I recently saw a post in which someone was lamenting the fact that a cross marking the roadside place of death, had been destroyed by vandals. Personally I am not for the ritual of placing a cross at the road side. I presume it might be a warning to others to be more careful on the highway, however I fear that sometimes it is more of a remembrance of the person who died there.
Upon reflection I feel it is a little macabre, to commemorate where someone died, it seems more appropriate to honor his life not his death, unless they are a believer, then we can celebrate their home going.
1 Corinthians 15:55 ""O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 "
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words."
The world is full of meaningless rituals that produce nothing outside of good feelings temporarily. Often the Lord allows us to go through the dark valleys that we might search for Him. He is the only means by which we can derive comfort in times of deep sorrow. Playacting with ritual only scratches the surface with superficial strokes, that do not last and cannot be a catalyst to growth, perhaps even preventing it because the focus is feelings rather than depth of character.
Speaking to the grave as though the person is in it, is another worthless activity concocted by psychology to help a person to feel better. Sometimes we try to take away the sting of life for people, when all we do is pretend to make things better, when time, prayer and faith is needed to carry on.
Our culture tends to look for quick fixes and superficial frosting, only delaying the inevitable wound, that must happen for someone to begin to seek Christ.
We like to gloss over the pain, so we don't have to deal with others, instead of getting down there with them, that their pain would be borne by others.
Who was it that said; "a trial that is shared is half a trial, and a trial alone is twice the trial."?
Believers are meant to share one another's burdens.
Galatians 6:2 "Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ."
When we substitute speaking to a dead person for weeping with a live person, we become more solitary and less open to the body of Christ.
Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
People in the grave cannot hear us, nor can those who have gone to heaven, they are gone and only their lifeless shell remains in that grave. Pretending that they are there does not make it so, denying truth has no healing power.
Doing things God's way has power, letting go, realizing that dead person is no longer with us, helps us rely more on Christ and less on the memory of someone who will no longer walk with us.
The answer: Walk so closely with Christ that when someone passes there is no longer a need to pretend they are with us. Christ is always with us when we are born again. When all others have left us, He is still with us, we must depend on Him alone.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Repentance for Salvation by Fred Banner
There has been much discussion lately on repentance. Many teachers like Ray Comfort and others teach that a person must repent from their sins to be saved. Iactually heard him say "stop sinning and trust Christ". This is false.
We're the sinner which includes each of us able to stop sinning or repent from specific sins then that world mean we are co-redemptive with Christ. Romans 5:8 says "while we were yet sinners. Also, if we could repent from sins for salvation then we really wouldn't need Jesus. Would we?
Let me show you a few verses that speak of the repentance required for salvation;
"And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15 KJB)". What does this verse say we are to repent from. Disbelief. Repentance is believing that Christ paid your sin debt. (1 COR 15:1-4).. It's not believing the facts about Christ but believing in your heart that He paid your sin debt in full and placing your faith in Him alone.
Here is another;
"But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (Acts 26:20 KJB)". Again no mention of sins for salvation. Repent and turn to God. Believe in your heart He paid your sin debt. Notice that salvation should produce a life that avoids sin or good works.
At the moment of salvation the believer is justified ( made sinless) and sanctified (made Holy). Both of these are a work of God. "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11 KJB)".
Ray Comfort is but one that teaches the false doctrine of sin repentance for salvation or lordship salvation.
We're the sinner which includes each of us able to stop sinning or repent from specific sins then that world mean we are co-redemptive with Christ. Romans 5:8 says "while we were yet sinners. Also, if we could repent from sins for salvation then we really wouldn't need Jesus. Would we?
Let me show you a few verses that speak of the repentance required for salvation;
"And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15 KJB)". What does this verse say we are to repent from. Disbelief. Repentance is believing that Christ paid your sin debt. (1 COR 15:1-4).. It's not believing the facts about Christ but believing in your heart that He paid your sin debt in full and placing your faith in Him alone.
Here is another;
"But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (Acts 26:20 KJB)". Again no mention of sins for salvation. Repent and turn to God. Believe in your heart He paid your sin debt. Notice that salvation should produce a life that avoids sin or good works.
At the moment of salvation the believer is justified ( made sinless) and sanctified (made Holy). Both of these are a work of God. "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11 KJB)".
Ray Comfort is but one that teaches the false doctrine of sin repentance for salvation or lordship salvation.
