James 1:2-4 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (NASV)
As many of you know, my family has just gone through the toughest trial of our lives. One month ago we lost our little boy, John David, whom we fostered for 3 1/2 years, since he was 7 months old. We were the only family he knew, we were his daddy and mommy. He was my little buddy and my wife's baby. This may seem a little overboard to you, seeing we were foster parents, but until you've had a little one in your care for 3 1/2 years it's hard to understand. The sudden return of John David to his biological mother and her boyfriend was totally unexpected and sent us on an emotional roller coaster we will never forget. We treated it like a death, we mourned for the loss, and worse yet, we ache whenever we are reminded that he is presently struggling to understand why we left him on the doorsteps of a family he barely knows.
There are two truths I presently cling to, and I would like to think I understand these truths now more than ever before.
1. This did not take God by surprise. He knew it was coming and yet He chose not to stop it. I believe He has in mind the best interests of all parties involved, and that gives me hope. These scriptures speak to this hope:
Romans 8:28 "All things work together for good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose."
Psalms 145:9 " The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works."
Psalms 147:5 " Great is our Lord, and mighty in power, His understanding is infinite."
Isaiah 46:9-10 "I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,'"
2. I feel closer to God now than I ever have. I hear the saints often say, "you grow most during the difficult times in your life", and I really never understood. Now I'm beginning to grasp that concept and know it to be true. I have a joy in my heart that I can't explain, but it's been like a pain killer the last 4 weeks. I trust God now more than ever. I know God more intimately now than I did a month ago. Like James alludes to in chapter 1, verse 3, I feel my endurance has taken to new heights. I'm by no means perfect, but I have no desire to go back to where I was before. Don't get me wrong, I'm still battling my flesh, and I would take John David back in a heart beat. Please continue to pray for mine and your little buddy.
Grace, MB
Monday, September 21, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Is there a fire in your eyes?
"I hope people can see a fire in these eyes, not just for cycling but also for life. So many people are negative about life and I've been there, but God has convicted me about being positive. This life is truly a gift and at the same time a responsibility. I am learning more about both those aspects. I'm passionate about Jesus and God's Word, just like I was about cycling 10 years ago. I never thought I could ever fall out of love with cycling, and maybe I haven't, but my love and passion for Jesus has taken me beyond anything else in my life. God has given me another chance at doing things right with a wonderful wife, beautiful family, great friends such as yourself, a forgiving church family, and the health to do it. This is where I want to spend my energy, if there's time for racing or other enjoyment then I'll look at that as a gift, and there's been many of those. God is not about taking things away from us as many think, but using our gifts for His glory and His ultimate purposes. It's more fulfilling to be a part of His plan than anything I have ever experienced before."
I recently sent this email to a friend who I spent a good deal of my racing life with years ago. We are still friends even though we do not race together now. I'm glad God has blessed me with friends who are not judgmental about my convictions and passions, i.e. Jesus. The world can be a brutal place where even the word Jesus can spark anger and evil emotions, much more than politics. This is because Jesus created us and is the center of all our hearts and souls, 80% of the population hasn't come to this awareness yet, but they will at some point. Pray today for God to reveal more of Himself to you, your family, and those friends around you so they don't miss out on Jesus today. Jesus truly is the way of the greatest fulfillment in this life you could imagine. He is the only way in fact to God.
John 14:6 "Jesus is saying to him, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one is coming to the Father except through Me."
Grace, MB
I recently sent this email to a friend who I spent a good deal of my racing life with years ago. We are still friends even though we do not race together now. I'm glad God has blessed me with friends who are not judgmental about my convictions and passions, i.e. Jesus. The world can be a brutal place where even the word Jesus can spark anger and evil emotions, much more than politics. This is because Jesus created us and is the center of all our hearts and souls, 80% of the population hasn't come to this awareness yet, but they will at some point. Pray today for God to reveal more of Himself to you, your family, and those friends around you so they don't miss out on Jesus today. Jesus truly is the way of the greatest fulfillment in this life you could imagine. He is the only way in fact to God.
John 14:6 "Jesus is saying to him, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one is coming to the Father except through Me."
Grace, MB
Monday, June 29, 2009
How does the bible fit together?
(Taken from Bob Evely's blogsite, 6/22/09)
Most churches preach from the Bible, and believe the Bible is God’s Word. But if this is the case, why are there so many different opinions as to what the Bible actually means? Why are there so many drastically different interpretations, often leading to church divisions?
Just because the entire Bible is God’s Word, this does not mean we can simply reach in … grab a passage … and make it apply to our present situation. God is always the same; but this does not mean He always works in the same way in all eras. He once worked thru the Law of the Old Testament. In Galatians Paul announces freedom from the Law.God works progressively.
To properly understand what the Bible is revealing to us for our present day, we must take great care when reading it. We must always ask, “Who specifically is this being written to? Is it the Jew, or the present-day church? Or all mankind? And does this situation being described apply in the same way today?”
As we read the Bible from beginning to end we can see God working systematically through the ages, and we see Him revealing to mankind His plan in bits and pieces. Some information He revealed to the patriarchs in the Old Testament. Some things He revealed through His prophets. Some things He revealed through Christ Jesus. But some things were concealed until God was ready to reveal them through His servant Paul, after the Jews had been set aside so that the complement of Gentiles could be incorporated into the fold.
Studying individual portions of God’s Word is like analyzing a tree, and we can learn many marvelous things about the tree in this way. But sometimes we must step back to look at the entire forest, to see how all of the trees fit together to comprise the forest.
The Garden of Eden
Genesis describes the beginning of mankind in the Garden of Eden. It is interesting that despite this being a Paradise where Adam and Eve lived in the presence of God, and where there would be no death, evil existed even in this place. The serpent lived in their midst, and had access to Adam and Eve so as to tempt them. This was not a neutral setting, where Adam and Eve would simply live in obedience to God. The evil one lived among them, and tempted them.
What an interesting parallel to Jesus who was led by God to the wilderness to be tempted by the Adversary. (Matthew 4:1) Adam and Eve are “led” by God to the Garden of Eden to be tempted by the serpent. The difference is the outcome. Adam and Eve succumb to the temptation, and death enters the world. Jesus overcomes the temptation, and defeats death. Paul later makes the same comparison, and reveals to us the impact of these events. As in Adam all are dying, thus also in Christ will all live. (1 Corinthians 15:22)
Mankind Deteriorates
Once expelled from the Garden, mankind follows a steady course of self-destruction. Cain kills Abel. Evil runs rampant. In Genesis 6 we start over, with the wicked being destroyed and only the righteous Noah and his family surviving. But we read on, and mankind continues to show no promise. At Babel (Genesis 11) God finds it necessary to confuse the tongues of mankind, and scatter them.
God Chooses One Man, to Bless ALL People
From all of mankind God chooses one man, Abram (later Abraham), promising to bless all people on the earth through him. (Genesis 12:3) We see here God’s purpose or intent: To bless all people upon the earth. His method at this point is to choose one man, Abram, as His instrument (or channel) to bless all people. Later God chooses a descendant of Abraham, Jacob. He repeats His promise to bless all people through Jacob. (Genesis 28:14) God later re-names Jacob “Israel.” (Genesis 32)
To be continued...
Grace, MB
Most churches preach from the Bible, and believe the Bible is God’s Word. But if this is the case, why are there so many different opinions as to what the Bible actually means? Why are there so many drastically different interpretations, often leading to church divisions?
Just because the entire Bible is God’s Word, this does not mean we can simply reach in … grab a passage … and make it apply to our present situation. God is always the same; but this does not mean He always works in the same way in all eras. He once worked thru the Law of the Old Testament. In Galatians Paul announces freedom from the Law.God works progressively.
To properly understand what the Bible is revealing to us for our present day, we must take great care when reading it. We must always ask, “Who specifically is this being written to? Is it the Jew, or the present-day church? Or all mankind? And does this situation being described apply in the same way today?”
