"Little sins don't count." We sometimes flirt with sin just to see how close we can come before it overtakes us.
Sin is like a small hole in the side of a hill. Each time the rains come it washes out a little more soil making it slide down the hill to the bottom. Each time It grows deeper and wider until it runs like a river.
The little sins in our lives grow until it will finally destroy us. Each time we sin and think we have gotten away with it, it becomes easier the next time. We even sometimes think that God doesn't see nor even cares about it. We justify that, "Everyone else does that anyway." " Besides these are modern times and God understands that things are different now." "That was just the Old Testament ways. He doesn't care about that now, besides I go to church."
Malachi 3:6 "For I, the Lord, do not change…….
James 1:15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
Galation 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
We all sin, but the key is repentance. This does not mean just to say, "Oh, I'm sorry", and then go out and do again. To repent is to turn away. We take that sin and go to God with a broken heart and ask Him to cleanse us and to help us to turn away and overcome that sin. I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Today we have couples living together with no real commitment. If it doesn't work out, just move out and go on to the next one. And we have those who have sex with multiple partners without a second thought. One said to me, "God understands I need sex." That's right He does understand that some cannot control themselves. In 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I. But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn. "I'm only looking what's the matter with that.?" ..but I say to you, that everyone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matthew 5:28
We tell little lies, so we won't get caught in something. We tell little lies to get what we want. We tell little lies to make ourselves look good to others. Yet God says liars won't be allowed in heaven. In the book of Revelation in 21:8. "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters, and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
And in verse 27, and nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. God will not allow sin in His kingdom. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices. Colossians 3:9
Even within the church there is sin. We overlook sin many times because one goes to church.
I Corinthians 5: 6 …Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? 11-13 …not to associate with any so-called brother if he should be an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler-not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves. When sin within the church is allowed to continue it can contaminate the whole bunch. "Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him." Luke 17:3
You take a "little something" that is not yours. "They'll never miss it." "They have plenty and besides they'll never use it anyway." "They'll just throw it away." If it's not yours and it wasn't offered to you and you didn't ask permission to take it, then you are stealing. The Bible is very explicit. "You shall not steal." Exodus 20:15 One of God's commandments.
Many are taking chances with their very souls everyday, failing to realize that they only have one. They continue to do the things that are done in the world. Watching TV programs with sex, violence and other inappropriate behavior. Listening to dirty jokes that others are telling. All these things will have an affect on your life.
I John 2: 15-17 Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
We are to be a witness to the world. Everything we do or do not do, what we say and how we act are all the things that make up our testimony for Jesus. Many make their decision for Christ by what they see those that claim to be Christians do. Many are turned off to Christ by what these Christians do. Being a Christian carries a responsibility. You are a representative of Christ. your are His body and His mouthpiece. A Christian is Christ-like. For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. I Corinthians 6:20
There are no "little sins" in God's eyes. Sin is sin. unconfessed sin blocks our communication with God. Your prayers go no higher than the ceiling when ther5e is sin in your life. "We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God fearing, and does His will, he hears him."
Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is good will. Proverbs 14:9
Ask God's forgiveness today. Ask Him to help you overcome any sin in your life. I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7
Every Christian's goal should be to over come the sin in their life for there is a glorious promise made to all overcomers.
"He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will by My son." Revelation 21:7
The overcomer will inherit the kingdom of God and he will be His child forever and ever. What a promise to the child of God ! ! Claim it now.
Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Jesus: the Nature of Christ debate!
Jesus the synthesis of the nature of Christ debate! | ||
Jesus Is > v | In Life v | In Death v |
Physically > | Our Example | Our Substitute |
Spiritually > | Our Substitute | Our Example |
A truth about our human nature is that we have two natures: a physical nature and a spiritual nature. The argument over whether Jesus is our substitute or our example is really quite unnecessary because He was both! The important thing to understand is what He is in which nature.
Please test the following statements drawn from the table above.
In life, physically speaking, Jesus is our example. We are to live our lives just as He did, by explicit obedience to our Heavenly Father.
In death, physically speaking, Jesus is our substitute. He died the second death for us if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.
In life, physically speaking, Jesus is our substitute. Jesus wants to occupy the throne room of our life, in our place.
In death, spiritually speaking, Jesus is our example. We must die spiritually (so we can be spiritually born again) before He can reign in our life.
This is Gospel truth! To say that Jesus is one and not the other is to split the Gospel. One of the greatest problems in God's church at large is most people are going around promoting half of the Gospel and saying they have the full Gospel.
Those who recognize that the law has not been done away can usually point out the end result of saying that Christ is only our substitute. If Jesus lived by His own God-power as our substitute then there is no reason for us to live holy. We need then to only live as we please, accepting Him, and we're in. I believe the term for this kind of thinking is "cheap grace." On the other hand, to say that Jesus is only our example leads to an extreme in the other ditch. If we say that Jesus came just as we arrive, in a total sinful nature, then we must somehow live a righteous life by only "doing" as He did. Test: Did Jesus need spiritual rebirth as we realize we do? If not, then He didn't seek spiritual rebirth. If we follow that example (not needing and seeking spiritual rebirth) we are stuck in a hopeless, miserable state. This is called legalism.
When we put the two halves of the Gospel back together in Christ, a most beautiful picture emerges. Jesus did come in the fallen, sinful, physical nature of man after four thousand years of the ravages of sin. But He also had the unfallen, righteous, spiritual nature of man, that Adam had prior to his fall. It was in these natures that He passed over the same ground upon which Adam fell yet without falling to sin. It is only by grasping the full Gospel that we can become righteous! What a wonderful Savior is Jesus our Lord!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Have You Had an Examination Lately?
Americans have become very aware of self examination in the preventing of cancer spreading until it is untreatable.
When we are sick we go to the Doctor and allow him to examine us so he might treat what ails us. We go for a yearly exam to prevent any problems in our health.
When we have a toothache we go to the dentist for an exam to see how to treat us. Or we go for our yearly exam and cleaning.
Women do a breast self exam in order to find lumps that might be cancerous.
We exam all sorts of things in order to prevent problems.
The problem with most of us is when we are not presently experiencing any major difficulties in our lives we often neglect self examination. We need to examine ourselves daily. We need to honest with ourselves and God. We need to be honest about how we have dealt and reacted to people and situations. Were we a living testimony for Christ.? Was our speech glorifying to God? Were we helpful to others? Did we do something nice for someone else? Did we put someone else's feelings before our own? Were we honest in all our dealings? Do we owe someone a thank you or is there a need of an apology?
We need to set a time aside every day for self examination. We need to confess our faults and seek solutions in prayer and God's Word.
Let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return to the Lord. Lamentations 3:40 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
Father God, help us to always see ourselves as You see us. Help us to see with our hearts. We ask that You help us to change those things that are not pleasing to You. Amen
When we are sick we go to the Doctor and allow him to examine us so he might treat what ails us. We go for a yearly exam to prevent any problems in our health.
When we have a toothache we go to the dentist for an exam to see how to treat us. Or we go for our yearly exam and cleaning.
Women do a breast self exam in order to find lumps that might be cancerous.
We exam all sorts of things in order to prevent problems.
The problem with most of us is when we are not presently experiencing any major difficulties in our lives we often neglect self examination. We need to examine ourselves daily. We need to honest with ourselves and God. We need to be honest about how we have dealt and reacted to people and situations. Were we a living testimony for Christ.? Was our speech glorifying to God? Were we helpful to others? Did we do something nice for someone else? Did we put someone else's feelings before our own? Were we honest in all our dealings? Do we owe someone a thank you or is there a need of an apology?
We need to set a time aside every day for self examination. We need to confess our faults and seek solutions in prayer and God's Word.
Let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return to the Lord. Lamentations 3:40 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
Father God, help us to always see ourselves as You see us. Help us to see with our hearts. We ask that You help us to change those things that are not pleasing to You. Amen
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Christians and Depression
Being a Christian does not make us exempt from troubles and depression. Let's face it; everyone is depressed at some time or another. Even Jesus was depressed and had anxiety before going to the cross.
Luk 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be one. 43 And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Don't let anyone tell that your depression is not real or that if you just had enough faith you wouldn't have it. Although some depression is because of sin not all is. The causes of depression can be both physical and psychological and spiritual. If we can find the cause of the problem, there is a good chance of being able deal with it or remove it entirely. Merely treating our symptoms with pills and or alcohol may bring some temporary relief, but recognizing the cause could help bring about a more permanent solution.
Our greatest enemies are those of fear, guilt, anxiety, depression, discouragement and loneliness. Satan will use these things against us. But realize he is powerless to do anything unless we give him that power. The greatest sin is not believing that God has the power to deliver us. Satan wants you to let go of your faith. He wants you to believe that no one cares and that there is no hope for you. If he can fill you with unbelief then he has succeeded in his mission to destroy you. God never walks away from you, YOU walk away from HIM!
Depression can stem from guilt.
David had committed adultery and was depressed until he confessed his sin.
Psa 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. 3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was healed.