Friday, March 6, 2015
True Faith Supports the Actions that Support the Words!
When our heart is broken over sin, our actions and attitudes will change.
When we have a changed of mind, realizing a need to confess sin, then our actions and attitudes will prove it.
Those who "say" they are sorry for their sin, but keep on doing it, are lying. Sorrow over sin brings changed actions and attitudes.
James 2:18-24 "18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
When we have a changed of mind, realizing a need to confess sin, then our actions and attitudes will prove it.
Those who "say" they are sorry for their sin, but keep on doing it, are lying. Sorrow over sin brings changed actions and attitudes.
James 2:18-24 "18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.
24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only."
Focus On Christ
Focusing on the faults of those we love does not change them, however prayer can motivate God to work on them, When we focus on our own attitudes and behaviors to come in line with Christ, then how we respond to others will be Christlike, no matter what they are doing.
If the faults of others are overwhelming and damaging, and there is no resolution, but constant conflict, then it is good to remove ourselves while letting God do His work in us and in others.
We are called to live in peace, if this is not possible with someone, then letting go and letting God may be the best recourse.
Titus 3:10 "Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,"
2 Corinthians 13:5 "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-- unless indeed you fail the test?"
Often when we think someone else is being contentious, we may find that when we change our own behavior and attitudes to be in line with Christ's principles, we discover that we were the problem, more than those we judged.
Each person must pray, asking God to show us our own failings, to continue to be cleansed by Christ. If we are not moving forward because of stubbornness then we are moving backward, there is no such thing as standing still, we are always moving one way or the other.
Are we going forward or are we moving backward? Ask God!
If the faults of others are overwhelming and damaging, and there is no resolution, but constant conflict, then it is good to remove ourselves while letting God do His work in us and in others.
We are called to live in peace, if this is not possible with someone, then letting go and letting God may be the best recourse.
Titus 3:10 "Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,"
2 Corinthians 13:5 "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-- unless indeed you fail the test?"
Often when we think someone else is being contentious, we may find that when we change our own behavior and attitudes to be in line with Christ's principles, we discover that we were the problem, more than those we judged.
Each person must pray, asking God to show us our own failings, to continue to be cleansed by Christ. If we are not moving forward because of stubbornness then we are moving backward, there is no such thing as standing still, we are always moving one way or the other.
Are we going forward or are we moving backward? Ask God!
What is a Real Man?
Isaiah 3:12
"O My people! Their oppressors are children, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray And confuse the direction of your paths."
We are experiencing this right now in the apostate churches. Youth leaders are barely older than the children they lead. They are more interested in being liked by those they are suppose to teach, that they negate the words of God in order to maintain their own popularity. They are hyper sensitive to correction, criticism and rebuke because they linger far too long on their delicate little self esteems.
The women feminize the young men to act more like drama queens than they do like men. Much of this has come about because of divorce and remarriage. Women are raising children alone, while the interloper spouse has little power over the training of the children.
The women protect their young men as they would their young ladies, rather than having a man teach them how to be warriors and protectors, they are making whinny babies out of them, sensitive, whimpering and crying at the slightest hint of correction or instruction, they pamper them.
It is my considered opinion that every young man should serve in a military forum from age 12 to 18 years of age, learning how to be strong and empathetic at the same time.
Men want the women to "admire" and "look to their leading", but how can we do that when we see you no different then the women we know?
Perhaps it is time for all Christian men to ask the Lord to reveal to them what a real man looks like, while praying to be turned into one of them by Christ.
Many Christian leaders think it is leading to force, manipulate and demean, but in fact, that is the opposite of a leader. The Bible teaches men how to lead, read it, pray over it and desire with all your heart to be that man that God wants you to be, not the one your culture formed you into. It will take humility, deep desire for God's Will and determination to be what God shows you, no matter what the culture is saying. In other words: The strength and guidance of the Lord.
"O My people! Their oppressors are children, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray And confuse the direction of your paths."
We are experiencing this right now in the apostate churches. Youth leaders are barely older than the children they lead. They are more interested in being liked by those they are suppose to teach, that they negate the words of God in order to maintain their own popularity. They are hyper sensitive to correction, criticism and rebuke because they linger far too long on their delicate little self esteems.
The women feminize the young men to act more like drama queens than they do like men. Much of this has come about because of divorce and remarriage. Women are raising children alone, while the interloper spouse has little power over the training of the children.
