Author Michael

Repentance- today is the day of salvation

Michael Leave a comment

Quotes about hell and unrepentantance

Hell will be filled with people who don’t drink, didn’t cuss, and may have even been baptized. Why? Because not one of those things make someone a Christian. -Voddie Bauchum

Hell will be filled with religious people- John Macarthur

Max was a “good kid.” He grew up going to church. He read his Bibe. His reputation in the community and within the church was outstanding. He always did the right thing and tried to help others. In fact, his dad was a pastor and would teach him the Bible every single day. Going to church every Sunday was fun. He liked socializing and being with His friends. He even got into the Ivey League schools and had his choice of schools. Schools would come to him. Max thought He was on the right path. On the path to heaven. His life, he thought, authenticated it.

Tragically, Max died in a car accident from a drunk driver. Unexpected. All of a sudden. Max thought he had his whole life ahead of him. More time to repent and actually come to the Lord. In the mean time, he could just fake it and pretend. But today was the day he would give an account to the Lord. And he didn’t go to heaven. Max never trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for His salvation. He never repented of his sins. All of his good works went into flames. They were for self-promotion and not for God’s glory. He loved his sin more than the Savior. Does this sound like you? Are you saved? Have you repented of your sins and trusted in Christ alone for salvation? Do you see the urgency of believing and giving your life to the Lord to live for Him? Are you truly living for Him or for yourself and your own desires? Hypocrites want religion only for the advantages they gain from it. But a man of God gives his life to the Lord no matter what is provided. No matter what trial comes, His desire and heart is for the Lord, giving glory to the Lord, and the kingdom. He’s not a double minded man with ulterior motives. His heart is to live in light of eternity.

What is repentance?

Repentance has two meanings. In the greek, it’s described as a change of mind; mentanoia. In the Hebrew, it’s a turning from sin to the Lord Jesus Christ; Shub. Repentance isn’t perfect. Repentance is a characteristic of the Christian life. Christians continually repent because they realize they have offended a Holy God. Repentance is a result of a transformed heart! (Ezekiel 36:26). Salvation and repentance are one of the same coin. Salvation results in the fruits of repentance. Christians don’t stay in their sin. They are freed from the power and penalty of sin. Although Christians still sin, they aren’t characterized by sin.

Habitual sin has no place for the believer-

1John 2:3-4 And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him……The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him.

1 John 3:9- Everyone who has been born of God does not sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

The life of the believer is a life that continually repents

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)

The Protestant Reformation and Repentance

The date was October 31, 1517. Martin Luther was bold in his faith, even standing up before the kings of the day, refusing to recant. In his 95 thesis posted on the Wittenburg door, Luther emphasizes the importance of repentance in the first few thesis. Here are the first 3 Thesis he posted on the door:

  1. When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, “Repent” (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.
  2. This word cannot be understood as referring to the sacrament of penance, that is, confession and satisfaction, as administered by the clergy.
  3. Yet it does not mean solely inner repentance; such inner repentance is worthless unless it produces various outward mortification of the flesh.

Luther emphasized repentance; it must have been one of the most important issues on his mind since it was the first written. The life of the believer is a life of repentance, continually. Every day.

In the Bible, there are consequences for unrepentant sin. Sin demands a penalty. Someone has to pay the penalty. My goal is not to go into detail but to give an overview of repentance. Below are some examples of how God punished the unrepentant-

Consequences of unrepentant sin

Cities of the plain, defined by homosexuality. Sodom was so much characterized by homosexuality that the word sodomite means homosexual. The effeminate are the passive partners in the relationship. The city was so degraded that when the 2 Angels showed up in human form, the men of the city were ready to have sexual relations and know them.

Genesis 19:4 “Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, from young to old, all the people from every quarter.; and they called to Lot and said to him, “where are the men who came to you tonight? bring them out to us that we may know them.”

The men’s lust was so intense that even after being blinded, they were trying to find the doorway to fulfill their sexual desires

Genesis 19:11- And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, from small to great, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the doorway.

God has sent his Angels to destroy the city because of it’s sin.

Genesis 19:24- And Yahweh rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Yahweh out of heaven.

A Stark Warning-

The judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah was horrible. But the judgment on Capernaum would be worse. Capernaum’s sin was a sin of indifference. They ignored and rejected the son of God. Matthew illustrates this judgment by saying in Matthew 11:23-24

“And Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occured in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. “Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.”

