Today the USA observes Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually in the USA on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Originally it was known as Decoration Day and was established after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. Eventually Memorial Day became a day to honor all Americans who have died in all wars.
It does not matter what your stances is concerning war, the bottom line is, Americans who perished in war gave their lives to secure the freedoms that we enjoy in the USA. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13) Although, you may not no one person whose life was lost in war, those who have died have made the ultimate sacrifice. So it is right for you and I to remember what they did. Unfortunately, Memorial Day no longer seems to have the impact that it once did. Like many people do, we take for granted what others have done and in this case, the freedoms that others have helped to secure for us.
Christians also have a Memorial Day, we call it Easter. It is the Christian Holiday where we honor the One who gave His life so that we can have incomprehensible freedom. Not freedom from a human tyrant, but freedom from the things that human weapons are useless against. The ultimate freedom. Freedom from sin and Satan. But like Memorial Day, many Christians also take for granted what Christ has done. The freedoms that we have in Jesus should cause Christians to celebrate the resurrected life every day.
The verse above is found within Jesus final instruction to His disciples hours before He would be put to death. It begins in John chapter 13 and concludes in chapter 17. These chapters all filled with instruction, not only for the disciples but "for those who would believe in Jesus through their words." (I challenge you to take the time and slowly read these chapters through) A summary of these chapters reveal how believers are to serve on another; how believers are to replicate the very things that Jesus said and did during His ministry on earth as the incarnate Son of God; the believers connection with Him and the Father; the Holy Spirit who would eventually come to empower; and to believe that if we ask the Father in the name of Jesus, He would give, that the believers joy be full; and then Jesus concludes with a prayer.
If you read these chapters, you will find that we are not only to remember what Jesus said and did, but we are to act upon His Word and enforce these things in His name. There is a world whom Jesus has provided freedom for, that is waiting to hear about this incredible freedom that Jesus has secured. The church must stop taking its commission as well as its commander for granted and once again win souls and make disciples. Let's help the unbeliever to have a Memorial Day every day also. All we have to do is have faith. Jesus said, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23)
Monday, May 28, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
The Joy of Mountain Climbing
Some people like to climb mountains and some don't. The truth is, if you are born again you will climb some mountains before your departure from this life. How one climbs a mountain is directly related to the amount of faith they have in the Word of God, that is Jesus (The Word became flesh). James tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-3)
To most believers this scripture is very familiar. However, did you know that although this letter was written to the church, it is directed to those who have not taken the time to developed there faith. Let's be honest, no one wants to experience trials but it is inevitable that they will come. The question that each believe must consider is, "Do you really have joy in the midst of a trial?"
Joy is an incredible thing and is often mistaken for happiness. Happiness is a product of what one experiences based on their surroundings, that is, things that are expressed through the senses. Joy however, is a product of the recreated spirit that is imparted by the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with ones senses. (Galatians 5:22) By definition I believe this is the main reason why most believers struggle when a trial comes. They let their flesh (senses) have control over their circumstances (surroundings) and become unhappy.
Notice also that James uses the term "Various Trials." In other words, there will be different types of trials that believers will experience. However, if a believer is going through the same trial again and again, it is due to their failure of letting go of the sense realm and looking to the LORD. The apostle Paul puts it this way, "...I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation..." (Philippians 4:12) In other words, Paul learned the secret of being independent of his circumstances. How was he able to do this? "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:13)
Most believers failure is not a lack of faith per se, but trying to live the Christian life through the sense realm which actually erodes one's faith. When believers look to the circumstances instead of Christ they can expect to be unhappy and miss the very reason for the trial. Trials are to mature the believer's faith so they can be perfectly sound in body, soul, and spirit, "...that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:3)
Jesus said, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23) I know that many have come to believe that Jesus was using this as an analogy of speaking to the mountains (difficult life situations) and they will leave (move). However, the difficulties of life are the trials that James tells us to count it all a joy because trials mature the believer by increasing their faith. Also in context as to why Jesus would make such a statement (He had cursed a fig tree that did not have fruit) He is literally stating a fact of how the God kind of faith (Mark 11:22) can move a literal mountain. Jesus who was present during creation. (John 1:3) spoke and the mountains were. So faith in the one who created everything seen and unseen can move a literal mountain. I certainly do not know any believers who need to move a literal mountain out of the way, but faith can do just that.
Jesus faced the most difficult life situation that a person could possibly face as He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." (Matthew 26:36-43)
Jesus knew the will of God. He was not praying a prayer to change the situation (a difficulty of life) but a prayer of consecration and dedication. Notice what He says at the end of His pray, "not as I will, but as you will." He was making Himself available to the Father to do the will of the Father no matter how difficult this life situation may have been. Let's face it, this was definitely an ominous life situation. Look at what the writer of Hebrews states, "...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame..." (Hebrews 12:2) As hard as this may be to believe, in this most horrific trial of life, Jesus had joy fulfilling the will of the Father. He had to endure the agony and shame of the cross in His physical body as well as endure an even greater agony of having all sickness and sin of every person placed upon His spirit. (Isaiah 53:4-6, 9) During Jesus' entire life on earth as the Son of Man He never focused on the situations of this life, but the solutions provided by the Father, the Father's will being done. Believers are to "...look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" not the difficulties of life and then they will experience joy in the midst of a trial.
