to Heaven? Next analogy. The popular, tolerant attitude toward the Gospel of Christ is like a person going to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves play a baseball game and rooting for both sides. Baseball fans are very intolerant. If you were to cheer for both sides in Los Angeles or in Atlanta, someone would yell, “Hey, you, make up your mind who you’re rooting for.” Doesn't this make sense? You can't be for both teams. You can't love God and love satan at the same time.
How does God view tolerance? Psalm 101:5. Habakkuk also wondered if God was tolerant, chapters 1 and 2. Revelations 2:1-5, 2:18-29. Acts 4:32-37 and Acts 5:1-11, they were not tolerant of this sin. Numbers 20:7-12, God did not let Moses or Aaron enter into the land He promised to the Israelites...Moses!!! 1 Samuel 13:1-14, Saul was the king God appointed, no tolerance. And, of course, Genesis chapter 3, nope, no tolerance for disobedience. God wants us to obey him and if we sin, he wants us to repent and acknowledge that we did wrong. He doesn't want us to make excuses and tolerate the sin of others, either, just because they don't believe in God. God commands us to speak the truth and obey all He has commanded us, Matthew 28:19-20.
Lord, God Almighty, you are worthy of all our praise. Let all glory be to you. You are the Great "I AM" and I don't want to take that lightly. Please help us to remember that your Word is inerrant. The only way we can gain understanding is by studying and praying scripture to you and asking for wisdom and understanding. Help us to endure the hardships that we, as Christians, will face because of our beliefs in and obedience to you. Let us not allow the world to tell us what we should and should not do or believe in. I pray you will give us a heart of compassion and not one of tolerance. Help us realize that speaking the truth with compassion is different than yelling at people in condemnation. Jesus was not sent to condemn the world, but to save it. Let us mirror your Son's ministry and likeness. Help us to reflect your light by our actions and to speak out with confidence that you are the only true God. I thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to die for our sins and saving us from eternal separation from you. I pray that this reality, of complete separation, will also help and motivate us to speak the truth and show no tolerance of disbelief in Jesus. Amen.
Tolerance, according to Merriam-Webster, is: 1) willingness to accept feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from your own; 2) the ability to accept, experience, or survive something harmful or unpleasant; 3) (this one I am changing one thing, "as a drug" to "as God") the capacity of the body to endure or become LESS RESPONSIVE to a substance (as God) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure.
The world wants us to be more tolerant. Why? The world believes there are many paths to Heaven, salvation, God, or doesn't believe in Heaven, salvation, or God. The world wants to do what they see as right, what will benefit them here on earth, what will give them the most fun. The world believes that abortion is right and reading the Bible in public is wrong. The world tells us that we are intolerant, when they are intolerant of the Bible. Can a Christian read their Bible in school or pray in school? No, because of the intolerance of the world. Christians are intolerant of homosexual relationships, yet the world condemns a Christian when they are truly showing love to homosexuals by telling them about Jesus and not wanting them to continue in sin. The first thing we have to understand is that "sin" is a four-letter word to the world. They don't want to hear that they are sinners, just like Christians don't like being pointed out that they have sinned. It refers to anyone being bad, a certain action being bad, or a certain thought being bad. This is hard for the world because many people believe that humans are born good (these are the people that either don't have kids, didn't parent their kids, or aren't school teachers). It shouldn't stop us from pointing it out to them because otherwise we are being tolerant of their sin and are allowing them to go to hell by not speaking the truth. So, how can we be more tolerant like Jesus? Was Jesus tolerant?
