Tag Archives: Christ Jesus

Still Born Faith?

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Trial of Jesus Christ

Trial of Jesus Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Some love the Lord, and continue like that till death.  At the simple and first hearing of the Gospel, these submit themselves to the leadership of God and godly men.  They understand clearly that they are being called to become godly in all they do. 

Some hate the Lord, and continue like that till death, regardless how the Gospel is presented.  Their love for wicked behavior, and a certain pride of freedom from restraint is too much for them to let go and obey. 

Some think they love the Lord.  Yet continue till death dabbling in sin and rebellion.  They never grasp the purpose of the Gospel.  And they certainly don’t ask too many questions in that regard.  They think they are acceptable just as they are.  And make no attempt to rectify their situation, regardless the strength of God’s motivating call.

It is not hard to see when we love the Lord.  We are self-witnesses to the willing obedience within us.  It is not difficult to take note when we hate the Lord.  There are millions of instances where we can clearly see we do not bring Him honor. 

But the lie we speak (in both word and deed) when we say we love Him yet traffic in sin and rebellion is far more tricky to detect for the one who lives like that.  Not to mention that “mainstream” sugar water gospel teaches that the Lord loves us regardless what we do. 

They fall for a trap that was laid long before they were born.  There are billions of such people waiting for judgment even now.  And their number will only increase as the end of things draws near.  The Lord is not fooled by numbers of men who conspire to live a lie. 

The hideous nature of this way of life is that such people have switched off the natural fear of God within them.  It is as if you set your alarm to get up in the morning, only to continually hit snooze, or even shut the thing off, and go back to sleep.  You teach yourself to approach your responsibilities with very little care.  What these people will miss, however, is far more than a paycheck.  Teenagers are naturally irresponsible like this and must be taught to respect the expectations of life.  Adults are expected to overcome such behavior.  This is the function of the Grace God extends to us all.

The Grace of God can be misunderstood easily by the one who does not think it through.  For a time the Lord will overlook a stumbling nature within the Christian.  During this transition period, between sinner and believer, trust is the more important item on His agenda.  But there is certainly an end to such treatment.  There is a place where willing obedience is expected and commanded.  It is wise to consider the goal of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus on our behalf.  And to do this considering we could bring up any variety of tasks man might attempt.

To get from point A to point B there is supposed to be an attaining; that moment when we arrive at point B.  There are moments in between the two that we use to gauge our progress.  But the goal is the entire reason for each endeavor.

Now there are many things a man might do where actually reaching the goal isn’t really all that important, eternally speaking.  We might try to quit smoking, for instance.  But it isn’t an eternal struggle if we fail.  It simply limits our life span here in the body.  Or it causes us embarrassment or sickness.  A man might want to save $100,000.00 before he retires.  But it isn’t a matter of salvation if he falls short.  He simply finds himself unable to fend for himself during his last few years on this earth. Perhaps we want to lose weight.  But just can’t seem to “get-er-done”.  No worry, eternally, it isn’t the body the Lord is overly concerned with. 

But we can’t take that same approach to our response to the Gospel and expect a warm reception when we see Him face to face.  The Gospel deals with spiritual matters while we live in this fleshly tent.  What we do here, regarding godliness, has a direct response from God when we leave this “place of testing”.

Many have read or heard the saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”  And shouldn’t we all desire to hear the Lord say that to us?  But how can that be said if we’re not a faithful and good servant?  Surely we don’t think the Lord will lie to us in that moment.  No, He will speak what is true according to what we have done.  That is, how we have responded to the message of the Gospel.

No one answers to me for anything.  But it is wise (in fact essential) to ask the question: “What makes us  think we deserve to be received with those words if we act as if there is no requirement for holiness in the Gospel of Christ?”  I know this is a harsh question.  But if we don’t answer it truthfully what will become of us when we meet Him face to face?

Some will read this post thinking I am pointing my finger at them.  What can I do to change that?  It is a harsh truth we do not hear all that much about.  When was the last time someone spoke these things to you after a worship session?  When was the last time you spoke these things, in love, to another?  Do we have a right to ignore the subject simply because it is considered too harsh?

