In the End...

In the end we will be judged by our own works, our own doing. We won’t be judged because what someone else did or didn’t do, but rather by our reaction to it. We can’t ride the coattails of our priest’s or pastor’s, parents’, spouse’s, best friend’s, or sibling’s faith or good works. We will be judged by our own behavior. God doesn’t have favorites, or at least He doesn’t treat some more deserving than others. We must live our lives first and foremost, with a deep reverence for God, love others, and be accountable to Him for our actions. Does this sound foreign to you here in America? Of course, because it’s the exact opposite of we what see and here 24/7. Just think most all the problems we have here is due to one big philosophy: don’t tell me what to do!!! It goes against everything God promotes. In actuality, it’s what He calls SIN.

17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of Him during your time as “foreigners in the land.” 1 Peter 1:17

God’s Ransom, Our Worth...

If God paid a ransom for our souls, then it must mean our souls have value to Him. We were kidnapped, and God graciously rescued us. One of my favorite lines from King of Heaven, a song by Paul Belouche is, “we are children of His mercy, rescued for His glory”. We have been rescued, ransomed by the blood of Jesus, all for the glory of God. What more do we need to know we are loved and valued? It’s the heart and soul of the Gospel. It’s the reason it never gets old, and never has reason to stop being proclaimed. We must hang on every word of this good news, because it’s eternal, true, and the ultimate reward (our salvation) waiting for us in the end. And the best part is, this inheritance is incorruptible. No one can take it away. It’s guaranteed. The next time you’re being mistreated because of your faith, remember you are “Rescued for His Glory” and your ultimate reward is waiting for you. Now that’s real motivation and a place to turn your focus towards.

4 and we have a priceless inheritance–an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by His power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.6 So be truly glad.[B] There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold–though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:4-7

18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom He paid was not mere gold or silver. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God 1 Peter 1:18-19

23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 1 Peter 1:23

Impression Without Expression...

Impression without expression leads to depression. When you know what is right, yet refrain from doing it, you set your inward man in turmoil. The conflict that resides inside can sever your emotional and spiritual cohesiveness. Be doers of the word, not hearers only.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25

The First Great Cause...

We should see God as the first great “Cause” of all that comes to us in life. The good, bad, and indifferent. When we are sad, happy, or whatever range of emotions there are, we should see no other hand but His, and trust Him regardless if we understand or not. Trusting in the One Who knows it all and has our best interest closest to His heart, should be the utmost priority in life.

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. James 5:13

Steps of Reconciliation...

The first step in seeking out God is to accept the fact that He is real. That’s a no-brainer to anyone that has a brain and can think. Creation must have a creator. The second step is to understand that the flesh and the spirit are in constant conflict with each other. There is a war that rages inside of you. The flesh wants nothing more than to seek pleasure. The spirit wants to seek God, regardless of the circumstances. When we realize this is an unending battle, and we are hopeless in ending this battle by ourselves, only then can we seek God with all of our hearts. God’s law shows us His character. He is far higher than us, Holy and Perfect. It also shows us our rebellious nature, for no matter how hard we try, we can’t keep the law. When the law serves it’s purpose in showing us we are law-breakers and deserved of death, then and only then does the cross make sense. We are in need of someone to come and rescue us. The ones that respond by receiving God’s spirit to help, receive the weapons and strength to battle the flesh. The ones that deny their dilemma of being a condemned sinner, continue to love the world and live to gain friendship with it, all the while never realizing they are an enemy of God. Being His enemy means you can never please Him. So what does all of this mean? In order to be righteous, as God requires, you have to be right with God. The only way to be right with God is to be granted the righteousness of God, and that is imputed to us through faith in Christ. Only His righteousness is acceptable to God. And that is only possible if we admit our hopeless situation of rebellion and seek out the only remedy that can set us free. It all begins with being honest with ourselves (humility), accepting God is real, and seeking out forgiveness from the only One Who is able to forgive sin (Jesus). Are you being honest with yourself?

1 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong–you want only what will give you pleasure.4 You adulterers![V] Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. 5 What do you think the Scriptures mean when they say that the spirit God has placed within us is filled with envy?[W] 6 But He gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proudbut favors the humble.”[X] 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor. James 4:1-10

An Honest, Humble, and Accurate Answer....

