The title may seem a little strange, but it has a point that deals with understanding new birth. The Holy Spirit through the apostle Peter tells us, "having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." (1 Peter 1:23) The Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul tells us, "What harmony can there be between Christ and the Devil?" (2 Corinthians 6:15) Both of these verse reveal a wonderful truth, "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)
Many Christians believe that when a person confesses the Lordship of Christ and receive Him as Savior that they receive eternal life but the old nature is not removed and that the new and old nature war with each other. The reason for this comes from a teaching from Romans chapter 7. However, if we take a closer look at the entire chapter we will notice the the words, grace, believer, beloved, etc. are not seen in any part of these verses. What we do see is the word law mentioned twenty three time in the KJV of the Bible. Many church leaders have extracted and taken out of context verses fifteen through twenty three. They miss the entire point that the apostle Paul is conveying to the Jewish believers, Paul is not explaining the experience of a believer, but of himself before his conversion, that is, as a Jew under the law. He reveals that the law awakens the conscience to sin which opens the door for his flesh which desires sin. The conflict that he experienced as a Jew under the law was between his mind recognizing the law is good and his flesh that wants to operate contrary to the law, that is, its desire is sin. Paul conclusion to the matter is, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God — through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25)
Paul honors and attributes the Lord as the only way that one can be deliver from this war between the flesh and mind. To make it simple, faith in Jesus Christ stops the war. For the believer, there is no dual nature at work. The believer is not under the law but under grace. Let's look again at the above verses that the Holy Spirit has spoken through Peter and Paul, (1 Peter 1:23) "having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." To say that the believer still has the old nature in him is to say that the believer is not completely born again because he still maintains a measure of the satanic fallen nature, that is, corruptible seed and that corruptible seed shares the believer with God's incorruptible seed. But look again at what Paul says, (2 Corinthians 6:15) "What harmony can there be between Christ and the Devil?"
When a person is born again, they are born of the Holy Spirit and their spirit is recreated, but the flesh and the mind have not been recreated. However, in God's eyes, the believer is in fact "a new creation; old things (satanic nature) have passed away; behold, all things have become new." This is a fact but it takes faith to realize, accept and walk out in our lives. There is certainly nothing wrong with the physical body. God formed the body as a means to operate in the natural realm and to be a servant to the human spirit. Mans spirit was to rule over the flesh and mind. However, the fall of man caused spiritual death "And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh...Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (Genesis 6:3, 6) Through the spiritual death of mankind, his flesh, the servant, has become the ruler leading him into confusion and anarchy (look around). Now you can see the dilemma that believers face. It is not a dual nature, but letting the flesh continue to have rule over the recreated spirit. But there is a solution that eliminates this dilemma. .
Paul continues into Romans chapter 8...
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:1-11)
Honestly, does this sound like a man who has experienced new birth and still is a sinner? Absolutely not! The Holy Spirit reveals through Paul the solution of being freed from sin, that is, the believer is no longer a sinner if he/she lives a life in fellowship with the Holy Spirit and does not let their flesh have control of their life. For church leaders to tell the saints that they are sinners, because after the great apostle Paul was also a sinner even after his conversion, reveals their lack of understanding the Pauline Epistles. It also is apparent that they are apparently not having fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Instead, they are excusing sinful behavior by accepting doctrines of the church over the Word of God. The greatest problem with this erroneous teaching is that the believer has no hope of living the victorious life that the Father has provided through Jesus Christ. After all "I'm just a sinner saved by grace and still have the old sinful nature."
I share these things because I sit with pastors from various denominations who I believe love the Lord but believe that they are just sinners or beggars. However, look what Paul tells us in his first letter to Timothy...
"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life." (1 Timothy 1:15-16) Paul was not saying that he was still a sinner, but that Jesus came to save sinners and due to him persecuting the church (his past) he, Saul of Tarsus, considered himself to be a great sinner, but we see that he obtained mercy, that is, he Paul the believer, was forgiven.