Having the kind of faith to move a mountain takes time to build, but trials are one of the ways that builds a believers faith. To experience joy in the midst of a trial is not something that one conjures up, it is already a part of the recreated spirit. With that said, we must understand that it comes down to whether or not we walk in the flesh (senses) and fulfill the works of the flesh or walk in the Spirit, standing on God's Word, and let love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control have place over our senses. Like everything else, it comes down to a matter of choice. We can believe with our heart (spirit) and have joy in the midst of a trial or continue to let the flesh (senses) rule our lives. It is just that simple.
To most believers this scripture is very familiar. However, did you know that although this letter was written to the church, it is directed to those who have not taken the time to developed there faith. Let's be honest, no one wants to experience trials but it is inevitable that they will come. The question that each believe must consider is, "Do you really have joy in the midst of a trial?"
Joy is an incredible thing and is often mistaken for happiness. Happiness is a product of what one experiences based on their surroundings, that is, things that are expressed through the senses. Joy however, is a product of the recreated spirit that is imparted by the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with ones senses. (Galatians 5:22) By definition I believe this is the main reason why most believers struggle when a trial comes. They let their flesh (senses) have control over their circumstances (surroundings) and become unhappy.
Notice also that James uses the term "Various Trials." In other words, there will be different types of trials that believers will experience. However, if a believer is going through the same trial again and again, it is due to their failure of letting go of the sense realm and looking to the LORD. The apostle Paul puts it this way, "...I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation..." (Philippians 4:12) In other words, Paul learned the secret of being independent of his circumstances. How was he able to do this? "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:13)
Most believers failure is not a lack of faith per se, but trying to live the Christian life through the sense realm which actually erodes one's faith. When believers look to the circumstances instead of Christ they can expect to be unhappy and miss the very reason for the trial. Trials are to mature the believer's faith so they can be perfectly sound in body, soul, and spirit, "...that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:3)
Jesus said, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23) I know that many have come to believe that Jesus was using this as an analogy of speaking to the mountains (difficult life situations) and they will leave (move). However, the difficulties of life are the trials that James tells us to count it all a joy because trials mature the believer by increasing their faith. Also in context as to why Jesus would make such a statement (He had cursed a fig tree that did not have fruit) He is literally stating a fact of how the God kind of faith (Mark 11:22) can move a literal mountain. Jesus who was present during creation. (John 1:3) spoke and the mountains were. So faith in the one who created everything seen and unseen can move a literal mountain. I certainly do not know any believers who need to move a literal mountain out of the way, but faith can do just that.
Jesus faced the most difficult life situation that a person could possibly face as He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." (Matthew 26:36-43)
Jesus knew the will of God. He was not praying a prayer to change the situation (a difficulty of life) but a prayer of consecration and dedication. Notice what He says at the end of His pray, "not as I will, but as you will." He was making Himself available to the Father to do the will of the Father no matter how difficult this life situation may have been. Let's face it, this was definitely an ominous life situation. Look at what the writer of Hebrews states, "...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame..." (Hebrews 12:2) As hard as this may be to believe, in this most horrific trial of life, Jesus had joy fulfilling the will of the Father. He had to endure the agony and shame of the cross in His physical body as well as endure an even greater agony of having all sickness and sin of every person placed upon His spirit. (Isaiah 53:4-6, 9) During Jesus' entire life on earth as the Son of Man He never focused on the situations of this life, but the solutions provided by the Father, the Father's will being done. Believers are to "...look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" not the difficulties of life and then they will experience joy in the midst of a trial.
Having the kind of faith to move a mountain takes time to build, but trials are one of the ways that builds a believers faith. To experience joy in the midst of a trial is not something that one conjures up, it is already a part of the recreated spirit. With that said, we must understand that it comes down to whether or not we walk in the flesh (senses) and fulfill the works of the flesh or walk in the Spirit, standing on God's Word, and let love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control have place over our senses. Like everything else, it comes down to a matter of choice. We can believe with our heart (spirit) and have joy in the midst of a trial or continue to let the flesh (senses) rule our lives. It is just that simple.
Monday, May 14, 2012
I Would Like You to Meet My Father
It is very unfortunate when I talk with believers who truly love the LORD but have such a distorted picture of who He really is. Many see God as a holy, just, austere and unapproachable being who is ever on the look out to discover sin in the believer and quick to condemn them. This concept has made many afraid and has caused them to keep their distance from Him. I am here to report that this perception of God is completely wrong. God is our Father!!!
"For the Father Himself loves you..." (John 16:27)
John 17:23
"...that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."
(John 17:23)
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." (Romans 8:16)
"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1)
What a beautiful and factual picture of our Heavenly Fathers relationship to every believer. Jesus also paints this wonderful picture of our Father to His children...
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11) Think about this truth for a moment.
