Pilate's question

I was raised in the church. Many of us in America were. Some of my earliest memories are being in church or gathered around the piano at my grandparent's home with my cousins, aunts, and uncles singing hymns out of a church hymnal. So, you could say I was well aware of Christian culture and Christian "stories." I did not become born again until I was 25-years-old, but I was well aware of the crucifixion story of Jesus from my youth. 

I'm 54-years-old now, so maybe my memory is failing me. But, in the vast majority of the times, when "the Easter Story" has been presented to me in most churches, I remember Pilate being presented as a man who was stuck in a place where he had no choice to do as he did. After all, he questioned Jesus personally and found no fault in him (John 18:38). He even went so far as to try and get Jesus off the hook by letting the people choose between him and Barabbas, a known murderer. (Matthew 27:16-26) 

But the mob was having none of it, so the poor guy had no choice to make the decision that he did. After all, Jesus was the lamb slain from the foundation of the earth. (Revelations 13:8) So the guy was well and truly stuck. God forced the poor man to decide to do what he did. 

If that wasn't the way it was presented to you, then this blog will not be much of a surprise to you. And, in the defense of those who presented it to me all these years, it is possible that I did not understand it in the way that they intended it to come across. Sometimes, as my wife can attest, I'm not the sharpest tack in the box. 

But, God did not force Pilate to make the choice that he did. 

How do I know? He left us a few clues in the scriptures. 

1) Jesus' ministry and arrest. John 18:1-9

18 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

Jesus knew he was going to be arrested. He also knew he needed to defend his disciples. So, when the guards came to arrest him, he exercised his authority as God. When he asked them who they were seeking and they answered, "Jesus of Nazareth," he answered, "I AM" (the HE there was added by the King James translators for clarity- they thought). Upon Answering with the Old Testament name of God, power was released that knocked all these big and burly guards- trained warriors employed by the temple- onto their backsides. This, on top of all the miraculous signs and wonders Jesus had performed, was the icing on the cake for Pilate. He knew that Jesus was different and very powerful- beyond any mere mortal man.

Yes, Pilate, being who he was, knew all that had happened. People in his position are told every detail that pertains to any situation they are dealing with. 

2) Pilate's position.

John 19:9-11

9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

In mankind's view, Pilate actually had the power of granting life and/or death to his subjects. Our governors have the power to pardon in certain cases, but none of them have the authority to just order someone's death. 

Pilate did.

And he told Jesus in the strongest possible terms that he definitely had this power. You can almost hear Pilate's pleading voice. He was frustrated. Basically, in his own way, he seemed to be saying, "Work with me here, man! I'm trying to help you!" 

But, Jesus did not let him off the hook. 

He told Pilate that the only power that he had over Jesus was because it came from Heaven specifically for this situation. This, I believe, was a subtle reminder of what Pilate knew had happened during Jesus' arrest- where Jesus proved he was willingly surrendering, but definitely had the power to stop things at any time he chose to do so. 

He also told Pilate that a) those that had brought him in (the Pharisees/Sadducees) would be held accountable by God for this sin, and b) Pilate would be held accountable for his sinful part in the proceedings, as well. After all, he said the Sanhedrin (Pharisees/Sadducees) that delivered him (Jesus) had THE GREATER sin because they delivered him and called for the trial to happen- thereby rejecting their Messiah. However, He was definitely implying that Pilate himself shared a part of the sins. 

Why? 

The Sanhedrin had brought the charges, Pilate was governor. Didn't Pilate have a legal obligation to handle the case? 

No. 

As Pilate had said, if he had wanted to, he could've ignored the Sanhedrins power play altogether and dismissed the charges. It was within his power and authority to do so. In fact, This very thing happened in favor of Paul in Acts 18:12-16 by a deputy- a man with far less power than a Governor. 

But, the Jews were whipped to a frenzy and threatening riots, didn't Pilate have an obligation to try and quell them? 

Yes.

But, he did not have to do so by giving in to their demands. He had the most powerful military in the world at that time-Roman legions- at his command. He could have set Jesus free and forced the Jews to comply with his decision. 