I love Ezekiel’s answer when God asks him if the dry bones can become living people again. It just shows his reverence and trust in our Creator. It shows his honesty in answering. His humility in his answer showed his priority in life. He didn’t just blurt out any answer, he spoke truth. Isn’t that what we are to do? Like Jesus answered Pilate when he asked if He was king, we are to testify to the Truth. Ezekiel does just that in his response, “You alone know the answer to that”.

3 Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?”“O Sovereign Lord,” I replied, “You alone know the answer to that.” Ezekiel 37:3

In Need of a Transplant...

What the world needs more than anything else is a new heart. One that is responsive, and filled with the Spirit of God. The change the world seeks is not going to come through government regulations or some philanthropic movement; it is only possible through a heart transplant. And that can only come through God’s grace, the One Who originated the heart.

26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put My Spirit in you so that you will follow My decrees and be careful to obey My regulations. Ezekiel 36:26-27

God’s True Heart...

How often do we hear this quality being expressed about the God of the Bible? It’s there, and it’s common throughout scripture. Here’s a crystal clear showing us how merciful God is. It’s one of the truest visions of God’s heart in all of scripture.

11 As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die? Ezekiel 33:11

God’s kind of Wisdom...

Do you ever look at successful people and wonder if their selfish ambition driving them is giving them what they want? Is it benefiting society as well, as some claim it does? James, the brother of Jesus, tells us that jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Where ever you find self ambition you find disorder and evil of every kind. The world strives to end racism or favoritism, yet doesn’t pursue God’s wisdom. It’s only through God’s wisdom, that true peace and good works with humility will ever be experienced.

13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18

Faith and Works....

This concept is often quoted by people, believers and non-believers, and often misused. Faith and works. People think “works” earn brownie points with God. They think If I do this more or that a little more, God will love me more, He will bless me materially if I just do a little more. That’s the wrong kind of attitude to have. Works are evidence of our faith, not the substance of our faith. Faith is only as good as the object in which it is placed. Christians place their faith in Jesus. He is the only Object worthy of our saving faith. The rewards we receive because of our faith are the intrinsic feelings we experience when we put others before ourselves in carrying out God’s will in our lives. It’s the satisfaction we get in seeing the relief in others’ faces when we provide a financial contribution in the last hour, or a meal to a hungry family, or even a hug in the most desperate hour. Works only prove our faith is real. Not only to others, but to ourselves as well. Here’s the true test of faith and works: ask yourself, “is my sole purpose to glorify God by giving of myself in helping others, or is there something in it for me?” If the latter is true maybe you need to really examine your faith. Maybe your faith needs a little work to become real.

14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”–but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. James 2:14-26

A Reality Check...

Here’s a dosage of “reality check”: if you show no mercy here in earth, God will show no mercy with you on judgement day. All roads point to Christ. You either choose Him and live in His ways, or you reject Him and live in your own ways. It really does matter how you treat people.

13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you. James 2:13

God’s Nature...

How often do we hear this quality being expressed about the God of the Bible? It’s there, and it’s common throughout scripture. Here’s a crystal clear showing us how merciful God is. It’s one of the truest visions of God’s heart in all of scripture.

11 As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die? Ezekiel 33:11

Watchmen...

We, as believers, are all watchman in the wall. It is our responsibility to tell/warn others about God/Satan so that their decision will be based on their knowledge of the truth. If we don’t God may hold us accountable for their lostness. And if we do, we will not be held accountable for their rebellion, but just might be rewarded for their repentance. We have an obligation as believers to present the Gospel in its truest light. What better way than through our own, individually unique, and personal way.

2 “Son of man, give your people this message: ‘When I bring an army against a country, the people of that land choose one of their own to be a watchman. 3 When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people. 4 Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action, it is their own fault if they die. 5 They heard the alarm but ignored it, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives. 6 But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman responsible for their deaths.’7 “Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for Me. 8 If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 9 But if you warn them to repent and they don’t repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself. Ezekiel 33:2-9

Be Imitators....

