Tag Archives: Holiness

This is the Judgement

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Truth, faithfulness, the righteous expectations of God, prayer, holiness, glorification of God’s Holy Son, willing obedience to heavenly things, and a daily renewal of all these things.  This can be expected for those who willingly submit to the leadership of Christ Jesus.

But pleasure of this world’s desires, chasing after everything that is not God, short and useless prayers (such as God bless america), powerless religious observances, and oh so many other things, this is the nature of a man without Jesus.

19 “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”  (The Gospel of John chapter 3)

How incredibly sad that this should be our epitaph; that at the moment of our death, our pursuit of anything but God is all we bring to the Holy Throne of the Sovereign God.  All the while he offers freely so very much to any who will purposefully place him in his proper position.

By his own nature man is lazy.  Oh he’ll provide for all the things he wants.  But is he willing to let God cause him to provide all the things that God wants?

Those who diligently seek the truth of God in Christ Jesus will be granted God’s desires.  There is no need to qualify that statement.  But those who only desire the things of this world, such people will not find the things that God is willing to offer so freely.

By His Grace

Eternal Mechanics

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I saw I headline that asked the question, “If God is love then why is homosexuality condemned?”  I’m not going to waste my time trying to pick a part sexually immorality.  Those who are embroiled in such a sin would not listen to me anyway.  I know the power of sexual deviance.  I know the power of a rebellious heart.  I know the volatility of pride.  So I won’t waste my time trying to explain why sexual immorality does not find God’s approval.  (Yes, dear creatures, homosexuality is sin!)

But the question could be asked in regard to any sin.  The answer has no respect for any particular sin.  Lying, stealing, murder, gluttony, pride, you name it, they all fall under the heading of deviance.  Why bother to single one out?

The question simply shows a monumental misunderstanding.  The consequences of this misunderstanding are dire!  And I can’t find words to express it more strongly.  (But the strength of an expression does not necessarily lend to its viability in the readers mind.) There is absolutely no deviance in Life.  But death is full of deviance from Life.  Life lives, death dies.  A childish way to put it, but it’s true none the less.

Try to understand.  God is Pure Life.  There is not the slightest speck of deviance within him.  It is impossible.  The question above cannot be spoken by a holy creature, or even a sincere heart.  It can only be spoken by a deviant soul; that is to say, a soul which does not contain perfect Life.

Everything in creation comes in threes.  You ask a question, you get an answer, there must be a response.  Ask any good salesman and he will tell you, “No” is a legitimate response.  “No” does not provide what is desired.  But it is a legitimate response, and it is absolutely necessary to give it its proper place.

The salesman offers you an opportunity to purchase a remedy for a problem.  You have a legitimate, free will, right to say no.  That doesn’t condemn the offer.  It simply elevates your right to choose

The question that comes after the first one, has to do with condemnation.  “Will God truly destroy the sinner?”  The answer is quite simple.  The sinner destroys himself.  And God is not diminished by the sinner’s death.

God doesn’t need to take any action at all.  He doesn’t make you sin.  It’s entirely your choice.  And again, the question of destruction only comes from a mind full of destruction.

Take note that both questions have nothing to do with obedience.  They have to do with justification of deviance.  They do not come from a willing student, they come from a rebellious and proud soul.

And though such questions raise up anger in me, I cannot blame the deviant for being what they are.  Nor does God blame you for being deviant.  He will simply put you in the place built for deviants. 

It’s just a matter of eternal mechanics.  Death belongs to death, life belongs to life.  Wickedness belongs to deviance, obedience belongs to what is holy.  It’s really not that complicated.

If you see a black widow spider in the cradle of your only son, you will surely kill it.  You desire health and life for your baby.  And you will protect it with violence.  In essence: you do not hate the spider, you love the life of your child.  I can guarantee you the spider will not understand.  But it won’t matter, will it?  If you can’t grasp why God would destroy the sinner, what is it to him if you don’t understand?

Why should it be surprising that God will protect eternity?  No sin, no sinner, no deviance, no rebellion, no wicked thing or person, will be allowed entrance into eternity.  And striving to justify your sin does absolutely nothing to change the violence of God’s Holy Love.