But, the Jews threatened to tell Emperor Caesar (after they would have rioted) that Pilate was the one who could have stopped the chaos, but he didn't do what they wanted and this caused all the trouble. (John 19:12-13) 

Note: Doesn't this sound much like our situations today? Mobs are rioting and politicians who have the authority to quell the violence are refusing to do so. They are all playing politics and God will hold them accountable for it.

Indeed, Pilate tried on several occasions to release Jesus. (John 19, Luke 23). He even went so far as to have Jesus scourged with the cat of nine tails whip and present him before the Jews, hoping that this action would placate the Jews (John 19, Luke 23). Of course, Pilate had no way of knowing that his actions were prophesied centuries before they happened (by his stripes we are healed- Isaiah 53:5). 

Jesus, as God, knew Pilate would try and release him. So why did Jesus say Pilate was in sin by his actions? Didn't Pilate try and release him? He had no choice, right? 

As we've already pointed out, Pilate had the authority to release Jesus, no matter what the Jews did. But, Jesus said Pilate's hands, in spite of his own protestations to the contrary, were not clean of Jesus' blood. Why? 

3) The warning

Because Pilate had received a warning before he ever sat down to bring judgment on Jesus- a warning from God! 

Matthew 27:19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

God had spoken to Pilate through a nightmare he had given Pilate's closest advisor- his wife. It was a warning to him that he had a choice in the matter. Pilate did not have to choose to crucify Jesus. Things did not have to play out the way that they did. 

Yes, Jesus would be crucified. It was God's plan from the very beginning of time. (Revelations 13:8) 

But, Pilate had a choice on whether or not to be the man to order it. Yes, things could've gone badly for him after that. Yes, riots could have occurred. Yes, the Jews could have brought the circumstances to the attention of Caesar and Pilate could have lost his position (and possibly his life) by not crucifying Jesus. But, God had given him a choice. 

Interestingly enough, it was the same question Pilate had given the Jews: 

Matthew 27:22

Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

Pilate and the Jews had to choose what they would do with Jesus. Worship him? 

Or hate him? Believe and follow him? Ignore and/or vilify him?  

They rejected their Savior. They rejected their very creator. They made the wrong choice.

What choice will you make today about Jesus, my friend?

Don't be like Pilate. 

Please make the right choice.

 

 

 

The heat on the rock

9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you.

10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth. (Zechariah 4:9-10)

Many times in life, following God can become frustrating. 

Now don't stop reading. I'm not putting the Lord down in any way. I'm talking about from our human perspective. 

You see, we are excited. We receive an unction from the Lord about something and start to obey whatever he has told us to do. In our minds, we picture having a huge impact on people for the kingdom of God. We believe millions will experience closer walks with God, or new walks with God, as a result of our obedience to the Lord's direction. And, who knows? This may eventually happen.

Zerubbabel had received a word from the Lord and a grant from the king to rebuild the house of the Lord. And for a while, everything seemed to go well. They finished the foundation of the house of God pretty quickly. Everyone was excited. 

But, then came the trouble. The enemy found out about what was going on and began mocking and trying to stop the building. When that didn't work, they petitioned the new King to try and stop the work of God. When that didn't work, they began trying to physically attack them.

Ever feel like everything that can go wrong, is going wrong when you're trying to live for God- especially when you're trying to do a work of some kind for God? You look up at heaven and say, "But, Lord, I'm doing what you said. Why is this happening? 

Zerubbabel and the others grew weary. At one point in Nehemiah (Nehemiah 4:10), it says that the people grew tired of the work because of the attacks of the enemy and the lack of building supplies. They had developed a case of "this is hopeless, why are we trying?" So, God sent a prophet to encourage them. 

He told them that the same man that began the work would finish the work. The enemy's attacks would come to nothing. No matter what the enemy would try, God's work would be finished. It's a promise from God written in stone. 

And here's where I wanted to get to today. That stone. 