As a parent myself I have always desired to see that my children were taken care of in every area of their life. I wanted them to always be encouraged and to know that no matter how things looked everything would be alright. I have made it a point to make myself available to help them through thick or thin as well as seeing their personal success at my expense and yet this is millions of miles away in comparison to how great my Heavenly Father's tender loving care is for all of His children (believers).
When we come to know Him as a loving, caring, giving, blessing, Father who longs to spend time with His child our entire perception of Him changes. Look at the picture the apostle Paul paints...
"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out,"Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15)
Do you know what is unique about this verse? Notice that it says we are adopted. Many look at adoption from a totally human perspective in the sense that the adopted child is not really family. However, think about it from this perspective. Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you..." (John 15:16) and Paul says, "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world..." (Ephesians 1:4) Our Heavenly Father has personally chosen you and I. He hand picked us. You and I are very personal to Him.
One of the problems that many believers have is confessing weakness and failure which erodes faith breeds guilt and condemnation not to mention that it also repudiates the finished work of Christ. It cause us to belittle our true position and right standing in God through Christ. Every feeling of guilt, shame, condemnation and inferiority stops being a problem the moment that we know that God is truly a loving Father. When we come to truly believer what we are in Christ guilt, shame, condemnation and inferiority will no longer have place. Exercising faith for the things that we desire and are entitled to through our sonship with Him, are also no longer a problem. This occurs when a believer knows their rights and privileges that the Father has freely given them through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." The old things of doubt, fear as well as bondage to sicknesses and want, have passed away all because we have been legally and lovingly adopted into the family of God. With that said, I will close with a passage that I want to encourage you to read and meditate on. As you do let faith arise in your spirit and know that your Father in heaven sees you as His "creme da la creme" (the best of the best)...
"For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(Romans 6:5-11)
"For the Father Himself loves you..." (John 16:27)
John 17:23
"...that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."
(John 17:23)
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." (Romans 8:16)
"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1)
What a beautiful and factual picture of our Heavenly Fathers relationship to every believer. Jesus also paints this wonderful picture of our Father to His children...
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11) Think about this truth for a moment.
As a parent myself I have always desired to see that my children were taken care of in every area of their life. I wanted them to always be encouraged and to know that no matter how things looked everything would be alright. I have made it a point to make myself available to help them through thick or thin as well as seeing their personal success at my expense and yet this is millions of miles away in comparison to how great my Heavenly Father's tender loving care is for all of His children (believers).
When we come to know Him as a loving, caring, giving, blessing, Father who longs to spend time with His child our entire perception of Him changes. Look at the picture the apostle Paul paints...
"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out,"Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15)
Do you know what is unique about this verse? Notice that it says we are adopted. Many look at adoption from a totally human perspective in the sense that the adopted child is not really family. However, think about it from this perspective. Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you..." (John 15:16) and Paul says, "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world..." (Ephesians 1:4) Our Heavenly Father has personally chosen you and I. He hand picked us. You and I are very personal to Him.
One of the problems that many believers have is confessing weakness and failure which erodes faith breeds guilt and condemnation not to mention that it also repudiates the finished work of Christ. It cause us to belittle our true position and right standing in God through Christ. Every feeling of guilt, shame, condemnation and inferiority stops being a problem the moment that we know that God is truly a loving Father. When we come to truly believer what we are in Christ guilt, shame, condemnation and inferiority will no longer have place. Exercising faith for the things that we desire and are entitled to through our sonship with Him, are also no longer a problem. This occurs when a believer knows their rights and privileges that the Father has freely given them through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." The old things of doubt, fear as well as bondage to sicknesses and want, have passed away all because we have been legally and lovingly adopted into the family of God. With that said, I will close with a passage that I want to encourage you to read and meditate on. As you do let faith arise in your spirit and know that your Father in heaven sees you as His "creme da la creme" (the best of the best)...
"For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(Romans 6:5-11)
Monday, May 7, 2012
All Things Are New
Thank the LORD for the incredible revelation that He made known to the Apostle Paul concerning ones identification in Christ. For instance, one of my favorites identification scriptures is ...
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The very moment that a person confesses with their mouth the LORD Jesus Christ and takes Him as their Savior they become born again. Of course we know this, but do you know that the moment one becomes born again they instantaneously become a supernatural, one hundred percent "New Creation." Furthermore, do we truly understand this from Gods perspective? We are no long common anymore. We belong to an unusual supernatural order of beings. The Apostle Paul tells us...
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works..."(Ephesians 2:10) and "the new man was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24) The Apostle Peter tells us, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…"(1 Peter 2:9)
In Christ, the born again person is a new creation in every sense...
They instantly become partakers of Gods divine nature; "by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (2 Peter 1:4)
They instantly become partakers of Gods divine life; "...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
God’s ability instantly becomes their ability; "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father."
(John 14:12)
God's strength instantly becomes their strength; "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
"His promises instantly become their promises; "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (2 Corinthians 1:20)
His love instantly becomes their love; "...the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5)
His faith instantly becomes their faith; "So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have the God kind of faith." (Mark 11:22)
His power instantly becomes their power; "...My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
His wisdom instantly becomes their wisdom; "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God..." (1 Corinthians 1:30)
His righteousness instantly becomes their righteousness; "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21) The list goes on and on.