How much does God love?  I mean to ask, what is the nature of the love of God?  He is so firm and beautiful, and full of life, that he was willing to send His Holy Son to die at the hands of his enemies; that he may become to sacrifice for them.  He sent His Son into a bowl of rebellion, so that God could have the means to change them.

But take note of this: he desires to impart the pureness of eternal life.  The sacrifice of Christ Jesus is not an open-ended credit card.  The mercy of God is extended so that we will not fear to come near him and learn.  His intent is to change us, not to accept us as we are.

Specifically, what is it we need to learn?  We need to learn to stop trying to justify our deviance.  We need to learn to recognize the nature of our rebellion against him.  And with this recognition comes some semblance of humility.  And humility is the foundation of eternal learning. 

How can a rebellious and proud student learn anything in a classroom?  The teacher is not going to change his rebellious attitude.  Its up to the child to listen and to observe.  It is impossible that a rebellious soul will learn anything from the Living God.  Such a soul does not come to him to learn.  He only comes with justification for his rebellion.

If you had a foolish employee who refused to learn, you would eventually get rid of him.  If you told him to present a written intent to change his ways, and he showed up with a list of justifications, would you be irritated?  You might make a few comments, in the interview, to draw out your desire from him.  But if blame and justification is his continual response, he will be looking for a new job.

God only asks that we have a willing heart to ask for his help.  You may question whether he is willing to help you or not.  Isn’t the testimony of Christ Jesus, as found in the Gospels, enough proof for you?

The Holy Father sent his eternal Son into a body of flesh.  When the time was right, the Lord Jesus began to speak the words of His Holy Father.  And God confirmed his Holy Son’s words by many miracles.  From the healing of a common fever, to the raising of the dead!  God proved that Jesus was His Holy Son. 

It really doesn’t matter whether you believe that or not.  That is now the nature of creation.  It did happen.  And Christianity exists because of God’s love.  Here I am, delivering the message.  There you are, reading it.  The response is up to you.

That, my friend, is all the proof he will give you.  If you are not willing to believe that, then you are not willing to let go of your rebellion.  And by our unwillingness to let go, we prove we don’t want any part of eternal life.

Now let me try to show you why this is a viable and important message.  I’ll do the best I can, but the confirmation of this message needs to be individually received from God.

It is impossible for God to entertain deviance of any kind.  God is willingly responsible for the life of every creature.  God is the very and singular source of all sustaining.  If he entertains anything unholy, he loses a certain strength of life.  Let me say as strongly as I possibly can, he will not entertain your justifications!

You do not command God.  It is God, by absolute necessity, that commands you.  Seek out His Holy Son, or die.  It’s really quite that simple.  It’s simply a matter of eternal mechanics.  And the choice is put squarely into your own hands.

You can say no.  But you will die just like you are.  There is no place in eternity for you, if indeed “No” is your answer.

But saying “Yes”, opens the door to a life you have never known.  The preparation has been made for you.  Do you have the guts to come and take it?  Or do you insist on spewing rebellious crap from your mouth?

P. S. Propriety says I should have ended this message on a positive question.  But propriety has been instrumental in silencing the message of Christianity.

Some will be repulsed at my use of the word “crap”.  You know what folks, I don’t really care.  This message is going out to deviant people who speak that kind of language.  They call the message of Christ Jesus “crap”.  I just gave them back there money.

By His Grace

From Trauma to Glory

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Birth is no easy experience.  Neither is death to be desired.  Yet once birth has happened, death is inevitable.  In between the two is an innumerable number of choices to be made.  But for what purpose?

Pain calls our name.  Toil and heartache know where we sleep.  Adding to the difficulty of life, the expenses of pleasure call from every corner. 

There is nothing profitable about pleasure.  Everytime we take a break from toil and heartache, we lose something valuable; money, reputation, preparation, and resources.  Yet we justify it by saying, “I just need a little rest.  Then I’ll be stronger”. 

But no sooner do we get back to our toil and heartache and the entire pleasure becomes a forgotten matter.  All we have left is memories, pictures, souvenirs, and wasted time.  Yes, even the pursuit of pleasure is toil in itself.

You might be thinking I’m just a stick in the mud.  But you know that what I’m saying is true.  From front to back, and everywhere in between, life is full of difficulty. 