Now, we are about to look at scripture. We will answer if Jesus is tolerant and if the world practices what they preach. First, was Jesus tolerant? One example the world uses is the adulterous woman that the pharisees brought in to the temple. Jesus eventually let the woman go and did not condemn her. This, to the world, is tolerance. If I didn't know scripture and God hadn't revealed his truth to me then this would be a compelling argument. The scripture is from John 8:1-11. The reason I begin at verse 1 is because it's important to know where Jesus is located and what time of day it is. It is dawn and he is in the temple. The pharisees brought the woman in at dawn, which means they kept her all night and waited to condemn her. The pharisees refer to the law about stoning adulterers "such as this woman." What they "forgot" to do as well was bring the man in, for the law states that both the man and woman shall be stoned. The Temple is a holy place and the pharisees are ready to stone this woman in the holy place. We all know the story, but what we tend to forget, and the world just conveniently forgets to mention, is that Jesus did not simply let her go. Jesus told the woman to "Go, and from now on do not sin anymore." Jesus did not tolerate her sin, He told her not to sin anymore. This was a command to the woman for the rest of her life. How much did Jesus tolerate the Pharisees and Sadducees? Not at all. John 2:13-16 refers to Jesus driving all the people from the temple courts because they were selling sacrifices in the temple courts. John 3:1-21 speaks of Jesus telling the pharisee, Nicodemus, how to enter heaven. John 14:6 refers to Jesus saying, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Whoa, this is the tolerance the world wants us to exemplify? Yep, they just don't know it. Matthew 7:13-14 refers to the wide and narrow gate. Matthew 8:18-22 refers to 2 men telling Jesus they will follow him. Matthew 19:16-22 refers to a rich man asking Jesus what "good" thing must he do to get eternal life. Jesus' answer is not even close to tolerance. However, Jesus was, in fact, tolerant. Let's look at this. Jesus was arrested by the chief PRIESTS and elders (I put priests in all caps because I want to emphasize that titleship means nothing to God). Jesus was innocent of all charges, but the priests made up lies and told the people lies to accomplish their agenda. Jesus accepted his fate, he knew there was no other way for humans to be saved from their sin except by his death on the cross. He went through trials, torture (to the point where he was almost unrecognizable), slander, and then death. Yes, Jesus was very tolerant in this manner and THIS is the way we are to be tolerant like Jesus. This also answers the question of "Is the world tolerant?". So, does the world practice what they preach? Nope. They have removed the Bible from schools, prayer from schools, the ten commandments from schools and government buildings. They want to get rid of any mention of God or the name of Jesus from any public place because they don't believe in Him. Tolerance? Really?
The third meaning of tolerance is one that requires us to get so accustomed to the world that we don't even feel the power of the Holy Spirit. It has happened for the most part because I see and hear more so called christians speaking out for the world instead of God. These next two analogies come from Billy Graham's website on tolerance (I highly suggest clicking on the link on the second analogy and read this article). If someone were to ask a man how to get to New York city and he replied, "take any road you wish, they all lead to New York", you would think him to be crazy. This is a liberal way of thinking. Does every road lead us to New York? No, some lead us to Tampa Bay, Nashville, Chicago, etc. Why do we accept the lie that all roads lead to Heaven? Next analogy. The popular, tolerant attitude toward the Gospel of Christ is like a person going to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves play a baseball game and rooting for both sides. Baseball fans are very intolerant. If you were to cheer for both sides in Los Angeles or in Atlanta, someone would yell, “Hey, you, make up your mind who you’re rooting for.” Doesn't this make sense? You can't be for both teams. You can't love God and love satan at the same time.
How does God view tolerance? Psalm 101:5. Habakkuk also wondered if God was tolerant, chapters 1 and 2. Revelations 2:1-5, 2:18-29. Acts 4:32-37 and Acts 5:1-11, they were not tolerant of this sin. Numbers 20:7-12, God did not let Moses or Aaron enter into the land He promised to the Israelites...Moses!!! 1 Samuel 13:1-14, Saul was the king God appointed, no tolerance. And, of course, Genesis chapter 3, nope, no tolerance for disobedience. God wants us to obey him and if we sin, he wants us to repent and acknowledge that we did wrong. He doesn't want us to make excuses and tolerate the sin of others, either, just because they don't believe in God. God commands us to speak the truth and obey all He has commanded us, Matthew 28:19-20.
Lord, God Almighty, you are worthy of all our praise. Let all glory be to you. You are the Great "I AM" and I don't want to take that lightly. Please help us to remember that your Word is inerrant. The only way we can gain understanding is by studying and praying scripture to you and asking for wisdom and understanding. Help us to endure the hardships that we, as Christians, will face because of our beliefs in and obedience to you. Let us not allow the world to tell us what we should and should not do or believe in. I pray you will give us a heart of compassion and not one of tolerance. Help us realize that speaking the truth with compassion is different than yelling at people in condemnation. Jesus was not sent to condemn the world, but to save it. Let us mirror your Son's ministry and likeness. Help us to reflect your light by our actions and to speak out with confidence that you are the only true God. I thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to die for our sins and saving us from eternal separation from you. I pray that this reality, of complete separation, will also help and motivate us to speak the truth and show no tolerance of disbelief in Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Does God want us to be happy?
