Sin is very serious to God, He never takes it lightly, He cannot be in the presence of sin, any amount of sin.
When we realize that!!!!
Luke 17:1-4
"3 So watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
Romans 6:23
"For the WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
1 John 3:4
"Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness."
James 1:15
"Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
Galatians 5:19-21
"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
THIS IS JUST HOW SERIOUS SIN IS TO GOD!!!
Now are we ready to warn those who are headed for hell that they are in danger....after which we give them the Good news, that Christ paid the price, it didn't come cheap, and our only hope is to trust Christ, and turn from our evil ways.
Warning first, then the good news. If they will not receive it, we have our marching instructions:
Matthew 10:14
""Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet."
Friday, August 29, 2014
No One is Forgiven without Repentance!
Jeremiah 36:3
"3 It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the adversities which I purpose to bring upon them, that everyone may turn from his evil way, that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin."
The Lord cannot forgive the sin of a nation when the nation is not repentant.
"3 It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the adversities which I purpose to bring upon them, that everyone may turn from his evil way, that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin."
The Lord cannot forgive the sin of a nation when the nation is not repentant.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Forget What You Have Been Told; Ask God!
Will everyone just go to prayer and ask God about this
matter of forgiveness. Yes a believer must have it in their heart, but the
superficial way it is being taught leaves the act of forgiveness impotent
without purpose or teeth. Read carefully all the scriptures that pertain to
forgiveness, read each word in the passages and pray over them.
We have more forgiveness in our culture than ever before, at
least in words, but more filth, crime and rebellion than ever before. What do
you think has happened? I am convinced it is partly because we have learned
platitudes that sound good but have no power in them.
We must learn the right way to forgive and it's purpose,
otherwise we will walk around with a glazed look on our face saying "I
forgive, I forgive", while tearing up inside.
Please let God show you this matter of forgiveness. It is
commendable that so many want to be forgiving, but if it is not understood, we
can actually stand in the way of God's blessing for someone who might repent
because their sin has been exposed and dealt with.
Let God show us through His Word, try to forget all that you
hear in our culture and all that you have been taught seeking Christ in prayer
over this matter.
Forgiveness Has Been Misunderstood
Matthew 5:21-24 "“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
Perhaps those who don't want to require forgiveness, don't want others to require it of them. This makes very bad relationships. We are to talk things out, admit our wrongs and forgive others their wrongs. When we sweep things under the rug, we can temporarily superficially mask over things, but nothing is resolved and no one grows.
It is easier to let something go, calling it forgiveness, when all it is, is cowardess, not wanting to confront a sin.
We do not grow in holiness as believers if we will not admit our sin. We must call one another to account to help one another. This superficial and impotent forgiveness of today does nothing for anyone.
The excuse is that we are to forgive for our own sake, no one will be able to give a scripture that says this. It is a humanistic, everything is about self mentality.
We do not forgive for ourselves. We forgive a brother or sister for their sake and if they have come to confess to us.
James 5:16 "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."
When we offend others!
Matthew 5:21-24 "“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
When others offend us!
Matthew 18:15-17 "15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’[a] 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."
When dealing with the unsaved world we are to;
Luke 6:27-28 "27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you."
The verse in Luke does not apply to brothers and sisters in Christ, because they are not our enemies as verse 27 describes.
It is clear that we are to take abuse from the world and do no harm to anyone. With brothers and sisters in Christ we are to confront sin and abuses for the purpose of reconciliation.
Perhaps those who don't want to require forgiveness, don't want others to require it of them. This makes very bad relationships. We are to talk things out, admit our wrongs and forgive others their wrongs. When we sweep things under the rug, we can temporarily superficially mask over things, but nothing is resolved and no one grows.
It is easier to let something go, calling it forgiveness, when all it is, is cowardess, not wanting to confront a sin.
We do not grow in holiness as believers if we will not admit our sin. We must call one another to account to help one another. This superficial and impotent forgiveness of today does nothing for anyone.
The excuse is that we are to forgive for our own sake, no one will be able to give a scripture that says this. It is a humanistic, everything is about self mentality.
We do not forgive for ourselves. We forgive a brother or sister for their sake and if they have come to confess to us.
James 5:16 "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."
When we offend others!
Matthew 5:21-24 "“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
When others offend us!
Matthew 18:15-17 "15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’[a] 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."
When dealing with the unsaved world we are to;
Luke 6:27-28 "27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you."
The verse in Luke does not apply to brothers and sisters in Christ, because they are not our enemies as verse 27 describes.
It is clear that we are to take abuse from the world and do no harm to anyone. With brothers and sisters in Christ we are to confront sin and abuses for the purpose of reconciliation.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Grace to Obey not Grace to Sin
Grace is given to be able to obey, not freedom to disobey. Sin is so serious that no amount of sin at all can come into the presence of God, that's why Christ paid our debt that God would see Him instead of our sin.
Why on earth would God wink at sin when it was so terrible in the slightest degree that Christ had to die to pay the price for it. When we are flippant about sin it is the same as slapping God in the face.
Why on earth would God wink at sin when it was so terrible in the slightest degree that Christ had to die to pay the price for it. When we are flippant about sin it is the same as slapping God in the face.
Begin Building Your House by Choosing the Right Man
For Christian Women Desiring to Marry
Feelings are only good if they reflect an action that was in obedience to God. Often our feelings cause us to disobey, because we like them so much, we ignore the inklings in our soul that tell us the attitude is not righteous. The devil loves to make us euphoric, so that we are controlled by our feelings.