We all know these things in our heart and mind.  For the Lord has said that there is absolutely no excuse among men in regard ignorance of purity.  So I feel pretty sure of myself to speak about it.  Yet we seem to accept folly among us without qualm.  And we call it the Grace of God. 

The Grace of God is more a spot light on a highway than an endowment regardless our obedience.  He extends it to us while we come to our senses.  But as we learn to do what is right and pure we find the shadow of His Grace leaving the former things we did and following us like a focused spot light as we encounter the next teaching.   

Consider Grace to be like the spot light of a helicopter when it lights up the criminal at night.  If the man submits and waits for the coming correction he has a chance of redemption.  God is the Living God.  He is not the God of our past evil ways.  He is the One who calls us forward into obedience.  The man who continues to drift back will find himself living outside the bathing light of God’s Grace.  And he will subject himself to a rather harsh “take down” in the end.

The following must conclude this post:

I have actually heard some say that the Ten Commandments don’t apply to Christianity.  Who are they trying to kid when they say such things?  Those articles of God are the very goal of our salvation.  And we are fully expected to reach hard to accomplish them within us.  How we “reach hard”, however, is the very key to understanding and accomplishment.  “It’s all attitude buddness!”  Do we really love the Lord or don’t we.

I started this post by speaking of how some love the Lord.  And this was no willy-nilly shot in the dark.  The love for Jesus is the very point where we find it easy (or impossible) to break from the things He has hated from eternity past, and will hate for eternity to come.  We don’t obey the Ten Commandments in the same way we might obey the speed limit (we do it so we don’t get punished by a ticket and fine). 

To approach obedience to laws, simply out of fear, will never transform the heart of anyone.  But to learn to love them because they are the “house rules” of the One we intend to live with forever becomes an entirely different motivator.  In our society rules of obedient citizens are broken all day long (as long as we don’t get caught).  But there is a place where secret disobedience will not be tolerated.  In fact, it will not exist.  And since there will be no death, the inhabitants will not disobey.  (Ponderous thought, aint it?)  That place waits for those who learn to listen and obey here.

I know it’s a hard thing to ask each other to chase after holiness.  Someone may say to me, “Who are you to call my relationship with God into question?”  I will answer, “I am just like you.  I too am subject to the rule of God upon me.  And we are challenged to fearlessly proclaim the entire Gospel to each other.”  It’s not judging folks.  It is an encouragement toward eternal life!  As opposed to a temptation to eternal death we witness today.

If a transformation to godly living wasn’t the entire reason for life on this planet it wouldn’t be as hard as it is.  But this place I’ve often called a “place of testing” is just that.  Life here tests the heart of every man, woman and child.  The bottom line question hovering over our heads could be phrased like this:  “We will subject them to temptation, hardship, and even death.  All the while I will remain hidden from their senses.  We will see if they will humble themselves to take good counsel from others, and  learn to willingly love Me in spite of it all.”  You will not find that quote in the Bible.  So there’s no need to ask for chapter and verse.  But isn’t that the entire subjective experience we all share as we live out our lives?

Get it right folks.  The time to “work” is shorter than you know.  Submit yourselves to the rule of the Lord Jesus or face the consequences of rebellion.  We are all warned by the Holy Spirit, the Bible, nature, and example.  There will be absolutely, unequivocally, and eternally, no excuse. 

Prolog:

What those who obey are to become has not been revealed to man.  But we can easily testify to what will happen to those who do not.  Love does not accuse, divide, hate, or willingly destroy.  To whatever extent we gain a friendship with God we learn to love as He loves.  To whatever extent we lack that friendship, we lack true love.

 And do not mistake this:  A love that is untested is no love at all.  You may create a life for yourself in which you are sheltered from the things that might provoke a sinful response within you.  But that doesn’t mean you have conquered that sin. 

Who can provide themselves such opportunity to be tested in this way?  No one can prescribe a testing better or more complete than the Lord of Life.  Ask and you will receive so that your love will become strong and true.  Only the cowards will refrain from asking such things from the Lord.  It is only the strong who are willing to allow the Lord to tear their heart of stone out of their chest and replace it with a heart of flesh.

