LEARNING ABOUT MY GRACIOUS GOD

"So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” 

(Luke 15:20, NASB).  

I remember a number of years ago, when I went through a dark period in my walk with Christ, I fell into deep depression and rebellion. It was a period I would rather not recount. However, even when we are at our worse, the Lord is always at His best. Anyway, I had left the local Church I was a part of for awhile. During this dark time, I frequented some of the bars with some friends. During this period, God had shown glimpses of Himself to me. Reminders that He had not forgotten me and that I was still his child. I had once again drunk from the putrid waters of pleasure from a world I was redeemed from. I fed off the husks of the world, and experienced the emptiness and dissatisfaction, when my Father had the fatted calf, the signet ring, and robe in waiting.  Here I was, a child of the King wallowing in the pigpen of the world. Yet, the moment came, when I came to my senses. One night while returning home, I turned aside from the sidewalk I was on, and found a quiet dark corner in between a building. There I met with my heavenly Father, wept, and repented of my sin and rebellion. I had expected God to really come down on me hard with the discipline of His judgment, instead, I was met with the discipline of His Grace!  Like the father who lovingly welcomed back his rebellious son, so the Lord welcomed me back. I cannot change the past, but I sure can change the present with the Lord’s help, which in turn will change my future for the better for God’s glory! So what was the Lord teaching me through all this? He was purging me of the unbeliever’s version of God. A god created from the clay of the unbeliever’s vain imaginings and misconceptions of who God really is. Wherein I thought to be met with an angry and vengeful God for the wrong I did, I was met instead by a gracious and loving Father. Now that’s grace! Amazing GRACE!

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

-John Newton.

Beloved Lord, indeed, your grace astounds me! Yes, how slow we are to grasp the truth that You are not a tyrant ready to beat us over the head the moment we slip up and get out of line. You are much gracious than that! Even though we deserve Your judgment, You instead entreat us with Your kind grace. What an awesome God we serve! Amen!

THE ORIGINAL ROOT OF EVIL IN MAN

"Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful." 

(Romans 7:13, KJV).

Modern Christianity talks a lot about the fruit of evil almost to the exclusion of the root of evil. Sure, the Church may talk about Satan, the fall, sin, evil, etc. But it is mostly surface stuff, and like I said, most of the focus is on the fruit of evil as opposed to the root of evil. More focus needs to be put into a better understanding of the root of evil. For it is only when we gain a better understanding of the root of evil, will we begin to gain a greater understanding and awareness of how bad evil truly is. It is hard to meet and fight an enemy on the battlefield, if we are ignorant of his motives and strategy of warfare he wages against us. FIRST, God's law from His Word like an x-ray reveals to us our sinfulness.  "For through the Law comes the knowledge of sin." (Rom. 3:20, NASB). SECOND, another way of gaining a better understanding of our own sinfulness is to get into the presence of God. There we will experience His holiness, which in turn, the light of His holiness will expose the sin and evil in our own hearts. For he who is intouch with the evil in his own heart will be intouch with the evil in his neighbor's heart. Peter received a revelation of his own sinfulness, when he confessed: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” (Luke 5:8, ESV). In the Old Testament, Job also got a revelation of his own sinfulness before God and said: "therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:6, ESV). The Prophet Isaiah, when he saw the Lord of Glory, cried out: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” (Isa. 6:5, ESV).

A lot of people balk at the idea of God judging sin so severely, they contend what the big deal is about sin and evil, and why does God's judgement on sin have to be so harsh? Especially when the subject of hell is brought up, which reveals their lack of understanding the evil nature of sin. Such people do not understand God's holiness, justice, and judgment. Until they understand the pernicious nature of sin, only then will such a person comprehend the evil nature of sin and the harm it does, and why God must judge those who are unrepentant of their sinfulness. Of course, the exceeding sinfulness of our sin cannot be understood, let alone comprehended until God reveals it to us. This indeed, is a kindness of God, since we are dead in our trespasses and sins (see Eph. 2:1). It is only when we are awakened to face the dreadfulness of our sin will we be ready to seek for a remedy for our sin problem. This is where Christ comes in and the value of His sacrifice on the Cross for our sin.

O Lord, give us a keen sense of our sinfulness, lest we boast in our self-righteousness; give us an awareness of Your holiness, lest we lose our reverence and awe of You; give us a sense of our own emptiness apart from You, lest we be full of our sinful selves, when we should be filled with Your holy presence. In Christ Jesus name we ask, Amen.

A 20 POINT OUTLINE FROM "THE ALMOST CHRISTIAN DISCOVERED"

By Matthew Mead 

"You almost persuade me to become a Christian!" Acts 26:28 

How far a man may go in the way to heaven--and yet be but almost a Christian? This shown in twenty various steps:

1. A man may have much knowledge--and yet be but almost a Christian.

2. A man may have great and eminent spiritual gifts--and yet be but almost a Christian.

3. A man may have a high profession of religion, be much in external duties of godliness--and yet be but almost a Christian.