Paul tells us to, "...Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16) He also tells us to, "Put off the old man (old fallen nature) and put on the new man (new created nature)" (Ephesians 4:22, 24) But how does one do this? "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." (Ephesians 4:23) and "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2) The way that a believer can walk by the Spirit and not fall prey to the lust of the flesh is to renew their mind through reading, studying and most important, meditating on the Word of God. God's Word feeds and strengthens the spirit, renews the mind and grows faith. This takes a process of time (it depends on the individual) but as your spirit grows your mind and body (flesh) will once again become the servant to your spirit. Again, this has nothing to do with having a dual nature, but everything to do with faith in Christ, His redemptive work and in God's Word which says, "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)
A final thought concerning new birth it that the new man (the new nature) that one receives from God, is given immediately upon confessing the Lord Jesus Christ and receiving Him as Savior. Paul tells us concerning the new man, that it "was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:24) So logically thinking and looking at all that is shown hereon, how can a believer have God's nature (the new man) and the devil's nature (the old man) ruling their life at the same time? They absolutely cannot! Jesus said, "And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." (Mark 3:25) So let us stop living our Christian life as who we were, sinners, but who we are in Christ, the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Monday, January 7, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Who Will be Lord of Your New Year
Now that 2013 is here, many people have either decided on or are formulating a New Years resolution(s). This type of resolution is defined as, a firm decision to do or not to do something. According to researchers, between 75 and 88 percent of all New Years resolutions fail by February. Why is this so? Researchers say that the main cause of resolution failure is that most people are not really ready to change habits, especially bad habits. Even in the Christian community many will make resolutions along the lines of, "I will read my Bible more, I will pray more, I will give more," and so on, and yet many resolutions will still fail. So how can a believer make a New Years resolution, so to speak, and keep it? Well, there is not one answer that will solve this problem except this. Do not make a New Years resolution. However, if you are going to make a New Years resolution here are some things that may aid in your success...
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
So if you are going to make a New Years resolution, seek the Lord as to what He would want and then, do not waver at the promise of God (what He has spoken) through unbelief, but be strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised (what He has spoken) He is also able to perform. Have a healthy, prosperous and fruitful New Year and in all that you do or say, let it be for the glory of the Lord.
- Do not make more than one resolution...
- Make your resolution a goal that is obtainable...
- Set smaller goals to obtain your ultimate goal...
- Have someone in your life that you can be accountable to...
- Adjust your attitudes and thoughts...
- Make positive confessions. (Confess victory not defeat)...
- Do not rely on your ability but on the Lord's abilities...
- Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
- Galatians 5:16 Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh
- Ephesians 4:23 Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
- Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things
- Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
- 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith...
- 2 Peter 3:18 Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
So if you are going to make a New Years resolution, seek the Lord as to what He would want and then, do not waver at the promise of God (what He has spoken) through unbelief, but be strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised (what He has spoken) He is also able to perform. Have a healthy, prosperous and fruitful New Year and in all that you do or say, let it be for the glory of the Lord.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Are You Jolly?
The Christmas Carol, "Deck the hall(s)" is a Welsh melody dating back to the sixteenth century. The modern lyrics and melody that we know today were edited and originally published in 1866.One of the lines of lyrics says, "Tis the season to be jolly." However, for many, it is not a jolly season. Some are alone, some remember a loved one who has passed away, some may fall prey to stress and cannot wait for Christmas to be gone, the reasons are many. I myself, like others have experienced the many difficult situation that life brings and like others have a choice. I can focus on the problems of my past no matter how terrible they may have been or I can remember the blessings and be willing to share what I have with others.
We sometimes forget the depths of what the Christmas season really means. I remember the Charles Schulz Christmas program, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" that made its television debuted in 1965 and is still being aired today. Basically, Charlie Brown wants to discover the meaning of Christmas in which Linus explains in brief the birth of Christ the Savior. When we look closely at the birth of Christ, we discover the immeasurable love of God toward humanity. The Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul reveals mans condition since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, "...having no hope and without God in the world." (Ephesians 2:12) and "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Mankind could not find his way back to God on his own. He was in need of a mediator that could stand before God on behalf of man. The only way that this could be accomplished is that God Himself would assume mans liability for his crimes which meant that deity and humanity must come together to meet mans greatest need, redemption.
The incarnation of Christ is certainly a remarkable event in the history of man and should certainly be celebrated, but when the difficulties of life try to rob such a wonderful event from our hearts and minds, let's remember that there was even a greater event that took place in humanity. Jesus, the God-Man was born to do just as the angel announced, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11) Yes, a Savior was born, but He could not save man until He paid in full mans crimes to satisfy justice and give man right standing before God. The Savior would have to suffer in two realms, the natural through the horrific beating and crucifixion of His body and the spiritual realm. His spirit would become impregnated with sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) and He would be separated from the Father (Matthew 27:46) and spend three days in hell (Matthew 12:40, Acts 2:31, Ephesians 4:9) where He suffered and was tormented beyond our comprehension.