 

Jesus Loves the Homosexual Lifestyle, Right?

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A bible from 1859.

A bible from 1859. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A curious hole in the testimony of some homosexuals I’ve talked to has appeared.  It seems they think their lifestyle is “OK” with God.  Can someone tell me then why it’s not “OK” to hand out Bibles at one of their rallies?

“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.”  (John 3: 20)

P. S.

You people who are promoting your own agenda in the world, tell us that God loves you and your agenda, yet run from the Bible anytime it is poked in your face:

Here.  Why don’t you do this:  Begin to read the Bible for what it contains.  Then turn and promote the agenda of God in Christ Jesus (even when it runs right up your proud backbone). 

You see, we Christians do just that.  We don’t claim to be holy or righteous.  We promote the agenda of Jesus regardless how it offends our sense of pride.  And when it stands against our sins, it is we who cave.  The Lord won’t stand for anyone who uses his own agenda to promote sin.

In case you didn’t get my point:  Go ahead, keep your life of sin going.  But add to it the Word of God.  In time, I promise you, your agenda will diminish and the Holiness of God will begin to enter.  Keep up your charade, however, (of being God loving sinners) and you will be horribly ashamed and surprised when you stand before Him face to face.

You love the Bible when it says “God loves you.”  But you hate to read about how no immoral or sexually perverse person will ever enter eternal life.  You rave that you deserve recognition because you’re a minority.  Did you ever stop to think that murders are a minority also?  Did you give thought to why that is?  It’s because most people understand that immoral behavior does not receive the love of God.  They are the majority.  You are the minority.  hmmmmmm

So bring the Bible before your face.  Go ahead and read the things that please you.  Then, just for kicks, read a little more.  It will scar your conscience.  Isn’t that what you’re running from when you don’t want the Bible in your wicked rallies?

The Alarm (Don’t push snooze)

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The Zygmunt (Sigismund) Bell in Kraków, Poland.

The Zygmunt (Sigismund) Bell in Kraków, Poland. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I look around at the people I see.  What does my mind perceive?  I see the majority ignorant of the things of the Lord.

I look again at those who have a clue about Jesus.  What does my mind perceive?  I see the majority ignorant of the things of the Lord.

I look again at the remaining few.  What does my mind perceive?  I see the majority ignorant of the extreme calling to holiness from the Lord.

I look one more time and what does my mind perceive?  I see a tiny few who have entered into the full scale war against the flesh by the power of the Spirit of God within them.

How can I say this?

Let’s take a look at what I have just said by considering a number.  Let’s give it the value of 100.  I’ll be generous because I don’t know the state of people like the Lord does.  I’m only making these statements by what my mind can perceive.  The Lord sees the heart of every man.  I can only look on the outward appearance.

Out of the 100 I see 75 who don’t care at all about the things of the Lord.  Out of the remaining 25, I see people who recognize that God is greater than any man.  They attend a service or two.  But there is very little difference between their lives and that of the first 75.  Ask them about the Bible and they can’t answer.  But they will tell you they believe in Jesus.

Out of that 25 I see, perhaps, 1 or 2 who are awestruck by the things of God in Christ Jesus.  Their lives are turned upside down by the Gospel of Christ.  You won’t see their prayer life very often.  But it is obvious that they are intense in their prayer life.  They are so distinctly different than all the others in everything they do.  These are the ones everyone else hates.  Not because they are Bible thumpers harassing everyone else, but because they make the others look bad just by being alive.

What makes the difference?  And how do we encourage any of the other 98 or 99 percent to join this tiny band of people?  I confess that I don’t know how to incite others to become absolutely sold out to the things of Jesus.  All I know is that it is impossible for any man to attain the full measure of dedication to the Lord.

I take a look at this from my own perspective (I’m not allowed to judge others in their faith.  So I am forced to look inward to explain this).  What do I see within myself that provokes me to a deeper commitment to the things of Heaven?  I see the warnings of Christ Jesus ringing from every “house” within my mind.  The warnings are not words to me.  They are a screaming call all day long and into the night.  I wake and I hear the warnings.  I work and hear them.  I sit still and they provoke me to think of Him.  Everything I encounter has that sound ringing loudly from it.