4. A man may go far in opposing his sin--and yet be but almost a Christian.

5. A man may hate sin--and yet be but almost a Christian.

6. A man may make great vows and promises, strong purposes and resolutions against sin--and yet be but an almost Christian.

7. A man may maintain a strife and combat against sin--and yet be but almost a Christian.

8. A man may be a member of a Christian church--and yet be but almost a Christian.

9. A man may have great hopes of Heaven--and yet be but almost a Christian.

10. A man may be under visible changes--and yet be but almost a Christian.

11. A man may be very zealous in matters of religion--and yet be but almost a Christian.

12. A man may be much in prayer--and yet be but almost a Christian.

13. A man may suffer for Christ--and yet be but almost a Christian.

14. A man may be called by God and embrace his call--and yet be but an almost Christian.

15. A man may have the Spirit of God--and yet be but almost a Christian.

16. A man may have faith--and yet be but almost a Christian.

17. A man may have a love to the people of God--and yet be but almost a Christian.

18. A man may obey the commands of God--and yet be but almost a Christian.

19. A man may be sanctified--and yet be but almost a Christian.

20. A man may do all the external duties and worship which a true Christian can--and yet be but almost a Christian.

HOOK UP CULTURE AND THE CHRISTIAN

“Now flee from youthful lusts…” 

(2 Timothy 2:22, NASB).

“Flee from sexual immorality…” 

(1 Cor. 6:18, ESV).

Can a man take fire in his bosom And his clothes not be burned?
(Prov. 6:27, NASB).

In today’s culture hardly anyone anymore bats an eye at sexual immorality such as adultery, fornication, or homosexuality. Many people’s conscience is deadened to such sins. It is no longer a big deal to a lot of people. Sadder still is the fact that “Hook-up culture” is not only thriving, but such sexual vices are approved of (or celebrated) as well (see Rom. 1:32). However, what you never hear talked about from this sub-culture of vice are the consequences associated with such sinful practices. So what are these consequences? (1.) The danger of contracting an STD or the HIV virus that causes AIDS and passing it on to others; (2.) Then there is pregnancy out of wedlock; (3.) Then there is the “comparison of one’s current lover to the last sexual partner” game that never seems to end well; (4.) Addiction to sexual sin. (5.) Multiple sexual partners makes sexual intimacy and bonding with a life’s partner much more difficult; (6.) Contributes to marital unfaithfulness. (7.) Men are less likely to respect or want to marry women who are promiscuous. (8.) Need I say that sexual immorality is sin before God (see 1 Cor. 6:18). This is why Paul warned Timothy to "flee from youthful lusts" (2 Tim. 2:22); and again, The Apostle warns the Church at Corinth to "flee from sexual immorality" (1 Cor. 6:18). Dear friend and fellow Christian, are you struggling with youthful lusts, are you tempted by what Hook-up Culture has to offer? Remember, the consequences I listed earlier. Take heart, the Lord knows all about your struggles and is able to deliver you from them. "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Cor. 10:13, ESV).

Lord, this world takes such wonderful gifts as sex and corrupts it into something you never intended to be. I’m sure this world that practices sexual immorality grieves your heart, and so it should. Dear Lord, it’s not just the act of sexual immorality that displeases you, it is the very thought of it that took root in the human heart that began the downward fall into sexual sin. O God, search our hearts and see if there be any impure sexual thoughts and forgive us of such sins, and wash us of all such sexually sinful thoughts in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

CAN GOD FORGIVE SINS APART FROM HIS SACRIFICE?

"And without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

(Hebrews 9:22, NASB)

A friend had recently challenged me with this question: “Since Jesus is God, why can’t He just forgive us of our sins without the need to die for our sins on the Cross? Since He is God, this shouldn’t be a problem for Him. His dying on the Cross was unnecessary to forgive us of our sins. So why bother?” Great question. First, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (see Heb. 9:22). Second, because sin had brought death to man, another had to die in man’s place, one without sin in order to redeem man back to God. Since sin brought death to man, a Man was required to bring death to sin, so that man may have the opportunity to have life once again (see Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:1, 5; 1:7). Third, also His ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts our thoughts (see Isa. 55:8). God doesn't need our permission to run the universe, nor does He do things the way we want Him to. He is God, we are not. So can sinners be forgiven apart from Jesus' sacrifice? No! Why? Because "without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" for our sins. (see text).