There are degrees of hell. We will all be resurrected. The question is where will we be resurrected to? To Hell or Heaven? There is an urgency to repent today and be saved. Let’s not end up like these unrepentant cities.

Sodom and Gomorrah as a warning and Example of Judgment

2 Peter 2:6- and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter

Jude:7- Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, having indulged in the same way as these in gross sexual immorality and having gone after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.

Luke 16:19 Rich man and Lazarath

In this parable, a Rich man dressed in the finest clothes of the day. Purple and fine linen. He cared nothing of the man named Lazarus who had sores all over his body. Lazarus was desperate, just trying to get the crumbs off the table with the dogs while the rich man ate very well. It was so bad that Lazarus was being licked by the dogs. In the old testament, dogs were figures of detest. So what happened to the Rich man and the poor man?

The rich man is surprised to go to hell. There is no more time to repent. His time has come. He desperately wants to warn his brothers of this place of torment and ever burning fire that lasts for all of eternity. He tries to ask for Lazarus, the man he showed no mercy to, to show him mercy and cool off his tongue just a little bit. But the mercy never comes. He made his choice to love his sin more than the savior. And now he is paying all of eternity for not repenting. And that is exactly his cry- “But if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!” The application being, if they repent and have a transformed heart, they will not be in this place of torment. It reminds me of one of Jonathon Edwards Resolved quotes-

 51) – Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned.

Jonathon Edwards is talking about regret. Regret for not acting and repenting as he should. He’s talking about actually being in Hell as a final determination by God and how we wished he would have acted. Lets act as people of righteousness, living for God and His glory and not regret until it’s too late.

Conclusion

We have a great God. The unrepentant, false worshippers, those who don’t believe will face eternal fire and damnation in light of a Holy and just God that judges. But, there is hope. Such were some of you. There is hope that if we trust in the Lord with all of our heart and believe that he forgave sins based on his death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, we will be saved. True salvation produces the fruits of repentance and true worship to a God who is worthy of our time, affections, and life lived for Him and His purposes. Judgment is coming. We are either moving toward eternal fire in Hell as unbelievers or toward the New Heaven and New Earth as believers where righteousness dwells. Which one will you choose to live for?

********************************************************************************************************

Topics for further study

Examples of Condemnation in the Bible

Angels Genesis:6 2 Peter

False Prophets 2 Peter

Solomon- fake repentance

His wrath will go Out Psalm: 7:11-13

God is faithuful to a stubborn people Psalm 78

Jeremiah and the reforms. Reforms don’t change hearts

Calls to repentance

Warning against willful sin and judgment- Hebrews 10:26

Godly Sorrow vs Worldly sorrow

2 Corinthians 7:9

True Repentance

King David

Job

Manessah, Nebachadnuzzer; evil kings who repented

Repentance is granted (2 Timothy 2:25)

Called not just to REPENT in mind but to obey. To make our calling and election sure

2 Peter:3

Repentance and Salvation are of the same coin

Characteristics of the unrepentant- Colossians 3, Ephesians 4, Ephesians 5:5

False Prophets- Sexual immorality, greed

Trust in the Lord for Salvation alone.

The bridge to Repentance

Meditation on the Word of God

Union with Christ

Our great Hope, eager and ready.

Affection for Christ results in obedience

Fellowship and Prayer

Why are so many Christians in the church single?

Michael Leave a comment

What is marriage?

Marriage is a covenant. And it’s not for ourselves primarily. It’s a covenant before the Holy and living God that is a representation of Christ and the mutual love of His bride, the church. There are many similarities between Jewish wedding traditions and the marriage of Christ and His Church. It indeed is a beautiful picture! Below I’ve highlighted several reasons why Marriage is good for man to pursue and why I believe singles are not getting married in the church.

Maybe you are single and desire to get married. But don’t ask girls out from church. I believe changing the culture requires proper thinking about what marriage is. How marriage is to be pursued and thought about. And it’s not being encouraged. In fact, I would argue marriage is being discouraged in the church primarily. And it shouldn’t be that way. We need to get back to a proper view of marriage, what it is for, the purpose of marriage, and encouraging men to ask.

Marriage is a beautiful picture of the Gospel and is ultimately about the Greater marriage of Christ and His Bridegroom. Below is how the author of Faithequip.org describes the beautiful marriage picture-

Credit to Faith Equip.org

The Arrangement

The first stage of the Jewish wedding system is the arrangement. The father of the bridegroom and the father of the bride arrange the wedding. A bride price is paid and, according to Fruchtenbaum (2005:3), in the case of the bride of Christ, the price was the blood of the Son: “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it” (Ephesians 5:25b; cf. John 3:16). The arrangement was thus sealed with blood.

