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Archive for January, 2012

Easily Accepting A Different Jesus

31 Jan

2 Corinthians 11:1-4 – 1 I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that. 2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

The Corinthian’s were being told by Paul that they were accepting a different Jesus than the one that he was preaching.

We are in really bad shape in this day and age, because very few read the Word so they have no idea if what they are being taught is right and wrong.  So they go by how it feels to them.

They say “Oh I like that.  It feels right to me.  I always kind of thought that way in my mind so no it’s just verified.”

Disaster awaits for those who serve a different Jesus other than the One taught in the Bible.  Why is that?

Jesus is a Person.  He lives.  He’s not just a philosophy or lifestyle like some want to make Him.

If someone believes in a Jesus that blows dope, hangs out in strip joints, surfs with the boys and tells them to chill, and don’t get hung up on absolutes, WE DON’T BELIEVE IN THE SAME JESUS.

A little extreme?  Maybe but the point is the same when Jesus is changed to what people want to make Him.  We need to know the Word so we are not misled to a different Jesus than the One from the Bible.

 
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Flee From Sin; Run From It

30 Jan

Genesis 39:1-12 – 1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.

2 The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he
did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So he left in Joseph’s
care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”

8 But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.

11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.

He ran out of the house.  He didn’t toy around or entertain.

When we toy around and entertain sin, we lose.  Just the idea we are trying to walk the line starts the steps in motion.  Joseph ran and smartly so.

We are told to resist the devil.  If we do he will flee from us.

James 4:7 – 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

It’s the difference between honor and shame.  However, don’t become discouraged.  Take a stand.  The Lord is not interested in you being discouraged.  Nothing you can do will change yesterday.  All we are to do is ask forgiveness and move on.  Be a warrior for God from this day forward.  Finish the race with all your might.

 
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My comment to: What the Bible really says about same-sex marriage- article

27 Jan

I’m posting a link to a recent Seattle Times article –  Just click on the colored text to view.

After reading it I felt a need to email my thoughts and they are below in todays post so please read the article first.

——————————————————–

Just read the article and had to comment.

First Shalom.  I pray for the peace of Israel.  I am not the majority and it’s getting worse that believe the Jews are done with God like many so called replacement theology Christians.  God made a promise and that
promise will be kept.  We can count on that just like all of His literal promises in the Bible.

Your article says the Old Testament (ours) only mentions it twice.  You fail to mention the following:

Genesis 19:4-7 – 4 Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. 5 They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.”

6 Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him 7 and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this
wicked thing.

The angels were heading down because the wickedness was crying out and then this is the account before they leave and it is destroyed.  I understand that man will do or say whatever he wants and the Bible isn’t going to stop them.  However, those who choose to believe parts and ignore others are not seeking God’s Truth, but what fits best for them.

These scriptures are in your Torah (which some Jews only wish to acknowledge), let alone the Old Testament.  I believe if a Jew believes in the whole Old Testament and seeks the scriptures literally the only conclusion is Jesus as the Messiah.

Because I see the scriptures as literal, Jesus will rule and reign on David’s Throne just like it says in Zechariah.  They will look onto Me the one they have pierced and I will forever be their Lord.

Zechariah 12:7-10 –  7 “The LORD will save the dwellings of Judah first, so that the honor of the house of David and of Jerusalem’s inhabitants may not be greater than that of Judah. 8 On that day the
LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the LORD going before them. 9 On that day I will
set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.

10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns
for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. 

This is at the end of Armageddon and Jesus returns.  That time is getting closer as Israel is finding itself once again with no allies.

The New Testament has other scriptures outlining that Homosexuality is wrong.

My only purpose for writing this is not to have you believe my way, but to closely seek what the scriptures say is God’s way.  That’s the only way that will matter once we’re done with life here.

 
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Saints Will Help Judge The World

26 Jan

1 Corinthians 6:1-2 – 1 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?

In the sue happy world we live in we need to remember this; the world is bent on greed and injustice.  It’s never their fault but always that of someone else.  We can’t as believers be taking other believers to have disputes being decided by the unbelievers.  We need to work together for resolution and find other believers to help hash it out.  The only time it doesn’t usually work out is when a believer doesn’t want to act like one.

The Lord indicates that overcomers will sit with Him at His throne.  He also indicates at least some will help judge and rule the nations.

Revelation 2:26-29 –  26 To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery’-just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 3:21-  21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Matthew 19:28 – 28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Luke 22:28-30 – 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The Lord has indicated many times that there are those who will share on His throne.  We are heirs and have to remember that and seek our Lord whole-heartedly.

 
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2 Corinthians 4:4

25 Jan

2 Corinthians 4:4 – 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Who is the god of this age?

Satan.

The most important thing to Satan is Satan.  Believers finding God cripples his chances to the god he wants to be.  Satan doesn’t care if he takes everyone down.  There is no love or light in him.  God is Light and Love and he left the Lord out of selfish pride.

Are we caring about ourselves first?  In our decisions in life who’s the most important?  Ourselves?

It didn’t work well for Satan.

My King didn’t think only about Himself.  He came and died for me out of love.  I’ve came to the conclusion that I need to appreciate that and serve the One who did.  Not live a parallel life like that of Satan that cares about numero uno first.