As we read the Bible from beginning to end we can see God working systematically through the ages, and we see Him revealing to mankind His plan in bits and pieces. Some information He revealed to the patriarchs in the Old Testament. Some things He revealed through His prophets. Some things He revealed through Christ Jesus. But some things were concealed until God was ready to reveal them through His servant Paul, after the Jews had been set aside so that the complement of Gentiles could be incorporated into the fold.
Studying individual portions of God’s Word is like analyzing a tree, and we can learn many marvelous things about the tree in this way. But sometimes we must step back to look at the entire forest, to see how all of the trees fit together to comprise the forest.
The Garden of Eden
Genesis describes the beginning of mankind in the Garden of Eden. It is interesting that despite this being a Paradise where Adam and Eve lived in the presence of God, and where there would be no death, evil existed even in this place. The serpent lived in their midst, and had access to Adam and Eve so as to tempt them. This was not a neutral setting, where Adam and Eve would simply live in obedience to God. The evil one lived among them, and tempted them.
What an interesting parallel to Jesus who was led by God to the wilderness to be tempted by the Adversary. (Matthew 4:1) Adam and Eve are “led” by God to the Garden of Eden to be tempted by the serpent. The difference is the outcome. Adam and Eve succumb to the temptation, and death enters the world. Jesus overcomes the temptation, and defeats death. Paul later makes the same comparison, and reveals to us the impact of these events. As in Adam all are dying, thus also in Christ will all live. (1 Corinthians 15:22)
Mankind Deteriorates
Once expelled from the Garden, mankind follows a steady course of self-destruction. Cain kills Abel. Evil runs rampant. In Genesis 6 we start over, with the wicked being destroyed and only the righteous Noah and his family surviving. But we read on, and mankind continues to show no promise. At Babel (Genesis 11) God finds it necessary to confuse the tongues of mankind, and scatter them.
God Chooses One Man, to Bless ALL People
From all of mankind God chooses one man, Abram (later Abraham), promising to bless all people on the earth through him. (Genesis 12:3) We see here God’s purpose or intent: To bless all people upon the earth. His method at this point is to choose one man, Abram, as His instrument (or channel) to bless all people. Later God chooses a descendant of Abraham, Jacob. He repeats His promise to bless all people through Jacob. (Genesis 28:14) God later re-names Jacob “Israel.” (Genesis 32)
To be continued...
Grace, MB
Friday, June 19, 2009
A Changing of the Guard
Our church family is experiencing a changing of the guard. Over the last couple years we've mourned the passing of many key people in our local congregation. Most recently a long time saint and stalwart, Vonie Mills, passed on and is now awaiting the coming of Jesus Christ for His saints. (1 Thess 4:13-18) Vonie was a women of God and her shoes will never fully be filled. She was my youth minister when I was in high school and had a big impact on my life. I would not be where I am today without Vonie. I don't remember one lesson she taught us, but I remember her life and how she lived it. Vonie lived the kind of life that I would love to be remembered for. She made people like her, that's right, she made them. They had no choice. She was authentic in her love for other people and there was no hiding it. Dale Carnegie wrote a book, "How To Win Friends And Influence People", and in that book he has a chapter titled "Six Ways To Make People Like You". Vonie lived these six principles and judging from her life they worked.
1. Become genuinely interested in other people.
2. Smile
3. Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
4. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
5. Talk in terms of the other person's interests.
6. Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.
This is not religion, this is living out what the bible teaches. It's being authentic. It's loving others. It's doing unto others as you've have them do unto you. It's being like Jesus.
Vonie, you will be missed.
Grace, MB
1. Become genuinely interested in other people.
2. Smile
3. Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
4. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
5. Talk in terms of the other person's interests.
6. Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.
This is not religion, this is living out what the bible teaches. It's being authentic. It's loving others. It's doing unto others as you've have them do unto you. It's being like Jesus.
Vonie, you will be missed.
Grace, MB
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Our part in salvation...?
My understanding of this subject has so radically changed over the last few months, I look back at some of the blogs I've posted and shudder. I'm sorry for throwing you so many curve-balls but consider who wrote the bible (men inspired by God), and then consider who wrote these blogs (a mere man inspired on occasion by God but usually inspired by my own flesh and stupidity) That being said I do feel my understanding of the scriptures is growing and moving in the right direction, so don't exit this blog until you've read the rest of the story.
If God grants us the faith to believe, and it's a gift, not of works lest anyone should boast(Ephesians 2:8-9), and it's Christ's faith, not ours that justifies us with God, and makes us righteous in His sight(Romans 3:22), then what's our part in this whole process?
Our part is this...believing in or on Jesus Christ as the Messiah (the chosen One). What I understand now is that the object of our faith is not determined by God. God gives us the ability to believe in something greater than ourselves but we are not forced to accept the God of the Scriptures nor His Son - Jesus.
Romans 1:21 says, "because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God,..."
Paul says the God of the Hebrew scriptures was not automatically implanted into their faith, they never came to an understanding of "The God" and instead made up their own "gods". Granted sometimes God makes people blind to who He is on purpose (Romans 9:21), but we don't know who those people are.
Romans 3:25 says, "...through the deliverence which is in Christ Jesus..." or John 3:16 "...that whosoever believeth in Him..."
We shouldn't take for granted that "Jesus" is the object of man's faith. There are so many distractions in this world competing for our time and affections. Paul understood this and alluded to those who have faith in the wrong object (Person).
Romans 1:25 "who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."
Grace, MB
If God grants us the faith to believe, and it's a gift, not of works lest anyone should boast(Ephesians 2:8-9), and it's Christ's faith, not ours that justifies us with God, and makes us righteous in His sight(Romans 3:22), then what's our part in this whole process?
Our part is this...believing in or on Jesus Christ as the Messiah (the chosen One). What I understand now is that the object of our faith is not determined by God. God gives us the ability to believe in something greater than ourselves but we are not forced to accept the God of the Scriptures nor His Son - Jesus.
Romans 1:21 says, "because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God,..."
Paul says the God of the Hebrew scriptures was not automatically implanted into their faith, they never came to an understanding of "The God" and instead made up their own "gods". Granted sometimes God makes people blind to who He is on purpose (Romans 9:21), but we don't know who those people are.
Romans 3:25 says, "...through the deliverence which is in Christ Jesus..." or John 3:16 "...that whosoever believeth in Him..."
We shouldn't take for granted that "Jesus" is the object of man's faith. There are so many distractions in this world competing for our time and affections. Paul understood this and alluded to those who have faith in the wrong object (Person).
Romans 1:25 "who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."
Grace, MB
Sunday, May 31, 2009
You know you're saved because....
How do you know when you are saved? That was the big question on our last post, thanks for your responses, they were interesting. As I've pondered this question in the interim I've changed some in my understanding. I'll try to keep this as simple as possible.
If your answer to this question does not contain Jesus Christ's death and resurrection , then your answer is incomplete. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 10:9-10) There is no act or service on our part which guarantees our salvation other than the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. All other answers involve either our efforts or feelings which can not satisfy God nor be trusted. We know we are saved because of the fact that God's Son (God Himself depending on how you look at it) died for our sins and resurrected 3 days later. We are justified (seen as innocent) in God's sight, made righteous, or forgiven depending on how you look at it. This is every bodies standing before God throughout the world at this very moment. Only those who have been called/predestined before the foundation of the world receive that position and live the abundant life God has chosen for those who realize their salvation. (Romans 8:30)
John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (NKJV)
John 3:17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (NKJV)
That is why Paul gives us our commission in 2 Corinthians 5:20, "we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." In other words, be at peace with God, cause He's at peace with you. God has in fact given us the faith to even believe. (Romans 12:3) Isn't His grace even more astounding than you first thought?
Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are you saved, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift from God; not of works lest we should boast." (NKJV)
Here's another question you can respond to or ponder. If our faith is given to us by God, not of anything we've done to warrant it, then what's our responsibility in our salvation and why should we even try to tell others the good news?
