THE BLOOD: BLESSING OR CURSE?

"...and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin."

(1 John 1:7, NASB)

When man first sinned against his Creator and God in the Garden, death was the result of the curse sin had brought upon mankind (see Rom. 5:12). Despite man’s fall into sin that brought such misery and death into the world, God provided an answer, a solution if you will to man’s plight of sin. Scripture says “the life of the flesh is in the blood,” (Lev. 17:11, NASB); whereas death is in sin. So we have the dual nature of the blood of Christ presented to man. To those who reject the forgiveness that is found in the blood, sin’s curse will be their end, whereas those who accept the forgiveness found in the blood of Christ, the blessing of the blood will bring eternal life. Indeed there is power in the blood. There are other examples of duality mentioned in the Bible...(To be Continued)

Would you do service for Jesus your King?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
There's wonderful power in the blood.

- Lewis E. Jones

IN SEARCH OF THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"

(2 Corinthians 9:15, NASB)

Recently I watched a Christmas movie called “Elf” starring Will Farrell. In the movie there was an interesting line stated by Santa Claus: “The Christmas spirit is not about seeing, but believing.” In a sense, this is true. Unfortunately this movie misses the mark big time. The true spirit of Christmas is not about Santa Claus, or getting presents, festive parties, and family gatherings during Christmas. No, Christmas is about the birth of Christ and why He came into the world. 

I believe it is this Christmas spirit that is lacking among many of God’s people today.  Commercialism seems to have drowned out the true Spirit of Christmas. People are more interested in getting than giving, more interested in Christmas turkey dinners, family, friends, and such other social events during Christmas than celebrating the the real meaning behind Christmas. Christmas has the name "Christ" in it for a reason. The true spirit of Christmas is about reflecting upon the birth of Christ and celebrating this fact. The shepherds were told by the angels the good news: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11, KJV). Just as the rejoiced in this truth, so should we as recipients of God's Salvation. Too many people get so focused on their gifts that they fail to see and appreciate the greatest Gift of all, the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gift of Salvation. 

The world had no room for the baby Jesus, yet there was room in a humble stable where Christ lay in a manger. Friend, as you go about your Christmas festivies ask yourself this question. Do you have room in your heart to repents and received by faith the Salvation provided by what Christ accomplished on the cross? If you receive Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, you will experience the true Spirit of Christmas during this season. 

THE GIRL WITH NO EARS?

(NOTE: THe little girl in the picture above is NOT the little girl without ears I once knew so many years ago. She just represents her).

“They have ears, but they cannot hear” 

(Psalm 115:6, NASB).

Many years ago, when I was a young boy of around 8 or 9 years old, I was admitted into the hospital for sick children in Ontario, to undergo a serious operation on my kidneys. I remember being self-conscious around other children my age in regards to my missing thumb on my left hand. I remember one day while playing in the children’s toy room, which was rather large from what I can remember. There I frequently talked with and played with other sick children. Then one day, a couple of little girls I haven't seen before, roughly around my age, came into the play room. Feeling a little self-conscious, I hid my left hand in my pant pocket. I was feeling a little depressed that day as I thought about my missing thumb and the fights I would get into with other kids who would mock me, and remind me of my missing body part, which usually would erupt into a fight. Anyway, a girl who was a couple years older than me noticed I was sad. She was familiar with me coming to the play room each day. She new the arguments and fights that sometimes would happen over the fact I had no left thumb. So after enquiring about why I was sad, she introduced me to a beautiful dark haired girl who had come in with the other girls I hadn't seen before. The older girl told me my missing thumb was only a minor disability. She then said "try getting through life deaf and having no ears." Then she drew my attention to the pretty little girl with us, and said she was deaf and had a birth defect where she had no ears.  Funny how people who are deaf, or have no ears like this little girl can hear the needs of others far better than those of us who have ears and can hear. How true are the words of the psalmist, “They have ears, but they cannot hear” (Psalm 115:6, NASB). Often we can be just like these dumb idols.