The Bible tells us that Jesus indeed paid in full mans sin debt, by dying a death that all people should die. He then arose from the grave, ascended to heaven, offered His own blood and sat down at the right hand of the Father (Romans 5:17-21, Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:51, Hebrews 9:12, 10:12) So during this Christmas season when we feel the weight of life trying to come upon us, let's remember what Jesus the Savior has done for us. In doing so the burdens will be lifted (Matthew 11:28-30) and we can enjoy this wonderful festive season of Christmas. Have a very Merry Christmas. Fa, La, La, La, La, La, La, La, La...
We sometimes forget the depths of what the Christmas season really means. I remember the Charles Schulz Christmas program, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" that made its television debuted in 1965 and is still being aired today. Basically, Charlie Brown wants to discover the meaning of Christmas in which Linus explains in brief the birth of Christ the Savior. When we look closely at the birth of Christ, we discover the immeasurable love of God toward humanity. The Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul reveals mans condition since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, "...having no hope and without God in the world." (Ephesians 2:12) and "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Mankind could not find his way back to God on his own. He was in need of a mediator that could stand before God on behalf of man. The only way that this could be accomplished is that God Himself would assume mans liability for his crimes which meant that deity and humanity must come together to meet mans greatest need, redemption.
The incarnation of Christ is certainly a remarkable event in the history of man and should certainly be celebrated, but when the difficulties of life try to rob such a wonderful event from our hearts and minds, let's remember that there was even a greater event that took place in humanity. Jesus, the God-Man was born to do just as the angel announced, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11) Yes, a Savior was born, but He could not save man until He paid in full mans crimes to satisfy justice and give man right standing before God. The Savior would have to suffer in two realms, the natural through the horrific beating and crucifixion of His body and the spiritual realm. His spirit would become impregnated with sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) and He would be separated from the Father (Matthew 27:46) and spend three days in hell (Matthew 12:40, Acts 2:31, Ephesians 4:9) where He suffered and was tormented beyond our comprehension.
The Bible tells us that Jesus indeed paid in full mans sin debt, by dying a death that all people should die. He then arose from the grave, ascended to heaven, offered His own blood and sat down at the right hand of the Father (Romans 5:17-21, Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:51, Hebrews 9:12, 10:12) So during this Christmas season when we feel the weight of life trying to come upon us, let's remember what Jesus the Savior has done for us. In doing so the burdens will be lifted (Matthew 11:28-30) and we can enjoy this wonderful festive season of Christmas. Have a very Merry Christmas. Fa, La, La, La, La, La, La, La, La...
Monday, December 17, 2012
What is Truth?
One of the questions that is still being asked today is, "What is Truth." Modern definitions of the word truth are..."That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality; the body of real things, events, and facts;
a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true." Although these definition may seem ambiguous, and they are, they only define truth from a natural sense. For thousands of years philosophers have been asking this same question, yet they are limited to natural knowledge, therefore they can only define truth based on their limited knowledge that emanates from the five senses. So, if fact or reality is based on solely upon natural human knowledge, then truth will never be found.
During Jesus' trial as He stood before Pontius Pilate, He made a very important statement that goes beyond the sense knowledge realm of the greatest philosophers, "...For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." (John 18:37) The latter part of Jesus' statement is very intriguing, "Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." Notice that this does not say everyone who hears my voice is of the truth. In other words, many people may hear the Lord's voice but is does not mean that they themselves are of the truth, that is, believe the truth, accept the truth or understand the truth. We see this in Pilates response to Jesus.
He is hearing what Jesus is saying, but still asks the question, "...What is truth?..." (John 18:38) Now we know that Pilate was a pagan and that he was spiritually dead, but why do so many Christians who are supposed to have the Holy Spirit, the Teacher, living within them reject the truth? What do I mean? Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." (John 14:6) and "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:17) Jesus is truth! The Word of God is truth! However, in many ways many believers treat the truth as though it is only nice suggestions. Much of this is due to the erroneous doctrines of men that are developed by those who do not really know Him, but know of Him. Many say the Bible is the Word of God but claim that it does not do today what it did in the past. Somehow, God gives man His Word, which is truth, but it only worked in times past. God is unchanging, but somehow His Word is. Then how do we explain verses like the following...
"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Number 23:19)
"My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips. (Psalm 89:34)
"Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89)
Logically, if the Bible is God's Word, but what He has spoken is only applicable to a dispensation, especially that of the New Testament, then how can one say that Bible is relevant for today? You can't because it would be a book of historic events that are time dated or only a philosophy. Why should people teach and preach from the Bible if God's Word doesn't work today? They shouldn't unless they want to teach history or philosophy. Is truth not a constant from everlasting to everlasting or does truth change? It certainly is from everlasting to everlasting and it certainly does not change because Malachi 3:6 says, "For I am the LORD, I do not change..." and Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
So if God does not change with time and we believe that He is from everlasting to everlasting, that He has no beginning or end, then it is only logical to believe that His Word is the same. It does not change with time, but what it said (says) is applicable for all time. Truth does not change! So what is the problem? The writer of Hebrews tells us the problem when it comes to accepting and believing the truth, "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it." (Hebrews 4:2) Although this is aimed at the Jews who heard the gospel but rejected it, it also applies to many believers today. When believers hear the truth if it is not mixed with faith it will not profit the hearer which makes it easy for a counterfeit (a lie, the opposite of truth) to get place.
