John 3:16-17
"16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His [a]only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him."
God died to pay the debt for our sin, the debt that required the shedding of blood in payment.
The conditions for appropriating this salvation is to just believe on Him.
We simply believe and He comes to live in us beginning the process of changing us.
We are instantly a new creation. No longer thinking the way we did before, changing our response to life.
This change is observed by those around us. If there has not been a change then there has not been a born again experience.
The condition required to believe is too easy for most people. The pride of man causes them to desire to be good without having to trust anyone else but themselves. They want to participate in their own salvation so as not to let go of their personal power.
The pride in mankind prevents the relinquishing self control to God.
There are those who become a Christian in order to be accepted by good people, not because they know they are sinful.
Unless there is confession of sinfulness there cannot be salvation. Joining a Christian church to be validated by good people is not a means to salvation. All those who have entered church gatherings because they like the lifestyle better or they enjoy the good people in those gatherings more than the company of evil people remain self focused and willful rather than Christ focused and submissive to Him.
Appearances are at the root of pretentious pretenders. They will follow some rules of the gathering but will not submit to the principles of Christ as spoken of in the Scriptures. Self is still on the throne in these individuals.
I fear that most church gatherings are full of these self satisfied pretenders.
Matthew 7:21-23
I Never Knew You
"21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"
These passages describe those who have "a form of religion" but deny Christ and His principles by their lifestyles and attitudes.
It is only when Christ changes us that we are changed on the inside permanently. The change is a heart and spiritual change that no man can make through his own effort. The change is a work of God not of the flesh of man.
Ephesians 2:10
"10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
The change in us that God creates is authentic, spiritual and permanent. The cleansing continues to the end of our existence on this earth. When we stray He disciplines his children to bring us back to obedience. The key to understanding this is that we know when we have done wrong, it plagues us until we confess.
In the pretender there is no guilt or conscience over sinfulness, there is only a defensive posture if ever confronted with their sin.
This is one way we can see the pretender for what they are and the authentic person for what they are, the difference is undeniable to the discerning eye.
God said this to believers: 1 John 1:9 "9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
He told us we would be disciplined in the following passages;
Hebrews 12:5-7
"…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, or lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"
The pretender defends their sin and fights against spiritual chastisement and growth.
The believe is ashamed of their sin and desires to be cleansed by God.
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Classy or Authentic?
The narcissist feels guilt when they do something wrong or unkind, but not for the same reason as a normal person feels guilt.
A normal person feels guilt that they harmed someone in some way.
The narcissist feels guilt that others may view them in a bad light when they do something wrong or mean.
In other words the normal person doesn't like to harm others even if no one is looking, they have empathy for those around them.
The narcissist does not have empathy so they only feel bad if others will view them as a bad person. If no one acts like they are offended by the narcissist, the narcissist will not feel bad for doing mean things to those for whom they have contempt.
This is why narcissists hide their mean actions from those they want to impress. They only reveal their mean side to those they think are beneath them and in secret so others don't see or notice.
This mentality of guiltlessness is growing in these last days of 2 Timothy 3. So many people are more interested in impressing people than they are in their own character qualities.
Character is not very important to the narcissist only appearances matter to them.
If someone looks good on the outside, does all the popular things, wears all the popular quality clothing as well as engaging in the activities that wow others, they are counted as "classy"." These classy people don't have to have much character or any other skills that define them as long as the outside appears pleasing to the clique.
This is where cliques reside, in the realm of superficiality based on outward appearances, substance is not very important to the narcissistic clique.
Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
John 7:24 "Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”
So many people are throwing around the mantra; "don't judge" while they continue to judge people as good because of outward appearances. We are to judge sin that's clear in the Bible, but we are not to hold someone in high regard because of their clothing, their popular activities or their personal accomplishments. We are to see the character of the man based on Biblical standards and judge that.
When we discover we are surrounded by superficial people who praise and flatter one another, it is time to find a new set of friends. Flatter and praise brings a snare, even keeping us connected to those who have no interest in our spiritual growth or walk with Christ.
Psalm 5:9
"For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction is within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice flattery."