Do you want to know why things are happening when all you're trying to do is obey God? Do you want to know why God allows it to happen? Doesn't he know how frustrating it is to you? Doesn't he care how upset these attacks make you? I'm tired and I have nearly nothing to work with, Lord!

He sees and he knows.

But, he sees what you cannot see. 

The word plummet comes from two Hebrew words. The first means "Stone." 

Don't lose heart! Because the same rock (stone) you began working with is the same rock (Jesus) that you will work with through the whole process of doing what God's called you to do! In fact, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:!" (Philippians 1:6)

Take heart, if Jesus has given you a mission, he will help you to complete it! 

Now, the second Hebrew word that comes from "plummet" means, "alloy found in ore, mixed with silver which is separated from it by means of fire." You see, a little heat applied to the rock begins to separate the treasure and metal from the rock. 

Scripture says it this way:

 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

Stay in the fight! The end of the process will be glorious to God and you'll be a part of it.

The reason that the Lord allows us to suffer is that the heat of trouble begins to work in our lives. 

It separates the impurities out of us. Fire is a much greater purifier than water. You can clean with water, but to really get into the nooks and crannies of say, an old iron chair, you gotta put some fire to it. It'll get all the grease, paint, and rust off the iron and allow it to be remolded into a usable and strong iron chair again. God allows fire in our lives to reshape, strengthen, and remold us so we're usable for him again.

The fire brings forth the metal in us that will give us the strength to not only finish the current work he has us doing but to stand firm in the face of the enemy's attacks. And it will work as the basis for beginning other (and more difficult) works that God will ask of us later. 

Furthermore, the heat of tribulation forces us to cling to God even more. This has the effect of bringing out God's treasure in our lives- his fruit. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

These fruits are not our natural human state of being. God knows that unless we learn to trust him and let him live through us, we will never have the fruit he requires in our lives. So, he gives us tasks that he knows we cannot do. 

The enemy sees a weak spot (because we cannot do it) and attacks us. This "turns up the heat" on us. We cling to God even more. This produces God's fruit in our lives that we would never have had before. And God just sits back and smiles at his handiwork in our lives. It's a beautiful treasure to him. 

He sees his love in our lives where we were once selfish and self-absorbed. He sees joy in our hearts. He sees peace in our minds. What once was rough has become gentle. Where we were impatient with people and circumstances, now we're longsuffering. We were once evil in our thoughts and actions, now we become good- looking for and trying to develop goodness in ourselves and others. Once we trusted in no one but ourselves, but now we have faith in him and his people- and in ourselves. We used to be proud and high headed, now we have become meek. Once we gave in to every whim of the flesh, but now we have become temperate (self-controlled). 

This makes it much easier for people to accept a word from God when we need to give it. They look at our lives and see the fruit of the spirit within. They will take what you have to say much more easily because they will know you've been with Jesus. How? Because they see him in you. 

But, without the fire, it would never happen. 

So, follow and obey the Lord in all things. Do what he tells you to do. And don't be surprised, but be thankful, when the heat turns up in your life. It's just God growing a little fruit within you, purifying you, and making you stronger. 

Lord, heat up our rocks and form us into who you want us to be. 

Is it ever OK to cheat?

With the exception of the scripture involved, this is the essay I wrote for my college entrance exam. Any comments you have will be much appreciated:

 Exodus 20:13                   Thou shalt not kill

Exodus 20:14

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Exodus 20:15

Thou shalt not steal.

Exodus 20:16

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Exodus 20:17

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s ....

Society has changed much in my forty nine years. It used to be that honesty and dedication were qualities to be admired. Government, businesses, churches, entertainment, and education all tried to build these qualities into our young people. Now, it seems that "Do the right thing" has been replaced with, "The ends justify the means." But, is cheating ever justifiable?

   The sports world, of late, is riddled with it. Whether it's individuals using Performance enhancing drugs (PED's), or teams cheating with video tape (remember "Spygate" from the 2006-2007 NFL season?), the modern sports cast's are seemingly incomplete without a scandal.