Ahhhh, the old saying, "Do what makes you happy, and don't worry about what others say." Is this a good and biblical philosophy? Here are the three points of "happiness theology": 1) Whatever makes me happy must be right; 2) Some things can't be God's will; 3) Happiness leads to worshipping the things of happiness. The world thinks that we all deserve to be happy. "Everyone deserves to be happy", this is the typical argument I've heard from non-Christians and Christians alike about many situations and topics. That is a very poor argument, because that would mean that pedophiles should be able to do what they do; thieves should be able to be happy with stealing; obese people should be able to eat whatever they want without the government stepping in; my son would be happy if he had sweet tea for every meal and right before he went to bed. Happiness does not determine how we live our life. Here is a little video of a "Christian" woman who says a lot of wrong things. David did exactly what Mrs. Osteen is talking about. He went and made himself happy with Bathsheba. Was God happy? Let's see. 2 Samuel 11:26-27, "When Uriah's wife (Bathsheba) heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord." God does not exist to serve us; we exist to serve him. We, as humans, don't really know what we need to make us happy. Was Jesus happy when his time was near to die on the cross? Did Jesus focus on making himself happy? So, does God want us to be happy? I would answer, "YES" and "NO", but let me explain what I mean by this by looking at scripture.
Psalm 68:3 says, "But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." This says he wants us to be happy. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says, "12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil--this is the gift of God." So, what is good? Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 says, "18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them--for this is their lot. 19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil--this is a gift of God." Hmmm, we have seen the word "toil" a few times now. Would we imagine that we would toil while being happy? Is this the kind of happiness that we know about? So, from what I'm reading God wants us to be happy. Maybe not the kind of happiness we think of, but he wants us to be happy. (Don't condemn me yet, just keep reading)
So how can we be happy? If you look deeper into the scripture, they all have one thing in common...God is involved. I've got news for those who think that as long as we do what makes us happy, we will be fine. If God is not the center of your happiness, you are wrong. Did you know the word "joy" shows up in the NIV bible 214 times and the word "happy" shows up only 30? Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, happiness is not. AND, did you know the word happy is never used in the same sentence as Jesus? Luke 10:21, "At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do." Jesus was full of joy because God did what pleased himself. God does NOT want you happy when: 1) it causes you to do something wrong or unwise; 2) it is only based on things of the world. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, "15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" It sounds like to me that God wants us to be holy. If happiness leads you away from holiness, he does not want you to be happy. 1 John 2:15-17 says, "15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." The world rejects God, so why are we trying to compromise our beliefs to fit in with them? God doesn't want us happy, he wants us to be blessed. Psalm 37:4 says, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." The greek word for delight is "Makarios"; this means "supremely blessed, more than happy." Blessedness is based on God's goodness.
Maybe we are looking at this the wrong way. I think the question we should be asking is this, "Does what I do make God happy?" Lord, God of all creation, I want to praise you for giving us your Holy Spirit to dwell among us. I praise you for everything you have given me thus far: love, joy, heartache, pain, trials, and so much more. I pray that we, as Christians, will look to your Word for guidance in everything that we do and that we will have faith that your Word is perfect. More importantly, I pray that we talk with you, listen to and know your voice, and rely solely on you. May everything that we do make YOU happy; help us to deny ourselves. I thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins and raising him from the grave so we can have eternal salvation; that we can know you, our creator. I pray for those who are lost and choose to deny you, that their hearts will be softened to your truth; that they will repent and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Amen.
Psalm 68:3 says, "But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." This says he wants us to be happy. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says, "12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil--this is the gift of God." So, what is good? Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 says, "18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them--for this is their lot. 19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil--this is a gift of God." Hmmm, we have seen the word "toil" a few times now. Would we imagine that we would toil while being happy? Is this the kind of happiness that we know about? So, from what I'm reading God wants us to be happy. Maybe not the kind of happiness we think of, but he wants us to be happy. (Don't condemn me yet, just keep reading)
So how can we be happy? If you look deeper into the scripture, they all have one thing in common...God is involved. I've got news for those who think that as long as we do what makes us happy, we will be fine. If God is not the center of your happiness, you are wrong. Did you know the word "joy" shows up in the NIV bible 214 times and the word "happy" shows up only 30? Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, happiness is not. AND, did you know the word happy is never used in the same sentence as Jesus? Luke 10:21, "At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do." Jesus was full of joy because God did what pleased himself. God does NOT want you happy when: 1) it causes you to do something wrong or unwise; 2) it is only based on things of the world. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, "15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" It sounds like to me that God wants us to be holy. If happiness leads you away from holiness, he does not want you to be happy. 1 John 2:15-17 says, "15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." The world rejects God, so why are we trying to compromise our beliefs to fit in with them? God doesn't want us happy, he wants us to be blessed. Psalm 37:4 says, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." The greek word for delight is "Makarios"; this means "supremely blessed, more than happy." Blessedness is based on God's goodness.