Psa 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me 12 Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation:and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
David went to the Lord with a broken heart and confessed his sin. If our depression is from guilt, go boldly to the throne of grace and confess your sin and deal with it.
1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The Holy Spirit responds to your broken heart.
Heb 12:1 .. . . let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What can we do when we have depression?
Call upon God. Keep your eyes upon Jesus, not the circumstance. If we let the circumstances overwhelm we limit God.
2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Psa 50:15 And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.
Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
When we call upon the Lord we can be assured that He hears the cry of every child of God.
Do not isolate yourself and close yourself in darkness. The devil wants to isolate you. He can bring you down to the very bottom when we do not have contact with other Christians to encourage and pray for us. Talk with someone in your family or a friend that you trust. Ask them to pray with you. Choose someone who understands. Sometimes God will use our loneliness for us to reach out to Him. So sometimes loneliness can be a good thing. Dr. Carl Menninger once gave a lecture on mental health and was answering questions from the audience. Someone said, "What would you advise a person to do if that person felt a nervous breakdown coming on?"Most people thought he would say, "Go see a psychiatrist immediately," but he didn't. To their astonishment, Dr. Meninger replied, "Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, find somebody in need, and help that person." To overcome discouragement, "Don't focus on yourself, get involved in the lives of other people."
Light has a definite impact on our lives.
Christ and the word are often referred to as light. Let us be reminded that there will be no darkness in the new heaven and earth.
Rev 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Stop thinking Negatively
Depression can be caused by always thinking negatively, flesh controlled thinking. Reach up and turn that little radio off in your ear that keeps playing the same tune over and over. Make this a conscience choice that you will not listen to negativity.
Phi 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Rejoice even when you don't feel like it.
Nothing can make the devil flee from you faster than praising God. He will take advantage when you are down. Get the body in gear and the mind will follow.
Phi 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Jam 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.
Remember the devil doesn't mess with those he already has.
Choose to be thankful.
Have an attitude of gratitude. Make a list of all your blessings. And thank God for each one. Sometimes when we see all the blessings we do have it can be uplifting.
Sing and give praises to His name.
Singing and worship music can be very uplifting when we are down. It is hard to be depressed when we are singing. Stay away from old music that brings unpleasant memories to you.
Psa 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psa 21:13 Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.
We can sometimes procrastinate about things that are not even going to happen.
Give God time to move in our situation. Mat 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Let go of self-hatred and anger with others.
Depression is anger turned inwards.
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Many diseases are caused by an unforgiving spirit. We need to learn accept ourselves as God made us. If we cannot love ourselves then we cannot love someone else.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Remember you are made by God in His very image. To reject yourself is to look upon what God has made in criticism. Accept yourself as God does.
Stop looking to self and others or things in which to place your hope and happiness.
When we buy things to bring us happiness it is only a quick fix. We should not depend upon people to bring us happiness. All these things will forsake you but hope in Christ is everlasting.
Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
When our happiness is dependent upon human relationships and that person fails to meet your needs you will be unhappy again. Your needs are spiritual and only God can fill them. The truth is until you are a whole person within yourself you will make the same mistakes over and over again in all your human relationships. So many marriages end with each trying to fulfill their needs by leaning on the other. When your relationship with God is not right then all your relationships will be affected. We do need one another, the comfort and love of our families and friends, but they cannot make our happiness last. Only God can do that.
How often I have heard, "If God would just put someone in my life I would be happy. I wouldn't be lonely anymore." Until we come to the realization that our happiness is not dependant upon someone we will repeat the same mistakes over and over.
Forget the past.
We should not constantly be living in the past. Although we should remember and learn from our pasts we should never live there for it can be depressing. Christians go forward not backward. Remember you have a whole new life before you in Christ and he can heal all those past hurts if we let Him.
Phi 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Phi 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Learn from your depression, and when you have come out of it God will be able to use you to minister to others. You can't understand depression until you have been there. Let it produce love in your heart for others instead of bitterness and an uncaring attitude. Would you turn your back on someone with diabetes or cancer? Depression and mental illness is just the same!
Mental illness and depression
Depression is sometimes caused by chemical imbalances. God sometimes uses medicine to heal but, drugs can mask the symptoms instead of getting to the source of the problem. Seek help immediately for prolonged depression or if contemplating suicide. Seek professional help. Have a good physical to rule out any medical problems. And pray for God to lead you to the right sources. God loves you and He will supply those you need if you only ask.
Those who suffer need Christian support and the love of their families and friends. It could happen to any of us. A lack of support and encouragement is the last thing one needs when faced with emotional problems that have overwhelmed them. Find someone who understands that you can confide in. Be careful when choosing someone. They need to be Godly people that can be trusted. The last thing you need is a fair weather friend who will abandon you. The devil uses people like that to bring you even further down.
We can look at the book of Job to see how the wrong friends and an insensitive family can make things even worse. Few of us will ever enter into sufferings like Job did. Job lost all his possessions. His children were killed and his body was racked with horrible sores and his friends judged and condemned him, and his wife told him he should curse God and die. Job's pain was almost unbearable. Yet when his trial was over God increased
everything to Job two-fold. Would your character stand if satan were to challenge God over your reasons for serving Him.
The problem is that many are not sensitive enough to the emotional problems of others. They are too wrapped up in self. I pity these people for they may find themselves alone some day. Look at what friends and family did to Jesus. The devil will use other human beings. We need to love one another no matter what!
Some Biblical instances of depression.
Isa 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. 15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. 16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. 17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. 18 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. 19 Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. 20 And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. 21 And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer. 22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. 23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed.
In 1 Kings 19 we see Elijah's depression and how it was dealt with. Elijah's mind was focused on Jezebel instead of the LORD. He took his eyes off the Lord and focused on his problem. He got on his pity pot with a poor me attitude. Self pity leads to depression. In reality God had many other faithful believers. Elijah was not alone as he imagined. Instead of trusting in God as he had done in the past years, he ran for his life. He left God out of the picture. He wasn't thinking rationally. But God provided for Elijah and lifted him out of his depression. In his time of need God gave him a friendship with Elisha. When we have mistaken thinking then we have all the wrong emotional thinking.
Look at Jonah 4. Jonah became depressed and angry when God had mercy towards those of Nineveh when they repented after Jonah had prophesied their destruction because of their evil ways. He wanted to die. He was more concerned that he might be losing his credibility as a prophet. Jonah did the right thing but with a wrong attitude. God will deal with rebellion in our lives. He works in our lives in order to work through our lives to other people. A burden for the lost.
Our hope is in God.
Psa 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time
1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
2Co 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Even when your family and friends forsake you, God never abandons you. God remembers you. Tell the Lord you are going to wait upon Him. You will come out a better and stronger person in the long run.
The apostle Paul was focused on the eternal rather than the temporal.
2Co 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
You were not created to live a life of discouragment.
Joh 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.
Don't let your circumstances bring you down.
His will can be revealed to you in these circumstances.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2Co 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We cannot trust in self, but we can trust in Christ.
Lam 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
Jer 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
You are valuable to God.
Mat 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
You will never be released from discouragement and depression until you have a truly personal relationship with Christ.
Psa 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
Without God in our lives we are lonely and depressed for we were made for God.
2Th 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, God can use our sufferings to prepare us to be in His service of helping others.
Precious promises
Joh 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1Pe 3:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
1Pe 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Psa 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Psa 27:5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Psa 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Isa 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
Dear Christian, if you are at the point that you are hurting so badly that you are crushed under the load then reach out to God. He will show Himself strong in your weakness. The Holy Spirit will impress someone into your path that will reach out to you and help you with your burden.
Heavenly Father, Help me to remember that I am created in Your image and that I am a somebody. Help us to turn to You in simple childlike faith, knowing that we will find You all sufficient. We pray for those who do not know that they can rest and trust in You, and who may not be able spiritually and physically, and we pray that You will give us an opportunity every day to do good in Your name. Let us be Your messenger of hope to this lost and dying world.
Amen
Luk 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be one. 43 And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Don't let anyone tell that your depression is not real or that if you just had enough faith you wouldn't have it. Although some depression is because of sin not all is. The causes of depression can be both physical and psychological and spiritual. If we can find the cause of the problem, there is a good chance of being able deal with it or remove it entirely. Merely treating our symptoms with pills and or alcohol may bring some temporary relief, but recognizing the cause could help bring about a more permanent solution.
Our greatest enemies are those of fear, guilt, anxiety, depression, discouragement and loneliness. Satan will use these things against us. But realize he is powerless to do anything unless we give him that power. The greatest sin is not believing that God has the power to deliver us. Satan wants you to let go of your faith. He wants you to believe that no one cares and that there is no hope for you. If he can fill you with unbelief then he has succeeded in his mission to destroy you. God never walks away from you, YOU walk away from HIM!
Depression can stem from guilt.
David had committed adultery and was depressed until he confessed his sin.
Psa 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. 3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was healed.
Psa 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me 12 Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation:and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
David went to the Lord with a broken heart and confessed his sin. If our depression is from guilt, go boldly to the throne of grace and confess your sin and deal with it.