Matthew 10:39 – 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 16:25 – 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

Mark 8:35 – 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.

Luke 9:24 – 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.

Luke 17:33 – 33 Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.

John 12:25 – 25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Quite a few verses there and yet that’s just the tip of the iceberg on the Lord letting us know that we need to serve Him and die to self.

 
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What Standard Will We Be Measured With?

24 Jan

Grace is free and it’s for those who ask Jesus to forgive them and repent.

What then?

It says everyone will give an accounting for what he has done.

2 Corinthians 5:10 – 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

The difference between Heaven and Hell is the distance of North vs. South.  Eternity of one vs. the other is…..Paradise and…..Hell.

So what’s good and what’s bad?  That’s what each one will be held accountable for when standing at the judgment seat.  Believers will not be judge to hell, but we still will be judged on our lives.

The standard?

That would be the Word of God.

Hebrews 4:12 – 12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the
heart.

The Word of God is Truth.  It lives and is active.  If you care about what God thinks, it cuts like a two edged sword.

When we die or are raptured, it will be a thrilling day for all.  I’m afraid at that time it will really hit people that now we’re here (Heaven, eternity with our Lord) and not there (earth) anymore, I probably should have been a little more focused on eternal things rather on those that are gone forever.

Standing in front of the Lord and being rewarded for your love and commitment, will mean more than anything you accomplished down here.  Likewise it WILL matter once we’re there if we are saved only by the skin of our teeth.

Heaven is not a retirement home to look back on how great and mighty we were while on earth for ourselves.  It will be a time to worship and serve the King and trust in Him.  The Lord wants us to be obedient now and serving now.

Matthew 25:23- 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

It’s not how you start the race, but how you finish it.  If you have been running the wrong direction, turn around and start running back towards the Lord.  There is still time to finish well.

 
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Which One Of The Two Groups Of Scriptures Is A Correct Way To Spiritually Live?

23 Jan

Which one of the two groups of scriptures is a correct way to spiritually live?

Philippians 3:18-19- 18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

OR

Philippians 3:20-21 – 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will
transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Seems like a silly question, right?

Which one of the two groups of scriptures is how we have been taught to live towards our goal of the American way?

I can vouch that my whole life, my age group, was never taught to look for Christ and deny the flesh.  We were told of opportunity, education, establishment, dare to be rich, have a life that experiences the finer things.  That’s the first couple of scriptures.  The mind is on earthly things.

Growing up in America makes it hard not to want both.  But scriptures never indicate you can chase successfully after both.  They will love one and despise the other.  Their glory is their shame it says above.  God tells us not to worry about what we will eat and drink (not too many more guilty than I have been on that one in the past) but that He knows we need those things.

The Bible is God’s living Word.  Look around you.  We see this very struggle more in our time period than probably in the history of the earth.  A Christian nation that became prosperous.  Amazing that the more prosperous it became, the further away from God we have slipped away.

 
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Be With Jesus, Not Adverse

20 Jan

Jesus let us know this in Luke 11:23.

Luke 11:23 – 23 “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters.

No fence, no gray, nothing to deliberate.

If He is our Lord, there should be no hesitation.  All other ground is sinking sand.

 
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Speaking The Word Courageously

19 Jan

Philippians 1:12-14 – 12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

Times are coming on where the world doesn’t want anyone to speak freely, courageously, or fearlessly.  The reason is, you can’t control people unless only your message is getting through.

With the times ahead we need to speak more courageously and fearlessly for Christ. 

We need to continue to keep encouraging one another to do so.

 
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Does The Laodicea Church Resemble Today’s Church In America?

18 Jan

Revelation 3:14-22 – 14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor,
blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

There are always a couple of things that I always get out of reading the passages regarding the Laodicea Church.

One, Jesus wants you to be hot for Him, if you’re going to be His.  Luke warm means you know about Him
and you refuse to further your love and relationship with Him.  Those who are cold, He expects to be cold,
but His church?

I don’t know about you, but when the Lord uses the words spit you out of My mouth, that doesn’t sound good at all.  That’s a God that’s pretty disgusted with part of His church.

Two, people who have acquired wealth don’t seem to need to depend on the Lord.  They lean on themselves.  Also they have appeared to have fooled themselves.  They think they are something totally different then how they are viewed by God and Jesus.

The Lord advises them to buy gold from Him.  Do we do that with worldly wealth that we chase after?  No.

When we die to our “me” nature and put Him and others in His name first, we’re beginning to buy gold from the Lord.  Store up treasures in heaven He tells us in Matthew.

Matthew 6:19-21 – 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Third, the Lord disciplines those He loves.  He wants to get our attention so we don’t blow it.  He doesn’t want to spit people out of His mouth.  People choose that by being on the wrong side of God.  What’s the wrong side?  Giving the Lord no love and living completely contrary to His Word.

He says to those who overcome He’ll give the right to sit with Him on the throne.  So what about those who don’t overcome these things?

Today’s church in America has a lot of Laodicea roaming around in it and Jesus wanted to warn those who are willing to listen.

We need to allow Him to put the salve on our eyes and buy the refined gold from our Lord.

 
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