The apostle Paul had an experience along this same line. In Athens he encountered some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers who spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing. In other words their were looking for truth but were limited as philosophers are because they are limited to natural knowledge. The wisdom of God upon Paul gave him an open door to preach Christ (the truth) by-way-of an altar with this inscription, "To the unknown God." Although these philosophers heard the truth "...some mocked, while others said, we will hear you again on this matter. So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed..." (Acts 17:16-34)
The point in this matter is, believers need not see to believe, they need to believe so they can see (the truth). Experience is not the best teacher, the Holy Spirit is. As the apostle Paul say, "Knowledge puffs up..." (1 Corinthians 8:1) However, Proverbs tells us to "incline your ear to wisdom". (Proverbs 2:2) Why? Because wisdom is spiritual and gives one the ability to use knowledge. So to understand, accept and believe truth we need the wisdom that comes from the great Teacher, the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "If you abide (continue, endure, remain, stand, tarry) in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32) It is accepting God's Word without wavering, without questioning, but through faith that God is able to perform what He said (says) He will do. When believers accept God's Word without "Buts or what ifs" then they shall know the truth and the truth shall make them free!
a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true." Although these definition may seem ambiguous, and they are, they only define truth from a natural sense. For thousands of years philosophers have been asking this same question, yet they are limited to natural knowledge, therefore they can only define truth based on their limited knowledge that emanates from the five senses. So, if fact or reality is based on solely upon natural human knowledge, then truth will never be found.
During Jesus' trial as He stood before Pontius Pilate, He made a very important statement that goes beyond the sense knowledge realm of the greatest philosophers, "...For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." (John 18:37) The latter part of Jesus' statement is very intriguing, "Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." Notice that this does not say everyone who hears my voice is of the truth. In other words, many people may hear the Lord's voice but is does not mean that they themselves are of the truth, that is, believe the truth, accept the truth or understand the truth. We see this in Pilates response to Jesus.
He is hearing what Jesus is saying, but still asks the question, "...What is truth?..." (John 18:38) Now we know that Pilate was a pagan and that he was spiritually dead, but why do so many Christians who are supposed to have the Holy Spirit, the Teacher, living within them reject the truth? What do I mean? Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." (John 14:6) and "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:17) Jesus is truth! The Word of God is truth! However, in many ways many believers treat the truth as though it is only nice suggestions. Much of this is due to the erroneous doctrines of men that are developed by those who do not really know Him, but know of Him. Many say the Bible is the Word of God but claim that it does not do today what it did in the past. Somehow, God gives man His Word, which is truth, but it only worked in times past. God is unchanging, but somehow His Word is. Then how do we explain verses like the following...
"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Number 23:19)
"My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips. (Psalm 89:34)
"Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89)
Logically, if the Bible is God's Word, but what He has spoken is only applicable to a dispensation, especially that of the New Testament, then how can one say that Bible is relevant for today? You can't because it would be a book of historic events that are time dated or only a philosophy. Why should people teach and preach from the Bible if God's Word doesn't work today? They shouldn't unless they want to teach history or philosophy. Is truth not a constant from everlasting to everlasting or does truth change? It certainly is from everlasting to everlasting and it certainly does not change because Malachi 3:6 says, "For I am the LORD, I do not change..." and Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
So if God does not change with time and we believe that He is from everlasting to everlasting, that He has no beginning or end, then it is only logical to believe that His Word is the same. It does not change with time, but what it said (says) is applicable for all time. Truth does not change! So what is the problem? The writer of Hebrews tells us the problem when it comes to accepting and believing the truth, "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it." (Hebrews 4:2) Although this is aimed at the Jews who heard the gospel but rejected it, it also applies to many believers today. When believers hear the truth if it is not mixed with faith it will not profit the hearer which makes it easy for a counterfeit (a lie, the opposite of truth) to get place.