The Preparation

The second stage is the preparation. It covers the period of betrothal which could last for a minimum of a year or a longer time. During this time, the bride is prepared and trained to take on the role of a wife and her purity is observed. Paul writes: “For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I espoused you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2).

Through the Word of God, the bride is set apart for her future Husband so “that He might sanctify it, having washed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:26-27). In the future the bride will be glorified. In her glorious state, the bride will have no spot or wrinkle, meaning she will have no outward or inward defilement of any sort and there will not be any evidence of aging (Fruchtenbaum 2005:5).

During the preparation or betrothal stage, what security does the bride have that the Bridegroom will come to fetch her? During the Church age (from Pentecost until the rapture), every believer is baptised and therefore united or placed “in Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:13). Further, the bride is given gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4) and sealed with the Holy Spirit, which certifies ownership and protection.

What does the Bridegroom do during the betrothal period? He prepares a place for his bride: “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).

The Fetching of the Bride

The third stage of the Jewish wedding system is the fetching of the bride: “The groom would go to the house of the bride on the wedding day to fetch her to his home” (Fruchtenbaum 2005:5). God will announce this event with a shout and a trumpet blast and Christ will appear in the atmospheric heavens to fetch the universal Church (1 Thessalonians 4:15-16). All believers from Pentecost until the rapture are baptised “in Christ” and they will be fetched. At the time of the rapture, only the dead “in Christ” will be resurrected, meaning their spirits will be united with their resurrected, glorified bodies. Church age believers “in Christ” that are still physically alive will be changed: without experiencing physical death and, in the twinkling of an eye, they will exchange their mortal bodies for glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

The Marriage Ceremony

Stage four takes place privately in the home of the Bridegroom and is not the wedding feast, but rather the marriage ceremony (Fruchtenbaum 2005:6). Perhaps one can add that believers who died prior to Pentecost will likely attend this wedding ceremony as “friends of the Bridegroom” (cf. John 3:29). Just before the wedding ceremony takes place in heaven, Church age believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). This judgement is not to punish or to condemn — “there is now no condemnation for those who are “in Christ” (Romans 8:1) — but to reward Church age believers for worthy works done subsequent to their salvation. Revelation 19:7-8 describes the wedding ceremony where a glorified bride marries her Bridegroom: “For the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready. And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”

The Marriage Feast

After the private wedding ceremony comes the public marriage feast (stage five). The Father invites many to attend the marriage feast of his Son, but only believers can attend (cf. Matthew 22:1-14). Whereas the wedding ceremony will take place in heaven, the marriage feast will take place on earth. Once the Father has made all Christ’s enemies his footstool during the seven-year Tribulation period (cf. Matthew 22:44; Hebrews 2:8), Christ will return to the earth to establish the Messianic kingdom in terms of the Davidic kingdom. Old Testament saints and Tribulation saints will also attend the wedding feast (cf. Isaiah 25:6; 26:19; Daniel 12:2; Revelation 19:9; 20:4-6). The marriage feast will begin the Messianic kingdom (Fruchtenbaum 2005:7).

The Home of the Wife of the Lamb

The Messianic kingdom will exist for a thousand years, then the final rebellion will occur, Christ will then judge all unbelievers of all time at the great white throne judgement and then the Messianic kingdom will merge into the Eternal order (1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Revelation 20:1-15). The final abode of the Wife of the Lamb will be the New Jerusalem in the Eternal order (Revelation 21:9-22:5).

Conclusion

As the Bridegroom, Christ shows the unfathomable depths of his love for his bride by dying for her on the cross. He has betrothed her and she is being sanctified by the washing of the Word. At the moment the Church is still called the bride of Christ. But soon the marriage ceremony will take place in heaven and the glorified bride will become the Wife of the Lamb. The marriage feast will follow thereafter on earth in the kingdom.

To Christ be the glory, great things He has done, great things He is doing – and great things He will yet do!

I loved reading this article because it highlights marriage as being a representation of the marriage we live for- The marriage of Christ to His bridegroom. As Christians, we live in hope of the Eternal Marriage and get married on Earth as a representation of the Gospel, and unity of the Trinity, giving glory to God!