God is merciful, therefore we are to imitate Him. In this country the average per capital income far exceeds that of the rest of the world. That means 87% of Americans have more money than the rest of the world, and yet we strive for more and more, becoming hoarders instead of givers. What’s my point? What are we doing with all the wealth God has granted us with? More than likely, we are spending it on ourselves. Entertainment, material possessions, or frivolous things. How many people in America are homeless? Starving? Hopeless? Why aren’t we helping those that need help? If every single American gave a small portion of their income to help those in need, just imagine the impact it would have on the world? I once heard a lady tell a story about her visit to a third world country. Upon her return, she felt guilty for buying cheap leotards and dish towels from Walmart. She thought, how that money could go to helping those in the country in which she just returned from. Her pastor told her this, “God has given us (the world) every thing we need, it’s just a matter of redistributing it”. Just think, He has provided us with all we need, yet there is still poverty, starvation, murder and strife because people want to control it to have power and control over others. If we only put this proverb into action.... it all starts with being imitators of God (being merciful), and not worrying about tomorrow. He will provide, He already has.

27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. Proverbs 28:27

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you.I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5a

To Find the Answer, Look Outside...

You hear everyday people say, “to find yourself, look within”. This is straight from Satan’s mouth. When you put this advice into practice, what will you find? Emptiness. Sure there’s selfishness, greed, gossip, malice, and every other type of behavior that focuses your attention on self, but you won’t find that which leads to life there. Why would you find anything else but “self” inside of yourself? Duh!!!! Are you gonna find the answers to life inside of yourself? If so, where would it have come from? Was it miraculously placed there since birth? It’s when you seek truth outside of yourself, you find God, waiting to direct your paths. It’s where you find purpose, righteousness, and significance. The only thing you have to find inside of yourself is the desire to be honest with yourself. That’s a decision you have to make alone. The Author of life has what you’re looking for, you just have to look in the right areas to find it. And it starts by searching outside of yourself.

26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish,but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. Proverbs 28:26

A Lesson about Faith...

We as believers always think of faith as a measuring stick of our spiritual walk. We see all the “giants of faith” here in the 11th chapter of Hebrews. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab the prostitute, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abedengo. All of these people trusted God enough to act on it. Their weaknesses were turn into strength the minute they decided to act on their faith in God. That’s how faith works. It’s not a mystical power that gets us what we want. It’s God empowering us to do His will when He knows our hearts are fully devoted to Him. When He knows we are completely sold out to following Him, He grants us the ability to do what may seem impossible.

31 It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Hebrews 11:31-34

39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us. Hebrews 11:39-40

Greed...

Greed, lust, and worldly love are just a few of our selfish pursuits. They all lead to inner turmoil, that ends up affecting others. And the end result is fighting and dissension among all involved. A lot of the time, greed bleeds over affecting many, many others who are not even involved. What’s the solution? Being grounded in God’s ways. Being accountable to the One Who determines our fate. Living in the freedom of Grace. Knowing our limits. The Bible calls it “fear of the Lord”. This leads to life.

25 Greed causes fighting;trusting the Lord leads to prosperity. Proverbs 28:25

Simple Faith...

Being a Christian is simple, it’s just not easy. Faith is believing God. It’s trusting Him to do what He says He’ll do. It has nothing to do with our ability to do great things. Rather it’s about putting into action what we believe God says. Our flesh fights against our spirit. This war creates feelings (very real, but often overrated) that create havoc in our mind. We question God’s goodness and begin to doubt His promises. This is exactly what the serpent did with Eve in the Garden. In order for faith to be authentic there are two requirements. First, it has to come outside of yourself. And second, it must be immovable. God is the only Recipient worthy of these two requirements. Our ability to act on what we believe (faith) rests solely in the object in which it is placed. If we think a chair will hold our weight when we sit down, we put into action our faith and sit down on it. If we don’t think it is sturdy enough, we find another chair to sit in. God is worthy of this receiving. It’s not up to how much faith we have, rather it’s just that we have some. The defining factor is God being worthy of receiving it. So the next time someone says to you, “you have weak or little faith”, agree with them. Then kindly tell them, “as long as I have some, it’s all that matters because it’s not how much faith I have, it’s about the worthiness of the Object in which I place it”. And that Object is God: the truth, rightful, and only recipient worthy of our faith.

6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

A Terrible Thing...

There is nothing on earth more fearful than to reject God during this lifetime and wake up from your intoxication of this world to the realities of eternal damnation. Knowing it’s forever with no break, rest, or peace should open the eyes of the rebel. If unbelievers think they have it bad now, just wait, nothing could be worse. And think, there is a rescue (by the blood of the Lamb), but it cost you your pride.

31 It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31

Children are Gifts...