Flatter and praise will bring you lots of friends, but the truth will chase them away.
Proverbs 26:28
"A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin."
Flattery and praise is deeply connected to lying. Most flattery and praise are done to manipulate and control others.
When the flattery and praise stops the superficial clique minded people suddenly disappear. Let them go, they bring nothing of value to the relationship. It is one thing to encourage in a godly way, that is different from manipulative superficial praise and flattery.
Proverbs 28:23
"He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue."
There are many more verses that describe a quality relationship. One that is real, honest and kind. We love to encourage one another on things that matter, on accomplishments to share in the joy of our friend. This is godly to share our friends joys and difficulties.
Love in someone causes them to share everything and receive everything from our friend. All sides of life are experienced together will make the bond stronger and relieve the pressure of the one sharing. We are to be there for one another in a very real and honest way, without pretense and superficiality.
That's what friends are like!!!!!!
Romans 12:15
"15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
A normal person feels guilt that they harmed someone in some way.
The narcissist feels guilt that others may view them in a bad light when they do something wrong or mean.
In other words the normal person doesn't like to harm others even if no one is looking, they have empathy for those around them.
The narcissist does not have empathy so they only feel bad if others will view them as a bad person. If no one acts like they are offended by the narcissist, the narcissist will not feel bad for doing mean things to those for whom they have contempt.
This is why narcissists hide their mean actions from those they want to impress. They only reveal their mean side to those they think are beneath them and in secret so others don't see or notice.
This mentality of guiltlessness is growing in these last days of 2 Timothy 3. So many people are more interested in impressing people than they are in their own character qualities.
Character is not very important to the narcissist only appearances matter to them.
If someone looks good on the outside, does all the popular things, wears all the popular quality clothing as well as engaging in the activities that wow others, they are counted as "classy"." These classy people don't have to have much character or any other skills that define them as long as the outside appears pleasing to the clique.
This is where cliques reside, in the realm of superficiality based on outward appearances, substance is not very important to the narcissistic clique.
Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
John 7:24 "Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”
So many people are throwing around the mantra; "don't judge" while they continue to judge people as good because of outward appearances. We are to judge sin that's clear in the Bible, but we are not to hold someone in high regard because of their clothing, their popular activities or their personal accomplishments. We are to see the character of the man based on Biblical standards and judge that.
When we discover we are surrounded by superficial people who praise and flatter one another, it is time to find a new set of friends. Flatter and praise brings a snare, even keeping us connected to those who have no interest in our spiritual growth or walk with Christ.
Psalm 5:9
"For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction is within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice flattery."
Flatter and praise will bring you lots of friends, but the truth will chase them away.
Proverbs 26:28
"A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin."
Flattery and praise is deeply connected to lying. Most flattery and praise are done to manipulate and control others.
When the flattery and praise stops the superficial clique minded people suddenly disappear. Let them go, they bring nothing of value to the relationship. It is one thing to encourage in a godly way, that is different from manipulative superficial praise and flattery.
Proverbs 28:23
"He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue."
There are many more verses that describe a quality relationship. One that is real, honest and kind. We love to encourage one another on things that matter, on accomplishments to share in the joy of our friend. This is godly to share our friends joys and difficulties.
Love in someone causes them to share everything and receive everything from our friend. All sides of life are experienced together will make the bond stronger and relieve the pressure of the one sharing. We are to be there for one another in a very real and honest way, without pretense and superficiality.
That's what friends are like!!!!!!
Romans 12:15
"15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Back in the Day in the Culture
Does anyone remember the days when we hid our sin from others in the community because we knew that it would not be accepted by most of the culture?
I do, I remember a day when we were ashamed of our sin against God. The moral lines were very clear and bold for all to see. Even non-believers had a much higher standard than the believers of today.
In the 60's and 70's most of us indulged in many things that we didn't want those around us to know about. After becoming born again we immediately wanted to stop that which the Lord hates because He now lived inside of us.
Sadly the day has come when there has been a reversal. Now the culture supports the sin and reviles anyone who will call it sin.
I see this as a time when the sin is growing out of control, there are no societal restraints on it. Few people among us who are regular church goers have a hatred for sin anymore.