FEELING DISSATISFIED, BE SATISFIED IN CHRIST!

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5, ESV).

There are times when I am alone with my thoughts that I experience a sense of dissatisfaction with the things of this present life. For example, my birthday should be a time of celebration for God’s goodness to me over the past year. Yet, I find myself experiencing the hollow dissatisfaction of spending my Birthday alone. Then there is Christmas time and all its commercialism that kills the true meaning of the holiday season. I enjoy each year spending Christmas home with my family, still that sense of being bored or dissatisfied is still with me. It’s like such times have lost their meaning, their freshness and life. Not only that, but it seems I have more of a keen awareness of being dissatisfied with a lot of things in my life. Despite how I feel, I am determined to find my delight in the Lord and Him alone. For true lasting satisfaction can only come from Him. For the Christian, Christmas is much more than jolly feelings during this festive time, it’s about remembering and celebrating the birth of Christ and why He came into the world. Satisfaction is not found in the passing things of this present life, but rather true satisfaction can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ. The psalmist writes: “For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” (Psalm 107:9, ESV). See also “The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10, ESV); “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11, ESV); “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matt. 5:6, ESV). The term satisfied is expressed in each of these Bible verses mentioned in these key phrases, “satisfies, fills,”  “lack no good thing,” “No good thing does he withhold,” “satisfied.” 

Dissatisfaction or Contentment,

These fruits are quite the pair!

One is rotten, while the other is fresh,

Choose one if you dare!

Two fruits with one choice,

One is bitter, while the other is sweet!

One is awful to the taste,

While the other is a treat that can't be beat!

The fruit of discontentment eats away at your soul,

While you eat of its bitterness.

The fruit of satisfaction fills the emptiness inside,

While you eat of its sweetness,

In Christ you must abide!

Others May, You Cannot!

 by George Watson, 1845-1924

"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 16:24-25

If God has called you to be truly like Jesus, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility. He will put on you such demands of obedience, that you will not be allowed to follow other Christians. In many ways, He seems to let other believers do things which He will not let you do.

Others who seem to be very religious and useful, may push themselves up to be admired, and scheme to carry out their plans, but you cannot. If you attempt it, you will meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.

Others can brag about themselves, their work, their successes, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing. If you begin to do so, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.

Others will be allowed to succeed in making great sums of money, or in having a legacy left to them, or in having luxuries, but God may supply you only on a day-to-day basis, because He wants you to have something far better than gold—a helpless dependence on Him and His unseen treasury.

The Lord may let others be honored and put forward, while keeping you hidden in obscurity, because He wants to produce some choice, fragrant fruit in you, which can only be produced in the shade.

God may let others be great, but He will keep you small. He will let others do a work for Him and get the credit, but He will make you work and toil without others knowing how much you are doing. Then, to make your work still more precious, He will let others get the credit for the work which you have done. This to teach you the message of the Cross and humility.

The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch on you, and with a jealous love rebuke you for careless words and feelings, or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over.

So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign and has a right to do as He pleases with His own and that He may not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle your reason in His dealings with you.

If you absolutely give yourself to be His slave, He will wrap you up in a jealous love and let other Christian people say and do many things which you cannot.

However, know this great secret of the Kingdom: When you are so completely possessed with the living God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this peculiar, personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, then you will have found the vestibule of Heaven, the high calling of God.

Genesis 6:1-4

By: Timothy Klaver

Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. Then the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." There were tyrants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. (Genesis 6:1-4)

Where did the fabulous (something of fables) interpretation of angels co-mingling with women and producing extraordinary offspring come from? Is it another of the grand imaginations of Dispensationalism? Probably not, but they do seem to give the most impetus to it.