Children are a gift from the Lord. How many of us lose this insight in the hustle and bustle of life? How many parents think they are a possession and treat them accordingly? How many parents over-obsess and control their children’s lives like a puppet? Just imagine how many people’s lives have been ruined or heavily influenced by the inadequacies of their parents? We are all far from perfect, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. I know this due to my own faults. But just imagine if humans could see children as a gift from the Lord; a reward from Him. Maybe, just maybe, parenting would be more deliberate instead of a reactive nuisance we all know to well. Just imagine if parents realized how much significance they have in being a father or mother. Maybe they wouldn’t spend so much time chasing the “American dream”. It’s all part of God’s plan, being a parent. We need to take it more seriously.

3 Children are a gift from the Lord;they are a reward from Him.4 Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.5 How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. Psalms 127:3-5

Learning From Other’s Mistakes...

It always amazes me to see people’s reactions to others’ calamities. Some people react with, “wow, that’s a shame”, then move on never thinking about it again. Some react with, “wow, poor person”, and think they are better than that person because that person got what they deserved. Finally some react with, “I’m saddened by that person’s calamity, and hope and pray that it never happens to me”. They use it as a learning tool, as if it happened to themselves, changing their ways to become better people. I think God teaches this way. He uses other people as examples of how to do or not do something in order to teach those willing to pay attention. The only thing standing in the way of our own perception of this is how much we are caught up in ourselves that we can’t see past our own face. When we live a self-centered life, we miss out on all the life lessons God allows us to witness in the lives of others, eventually leading us to our own calamity to get the point we missed.

11 “Yet even though Oholibah saw what had happened to Oholah, her sister, she followed right in her footsteps. And she was even more depraved, abandoning herself to her lust and prostitution. Ezekiel 23:11

Honest Criticism...

This proverb wouldn’t last 5 minutes in America’s mainstream media. It’s one of God’s truths that is in direct opposition from the world. Due to its shallow and selfish focus, our society says, “don’t you dare criticize, that’s judging me and that’s wrong”. “If you don’t agree with me and my agenda, then you are a bigoted hater”. Funny how the word “tolerance” is thrown around today. Just goes to show us how different God’s ways are compared to the world’s ways. And until God opens our eyes through repentance and humility, we will continue to live in opposition to Him, seeing His ways as backwards, wrong, and intolerant, when in fact, they are as true and pure as Gold.

23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. Proverbs 28:23

Standing in the Gap...

If you want to do something great today, put yourself aside and stand in the gap for someone else. God searches for those kinds of people. Those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him, willing to lose themselves for His sake.

30 “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30

Once and For All...

This question always comes to my mind about the Jews and their sacrificial system: why have all the blood sacrifices stopped? They would answer because there is no Temple or Altar to sacrifice on. My question: why not build another one? Their answer: God will not allow us. My question: why not? Their response: it’s not time yet. The simple answer to the first question and the one Jews refuse to accept is found right here in Hebrews Ch 10, the reason the traditional sacrificial system has ended is because Jesus made the once-and-for-all final sacrifice. God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus, once for all time. His blood was for the remission (forgiveness) of all sins. So instead of accepting this wonderful gift of grace, the Jews continue to beat their chest and continue the old form of sacrifice without the shedding of any blood, thinking they are being made right with God. Pride in tradition only pokes a bigger hole in your tiny boat. You’ll eventually be treading water praying for God’s rescue. Praise be to God for His Gracious Gift of Jesus.

2 If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared.3 But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year. 4 For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Hebrews 10:2-4

Then He said, “Look, I have come to do Your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. 10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered Himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then He sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Hebrews 10:9-12

14 For by that one offering He forever made perfect those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14

18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices. Hebrews 10:18

Is God a Killjoy?

When people say God is a killjoy, a tyrant wanting to rob people of their pursuit of happiness, I’ll answer them with, “you’re obviously not talking about the God of the Bible, are you?” The God of the Bible is patient and kind, and His love for us extends well beyond our ability to fully comprehend. You see love is a choice. You either do or don’t. God’s Love for us is so great, even to the rebel God grants his desires in the end. And even though it’s not what God wants from us, He gives the rebellious heart exactly what it craves for in the end, an eternal existence without Him (Hell). It also shows that suffering always opens our eyes to reality. The reality that God is in charge. It’s sad that people don’t get this concept, but it’s proof of His love for us. Why aren’t people talking about this?