When we have become the crazy fringe who rejects the notion that "anything and everything goes" in the culture we know the culture is gone.
In recent months I have felt the sting of those who rejected my counsel about sleeping with people they are not married to as well as those who deeply entwine themselves in relationships that do not honor God.
We expect non-believers to do these things, the problem is those who are rejecting God's principles are those within the church. That is not bad enough, but they have the support of other people who say they are Christians.
Why would a person or a culture confess their sinfulness when the entire society around them is comfortable with just about every sin.
The days of conviction of sin are over for the most part. Now we live in a day when what used to be conviction and shame over sin has turned into anger at anyone who would chastise for that sin.
We are living in the days of Noah, when everyone did what was right in his own eyes and no one would tolerate correction.
We were all sinful before we became born again, no one becomes a Christian authentically without confession of sinfulness.
Romans 3:23
"23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
1 Corinthians 6:10-11 "10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. "
When the entire Christian culture has adopted the stance that we should not tell the truth about sin to our brothers and sisters, we have lost the culture. When the entire secular culture has made it hate speech to correct or instruct in the ways of God, we have lost the culture.
Our hope now is not to save the culture, our hope is to pray and reach those who have not yet heard the gospel. We cannot help them learn about God without mentioning their sinfulness.
We cannot maintain friendships and quality relationships when we cannot admit our own sin. Sin separates us from God and it separates human friendships too.
If you feel the sting of rejection for chastising believers for sin, then we know the culture is lost. We expect rejection from unbelievers, but we expect believers to listen to truth and want it.
Could it be that most people who are in the church gatherings today have never been born again, the very reason we are not seeing lives changed dramatically. When someone becomes born again by the Holy Spirit, they are changed so dramatically that the way they think is completely opposite of how they thought before.
2 Corinthians 5:16-18 "…16 So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:…"
One last warning from God:
Matthew 7:21-23
"21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"
Perhaps Matthew 7 is one of the most frightening verses in the Bible. Those who thought they were headed for heaven only to be turned away at the gates and on their way to hell. Ponder it deeply to see if you are one of these people.
I do, I remember a day when we were ashamed of our sin against God. The moral lines were very clear and bold for all to see. Even non-believers had a much higher standard than the believers of today.
In the 60's and 70's most of us indulged in many things that we didn't want those around us to know about. After becoming born again we immediately wanted to stop that which the Lord hates because He now lived inside of us.
Sadly the day has come when there has been a reversal. Now the culture supports the sin and reviles anyone who will call it sin.
I see this as a time when the sin is growing out of control, there are no societal restraints on it. Few people among us who are regular church goers have a hatred for sin anymore.
When we have become the crazy fringe who rejects the notion that "anything and everything goes" in the culture we know the culture is gone.
In recent months I have felt the sting of those who rejected my counsel about sleeping with people they are not married to as well as those who deeply entwine themselves in relationships that do not honor God.
We expect non-believers to do these things, the problem is those who are rejecting God's principles are those within the church. That is not bad enough, but they have the support of other people who say they are Christians.
Why would a person or a culture confess their sinfulness when the entire society around them is comfortable with just about every sin.
The days of conviction of sin are over for the most part. Now we live in a day when what used to be conviction and shame over sin has turned into anger at anyone who would chastise for that sin.
We are living in the days of Noah, when everyone did what was right in his own eyes and no one would tolerate correction.
We were all sinful before we became born again, no one becomes a Christian authentically without confession of sinfulness.
Romans 3:23
"23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
1 Corinthians 6:10-11 "10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. "
When the entire Christian culture has adopted the stance that we should not tell the truth about sin to our brothers and sisters, we have lost the culture. When the entire secular culture has made it hate speech to correct or instruct in the ways of God, we have lost the culture.
Our hope now is not to save the culture, our hope is to pray and reach those who have not yet heard the gospel. We cannot help them learn about God without mentioning their sinfulness.
We cannot maintain friendships and quality relationships when we cannot admit our own sin. Sin separates us from God and it separates human friendships too.