The first two verses are pretty straightforward. We may accept them as they stand. לקח אשׁה (to take a wife) is a standing expression through the entire Old Testament for the marriage relationship established by God at creation, and it is never applied to πορνεια or the simple act of physical connection. Any idea of polygamy is also excluded. It merely indicates discriminating selection of beautiful wives, choice from among those who were eligible. The statement of these two verses is sufficient enough in itself to exclude any references to angels. Christ Jesus stated clearly that angels cannot marry (Matt. 22:30; Mark 12:25; cf. Luke 20:34).

The main thing to clarify and get out of the way is the content of verse 3. Some Christians believe and teach that this verse is saying that the age of man will be capped at 120 years, that he will not age beyond that. Given the context of the chapter, this notion is ridiculous. It is correctly understood as God giving a respite of 120 years to those presently living on the Earth. God's sentence was made known to Noah in his 480th year, to be preached by him as "preacher of righeousness" (2 Pet. 2:5). "Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of water came upon the earth" (Gen. 7:6).

So, the first three verses are clear enough to us. There exist no problems with our understanding of these three verses. Where the confusion exists is regarding verse 4, quite frequently ripped from its immediate context and applied with fantastical (something of fantasies) interpretations. So this is where we will focus our examination.

There were tyrants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. (v. 4)

In the Septuagint, נפלים is rendered as γιγαντες, which is likely where our idea of "giants" is derived. However, how do we know that ancient English translations used "giants" in the manner our modern minds like to conjure up first? (Our modern minds have the same failure when it comes to the words "unicorn" and "dragon," too.)  The term "mighty men . . . of renown" may explain the word "giants," or it may explain the children born to the sons of God. "Mighty," gibbowr, means "powerful, mighty, strong; by implication: warrior, champion, valiant man, hero." "Renown," shem, means "a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication: honor, authority, character, fame, reputation, renown." There are three ways in which we can approach this verse:

1. Giants: Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language defines "giant" as: "n. 1. A man of extraordinary bulk and stature. 2. A person of extraordinary strength or powers, bodily or intellectual. The judge is a giant in his profession." If "mighty men . . . of renown" explains the word "giants," then the second definition seems appropriate, further describing the character and reputation of these men.
    
2. Tyrants: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance defines the Hebrew word nephilim as "fellers: a bully or tyrant." It comes from the Hebrew word naphal, "to fall, to cast down, to fell, to slay, to smite." (See Joshua 11:7.) If "mighty men . . . of renown" explains the children born to the sons of God, it likely points to outstanding good men. They were possibly champions of impeccable character and reputation who stood against the tyrants that were in the Earth in those days. Keil & Delitzsch, in their Commentary on the Old Testament, write: "'The same were mighty men:' this might point back to the Nephilim; but it is a more natural supposition, that it refers to the children born to the sons of God. 'These,' i.e., the sons sprung from those marriages, 'are the heroes, those renowned heroes of old.'"
    
3. Tyrants: The term "mighty men . . . of renown" may explain the word "tyrants," further describing the character and reputation of these men. Martin Luther called them "tyrants," commenting, "Nephilim non dictos a magnitudine corporum, sicut Rabbini putant, sed a tyrannide et oppressione quod vi grassati sint, nulla habita ratione legum aut honestatis, sed simpliciter indulgentes suis voluptatibus et cupiditatibus." That is, "The Nephilim are not named from the size of their bodies, as the Rabbis say, but from tyranny and oppression by violent force, without consideration for laws or honour, but simply indulging in their pleasures and desires." Matthew Poole, in his Commentary on the Whole Bible, writes: "Giants; men so called, partly from their high stature, but principally for their great strength and force, whereby they oppressed and tyrannized over others: for this is mentioned as another sin, and cause of the flood; and therefore they seem to be here noted, not for the height of their stature, which is no crime, but for their violence, which also is expressed beneath, ver 11, 13. ... men of renown, i.e. famous in their generations; when indeed they should have been infamous for the abuse of their stature and strength to tyranny and cruelty."