25 I gave them over to worthless decrees and regulations that would not lead to life. 26 I let them pollute themselves with the very gifts I had given them, and I allowed them to give their firstborn children as offerings to their gods–so I might devastate them and remind them that I alone am the Lord. Ezekiel 20:25-26

The State of the Union...

You wonder why America is in its current state? Simple, we are no longer a nation that holds the God of the Bible in high reverence. We have liberty without responsibility. Responsibility to our Maker.

3 The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong. Psalms 125:3

We Only Die Once...

According to the Bible, there is no such thing as reincarnation. We only die once. We might be resuscitated, but we only die once. We then face judgement; either at the Great White Throne or the Mercy Seat of Jesus.

27 And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, 28 so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for Him. Hebrews 9:27-28

The Meaning Behind “Good News”...

You hear the Bible talk about blood all the time. Christ’s blood shed on the cross in the NT. The blood of rams, goats, and bulls sacrificed in the OT. The meaning of the blood is death. You’ve read in Romans, “the wages of sin is death”. That means when we sin, we deserve death. Death is the payment for sinning. God knew this and instead of carrying out the penalty of sin immediately, He provided a way of temporary cleansing by requiring a sacrifice, the death of an animal (shedding of blood) as substitute for our death. The blood was proof that the animal was dead. As it says in this chapter of Hebrews, “without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins”. Sin requires death as payment. The death of these animals was only temporary, and it was a picture of what Jesus would do on the cross for the complete forgiveness of our sin (permanent). His death and resurrection secured our redemption forever. So many people think just by asking for forgiveness, without accepting Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross, they can receive forgiveness. They continue to live a life-style in contrary to God’s will. What they don’t understand is only Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross, can they be made right with God. It’s God’s only substitute payment for the sins they committed. There’s no other way. Talk about Good News!!!

12 With His own blood–not the blood of goats and calves–He entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Hebrews 9:12 22 In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22

Prejudice vs Discernment...

Prejudice vs discernment. Prejudice is forming an opinion about someone without giving them a chance to prove themselves (and acting on it). Discernment is forming an opinion about someone else, but giving them the opportunity to prove themselves. It’s that simple. Prejudice comes in two forms: for and against. You may treat someone better (for) because of their status; fame, money, or power (showing favor based on something you want from them). Or you show impartiality by condemning someone for what you “heard” about them (against). Discernment comes in the form of knowing how and when to allow people the timeframe to prove their true colors. Yes, you still use caution, and yes, it may be from a distance, but you extend grace to them and wait to see what kind of fruit they produce.

21 Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread. Proverbs 28:21

God is Fair...

Who says God is not fair? Here in Ezekiel, God clearly demonstrates His stance on sin and righteousness. He is fair and just. He wants all people to turn away from sinful behavior and move towards Him. How is that unloving? How is that not fair? It seems like people who claim God isn’t fair don’t know the God of the Bible.

19 “ ‘What?’ you ask. ‘Doesn’t the child pay for the parent’s sins?’ No! For if the child does what is just and right and keeps My decrees, that child will surely live. 20 The person who sins is the one who will die. The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness. 21 But if wicked people turn away from all their sins and begin to obey My decrees and do what is just and right, they will surely live and not die. 22 All their past sins will be forgotten, and they will live because of the righteous things they have done.23 “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. 24 However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins.25 “Yet you say, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ Listen to Me, O people of Israel. Am I the One not doing what’s right, or is it you? 26 When righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things, they will die for it. Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds. 27 And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives. 28 They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die. 29 And yet the people of Israel keep saying, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ O people of Israel, it is you who are not doing what’s right, not I.30 “Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! 31 Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? 32 I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live! Ezekiel 18:19-32

Imagine a World...

Imagine a world where everyone will know God. There will be no teaching about Him. His laws will be in the people’s minds and His instructions will be written on their hearts. The hierarchy of society will be reversed, the least will be greatest and vice versa. And the greatest thing about this society will be the forgiveness of their sins, remembering them no more. Heaven will be great, won’t it?

But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord:I will put My laws in their minds,and I will write them on their hearts.I will be their God,and they will be My people.11 And they will not need to teach their neighbors,nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’For everyone, from the least to the greatest,will know Me already.12 And I will forgive their wickedness,and I will never again remember their sins.” Hebrews 8:10-12