People do everything they can to remove the rough edges of life.  But even as they rub them smooth, the smoothing quickly breaks loose and sharp edges reappear.

This world has a singular design for humanity.  It is designed to teach God’s people to endure through faith.  The wicked heart will strive to find pleasure here.  But God’s righteous elect will keep their eyes firmly fixed on his Holy promise.

The wicked will have their tumultuous pleasure.  But the people of God will find pleasure in pleasing the Living God’s Christ. 

Christianity recognizes that this place was sufficient to test the Holy Son of God.   And here is where I mention that he is a very example God’s elect must follow.

Did the Lord shrink back from righteousness?  Not once.  Did he seek to use his body for pleasure?  Again, not once.  He did nothing but what his Heavenly Father told him to do. 

Did he take a vacation?  Did he chase after money?  Did he lie or cheat or steal?  He did not seal up his mouth, for fear of Man.  He did not cease to pray.  And if he had any knowledge in this world, it was the entirety of what is called the Old Testament.

There is our example. 

Consider the outcome of his life.  He is now firmly fixed as first in all creation.  Now allow yourself to ponder the outcome of mimicking his life.

Who is man, that God should send His Holy Son as a sacrifice for our sins?  What is it the righteous elect are to inherit?  How can any pleasure in this world compare to what God has in store for those who love him?

Psalm 82:6.  While you’re at it, consider the outcome of satan’s choice.  Ponder the meaning of the differences between Christ Jesus and the one condemned to destruction.

By His Grace

Vivacious Abandonment

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We are in the days of vivacious abandonment.

(vivacious
[vi-vey-shuh s, vahy-]
adjective
1.
lively; animated; gay:)

What is man abandoning so happily?

God
Purity
Mercy
Righteousness
Peace
Prayer
Holiness
The Bible
Humility
Holy suffering
Christ Jesus
Eternal life
Pure judgment
Justice
Restraint
Holy speech
Propriety
Godly love
Patience
Endurance

Here’s the sad part:
It is impossible for Man to be empty.  If he is not filled with God, he will be filled with everything that is not God.  If we give the Living God’s Christ no place among us, the ambassadors of death move in.

Look around.  Do yourself a favor.  Ask what day it is.

By His Grace

Fear Constrains. God Releases to Boldness.

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I woke to be with the Lord this morning.  In our time together, he revealed a mystery to me.  I will try to relate it as best I can.

Why are people so reluctant to grasp a fearless doing of the Gospel?  What cuts some apart to boldness, while most live out the Gospel as if in secret?

The answer is simple, they fear.

Fear of man compels most to withdraw from public displays of Holy Truth.  Desire to “profit” among men drives most into a life of subdued worship and expression of God’s Holy Will among men.

They hear what the bold disciples say.  But they also see how such bold men are treated.  They quickly weigh the prospects of shunning, and make the determination that such travail is not worth the effort.  They must make a living.  They must eat.  They must compete in this wicked world.  And a bold proclamation of the Gospel will surely diminish their chances of survival.  Men will certainly hate them and exclude them from “prosperity” among men.

But what makes the difference between those who fearlessly proclaim the Gospel, and those who believe yet hide (to whatever extent)?

Two things play within the bold.  It’s hard for me to describe which one comes first.  Perhaps they come in unison.  One provocation to boldness is the blessing of God in the way of knowledge.  God causes the bold one to understand that the way of God is absolute, true, and sustaining no matter what.   The other provocation is that the bold perceive the wickedness of man as endless chaos.  No matter what they do, man will never protect.  Man is incapable of sustaining.  Man is full, and endlessly so, with lies and empty promises.  And the riches of man, that so called  “profit”, can provide nothing eternally valuable.

It is written, “They hated me for no reason”.  The bold receive the same treatment.  Their brothers and sisters in Christ see this treatment of the bold and withdraw to secrecy.  It’s that simple.

There were only 12 Apostles.  There were only 72 that were sent out.  And of the mass of men, there are (in my personal estimation) less than 1 percent of the population that will give all to God for the sake of His Holy Son’s Honor.  And it’s quite possible that I have over estimated the number of those who are bold for Christ.