   Most of the checkout stand headlines (and entertainment shows) are about the latest scandals of music and TV/movie stars sleeping around. I remember when Lionel Richie, the great love song singer/songwriter, was caught cheating on his wife in 1988. He lost millions of fans. The media blistered him for his infidelity. His career never really recovered. If that had been today? They probably would have patted him on the back and given him a reality TV show about "cheating singers."

   What of the political scandals that are talked about endlessly by the pundits on both sides of the aisle? Are they brought out from genuine outrage? Or, in the interest of trying to defeat opponents in an election? How has the cheating on either side of the aisle truly helped our country.

   What about less public cheating?

   How about two companies competing for a defense contract? One stands on it's record of quality and honesty while the other wines and dines the politicians on the committee that makes the decision. Who do you think gets the contract? What if the winner's product is not only inferior, but the design flaws will cost the lives of soldiers? This will effect our national security. What about the employees of the losing company who struggle to make ends meet because there's no raise- because they didn't "play the game?" Is cheating still OK?

   Consider the college student who pays others to do his work for him and spends his time partying. Say he graduates with an MBA and a fortune 500 company hires him to help manage their expanding overseas business. Because he cheated, he's neither qualified nor able to perform the job he was hired to do. The company loses millions. Many families suffer because of this loss. Was his cheating still worth it?

How about on more personal levels?

   Consider the soldier who is deployed for six months and returns to discover his wife is pregnant by another man. Or, how about the spouse who's longed for the return of their soldier who discovers they've been given an STD- by their spouse? How does this effect their children?

   What about the student athlete who is "helped" to graduate by their school- by fraudulent means? Does it truly matter how many games were won by the student's play if he can't read and write? And if he is injured along the way, as so often happens, and he's unable to become a pro, what then? The schools (High School and College) got their wins. But, the left behind athlete is stuck flipping burgers because he can't walk and can't function above the eighth grade level. Was there any real benefit gained from the cheating?

   Then there's the local mayor who owns an ice cream parlor. Because he's "connected," he's able to use his clout to prevent a competitor from opening up nearby. The consumers lose because they have less choice. The workers lose because there are less jobs to choose from. But, the mayor kept his local monopoly. Is this right?

   There are many scenarios we could go through, but you get the point. Cheating, on any level, is never justified. It always does much more harm than good.

   What we, as a society, must do is return to the principles that helped to found, shape, grow, and protect this country: Truth, Honor, Dedication, Honesty, Personal accountability, and elbow grease. Government programs and business initiatives will fail without truth and honesty. All the educational ideas in the world won't help without honor, dedication, and personal accountability. Nothing will work without elbow grease.

   Cheating destroys families. Cheating hurts businesses. Cheating cheapens and weakens our society. There is no excuse for cheating- ever.

How gray is our God?

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Matthew 5:17-18Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

There is a song by Chris Tomlin called "How great is our God." Aside from some minor theological disagreement, I love the song. However, when I hear it sung, the singer in me cringes at the same time the preacher in me does. 

Why?

Basic singing instruction teaches us to enunciate clearly so that we can be clearly understood. Therefore, the word "great" ends in a "t" and that letter needs to be clearly pronounced when it is sung. 

Why does it matter?

Which version sounds like a true gospel song to you? How gray is our God? Or how great is our God? The "t" is extremely important! Without it, the whole message is changed. God is changed from great to gray! Not a good change.

Is this important enough for a blog? Yes...with a twist.

You see, the modern "church" is under the impression that God has completely done away with the old testament law through Calvary. Yet, Jesus said none of it would go away until all be fulfilled.

The "church" says, "Yes! That's what he did on Calvary."

I beg to differ. Jesus says here in verse 18 that the law would still be in force "until heaven and earth pass away." Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial and ceremonial parts of the law. However, the moral laws that show us what sin is, are still in force. 

The reason this is an important distinction is that the modern "church", because of a misunderstanding of Calvary and Grace, practices what many call, "greasy Grace." They believe that everything is already settled for them. They're saved. It's done. Now we can live, talk, act, dress, however we wish. It's party time! "I got a blank check!"