Marriage is good; It is Not Good for man to be alone

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18

The world says 2 people complete each other. As if they are lacking something and “need eachother.” That is false. A healthy relationships starts with 2 people that are complete with Christ. The Ezer mentioned in Genesis is a helpmeet. Ezer was a military term. It signified someone on mission. The idea is that the Ezer or helpmeet is someone God provides who is on mission with the other person to work for and live for God’s Kingdom and His purposes. Creation was called good. But all of a sudden it’s not good for man to be alone. Man was not created for woman but woman was created for the man. At the same time, the marriage covenant is a covenant of companionship! It’s a one flesh union that goes beyond the mere physical although that is part of it. The one flesh union is a one person relationship in which everything is shared- (Goals, plans, thinking, desires, work, and bodies) for God’s glory. It’s the most intimate relationship someone will have on Earth! Jay Adams talks about how marriage is consummated not by sex as is thought of in the culture buy at the marriage vows.

Why is it not good for man to be alone?

Man needs a helpmeet to help him accomplishes God’s work in His life.

1 Corinthians 11:9- “Nor was man created for woman but woman for the man.”

In addition, a helpmeet helps couples fulfill the command in Genesis:1 to be fruitful and multiply.

Children are a great blessing form the Lord.

Psalm 127:3-5 ESV

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!

A helpmeet helps fulfill God given sexual desires. The context of sex is within marriage. And within that context, sex is a good thing. God’s judgment is on the sexually immoral.

Sex is a good thing that needs to be pursued within the context of marriage. Many men struggle with lust. Although marriage won’t solve the lust problem, it can definitely help! Sex is God’s design for creation. It’s something to be enjoyed and delighted in! The immature think sex is not good. That the desire for sexual intimacy is evil/disgusting. But God says sex is good within the right context. Look at the verses below-

1 Corinthians 7:9

 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Hebrews 13:4

4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

Proverbs 5:18-19

Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.

1 Corinthians 7:2-3

But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband

A wife is a good gift from the Lord

Proverbs 18:22

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing
    and obtains favor from the Lord.

This is the Godly Perspective that People should be thinking through as they pursue marriage. But that doesn’t answer the question, why aren’t singles getting married? I believe there are several reasons.

Men-

Lack of initiative. Men won’t ask. But there are many reasons for this. Many men are trying to avoid rejection, slander, and gossip. Passivity is safe. Noone will say anything about you. But if you try to get married, be prepared for lots of negativity. Going on-line to find a date has become the “easy route.” All negativity is avoided by going on-line.

They want to save their reputation. And it’s hard to come back from a bad reputation. Unfortunately, when men try and ask, their name gets around. People assume things about them that aren’t true. Asking too many girls results in being labeled as an idolater. Generally speaking, men aren’t encouraged to ask. Asking comes with consequences . It’s generally a negative experience unless she says yes!

Can’t tell if she’s interested or not. Countless men have told me they can’t tell if a girl is just Godly or interested. Asking has become a big deal. Several men have told me that can’t get Godly women to go to coffee. It’s hard to do!

Idolatry-Men are initially attracted visually. I agree that she should be attractive to the man. The Song of Solomon paints a great picture of marriage and the attraction of the spouses. Attraction can grow. But sometimes the physical appearance outweighs the character. Physical appearance will fade over time but it is a women’s character that will last a lifetime.

Women-

Marriage perspective- I’ve heard from several women that they think just getting coffee is one step toward marriage. That coffee is a really big deal. It shouldn’t be that way. People should be able to get coffee without the perspective being we are going to head down the marriage path. Yes dating is for marriage but there are initial stages of getting to know one another.

Availability- I’ve noticed some women just aren’t available. They just talk to other women or are in a lot of 1-1 situations. Girls can be more available in group settings. Yes we need to trust in the Lord but if you are creating situations in which no one can get to know you, there may be an issue. If you desire to get married, check your heart. Do you desire to get married and reject almost everyone?

Idolatry- Many women want a man that can provide. And for good reason. However, 1 Timothy 5:8 is not talking about a man that makes six figures. It’s talking about someone who can provide the necessities of life. Food, clothing, shelter. Now, woman are free to make more expectations but they will just narrow down the field a lot. Many men qualify under 1 Timothy 5:8 but are instantly discarded. Both men and women need to be rebuked for having expectations that are unrealistic.

What makes the Christian dating culture weird?