Who makes this sound I keep hearing?  Did I wake up one morning and decide to make a mental bell to sound in my mind?  That’s foolish to consider.  This state of alarm is from the Lord.  I asked for it.  And He gave it.  I will tell you that I know He can silence those bells if I prove that I’m not willing to obey His next command to me.  It is the Lord who does this to me.  And I conclude that He has done it to that 2 percent I mentioned above.

Now what of the rest?  I don’t know.  What is the threshold of entrance into the things of God through Jesus?  I don’t know.  Some point to the simple confession of lips, which mouth the name of “Jesus”.  Ok.   I can’t accept that.  The bells don’t mellow their sound when I consider going that direction.  So I conclude that perhaps it is a good beginning.  But it is obviously not the end of the road.  In short, I can’t testify that speaking the name of Jesus is good enough.  There’s more.

Is it going to church or even reading the Bible when we feel the urge?  Nope.  Still got that alarm going off.

How about if we go to church and listen to the sermon really hard?  Nope.  Bells still ringing.

Ok.  Then I’ll try be a good man.  Nope.  ALARM!

You see what I mean?  No matter how deep I go into Jesus, there is still an alarm sounding which calls me farther.  How then is it a good thing to be like any of the others?  And woe to me if I teach myself to ignore the sound of alarm.

I post this, not to brag about my Christianity.  But to open a discussion in the heart about the urgency of Jesus’ call to all men.   I care, and I can’t afford to care, where you are on that list of people.  What does it matter if I say one man is such or another?  Each of us gives complete account of ourselves alone.  I’m just trying to open a can of worms here.  Let’s see where they slither.

Judging, Peace, and Holiness

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Three Empty Boxes #1

Three Empty Boxes #1 (Photo credit: z287marc)

I’m going to take a stab at defining and explaining three important aspects of Christianity.  If I hit the mark, then well and good.  If I miss the mark then I ask for clarification by my brothers and sisters.  I even invite comment from those who are not yet believers in what is called “The Way” (If you don’t understand what “The Way” is, then it’s you I’m talking about).  These three topics are very hot in the world today.  They are misunderstood and abused far too often to leave alone.

This post is created to see if I contain what is true.  I make them public so that I might expose what I believe personally.  These are the things of Christ as I have come to understand them.  And this understanding has become central to my every thought, attitude, and deed.  So what you will read is the sum of who I am in Christ Jesus.  (A bit verbose huh?)

I do not mention that to boast.  I mention that to ask for help to clarify what I believe and do.  Who among us would be willing to divulge our heart in these matters?  I ask for mercy from you as you examine what has become my very soul’s desire.  These are central doctrines (teachings) in the Christian faith.  And it is good, for all God’s people, to hold His ways so tightly that they can be delivered through our own words.  Far too often I see Christians simply quote scripture to deliver their understanding of God’s ways.  Though I too could do that, I have determined to render them in a far more vulnerable manner.  We will see what the response from my Christian family will be.  I know what the response from the world will be.  And I laugh within myself to remember that we will also see what I am made of as I encounter the responses…..

In this, this post becomes a game of sorts, a game of pride against humility.  A potentially deadly game, but a game none the less.  Approach it light heartedly, as if in a class room filled with willing students (of which, I am also a student).  It is my desire that all my family in Christ try their hand at these things.  With love this exercise can be exceedingly fruitful.  “Ya otta try it yersef.”

I know this post is a lot of words.  So what?  So is “War and Peace”.  And there are a couple people in history that have read the entire book.

Judge:

Do not judge by appearance but render a right judgment.  Do not guess about what you see in others.  Assess by what you witness.  In the first statement we are commanded to judge.  All that is necessary is the knowledge of the Lord which He is willing to extend to all His people freely.  Have you cleaned your own house by His gracious knowledge?  Then you are able to rightly understand what is proper before the Most High God.  And if your house is clean then you are allowed to figure out the needs of others (that is to say, “judge rightly”).  We all lack in various ways.  But as we enter into The Lord’s commands (That is, as we learn to live His commands consistently.) we are compelled, by what we have learned to obey, to assess that same obedience as we witness it in others.  We learn to live by His standard.  And as we live by those standards of Holiness, we are compelled to voice what is true.