Unfortunately for many Christians this is hard to believe. Far to many Christians live in the sense realm rather than the spiritual realm. In other words, their belief system is based upon what they can see, touch, taste, smell or hear, (see John 20:24-25) which has nothing to do with believing and acting upon God's Word. Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh (senses) profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)
The word life is the Greek word "Zoe." It literally means, life as God has it; the very life of God. Now we can understand why one instantaneously becomes a new creation in every sense. It is because the very life of God takes residence in the new believer immediately upon their confession of Christ. Again, this has nothing to do with feelings. It is pure fact!
Next we see 2 Corinthians 5:17, "old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
The old thing that Satan had control of has passed away. The believer is no longer spiritually dead but made alive in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:1) Jesus said of Himself, "the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. " (John 14:30) All believers must come to realize this very thing, Satan no longer has any authority, dominion, jurisdiction or power over them. ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW!!!
Through God's Word our faith is built up (Romans 10:17) and our spirit is strengthened so that the soul (mind, will and emotions) is renewed and begins to respond to the new created spirit and not the flesh. But this does not change the fact that the very nature and life of God is in the believer. For many in the church today, it is time to put an end to the ungodly habits of the flesh and negative confession from the mouth. It is time to let God’s life arise and call those things which do not exist as though they did. It is time to live in the abundant "Zoe" that Jesus gave His life for. It is time for believers to realize that eternal life is not a destination, but the "Zoe," life of God that already exists in everyone who is born again. It is time to let the lost know that they too can have the same abundant "Zoe," life.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The very moment that a person confesses with their mouth the LORD Jesus Christ and takes Him as their Savior they become born again. Of course we know this, but do you know that the moment one becomes born again they instantaneously become a supernatural, one hundred percent "New Creation." Furthermore, do we truly understand this from Gods perspective? We are no long common anymore. We belong to an unusual supernatural order of beings. The Apostle Paul tells us...
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works..."(Ephesians 2:10) and "the new man was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24) The Apostle Peter tells us, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…"(1 Peter 2:9)
In Christ, the born again person is a new creation in every sense...
They instantly become partakers of Gods divine nature; "by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (2 Peter 1:4)
They instantly become partakers of Gods divine life; "...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
God’s ability instantly becomes their ability; "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father."
(John 14:12)
God's strength instantly becomes their strength; "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
"His promises instantly become their promises; "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (2 Corinthians 1:20)
His love instantly becomes their love; "...the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5)
His faith instantly becomes their faith; "So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have the God kind of faith." (Mark 11:22)
His power instantly becomes their power; "...My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
His wisdom instantly becomes their wisdom; "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God..." (1 Corinthians 1:30)
His righteousness instantly becomes their righteousness; "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21) The list goes on and on.
Unfortunately for many Christians this is hard to believe. Far to many Christians live in the sense realm rather than the spiritual realm. In other words, their belief system is based upon what they can see, touch, taste, smell or hear, (see John 20:24-25) which has nothing to do with believing and acting upon God's Word. Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh (senses) profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)
The word life is the Greek word "Zoe." It literally means, life as God has it; the very life of God. Now we can understand why one instantaneously becomes a new creation in every sense. It is because the very life of God takes residence in the new believer immediately upon their confession of Christ. Again, this has nothing to do with feelings. It is pure fact!
Next we see 2 Corinthians 5:17, "old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
The old thing that Satan had control of has passed away. The believer is no longer spiritually dead but made alive in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:1) Jesus said of Himself, "the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. " (John 14:30) All believers must come to realize this very thing, Satan no longer has any authority, dominion, jurisdiction or power over them. ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW!!!
Through God's Word our faith is built up (Romans 10:17) and our spirit is strengthened so that the soul (mind, will and emotions) is renewed and begins to respond to the new created spirit and not the flesh. But this does not change the fact that the very nature and life of God is in the believer. For many in the church today, it is time to put an end to the ungodly habits of the flesh and negative confession from the mouth. It is time to let God’s life arise and call those things which do not exist as though they did. It is time to live in the abundant "Zoe" that Jesus gave His life for. It is time for believers to realize that eternal life is not a destination, but the "Zoe," life of God that already exists in everyone who is born again. It is time to let the lost know that they too can have the same abundant "Zoe," life.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Is There a Doctor in the House
Medical science has made some incredible advances in recent years. For years physicians have help countless people through numerous physical ailments and have saved many lives. I respect physicians who truly have a desire to see sick people become well and believe that they deserve payment for their labors. However, I do draw the line with physicians whose only desire is to live well at the expense of sick people.A physician named Luke wrote two book found in the New Testament and shares some incredible stories of a Healer that did things beyond the minds comprehension.
Although Luke records a story concerning a particular woman who had a physical ailment for twelve years, Marks gospel gives more details which I think sheds more light. I am sure that most believers have read or heard the events of this story, but for many, they have not let these events permeate their spirit and therefore they struggle with various physical ailments.
"Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.