It is weird that there is a church full of singles that desire to get married and many can’t find a partner in the church. There are unwritten rules in the Christian dating culture such as only hanging out with girls in groups. Asking one girl one week that says no and another girl the next week is inappropriate. It’s expected that singles be friends first before asking. Going to coffee is a bigger deal than it needs to be. Women should give more guys chances. 1 Timothy 5:8 is not talking about someone that makes six figures. Beauty is not the only thing that counts but character that will last a lifetime. Asking is automatically idolatry if more than one girl is asked. Guys can’t tell who’s interested or not. Asking is generally not encouraged. Men’s leadership is being undermined. If it isn’t being encouraged to lead in this area, how will they be encouraged to lead in other areas? Guys can expect a lot of negativity, and gossip if they take leadership and ask. I think of South Africa where men are encouraged to ask and it’s celebrated. How the dating culture would change if we were taught to celebrate guys asking instead of looking down upon it. With all that said, frankly, many singles make the decision to go on-line. Singles don’t want to deal with all of the above.

Conclusion

Marriage is a beautiful thing! Marriage is valuable because it gives glory to God. While we wait for the Eternal marriage, we get married on Earth as a representation of Him and what he has done in our lives! Marriage is a covenant of companionship in which each party promises to provide company to the other party, leaving and cleaving to their spouse. Children are a blessing, sex within marriage is a good thing, and it needs to be pursued. It is not good for men to be alone. They need an Ezer to be on mission with them to help them accomplishes God’s purposes! A helpmeet, that was created for man. Women can be more open about going to coffee. Both sexes can have a more realistic view of marriage and what they want in a spouse. The looks, money and charm will fade quickly but a spouse of character will last a lifetime. Marriage glorifies God and helps us multiply the Earth. It is sanctifying and part of God’s good design. In the end, the only thing that will matter is Christ and how we lived for Him. We will bow before Him and give an account! A spouse can help us live for him, help us be more sanctified, and ultimately give a better account when we face Christ for all of eternity. A wife is a valuable thing. Pursue her.

Encourage Each Other to live lives fully devoted to Him.

Michael Leave a comment

                  Idolatry of the heart

“Give me children, or I die!” – Rachel  Genesis:30:1.

Three!- The number of children Miranda, 24, said she must have to be happy. Her idol. Her god. Miranda had silky, smooth, brown flowing hair that swayed in the fresh light air breeze of Manhattan. The languid flames of the firepit needed more fuel to stay alive. The firey flames resembled her current situation in her mind- still alive but slowly dying. Kailee, Miranda’s best friend,  whispered, “How are you doing, Miranda?” Miranda murmured, “okay.” Miranda wanted to get married. Miranda desired children so much that marriage wasn’t even about the marriage anymore. Miranda wanted to get married to have children. Miranda’s father died in a horrific car accident at five years old. Being a foster child, Miranda desired to be loved more than anything else. The type of love that is unconditional. Unrefuted. Always there. Always accessible. She worshipped the god of children at all costs. Children would make her happy. Satisfy her desires, and make everything okay. Children=happiness. 

What is Idolatry? 

Idolatry is anything that dominates our mind, will, and affection that is on par with God or more than God in our hearts. What does God’s Word say about Idolatry? 

Exodus 20:3- You shall have no other Gods before me. 

Matthew 22:37-38- You shall love the Lord with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  (Our one and true devotion is to him for His glory and worship.)

At the heart of Idolatry is a lie. Believing that something else will satisfy us more than God. Rachel wanted Children so much that she wanted to die because she wasn’t getting what she thought would make her happy. Rachel was coveting the children of her sister Leah! Why is it that beautiful Rachel was barren, but her sister produced many children? Ironically, how does the story end? Rachel dies in childbirth. The thing she desired so much ended up being destructive to the point of her death. 

Idolatry is rooted in unbelief- When we don’t believe Christ can satisfy us, Idols come to offer everything they can provide to replace Christ and His satisfaction. It’s tangible. 

How do we know when we’ve gone from a good desire to idolatry? 

When we are willing to sin to get it. When the desire consumes our thoughts, desires, affection, and will. When our life is centered on something other than God, His glory, and His purposes. When you have another god. (gods lower g is anything that is an idol in your life.)

Another example of Idolatry- 

32 Remember Lot’s wife.

33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it, and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

Lot’s wife disobeyed God because she was attached to Her city and Her people. She was told not to look back because Sodom was being destroyed for its sin. But she looked back at the city. And it cost her the one life she had.

Moses’ example-

We can look to Moses’ example, who was tempted to sin but chose Christ instead. 