Many young ladies "fall in love", mostly because of outward appearance or a kindred spirit in terms of enjoyment of the same activities. Often the character is ignored completely in favor of the good feelings that come from having fun together.
My advice to young ladies who are wanting to get married in the Lord, would be this, watch the man who pursues you, in all situations evaluate what a godly man would have done. The Bible will show you what a godly man looks like.
2 Corinthians 6:14 "Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?"
Does your young man pray over everything, seeking God even in the small things, or does he wait until something is too big for him and then turns to prayer. The matter of prayer doesn't even come up in the minds of many Christian men. They are almost embarrassed to suggest prayer as a solution to problems.
If a man is not interested in reading the Bible with you or praying with you, he is not for you. A man who leads will love to share his relationship in the Lord with the one he will marry.
A man who neglects prayer and scripture study will be a man who will neglect the training and teaching of his children. Often these men will not do it themselves nor will they support their wife when she wants to instruct the children.
A godly man will love to read the word, seek it when problems come up and consult with his wife on many things, that they might make major decisions together. When a man will not discuss important matters with his wife, then he is operating as a single, without regard to the wisdom of the wife, this will cause the children to disregard their mother too.
The children will often do what they see the father doing even more than what they hear him saying. "More is caught than taught."
When you get married you will not agree on everything, but you should at least be able to discuss everything.
Above all, seek the Lord will all your heart for your spouse, HE can see into a man's heart, we can only see what the man wants to show us on the outside, unless we have discernment from the Holy Spirit. There are always clues as to someone's character, do not ignore the clues. Even confront them head on, with a potential spouse, watch his reaction to a challenge, whatever comes out will show you whether he is humble or prideful.
Proverbs 29:23 "One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor."
Proverbs 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom."
Philippians 2:3 "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
If your young man considers things before reacting, seeks to please God in his ways, even though not perfect, he will be a good leader in your home, a wonderful father to your children and he will never leave you.
If you marry a man who builds his life on Christ, then when difficulties come he will know Who to turn to and be given wisdom to resolve matters.
Matthew 7:24 ""Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu5bBDRpzPM
Feelings are only good if they reflect an action that was in obedience to God. Often our feelings cause us to disobey, because we like them so much, we ignore the inklings in our soul that tell us the attitude is not righteous. The devil loves to make us euphoric, so that we are controlled by our feelings.
Many young ladies "fall in love", mostly because of outward appearance or a kindred spirit in terms of enjoyment of the same activities. Often the character is ignored completely in favor of the good feelings that come from having fun together.
My advice to young ladies who are wanting to get married in the Lord, would be this, watch the man who pursues you, in all situations evaluate what a godly man would have done. The Bible will show you what a godly man looks like.
2 Corinthians 6:14 "Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?"
Does your young man pray over everything, seeking God even in the small things, or does he wait until something is too big for him and then turns to prayer. The matter of prayer doesn't even come up in the minds of many Christian men. They are almost embarrassed to suggest prayer as a solution to problems.
If a man is not interested in reading the Bible with you or praying with you, he is not for you. A man who leads will love to share his relationship in the Lord with the one he will marry.
A man who neglects prayer and scripture study will be a man who will neglect the training and teaching of his children. Often these men will not do it themselves nor will they support their wife when she wants to instruct the children.
A godly man will love to read the word, seek it when problems come up and consult with his wife on many things, that they might make major decisions together. When a man will not discuss important matters with his wife, then he is operating as a single, without regard to the wisdom of the wife, this will cause the children to disregard their mother too.
The children will often do what they see the father doing even more than what they hear him saying. "More is caught than taught."
When you get married you will not agree on everything, but you should at least be able to discuss everything.
Above all, seek the Lord will all your heart for your spouse, HE can see into a man's heart, we can only see what the man wants to show us on the outside, unless we have discernment from the Holy Spirit. There are always clues as to someone's character, do not ignore the clues. Even confront them head on, with a potential spouse, watch his reaction to a challenge, whatever comes out will show you whether he is humble or prideful.
Proverbs 29:23 "One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor."
Proverbs 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom."
Philippians 2:3 "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
If your young man considers things before reacting, seeks to please God in his ways, even though not perfect, he will be a good leader in your home, a wonderful father to your children and he will never leave you.
If you marry a man who builds his life on Christ, then when difficulties come he will know Who to turn to and be given wisdom to resolve matters.
Matthew 7:24 ""Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu5bBDRpzPM
The Fold or the Flock, Where are You?
I heard an analogy that blessed me recently. In the old testament we see the sheep are in the "fold", protected by the enclosure of the fold, which is a picture of the "Law." The protection was from the wolves and other predators that would be dangerous to the sheep.
However, in the new testament we see a different picture, one that does not require the "fold." The word "fold" used in the old testament was not the same word used in the new testament to depict the protection of the sheep. The new testament refers to the "flock." There is no "protecting fold", because the protection is now that of the Shepherd. Through Christ we are protected by His grace.
Just a thought!
However, in the new testament we see a different picture, one that does not require the "fold." The word "fold" used in the old testament was not the same word used in the new testament to depict the protection of the sheep. The new testament refers to the "flock." There is no "protecting fold", because the protection is now that of the Shepherd. Through Christ we are protected by His grace.
Just a thought!
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