1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The Holy Spirit responds to your broken heart.
Heb 12:1 .. . . let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What can we do when we have depression?
Call upon God. Keep your eyes upon Jesus, not the circumstance. If we let the circumstances overwhelm we limit God.
2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Psa 50:15 And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.
Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
When we call upon the Lord we can be assured that He hears the cry of every child of God.
Do not isolate yourself and close yourself in darkness. The devil wants to isolate you. He can bring you down to the very bottom when we do not have contact with other Christians to encourage and pray for us. Talk with someone in your family or a friend that you trust. Ask them to pray with you. Choose someone who understands. Sometimes God will use our loneliness for us to reach out to Him. So sometimes loneliness can be a good thing. Dr. Carl Menninger once gave a lecture on mental health and was answering questions from the audience. Someone said, "What would you advise a person to do if that person felt a nervous breakdown coming on?"Most people thought he would say, "Go see a psychiatrist immediately," but he didn't. To their astonishment, Dr. Meninger replied, "Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, find somebody in need, and help that person." To overcome discouragement, "Don't focus on yourself, get involved in the lives of other people."
Light has a definite impact on our lives.
Christ and the word are often referred to as light. Let us be reminded that there will be no darkness in the new heaven and earth.
Rev 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Stop thinking Negatively
Depression can be caused by always thinking negatively, flesh controlled thinking. Reach up and turn that little radio off in your ear that keeps playing the same tune over and over. Make this a conscience choice that you will not listen to negativity.
Phi 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Rejoice even when you don't feel like it.
Nothing can make the devil flee from you faster than praising God. He will take advantage when you are down. Get the body in gear and the mind will follow.
Phi 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Jam 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.
Remember the devil doesn't mess with those he already has.
Choose to be thankful.
Have an attitude of gratitude. Make a list of all your blessings. And thank God for each one. Sometimes when we see all the blessings we do have it can be uplifting.
Sing and give praises to His name.
Singing and worship music can be very uplifting when we are down. It is hard to be depressed when we are singing. Stay away from old music that brings unpleasant memories to you.
Psa 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psa 21:13 Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.
We can sometimes procrastinate about things that are not even going to happen.
Give God time to move in our situation. Mat 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Let go of self-hatred and anger with others.
Depression is anger turned inwards.
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Many diseases are caused by an unforgiving spirit. We need to learn accept ourselves as God made us. If we cannot love ourselves then we cannot love someone else.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Remember you are made by God in His very image. To reject yourself is to look upon what God has made in criticism. Accept yourself as God does.
Stop looking to self and others or things in which to place your hope and happiness.
When we buy things to bring us happiness it is only a quick fix. We should not depend upon people to bring us happiness. All these things will forsake you but hope in Christ is everlasting.
Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
When our happiness is dependent upon human relationships and that person fails to meet your needs you will be unhappy again. Your needs are spiritual and only God can fill them. The truth is until you are a whole person within yourself you will make the same mistakes over and over again in all your human relationships. So many marriages end with each trying to fulfill their needs by leaning on the other. When your relationship with God is not right then all your relationships will be affected. We do need one another, the comfort and love of our families and friends, but they cannot make our happiness last. Only God can do that.
How often I have heard, "If God would just put someone in my life I would be happy. I wouldn't be lonely anymore." Until we come to the realization that our happiness is not dependant upon someone we will repeat the same mistakes over and over.
Forget the past.
We should not constantly be living in the past. Although we should remember and learn from our pasts we should never live there for it can be depressing. Christians go forward not backward. Remember you have a whole new life before you in Christ and he can heal all those past hurts if we let Him.
Phi 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Phi 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Learn from your depression, and when you have come out of it God will be able to use you to minister to others. You can't understand depression until you have been there. Let it produce love in your heart for others instead of bitterness and an uncaring attitude. Would you turn your back on someone with diabetes or cancer? Depression and mental illness is just the same!
Mental illness and depression
Depression is sometimes caused by chemical imbalances. God sometimes uses medicine to heal but, drugs can mask the symptoms instead of getting to the source of the problem. Seek help immediately for prolonged depression or if contemplating suicide. Seek professional help. Have a good physical to rule out any medical problems. And pray for God to lead you to the right sources. God loves you and He will supply those you need if you only ask.
Those who suffer need Christian support and the love of their families and friends. It could happen to any of us. A lack of support and encouragement is the last thing one needs when faced with emotional problems that have overwhelmed them. Find someone who understands that you can confide in. Be careful when choosing someone. They need to be Godly people that can be trusted. The last thing you need is a fair weather friend who will abandon you. The devil uses people like that to bring you even further down.
We can look at the book of Job to see how the wrong friends and an insensitive family can make things even worse. Few of us will ever enter into sufferings like Job did. Job lost all his possessions. His children were killed and his body was racked with horrible sores and his friends judged and condemned him, and his wife told him he should curse God and die. Job's pain was almost unbearable. Yet when his trial was over God increased
everything to Job two-fold. Would your character stand if satan were to challenge God over your reasons for serving Him.
The problem is that many are not sensitive enough to the emotional problems of others. They are too wrapped up in self. I pity these people for they may find themselves alone some day. Look at what friends and family did to Jesus. The devil will use other human beings. We need to love one another no matter what!
Some Biblical instances of depression.
Isa 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. 15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. 16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. 17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. 18 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. 19 Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. 20 And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. 21 And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer. 22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. 23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed.
In 1 Kings 19 we see Elijah's depression and how it was dealt with. Elijah's mind was focused on Jezebel instead of the LORD. He took his eyes off the Lord and focused on his problem. He got on his pity pot with a poor me attitude. Self pity leads to depression. In reality God had many other faithful believers. Elijah was not alone as he imagined. Instead of trusting in God as he had done in the past years, he ran for his life. He left God out of the picture. He wasn't thinking rationally. But God provided for Elijah and lifted him out of his depression. In his time of need God gave him a friendship with Elisha. When we have mistaken thinking then we have all the wrong emotional thinking.
Look at Jonah 4. Jonah became depressed and angry when God had mercy towards those of Nineveh when they repented after Jonah had prophesied their destruction because of their evil ways. He wanted to die. He was more concerned that he might be losing his credibility as a prophet. Jonah did the right thing but with a wrong attitude. God will deal with rebellion in our lives. He works in our lives in order to work through our lives to other people. A burden for the lost.
Our hope is in God.
Psa 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time
1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
2Co 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Even when your family and friends forsake you, God never abandons you. God remembers you. Tell the Lord you are going to wait upon Him. You will come out a better and stronger person in the long run.
The apostle Paul was focused on the eternal rather than the temporal.
2Co 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
You were not created to live a life of discouragment.
Joh 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.
Don't let your circumstances bring you down.
His will can be revealed to you in these circumstances.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2Co 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We cannot trust in self, but we can trust in Christ.
Lam 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
Jer 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
You are valuable to God.
Mat 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
You will never be released from discouragement and depression until you have a truly personal relationship with Christ.
Psa 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
Without God in our lives we are lonely and depressed for we were made for God.
2Th 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, God can use our sufferings to prepare us to be in His service of helping others.
Precious promises
Joh 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1Pe 3:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
1Pe 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Psa 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Psa 27:5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Psa 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Isa 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
Dear Christian, if you are at the point that you are hurting so badly that you are crushed under the load then reach out to God. He will show Himself strong in your weakness. The Holy Spirit will impress someone into your path that will reach out to you and help you with your burden.
Heavenly Father, Help me to remember that I am created in Your image and that I am a somebody. Help us to turn to You in simple childlike faith, knowing that we will find You all sufficient. We pray for those who do not know that they can rest and trust in You, and who may not be able spiritually and physically, and we pray that You will give us an opportunity every day to do good in Your name. Let us be Your messenger of hope to this lost and dying world.
Amen
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Censured!
When was the last time you heard a discussion on SIN outside of a church? Have you heard it spoken on the evening news? It seems the word SIN is forbidden, even banned from our use. I believe the last time I saw a form of the word in public it was smeared on the side of a wreck of a bus covered with crudely written warnings to repent or suffer the wrath of God in Hell. Could it be that people today relate the word SIN with offbeat, fringe "lunatics" and pass it off as a relic of the dark ages that is better forgotten?
I'm not sure that SIN is even spoken of much in church any more. Instead it has been replaced with much kinder sounding words such as "sickness," "dysfunction," "weakness," and the like. Perhaps this has come about from a misunderstanding of the Gospel. Even "Christians" don't like to be reminded of things in their lives they feel they are powerless to overcome. Sin flourishes in just such a setting. It will not go away on it's own! So, even in the church, where there is to be deliverance from sin, people are imperceptibly shackled. There bonds are hidden by satan's fog of ignorance and superstition.
I would like to allow God's Spirit Wind to blow away this fog and expose the truth about SIN! God's Word very clearly defines sin and offers remedy for it. I will look at nine passages in groups of three that help us better understand what sin is, our involvement with it, and how we can have deliverance.