The apostle Paul had an experience along this same line. In Athens he encountered some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers who spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing. In other words their were looking for truth but were limited as philosophers are because they are limited to natural knowledge. The wisdom of God upon Paul gave him an open door to preach Christ (the truth) by-way-of an altar with this inscription, "To the unknown God." Although these philosophers heard the truth "...some mocked, while others said, we will hear you again on this matter. So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed..." (Acts 17:16-34)
The point in this matter is, believers need not see to believe, they need to believe so they can see (the truth). Experience is not the best teacher, the Holy Spirit is. As the apostle Paul say, "Knowledge puffs up..." (1 Corinthians 8:1) However, Proverbs tells us to "incline your ear to wisdom". (Proverbs 2:2) Why? Because wisdom is spiritual and gives one the ability to use knowledge. So to understand, accept and believe truth we need the wisdom that comes from the great Teacher, the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "If you abide (continue, endure, remain, stand, tarry) in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32) It is accepting God's Word without wavering, without questioning, but through faith that God is able to perform what He said (says) He will do. When believers accept God's Word without "Buts or what ifs" then they shall know the truth and the truth shall make them free!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Offense or Defense; Is One Better
The Holy Spirit reveals to the apostle Paul numerous times a person position in Christ once they are born again. There are to many to list, so here is a passage that will shed some light.....
Romans 6:4-11 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 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.
Notice that Paul uses the words dead and death to drive home a particular truth which is, the moment a person is born again, death to their old nature immediately takes place. This death in Christ is actually a new freedom which separates the believe from His old fallen nature. Paul tells us that this new life is what believers should walk in. Although the believer should walk in the newness of life, it does not mean that they will choose to do so. This new life through death in Christ has freed the believer from sin and may I add, all of the destructive nature and attributes of sin. So one should conclude, "If my old nature is dead and my new nature is that of Christ Himself, then I am truly free and the works of my old nature (the works of the flesh) have no dominion over me that I should give them place." Although this should be the obvious conclusion of Romans 6:4-11 for every believer, lets face it, it is not for most.
One of the most destructive areas that far to many Christians entertain in their life is an area that Jesus spoke of several times. For instance...
Then He (Jesus) said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him." (Luke 17:1-4) Sadly, we look at a passage like this and gloss over it as though Jesus is not talking to all people, but only the disciples that He is addressing in this passage and somehow, this does not apply to me. However, if you are born again you are a disciple and yes it does applies to you.
Whether one is on the offense, speaking negative, harsh or even slanderous words towards another or if one is on the defense receiving such words and holding a grudge and unforgiveness in their heart, both are equally destructive and sinful. Most relationships are ended due to both of these destructive, carnal actions and yet most refuse to see the cancerous nature of speaking or receiving an offense. Why? Selfishness! An offense is Satan's tool which he uses to distract the believer from walking in love, which is selfless and it also prohibits the believers from bearing fruit for Christ. Look closely at the the warning that Jesus gives concerning one who brings and offense...
"It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." This should not be seen as only a warming but a sobering statement that should cause us to think properly and to choose our words carefully.
Next, Jesus gives us a command...
"If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him." There is no addendum such as "but or if." Believers are to be a forgiving people no matter how sever an offense comes across.If one does not forgive, then they are in sin and they will experience constant torment (Matthew 18:21-35) Time does not heal the wound(s) of an offense. Ending a relationship does not heal the wound(s) of and offense. Only forgiveness from the heart can do that!
Now look at the apostles response to what Jesus was teaching concerning offenses...
"And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." (Luke 17:5) It is apparent that the ability of forgiving offenses is one of the most difficult duties of the believers life because it is contrary to ones feelings. So, if one has weak faith, they will most likely fall prey to this ugly device that Satan uses against believers. This is probably why there are so many hurting believers today. They have weak faith and have either offended someone or they have accepted an offense which clearly reveals that neither truly know the love of God.
Now, let's look at Jesus' response to the apostle plea for more faith...
"So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you." (Luke 17:6) Although Jesus is talking to the apostle about the power of faith, faith will not avail anything if you hold on to an offense and refuse to forgive from your heart. We see that both bringing an offense and having unforgiveness due to being offended is serious business. It also reveals just how carnal and unloving believers can be.
Here are a few ways that you can examine yourself to see if you are struggling with an offense or if you have trouble controlling your thoughts or your tongue that causes you to offend another...
The following is some sound advice that will help believers to askew speaking and or receiving an offense...
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;" (Deuteronomy 30:19) Choose life!!!
"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." (Ephesians 4:29) Speak life!!!
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8) Think life!!!
"...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) Enjoy life!!!
Most of all...
"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:30-32)
This is all accomplished through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord!!!
Romans 6:4-11 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 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.