(Mark 5:25-26)
For twelve years this woman had to go through many painful things at the direction of physicians in order to be healed. She had also spent all the money she had, but grew worse. Isn't it interesting that today if you take your automobile to a mechanic (auto doctor so to speak) to have a problem fixed they too charge a fee for their labors and they have every right to do so. However, if the same problem reoccurs within a certain time frame, most mechanic will correct the problem and some will not charge an additional fee to correct the same problem. In this story we see just the opposite. Not one physician fixed her ailment, but they all took her money. I know of several believers who have had this very thing happen. They went to one physician who prescribe treatment, it did not work, so they went to another physician and then another, and unfortunately they met the same results as this woman. But let's look at what this woman eventually did...
When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." (Mark 5:27-28)
Notice that she had only heard about Jesus. This is one of those important keys to understanding God's will when it comes to healing. The four gospels reveal the ministry of Jesus as He walked on the earth as a man. The apostle Paul tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
(Romans 10:17) As believers hear the Word of God we first must believe that it is truth and that it does not change. When this occurs, God's Word will build ones faith. This woman only heard about Jesus and it is apparent that whatever she heard began to build faith in her, For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." I am sure her mind was saying, "You saw many physicians and got worse, no one can help you," but her heart was saying, If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.
This is where many believers miss the healing that God has provided for them through Jesus Christ. They have either been trained that "healing has stopped because the church has the completed Word of God in the Bible and therefore God does not provide healing in the church today as He did in the early church" or they believe that God does indeed heal but have trouble releasing their faith and receive it.
The first of these issues is one that is not easily over come. It has been taught and accepted by many church leaders due to a poor interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 (if you read this passage you will note that healing is not even mentioned) and a lack of faith applied to the scriptures. The second issue is common among believers that do believe that God heals today but as mentioned, may have trouble releasing their faith to receive their healing. Hebrews records, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) Faith (which is now) make hope (which is future) a present reality even though there may not be any physical evidence. The latter issue totally rejects divine healing whereas in the former issue, faith can always grow and the believer can receive their healing. Let's look at the results of faith overcoming physical realities...
Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. Her faith gave substance to hope and manifested the reality of Gods healing in the now. We must look beyond our minds saying something to this effect, "well that was her but it won't work for me." This is doubt working and will neutralize faith every time. God has provided healing through Jesus Christ and like the woman with the issue of blood all one needs to do is believe. Jesus said, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23) Now let's look at Jesus response to the woman...
"And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." (Mark 5:25-34) Remember, this woman was motivated by only hearing about Jesus and by applying her faith in Him she was healed of her affliction. Beloved, it is just that simple. The LORD has not made it difficult for you to receive all that He has. He has only asked that we believe.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6) He who comes to God must believe that He is. That He is what? Savior, Healer, Deliver, Provider, Protector, etc. Paul tells us in Romans 10:9 "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." The word saved is the Greek word "sozo" which means to deliver, protect, heal, preserve, make whole, and so on. Romans 10:9 carries a far greater promise than regeneration only. However, most of the church today only uses this verse for salvation (in the sense of regeneration) and yet the Greek word for salvation "soteria" has the same definitions as does saved (sozo).
Again, I am not speaking out against physicians, but there are some sicknesses that medical science cannot cure. However, if you need a physician, then see a physician. It takes time for faith to develop in some areas of your Christianity. Sometimes a sickness may have a head start on your faith so don't let any one put you under any condemnation for going to see a physician. You must operate in the level of faith that you have, but do not stay on that level. Build up your faith through God's Word. Let His Word take up residence in your spirit and become part of you. In doing so, sickness will not be able to have place in of your life.
In short, the woman with the issue of blood heard of Jesus, turned hope into faith and then acted upon her faith by pressing through the sense realm of seeing is believing into the reality of the spiritual realm that believes without seeing. Please take some time and learn from the woman who had the issue of blood. Meditate on God's Word and then act upon it which will build your faith. Honestly, the same grace and faith that was present when you received Jesus as LORD and Savior is available for you today to be healed, delivered, protected, preserved and made whole, only believe...
Although Luke records a story concerning a particular woman who had a physical ailment for twelve years, Marks gospel gives more details which I think sheds more light. I am sure that most believers have read or heard the events of this story, but for many, they have not let these events permeate their spirit and therefore they struggle with various physical ailments.
"Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.
(Mark 5:25-26)
For twelve years this woman had to go through many painful things at the direction of physicians in order to be healed. She had also spent all the money she had, but grew worse. Isn't it interesting that today if you take your automobile to a mechanic (auto doctor so to speak) to have a problem fixed they too charge a fee for their labors and they have every right to do so. However, if the same problem reoccurs within a certain time frame, most mechanic will correct the problem and some will not charge an additional fee to correct the same problem. In this story we see just the opposite. Not one physician fixed her ailment, but they all took her money. I know of several believers who have had this very thing happen. They went to one physician who prescribe treatment, it did not work, so they went to another physician and then another, and unfortunately they met the same results as this woman. But let's look at what this woman eventually did...