This verse states clearly that "The [nephilim] were on the Earth in those days, and also after that." So the imaginative notion that the nephilim were the miraculous result of these marriages is outrageous and far fetched. Matthew Poole comments, "After that time there arose a new generation or succession of that sort of men." The verse is likely saying, "In those days, there were tyrants on the Earth, and also after that when the Sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them." Quite possibly the children may have been influenced by the violent, oppressive, wicked men before them and thus rejected the virtue and religion of their ancestors.

There are two substantial problems with the two major views of this verse where "giants" is understood to mean individuals "of extraordinary bulk and stature."

1. The Fallen Angels View: Jesus made it clear that angels cannot marry (Matt. 22:30; Mark 12:25; cf. Luke 20:34). Enough said. If that is not sufficient, then answer these: Do angels, by nature, possess a material corporeality adequate to the contraction of a human marriage? Or, by rebellion against their Creator, can they acquire it? Are there some creatures in heaven and on earth which, through sinful degeneracy, or by sinking into an unnatural state, can become possessed of the power, which they have not by nature, of generating and propagating their species? Another point of consideration; if angels are the villains, then why is God's anger directed against humans?
2. The Sethite View: Scripture says, "Do not be bound together with unbelievers" (2 Cor. 6:14). A believer (the Sons of God) marrying an unbeliever (the daughters of men) will not result in offspring that is physiologically different from their parents. This is the kind of belief that gives rise to the heresy that children of inter-marriages or "unequally yoked" marriages are demonic, in contradiction to Scripture: "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy" (1 Cor. 7:14).

Given the context, what seems to be the more likely interpretation of verse 4? Clearly not the two views above if "men of extraordinary bulk and stature" is understood. Every other place that "giants" appears in the Old Testament, the Hebrew word רפא (rapha) is used. Nephilim only appears in two verses in the Old Testament: Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33. Concerning the passage in Numbers, a footnote in Keil & Delitzsch's Commentary on the Old Testament reads, "the term Nephilim cannot signify giants, since the spies not only mention them especially along with the inhabitants of the land, who are described as people of great statue, but single out only a portion of the Nephilim as 'sons of Anak'."

The union of the Sons of God and the daughters of men is not what provoked God. God's annoyance is not with their nuptial arrangement. The Bible tells believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14), but God does not condemn such marriages (1 Cor. 7:12-14). Children are considered holy if even one parent is a believer. Some people point out that God's displeasure comes chronologically before the Nephilim, and therefore He is provoked with their illicit nuptial unions. This concept has its problems as the Law regarding unequally yoked marriages had not yet been instituted. What provoked God was the violence and oppression impressed upon their fellow man by these tyrants. This is verified by the contents of verses 11 and 13: "Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence. ... Then God said to Noah, 'The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth.'" God was not destroying the Earth because of their marriage partners. He would have said as much to Noah otherwise.

Based on the information we have just looked at, here are two verses that help put things in perspective:

"These four were born to the giant (rapha, רפא) in Gath, and they fell (naphal, נפל—from where Nephilim, נפלים comes from) by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants" (2 Sam. 21:22).
"These were descended from the giants (rapha, רפא) in Gath, and they fell (naphal, נפל—from where Nephilim, נפלים comes from) by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants" (1 Chron. 20:8).

When you eliminate the illogical and nonsensical, whatever remains is likely closer to the truth than the fantastical and fabulous imaginations you had prior. Examine the context, interpret Scripture with Scripture, and consult the whole counsel of the Word of God. Be responsible students of God's Word, having great reverence and respect for it.

WHAT A KISS MEANS

"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine" 

(Song of Solomon 1:2, ESV).