Notice that Paul uses the words dead and death to drive home a particular truth which is, the moment a person is born again, death to their old nature immediately takes place. This death in Christ is actually a new freedom which separates the believe from His old fallen nature. Paul tells us that this new life is what believers should walk in. Although the believer should walk in the newness of life, it does not mean that they will choose to do so. This new life through death in Christ has freed the believer from sin and may I add, all of the destructive nature and attributes of sin. So one should conclude, "If my old nature is dead and my new nature is that of Christ Himself, then I am truly free and the works of my old nature (the works of the flesh) have no dominion over me that I should give them place." Although this should be the obvious conclusion of Romans 6:4-11 for every believer, lets face it, it is not for most.
One of the most destructive areas that far to many Christians entertain in their life is an area that Jesus spoke of several times. For instance...
Then He (Jesus) said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him." (Luke 17:1-4) Sadly, we look at a passage like this and gloss over it as though Jesus is not talking to all people, but only the disciples that He is addressing in this passage and somehow, this does not apply to me. However, if you are born again you are a disciple and yes it does applies to you.
Whether one is on the offense, speaking negative, harsh or even slanderous words towards another or if one is on the defense receiving such words and holding a grudge and unforgiveness in their heart, both are equally destructive and sinful. Most relationships are ended due to both of these destructive, carnal actions and yet most refuse to see the cancerous nature of speaking or receiving an offense. Why? Selfishness! An offense is Satan's tool which he uses to distract the believer from walking in love, which is selfless and it also prohibits the believers from bearing fruit for Christ. Look closely at the the warning that Jesus gives concerning one who brings and offense...
"It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." This should not be seen as only a warming but a sobering statement that should cause us to think properly and to choose our words carefully.
Next, Jesus gives us a command...
"If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him." There is no addendum such as "but or if." Believers are to be a forgiving people no matter how sever an offense comes across.If one does not forgive, then they are in sin and they will experience constant torment (Matthew 18:21-35) Time does not heal the wound(s) of an offense. Ending a relationship does not heal the wound(s) of and offense. Only forgiveness from the heart can do that!
Now look at the apostles response to what Jesus was teaching concerning offenses...
"And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." (Luke 17:5) It is apparent that the ability of forgiving offenses is one of the most difficult duties of the believers life because it is contrary to ones feelings. So, if one has weak faith, they will most likely fall prey to this ugly device that Satan uses against believers. This is probably why there are so many hurting believers today. They have weak faith and have either offended someone or they have accepted an offense which clearly reveals that neither truly know the love of God.
Now, let's look at Jesus' response to the apostle plea for more faith...
"So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you." (Luke 17:6) Although Jesus is talking to the apostle about the power of faith, faith will not avail anything if you hold on to an offense and refuse to forgive from your heart. We see that both bringing an offense and having unforgiveness due to being offended is serious business. It also reveals just how carnal and unloving believers can be.
Here are a few ways that you can examine yourself to see if you are struggling with an offense or if you have trouble controlling your thoughts or your tongue that causes you to offend another...
- Do you have resentment towards someone else when they receive a blessing...
- Have you taken up and holding onto someone Else's offense...
- Do you continually think or speak negatively about someone...
- How do you feel when you see a person who has offended you even after you have forgiven them...
- Do you like it when someone is facing misfortune...
- Are you quick to criticize or judge another...
- Do you associate with people who speak negatively against others...
- Are most of the people that you associate with those who also have been offended...
- Do you find yourself reminding others that you have been offended...
- Do you struggle experiencing the joy of the Lord most days...
- Do you feel like people are out to get you...
- Do you have bouts with depression...
The following is some sound advice that will help believers to askew speaking and or receiving an offense...
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;" (Deuteronomy 30:19) Choose life!!!
"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." (Ephesians 4:29) Speak life!!!
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8) Think life!!!
"...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) Enjoy life!!!
Most of all...
"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:30-32)
This is all accomplished through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord!!!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Let's Say Grace
Traditionally, "saying grace" before a meal imparts a blessing which sanctifies the meal. However, grace is much far reaching beyond simply a prayer before a meal. The definition of grace is found in Philippians 2:13 "For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Grace is, "the undeserved, unmerited favor of God freely given that gives one the ability and desire to do His will." Another aspect of grace is God giving us those things that we do not deserve. When we put these two together, all we can really say is, WOW.
There is nothing that a person can do or say to earn God's grace because it is a gift, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)
"But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift." (Ephesians 4:7)
Let's face it, due to sin we deserve hell, sickness, disease and all manner of troubles, but God chooses to give us eternal life, healing, provision, and all manner of blessings through faith in Christ and His meritorious work of redemption. God chooses to give us His favor. PTL
Here is another look at grace, "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work." (Romans 11:6) This is saying that we cannot work to obtain grace or it would no longer be grace but works based on our own merit. In a sense, grace requires absolutely nothing on the believers part except to apply faith.