Do not listen to those who say you have no right to judge.  You are compelled to make right judgments as you learn to live according to the Lord’s ways.  Let one idiot say to another idiot, “I did that and I can tell you clearly, ‘That’s gonna leave a mark!’  So don’t do that!  I used to do that till I couldn’t stand the pain anymore.  Now I don’t do that.  Look.  See the scars?”  Only a proud fool is going to hate you for giving the warning.  Only folly will respond, “You don’t know anything!  And you have no right to judge me like that.  I’m going to do what I want. And you have no right to speak to me like that!”  Ok.  Go ahead and do it.  You’ll be joining me to tell others about it in your very own words, just like I told you.  This is appropriate judging.  And that is the expected response today.  The indignant one will soon enough chime in with you to say something about the “marks”.

Consider others equally important to yourself.  You have cleaned your own house so that you will be presentable to the Lord of Life through Jesus’ sacrifice.  Help others clean their own house by gently pointing out what they are not able to see alone.  You too once had blind spots which required a brother or sister to come along side and point them out.  They did approach you to give you counsel.  And in humility to the truth spoken to you, you accepted their counsel and made the appropriate changes to your behavior.  Perhaps that counsel was delivered to you harshly.  But, in retrospect, wasn’t the harsher counsel delivered after various attempts to reach you through kindness, love, gentleness, and peace?

What people hate about this process is the final warnings that come from continual rebellion against God’s teachings, which were first delivered more kindly.  But these people fail to recognize the softer teachings which came before the harshness of warnings about the Holy Judgment of God.  All men know they are impure.  It is pride alone which restrains the Lord’s words from entering.  And if we are to help them we are compelled to find a way around the pride of man.  Isn’t this the reason for a display of physical authority against the rebellion of our children?  (I’m talking about what used to be called “spanking”.  But I thought it an inappropriate word……… It just aint PC anymore.)

This process is much like my little dog.  She is busy sniffing about and wandering around at her own pace and pleasure.  But when the time is near to leave, I call her.  Sometimes she will not hear repeated and escalating calls to return to me.  So she requires that word of rebuke.  Then she hears me clearly and returns.  I do not begin with that word to her.  I give her time to come because she is willing to obey.  But she will return to me regardless, whatever it takes.  There is reward in my hand when she obeys.  Though for now she endures a rebuke.   Maybe I ought to just skip all the “TADA” and move to yelling at her.  Nah.  I love the lil creature.  Isn’t that why we subdue frustration long enough to talk softly to others?

People balk at righteous teaching because of pride.  But come the day of judgment they will appreciate that you had the boldness to warn them, provided they had responded with humility and obedience.  There will be respect for those who have cleaned their own house so that they can render right judgments of their brother’s actions, having delivered the appropriate level of teaching at the proper time.

We are  commanded to love our brother as we love ourselves.  Have you rendered this process within yourself until obedience became second nature?  Then there is no shame to do the same for others out of a pure love and concern for their safety.  Do not listen to those who hate what is good and rebuke you for applying what is true from a true heart.  Love them toward obedience for their own good, even as you have endured the same for the sake of God’s Holy Son’s Name.  Such people will remind you of the mote in your own eye.  You know, the one you have removed so you can see clearly to help your brother.  While they remind you of your sins they are pushing you away without remembering the second part of that message.  In this they blame you for judging them, all the while they are judging you.  Curious isn’t it?

Peace:

This talk about judging others leads me to the next important conversation.  I have heard many today speaking about peace among men.  What they refer to is not the peace of God.  They are intent on making man into his own peace without God’s command toward holiness (in case you didn’t read the title, it’s the next conversation).  They would circumvent the Lord’s command to obey His laws for the sake of peace, tranquility, neighborly kindness, and a social fearlessness (a society in which no one locks their doors anymore).  They would remove the coming Judgment of God so that men are not afraid of them.  And by this they enter into a great folly.