Grace, MB
If your answer to this question does not contain Jesus Christ's death and resurrection , then your answer is incomplete. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 10:9-10) There is no act or service on our part which guarantees our salvation other than the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. All other answers involve either our efforts or feelings which can not satisfy God nor be trusted. We know we are saved because of the fact that God's Son (God Himself depending on how you look at it) died for our sins and resurrected 3 days later. We are justified (seen as innocent) in God's sight, made righteous, or forgiven depending on how you look at it. This is every bodies standing before God throughout the world at this very moment. Only those who have been called/predestined before the foundation of the world receive that position and live the abundant life God has chosen for those who realize their salvation. (Romans 8:30)
John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (NKJV)
John 3:17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (NKJV)
That is why Paul gives us our commission in 2 Corinthians 5:20, "we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." In other words, be at peace with God, cause He's at peace with you. God has in fact given us the faith to even believe. (Romans 12:3) Isn't His grace even more astounding than you first thought?
Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are you saved, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift from God; not of works lest we should boast." (NKJV)
Here's another question you can respond to or ponder. If our faith is given to us by God, not of anything we've done to warrant it, then what's our responsibility in our salvation and why should we even try to tell others the good news?
Grace, MB
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
How do you know that you are saved?
I recently had this question posed to me by my uncle. When Ted asks me questions like this I know somethings up. There's something he wants me to see. Ever had that experience? You just know that person is up to something, why would they ask that question? What are they up to? So before I tell you the rest of the story, let me give you some time to answer that question and post a comment or email. There's no right or wrong answer, and no need to write a book. Thanks for your time, have an awesome day with the Lord.
How do you know your saved? or How do you know you are a child of God?
Grace, MB
How do you know your saved? or How do you know you are a child of God?
Grace, MB
Monday, May 4, 2009
You're Forgiven
My favorite show growing up as a kid was "Happy Days". I can still remember the trouble Fonzie had saying "I'm sorry". You know, Fonzie was no different than most of us. Saying "forgive me" or "I'm sorry" is one of the hardest things I've ever done. Seeking forgiveness can not be avoided in this lifetime, we can be such idiots. However there is one person we will never need to ask forgiveness from, God!
Romans 6:10 says, "For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all;"
Ever since I came to an understanding of God's grace, my salvation being secure, I've never asked God to forgive me for my sins. Why should I, they've already been forgiven.
Hebrews 10:14 says "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified."
Now I must say I have on numerous occasions told Him I am sorry, and honestly I may have slipped and said "forgive me", but that's a moot point. Why ask forgiveness for something that's already been forgiven. I think the sinners prayer ought to be edited to say, "Father, thank you for Your forgiveness, I definitely need it. Thanks for giving me the faith to believe in you and trust you. From now on I submit to Your authority and ask that You be my Leader and I will follow. Thanks again, in Jesus name, Amen." The sinners prayer is no magic bullet, it's a guide, in fact, if you feel you need to say the sinners prayer to be saved, I question your readiness for it.
Grace, MB
Romans 6:10 says, "For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all;"
Ever since I came to an understanding of God's grace, my salvation being secure, I've never asked God to forgive me for my sins. Why should I, they've already been forgiven.
Hebrews 10:14 says "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified."
Now I must say I have on numerous occasions told Him I am sorry, and honestly I may have slipped and said "forgive me", but that's a moot point. Why ask forgiveness for something that's already been forgiven. I think the sinners prayer ought to be edited to say, "Father, thank you for Your forgiveness, I definitely need it. Thanks for giving me the faith to believe in you and trust you. From now on I submit to Your authority and ask that You be my Leader and I will follow. Thanks again, in Jesus name, Amen." The sinners prayer is no magic bullet, it's a guide, in fact, if you feel you need to say the sinners prayer to be saved, I question your readiness for it.
Grace, MB
Friday, May 1, 2009
What is Faith?
Recently I read one of the best devotions on faith. From a practical side this devotion finally answered the question for me, "what does faith really mean?". Enjoy!
Titus 1:1-2 "Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago,"
Faith is not conjuring up, through an act of your will, a sense of certainty that something is going to happen. No, it is recognizing God's promise as an actual fact, believing it is true, rejoicing in the knowledge of that truth, and then simply resting because God said it.
Faith turns a promise into a prophecy. A promise is contingent upon our cooperation, but when we exercise genuine faith in it, it becomes a prophecy. Then we can move ahead with certainty that it will come to pass, because "God...does not lie." from Days of Heaven upon Earth.
I often hear people praying for more faith, but when I listen carefully to them and get to the essence of their prayer, I realize it is not more faith they are wanting at all. What they are wanting is their faith to be changed to sight.
Faith does not say, "I see this is good for me; therefore God must have sent it." Instead, faith declares, "God sent it; therefore it must be good for me."
Faith, when walking through the dark with God, only asks Him to hold his hand more tightly. Phillip Brooks
(Streams in the Desert. L.B. Cowan, 1997. p 177 May 1)
"Faith is not conjuring up, with an act of your will, a sense of certainty." This statement is what caught my attention. I've said before but it's worth repeating, the faith we have in our Savior Christ Jesus is not something we came up with, it was given to us. John 6:43-44 says, "Jesus said, "Don't bicker among yourselves over me. You're not in charge here. The Father who sent me is in charge. He draws people to me-that's the only way you'll ever come."" (The Message) Isn't this all the more reason to celebrate the faith you do have, appreciating it all the more because it was given? I think we struggle with our faith after we initially find it because we stop there. If we would continue pursuing God by reading His promises in His Word, our faith would turn into action and hope. The more I learn of God the more grateful I am of His grace, realizing my insignificance and His all-importance.
Grace, MB
Titus 1:1-2 "Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago,"
Faith is not conjuring up, through an act of your will, a sense of certainty that something is going to happen. No, it is recognizing God's promise as an actual fact, believing it is true, rejoicing in the knowledge of that truth, and then simply resting because God said it.
Faith turns a promise into a prophecy. A promise is contingent upon our cooperation, but when we exercise genuine faith in it, it becomes a prophecy. Then we can move ahead with certainty that it will come to pass, because "God...does not lie." from Days of Heaven upon Earth.
I often hear people praying for more faith, but when I listen carefully to them and get to the essence of their prayer, I realize it is not more faith they are wanting at all. What they are wanting is their faith to be changed to sight.
Faith does not say, "I see this is good for me; therefore God must have sent it." Instead, faith declares, "God sent it; therefore it must be good for me."
Faith, when walking through the dark with God, only asks Him to hold his hand more tightly. Phillip Brooks
(Streams in the Desert. L.B. Cowan, 1997. p 177 May 1)
"Faith is not conjuring up, with an act of your will, a sense of certainty." This statement is what caught my attention. I've said before but it's worth repeating, the faith we have in our Savior Christ Jesus is not something we came up with, it was given to us. John 6:43-44 says, "Jesus said, "Don't bicker among yourselves over me. You're not in charge here. The Father who sent me is in charge. He draws people to me-that's the only way you'll ever come."" (The Message) Isn't this all the more reason to celebrate the faith you do have, appreciating it all the more because it was given? I think we struggle with our faith after we initially find it because we stop there. If we would continue pursuing God by reading His promises in His Word, our faith would turn into action and hope. The more I learn of God the more grateful I am of His grace, realizing my insignificance and His all-importance.
Grace, MB
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Dispensationalism
Dispensationalism is the same word as Administrationalism. It simply means there are different periods of time in the bible where our understanding of God and His operations make a major shift. A simple chart would be divided like this: The dispensation of Law (Old Testament), The dispensation of Grace (Jesus Christ and the cross), and The dispensation of The Kingdom of God (Christ's literal 1000 year reign on earth). I was not taught dispensationalism growing up because our church teaches that scripture is more symbolic. Traditionally the Church of God is Amillennial, meaning there is no literal 1000 year reign of Christ on earth. Whether you're amillennial or pre-millennial, Christ is coming back for His church, and we don't know the day nor the hour.