Even though God chooses to give us His grace, it does not just happen in the life of a believer. We receive God's grace by faith, "Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace..." (Romans 4:16) Everything that believers have can be attributed to God's grace, but we appropriate grace through faith. For instances, observe this verse again, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8) God pours out His grace to save, but it only becomes activated when one applies faith. In a way, it would be like owning an automobile that is sitting in your driveway in perfect working condition, available to use with the power to take you virtually anywhere, but it is not activated until the key is placed in the ignition, the car started and put into gear. The ignition key in a sense would be faith activating the car, grace, that gives us the ability to be transported to seemingly endless destinations.
Believers will never take credit for what God does if we understand His grace. The apostle Paul says it this way, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
(1 Corinthians 15:10) Paul was completely convinced that all that he was in Christ and all that he did for Christ was by the grace of God alone. He took no credit at all for and of the things that he accomplished for Christ after he became a believer. We too should act in the same manner at all time.
The grace of God is literally divine energy that the Holy Spirit releases through faith. However, a believer can confine or squelch God's grace from flowing when they do not know His will. Remember, grace is the undeserved, unmerited favor of God freely given that gives one the ability and desire to do His will. So, if one does not know God's will as revealed in scripture then it is obvious that there will be a stifling of divine energy. For instance, many in the church today are taught to believe that what God did in the early church, such as performing miracles, signs and wonders regularly, He does not do today. Of course if you study the Bible being led by the Holy Spirit you will not find one verse of scripture that supports this erroneous teaching, unless scripture is taken out of context to mean something that man wants it to mean. What this amounts to is, God's grace being squelched because faith must be applied to activate grace, it is just that simple.
With that said, let's activate the grace that God has given to us through faith and experience the "Divine Energy" of God being released to save, heal, deliver, provide and so on. Let us no longer set aside the grace of God but grow daily in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ remembering that the Lord said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
There is nothing that a person can do or say to earn God's grace because it is a gift, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)
"But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift." (Ephesians 4:7)
Let's face it, due to sin we deserve hell, sickness, disease and all manner of troubles, but God chooses to give us eternal life, healing, provision, and all manner of blessings through faith in Christ and His meritorious work of redemption. God chooses to give us His favor. PTL
Here is another look at grace, "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work." (Romans 11:6) This is saying that we cannot work to obtain grace or it would no longer be grace but works based on our own merit. In a sense, grace requires absolutely nothing on the believers part except to apply faith.
Even though God chooses to give us His grace, it does not just happen in the life of a believer. We receive God's grace by faith, "Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace..." (Romans 4:16) Everything that believers have can be attributed to God's grace, but we appropriate grace through faith. For instances, observe this verse again, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8) God pours out His grace to save, but it only becomes activated when one applies faith. In a way, it would be like owning an automobile that is sitting in your driveway in perfect working condition, available to use with the power to take you virtually anywhere, but it is not activated until the key is placed in the ignition, the car started and put into gear. The ignition key in a sense would be faith activating the car, grace, that gives us the ability to be transported to seemingly endless destinations.
Believers will never take credit for what God does if we understand His grace. The apostle Paul says it this way, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
(1 Corinthians 15:10) Paul was completely convinced that all that he was in Christ and all that he did for Christ was by the grace of God alone. He took no credit at all for and of the things that he accomplished for Christ after he became a believer. We too should act in the same manner at all time.
The grace of God is literally divine energy that the Holy Spirit releases through faith. However, a believer can confine or squelch God's grace from flowing when they do not know His will. Remember, grace is the undeserved, unmerited favor of God freely given that gives one the ability and desire to do His will. So, if one does not know God's will as revealed in scripture then it is obvious that there will be a stifling of divine energy. For instance, many in the church today are taught to believe that what God did in the early church, such as performing miracles, signs and wonders regularly, He does not do today. Of course if you study the Bible being led by the Holy Spirit you will not find one verse of scripture that supports this erroneous teaching, unless scripture is taken out of context to mean something that man wants it to mean. What this amounts to is, God's grace being squelched because faith must be applied to activate grace, it is just that simple.
With that said, let's activate the grace that God has given to us through faith and experience the "Divine Energy" of God being released to save, heal, deliver, provide and so on. Let us no longer set aside the grace of God but grow daily in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ remembering that the Lord said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Monday, November 26, 2012
Do You Love Me?