Notice here first that the bride says "let him kiss me." There is no mention of her initiating the kissing. She is the one being pursued, not her pursuing him. It would have been overbearing and unlady like for her to kiss him. "We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19, KJV). The truth is, it is God who pursues us. How can a sinner who hates God pursue Him? Second, we read in the text above about the Shulammite woman's desire for her lover's kisses. To her, his love is better than wine. The meaning here is simple. The young Shulammite bride is saying her groom's affectionate kisses are better than earthly pleasure. This truth is further brought out in verse 4: "We will rejoice in you and be glad; We will extol your love more than wine. Rightly do they love you." Here we see three actions the daughters of Jerusalem did. First, they "rejoiced" in the King's person; Second, they "extolled" [praised, exulted] the King's great love more than earthly pleasure; Third, they "rightly" love the King. They are commended for loving the King. His reputation won the respect, affection, and admiration of the Shulammite and the virgins. 

From verses 1 to 4 we are given the reasons why the Shulammite Bride and maidens love the King. 

1. The King's "love" is genuine, not FALSE. A love that brings security to the one loved.

2. The King's "oils" carry a bad smell, but a pleasing FRAGRANCE (see Song 4:10; John 12:3). There is nothing displeasing about his character. Is not Christ fragrant in His person? We read in John 12:3 that not only was the sinful woman’s worship costly, its fragrance was pleasing to the Lord Jesus as well. Yet, here we read in Song 4:10 of the fragrance of the king’s oils. His oils are also costly. So costly, that it cost God the Father to send His only beloved Son to die for our sins. The Father could say of the Son’s earthly life, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!" (Matt. 17:5, NASB). Is He not worth worshipping?

3. The King's "name" is not soiled, but is like oil FILTERED (see Eccl. 7:1; Prov. 22:1). The King was known for his good reputation. Neither fine oils or riches can ever compare to a good name. A reputation not soiled by deceit or corruption.

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. 

SEEING THE LORD IN HOLINESS

“Without holiness no one will see the Lord.”  
(Hebrews 12:14, NIV).

The Lord is the absolute embodiment of Holiness. Holiness is at the very heart of His character. There is no spot or wrinkle of ungodliness in Him. There is no un-God-likeness in Him, for if there was, He would cease to be Himself. Because God is Holy, we are to be holy (see 1 Pet. 1:16). In ourselves we are not holy, but in Christ we are. For the eyes of our flesh cannot see God, but the eyes of holiness can see Him. Holiness in character is required to see God. The more holy we become in character, the more clearly we see Him. Many of God’s dear children desire to be holy, but are not holy in life and character (see Rom. 3:23; 5:12). Often, we are so eager and good at making a holy show, but are not so willing to suffer the cost associated with showing ourselves holy. Holiness involves suffering. Holiness can only be obtained through the purifying flame of suffering. Again, many Christians desire holiness, but dread the process required to be holy. It is one thing to fear the flames of hell, but quite another to fear the flaming baptism associated with holiness. Both require death, but only one brings life anew from the ashes of death. Dear fellow Christian, do not conceive the idea in your heart that you can become holy without applying the flame of suffering; nor deceive yourself into thinking in your pride you can obtain holiness in the energy of your flesh. For the Scripture says, “That no flesh should glory in his presence.” (1 Cor. 1:29, KJV). If that is the case, that you glory in your own self righteousness, then you fail to understand the Holiness of God. A proper understanding of God’s Holiness reveals our lack of holiness, which in turn should create in us a hunger for Christ like holiness. For it is when we are most holy, we are most like our God. It is when we are most holy, we are best able to bring glory to the Lord in our worship.

Dear Lord, thank You that your righteousness is imputed on us. So that whenever our Heavenly Father sees us, He sees us in His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We know Lord all our righteousness are as filthy rags before your absolute Holiness (see Isa. 64:6). Nevertheless, we are called to walk in holiness, not according to our flesh that is reckoned to be dead, but in the Spirit we are to walk. For holiness is not found in ourselves, but in Christ. Amen.

The Blessing of Persecution?

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” (Matthew 5:11, NASB).