What's so cool about my church is that we are a melting pot of beliefs, all worshipping together, loving each other despite our differences, and agreeing at times to disagree. I happen to believe the literal interpretation of the bible, so you could call me a dispensationalist, pre-tribulationalist, and a pre-millennialist. I know, these words are ridiculous. But what this means in a nutshell is that I believe the whole bible was written for me, I can learn from all of it. However I do not believe all of scripture directly applies to me. I believe Paul's message directly applies to me and all non-Jewish people. I believe Christ is coming back for me along with the rest of the Gentile Christians at the rapture, which will be followed by a tribulation period (duration of the period is unsure), and finally I believe Christ is coming back to set up a literal kingdom here on earth for the nation of Israel. After 1000 years (millennium) we will have the Great White Throne judgment followed by the last events recorded in scripture, the consummation where death is abolished (1 Cor 15). That's it in a nutshell, to get into details would take a book. What's interesting is that 5 years ago I didn't believe this way, and 5 years before that I believed something very different. I believe this change in thinking is a good thing, and if it's not happening in your walk with the Lord then maybe you're not asking the right questions. Remember that the message of Jesus Christ never changes.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures; (RV)
File:Millennial views.svg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (For further study of Dispensationalism)
Grace, MB
What's so cool about my church is that we are a melting pot of beliefs, all worshipping together, loving each other despite our differences, and agreeing at times to disagree. I happen to believe the literal interpretation of the bible, so you could call me a dispensationalist, pre-tribulationalist, and a pre-millennialist. I know, these words are ridiculous. But what this means in a nutshell is that I believe the whole bible was written for me, I can learn from all of it. However I do not believe all of scripture directly applies to me. I believe Paul's message directly applies to me and all non-Jewish people. I believe Christ is coming back for me along with the rest of the Gentile Christians at the rapture, which will be followed by a tribulation period (duration of the period is unsure), and finally I believe Christ is coming back to set up a literal kingdom here on earth for the nation of Israel. After 1000 years (millennium) we will have the Great White Throne judgment followed by the last events recorded in scripture, the consummation where death is abolished (1 Cor 15). That's it in a nutshell, to get into details would take a book. What's interesting is that 5 years ago I didn't believe this way, and 5 years before that I believed something very different. I believe this change in thinking is a good thing, and if it's not happening in your walk with the Lord then maybe you're not asking the right questions. Remember that the message of Jesus Christ never changes.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures; (RV)
File:Millennial views.svg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (For further study of Dispensationalism)
Grace, MB
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Are you a debtor?
Romans 1:14 "I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise."
It's nice not to owe anyone anything, isn't it? To be debt-free is for many a passion, their sole desire, top on the list of things "to do". It is a good feeling when we are debt-free, I can relate. Here's something ironic - we are never debt-free. Think about it. We are always going to owe the Man who died for each one of us our life. How can you repay God for that sacrifice without also dying yourself? Paul especially had reason to be in debt to God.
1Co 15:9 "For I am the least of all the apostles---I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God's church." (GNB)
Seriously, of all people, who could be worse? Paul kills 1000's of people in the name of Judaism, his religion. He was working for the enemy, at odds with God, for years. And Paul was very zealous for his beliefs. He was sure he was right, so much so he watched the crowds stone Stephen to death, while he held Stephen's clothes. Bad enough a stoning, but to get pummeled while naked, how could you watch? But what does Paul eventually realize?
1Co 15:10 "But by God's grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God's grace working with me." (GNB)
What motivates you to do what you do? Is it your past? Is it what you find yourself in now? Your kids? Your friends? Your family? I am so pumped I can barely keep this to myself, so I'll share something with you. I am realizing ever so slowly, by reading Paul's writings, that God not only has a plan for the believers (His Church/the Body of Christ), but for the whole world. Christ died on the cross for your sin and mine. That's for the whole world, not just the US of A. And these sins have been wiped out forever. He was emtombed and 3 days later He rose from the dead. (1 Cor 15:3-4) He's alive today, and He's the only one who has risen and stayed that way out of all the people who ever lived. This is so unique it's crazy. To get this salvation, acquire immortality, and reign with Christ all you have to do is receive this gift. Believe it! Now I've been given the greatest gift anyone could ever give, I can say with Paul I am a debtor to anyone God puts in my path. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe..." Romans 1:16
Grace, MB
It's nice not to owe anyone anything, isn't it? To be debt-free is for many a passion, their sole desire, top on the list of things "to do". It is a good feeling when we are debt-free, I can relate. Here's something ironic - we are never debt-free. Think about it. We are always going to owe the Man who died for each one of us our life. How can you repay God for that sacrifice without also dying yourself? Paul especially had reason to be in debt to God.
1Co 15:9 "For I am the least of all the apostles---I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God's church." (GNB)
Seriously, of all people, who could be worse? Paul kills 1000's of people in the name of Judaism, his religion. He was working for the enemy, at odds with God, for years. And Paul was very zealous for his beliefs. He was sure he was right, so much so he watched the crowds stone Stephen to death, while he held Stephen's clothes. Bad enough a stoning, but to get pummeled while naked, how could you watch? But what does Paul eventually realize?
1Co 15:10 "But by God's grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God's grace working with me." (GNB)
What motivates you to do what you do? Is it your past? Is it what you find yourself in now? Your kids? Your friends? Your family? I am so pumped I can barely keep this to myself, so I'll share something with you. I am realizing ever so slowly, by reading Paul's writings, that God not only has a plan for the believers (His Church/the Body of Christ), but for the whole world. Christ died on the cross for your sin and mine. That's for the whole world, not just the US of A. And these sins have been wiped out forever. He was emtombed and 3 days later He rose from the dead. (1 Cor 15:3-4) He's alive today, and He's the only one who has risen and stayed that way out of all the people who ever lived. This is so unique it's crazy. To get this salvation, acquire immortality, and reign with Christ all you have to do is receive this gift. Believe it! Now I've been given the greatest gift anyone could ever give, I can say with Paul I am a debtor to anyone God puts in my path. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe..." Romans 1:16
Grace, MB
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Homosexuality?
Due to comments made by one of our readers regarding homosexuality, I feel lead to supply this link to a website which covers all the angles much better than I could.
http://www.faithfacts.org/christ-and-the-culture/gay-rights#top
Homosexuality is nothing new. It is spoken of in the Old Testament and the New. Here is God's take on it from Paul's writings in Romans. It's a pretty black and white issue.
Romans 1:18-32 (New King James Version)
"God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[a] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[b] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
Grace, MB
http://www.faithfacts.org/christ-and-the-culture/gay-rights#top
Homosexuality is nothing new. It is spoken of in the Old Testament and the New. Here is God's take on it from Paul's writings in Romans. It's a pretty black and white issue.
Romans 1:18-32 (New King James Version)
"God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[a] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[b] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
Grace, MB
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Recent Bible Conference Notes
I thought I would share with you some of the neat things I learned at a recent bible conference in Richmond, VA.
First brother Farwell spoke on the word "all". He stressed how important it is to keep the context in mind. For instance 1 Corinthians 11:12 "...but all things are of God." Is alcoholism from God? We can not use this text as proof of the specific origin of evil. True, there may be grounds for an argument that God did indeed create evil, Colossians 1:16 being very convincing, however many times people take passages out of context to prove their point. One more example would be 1 Timothy 4:4 "...and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving." Really? What about cocaine? or a bribe? You get the point.
Another point brother Farwell made was that God can change His mind without upsetting His grand scheme. I thought this was encouraging considering our fatalistic attitudes we have regarding prayer. Why pray when God already knows what you want? Matthew 6:8 "For the Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." And if God already has His grand plan in motion who can stop it or change it's course? Ephesians 1:11 "...who works all things according to the counsel of His will." Romans 9:19 "...For who has resisted His will?" But keeping these scriptures in context we understand that just because He has a plan B doesn't mean His final plan has changed at all. Here we have some great examples: 2 Kings 20:6 After Isaiah prophesied that Hezekiah would die, Hezekiah prayed and wept, God saw and heard his cries and gave him 15 more years. Jonah 3:4 Jonah prophesied that God would destroy Nineveh in 40 days. v 10 "Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way: and God relented from the disaster that He said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it."