If you feel the sting of rejection for chastising believers for sin, then we know the culture is lost. We expect rejection from unbelievers, but we expect believers to listen to truth and want it.
Could it be that most people who are in the church gatherings today have never been born again, the very reason we are not seeing lives changed dramatically. When someone becomes born again by the Holy Spirit, they are changed so dramatically that the way they think is completely opposite of how they thought before.
2 Corinthians 5:16-18 "…16 So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:…"
One last warning from God:
Matthew 7:21-23
"21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"
Perhaps Matthew 7 is one of the most frightening verses in the Bible. Those who thought they were headed for heaven only to be turned away at the gates and on their way to hell. Ponder it deeply to see if you are one of these people.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Alone With Christ is Sweet
If you have been one who has been continually rejected by others because you thought differently, then you know what it feels like to be alone.
If you have been rejected by most people for trusting Christ, as you refuse to give into the latest fad that demotes Christ to just another wise person, then you know what it is to be alone with Christ.
When you are alone it hurts to have few or no friends. When you are alone with Christ the joy is full and blessed.
When we depend on Christ we have no need of others to validate us. We have Christ Who knows everything about us, what we need and what our future holds.
We love people, even those who have rejected us, but are not addicted to their love, validation or presence.
When we meet another Christ filled Christian that is gravy in our walk with Christ, our joy is doubled.
What an amazing God we serve! Hallelujah!!!!
If you have been rejected by most people for trusting Christ, as you refuse to give into the latest fad that demotes Christ to just another wise person, then you know what it is to be alone with Christ.
When you are alone it hurts to have few or no friends. When you are alone with Christ the joy is full and blessed.
When we depend on Christ we have no need of others to validate us. We have Christ Who knows everything about us, what we need and what our future holds.
We love people, even those who have rejected us, but are not addicted to their love, validation or presence.
When we meet another Christ filled Christian that is gravy in our walk with Christ, our joy is doubled.
What an amazing God we serve! Hallelujah!!!!
Who Gave the Most?
The Lord Jesus Christ cared more than anyone could possibly care. AND yet look what mankind did to Him. He continues to stretch out His hand, however there is a limit to this stretch, it ends a the rapture. After that He will stretch out some more in the tribulation but the reach will include terrible attention getters in the form of illness, natural disasters and immense loss. One can trust hIm now, go up in the rapture to be with Him or one can refuse until believers and the Holy Spirit is taken out and go through hardship that has never been seen before.
Lynda Searcy said this:
"I’ve learned that no matter how much I care , some people don’t just care back !"
Lynda Searcy said this:
"I’ve learned that no matter how much I care , some people don’t just care back !"
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
The Pollyanna Mentality Does More Harm than Good
I have a hard time with "Pollyanna's", the reason is that they cannot fix what is wrong or warn anyone because they never see the problems. They interpret everything in terms of their desired belief instead of what is real.
This type person cannot be helpful to someone who has been treated badly because they will be told maybe the perp really didn't mean it or we saw it wrong. They do not comfort in ways that help. Perhaps the "Pollyanna" mentality serves them so they don't have to face hard things.
If we are confident in the Lord we can see everything in reality and it does not devastate us.
Truth is freeing and pretense is bondage.
This type person cannot be helpful to someone who has been treated badly because they will be told maybe the perp really didn't mean it or we saw it wrong. They do not comfort in ways that help. Perhaps the "Pollyanna" mentality serves them so they don't have to face hard things.
If we are confident in the Lord we can see everything in reality and it does not devastate us.
Truth is freeing and pretense is bondage.
They are not as Confused as you may Think
This whole matter of "gender confusion" is nearly as irrational as one can get. I can understand someone who is deeply sinful wishing they could be the gender that they are not. What I can't understand is any doubt as to what they really are.
One only has to observe that they either "have one of those" or they don't "have one of those", to determine which gender they are.
Science proves it not only by observation but by function. The matter of gender confusion goes beyond insanity as it moves into the realm of the demonic.
In these last days we see how senseless it is that one would be confused about their own gender. Lacking good sense is a part of these end times.