This teaching does not love God’s ways.  This teaching respects man as more important than the Holy God of Life.  And it will find no favor from the Lord.  It has been refered to as “man pleasing”.  Such a vile teaching, if followed to its fullness, will surely end in the Lord saying to them, “Away from Me.  I never knew you.”  These men and women will find themselves loved by man but vulnerable to accusation by the Living God.

The peace that God is intent on distributing among men is not a peace built between men.  God’s peace is a peace between God and man.  “Peace on earth, goodwill among men”, does not mean peace between man alone.  Peace between men is only a treaty built to retain social prosperity.  The peace of God brings war between His people and those who are not.  We obey what is true from His Holy hand.  They only obey what is expedient between men.  They will surely hate those who are obeying the higher commands because the obedience of God’s people is an “in your face” condemnation of their own actions.

God calls His people to obedience beyond what is socially marginal.  His people will obey Him even when society demands otherwise.  For me this is never more apparent than on the freeway.  Drive your car at the posted speed limit and watch what happens.  While you are obeying the law of man you will be hated for it.  You stand in their way as they break their own laws.  But you obey from a deeper conviction which comes from the Lord.  This will become obvious to the one who begins to enter into obedience.  Though we will remain enigma to all who do not humble themselves toward God.  (I’m sorry for the use of the word enigma.  It is not used much anymore.  It means that something that is an unsolvable mystery.  And, from their perspective, obedience to a higher law than that of man is a mystery.  It is not expedient to their greedy ways.  Their grubby little greedy hands are too busy to stop and fold in prayer.  “Gotta have” is the motto of today.)

The summation of this talk regarding peace is that there is no peace among men.  It is only a social contract of sinful men to live together for the sake of greed; making sure that everyone gets their fair share of the pie.  The peace of God is immeasurably more.  His peace removes greed, thus we live as free men.  We become free from the temporary restraints of the world’s social contract.  In God’s peace we rise above their expectations.  Rest assured, they will hate us for it.

Holiness:

Now the final aspect of Christianity presents itself.  This is an “all but forgotten” aspect today.  Someone talks about it and we either say, “Oh yea.”  Or we give that frantic nod, hoping the speaker will over look our ignorance.  If we remember it as a group of people, it is often simply applied to God.  There is little talk among God’s people as it applies to each of us.  But what we say to each other has no effect against the truth God continues to deliver to us.  Holiness among His people is a command.  And it will not be taken out-of-the-way, EVER.   The mass (no pun intended) of what is called the Church has turned to living out their “religion” by attending a gathering once a week.  But this is not the holiness God commands us to attain.

The holiness God commands upon us is a separation from sin and a uniting to what is pure, true, and eternally powerful.  I hate to burst your bubble while I attend your party of self-importance, but I will inform you of something:  you are a slave.  You are either a slave to sin, or a slave to righteousness. We are either entering into service to what is Holy, or we remain as slaves to what is wicked.  We all serve as slaves!  You are not a free individual; free to chase after anything you desire.  There are only two powers present, in all heaven and earth which we obey.  (simple math for a very simple understanding.  One, or the other ONE = enslavement.  Cool huh?  Not even a question from a math teacher: “What is one plus one?”  [don’t try to answer that] It is simply a statement that you are either one or the other.)  We either naturally obey the one who accuses even God Himself, or we obey the Holy Lord of Life by the Spirit He gives His people.  Regardless what you do in your life you are a slave who is being ordered around by a higher authority.  Those who think they are free men are a slave to wickedness.  Those who humble themselves before the Most High God will recognize that they have become slaves to God’s Righteousness.  Hey!  Get over your pride!  You’re nothing more than a slave.  Does this offend you?  Then examine yourself to see why.