Maybe we are looking at this the wrong way. I think the question we should be asking is this, "Does what I do make God happy?" Lord, God of all creation, I want to praise you for giving us your Holy Spirit to dwell among us. I praise you for everything you have given me thus far: love, joy, heartache, pain, trials, and so much more. I pray that we, as Christians, will look to your Word for guidance in everything that we do and that we will have faith that your Word is perfect. More importantly, I pray that we talk with you, listen to and know your voice, and rely solely on you. May everything that we do make YOU happy; help us to deny ourselves. I thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins and raising him from the grave so we can have eternal salvation; that we can know you, our creator. I pray for those who are lost and choose to deny you, that their hearts will be softened to your truth; that they will repent and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Amen.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
To Judge or Not to Judge. What did Jesus really say?
If I ever told my son, "Do not laugh", I think I would get backlash from the world because laughing is a great thing to do. Now, what if I said, "Do not laugh during prayer", and someone told my family and friends that I told my son not to laugh? Then I would get backlash and what that person said would be a lie. Every Christian and non-Christian quote this scripture, Matthew 7:1, and write it in their hearts as a complete truth. Here is what Jesus says, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Does Jesus actually say do not judge? hmmmmmm.
There are roughly 31,000 verses in the bible and we pick 1 verse to live our lives by? I think there is a problem here. Let's take a look at the verse in the context of what Jesus is talking about. In order to do this we must read a little further; yes, 4 more verses. I know this is a lot, but we can do it, right? Matthew 7:1-5, "1. Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4. How can you say to your brother, 'let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5. You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
Now, what Jesus is trying to tell us is this: As long as we have ongoing sin in our lives, we are incapable of judging (helping, rebuking) others righteously. And if we judge others with this sin in our lives, then we are judging others blindly and out of self-righteousness instead of by the righteousness of God. If we judge others by this way, then we, too, will be judged this way. This is a warning, not a commandment. He IS commanding us to take the plank out of our eye, so we can help those with their own problems. Therefore, we must take care of the ongoing sin in our lives before we can try to lead others out of their own sin. And, this is not judgemental, this is OBEDIENCE.
Do not let anyone who is not a Christian tell you what the Bible says, they are lead by sin and will twist scripture to confuse you and fit their lifestyle. So what if they say they have read the Bible from cover to cover, even numerous times? If they are reading it without the Holy Spirit, they will never begin to understand what God is saying. What if another Christian tries to tell you something the Bible says and you know that it is wrong? JUDGE THEM! If you are living in the Word, JUDGE THEM. My sunday school teacher said it this way, "Love forbids me to size you up and write you off, but love also forbids me to size you up and walk away."
I'll use one more scripture. John 8:3-11. The Pharisees and teachers of the law brought a woman in that was caught in the act of adultery. They told Jesus, "5. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" Ah, another case of the scriptures being twisted. Here is the law they are trying to use. Leviticus 20:10, "If a MAN commits adultery with another man's wife---with the wife of his neighbor---BOTH the ADULTERER and the ADULTERESS are to be put to death." Jesus knows the scripture and he knows the hearts of these men. All he says is, "7. ...Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." Everyone ended up walking away. They could not judge her, because they each had sin in their own lives. However, Jesus, without sin, "judged" her, He did not condemn her. "10. Jesus straightened up and asked her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' 11. 'No one, sir', she said. 'Then neither do I condemn you,' Jesus declared." Let me stop here before I finish the scripture. Notice Jesus is not finished here. The scripture keeps going on this topic. This is very important, because this is exactly what people do with Matthew 7:1. Jesus is showing us what to do. After Jesus says, "Then neither do I condemn you", he says this, "11b. 'Go now and LEAVE YOUR LIFE OF SIN'." He told her she sinned and to leave it behind.
We must take care of the sin in our own lives; This way we can righteously and lovingly correct others for their sinful ways. God, our father in heaven, how great is your name! You are the Alpha and Omega. Your ways are perfect. Please forgive us of our sin and help us to see clearly, so we can help our fellow brothers, sisters, and neighbors with their problems. I pray that we will have a heart like David, one who sought your guidance in almost everything he did. David was not perfect, but he knew when he did wrong and was willing to admit his sins. I pray we will try to be like your son Jesus, who WAS perfect and did everything you commanded him. I ask that you bless us with wisdom and understanding of your Word and with Christian friends and family that study your word so we can have earthly companions and support. I love you, God. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us and then raising him from the grave so he lives eternally with you. Amen.