WRONG!!!!!

This is why there is so much despute over what is a sin and what ain't. If you do away with the Old Testament foundation, then anything goes. 

"Churches" can ordain homosexuals. Women can lead their home. "White lies" are OK as long as they accomplish something good. A drunk can die in their sins and "preachers" say they are "in a better place." 

Indeed, perhaps the way many sing Chris Tomlin's song (without proper diction) is symbolic of how most modern "Christians" see God: "How gray is our God."

Yet, the scriptures declare that the righteous will scarcely make it in (1 Peter 4:18). We give it all we have and, with the help of God, we will barely make it in. 

Perhaps we could all learn a lesson from king David. 

2 Samuel 24:18-25Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

18 And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto theLord in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite. 19 And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the Lord commanded. 20 And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground. 21 And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the Lord, that the plague may be stayed from the people. 22 And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and otherinstruments of the oxen for wood. 23 All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The Lord thy God accept thee. 24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25 And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So theLord was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

How can we offer ourselves a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, and believe that it should cost us nothing? 

No, my friend, there are two crosses in Biblical Christianity. A) The cross of Jesus. Truly without his shed blood there would be no hope for us at all! B) Our cross! Jesus says for us to take up our cross and follow him. Paul said that to live is Christ and to die is gain. 

We must allow God to crucify our flesh. We MUST walk after his spirit and keep our flesh under subjection. Otherwise, we risk the same thing Paul was afraid of: becoming a castaway. 

So, which is it for you?

Do you want "How gray is our God?" Do you want to use "greasy grace" and slide into hell? 

Or, do you want the narrow road that tells us "How great is our God?" The way of the disciple. The way of submission, love, and obedience to our Lord (Supreme Controller) that will lead to hearing him say, "Well done." (Oops! I guess there are some things we must do to be his. Otherwise, he wouldn't say, "Well done." He'd say, "Well believed.")

Of course, James states: 

James 2:14-26Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; whatdoth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Do you want 50 shades of gray and an eternity in hell? Or do you want the true faith of Jesus? Choose you this day whom ye shall serve! 

To and Fro, to and fro, which way will you choose to go?

Galatians 6:7-10

King James Version (KJV)

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

2 Chronicles 16:9a

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

Job 2:2

And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

James 1:8 

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Ephesians 4:14

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

This thought hit me today, as I was in church and listening to my pastors sermon. Honestly, it came partly from the scripture he read (Galatians 6:8) and partly from my habit of reading around the scripture being quoted. So, I read verses 7-10. 

At that point, these thoughts began to come to me in rapid fire succession. So, we're gonna put the fruit of the spirit on hold for a few days and concentrate on this thought. 

Verses 7 and 8 read: 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

There are two distinct choices listed here. 

A) We can sew to our flesh and eventually reap corruption. In order to be a child of God, we must be born again (Acts 2:38). In order to remain a child of God we must crucify our flesh and strive to be like him (with his help, of course). If we allow our flesh to have free reign in our lives, we will once again begin to practice the works of the flesh: 

Galatians 5:19-21

King James Version (KJV)

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

In so doing, we separate ourselves from the spirit of God and we can lose our salvation and wind up in hell. After all, even Paul said: 1 Corinthians 9:27

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

B) Or, we can sew to the spirit. We do this in many ways. Prayer, Bible Study, public worship, hearing the taught and preached word, being careful what we read, watch, and listen to, being careful who we hang out with, etc. Sounds like a lot of work, but it really isn't. 

Becoming a Christian is a lifestyle change. We MUST turn away from the world and our flesh. We MUST seek God first and his righteousness.

I love my wife. As such, I try to discover her likes and dislikes. Why? I want to keep my relationship with her and I want it to become deeper and stronger. Therefore, I try to do more of what she likes and try not to do what she hates. I begin to modify my behavior because I love her. Why should I do any less for my Lord and Savior? 

As part of his bride, my purpose is to learn his likes and dislikes. Therefore, I change my behavior in order to deepen and strengthen my relationship with him. 