God is amazing, beyond our comprehension, and He loves us and has made it possible for each one of us to have an intimate relationship with Him even though we are imperfect beings. You can't fall out of His grace,it's impossible.
Grace, MB
First brother Farwell spoke on the word "all". He stressed how important it is to keep the context in mind. For instance 1 Corinthians 11:12 "...but all things are of God." Is alcoholism from God? We can not use this text as proof of the specific origin of evil. True, there may be grounds for an argument that God did indeed create evil, Colossians 1:16 being very convincing, however many times people take passages out of context to prove their point. One more example would be 1 Timothy 4:4 "...and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving." Really? What about cocaine? or a bribe? You get the point.
Another point brother Farwell made was that God can change His mind without upsetting His grand scheme. I thought this was encouraging considering our fatalistic attitudes we have regarding prayer. Why pray when God already knows what you want? Matthew 6:8 "For the Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." And if God already has His grand plan in motion who can stop it or change it's course? Ephesians 1:11 "...who works all things according to the counsel of His will." Romans 9:19 "...For who has resisted His will?" But keeping these scriptures in context we understand that just because He has a plan B doesn't mean His final plan has changed at all. Here we have some great examples: 2 Kings 20:6 After Isaiah prophesied that Hezekiah would die, Hezekiah prayed and wept, God saw and heard his cries and gave him 15 more years. Jonah 3:4 Jonah prophesied that God would destroy Nineveh in 40 days. v 10 "Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way: and God relented from the disaster that He said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it."
God is amazing, beyond our comprehension, and He loves us and has made it possible for each one of us to have an intimate relationship with Him even though we are imperfect beings. You can't fall out of His grace,it's impossible.
Grace, MB
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Don't lose hope!
(RV) Though he slay me, yet will I wait for him: nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him. Job 13:15
(RV) For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed,... 2 Tim 1:12
"An old seaman once said, 'In fierce storms we must do one thing, for there is only one way to survive; we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there.' And this, dear Christian, is what you must do.
Sometimes, like Paul, you cannot see the sun or the stars to help you navigate when the storm is bearing down on you. This is when you can do only one thing, for there is only one way. Reason cannot help you, past experience will shed no light, and even prayer will bring no consolation. Only one course remains: you must put your soul in one position and keep it there.
You must anchor yourself steadfastly upon the Lord, firmly holding your confidence in God's faithfulness, His covenant promises, and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus." (Richard Fuller, "Streams in the Desert" p 137)
I sense we are moving into a time in history like none other. I can see as Christians living in America we've had a convenient life, at least my generation. I believe that is about to change. Things will not get easier, they are going to get tougher, and now it's more important than ever to know God's promises. I realize there are good people out there, as well as self-help books and classes that promise to get you through, but when times get really difficult they will be like anchoring to a floating log. God's Word is steadfast and immovable, because He can't lie, and they will never change. God's word will be the only anchor our soul has, and friend let me tell you, it's enough.
Grace, MB
(RV) For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed,... 2 Tim 1:12
"An old seaman once said, 'In fierce storms we must do one thing, for there is only one way to survive; we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there.' And this, dear Christian, is what you must do.
Sometimes, like Paul, you cannot see the sun or the stars to help you navigate when the storm is bearing down on you. This is when you can do only one thing, for there is only one way. Reason cannot help you, past experience will shed no light, and even prayer will bring no consolation. Only one course remains: you must put your soul in one position and keep it there.
You must anchor yourself steadfastly upon the Lord, firmly holding your confidence in God's faithfulness, His covenant promises, and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus." (Richard Fuller, "Streams in the Desert" p 137)
I sense we are moving into a time in history like none other. I can see as Christians living in America we've had a convenient life, at least my generation. I believe that is about to change. Things will not get easier, they are going to get tougher, and now it's more important than ever to know God's promises. I realize there are good people out there, as well as self-help books and classes that promise to get you through, but when times get really difficult they will be like anchoring to a floating log. God's Word is steadfast and immovable, because He can't lie, and they will never change. God's word will be the only anchor our soul has, and friend let me tell you, it's enough.
Grace, MB
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
God's Promises. The Edenic Covenant [Gen 2:16]
Covenants are basically promises or contracts. The Old Testament referred to them as covenants. Scholars list 8 major covenants through out the bible which help us understand God's purposes for us. (See February 25 blog for an intro into God's promises)
The Edenic Covenant was the first promise made to man, namely Adam. Adam represented the whole human race, thus this covenant is for you and me. The first promise was this, "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." Genesis 2:17
Later after Adam's disobedience God promised many other negative consequences that not only affected Adam and Eve but all their offspring including you and I. They were such things as "enemies "(a continual struggle between good and evil, v15. Ultimately seen in Jesus versus the Devil), to the women "multiplied sorrow and conception; pain in child bearing, and a desire for a husband who then rules over her", and to the man "cursed ground, toiling through it with thorns and thistles, sweating just to eat, and ultimately ending back up in the ground from which he came, i.e. death".
I agree this first covenant isn't much to look at, in fact it's down right disappointing. But before you go blaming Adam and Eve for screwing up your life, remember that before the foundation of the world God had already planned to come to earth as Jesus and die for you and me. (Eph 1:4) I believe He had foreknowledge that every human on the face of the earth was going to make the same choice, given the same situation as Adam and Eve, namely I'm going "to be like God, knowing good and evil". (Gen 3:5) This is ultimately why we are all born in sin, Adam's sin, and his nature is now in us (Gen 5:3 "Adam...begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth."). This nature of Adam's causes us to sin, therefore we are as deserving of death as Adam and Eve was. (Romans 5:12) You could say it's spiritually and physically genetic. The good news is God's covenants/promises get better.
Grace, MB
The Edenic Covenant was the first promise made to man, namely Adam. Adam represented the whole human race, thus this covenant is for you and me. The first promise was this, "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." Genesis 2:17
Later after Adam's disobedience God promised many other negative consequences that not only affected Adam and Eve but all their offspring including you and I. They were such things as "enemies "(a continual struggle between good and evil, v15. Ultimately seen in Jesus versus the Devil), to the women "multiplied sorrow and conception; pain in child bearing, and a desire for a husband who then rules over her", and to the man "cursed ground, toiling through it with thorns and thistles, sweating just to eat, and ultimately ending back up in the ground from which he came, i.e. death".
I agree this first covenant isn't much to look at, in fact it's down right disappointing. But before you go blaming Adam and Eve for screwing up your life, remember that before the foundation of the world God had already planned to come to earth as Jesus and die for you and me. (Eph 1:4) I believe He had foreknowledge that every human on the face of the earth was going to make the same choice, given the same situation as Adam and Eve, namely I'm going "to be like God, knowing good and evil". (Gen 3:5) This is ultimately why we are all born in sin, Adam's sin, and his nature is now in us (Gen 5:3 "Adam...begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth."). This nature of Adam's causes us to sin, therefore we are as deserving of death as Adam and Eve was. (Romans 5:12) You could say it's spiritually and physically genetic. The good news is God's covenants/promises get better.
Grace, MB
Monday, March 9, 2009
Becareful what you say!
Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he thinketh within himself, so is he:"
I was reminded today of a very important truth. I've heard it so many times and yet I continue to forget how important this truth is. Be careful what you say! I understand as most of you do how important it is to chose your words carefully, especially those you speak to others.
Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear."