There are roughly 31,000 verses in the bible and we pick 1 verse to live our lives by? I think there is a problem here. Let's take a look at the verse in the context of what Jesus is talking about. In order to do this we must read a little further; yes, 4 more verses. I know this is a lot, but we can do it, right? Matthew 7:1-5, "1. Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4. How can you say to your brother, 'let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5. You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
Now, what Jesus is trying to tell us is this: As long as we have ongoing sin in our lives, we are incapable of judging (helping, rebuking) others righteously. And if we judge others with this sin in our lives, then we are judging others blindly and out of self-righteousness instead of by the righteousness of God. If we judge others by this way, then we, too, will be judged this way. This is a warning, not a commandment. He IS commanding us to take the plank out of our eye, so we can help those with their own problems. Therefore, we must take care of the ongoing sin in our lives before we can try to lead others out of their own sin. And, this is not judgemental, this is OBEDIENCE.
Do not let anyone who is not a Christian tell you what the Bible says, they are lead by sin and will twist scripture to confuse you and fit their lifestyle. So what if they say they have read the Bible from cover to cover, even numerous times? If they are reading it without the Holy Spirit, they will never begin to understand what God is saying. What if another Christian tries to tell you something the Bible says and you know that it is wrong? JUDGE THEM! If you are living in the Word, JUDGE THEM. My sunday school teacher said it this way, "Love forbids me to size you up and write you off, but love also forbids me to size you up and walk away."
I'll use one more scripture. John 8:3-11. The Pharisees and teachers of the law brought a woman in that was caught in the act of adultery. They told Jesus, "5. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" Ah, another case of the scriptures being twisted. Here is the law they are trying to use. Leviticus 20:10, "If a MAN commits adultery with another man's wife---with the wife of his neighbor---BOTH the ADULTERER and the ADULTERESS are to be put to death." Jesus knows the scripture and he knows the hearts of these men. All he says is, "7. ...Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." Everyone ended up walking away. They could not judge her, because they each had sin in their own lives. However, Jesus, without sin, "judged" her, He did not condemn her. "10. Jesus straightened up and asked her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' 11. 'No one, sir', she said. 'Then neither do I condemn you,' Jesus declared." Let me stop here before I finish the scripture. Notice Jesus is not finished here. The scripture keeps going on this topic. This is very important, because this is exactly what people do with Matthew 7:1. Jesus is showing us what to do. After Jesus says, "Then neither do I condemn you", he says this, "11b. 'Go now and LEAVE YOUR LIFE OF SIN'." He told her she sinned and to leave it behind.
We must take care of the sin in our own lives; This way we can righteously and lovingly correct others for their sinful ways. God, our father in heaven, how great is your name! You are the Alpha and Omega. Your ways are perfect. Please forgive us of our sin and help us to see clearly, so we can help our fellow brothers, sisters, and neighbors with their problems. I pray that we will have a heart like David, one who sought your guidance in almost everything he did. David was not perfect, but he knew when he did wrong and was willing to admit his sins. I pray we will try to be like your son Jesus, who WAS perfect and did everything you commanded him. I ask that you bless us with wisdom and understanding of your Word and with Christian friends and family that study your word so we can have earthly companions and support. I love you, God. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us and then raising him from the grave so he lives eternally with you. Amen.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Christians can talk.
Most of the things I see on the news, tv shows, movies, social media sites, and hear in person are people making Christianity out to be an enemy or a lie. They make us think that we are selfish, wrong for disagreeing with their beliefs, bigots, intolerant, not empathetic, closed-minded, and so many other things. Yet, I'm also seeing Christians cave under the pressure and changing their beliefs to fit what "sounds good" to the world. I will be providing scripture and, hopefully, guidance to fellow Christians so we can all gain our voice back in our nation, then the world.
God of creation, my Father, I ask that you will give me wisdom in this new endeavor. Please give me the courage and knowledge to speak the truth even when it seems hard and I am getting backlash. I pray that everything I say and do on this blog will glorify you. Let everyone who reads this blog gain a voice in the world and not be afraid to share your gospel. I thank you so much for sending your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross so that man could have a personal relationship with you again and live eternally in your presence. Thank you for being the foundation of my family. Amen.
God of creation, my Father, I ask that you will give me wisdom in this new endeavor. Please give me the courage and knowledge to speak the truth even when it seems hard and I am getting backlash. I pray that everything I say and do on this blog will glorify you. Let everyone who reads this blog gain a voice in the world and not be afraid to share your gospel. I thank you so much for sending your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross so that man could have a personal relationship with you again and live eternally in your presence. Thank you for being the foundation of my family. Amen.
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