Hebrews: 24-26

24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, srefused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 tchoosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy uthe fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 vHe considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to wthe reward. 

Our minds and Idols

In Colossians:3 and Ephesians:4, Paul outlines the connection between our minds and obedience. If we are fully committed to Christ and His Kingdom, our minds and hearts will be set on Him. Part of worshipping God truly is setting our minds on him and not other things.

Colossians 3:2- Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth……….

5- Therefore, consider the members of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. On account of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 

But now you also, lay them all aside: wrath, anger, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you put off the old man with its evil practices, and have put on the new man who is being renewed to a full knowledge according to the image of the One who created him………..

So as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another, and graciously forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord graciously forgave you, so also should you. Above all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 

In Ephesians, Paul talks about the Gentiles who walk in the futility of their minds-

Therefore this I say, and testify in the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind. 

Conclusion

We are heart idolaters. What is it that we want that we think will make us happy? That we have to have? Is it power? Respect? Fame? Marriage? Relationships? Finances? Friends? Praise? As Christians, we have a new Heart (Ezekiel 36:26). We have a new disposition. But we aren’t perfect. Inordinate desires can fill our hearts. But our allegiance and what we live for is Christ and Him crucified as the center of our lives. We were bought at a price. And are so thankful for what we have in Him. To live is Christ.

The words of the Apostle Paul Philippians 1:21

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Galatians 2:20-

“I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” 

1 Corinthians 6:9

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Nor idolaters will inherit the kingdom of God.

Loving God with your mind

Michael Leave a comment

You are a product of your thinking

The Story of Ted Bundy- Credit to ATI (All that is interesting)

During the spring and summer of 1974, police in the Pacific Northwest were in a panic. Young women at colleges across Washington and Oregon were disappearing at an alarming rate, and law enforcement had few leads as to who was behind it.

In just six months, six women had been abducted. Panic in the area reached a fever pitch when Janice Ann Ott and Denise Marie Naslund disappeared in broad daylight from a crowded beach at Lake Sammamish State Park…….. he didn’t fit the profile.

He was convicted of kidnapping and assault and sent to prison while police attempted to build a murder case against him. Just before his execution, he said this-

“I’ve lived in prison a long time now. I’ve met a lot of men who were motivated to commit violence just like me. And without exception, every one of them was deeply involved in pornography.“

—————————————————————————————————

Our thinking impacts our actions. Maybe we aren’t as bad as Ted Bundy. Maybe you haven’t committed the heinous crimes Ted Bundy has committed. But we can learn some important principles.

What are you doing to your mind?

I’ve heard stories of men spending countless hours on video games every single day. Call of duty, counter-strike, etc. Scrolling through Instagram every day because they are bored, trying to stimulate the senses and entertain themselves.

According to a Nielsen Company Audience report, the average American spends 10 hours a day on screen time which includes smart phones, computers, video games, radios, tablets, and tvs.

Our minds are being heavily influenced. If we aren’t careful, our thoughts will be fortified and our actions influenced. But as Christians we are called to much more. We are called to give our whole selves to God which includes our Heart, soul, and mind.

Matthew 22:37-

And He said to him, “You Shall Love The Lord Your God with all your Heart and with all your Soul and with all Your Mind.

Our thought life is of the utmost importance. We are commanded to Love our God with a pure mind and be transformed by it.

Romans 12:2- And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Paul is saying here that in light of our justification, and in light of our union with Christ, we should be transformed and be renewed because we are a new creation. New Creatures have new minds and new desires for the glory of Christ. We worship Christ and give glory to Him.

The Implication-

As believers, we should be aware of how our minds are being impacted every day. Patterns become habits which become our character and who we are. Ultimately, what we fill our minds with is a matter of worship, allegiance, and obedience. If we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, we should take it seriously.

Meditation as a pattern

The bible talks about meditation is Psalm:1 and Psalm:119. The Psalmist meditates on his law day and night. Biblically speaking, meditation is the bridge between head knowledge and true obedience. It is the man who develops a pattern of meditation that obeys enabled by the Spirit.