Because of the immobilizing fear that often accompanies the word SIN I believe it is necessary first to assure the reader that God has already defeated sin and satan! Even though God hates sin with a passion He loves the sinner. The Apostle Paul declares in Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." God must deal with the sin in our lives, therefore it is a must that we come to Him through Jesus. That is why God accepts us as we are. If we could heal ourselves before going to a doctor we wouldn't need the doctor would we? Just as we may feel right about going to a doctor when we are sick, we can feel comfortable going to God, in our sinful condition, to obtain deliverance.
Sin Defined
The first three passages define sin.
I'm not sure that SIN is even spoken of much in church any more. Instead it has been replaced with much kinder sounding words such as "sickness," "dysfunction," "weakness," and the like. Perhaps this has come about from a misunderstanding of the Gospel. Even "Christians" don't like to be reminded of things in their lives they feel they are powerless to overcome. Sin flourishes in just such a setting. It will not go away on it's own! So, even in the church, where there is to be deliverance from sin, people are imperceptibly shackled. There bonds are hidden by satan's fog of ignorance and superstition.
I would like to allow God's Spirit Wind to blow away this fog and expose the truth about SIN! God's Word very clearly defines sin and offers remedy for it. I will look at nine passages in groups of three that help us better understand what sin is, our involvement with it, and how we can have deliverance.
Because of the immobilizing fear that often accompanies the word SIN I believe it is necessary first to assure the reader that God has already defeated sin and satan! Even though God hates sin with a passion He loves the sinner. The Apostle Paul declares in Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." God must deal with the sin in our lives, therefore it is a must that we come to Him through Jesus. That is why God accepts us as we are. If we could heal ourselves before going to a doctor we wouldn't need the doctor would we? Just as we may feel right about going to a doctor when we are sick, we can feel comfortable going to God, in our sinful condition, to obtain deliverance.
Sin Defined
The first three passages define sin.
1 John 3:4 Whoever commits sin violates the law of God, for sin is the violation of God's law. (paraphrased)
James 4:17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Romans 14:23 . . .Whatever is not from faith is sin.
These three definitions pretty well cover it don't they? Sin is doing what we shouldn't do, not doing what we should do, and doing anything (even "good") from the wrong motivation!
If you understand that those who sin are condemned to death, you may be feeling quite hopeless right now. If you realize from these passages that you have more sin in your life than you thought you did, they have done there job.
Arenas of Involvement
Before we look at the cure for sin, let's look at three passages that show the basic areas of our lives that sin attacks. These areas correspond to the three definitions we have just looked at.
Genesis 3:6 And the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and the treedesirable to make one wise. And she took of its fruit and ate. And she also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
Matthew 4:1-10 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil . . .(Please turn to this passage and read the three temptations for yourself)
1 John 2:6 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
If we look closely at these passages, we can see a direct correlation of the three areas in which satan works to captivate the human soul. That correlation is suggested in the following table.
ARENA | BODY | MIND | SPIRIT |
1 John 2:6 | Lust of flesh | Lust of eyes | Pride of life |
Genesis 3:6 | Good for food | Pleasant to eye | Make one wise |
Matthew 4:1-10 | Stone to bread | World for worship | Tempt God |
As was stated earlier, these areas or arenas correspond to the three definitions for sin. (This comparison is not absolute but rather a suggestion as they might make sense in another order as well.)
Transgression of God's law Body
Whatever is not of faith Mind
Know to do good and not do it Spirit
Victory Over Sin
The Good News of the Gospel is not God's forgiveness alone, but also that He will work in us not to sin in the first place. Notice the following verses:
Jude 1:24,25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
1 John 3:5,6 And you know that He (Jesus) appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him. (See also 1 John 5:18)
Of course, these texts like all scripture must be read in context. I'm sure you've met people who say "I'm perfect. I don't sin." These dear people most likely got that idea from these texts. But they fail to look at the whole picture. John also states earlier in 1 John 1:8-10,
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
With such provision, as Christ has offered us, we need not sweep SIN under the rug, pretending it doesn't exist! If we will only let Jesus come into our heart, He will bring His perfect life into us. He will cleanse us from the inside out and fill us with His love and righteousness. Even so come Lord Jesus!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Be Strong in the Lord
This series of devotions will present "the whole armor of God" as an essential Divine provision. It is marvelous in scope and thoroughly effective. Its necessity postulates a hostile and aggressive environment in which protection is essential. It also presupposes certain militancy on the part of the believer that requires offensive weaponry. Indeed, faith has placed us into a realm of intense and militant activity, as the Scriptures will strongly affirm.
The described circumstance will not allow for the casualness that pervades the Christian world, particularly in the Western world. ANY level of disinterest, lukewarmness, unresponsiveness, or deadness in unacceptable. There is no place for the absence of an appetite for truth.
The details of the "whole armor of God" will clarify the nature of the warfare in which we are engaged. It will become obvious to you that no provision is made for a backward stance, drawing back or retrogression. Where such traits are found, danger accelerates, and doom is imminent. On the other hand, when the "whole armor of God" is appropriated, the power of the enemy is neutralized, and the concord between God and man made more clear and firm.
There are certain traits, or spiritual qualities, that are to be nurtured and matured in the saints of God. These are not mere options, or idealistic goals toward which believers are encouraged to move. The very nature of living by faith requires the involvement's that are admonished. You are surely familiar with many of these. "BE ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." "BE ye therefore followers of God, as dear children." "BE not carried about with divers and strange doctrines." "BE ye holy; for I am holy". (Rom 11:20; 12:10; 12:21; 2 Cor 6:14; Eph 5:1; Heb 13:9; 1 Peter 1:16). These, and similar, exhortations are given because of the nature of living by faith. Such admonitions are to be taken seriously and zealously appropriated.
Our text admonishes, "BE STRONG IN THE LORD, AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT." The rigors of spiritual life require strength. There are a number of things inferred in the words "strong" and "strength." Some of them include the capacity for exertion or endurance, solidity, and the ability to resist. Zeal, intensity, and establishment are also implied in "strong". Being "strong' is being equal o the requirements of spiritual life. It is being able to resist the encroachments of the enemy. It involves determination, consistency and being able to continue on when weariness comes upon us. When we are "strong" we can "mount up with wings as eagles," run, and "not be weary," and "walk, and not faint". (Isa 40:31) Strength enables us to engage the enemy, maintain what has been given to us, and expand our spiritual possessions.
The admonition to "BE STRONG" IS COMMON THROUGHOUT Scripture. When they came into Canaan, Joshua admonished the people, BE STRONG and of good courage.' (Josh 1:18) Later he cried out, "Fear not, nor be dismayed, BE STRONG and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.' (1 Chron 28:10) In the rebuilding of the temple, the word of the Lord came to Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, "Yet not BE STRONG, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and BE STRONG O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and BE STRONG, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and wok: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts." (Hag 2:4) When promising salvation to the houses of Judah and Israel, the lord sent this word to them: "Let your hands BE STRONG" (Zech 8:9, 13). These admonitions continue in Christ Jesus. The Corinthians believers were urged, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, "BE STRONG" (1 Cor 16:13). Timothy was admonished, "Thou therefore, my son, BE STRONG in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim 2:1).
Throughout Divine history, wherever there had been a wok to do, strength has been required. Every person aligned with God was apprised of the necessity of strength. Spiritual strength is always a virtue, and spiritual weakness is always a vice. An absence of the required strength gives the advantage to the adversary. If this were not so, there would be no need to "BE STRONG."
The human will does not generate this strength. It is not mere resolve, determination, or self discipline. While all of these are inherent in spiritual life, they are derived from true strength. They are not its source. Our text exhorts, "be strong IN THE LORD." That is, our strength flows out of our identity and fellowship with Christ. The more we are experientially aligned with the Lord, the stronger we will be. There really is no valid strength outside of the "the Lord."
We actually become strong indirectly. By drawing near to the Lord (Heb 10:22), walking in the light (1 Jn 1:7), and growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:18), we become stronger. As we increase in such progression we "go from strength to strength" (Ps 84:7), advancing in spiritual aptitude and stability. Being "strong in the Lord" results from availing ourselves of "all things that pertain unto life and godliness." Such things have been freely and abundantly "given unto us" (2 Peter 1:3).
True spiritual strength is nothing less than the experience of DIVINE MIGHT. Thus we read, "be strong in the Lord and in THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT." God's own power strengthens the believer. The Word of God informs us of the exceeding greatness of this power, assuring us it is "toward," or devoted to those who are in Christ. It speaks of 'the exceeding greatness of this power, assuring us it is "toward," or devoted to those who are in Christ. It speaks of "the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when he raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places" (Eph 1:19-20). Powerfully the spirit affirms God can open the eyes of our understanding to the greatness of that power (Eph 1:15-19). The premier demonstration of that power is revealed in the resurrection and exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ!
What can such power do within you? Who dares to place a limit upon it, or cease to stretch forward to comprehend its greatness! Ah, child of God, Your Father has provided such power and ability as has scarcely been imagined! When the Spirit calls out, "BE STRONG IN THE LORD, AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT," who knows what glorious evidences of that power may be realized by it?