Frustration consumes me as I listen to my brothers complain that they just can’t get past a certain sin or two.  I listen with compassion but leave in frustration.  I will say this here but would never say this as my brother vents his heart to me:  “If the conquering of sins is not available to God’s people in Christ Jesus, then the Lord is a liar, and asks far too much from us.  But if the Lord never lies (and this is absolutely the case) then it is the man of Christ who is lying to himself and others.”  How else can it be said?  On the other hand, since I said it here I can only hope my brother understands what I meant.  We are a pompous people.  Without God’s Spirit within us we cannot hope to please Him.  But oh how we continue to try.  And how we continue to fail!

Holiness is commanded by God to all His people!  Please forgive me for saying these things but they are essential.  We are not saved so that we can carry around a warm fuzzy all our days.  We are saved to war against the sinful natural tendencies which the slaves of wickedness embrace.  We are saved by Jesus’ work so that we can serve the purity of God’s will forever.

I will sum this up in this manner:  There seems to be a great lie going about.  It has something to do with what people refer to as “up there”.  They consider that God will do some kind of magic when they die.  They think they will be transformed into something beautiful after they are through doing as they please here.  Um, I have to say this, “That’s really stupid.”  It shows a complete lack of understanding about what the Gospel reveals.  The initial transformation happens here!  I know we won’t attain to perfection here.  But why would you let that stop you from gaining everything you know you are able to attain here?  This lie is like saying “I want to go to Portland Oregon tomorrow.  But I’ll wait to leave until I get there.”  How stupid is that?  Isn’t that what the lie says?  (Please don’t joke about what if obvious.  I know there are a lot of people who actually live in Portland Oregon.  Ok.  So for those people, consider that you want to go to New York City, though I can’t imagine why.  I’ve been there.  It isn’t better than Portland Oregon.)

I could go on about the importance of holiness.  But for what purpose?  I think the point was made.  And if the point wasn’t made, wasn’t that the reason why I opened this entire conversation by inviting comment and correction?

I will end this conversation about the three essential points of Christianity with my favorite signature.  Three words present themselves to cover over my folly.  They are, themselves, essential to all teaching about what belongs to God.  May God grant understanding as He sees fit to grant.

“By His Grace.”

More and More!

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A Stream

I have written many things in this place.  And many have read them, according to the grace of God to me as His servant.  There are those who respond with admiration for the words He has given me.  And I am encouraged by my brothers and sisters who encourage me.  All Glory belongs to the Father through Jesus.  And His people praise what is good among us as He blesses us according to His eternal wisdom.

And now He is giving me a word which we have known yet not embraced fully.  It is a word of maturity which goes out to the unbeliever, the babe in Christ, and those who are running the race with a steady and vigorous pace.  I encourage all who read this to consider the importance of the day.  Night is nearing its end and the DAY is nearly upon us.

If you have accepted what faith He has laid within you, He is encouraging all of us to run all the harder.  There is Glory to be gained for our Heavenly Father.  There is a Bride which will be married to His Holy Son.  It is not fitting that Jesus’ bride arrive tainted by the things of this world.  With the strongest of intent I say this:  Clean your house (that tent of flesh in which we all abide, according to the will of God) of all things unholy.  Present yourself more and more before the Living God to receive that which He is willing and waiting to give.

Know that no sin will ever arrive in the presence of the Most High God.  And do not consider the teachings of liars which tell us to simply love one another, as if that were enough.  There is a purity to be gained from He who is Eternally Pure.  Gain that with all good speed.  Mend your pace as you have already been doing, yet do it all the more.  Closer is the moment of capture by the Holy One of God.  Closer now than ever before.  The entire creation will endure a reaping.  And that reaping is sure.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Thessalonia just this message.  Though his adoration for their dedication to God was a joy to him, we see him urging them to do all the things of Christ among them “more and more”.  If that was so 2000 years ago, how much more is it upon us to do the same?

What man among us would prefer to drink from a muddy stream?  What groom desires to marry a woman who mixes her body to other men?  What purity does the God of all heaven and creation deserve from the work of His Holy hand?  As you have already obeyed, do so more and more.  “To the Walls” my brothers and sisters.  Watch as guards of your own will.  Self control, prayer, knowledge of what is pure, and a violent desire to purify yourselves is what is called for here.  As we have done so, let us do so more and more.

By His Grace.