The women protect their young men as they would their young ladies, rather than having a man teach them how to be warriors and protectors, they are making whinny babies out of them, sensitive, whimpering and crying at the slightest hint of correction or instruction, they pamper them.
It is my considered opinion that every young man should serve in a military forum from age 12 to 18 years of age, learning how to be strong and empathetic at the same time.
Men want the women to "admire" and "look to their leading", but how can we do that when we see you no different then the women we know?
Perhaps it is time for all Christian men to ask the Lord to reveal to them what a real man looks like, while praying to be turned into one of them by Christ.
Many Christian leaders think it is leading to force, manipulate and demean, but in fact, that is the opposite of a leader. The Bible teaches men how to lead, read it, pray over it and desire with all your heart to be that man that God wants you to be, not the one your culture formed you into. It will take humility, deep desire for God's Will and determination to be what God shows you, no matter what the culture is saying. In other words: The strength and guidance of the Lord.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
The Lord is Our Help! Hallelujah!
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness And seek falsehood? Selah
But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him.
Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed,
... and be still. Selah
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.
There are many who say, "Who will show us any good?"
LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
~Psalm 4
To the Chief Musician.
With Stringed Instruments.
A Psalm of David.
You have relieved me in my distress;
Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness And seek falsehood? Selah
But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him.
Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed,
... and be still. Selah
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.
There are many who say, "Who will show us any good?"
LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
~Psalm 4
To the Chief Musician.
With Stringed Instruments.
A Psalm of David.
Everyone Must Keep Learning
There are many believers who are in competition with others. They feel a need to be superior to others, and these same people often elevate their favorite people above others.
We all have the same Lord if we are born again. The more we think of Him, the less we compare ourselves with each other.
2 Corinthians 10:12 "For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding."
When our focus is upward to the Father and Christ within us, there is no thought of comparing ourselves with one another to appear superior. Our only thought is to glorify God, listening to Him and obeying what we hear.
Psalm 8:4 "What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him?"
When we look around us looking for those we can admire who would make us feel elevated and then look around at those for which we have contempt, because they don't think exactly like we do, or have a fault we think we would never have, then we are arrogant while lacking compassion and empathy for others.
1 Corinthians 10:12 "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall."
Comparison to one another causes us to miss the blessings of those we think are beneath us. Everyone at every level has something to offer everyone else who is born again.
If we have the Holy Spirit, no matter which growth level we are at, then we have something to offer, because it is not us, but Christ in us who teaches. The most educated person, can learn from the simple and uneducated. There are those more qualified to teach than others, but that does not make those that are qualified better, more saved or that they no longer need to learn anything.
We cannot grow as long as we are arrogant and unteachable. When we think we have arrived at the place that we no longer need instruction, or that we think we are elevated above someone else, then we have ceased to learn and will even regress in our walk.
No one will ever know enough, we have blind spots, that others can help us to see.
2 TIM 3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, 3:17 That the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2 TIM 4:2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
2 TIM 2:24,25 And the Lord's bond servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.
We all have the same Lord if we are born again. The more we think of Him, the less we compare ourselves with each other.
2 Corinthians 10:12 "For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding."
When our focus is upward to the Father and Christ within us, there is no thought of comparing ourselves with one another to appear superior. Our only thought is to glorify God, listening to Him and obeying what we hear.
Psalm 8:4 "What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him?"
When we look around us looking for those we can admire who would make us feel elevated and then look around at those for which we have contempt, because they don't think exactly like we do, or have a fault we think we would never have, then we are arrogant while lacking compassion and empathy for others.
1 Corinthians 10:12 "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall."
Comparison to one another causes us to miss the blessings of those we think are beneath us. Everyone at every level has something to offer everyone else who is born again.
If we have the Holy Spirit, no matter which growth level we are at, then we have something to offer, because it is not us, but Christ in us who teaches. The most educated person, can learn from the simple and uneducated. There are those more qualified to teach than others, but that does not make those that are qualified better, more saved or that they no longer need to learn anything.
We cannot grow as long as we are arrogant and unteachable. When we think we have arrived at the place that we no longer need instruction, or that we think we are elevated above someone else, then we have ceased to learn and will even regress in our walk.
No one will ever know enough, we have blind spots, that others can help us to see.
2 TIM 3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, 3:17 That the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2 TIM 4:2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
2 TIM 2:24,25 And the Lord's bond servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.
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