And how is one to actually "BE STRONG IN THE LORD, AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT?" Is there some procedure, some secret discipline by which this can be realized? Indeed, there is not! This is realized by faith and a fervent desire for what God has provided for you. This is illustrated in the desire for what God has provided for you. This is illustrated in the healing of the impotent man by the pool in Bethesda. When Jesus saw this solitary man amidst a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt and withered, He came to him knowing he had been "now for a long time in that case. > Focusing upon this helpless man, Jesus said, "Do you want to be made well?" After some explanation that he did want to be made well, but all of his efforts had been futile, Jesus said, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." (John 9:1-9) What could this man do in response to such a word? How could a powerless and impotent man get up, pick up his bed and walk? All he could really do as WANT to walk and believe the word of Jesus. When willingness and faith were realized he was thus enabled to do what Jesus said. It is essentially the same with us. The Lord has told us, "BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT." When we earnestly WANT to be strong, and BELIEVE the word of our Lord, that strength will be realized! From one point of view that is rather simplistic but from another it is one of the most challenging things you will ever do!
During the Babylonian captivity, Daniel prophesied, "but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32). If you are in Christ Jesus, there is no reason why you cannot personally fulfill that marvelous word. Now, "BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT."
The Indiana GoBeDoer
Indiana State Prison
The described circumstance will not allow for the casualness that pervades the Christian world, particularly in the Western world. ANY level of disinterest, lukewarmness, unresponsiveness, or deadness in unacceptable. There is no place for the absence of an appetite for truth.
The details of the "whole armor of God" will clarify the nature of the warfare in which we are engaged. It will become obvious to you that no provision is made for a backward stance, drawing back or retrogression. Where such traits are found, danger accelerates, and doom is imminent. On the other hand, when the "whole armor of God" is appropriated, the power of the enemy is neutralized, and the concord between God and man made more clear and firm.
There are certain traits, or spiritual qualities, that are to be nurtured and matured in the saints of God. These are not mere options, or idealistic goals toward which believers are encouraged to move. The very nature of living by faith requires the involvement's that are admonished. You are surely familiar with many of these. "BE ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." "BE ye therefore followers of God, as dear children." "BE not carried about with divers and strange doctrines." "BE ye holy; for I am holy". (Rom 11:20; 12:10; 12:21; 2 Cor 6:14; Eph 5:1; Heb 13:9; 1 Peter 1:16). These, and similar, exhortations are given because of the nature of living by faith. Such admonitions are to be taken seriously and zealously appropriated.
Our text admonishes, "BE STRONG IN THE LORD, AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT." The rigors of spiritual life require strength. There are a number of things inferred in the words "strong" and "strength." Some of them include the capacity for exertion or endurance, solidity, and the ability to resist. Zeal, intensity, and establishment are also implied in "strong". Being "strong' is being equal o the requirements of spiritual life. It is being able to resist the encroachments of the enemy. It involves determination, consistency and being able to continue on when weariness comes upon us. When we are "strong" we can "mount up with wings as eagles," run, and "not be weary," and "walk, and not faint". (Isa 40:31) Strength enables us to engage the enemy, maintain what has been given to us, and expand our spiritual possessions.
The admonition to "BE STRONG" IS COMMON THROUGHOUT Scripture. When they came into Canaan, Joshua admonished the people, BE STRONG and of good courage.' (Josh 1:18) Later he cried out, "Fear not, nor be dismayed, BE STRONG and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.' (1 Chron 28:10) In the rebuilding of the temple, the word of the Lord came to Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, "Yet not BE STRONG, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and BE STRONG O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and BE STRONG, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and wok: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts." (Hag 2:4) When promising salvation to the houses of Judah and Israel, the lord sent this word to them: "Let your hands BE STRONG" (Zech 8:9, 13). These admonitions continue in Christ Jesus. The Corinthians believers were urged, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, "BE STRONG" (1 Cor 16:13). Timothy was admonished, "Thou therefore, my son, BE STRONG in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim 2:1).
Throughout Divine history, wherever there had been a wok to do, strength has been required. Every person aligned with God was apprised of the necessity of strength. Spiritual strength is always a virtue, and spiritual weakness is always a vice. An absence of the required strength gives the advantage to the adversary. If this were not so, there would be no need to "BE STRONG."
The human will does not generate this strength. It is not mere resolve, determination, or self discipline. While all of these are inherent in spiritual life, they are derived from true strength. They are not its source. Our text exhorts, "be strong IN THE LORD." That is, our strength flows out of our identity and fellowship with Christ. The more we are experientially aligned with the Lord, the stronger we will be. There really is no valid strength outside of the "the Lord."
We actually become strong indirectly. By drawing near to the Lord (Heb 10:22), walking in the light (1 Jn 1:7), and growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:18), we become stronger. As we increase in such progression we "go from strength to strength" (Ps 84:7), advancing in spiritual aptitude and stability. Being "strong in the Lord" results from availing ourselves of "all things that pertain unto life and godliness." Such things have been freely and abundantly "given unto us" (2 Peter 1:3).
True spiritual strength is nothing less than the experience of DIVINE MIGHT. Thus we read, "be strong in the Lord and in THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT." God's own power strengthens the believer. The Word of God informs us of the exceeding greatness of this power, assuring us it is "toward," or devoted to those who are in Christ. It speaks of 'the exceeding greatness of this power, assuring us it is "toward," or devoted to those who are in Christ. It speaks of "the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when he raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places" (Eph 1:19-20). Powerfully the spirit affirms God can open the eyes of our understanding to the greatness of that power (Eph 1:15-19). The premier demonstration of that power is revealed in the resurrection and exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ!
What can such power do within you? Who dares to place a limit upon it, or cease to stretch forward to comprehend its greatness! Ah, child of God, Your Father has provided such power and ability as has scarcely been imagined! When the Spirit calls out, "BE STRONG IN THE LORD, AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT," who knows what glorious evidences of that power may be realized by it?
And how is one to actually "BE STRONG IN THE LORD, AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT?" Is there some procedure, some secret discipline by which this can be realized? Indeed, there is not! This is realized by faith and a fervent desire for what God has provided for you. This is illustrated in the desire for what God has provided for you. This is illustrated in the healing of the impotent man by the pool in Bethesda. When Jesus saw this solitary man amidst a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt and withered, He came to him knowing he had been "now for a long time in that case. > Focusing upon this helpless man, Jesus said, "Do you want to be made well?" After some explanation that he did want to be made well, but all of his efforts had been futile, Jesus said, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." (John 9:1-9) What could this man do in response to such a word? How could a powerless and impotent man get up, pick up his bed and walk? All he could really do as WANT to walk and believe the word of Jesus. When willingness and faith were realized he was thus enabled to do what Jesus said. It is essentially the same with us. The Lord has told us, "BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT." When we earnestly WANT to be strong, and BELIEVE the word of our Lord, that strength will be realized! From one point of view that is rather simplistic but from another it is one of the most challenging things you will ever do!
During the Babylonian captivity, Daniel prophesied, "but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32). If you are in Christ Jesus, there is no reason why you cannot personally fulfill that marvelous word. Now, "BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT."
The Indiana GoBeDoer
Indiana State Prison
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Are You a Backslidden Christian?
My heart becomes so heavy laden when I hear a Christian say, “I use to be a Christian, but I am a backsliding now. I am just not ready to turn my life completely over to God.”
What could be sadder than to have lost your relationship with God when you have walked and communed with Him in the light? Remember when you were baptized and the joy you felt. How could one even desire to return to darkness for even a moment, once you have tasted the peace, the joy and grace of Our Heavenly Father?
Remember the situation of ancient Israel. They too were backslidden. They continually failed to respond to God’s plea to repent. They no longer wanted to walk in the truth. They preferred to worship idols. Well you say, “I don’t worship idols.” Do you love the things of this world more than you love God then you are worshipping an idol. Is it money or things or even a person or are you doing things you know to be wrong, then you are worshipping an idol. And what kind of picture does it give to the world about Christ?
Judgment will come.
Do you not know that continuing in backsliding will bring judgment upon yourself even as God brought judgment upon Israel? Ask God to restore you to fellowship with Him, repent of your sins. God loves you with a love beyond any love you have ever known, but He will not continue to let His name be defamed. He will not just stand by and let the devil take you from Him. He will do everything He can to draw you back to Himself. Remember, the devil wants you too. There is a constant battle going on for your soul. Christ died a horrible death on the cross to save you and you once made a commitment to Him. Do you honestly think He is going to let you go without a fight?
God does have a limit to His patience for the backslider to return and repent.
Jer 15:6 Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.
Jer 2:17 Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way? 19 Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.
Hos 11:7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
All are affected when God’s judgment comes.
