Tag Archives: Jesus

Commanded? Not really

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English: 4 days of Evangelism Training in Sout...

English: 4 days of Evangelism Training in Southern California provided by LivingWaters Ministry. Obeying the great commission of Jesus Christ. “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to everyone” Mark 16:15 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I will confess that, at first, it’s really difficult to summon the strength to speak publicly about Jesus.  But I will also confess that once you start it is impossible to stop.

He is so full of what is good, and the world around us is so full of what is evil.  To love him is to tell others.   It is not so much that we are commanded to go to all the world, but we find ourselves compelled to go to all the world.

What are you doing? It’s never too late.

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Freedom

Freedom (Photo credit: cheesy42)

You can only wear what we tell you.  If you dress differently you will be punished.

You can only say what is appropriate.  Inside those words is freedom.

We lay down the construct for social acceptance.  Those who live within it are free to live.  Those who do not live with in our social construct will find themselves persecuted, ridiculed, marginalized, and in the end, destroyed.

This is what the world says by all the things it expects from its citizens.  The great majority obey.  But there are a few who would rather die than submit.

I speak of those people who live under the construct of Eternity.  They recognize that the body is nothing.  It is as if the plastic wrap with which we keep our sandwiches.  It is like the cloud which brings the rain.  Once the rain has fallen, no one cares about the cloud.

Wake up and look about you.    Are you really free to live your life?   Or have you given them authority over everything you are?

To break free is extremely expensive.  No man can do it alone, for no man can afford it.  But when a man tries in the name of Christ Jesus he will find success.  You can be free to live.   You do not need to obey the world.

Dear Non-Believer (and other such creatures)

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Funny Chinese Child Playing Boy

Funny Chinese Child Playing Boy (Photo credit: epSos.de)

You approach like a child though you’re mature in your own eyes.  You wear skin just like me.  So, by this, I know your vulnerabilities.  Yet you act as if you’ll never hurt, fail or die.  We both know better, however.  You will, like me, do all three.

I speak of God and you turn your hating eyes toward me.  If I spoke of sin you’d embrace my words.  Doesn’t that tell you something about who you have become?  When you actually were a child such things did not inhabit the dark regions within you.  But you have embraced every lie as you grew up.

Well now you’ve encountered me.  And what should I respond to you?  I will laugh at the lies you think are so powerful.  I laugh because I know the One who is truth.  If I did not know Him I would have no support for my laughter.  But there lies a rub.  What good is it to laugh at you when you are in such helpless state?  Though I know you’re not likely to accept my words, I will explain (with earthly words) the beauty that is “serving the Lord”.

He is tender when we enter prayer.  His manner is humble and accepting.  He does not accept to allow us to remain full of lies.  But His teaching is incremental.  Where we find ourselves is addressed.  And suggestions are given to guide us away from sin.  His commands are life.  But He does not chide us for being foolish.  His words are filled with hope, therefore He is unlike any earthly teacher.

He is truth.  And if we admit our lies, He is faithful and just to forgive us our lies and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  We are allowed to enter into the presence of the Most High God through the effective cleaning of Jesus’ sacrifice.  I know you’ve heard those words before and they mean little to nothing to you.  I got that.  Let me try to put them in terms you can grasp.

The forgiveness we receive from Him is real.  One moment I’m feeling particularly filthy and worthless.  The next moment my soul feels happy and free.  And it’s not for just a moment.  It lasts all the day long.

If I trust Him I don’t need to lock my doors.  Not because He will restrain the thief, though that has been true often.  But because He causes me to cease desire for the things I would normally want to protect.  He causes me to desire the things you and I can’t see yet.   He teaches His people to live as if they are already present in heaven.  And according to the faith I can muster, that becomes the life I lead.

Lots of words my friend, lots of words.  The short of it is, Jesus is worthy of all our attention and devotion.  It’s up to you to respond.   Either you continue to hate Him or strive to learn to love Him.

By His Grace.

Listen

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Hells Gates

Hells Gates (Photo credit: Simon Lieschke)

Listen.  Can you hear it? can you perceive it?

It is the rustling of perfect robes as men take their place for the grand finale.  It is the flutter of Fire as the messengers of God take the place assigned to them 10000 years ago.  It is the preparation for that half hour of silence in all of heaven.

Hell is about to break loose on the sons of men.

Have you prepared with them?  Is the oil in your lamp to the full mark?   Are you one of those of whom it will be said “He waited for the Lord.”?

Hell is about to break loose on the sons of men.

Learn for keeps

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The Holy Spirit depicted as a dove, surrounded...

The Holy Spirit depicted as a dove, surrounded by angels, by Giaquinto, 1750s. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I understand the need to learn.  And some are fast learners while others are slow learners.  I understand this. But I am perplexed.

Can someone tell me why, with the Holy Spirit as our teacher, we continually look too man for answers?

“Should I do this or that?  Is it acceptable to think this way or should I think that way?  When should I pray?  Why is it necessary to pray at all?”

The questions abound.  But such people are not looking for answers.  They are looking for someone else to “Christian” for them.

Now see that’s what I don’t get.  When it is so much easier to eat from the stock of your own kitchen then to walk 6 miles to get a cup of sugar from a neighbor.  Far too many are engaged in the labour of irresponsibility.

If you are one of those that reads this I urge you to get out of that occupation.  Don’t be lazy with your mind.  Instead enhance your curiosity.  The joy we will have can not belong to another.

Such, receive the promise

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The arms of office of the Lord Lyon King of ar...

The arms of office of the Lord Lyon King of arms, the sovereign of the Court of the Lord Lyon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When you’re invited to a feast of a king it is best to be washed and dressed appropriately.  How much more does this apply to the king of kings?

What does it mean to be dressed and washed?  We are to be washed in his blood using only his sacrifice to clean us.  And we are to be dressed in his perfect holiness.  It is not acceptable to appear in our own. Our holiness is not clean and white enough.  Didn’t you realize the Father himself will appear?

And we can be sure we are invited.  Not only because he cannot lie, but also because we share in his ministry.  Those who will attend the banquet of the Lord are doing so now.  Such men and women are busily preparing to attend.  They too are engaged in the work the Lord has accomplished.

The Lord spoke of such who do not prepare to attend, and when asked how they got in, they have nothing to respond.  He has ordered them taken out cut to pieces and assigned a place with unbelievers.

Upon hearing these things why would you not choose to prepare?  Why would you let fear over rule your desire to attend?  Those who love him, those who obey the fathers commands, those who believe and prepare, those who watch. 

Such receive the promise