The problem is that we, as humans, sometimes are double minded. We want God sometimes, but sometimes we want to feed our flesh. This makes us unstable in all our ways. 

Both God and Satan are going to and fro. Satan does it seeking whom he may devour. If we choose to sin, we step into his trap and are ripe for the eating. God does it (with is eyes- he's everywhere, so he doesn't have to move about to see what we are doing. He's already there) to look and see who is loving and serving him (and who is ready to love and serve him). He also does it to see what the sinners are doing as well- he is the righteous judge, after all.

So, obviously, Both heaven and hell are vying for our attention. Both God and Satan will do everything within their power to help us to choose their sides and to help us to stay there once we get there. So, who decides whether we make heaven or go to hell? 

We do! 

And we daily must decide whether we will follow Jesus, or follow this world. With some of us, Jesus must become really frustrated. Did you ever have a relationship where the one you wanted sent mixed signals to you? One day they wanted you. The next, they wanted someone else. Eventually, you grew tired of it and gave them up- if they didn't stop playing both sides and chose you, right?

Eventually, if we don't make up our minds, God will give us over to a reprobate mind. Why? Because we "received not the love of the truth." We have a choice to make. God will not always strive with us. And he doesn't hold onto the double minded for very long.

We must stop being blown about with every wind of doctrine. We must stand firmly on the word of God and seek him first.

The more we go to and fro, the higher the chance of our being lost. 

So: James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 

It is high time for us to stop flirting with both sides. We must choose. I choose Jesus. What about you? 

Fruits of the spirit, part 2: Are we experiencing and sharing the love of God?

Galatians 5:22-25

King James Version (KJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

John 13:35

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Mark 12:29-31

King James Version (KJV)

29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

The Greek word for love in all of these verses is the word "Agape." It means, "affection, good will, love, benevolence." 

So, one of the fruits of the spirit is for us to experience and show affection towards others. That means we genuinely care about others. When we see that they are struggling, we should be moved to prayer for them. And more than that, we should be moved to act. 

James 2:15-17

King James Version (KJV)

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

In this fast paced world, we spend most of our waking hours trying to "make a living." For many people, going to church has become a formality. It's another checked block on our list of things we have to get done. 

Yet, Jesus doesn't call us to GO to church. He calls us to BE the church. That means he requires us to DO what he would do. It is very instructive to us that the first squabble in the church was not over doctrine (Acts 6). It was over the distribution of resources in caring for the widows and orphans. 

Nowadays, the first thing we (the church) tend to do whenever someone comes to us in need, is to tell them "we will pray for you. Have you applied for Government help?" Here's a hint, church: It's NOT the Government's job to help the needy. According to God's word, it's OUR (the churches) job.

Part of the meaning of Agape is BENEVOLENCE. It means, "a disposition to DO good, an ACT of kindness, a generous GIFT." There's nothing in that definition about good intentions or warm thoughts. We are to ACT on and DO what needs to be done for the good of the needy and the glory of Jesus. 

How many times did Jesus either start or end a teaching by meeting the needs of his hearers? If we are his body, shouldn't we be about his business? Which is the more biblical act for us to perform: helping those in need (whether born again or not, and regardless of how they got into the situation in the first place), or building bigger and grander church buildings? Did Jesus die to build the church? Or the church building? 

It has become a source of pride for "God's people" to brag about going to the nicest church building, or the church with the biggest name pastor, or the largest congregation. What get's lost in the shuffle is how many people in need are turned away by that "church" because they choose to spend their money on the building, or the pastor's exorbitant salary, rather than on PEOPLE. 

If we are his body, it's high time we start acting like it. We should care for both where their souls are heading (heaven or hell) AND their physical and emotional needs. It's time we stop patting ourselves on the back for our own perceived righteousness and start BEING righteous by showing the love of God to each other and to the lost. Real Christianity is about relationships- both with God and with others. 