I am not one for watching movies, especially those that are considered musicals. However, as I got older and had children we would occasionally take some time and watch a movie. One of the movie-musicals that is considered an all times favorite by movie critics is entitled, "Fiddler on the Roof" which was a 1971 film adaptation of the 1964 Broadway hit with the same name. In one of the scenes in the movie Tevye, the narrator and main character of the story, father of five daughters, an impoverished milkman, a leader in his Jewish community, asks his wife Golde in song, "Do you love me?" Golda's responses were based on all the chores that she had done as a wife and mother for Tevye and their daughters for the past 25 years and yet Tevye continued to asks Golda, "Do you love me?"
In John 21:15-17 we see Jesus asking Peter, "Do you love Me?" Jesus asked Peter this question three times and uses verb agapaoo, which means to love affectionately, ardently, supremely, perfectly, but in Peter's reply he is using the verb phileoo, which means to love, to like, to regard, to feel friendship for another. In other Words, Jesus says to Peter, "Peter, do you love me affectionately, ardently, supremely, perfectly", to which Peter answers, "Lord, I like, I regard, I feel friendship toward you."
If Jesus stood face to face with you and asked the same question that He asked Peter, what would be your response? Before you answer remember, the Lord knows our heart. Let's be honest most believers would respond as Peter did. Phileo is the natural type of love that like Peter every person on the planet has. However, natural love is very limited. I heard it said that natural human love is nothing more the refined selfishness because it can shows affection one minute and turn ugly the next. But agape love knows no such bounds. It is not selfish in any way because it always seeks and thinks the best of others. Agape love, or the love of God is already in the believer, "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5) but it is a choice that every believer must make daily as we walk out our life in Christ .
Agape love is a demonstration, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) However, demonstrating love goes beyond doing various works or chores because the God kind of love is not natural but spiritual. It takes faith to walk it out in our daily lives for many reasons...
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)
"If you love Me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:12-13)
"Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8)
As I had mentioned it takes faith to live out the God kind of love daily and consequently it takes the God kind of love to walk in faith, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love." (Galatians 5:6) So for us to truly answer the question, "Do you love Me?" let's consider these things and make the choice that no matter what circumstances come our way, no matter what people may say, let us choose to have "compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8-9) In other words, let's choose to love as God loves and choose to practice it daily.
Finally, I want to challenge you to turn to 1 Corinthians 13, read and meditate on verses 4 - 8 every day. The apostle Paul tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God." (Romans 10:17) As we read and meditate on these verses our faith will grow, our minds will be renewed and our spirit will be built up resulting in all knowing that we are Christ's due to the love that we express in every situation.
In John 21:15-17 we see Jesus asking Peter, "Do you love Me?" Jesus asked Peter this question three times and uses verb agapaoo, which means to love affectionately, ardently, supremely, perfectly, but in Peter's reply he is using the verb phileoo, which means to love, to like, to regard, to feel friendship for another. In other Words, Jesus says to Peter, "Peter, do you love me affectionately, ardently, supremely, perfectly", to which Peter answers, "Lord, I like, I regard, I feel friendship toward you."
If Jesus stood face to face with you and asked the same question that He asked Peter, what would be your response? Before you answer remember, the Lord knows our heart. Let's be honest most believers would respond as Peter did. Phileo is the natural type of love that like Peter every person on the planet has. However, natural love is very limited. I heard it said that natural human love is nothing more the refined selfishness because it can shows affection one minute and turn ugly the next. But agape love knows no such bounds. It is not selfish in any way because it always seeks and thinks the best of others. Agape love, or the love of God is already in the believer, "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5) but it is a choice that every believer must make daily as we walk out our life in Christ .
Agape love is a demonstration, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) However, demonstrating love goes beyond doing various works or chores because the God kind of love is not natural but spiritual. It takes faith to walk it out in our daily lives for many reasons...
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)
"If you love Me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:12-13)
"Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8)
As I had mentioned it takes faith to live out the God kind of love daily and consequently it takes the God kind of love to walk in faith, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love." (Galatians 5:6) So for us to truly answer the question, "Do you love Me?" let's consider these things and make the choice that no matter what circumstances come our way, no matter what people may say, let us choose to have "compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8-9) In other words, let's choose to love as God loves and choose to practice it daily.
Finally, I want to challenge you to turn to 1 Corinthians 13, read and meditate on verses 4 - 8 every day. The apostle Paul tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God." (Romans 10:17) As we read and meditate on these verses our faith will grow, our minds will be renewed and our spirit will be built up resulting in all knowing that we are Christ's due to the love that we express in every situation.
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