Being persecuted for what we believe as a Christian is never easy. Yet this is a part of what it means to follow Christ. It should not surprise us when people speak evil of us, insult us, and belittle us for living Christ. What's more interesting is the fact Jesus says such people are "blessed." More about that later. The Apostle Paul echoes Jesus’ words in today’s text, when he wrote: “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Tim. 3:12, NASB). Do you ever wonder why you don’t suffer persecution for the name of Christ, or that you really don’t see fellow Christians suffering for the name of Christ? The answer is this, because we are really not living Christ before a godless world. Our problem is we have become too comfortable, complacent, and worldly in this present evil world. We are supposed to be salt and light to a world of perishing sinners. Yet, we live our lives as though we don’t know God, nor the need all around us. Are we really loving our neighbors by remaining silent? Noted revivalist writer, Leonard Ravenhill wrote: “The early Church was married to Poverty, Prisons, and Persecutions. Today, “The Church” is married to Prosperity, Personality, and Popularity.” This quote is definitely an accurate description of today’s Church. We are too busy compromising our faith to be popular in the world, rather than stand for God’s truth and suffer persecution. If the truth be told, we as the Church are more married to the world then we are to Christ! I came across a quote recently that said this, “A man who won’t die for something, isn’t fit to live”—Martin Luther King Jr. The fear of death is a snare, the Christian martyrs of old knew this. So they learned to die to themselves first until they feared disobeying God more than they feared death. It is when the fear of death loses its hold on us that we find the freedom to really live for Christ. Just as the blood of Christ gave birth to the Church, so the blood of the martyrs from the past and the present was and still is the seed of the Church. As mentioned earlier, such Christians who are persecuted for their faith in Christ are "blessed." First, they are blessed in sharing in the sufferings of Christ (see Phil. 3:10). Second, they are blessed in that such persecution reveals whether they are truly identifying with Christ or the world (see 1 John 2:15). Third, they are blessed in that such persecution has a way of testing our true motives in following Christ. Are we in it for Christ, or ourselves?

Lord, we know the fear of man is a snare to our soul, just as the fear of death is. Lord, help us to settle the matter forever about fearing persecution for your name. Help us to count it our privilege to suffer persecution for your honor and glory. In Christ’s name. Amen.

DON'T JUDGE ME UNTIL YOU ARE PERFECT

Came across this quote from a friend's post here on Facebook. It reads as follows:

"Judge me when you're perfect. Shut up when you're not." -Author Unknown.

Actually, the logic in this quote above is faulty, in that it dismisses any judgment on the grounds that nobody is perfect, therefore it manipulates people into silence, when judgment is really needed on serious matters. Besides, the quote contradicts itself anyway by judging people into silence. So on this grounds, the author of this quote is guilty of judging, which the logic behind this quote doesn't allow him or her to do, since they too are not perfect. Therefore, they are judged into silence as well.

Now having said the above, I realize there are times when bad judgment is made against someone. For example, judging someone in haste without knowing all the facts, especially when they are found to be innocent is never good. It is bad judgment on the part of him or her who judged. The fact is, we all make judgment calls on a daily bases. We judge what we are going to do, what we are going to wear, what we are going to eat, what is safe, or what is harmful, etc. The fact is we ALL judge. When we are going to judge another person on an issue, or their behavior, we should make sure we know the facts before making a judgment. For those who hastily judge others, will soon find themselves being judged in haste. So if we judge others, let's be sure it is done in righteous judgment.

The fact is, we should always judge our own personal lives first, and make any wrongs or offenses we've committed against others right. Then we will be in a better position to see and judge more clearly and compassionately the offenses and wrongs others commit against us. Like the Lord Jesus says, "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:5, NASB).

Lord God, sometimes we come across as being judgmental to others. Help us to be wise in our judgments. Too often we judge others without knowing all the facts, or the motive behind why such a judgment was made. We all make judgments on a daily bases. It is a part of life. Lord, when we make a judgment call on someone, help us to judge with righteous judgment. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.