When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." (Mark 5:27-28)
Notice that she had only heard about Jesus. This is one of those important keys to understanding God's will when it comes to healing. The four gospels reveal the ministry of Jesus as He walked on the earth as a man. The apostle Paul tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
(Romans 10:17) As believers hear the Word of God we first must believe that it is truth and that it does not change. When this occurs, God's Word will build ones faith. This woman only heard about Jesus and it is apparent that whatever she heard began to build faith in her, For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." I am sure her mind was saying, "You saw many physicians and got worse, no one can help you," but her heart was saying, If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.
This is where many believers miss the healing that God has provided for them through Jesus Christ. They have either been trained that "healing has stopped because the church has the completed Word of God in the Bible and therefore God does not provide healing in the church today as He did in the early church" or they believe that God does indeed heal but have trouble releasing their faith and receive it.
The first of these issues is one that is not easily over come. It has been taught and accepted by many church leaders due to a poor interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 (if you read this passage you will note that healing is not even mentioned) and a lack of faith applied to the scriptures. The second issue is common among believers that do believe that God heals today but as mentioned, may have trouble releasing their faith to receive their healing. Hebrews records, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) Faith (which is now) make hope (which is future) a present reality even though there may not be any physical evidence. The latter issue totally rejects divine healing whereas in the former issue, faith can always grow and the believer can receive their healing. Let's look at the results of faith overcoming physical realities...
Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. Her faith gave substance to hope and manifested the reality of Gods healing in the now. We must look beyond our minds saying something to this effect, "well that was her but it won't work for me." This is doubt working and will neutralize faith every time. God has provided healing through Jesus Christ and like the woman with the issue of blood all one needs to do is believe. Jesus said, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23) Now let's look at Jesus response to the woman...
"And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." (Mark 5:25-34) Remember, this woman was motivated by only hearing about Jesus and by applying her faith in Him she was healed of her affliction. Beloved, it is just that simple. The LORD has not made it difficult for you to receive all that He has. He has only asked that we believe.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6) He who comes to God must believe that He is. That He is what? Savior, Healer, Deliver, Provider, Protector, etc. Paul tells us in Romans 10:9 "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." The word saved is the Greek word "sozo" which means to deliver, protect, heal, preserve, make whole, and so on. Romans 10:9 carries a far greater promise than regeneration only. However, most of the church today only uses this verse for salvation (in the sense of regeneration) and yet the Greek word for salvation "soteria" has the same definitions as does saved (sozo).
Again, I am not speaking out against physicians, but there are some sicknesses that medical science cannot cure. However, if you need a physician, then see a physician. It takes time for faith to develop in some areas of your Christianity. Sometimes a sickness may have a head start on your faith so don't let any one put you under any condemnation for going to see a physician. You must operate in the level of faith that you have, but do not stay on that level. Build up your faith through God's Word. Let His Word take up residence in your spirit and become part of you. In doing so, sickness will not be able to have place in of your life.
In short, the woman with the issue of blood heard of Jesus, turned hope into faith and then acted upon her faith by pressing through the sense realm of seeing is believing into the reality of the spiritual realm that believes without seeing. Please take some time and learn from the woman who had the issue of blood. Meditate on God's Word and then act upon it which will build your faith. Honestly, the same grace and faith that was present when you received Jesus as LORD and Savior is available for you today to be healed, delivered, protected, preserved and made whole, only believe...
Monday, April 23, 2012
When You Look, What Do You See
Today one of the problems that captivates most people, including believers, is image. Just standing in the checkout line of most stores, all you see is tabloids and magazines concerned with how one looks. Basically image deals with how one projects themselves, which in turn becomes what people think you are. Although this issue has been present throughout man's history, since the mid 1990’s it has had a profound affect on the church. There is a greater concern about image that unfortunately is at the expense of integrity. What do I mean by this?
Today many church leaders seemed to have adopted various worldly concepts and have brought them into the "Body of Christ." Some of these concepts are; the church building needs to look appealing and non-threatening to an unbeliever meaning, remove anything that presents a Christian view (banners, scripture verses, etc.); church members need to refrain from using certain Christian phrases that may make unbelievers uncomfortable; the church needs world class entertainment to keep people interested and coming back; music must be upbeat only with a time limit; worship means maybe one slow song but no true expression of worship; and sermons also known as a message, are to be short and sweet to make people happy and feel good about themselves (this type of sermon is considered to be "relevant" for today). The thinking is that if the church does these things, we then can expect to reach unbelievers and have a successful ministry.
Naturally we should have clean facilities, but are we representing Christ or the local coffee shop? One of the things that separates believers from the world is how we talk and act. When the presence of the LORD begins to touch lives during a service believers should be shouting the name of Jesus. When Jesus entered Jerusalem look at the response of the people, the religious leaders and Jesus Himself...
"Then they brought the colt to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: "'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."
(Luke 19:35-40)
Notice that "the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice." This was a multitude of disciples not unbelievers. To keep believers from shouting or speaking "Christian Phrases" is to deny God the honor that He is worthy of. It is ignorance motivated by fear in church leaders that want to squelch believers from verbalizing their excitement about Jesus because it may offend an unbeliever or make them feel uncomfortable. Though the people may not be shouting out the praise due to the LORD one day the stones supporting the building may.