But what about yourself? I was reminded today how important it really is. I had two clients who I've been seeing for some time now, both with a myriad of symptoms, complaining to me for what seemed like hours, maybe 20 minutes. What they said was similar to what they told me last time, but today it hit me. They had nothing positive to say. Every time they said "I am" or "my" it was followed with something negative. The more I thought about it the more I realized that most of the people with chronic conditions have the same thing in common. They speak negative about themselves. They heard it so long that now they believe what they've been saying and their bodies have morphed into that person. They own their illness and no one is going to take that away from them. It's their identity. They are powerless to change their circumstance because it's not their fault, it's somebody else's fault. You don't have to read some self-help book to learn this principle, it's nothing new, just read the Good Book, it's amazing what you can learn about everyday problems.
Mat 12:36 And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Grace, MB
I was reminded today of a very important truth. I've heard it so many times and yet I continue to forget how important this truth is. Be careful what you say! I understand as most of you do how important it is to chose your words carefully, especially those you speak to others.
Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear."
But what about yourself? I was reminded today how important it really is. I had two clients who I've been seeing for some time now, both with a myriad of symptoms, complaining to me for what seemed like hours, maybe 20 minutes. What they said was similar to what they told me last time, but today it hit me. They had nothing positive to say. Every time they said "I am" or "my" it was followed with something negative. The more I thought about it the more I realized that most of the people with chronic conditions have the same thing in common. They speak negative about themselves. They heard it so long that now they believe what they've been saying and their bodies have morphed into that person. They own their illness and no one is going to take that away from them. It's their identity. They are powerless to change their circumstance because it's not their fault, it's somebody else's fault. You don't have to read some self-help book to learn this principle, it's nothing new, just read the Good Book, it's amazing what you can learn about everyday problems.
Mat 12:36 And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Grace, MB
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Promises, Promises, Promises
Somebody is always promising something. From politicians promising change to children promising to clean their room, it's no wonder we've become cynical and unable to trust anyone. When it comes to God however, doubt can be disastrous. When it comes to the bible and searching for answers to life's biggest questions, we need to trust what the Scriptures say. I used to think that doubt was good. I guess I thought if you were doubting you were questioning, which meant that you were searching. Good, right? Well I've seen a different side of doubt, and it's not healthy.
I'm talking about God's promises. The bible is full of them. Read through one chapter in any book of the Scriptures and you will read at least a handful of promises. Can we trust them? Do we have any reason to doubt them? See, even though the bible is 66 books written by various authors, Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God,..." That means God basically wrote every word, through men inspired by the Holy Spirit. (2 Pet 1:21) Let me ask again, "Have you any reason to doubt God's promises?" Has He ever let you down before? Has He ever lied to you?
Moses says in Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" And Paul says in Titus 1:2 "in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began." (See also Heb 6:18)
We really have a hard time wrapping our minds around God, in fact it's impossible in this life. God is spirit, God is love, and God is incapable of lying, it's just not in His nature. We need to trust in His promises, hanging on to them for dear life. Meditating on them and using them to encourage not only ourselves but others in times of need. The number one promise is this, even though I am the chief of sinners, I have a refuge to run and hide in, that's Jesus Christ. That is my hope,
"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, ..." Heb 6:19
Grace, MB
I'm talking about God's promises. The bible is full of them. Read through one chapter in any book of the Scriptures and you will read at least a handful of promises. Can we trust them? Do we have any reason to doubt them? See, even though the bible is 66 books written by various authors, Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God,..." That means God basically wrote every word, through men inspired by the Holy Spirit. (2 Pet 1:21) Let me ask again, "Have you any reason to doubt God's promises?" Has He ever let you down before? Has He ever lied to you?
Moses says in Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" And Paul says in Titus 1:2 "in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began." (See also Heb 6:18)
We really have a hard time wrapping our minds around God, in fact it's impossible in this life. God is spirit, God is love, and God is incapable of lying, it's just not in His nature. We need to trust in His promises, hanging on to them for dear life. Meditating on them and using them to encourage not only ourselves but others in times of need. The number one promise is this, even though I am the chief of sinners, I have a refuge to run and hide in, that's Jesus Christ. That is my hope,
"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, ..." Heb 6:19
Grace, MB
Friday, February 20, 2009
Genesis 3:4-6 Would you want to be like God?
Gen 3:5 (GNB) "God said that because he knows that when you eat it, you will be like God and know what is good and what is bad."
Whether we know it or not, we are all driven by the desire to be like God. We want it all. We want to know it all. We want to be somebody, and why not be like God. Verse 6 goes on to explain what she was thinking after the serpent tempted her.
Gen 3:6 "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and she gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat."
What was she really considering here? 1 John 2:15-17 makes it really clear to me, check this out.
1Jn 2:15 9 (GNB) "Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father.
1Jn 2:16 Everything that belongs to the world---what the sinful self desires [lust of the flesh], what people see and want[lust of the eyes], and everything in this world that people are so proud of [pride of life]---none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world.
1Jn 2:17 The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away; but those who do the will of God live forever."
When your god is the world, you will pass away with it, taking nothing with you but a fear of judgment. When your God is Jesus Christ, you will not only live an abundant life now, but you will be taken by Christ Himself and reign with Him forever more (see 1 Thess 4:13-18). Sweet!
Grace, MB
Whether we know it or not, we are all driven by the desire to be like God. We want it all. We want to know it all. We want to be somebody, and why not be like God. Verse 6 goes on to explain what she was thinking after the serpent tempted her.
Gen 3:6 "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and she gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat."
What was she really considering here? 1 John 2:15-17 makes it really clear to me, check this out.
1Jn 2:15 9 (GNB) "Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father.
1Jn 2:16 Everything that belongs to the world---what the sinful self desires [lust of the flesh], what people see and want[lust of the eyes], and everything in this world that people are so proud of [pride of life]---none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world.
1Jn 2:17 The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away; but those who do the will of God live forever."
When your god is the world, you will pass away with it, taking nothing with you but a fear of judgment. When your God is Jesus Christ, you will not only live an abundant life now, but you will be taken by Christ Himself and reign with Him forever more (see 1 Thess 4:13-18). Sweet!
Grace, MB
Genesis 3:1-6 "You will not surely die."
Genesis 3:4 "Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
This is supposed to be the first lie recorded in scripture. Now that I look at it I see two lies. "You shall not surely die" and "...your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God,..." It seems the serpent continues even today filling our heads with these lies. How many times do we think about death? I know I don't very often. Most of us are running about never thinking about the afterlife, but only what's next on our agenda. Satan wants us to forget about our future fate, that everyone is going to breath his/her last at some point, and we don't know when. His hopes are that death will sneak up on us, catching us by surprise, having never really considered we are going to answer to God concerning what we did with His Son. If he can get us so wrapped up in our own little world, maybe we'll never take the time to seriously think about it. God's amazing gift - the forgiveness of all our sins. Satan's hope is that we will continue to live a defeated life of depression, discouragement, guilt, and hopelessness. We don't have to. Thank you Jesus!
[To be continued]
Grace, MB
This is supposed to be the first lie recorded in scripture. Now that I look at it I see two lies. "You shall not surely die" and "...your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God,..." It seems the serpent continues even today filling our heads with these lies. How many times do we think about death? I know I don't very often. Most of us are running about never thinking about the afterlife, but only what's next on our agenda. Satan wants us to forget about our future fate, that everyone is going to breath his/her last at some point, and we don't know when. His hopes are that death will sneak up on us, catching us by surprise, having never really considered we are going to answer to God concerning what we did with His Son. If he can get us so wrapped up in our own little world, maybe we'll never take the time to seriously think about it. God's amazing gift - the forgiveness of all our sins. Satan's hope is that we will continue to live a defeated life of depression, discouragement, guilt, and hopelessness. We don't have to. Thank you Jesus!
[To be continued]
Grace, MB
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Gen 2:18-25 "It is not good that man should be alone."