Read the book of Jonah. Jonah the prophet was a backslider and what happened to him will happen to all backsliders. I can tell you that you certainly do not want to be around one who God is going after. Jonah knew God wasn't going to let him get by with his rebellion. Everyone on that boat was going to be affected. Jonah was running from God. This is one of the signs of one who is backslidden. Jonah was angry toward the people of Nineveh. One of the reasons he ran from God in the first place was because he was prejudice. Jon 4:1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. Jonah knew he was the cause of the raging storm and he was thrown into the sea by his own request. Jon 1:12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.
But that was only the beginning. God’s chastisement was three days and nights in the stomach of a great fish, but Jonah changed both physically and spiritually at least for the time being.
In Jonah 2:1-9 we see Jonah calling out to the Lord. His prayer brought him back into a place of obedience to the Lord and God says, Jon 2:10 And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
Some who have walked away from God become severely depressed and may even want to die. . Jon 4:3 Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.
After the revival of Nineveh Jonah again wants to die. Jon 4:8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.
When David sinned in numbering the Israelites The judgment that God sent fell not only upon him but the Israelites too, 70,000 of them. 2Sa 24:17 And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house. 15 So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.
Many times Christians will attack another who has fallen rather than trying to help them return to the Lord. That in itself shows you of your own condition. One of first signs of a Christian backsliding is the lack of concern for others and when they are no longer interested in sharing the message of Christ and salvation. How many have been turned from God by these very actions. Primarily it is the responsibility of the pastor for the spiritual welfare of God's flock but it is also the duty of every believer to have a burden for the backslidden. So often I hear it said that we are not our brother’s keeper but the Bible says in Gen 4:9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? We are to bear one another’s burdens. Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. We should exhort one another. Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. We should pray for our brothers. Jam 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Luk 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Remember that prayer does not replace confrontation in love. Eze 3:19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Jam 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
There is a time when one must turn the backslidden or lost Christian completely over to God and disassociate him. When we have tried and tried and they continue to reject the truth you have spoken into their lives they are beyond repentance. Jer 6:30 Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.
Jer 15:1 Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth. 2 And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? . 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Many have the impression that a Christian can just go on sinning the same sin over and over and never have to overcome because they joined the church and were baptized. To me it’s like saying that the Spirit within us does not have the power to overcome. I heard this in a sermon in a church that I recently visited. The people were even clapping and saying AMEN to that this verse didn’t mean what it says. How this saddens me, because this is misleading to so many. I wonder how God felt about it. I personally wanted to get sick.
A Christian may say that he believes that Christ died for his sins to set him free from sin, yet he continues to the very things that Christ had to die for. Then he claims that he just can’t overcome his sin yet he makes no genuine effort to even know the Lord in his daily life. He claims to believe that the resurrected Christ gives victory over sin, yet he says he simply cannot give up his sin. He may even continue to be in the world and enjoy all those worldly things. He even admits that he knows that God’s wrath will come upon all those that follow those things of the world but he will continue to have the same friends who pull him down and to do the same things. He even fills his ears, mind and heart and with everything but the Bible, which is God’s book of instructions to us.
Jud 1:24 Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
When the Christian walks away from God he drives the nails into Christ afresh.
Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Have you heard it said, “The Christian army is the only army that kills its wounded?”
Now I am not saying we are to condone this behavior or not to even be angry. There comes a time when one has rejected your trying to help. Paul says, 1Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
Do not in your helping a brother allow him to bring you down. Backsliders are good at this. They would rather everyone feel as they do which is unhappy, depressed and lonely. They are good at pointing out yours and everyone else’s every little fault and will readily attack when you when you are down.
Pro 28:10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession. 1Co 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
We are not to judge those outside the church but we must judge those who claim to be within.
1Co 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. But always in mercy. 2Th 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Some claim to be saved because when they were children Mom and Dad took them to church and they were baptized. They later left the church and went out into the world and began to live in sin. Is this backsliding? No I do not believe so. I do not believe they have backslidden nor does the Bible teach this. These people are lost. This is a completely false teaching about salvation. Many times the young have no idea what kind of commitment they have made. It comes from having an emotional experience and some have even been pressured into it. There was no actual inner or outward change where the fruits of the spirit began to emerge.
1Jo 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. Notice that this verse speaks of those who leave the church because they were never of the church. They were never saved. If had they been saved, they would have not turned from God. Although those who are saved will still sin, but if they are truly saved they will not leave the church and God.
One of the excuses I hear most often for not returning to Christ is that I will do it later or I’m just not ready. God gives each of us a certain time to serve Him while we are upon this earth. How do we know when that time will end? Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Look at this parable in Luke.
Luk 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
We never know when our last day will be. You may not have tomorrow to get right with God so that you can spend an eternity with Him. Would you rather choose the things of this world for a short time and lose your very soul, condemned to death and destruction.
The New Century Dictionary (1927) defines backslidden. To fall back in one’s moral or religious course; relapse into error or sin.
Easton’s Bible dictionary defines: Backslide to draw back or apostatize in matters of religion (Acts 21:21; 2 Thess. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:1). This may be either partial (Prov.14:14) or complete (Heb. 6:4-6; 10:38, 39). The apostasy may be both doctrinal and moral.
The word backsliding is not even used in the New Testament. The word used in the New Testament is apostasy.
Do you believe you are a backsliding Christian?
How is your prayer life? Do you spend as much time with the Lord as you would a friend?
Do you spend time in the Word? When was the last time you picked up a Bible and read it. How many books do you read such as novels or maybe the romance books? Most of these books may or may not cause you to go out and sin, but if you are not communing with God from His Word you will sin. The Christian who neglects the reading God’s word can hardly expect to grow in the nature and admonition of the Lord."
Do you fear the Lord? You may or may not fear what others think of you, but do you care what God hears and sees you do. Do you give the Lord the same reverence that you should to a Holy God? Psa 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Stubbornness is a characteristic of a backslider. 2Ki 17:14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
The backslider may even verbally identify himself with the Lord. Luk 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? He can be spiritually blind to his own need. Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. Or because they believe in a false doctrine such as once saved always saved that God will simply over look their sin. Being a true Christian (Christ like) is not a one-time trip to the altar followed by baptism, but a day-by-day walk with Christ. Hos 7:2 And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.
Many make a profession of faith and believe with full assurance of their salvation because ministers have told them they are saved. But look at this warning. This final test of this profession is that he doeth righteousness (justification) .1Jo 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.
Do you justify what you do? Even though it is usually a very gradual process do realize that what you once thought was sin doesn’t even seem like sin anymore. Some will even take Scripture out of context in order to prove what is wrong is right.
Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Do you condone your sin or do you pant for the righteousness of the Lord. Is your heart content with open disobedience or do you ask God everyday to change you. You must rely upon the Spirit to reveal the true state of your heart.
Do you feel any guilt? Have you so blocked out the Holy Spirit that you no longer even feel a conviction for your sin? Have you stopped having the desire to be with other Christians and maybe even become a little bored with spiritual talk? Those who claim Christ, but yet rarely attend church to worship God and associate with other believers, are possibly fooling themselves! A backslidden Christian can stay out of church and away from other believers, but I can guarantee you from first-hand experience that there will never be a time in the true Child of God that you will be comfortable with it.
All backsliding begins in the heart and mind. Pro 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. 2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. But all backsliding will always become evident outwardly. Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
How do I return to God and have fellowship with Him? Are you truly happy in the life you have made for yourself? Consider your condition and remember the joy you felt in the Lord when you were first saved. Surrender afresh to Him and He is always eager to extend His grace to you. The longer we are away the more your heart hardens to the conviction of the Holy Spirit until that still small voice all but disappears. But, even when we have fallen our Father extends the invitation, Jer 13:17 But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears. . . Jeremiah 3:22: “Return, O faithless sons, I will heal your faithlessness.” The Lord mourns for His lost child. God loves each of His children and it is His greatest desire for you to return to Him.
After the Christian has walked in the light and has returned to the things of the world, it is harder for the backslidden Christian to return to God. This is mostly because of guilt or pride. 2Pe 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Notice that God even when His child is in a state of backsliding that He still calls them His children. Jer 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
When we sin we can be forgiven. My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. I John 2:1
Hosea 14:4 “Come let us return to the Lord, for He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, He has wounded us, but He will bandage us.”
John 15:5 ‘I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
God is only waiting for you to return. He will run to meet you as the father of the prodigal son. Sometimes God has to use great circumstances to get us to return just as He will at one final attempt during the Trumpets at the time of the Great Tribulation.
He will first struggle with you. Ki 17:15 And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. He will use everything, sickness, financial difficulties, grief, and loneliness to get us to return. (Ps 107 Rev)
You are going to have to take a good honest look at yourself. No looking at your image in a cracked mirror. You are first going to have to acknowledge your state and be willing to have it changed. Compare where you were when you walked with the Lord to where you are now. 1Jo 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin (continually practice sin); for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Remember you are a guilty sinner. Come back to Christ for He loves you in spite of you turning your back on Him. It is with His love that He is drawing you back. But remember you have already known Him. You know His mercy and forgiveness. You are going to have to repent and accept His will unconditionally.
Deu 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
Jer 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. 14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
The believer must repent. There is a difference between the righteous and the wicked because even though the believer may sin, he will not remain in his sin. Pro 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Remember there were many great men of God that fell but they always returned in repentance.