There is certainly nothing wrong with doing drama or having special music during a church service. The problem lies when we saturate people with entertainment to keep them interested and
coming back to "Our Church". The following is the entertainment that the LORD provided in the church to multiply the number of believers...
"And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all." (Acts 4:33
"And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed." (Acts 5:14-16)
"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people." (Acts 6:8)
"And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city." (Acts 8:6-8)
Not to belittle or make light the power of God in any way shape or form, this is the entertainment that unbelievers truly desire. They do not want Broadway plays and concerts, but a demonstration of the Spirit and power. (1 Corinthians 2:4). However, this takes faith in an all powerful God who has not changed. It also take courage for church leaders to step away from the pressures that the world wants to conform the church to, and let Jesus build His church through His people.
Music is a powerful medium especially during church gatherings (not to exclude any other time). It is a means to usher in the presences of the LORD as we exalt and magnify Him through singing. David tells us, "...In Your presence is fullness of joy..." (Psalm 16:11) and "But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Your people". (Psalm 22:3) Why would any church leader want to exclude Gods presence as to not offend an unbeliever or to make them feel uncomfortable? I have been in numerous congregational and small group meetings where unbelievers were so taken by Gods presences that some were saved, some healed, some delivered and some a combination of them all. I have been in other meetings where the presence of God was so strong that the praise and worship continued unplanned for two hours. There was no preaching during this time and in the LORDS presence time seemed to stop. It was extremely power having such an affect on both believers and unbelievers that many still talk about the experience today. To exclude and intimate time of ministering to the LORD through worship or to place a limited time frame on worship is to say that God is not worthy of our admiration and we do not need His presences to have a successful church service.
I find it very interesting how church leaders advertise that they share a "Relevant Message" at their meetings but rarely preach from the Bible or use the Word of God in context. Honestly, the gospel (God's Word) has always been, is and will always be the only relevant message that the world will ever need to hear. Church leaders must stop being ashamed of the gospel of Christ and begin to preach and teach God's Word without reservation or apologizing for what it says. Paul says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Romans 1:16) Notice that the unadulterated Word of God has the power to save all people. To not preach and teach God's Word is to deny Jesus the preeminence in His Church. He is the Word!!! (John 1:1-2, 14, Revelation 19:13)
When the Prophet Samuel was sent by God to the house of Jesse to anoint a king to replace king Saul He made this statement concerning David, "...For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, (Image) but the LORD looks at the heart (Integrity)." (1 Sam. 16.7) We should not be concerned as to how we match up with the worlds image, but realize that Gods presences and glory far surpasses the best the world has to offer. We should concern ourselves with being a people of integrity as we serve the one true God, more than trying to adjust our image with worldly concepts that are motivated by Satan and infested with sin that only appeal to the flesh.
The real problem is not trying to reach the unbeliever per se, but how congregations go about it. We must stop reducing the church to a palatable organization where we fit into the world, but once again become a life filled Body that turns the world upside down. The church must begin to operate in faith and return to preaching the full gospel. The apostle Paul makes it clear as to what the full gospel entails, "For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient, in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel..." (Romans 15:18-20)
As Paul tells us, the Full Gospel is preaching God's Word (the gospel) in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God. This is the churches legacy; this is how multitudes will be saved, healed and delivered; this is church growth Gods way!
Won’t it be wonderful when the church becomes the envy of all once again. Well I have some good news and some not so good news, you can decide for yourself. We will see the so called "Open Church" (not the name of a congregation, but how they precieve themselves) continue to compromise the truth (God's Word) for the sake of unbelievers who unfortunately never come to Christ. We we see what is known as "Seeker Friendly" church's who currently have thousands of members begin to shrink and some will even be forced to close their doors (this is already happening) because all their programs and entertainment have not truly fixed broken lives. We will see many main line denominations reject sound doctrine and teach such things as Christ not being the only way to eternal life (this also is currently happening). Some will even be deceived by Mormon's, J---- Witnesses, Muslim's or other false religions and join their ranks.
However, on the other hand, there are some church leaders and congregation that have not bowed their knee to the world for the sake of having a world pleasing image. They have maintained their integrity in Christ and have not compromised God's Word. They are not trying to please the world but save people from the world. They understand and embrace the kind of faith that pleases God which will open the door to many lost souls being saved, healed, delivered and becoming true disciples. We will see reformation taking place in some denominations. Many denominational church leaders will throw away doctrines that they have embraced for years which are contrary to God's Word. They will begin to live in a realm of faith that they have been taught to reject.
Even now there is a stirring in many believers, young and older, who want more of Christ than they are receiving where they current attend. They have participated in many church programs that are built on psychology rather than the Word of God and they are still not walking in the freedom that Christ has provided. Even now many are seeking a congregation where the Full Gospel (as Paul presents
it) is the norm and where true Christian community is experienced replacing the social club atmosphere. Why are these things happening and why will they be? Because the church is Christ's Body which He loves. Even now He is cleansing her so that she will be a "glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:27) The sad news is, many will once again harden their hearts to Him and open their hearts to the world.