Conclusion

We are one step away from sin. Thoughts start out small. We make excuses, say it’s not that bad until sinful thought patterns are fully formed and influence our actions. Lets pay attention to our thoughts and what we worship. Our thoughts are part of our obedience to Him who created us so that we can glorify Him with everything that we do. But there is hope. We have been radically transformed and are being directed to conformity with Christ every day. As our thoughts conform to Christ, we will see our speech more edifying, actions more loving, and a humility form in us in accordance with our nature. Loving God with our mind is not optional. It’s a basic Characteristic of a Christian that provides a catalyst for loving God and people externally while we love God internally in our mind. It’s like 2 sides of the same coin. Loving God with our minds will result in Loving God and others externally with our actions. Lets be people that don’t fill our minds with ungodly forms of media of every kind but with the truth of scripture that loves God and others as it’s primary goal on this Earth. The results will be amazing.

“The Word of God does not only permit but also commands us to love and embrace Christ with the sweetest, dearest affections that nature can possibly stir up in our minds, heart and soul.” – William Pinke,

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

Michael Leave a comment

August 14, 1281 C.E. Kublai Khan, Emperor of Japan rules the vast Mongol Empire- The largest empire at the time which extends 9 million square miles; the largest contiguous empire in world history. For reference, the United states is 3.8 million square miles. But Kublai Khan wanted more. He wasn’t satisfied. Khan’s Empire stretched from the Black Sea all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Khan’s army is massive- invading with 4,400 ships coming off the coasts of China and Korea. Japan didn’t stand a chance. They were helpless, on their way to destruction. Miraculously, on August 14, a typhoon wiped out the Mongol invasion and Japan thrives till this day.

Just like the miraculous typhoon in feudal Japan’s history, God’s love saves us. It isn’t anything we asked for. It comes to us. We were on our way to destruction and eternal death. Japan would have been wiped out from existence forever. But, in God’s great mercy, he provided a way out. We were certainly on our way to destruction but the figurative typhoon of Jesus and His death on the cross saved us from hell and provided salvation. 

Sanctification starts with God’s love. This is the most miraculous part of sanctification. We were dead in our sins. But God, in his great mercy, saved us from our sins and brought us to life. Sanctification isn’t possible without God’s love. God’s love initiates sanctification and is monogerstic. Everything else stems and draws from God’s great love.. These are all great things. But they all draw from the cistern of God’s great love. God provided an everlasting cistern that we can draw from on a daily basis. He provided fresh water every day that never runs out. Conforming to Christ is drawing from the cisterns of fresh water, never being thirsty again. This is true sanctification- realizing who we were in sin, knowing that God provided a redeemer through his great love, and drawing from the everlasting cistern of Christ and what He has done. Sanctification is God working through us as we draw from the everlasting Cistern that never runs out. God’s cistern always satisfies, sanctifies, and propels us to live for His Kingdom.  God’s love makes possible the fruits of the Spirit, our desire for repentance, faith, hope, desire to be in the Word, affection for Christ, purpose, fellowship, prayer, and worship.

God’s love initiates Salvation 

God’s love initiates salvation. John 3:16 says that “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Going on, John continues by saying that God first loved us- “we love, because He first loved us.” God first loved us by sending his Son to die for our sins on the cross. We were predestined according to his love- “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him in love.” (Ephesians 1:4). God, in his great love and mercy, provided a way out for sinners to be reconciled to a Holy God. The Bible is about reconciling the fallen nature of Humanity to a Holy God. And this is the greatest love story ever told. Paradise was lost when Adam sinned and took a bite of the apple. However, very early on, God provided a way out. Genesis 3:15 says that “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.” God will be victorious over Satan and the world system in the end. When God, in his great love, changes a believer’s heart, a radical transformation occurs. Paul states that “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” He is our God and we are His people. The Prophet Ezekiel prophesied of God’s great love to remove our heart of stone and create a heart of flesh-”Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26). Our relationship with God was broken. But we have moved from being in Adam to in Christ- (For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were appointed sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be appointed righteous.” (Romans 5:19.) And this is the start of the greatest love story ever told. Our progressive sanctification starts with our positional sanctification in Christ and God’s great love that makes new desires and obedience possible because we have a new heart that desires to follow him and his precepts. The story continues.

God’s Love results in Christ in Us.

We just took a look at how God’s great love makes salvation possible. God’s great love makes progressive sanctification possible because without justification, there are no new desires or no new heart. We would still be in our sins pursuing the World, the flesh, and the devil. What is sanctification? Sanctification, is being set apart for holiness. We are continually trying to conform to Christ by his grace. Christ is in us as a result of God’s great love. Paul states in Galatians that “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.” Paul is stating here that Christ is in Him as a result of His great love. His desires have been radically changed. He is being controlled by Christ and lives for Him. 