The Bible continually warns about falling away. Psa 85:8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
1Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Job 22:23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.
Psa 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
Isa 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Confess
1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Realize whether you are backsliding or are you lost. Many are confident in their salvation because they made a profession of faith. But all reality that may be all they have. Their daily lives do not reflect their faithfulness. They make once saved a license for sin. They may say they are backslidden when in reality that they may have never even received salvation.
The Lord Himself said, Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Child of God whether you are saved, lost or backslidden the choice is still yours. You can die in your sins and be counted with the wicked or you can choose Christ and live an eternity with Him. To live with Him and He to live in Me is my only choice. I know that something happened in me. I didn’t become perfect but my life was changed. It has brought me such happiness and fulfillment and I know that it has only just begun in this life.
Heavenly Father, I pray for all those who have not made that decision. May it not be too late to reach them. Thank you for loving us enough to confront us with our own selfish ways. Cleanse me and help me to be a light to someone today. Help me to share with others how very much You love each of us, enough to have died for us. Give us the realization that we are utterly helpless unless we can completely be committed to You lest we will fall. Amen
What could be sadder than to have lost your relationship with God when you have walked and communed with Him in the light? Remember when you were baptized and the joy you felt. How could one even desire to return to darkness for even a moment, once you have tasted the peace, the joy and grace of Our Heavenly Father?
Remember the situation of ancient Israel. They too were backslidden. They continually failed to respond to God’s plea to repent. They no longer wanted to walk in the truth. They preferred to worship idols. Well you say, “I don’t worship idols.” Do you love the things of this world more than you love God then you are worshipping an idol. Is it money or things or even a person or are you doing things you know to be wrong, then you are worshipping an idol. And what kind of picture does it give to the world about Christ?
Judgment will come.
Do you not know that continuing in backsliding will bring judgment upon yourself even as God brought judgment upon Israel? Ask God to restore you to fellowship with Him, repent of your sins. God loves you with a love beyond any love you have ever known, but He will not continue to let His name be defamed. He will not just stand by and let the devil take you from Him. He will do everything He can to draw you back to Himself. Remember, the devil wants you too. There is a constant battle going on for your soul. Christ died a horrible death on the cross to save you and you once made a commitment to Him. Do you honestly think He is going to let you go without a fight?
God does have a limit to His patience for the backslider to return and repent.
Jer 15:6 Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.
Jer 2:17 Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way? 19 Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.
Hos 11:7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
All are affected when God’s judgment comes.
Read the book of Jonah. Jonah the prophet was a backslider and what happened to him will happen to all backsliders. I can tell you that you certainly do not want to be around one who God is going after. Jonah knew God wasn't going to let him get by with his rebellion. Everyone on that boat was going to be affected. Jonah was running from God. This is one of the signs of one who is backslidden. Jonah was angry toward the people of Nineveh. One of the reasons he ran from God in the first place was because he was prejudice. Jon 4:1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. Jonah knew he was the cause of the raging storm and he was thrown into the sea by his own request. Jon 1:12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.
But that was only the beginning. God’s chastisement was three days and nights in the stomach of a great fish, but Jonah changed both physically and spiritually at least for the time being.
In Jonah 2:1-9 we see Jonah calling out to the Lord. His prayer brought him back into a place of obedience to the Lord and God says, Jon 2:10 And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
Some who have walked away from God become severely depressed and may even want to die. . Jon 4:3 Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.
After the revival of Nineveh Jonah again wants to die. Jon 4:8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.
When David sinned in numbering the Israelites The judgment that God sent fell not only upon him but the Israelites too, 70,000 of them. 2Sa 24:17 And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house. 15 So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.
Many times Christians will attack another who has fallen rather than trying to help them return to the Lord. That in itself shows you of your own condition. One of first signs of a Christian backsliding is the lack of concern for others and when they are no longer interested in sharing the message of Christ and salvation. How many have been turned from God by these very actions. Primarily it is the responsibility of the pastor for the spiritual welfare of God's flock but it is also the duty of every believer to have a burden for the backslidden. So often I hear it said that we are not our brother’s keeper but the Bible says in Gen 4:9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? We are to bear one another’s burdens. Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. We should exhort one another. Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. We should pray for our brothers. Jam 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Luk 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Remember that prayer does not replace confrontation in love. Eze 3:19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Jam 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
There is a time when one must turn the backslidden or lost Christian completely over to God and disassociate him. When we have tried and tried and they continue to reject the truth you have spoken into their lives they are beyond repentance. Jer 6:30 Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.
Jer 15:1 Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth. 2 And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? . 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Many have the impression that a Christian can just go on sinning the same sin over and over and never have to overcome because they joined the church and were baptized. To me it’s like saying that the Spirit within us does not have the power to overcome. I heard this in a sermon in a church that I recently visited. The people were even clapping and saying AMEN to that this verse didn’t mean what it says. How this saddens me, because this is misleading to so many. I wonder how God felt about it. I personally wanted to get sick.
A Christian may say that he believes that Christ died for his sins to set him free from sin, yet he continues to the very things that Christ had to die for. Then he claims that he just can’t overcome his sin yet he makes no genuine effort to even know the Lord in his daily life. He claims to believe that the resurrected Christ gives victory over sin, yet he says he simply cannot give up his sin. He may even continue to be in the world and enjoy all those worldly things. He even admits that he knows that God’s wrath will come upon all those that follow those things of the world but he will continue to have the same friends who pull him down and to do the same things. He even fills his ears, mind and heart and with everything but the Bible, which is God’s book of instructions to us.
Jud 1:24 Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
When the Christian walks away from God he drives the nails into Christ afresh.
Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Have you heard it said, “The Christian army is the only army that kills its wounded?”
Now I am not saying we are to condone this behavior or not to even be angry. There comes a time when one has rejected your trying to help. Paul says, 1Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
Do not in your helping a brother allow him to bring you down. Backsliders are good at this. They would rather everyone feel as they do which is unhappy, depressed and lonely. They are good at pointing out yours and everyone else’s every little fault and will readily attack when you when you are down.
Pro 28:10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession. 1Co 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
We are not to judge those outside the church but we must judge those who claim to be within.
1Co 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. But always in mercy. 2Th 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Some claim to be saved because when they were children Mom and Dad took them to church and they were baptized. They later left the church and went out into the world and began to live in sin. Is this backsliding? No I do not believe so. I do not believe they have backslidden nor does the Bible teach this. These people are lost. This is a completely false teaching about salvation. Many times the young have no idea what kind of commitment they have made. It comes from having an emotional experience and some have even been pressured into it. There was no actual inner or outward change where the fruits of the spirit began to emerge.
1Jo 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. Notice that this verse speaks of those who leave the church because they were never of the church. They were never saved. If had they been saved, they would have not turned from God. Although those who are saved will still sin, but if they are truly saved they will not leave the church and God.
One of the excuses I hear most often for not returning to Christ is that I will do it later or I’m just not ready. God gives each of us a certain time to serve Him while we are upon this earth. How do we know when that time will end? Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Look at this parable in Luke.
Luk 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
We never know when our last day will be. You may not have tomorrow to get right with God so that you can spend an eternity with Him. Would you rather choose the things of this world for a short time and lose your very soul, condemned to death and destruction.
The New Century Dictionary (1927) defines backslidden. To fall back in one’s moral or religious course; relapse into error or sin.
Easton’s Bible dictionary defines: Backslide to draw back or apostatize in matters of religion (Acts 21:21; 2 Thess. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:1). This may be either partial (Prov.14:14) or complete (Heb. 6:4-6; 10:38, 39). The apostasy may be both doctrinal and moral.
The word backsliding is not even used in the New Testament. The word used in the New Testament is apostasy.
Do you believe you are a backsliding Christian?
How is your prayer life? Do you spend as much time with the Lord as you would a friend?
Do you spend time in the Word? When was the last time you picked up a Bible and read it. How many books do you read such as novels or maybe the romance books? Most of these books may or may not cause you to go out and sin, but if you are not communing with God from His Word you will sin. The Christian who neglects the reading God’s word can hardly expect to grow in the nature and admonition of the Lord."
Do you fear the Lord? You may or may not fear what others think of you, but do you care what God hears and sees you do. Do you give the Lord the same reverence that you should to a Holy God? Psa 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Stubbornness is a characteristic of a backslider. 2Ki 17:14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
The backslider may even verbally identify himself with the Lord. Luk 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? He can be spiritually blind to his own need. Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. Or because they believe in a false doctrine such as once saved always saved that God will simply over look their sin. Being a true Christian (Christ like) is not a one-time trip to the altar followed by baptism, but a day-by-day walk with Christ. Hos 7:2 And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.
Many make a profession of faith and believe with full assurance of their salvation because ministers have told them they are saved. But look at this warning. This final test of this profession is that he doeth righteousness (justification) .1Jo 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.
Do you justify what you do? Even though it is usually a very gradual process do realize that what you once thought was sin doesn’t even seem like sin anymore. Some will even take Scripture out of context in order to prove what is wrong is right.
Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Do you condone your sin or do you pant for the righteousness of the Lord. Is your heart content with open disobedience or do you ask God everyday to change you. You must rely upon the Spirit to reveal the true state of your heart.
Do you feel any guilt? Have you so blocked out the Holy Spirit that you no longer even feel a conviction for your sin? Have you stopped having the desire to be with other Christians and maybe even become a little bored with spiritual talk? Those who claim Christ, but yet rarely attend church to worship God and associate with other believers, are possibly fooling themselves! A backslidden Christian can stay out of church and away from other believers, but I can guarantee you from first-hand experience that there will never be a time in the true Child of God that you will be comfortable with it.
All backsliding begins in the heart and mind. Pro 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. 2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. But all backsliding will always become evident outwardly. Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
How do I return to God and have fellowship with Him? Are you truly happy in the life you have made for yourself? Consider your condition and remember the joy you felt in the Lord when you were first saved. Surrender afresh to Him and He is always eager to extend His grace to you. The longer we are away the more your heart hardens to the conviction of the Holy Spirit until that still small voice all but disappears. But, even when we have fallen our Father extends the invitation, Jer 13:17 But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears. . . Jeremiah 3:22: “Return, O faithless sons, I will heal your faithlessness.” The Lord mourns for His lost child. God loves each of His children and it is His greatest desire for you to return to Him.
After the Christian has walked in the light and has returned to the things of the world, it is harder for the backslidden Christian to return to God. This is mostly because of guilt or pride. 2Pe 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Notice that God even when His child is in a state of backsliding that He still calls them His children. Jer 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
When we sin we can be forgiven. My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. I John 2:1
Hosea 14:4 “Come let us return to the Lord, for He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, He has wounded us, but He will bandage us.”
John 15:5 ‘I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
God is only waiting for you to return. He will run to meet you as the father of the prodigal son. Sometimes God has to use great circumstances to get us to return just as He will at one final attempt during the Trumpets at the time of the Great Tribulation.
He will first struggle with you. Ki 17:15 And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. He will use everything, sickness, financial difficulties, grief, and loneliness to get us to return. (Ps 107 Rev)
You are going to have to take a good honest look at yourself. No looking at your image in a cracked mirror. You are first going to have to acknowledge your state and be willing to have it changed. Compare where you were when you walked with the Lord to where you are now. 1Jo 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin (continually practice sin); for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Remember you are a guilty sinner. Come back to Christ for He loves you in spite of you turning your back on Him. It is with His love that He is drawing you back. But remember you have already known Him. You know His mercy and forgiveness. You are going to have to repent and accept His will unconditionally.
Deu 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
Jer 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. 14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
The believer must repent. There is a difference between the righteous and the wicked because even though the believer may sin, he will not remain in his sin. Pro 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Remember there were many great men of God that fell but they always returned in repentance.
The Bible continually warns about falling away. Psa 85:8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
1Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Job 22:23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.
Psa 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
Isa 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Confess
1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Realize whether you are backsliding or are you lost. Many are confident in their salvation because they made a profession of faith. But all reality that may be all they have. Their daily lives do not reflect their faithfulness. They make once saved a license for sin. They may say they are backslidden when in reality that they may have never even received salvation.
The Lord Himself said, Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Child of God whether you are saved, lost or backslidden the choice is still yours. You can die in your sins and be counted with the wicked or you can choose Christ and live an eternity with Him. To live with Him and He to live in Me is my only choice. I know that something happened in me. I didn’t become perfect but my life was changed. It has brought me such happiness and fulfillment and I know that it has only just begun in this life.
Heavenly Father, I pray for all those who have not made that decision. May it not be too late to reach them. Thank you for loving us enough to confront us with our own selfish ways. Cleanse me and help me to be a light to someone today. Help me to share with others how very much You love each of us, enough to have died for us. Give us the realization that we are utterly helpless unless we can completely be committed to You lest we will fall. Amen
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Am I Saved?
Sanctification and Justification
This is a question that many ask. How do I know if I am saved? We walk the aisle at church and have a wonderful emotional feeling and therefore we are saved. How many times have you asked someone if they are saved and they answer, "I was baptized and joined the church when I was twelve." Yet when you ask them what has happened in your life since, they have little to answer. There is also no change in their life.
True Salvation is a life changing experience. Salvation has two parts. Justification is what Christ does for us and sanctification is what Christ does in us. If there is no evidence of Christ's work in us then we can be assured that justification is not there either.
There are many sitting in church buildings that have not truly had that life changing experience, they just play church. Or they may not even be going to church anymore nor have any Christian fellowship.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
1Co 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
JUSTIFICATION (Easton's Bible Dictionary)
a forensic term, opposed to condemnation. As regards its nature, it is the judicial act of God, by which he pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ, and accounts, accepts, and treats them as righteous in the eye of the law, i.e., as conformed to all its demands. In addition to the pardon (q.v.) of sin, justification declares that all the claims of the law are satisfied in respect of the justified. It is the act of a judge and not of a sovereign. The law is not relaxed or set aside, but is declared to be fulfilled in the strictest sense; and so the person justified is declared to be entitled to all the advantages and rewards arising from perfect obedience to the law (Rom. 5:1-10). It proceeds on the imputing or crediting to the believer by God himself of the perfect righteousness, active and passive, of his Representative and Surety, Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:3-9). Justification is not the forgiveness of a man without righteousness, but a declaration that he possesses a righteousness which perfectly and for ever satisfies the law, namely, Christ's righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:6-8). The sole condition on which this righteousness is imputed or credited to the believer is faith in or on the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is called a "condition," not because it possesses any merit, but only because it is the instrument, the only instrument by which the soul appropriates or apprehends Christ and his righteousness (Rom. 1:17; 3:25, 26; 4:20, 22; Phil. 3:8-11; Gal. 2:16). The act of faith which thus secures our justification secures also at the same time our sanctification (q.v.); and thus the doctrine of justification by faith does not lead to licentiousness (Rom. 6:2-7). Good works, while not the ground, are the certain consequence of justification (6:14; 7:6). (See
GALATIANS, EPISTLE TO)
SANTIFICTION (Easton's Bible Dictionary)involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, and it extends to the whole man (Rom. 6:13; 2 Cor. 4:6; Col. 3:10; 1 John 4:7; 1 Cor. 6:19). It is the special office of the Holy Spirit in the plan of redemption to carry on this work (1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13). Faith is instrumental in securing sanctification, inasmuch as it (1) secures union to Christ (Gal. 2:20), and (2)brings the believer into living contact with the truth, whereby he is led to yield obedience "to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come." Perfect sanctification is not attainable in this life (1 Kings 8:46; Prov. 20:9; Eccl. 7:20; James 3:2; 1 John 1:8). See Paul's account of himself in Rom. 7:14-25; Phil. 3:12-14; and 1 Tim.1:15; also the confessions of David (Ps. 19:12, 13; 51), of Moses (90:8), of Job (42:5, 6), and of Daniel (9:3-20). "The more holy a man is, the more humble, self-renouncing, self-abhorring, and the more sensitive to every sin he becomes, and the more closely he clings to Christ. The moral imperfections which cling to him he feels to be sins, which he laments and strives to overcome. Believers find that their life is a constant warfare, and they need to take the kingdom of heaven by storm, and watch while they pray. They are always subject to the constant chastisement of their Father's loving hand, which can only be designed to correct their imperfections and to confirm their graces. And it has been notoriously the fact that the best Christians have been those who have been the least prone to claim the attainment of perfection for themselves.", Hodge's Outlines.
I am saved by faith.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
The Bible says: Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Christ paid the penalty for my sin when I accept Jesus Christ as Lord of my life. But it does not end there. I am justified by faith, but Christ wants to restore His image in my life. I call it Jesus with skin on. This process which is on going is called sanctification. He wants me to submit to His will and produce His qualities in my life.
Phi 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
When Christ is active in my life you will see His fruits in my life also.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Justification and Sanctification go hand in hand.
You will see changes in ones life when they have submitted to Christ.
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
1Jo 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
Our works do not save us, but they will be present in the true believer.
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Jesus compares the hearing of His word like a seed planted in the heart. The parable of the Sower
What kind of heart do you have?
Matthew 13:3 And He spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And Jesus explains the parable.
Matthew 13:18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and thedeceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Someone accepts Salvation, but then when the going gets rough or it is contrary to what they want to do they harden their hearts. They may even keep going to church but have no real commitment to Christ. Did they lose their salvation? No, they never truly let the heart of God into their own hearts. They had an emotional experience and reacted on feelings rather than the seed of the gospel penetrating their heart and their understanding.
Some are hostile toward God; they don't want God in their lives.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind isenmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
And when do we receive Salvation?
Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
The Gift of Salvation is given at the 2nd Coming of Christ.
What Must I do to be saved?
Surrender your life to Christ. This means you are willing to Go, Be and Do all that Jesus asks. You are willing to live by faith, trusting in Him to direct you. When you are willing to live by faith God grants you salvation full and free! AMEN
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