Dear Lord, how thankful We are that forgiveness is found in Christ. Nothing can wash away our sin, except the blood of Jesus. O how precious is His blood to His redeemed children! There are those who believe your death, burial, and resurrection was unnecessary. However, your children who have been forgiven know better. We know how wonderful it is to drop our burden of sin and guilt at the foot of the Cross and by faith found forgiveness in the Lord Jesus Christ. O bless His Holy Name! Amen.

A SHADOW OF INFLUENCE

“For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.” 

(Psalm 63:7, NASB).

A shadow is an extension or reflection of either a living or non-living object. Shadow casting is contingent on light, without light there is no shadow casting. Since non-living objects can’t move unless moved by a force outside itself, its shadow is fixed where it is placed. Therefore, when light shines on it, the shadow casts in a fixed place wherever the position the light is cast upon it. The truth is this present world has its shadows, whereas heaven does not. Now that’s not to say shadows are bad, no, they have their purpose. For example, resting under the shade [or shadow] of a tree can give us some relief from the heat of the sun. Second, the shadows of an eagle’s wings gives both warmth and protection to the young eaglets. So as we can see, shadows do have a certain power and influence. However, without light, there can really be no “shadow” of influence. The fact is, it takes light shining on an object to cast a shadow. The Apostle James refers to God as the “Father of lights” (James 1:17). Even more interesting is the fact that there is no shadow found in Him. We cast shadows, but God does not. Why? Because He is Light, whereas we only reflect light. A full moon shines brightly at night, but the moon itself is not a light. It only reflects the light from the source it draws from, the sun. As believers in Christ, do we draw our light from the Son, the Light of all lights? If we are walking in the Light, then we have the assurance we will reflect that light to the world. Oh, may the light of Christ in us draw people to the love of Christ, while the light may cast our shadow, may it be a shadow of influence that brings refreshment and protection to those who we lead and disciple in Christ. The only time Christ ever cast a shadow was when His glory was veiled in flesh and was hung on a Cross. It was this shadow cast from this particular Cross that has influenced the lives of millions from ages past to the present. May the shadow we cast from the cross we are called to bare influence the lives of everyone God has placed in our lives.

Lord, shadows and light. We are the mixture of both. The shadows we cast reminds us that we are not that light, but rather we are reflecters of the Light of life. The Light we reflect reminds us of the Christ who dwells in our heart. Without Him we could never reflect the Light of Christ. Yes, we may cast shadows, and shadows have their place of influence, but you O Lord, cast no shadows, because You are pure Light, whereas we are but passing shadows that only have power to cast its influence, when the Light of the world, Christ shines on us. Amen.

A BEAUTY THAT IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

“To bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown in order to display her beauty to the people and the princes, for she was beautiful.” 

(Esther 1:11, NASB).

In Esther chapter one, we read about one queen, who defied the king’s command and got deposed and demoted. Then we later read about the king’s search for another woman to take her place. Who better to take her place than godly Esther? So who is this queen who defied the king’s command? Her name was Vashti. Her name means “vanity.” She was a woman of great beauty in the sight of all who saw her. This is why the king liked to call for her, to parade her around. In other words, the king liked showing off how beautiful his wife was. The only problem with Vashti’s physical beauty is that it has an expiry date. No wonder the writer of Proverbs said, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” (Prov. 31:30, NASB). Such praise for the vanity of physical beauty that will pass had a short life span. This raises some serious questions. Does a woman just want to be praised and known for her physical beauty alone? Did such beauty save her from being deposed from her position as queen? The truth is, Vashti’s beauty was more earth bound than heaven bound, more outward than inward, more focused on what was passing than what would last for eternity. Now let us take a little closer look at Queen Vashti's Defiance, her Deposition, and Demotion. 
(1.) Queen Vashti's Defiance: She disobeyed the king's order delivered by the eunuchs (1:12, 15). The seriousness of her disobeying the command of the king had to do with the natural order of headship in creation (see 1 Cor. 11:3). It's this act of despising the king's authority that had to be dealt with. Now the king was not without fault here as well. His inhibitions were impaired due to his alcohol consumption, and made a request that Vashti refused to obey.
(2.) Queen Vashti's Deposition: "If it pleases the king, let a royal edict be issued by him and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti may no longer come into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and let the king give her royal position to another who is more worthy than she." (see Est. 1:19, NASB). Due to her refusal to come to the king when he called for her to come, resulted in Vashti being deposed from her throne as queen. She had been removed from her office and position as the edict says in the above text.
(3.) Queen Vashti's Demotion: She lost her position as queen by king Ahasuerus' side. She enjoyed the luxuries and comforts that came with her position as Queen; but she quickly suffered a reduction in rank and status, due to her defiance of the king's command. She was not only stripped of her rank as queen, she was also divorced from her husband the king as well. Indeed, her disobedience was costly. Had she known this, I'm sure she would not have defied the king's command.