Going on, we are in Christ Jesus who is sanctification. Paul states in Corinthians that “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that , just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Christ is our sanctification.” It is Christ who prays in his High Priestly prayer- “For their sake I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.” Christ is our sanctification and is interceding for us to the Father on our behalf!

        God’s love results in Obedience

Because God loved us, we desire to obey Him. John states that “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” Our desire to love God is from a fear of God that is reverential. We are so thankful for what He has done and want to live lives conformed to His will and His purposes. 

              God’s Love results in Faith working through love

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. Because of God’s love, he predestined us for good works- “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) The spirit is in us and results in the fruit of the spirit- “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22).

          God’s love results in Faith and Repentance

 In addition, our fruit bears repentance- “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” Mark 1:15- “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Faith and repentance are of the same coin. If one has faith, the believer will repent. True repentance produces genuine change but worldly repentance results in being sorry for being caught. Paul talks about the difference in 2 Corinthians 7:10- “For godly sorrow produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world brings about death.”

God’s love results in being in the Word

Once saved, a child of God desires to be in the Word of God. One mark of a disciple is being in the Word and pursuing the Word. John exclaims this clearly by saying- “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly My disciples.” (John 8:31). God’s Word is sanctifying and produces repentance, conforming to Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Psalmist in Psalm 119 exclaims- “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to your word.” The fear of God is the beginning of Wisdom and delighting in the Word of God. The Psalmist also starts off the book by stating a connection between the way of the Righteous and the law of God- “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of Yahweh, and in His law he meditates day and nights. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruits in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” (Psalm:1-Psalm:3). Delighting in the law of the lord has a sanctifying effect in which the blessed man does not walk in the way of sinners. In addition, Paul points out the importance of the mind in Romans- “For even though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans: 1:21). The unbeliever’s sin was propelled by a futile mind. As believers, we need to be transformed by the Word and the renewing of our minds. Paul goes on to say- “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans:12:1-2). Our minds are vital to sanctification and being transformed by the Word of God. We seek her as silver. Peter states that “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the full knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” Clearly, there is a profound connection between the Word, having full knowledge of Him, and godliness. 

God’s Love propels a new hope that results  in Obedience

God’s love gives us much hope in this life because we can look forward to the great day of Bema seat judgments. A day when we will receive rewards and give them back to Christ. Paul explains this great day in Corinthians- “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”  The day is coming and the world will be burned up culminating in a New Heaven and a New Earth- “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense hear, and the earth and its works will be found out. Since all these things are to be destroyed  in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens burning will be destroyed, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for New Heavens and a New Earth, in which righteousness dwells. Our everlasting hope propels obedience for the future. We can look forward to that day and be prepared in this life. Nothing that happens in this life can take away our sure hope of being with Christ one day!

God’s love results in assurance of Salvation, obedience, and fruitfulness

If we are truly pursuing righteousness and the Word, we will be fruitful for the Kingdom of God. God’s love enables us to be fruitful for His Kingdom. Peter talks about this is 1 Peter:5- “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these things are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the full knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For in whom these things are not present, that one is blind, being nearsighted, having forgotten the purification from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and choosing sure; for in doing these things, you will never stumble. Going on, it is the Holy Spirit that ensures we are children of God. Paul states in Romans that “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, also heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:17). 

        God’s love results in the outworking of our faith

The outworking of our faith won’t happen unless we proactively pursue Godly disciplines. God gives us the grace to obey and enables us. Obeying is a synergistic work. Paul states this clearly in Philippians- “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Sanctification is ultimately a synergistic work. The believer is 100% responsible to put in effort but he is also 100% dependent upon God’s grace. This is one of the great paradoxes of the Christian faith. As believers, we are called to work but can only do so by his grace. Faith works through love and God loves. We love because God is love and it is a communicable attribute that we can emulate to represent Him, His Kingdom, and His Glory. 

  God’s love results in us loving- He is love

God’s love results in positional sanctification and makes progressive sanctification possible. God is love. The Apostle John states this clearly by saying that- “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Fellowship and loving other is part of sanctification. Relationships can be used as a catalyst for transforming our lives. As believers, we are to build each other up and use our gifts for the maturity of the saints. Paul mentions this in Ephesians- “And He Himself gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the full knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians:4)  In addition, Paul is clear in Corinthians that “Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Corinthians:15). In order to continually be sanctified in Christ, we need to be building each other up into maturity of Christ that stems from the love God first had for us. We love because he first loved us.