That requires more than a prayer. It requires more than giving a Bible study. It requires getting involved in their lives and helping them in their needs. It means we have to do more than say we are his church. We must BE his church. And men, it requires us to love our wives and families as Jesus loved us- and he DIED for us that we might be saved. (See my earlier post http://theauthorspage.blogspot.com/2014/03/love-is-action-word.html) 

If we truly love God, then we will love others as he does. He saw our need and acted. The love that we felt when we were born again should transform us. We should become LESS self centered and more God and others centered. Miracles happen when we take the love of God outside the church walls and into a needy world. 

Lord, give us your mind and eyes. Help us to BE your church by helping others. We repent for our selfishness and false prosperity doctrines. We ask you to open up our bowels of compassion and help us to love others as you do- in helping them in their needs. In Jesus name! 

It's time to pass the salt.

Matthew 5:13-14

King James Version (KJV)

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Some of today's headlines:

'A VERY BAD SCENE'
20 wounded in stabbings
at Pennsylvania school

WHERE IS RELISHA?
DC mayor orders review
in case of missing girl

• Jury convicts woman in Texas stiletto shoe killing 
• Lawyer: Nursing home striptease was residents' idea
• Is the Internet killing religion?
• UMass player comes out as gay
• Firefighters, cops in all-out brawl

That's just to name a few. How about this one:

"backtrack-on-prosecuting-clergyman-green-light-for-homosexual-weddings"

All I can say, is wow. We truly live in a world gone crazy. Paul said:

 2 Timothy 3:13

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

I'd say we are living in that day and hour. Yes, it was prophesied to happen, but the real question is WHY is it happening? 

The answer to that is found in our opening scripture above. We, his church, have ceased to be the salt of the earth. 

What did Jesus mean by calling us salt? What does salt do anyway?

A) Salt preserves things and helps to prolong it's life- keeping it from becoming spoiled (and causing the eater to become sickly). 

Jesus said that HE is the way, the truth, and the life. So, we, as his salt, are to keep HIM in the forefront. We are to stand for HIS ways, so we can help to slow (or even stop- in some cases) the progression of the spiritual sickness called- dare I say it- SIN. 

But, you say, what can I do? I'm a nobody. No one will listen. I don't walk in the hallways of power. 

First of all, yes you do. If you have a real relationship with Jesus, you stand in heavenly places! You walk in the very throne room of God Almighty! You can touch God for the situation and he will listen and move.

Secondly, you don't have to walk in the halls of congress, or corporate boardrooms, to have an impact. When you are at work, do you laugh at the risque and ungodly jokes you hear? Or, do you take a stand against them? Do you keep quiet in conversations that are lifting up ungodliness? Or do you stand for godly principles? 

Will you catch flack for it? Yes. Could you lose your job? Yes. But, your savior will be pleased. And you just might make an impact on those around you for Christ. 

If we, as his church, had stood up for righteousness, would our society be as far gone as it is? The truth is that we haven't done our job to be his salt. Therefore, the righteousness of God that we represent has greatly diminished in our society.

B) Salt adds flavor to the food it's added to. 

Let's face it. Some things in the word of God are hard to swallow. But, presented along with the love of God, they become much easier for people to accept. 

If we try to communicate the truth of the word of God- and we leave out the love of God- then we leave out the salt, making it near impossible for them to accept what they're being shown. 

C) Salt can be added to a wound and kill an infection and help heal a wound.

When people come to the church, they don't come in perfect. They come in with hurts. They come in with sin. They come in with spiritual and emotional wounds. You may not be gifted to sing, or teach, but you can share your testimony of how God delivered you. You can reach into their situation and show the love of God to them.

Through the spirit of God and his word, we can help to heal those wounds. This is called revival. Revival isn't a shout and a good feeling. True revival is when souls are transformed from unholy to holy. From ungodly to godly. From sinful to righteous. Only by us being his salt, can this happen.

We are his hands and feet. We are his mouthpieces to a lost and dying world. We have the power to show his love and speak his truth. We have the authority to stand in the gap for them and see God change them.

Isn't it about time we were about our father's business? Isn't it time for us to pass the salt to someone who desperately need it?