The matter of choosing to believe the opposite of what God said is in fact demonic. Just as the devil spoke lies into the ears of Eve in the garden from the beginning, he is doing it now when mankind is deeply invested in personal esteem.
It is strangely against nature to want to be the gender that was not given to us at birth.
What was considered strange and ludicrous just 50 years ago is becoming accepted a little more each day.
It isn't bad enough that these gender confused individuals and those who promote it are confused themselves, but they are dedicated to forcing others to accept it.
Why, we might ask ourselves? Why do those who desire to be a gender other than what God made them, feel a need to force everyone else to accept and even endorse their behavior?
I think the answer is simple, those who have this disordered thinking really don't believe it themselves or they would be able to accept that others are not on board with them.
When we believe in what we are doing we have no need to force others to accept it, we simply live it out ourselves, even if we are alone.
The transgender person knows their behavior is deviant or they wouldn't need so desperately the acceptance or validation from others.
One of the traits of the narcissist is their ability to rage at simplest of things when someone does not validate them through disagreement. The narcissist must have the validation of others to exist. This is why they use many and varying manipulation and intimidation to force others to see them as superior.
Christ-like confident people have no need to intimidate others, they have no need to be validated by others, their security is in God and not man. It is the insecure person who must force others to accept whatever they are doing, they have no strength without the continual praise and confirmation of others.
It is wonderful when we know what we believe and can stand alone. It is also wonderful when we can fellowship with like minded people in solidarity.
God intended for believers to be strong alone and even stronger together. We are a family of worshipers of God, He is our strength and guide. Those who realize this are the best of friends because of their oneness in Christ.
When we see the world pressing in all around us, attempting to destroy us through their desire to control our thinking, we know that we have within us One Who is stronger than man and stronger than the devil, that is Jesus Christ.
No one can force us to believe or support that which is not blessed by God.
Psalm 29:1
"Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength."
Psalm 93:1
"The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved."
One only has to observe that they either "have one of those" or they don't "have one of those", to determine which gender they are.
Science proves it not only by observation but by function. The matter of gender confusion goes beyond insanity as it moves into the realm of the demonic.
In these last days we see how senseless it is that one would be confused about their own gender. Lacking good sense is a part of these end times.
The matter of choosing to believe the opposite of what God said is in fact demonic. Just as the devil spoke lies into the ears of Eve in the garden from the beginning, he is doing it now when mankind is deeply invested in personal esteem.
It is strangely against nature to want to be the gender that was not given to us at birth.
What was considered strange and ludicrous just 50 years ago is becoming accepted a little more each day.
It isn't bad enough that these gender confused individuals and those who promote it are confused themselves, but they are dedicated to forcing others to accept it.
Why, we might ask ourselves? Why do those who desire to be a gender other than what God made them, feel a need to force everyone else to accept and even endorse their behavior?
I think the answer is simple, those who have this disordered thinking really don't believe it themselves or they would be able to accept that others are not on board with them.
When we believe in what we are doing we have no need to force others to accept it, we simply live it out ourselves, even if we are alone.
The transgender person knows their behavior is deviant or they wouldn't need so desperately the acceptance or validation from others.
One of the traits of the narcissist is their ability to rage at simplest of things when someone does not validate them through disagreement. The narcissist must have the validation of others to exist. This is why they use many and varying manipulation and intimidation to force others to see them as superior.
Christ-like confident people have no need to intimidate others, they have no need to be validated by others, their security is in God and not man. It is the insecure person who must force others to accept whatever they are doing, they have no strength without the continual praise and confirmation of others.
It is wonderful when we know what we believe and can stand alone. It is also wonderful when we can fellowship with like minded people in solidarity.
God intended for believers to be strong alone and even stronger together. We are a family of worshipers of God, He is our strength and guide. Those who realize this are the best of friends because of their oneness in Christ.
When we see the world pressing in all around us, attempting to destroy us through their desire to control our thinking, we know that we have within us One Who is stronger than man and stronger than the devil, that is Jesus Christ.
No one can force us to believe or support that which is not blessed by God.
Psalm 29:1
"Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength."
Psalm 93:1
"The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved."
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