I have seen many rise up to boldness.  But I have seen very few remain bold.  Usually, when a man stands up for Christ, the world around them beats them back into submission, and quickly.  They sink back into the “profit” of man and never rise up again.   Let no one misunderstand the power of the world to destroy.  This even happens, often, to men who wear the titles of pastor, preacher, evangelist, and so on!

If you would be bold for Christ, then be bold.  But first it would be wise to learn to hate the ways of man’s “profit”.  For they will surely use it against you to drive you back into their slime.  But if you would be willing to loose all for Christ, then, by all means stand!

Who is willing to die for Christ?  Who is willing to receive the beatings that man is all too ready to dispense?  Is it you?  If not, then ask yourself, “Why do I fear”.

God will sustain the willing heart.  He will feed the wicked, why won’t he feed you?  And if they come and take all you have, what have you lost?  These sayings are readily available among  Christ’s people.  But the key to making the decision to be bold lay in a fearless belief.  Are the promises of God TRUE?

The Living Light Switch

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Curiosity has touched me.  I tried to hide among the bushes, but he found me out none the less.  I thought I could rely on understanding.  But understanding is like a loosely built fence, which through the cracks between,  I can receive a glimpse of heaven.  And it is while I stand along that fence, in the shadow of obscurity, that curiosity comes to greet me.

I know the answer to the question, but that there should even be a question marvels me.  The question covers three topics.  By necessity, I can’t figure out how to make it short.  But the answer is supported by the legs of the three topics.  At the top of the “Table of answer”, I lay my conclusion.

Leg 1. Why is constant and enduring self-discipline necessary for the things of God?

Leg 2. Why must man be encouraged, and even sometimes forced, to pray?

Leg 3. To where do the words of the Bible disappear after we have read them?

Human beings are so amazingly capable of learning, doing and retaining.  The volume of technology is proof of this.  There are those who have mastered virtually the complete volume of Technology ( Make no mistake, the word volume is misleading.  How many books are written on various subjects by various masters of their own trade?).  And the list of those who aspire to join them in this accomplishment is very long. 

Self discipline, zeal, and retention, do not lack among men.  What I find mysterious is the lack of understanding of those three “legs” in the things of God.

I know there is a distinction between what is flesh and what is Spirit.  But even a man who contains the Holy Spirit of God finds himself being dragged back to the flesh from time to time.  Today he remembers and does.  Tomorrow he forgets and stumbles.

Obviously, dedication to God’s things is not accomplished by a momentary decision; as if one flips the switch in the room and the light comes on.  Now he can go about the room and do as he pleases, forgetting the switch.  No, it is more like the man must rise from his chair to switch it on again.  For the switch tends to move down to the off position, as if it were a being in itself. (Please don’t become paranoid, and find yourself watching the switch.  It’s just an analogy.)

The answer to this mystery, is that God has made these things so that he may test the fullness of a man’s heart.  Laziness in the things of God is not an option.  It requires a constant straining toward the things of heaven.  Relax, and you will surely suffer loss.

A man may study technology, then take a vacation without loss.  But the man of God who does this, will find himself horribly lacking.  The information of God does not arrive without direct connection to the Spirit of God.  And it cannot be reliably retained by the flesh.  And dissipates rather quickly with non-use.  But where does it go?

I have found the Lord Jesus to be incredibly humble.  He does not force himself on anyone.  Neither does he help us unless we ask.  Agreed, there are circumstances beyond our knowledge in which he must help us.  Rest assured, he does and is.  But the volume of what is Holy belongs to him.  If by derilection, we push him away, the things that are Holy go with him.  That my friend, is where the words of the Bible go.

I am warned afresh.  Yet in this I also find a great promise.  The Lord has promised us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”.  And he has taught us, “Without me you can do nothing”.  But I am struck by the reality of his promises as they play out in our daily life.

This is not hidden knowledge.  It is not only available in the Bible, but all his people testify of these things everyday.  Perhaps what is more amazing, is that there are still Church going folk who do not know these things.  For I perceive how often the Pastor must encourage the flock to read the Bible, to pray, and to do the things of Christ.

Indeed, the mystery of godliness is great!

By His Grace