As I close I would like to share a quote from General William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army. Although the church has entered the twenty first century, his statement is still worth pondering…
“The chief danger of the 20th century will be religion without the Holy Spirit, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God and heaven without hell.” (William Booth Quotes) How prophetic...
Monday, April 16, 2012
God is the Masterful Architect
Creation reveals the master hand of the Designer. Blind chance is not the author. Taking an honest, intelligent look at creation will agree that there is nothing left to chance. Creation is governed by fixed laws and these laws apply to the most minute cell, to the highest forms of life as well as all things seen and unseen. There is an intelligent purpose behind all creation and yet the science of evolution (which in most institutions is taught as fact) has not given us any adequate reason for creation, why? because we have forgotten that truth is eternal and theories are based on the opinions of man. Webster defines theory as facts related to one another based on unproved assumption. Also theories are limited by time as seen by the constant revisions made from age to age.
Notice that theories are based on "unproved assumptions." Could this be why when evolution is mentioned educators and evolutionists who believe in this twisted "unproved assumptions" try to avoid using the term "theory of evolution." They know as fact, that it cannot be proven through any means. In short, it is argued that fossil records and biology can prove that evolution is the basis of creation; that life evolved from non-life; and that life as we know it came to exist by chance. However, modern day advancements in technology have concluded beyond question or reasonable doubt, that evolution is a fallacy. I cannot speak for you, but it would take a whole lot of faith and a rejection of logic for me to believe the religion of evolution, especially when it has been PROVEN scientifically (an evolutionists means to test theory) to be false. So if evolution cannot be proven, then why is it taught as fact? The apostle Paul tells us...
"Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things...who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever." Amen.
(Romans 1:21-25)
Every human being whether involved in religions other than a true form of Christianity or even if
they profess to be atheist, know that something is not right, so they look for anything that will ease their conscience. Even though they know that Jehovah God exists, they refuse to acknowledge Him as God. But to appease their conscience some will believe that a higher power exists and thereby create a god in their own image, while other who emphatically deny the existence of God, resort to their futile thinking. In either case, they exchange the truth of God for a lie. Those who deny that God exists and yet are driven by the feeling that something is not right, fail to recognize the reason behind their quest. They refuse to believe that God blew
His breath of life into the first created man and it was this breath that brought life into man. They cannot perceive that sin caused man to die spiritually and that "he has become flesh.” Nevertheless man still has a spirit
and that spirit longs to connect with its creator and until it does, man will always be on a quest to find the answers to life.
The apostle Paul tells us, "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:14-16) Looking at verse 14, we know another reason why educators and evolutionist hold to the theory of evolution. However, looking at verse 15 and 16, I must ask this question. Why do Christians who use the public school system permit their children to be taught this lying nonsense? Do we get it? The public school system...It is public tax dollars that are paying the salaries of educators to teach Christian children "unproved assumptions" as fact. It id no wonder why so many people in the church today do not know God's true nature, purpose and will?
I can remember several years ago when our oldest child attended public high school. Before she did, my wife (an educator) and I sought out the principle to discuss the schools curriculum and policies. The school district did teach evolution but our daughter was not subject to any classes that taught it. One of the things we accomplished was getting a student prayer group established with the aid of some Christian faculty members. I believe that it was this student prayer group that kept many of the problems that high schools face from escalating as well as keeping additional perverted curriculum from being taught.
Next I tried to motivate church leaders from the thirty two churches within the school district at that time to converge on the sidewalk in front of the high school and pray against the "god of this age" that was blinding lost faculty, employees and students from the truth. Believe it or not, only eight people came to participate (Two of which were my wife and I) and that was only one time (though my goal was to have a church presence at least once a week). Interestingly enough this one time event happened to be on (get this) the National Day of Prayer. There was not one other time that the church leaders (other than myself) took the initiative to be a presences at the high school.
Another issue that we attacked was that of teenage sex (sex outside of marriage). My wife had developed a curriculum under the guise of "Character Development." Within the curriculum the issue of sex was a major point of discussion and hidden within that topic was also the issue of abortion (I say hidden within because if blatant then the proponents of abortion would have certainly rejected it). Unfortunately the curriculum was rejected even though it would be strictly voluntary on the part of students and it was to be taught by Christian educators that would volunteer their time. The unfortunate thing was not just that the curriculum was rejected by the school district, it was that the churches in the area did not want to get involved.
I am not at all trying to toot my own horn. I am concerned with why the church is silent. I am concerned as to why Christians complain but do nothing beyond that. If the church is Gods vehicle to "turn the world upside down;" if the church is backed by the power of God; if it is Gods desire that all people be saved; if the authority of Christ has been delegated to the church, then why is it so difficult to muster a large number of Christians to make our presences known and not only pray down these dark forces but get involved in the community, such as; being on the town/city council or Board of Education, and the like. Let us be honest, we know why. Comfortable Christianity is more appealing than stepping out of the "comfort zone" and believing God. With that said, I only have one last question to ask which Jesus asked several times and one that I ask myself to keep me tracking with Him, "Where is your faith?"
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