Genesis 2:18, 20b-24 " And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him....But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
Friends, these verses can solve most of the suffering in our world. For I believe at the root of all our problems lies pornography and the decimation of the family unit. Let explain by being transparent for a moment. There are times when I should not be on the computer. There were times in my past that I shouldn't of been on the computer at all. Being in a hotel room by myself is not the best situation for me to be in. Business trips can be torturous. I'm just speaking straight from the heart, I'm human, and my flesh is weak. That weakness came from my past when I allowed certain temptations into my life, the devil got a foothold, and to this day I still battle the lust of flesh. Men, pornography kills. It kills relationships, it kills jobs, it kills your body, and it especially kills marriages . Men, "it is not good that man should be alone".
Friends, marriage was instituted by God from the beginning, we need a partner of the opposite sex, a helpmate. It's part of our genetics, deep down we crave it. No animal will do and no human of the same sex can fulfill that void which exists in our soul. Homosexuality is not normal, was never intended from the start, and is not genetic. It's a sin, meaning it goes against God's wishes for mankind. The sin of homosexuality is no worse than the sin of lying, stealing, or gossiping. James 2:10 says "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." Please don't think me judgmental, I say this only as a warning to me foremost, flee anything that has to do with sexual immorality, it's never too late, it wants to destroy everything you hold dear in life, and it will. Find someone you trust and ask for help. Prayer is vital for strength to withstand the temptations, and reading the bible on a daily basis gives us the weapon we need to fight the enemy when he says, "come on, one peak won't hurt, no body is watching". "Abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2:11 See also Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20
Grace, MB
Friends, these verses can solve most of the suffering in our world. For I believe at the root of all our problems lies pornography and the decimation of the family unit. Let explain by being transparent for a moment. There are times when I should not be on the computer. There were times in my past that I shouldn't of been on the computer at all. Being in a hotel room by myself is not the best situation for me to be in. Business trips can be torturous. I'm just speaking straight from the heart, I'm human, and my flesh is weak. That weakness came from my past when I allowed certain temptations into my life, the devil got a foothold, and to this day I still battle the lust of flesh. Men, pornography kills. It kills relationships, it kills jobs, it kills your body, and it especially kills marriages . Men, "it is not good that man should be alone".
Friends, marriage was instituted by God from the beginning, we need a partner of the opposite sex, a helpmate. It's part of our genetics, deep down we crave it. No animal will do and no human of the same sex can fulfill that void which exists in our soul. Homosexuality is not normal, was never intended from the start, and is not genetic. It's a sin, meaning it goes against God's wishes for mankind. The sin of homosexuality is no worse than the sin of lying, stealing, or gossiping. James 2:10 says "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." Please don't think me judgmental, I say this only as a warning to me foremost, flee anything that has to do with sexual immorality, it's never too late, it wants to destroy everything you hold dear in life, and it will. Find someone you trust and ask for help. Prayer is vital for strength to withstand the temptations, and reading the bible on a daily basis gives us the weapon we need to fight the enemy when he says, "come on, one peak won't hurt, no body is watching". "Abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2:11 See also Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20
Grace, MB
Monday, January 19, 2009
Genesis 2: 1-25 Knowing our purpose (Part 2)
Genesis 2:7 "The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being (soul)."
God rejoiced in the high note of His creation—humanity. He was personally involved in fashioning Adam and Eve—He breathed the very breath of life into them! Four central truths emerge in this story, all of which help us in our quest for purpose. First, we're created in the image of God (1:26-27). Suggestions about what this “image” consists of include our intellect or reason, our moral capacities, our will or ability to make choices, our creativity, and our souls and spiritual dimension. Being made in God's image implies the worth and dignity of every person.
Second, we've been given authority over the created world (1:26-30). This is actually stewardship under God's authority, delegated by Him to be used in right ways. Our “rulership” is not a dictatorial or despotic thing, but rather means that we are to care for our world and seek optimum conditions for the life in it.
Third, a need for work and rest has been built into the very core of our beings. God Himself modeled this for us by working six days and resting on the seventh (2:2-3). Early on, He gave Adam work to do as well: to care for the Garden of Eden. And man's first special assignment to name the animals was both practical and creative.
Fourth, in our relationship with God we are called to obedience. Right from the start, God gave Adam and Eve a law to follow, the command not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. (Whole article from "Today in the Word". Moody Publishing. Jan 2, 2005)
Grace, MB
God rejoiced in the high note of His creation—humanity. He was personally involved in fashioning Adam and Eve—He breathed the very breath of life into them! Four central truths emerge in this story, all of which help us in our quest for purpose. First, we're created in the image of God (1:26-27). Suggestions about what this “image” consists of include our intellect or reason, our moral capacities, our will or ability to make choices, our creativity, and our souls and spiritual dimension. Being made in God's image implies the worth and dignity of every person.
Second, we've been given authority over the created world (1:26-30). This is actually stewardship under God's authority, delegated by Him to be used in right ways. Our “rulership” is not a dictatorial or despotic thing, but rather means that we are to care for our world and seek optimum conditions for the life in it.
Third, a need for work and rest has been built into the very core of our beings. God Himself modeled this for us by working six days and resting on the seventh (2:2-3). Early on, He gave Adam work to do as well: to care for the Garden of Eden. And man's first special assignment to name the animals was both practical and creative.
Fourth, in our relationship with God we are called to obedience. Right from the start, God gave Adam and Eve a law to follow, the command not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. (Whole article from "Today in the Word". Moody Publishing. Jan 2, 2005)
Grace, MB
Genesis 1:1-31 What is my purpose?
If you've seen a hippopotamus at the zoo, you may have wondered why it seemed to be bleeding. In fact, what appears to be blood is actually sweat colored by a thick reddish-orange pigment. This special sweat functions as a natural sunscreen, helps regulate body temperature, and works as an antibiotic, fighting bacteria and helping hippos recover more quickly from wounds. God's creation is endlessly surprising and delightful!
We're starting in Genesis, the “book of beginnings,”—in order to fulfill our purpose, we must know our origin. To understand how we end, we must know how we began. In fact, God Himself proclaimed,“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Rev. 22:13).
God's creation of the world is the first answer to our question of purpose. This key event and doctrine has been obscured in modern times by polarizing debates. In the middle of the dispute over how to interpret this first chapter of the Bible, some people forget the bottom line. What biblical truths must we understand and affirm? The central one is that God created. The existence of the universe is not the result of merely naturalistic occurrences or processes. This means we'll never find our ultimate purpose in creation, wonderful as it may be. We must look beyond it to the Creator Himself.
So what do we learn about God in this chapter? He's creative, orderly, and powerful. He fashioned things for both usefulness and beauty. Our world was made to sustain and reproduce life—plants, animals, and human beings. All that exists, exists because of God. (Whole article taken from "Today in the Word", Moody Publishing. Jan 1, 2005)
Grace, MB
We're starting in Genesis, the “book of beginnings,”—in order to fulfill our purpose, we must know our origin. To understand how we end, we must know how we began. In fact, God Himself proclaimed,“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Rev. 22:13).
God's creation of the world is the first answer to our question of purpose. This key event and doctrine has been obscured in modern times by polarizing debates. In the middle of the dispute over how to interpret this first chapter of the Bible, some people forget the bottom line. What biblical truths must we understand and affirm? The central one is that God created. The existence of the universe is not the result of merely naturalistic occurrences or processes. This means we'll never find our ultimate purpose in creation, wonderful as it may be. We must look beyond it to the Creator Himself.
So what do we learn about God in this chapter? He's creative, orderly, and powerful. He fashioned things for both usefulness and beauty. Our world was made to sustain and reproduce life—plants, animals, and human beings. All that exists, exists because of God. (Whole article taken from "Today in the Word", Moody Publishing. Jan 1, 2005)
Grace, MB
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Genesis - A start at the beginning
Both Genesis and the Gospel of John begin with creation accounts.
Genesis 1:1 says "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
John 1:1-3 says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."
How are we to understand this? Was there two creators? Is the bible in error? The bible correctly translated does not error or contradict. What this is in fact is one of the strongest assertions that God and Jesus are One. They are the same person, not two distinct persons.
John 1:18 "No one has seen God at anytime." This can only mean God in His spirit form, for in the old testament we see Abram encountering the presence of God (Gen 12:7 and Gen 17:1), but in a form that did not represent God in His fullness. We also see God in the form of man through Jesus Christ, but Paul speaks of Christ as one "who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see." (1 Timothy 6:16) Christ is now seated with God in the heavens, sitting at His right hand, in this form or spiritual essence no man can look upon Him. When God brings Himself (condescends is the term) to our level if you will, we can look upon Him and not perish. Only because we are not looking upon Him in His spiritual fullness. Christ in the essence of God, an extension of God, a bodily image of God (Colossians 1:15), Christ is in reality God.
John and Moses were both right. God and The Word created the heavens and the earth, They are one in the same.
Grace, MB
Genesis 1:1 says "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
John 1:1-3 says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."
How are we to understand this? Was there two creators? Is the bible in error? The bible correctly translated does not error or contradict. What this is in fact is one of the strongest assertions that God and Jesus are One. They are the same person, not two distinct persons.
John 1:18 "No one has seen God at anytime." This can only mean God in His spirit form, for in the old testament we see Abram encountering the presence of God (Gen 12:7 and Gen 17:1), but in a form that did not represent God in His fullness. We also see God in the form of man through Jesus Christ, but Paul speaks of Christ as one "who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see." (1 Timothy 6:16) Christ is now seated with God in the heavens, sitting at His right hand, in this form or spiritual essence no man can look upon Him. When God brings Himself (condescends is the term) to our level if you will, we can look upon Him and not perish. Only because we are not looking upon Him in His spiritual fullness. Christ in the essence of God, an extension of God, a bodily image of God (Colossians 1:15), Christ is in reality God.
John and Moses were both right. God and The Word created the heavens and the earth, They are one in the same.
Grace, MB
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Colossians 4:2-4 Why pray?
Colossians 4:2-4 "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak." (NKJV)
I struggle with prayer, I'm going to be honest. I see the value of it at times, but also see how fruitless it can be. If God knows what you are going to say before you say it, why say it? Matthew 6:8 "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." (NKJV)
Well here we have a complete contradiction to my human perspective. This is why I cannot trust my mind and it's reasoning's, and neither can you trust your's. Paul says "continue earnestly in prayer, be vigilant in it..." The word for vigilant in Greek is "gregoreuo", it means to stay awake, be watchful. The Holy Spirit is saying through Paul you better not fall asleep on the prayer watch, don't you dare. Could prayer be that important? Whether I understand it now or not we are told here and many other places to continue in prayer steadfastly, and I like how "with thanksgiving" is added. Sometimes we need to do something even though we don't understand why. Someday we will.
Grace, MB
I struggle with prayer, I'm going to be honest. I see the value of it at times, but also see how fruitless it can be. If God knows what you are going to say before you say it, why say it? Matthew 6:8 "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." (NKJV)
Well here we have a complete contradiction to my human perspective. This is why I cannot trust my mind and it's reasoning's, and neither can you trust your's. Paul says "continue earnestly in prayer, be vigilant in it..." The word for vigilant in Greek is "gregoreuo", it means to stay awake, be watchful. The Holy Spirit is saying through Paul you better not fall asleep on the prayer watch, don't you dare. Could prayer be that important? Whether I understand it now or not we are told here and many other places to continue in prayer steadfastly, and I like how "with thanksgiving" is added. Sometimes we need to do something even though we don't understand why. Someday we will.
Grace, MB
Colossians 3:1 Raised with Christ?
Colossians 1:1 "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." (NKJV)
Whenever I come across Paul talking about being raised with Christ, or dying with Christ, or baptized with Christ, I immediately become distracted trying to figure out if I've missed something. My thought is, "Am I really saved? I haven't died and I sure wasn't resurrected. I was baptized but it was so long ago, did I really understand what I was doing?" All these doubts creep into my head making me wonder if I'm really saved at all. Have you ever been there?
Let's put that doubt to rest.
After contemplating Paul's writing, and Paul uses this speech quite often, I realized he's not talking literal, it's purely figurative. (By the way the bible is full of figurative speech.) I'm sure this can be confusing to many. Just as an example how much it's used take the next verse, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (NKJV) Now does this mean we are to take our brains out of our skulls and place them on the top shelf. No, this is figurative speech. Leave your brain in your skull, but think about things that have to do with heaven and Jesus, not on material things of this earth which pass away.
Now that we know verse 1 is figurative we understand that at the moment we believed and trusted in Christ for our salvation, we were figuratively baptized, the old you went under the water and died (or you could say you were nailed to the cross like Jesus) and then you were raised from the water (or you could say you were resurrected from the grave like Jesus) a new person in Christ. If you keep in mind the figurative language set forth in the bible it's not so intimidating, it's really a beautiful thing.
Grace, MB
Whenever I come across Paul talking about being raised with Christ, or dying with Christ, or baptized with Christ, I immediately become distracted trying to figure out if I've missed something. My thought is, "Am I really saved? I haven't died and I sure wasn't resurrected. I was baptized but it was so long ago, did I really understand what I was doing?" All these doubts creep into my head making me wonder if I'm really saved at all. Have you ever been there?
Let's put that doubt to rest.
After contemplating Paul's writing, and Paul uses this speech quite often, I realized he's not talking literal, it's purely figurative. (By the way the bible is full of figurative speech.) I'm sure this can be confusing to many. Just as an example how much it's used take the next verse, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (NKJV) Now does this mean we are to take our brains out of our skulls and place them on the top shelf. No, this is figurative speech. Leave your brain in your skull, but think about things that have to do with heaven and Jesus, not on material things of this earth which pass away.
Now that we know verse 1 is figurative we understand that at the moment we believed and trusted in Christ for our salvation, we were figuratively baptized, the old you went under the water and died (or you could say you were nailed to the cross like Jesus) and then you were raised from the water (or you could say you were resurrected from the grave like Jesus) a new person in Christ. If you keep in mind the figurative language set forth in the bible it's not so intimidating, it's really a beautiful thing.
Grace, MB
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Colossians 2:19 Who's your Head?
Colossians 2:18b-19 "vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God." (NKJV)
Paul is addressing deception in chapter 2. There were men who were too smart for their own good. They made up their own religion using philosophy, old laws and traditions, and casting doubt as to whether Jesus was really God in flesh. Boy, this tactic is still alive today. We are constantly bombarded with traditions, customs, philosophies, and other gods supposedly like Jesus. The world exposes each of us to over 3,000 advertisements each day.
If I've learned anything about myself in 2008 it's that I'm gullible. I could believe anything if someone convinced my they had the evidence. There are plenty of ideas out there that seem logical. I definitely have an open mind, and I think that's good, but it can get me into trouble as well. People are drawn to me because I have an open mind and am willing to listen. That's why Paul's warning struck me, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of this world, and not according to Christ." (v 8)
I must keep Christ the Head through which everything I see and hear gets filtered. This is the only way I'm gonna keep from being deceived. Hope this helps you too.
Grace, MB
Paul is addressing deception in chapter 2. There were men who were too smart for their own good. They made up their own religion using philosophy, old laws and traditions, and casting doubt as to whether Jesus was really God in flesh. Boy, this tactic is still alive today. We are constantly bombarded with traditions, customs, philosophies, and other gods supposedly like Jesus. The world exposes each of us to over 3,000 advertisements each day.
If I've learned anything about myself in 2008 it's that I'm gullible. I could believe anything if someone convinced my they had the evidence. There are plenty of ideas out there that seem logical. I definitely have an open mind, and I think that's good, but it can get me into trouble as well. People are drawn to me because I have an open mind and am willing to listen. That's why Paul's warning struck me, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of this world, and not according to Christ." (v 8)
I must keep Christ the Head through which everything I see and hear gets filtered. This is the only way I'm gonna keep from being deceived. Hope this helps you too.
Grace, MB
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