Watch Out! See to it that you do not offend the little members that are in the church, which belongs to the Body of Christ.
The Lord Jesus warns us about the little ones (members of the church) who believe in him. These little ones pose no danger in itself but rather there is danger involve directly to anyone that, because of their (the spiritual matured members) carelessness and ignorance, causes these little ones to sin.
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matt 18:6
Who are these little ones that believe?
The little children – Jesus loves the little children and if not anyone has a heart for them is in danger. Parents in particular must take care of their children. Eph 6:4 said, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord”.
The Babes in Christ – Note 1 Cor 8:7-13, it concerns about the newly convert to Christ. Those who are “knowledgeable in Christ” must be very careful on them. For instance, if they offer food that seems distasteful for you, it is better just to eat it and be quiet. But if you refuse and speak unpleasantly about the food they offered that is sin.
The Poor - We must be very careful not to look down on them, despise them and insult them. Whether rich or poor, don’t show partiality or favoritism.
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. James 2:5-6
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. James 2:8-10
Among others that considered little ones in the church, are the widows who have no more family to take care of them and the orphans.
The bible describes the Church similar to a physical body that consists of weak parts. God created the church in that same fashion, there are weak parts (members) includes in the Body of Christ that need to give careful and special attention.(1 Cor 12:23-27)
Those matured in Christ must be the instrument to encourage them and edify them. They should not be neglect of their needs specially the poor, the fatherless and the widows. (Jam 1:27; Jam 2:14-16)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Most Ever Dangerous Member of the Body of a Saved Person
Watch Out! There is a fire in your tongue!
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6 NIV
Tongue is the most ever dangerous among of all the parts of the body.
1. It makes great boast, lies and exaggerates
2. It is a fire
3. A world of evil
4. It contaminates the whole body
5. Full of deadly poison
6. No one came tamed it
There’s nothing you can do to tame your own tongue. James 3:7 tells us that man already tamed every animal that is in air, in the sea and in the forest and even the fiercest snakes. In fact, almost all big and wild animals can be seen in circus. It’s incredible, man can put his head on the lion’s mouth, can kiss the head of a snake and leave without any harm. Yet the tongue, which is so small, can bring a great deal of harm to a saved person if it not put in total control.
The truth is no one can control the tongue except God. He is alone can set on course our tongue not to lie, curse, exaggerate and boast (which is a form of lying).
Apostle Paul who possessed great knowledge is one good example of how God tamed his tongue from such thing, particularly from boasting. In 2 Cor 12:7, three times Paul plead to God to remove some kind of thorn in his flesh that weakens him. But God let it be in him for if God will not allow it, Paul would become conceited, arrogant, boastful and purse-pride. God control Paul’s tongue to keep him humble so grace would abound and God’s power continually flows through him.
One thing we can learn from the above, unless we let God gives us some degree of thorn in the flesh we can never ever tamed, control, and stop our tongue from lying-exaggerates-boasting. Because all of us posses knowledge and knowledge puffs up.(1 Cor :8). Therefore, as for the Christians especially the preachers and minister of the gospel, it is better of him to let God send a messenger of satan to buffet. It is the best way for it will keep him out of danger of the fire of hell and keep him humble. Always remember, the bible says, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James (4:6NIV )
You may wonder and ask, what is thorn in the flesh (God will allow) that satan may use to buffet or batter a saved person to keep him humble and of course to keep the tongue tamed? To better understand this matter, let’s turn to Hebrews 12:7-11,
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Every person that God calls as sons will subject to a so called “Divine Chastisement”. In some degree or another all believers must went through on that process, otherwise if he will not endure it, the tongue which is so small will contaminate the whole body and sets on fire of hell. Divine chastisement is a form of God’s discipline to train the most untamed, unruly and dangerous thing permanently attached inside the mouth, which is the tongue.
How then God directly chastise or discipline a saved person? The life of Job is a great example. By studying his life we could learn an important lesson we can apply in our life as Christian. Job was put to the test to prove if he remains faithful despite all odds. Not only had he become more faithful he even more became humble throughout the trials, pain, suffering, sickness and insults he experienced. He endured everything and not a single evil word came out from his tongue.
Consider this truth, every Christian all over the world suffer in some form or another and if right now you think you have trials of many kinds the bible said, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”. James 1:2-4
Whatever would come in our way, may it be a messenger of satan or thorn in the flesh, may it be afflictions, sufferings, trials of many kinds or personal problems we face, just let it pass through. We can ask God why it is happening but let us be steadfast and unmovable, take no thoughts of complaining. Just hold on. God is doing exactly as what he intended for us to be and that is to become a tamed-tongue-children of God. A child of God that has a mouth and tongue well trained to avoid any sin of lying, exaggeration and boasting.
Do you have any suffering right now? If you do, then, Give praise to the Lord! If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Pet 4:15-16
Let our tongue utter a word of encouragement for ourselves! It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Ps 119:71
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6 NIV
Tongue is the most ever dangerous among of all the parts of the body.
1. It makes great boast, lies and exaggerates
2. It is a fire
3. A world of evil
4. It contaminates the whole body
5. Full of deadly poison
6. No one came tamed it
There’s nothing you can do to tame your own tongue. James 3:7 tells us that man already tamed every animal that is in air, in the sea and in the forest and even the fiercest snakes. In fact, almost all big and wild animals can be seen in circus. It’s incredible, man can put his head on the lion’s mouth, can kiss the head of a snake and leave without any harm. Yet the tongue, which is so small, can bring a great deal of harm to a saved person if it not put in total control.
The truth is no one can control the tongue except God. He is alone can set on course our tongue not to lie, curse, exaggerate and boast (which is a form of lying).
Apostle Paul who possessed great knowledge is one good example of how God tamed his tongue from such thing, particularly from boasting. In 2 Cor 12:7, three times Paul plead to God to remove some kind of thorn in his flesh that weakens him. But God let it be in him for if God will not allow it, Paul would become conceited, arrogant, boastful and purse-pride. God control Paul’s tongue to keep him humble so grace would abound and God’s power continually flows through him.
One thing we can learn from the above, unless we let God gives us some degree of thorn in the flesh we can never ever tamed, control, and stop our tongue from lying-exaggerates-boasting. Because all of us posses knowledge and knowledge puffs up.(1 Cor :8). Therefore, as for the Christians especially the preachers and minister of the gospel, it is better of him to let God send a messenger of satan to buffet. It is the best way for it will keep him out of danger of the fire of hell and keep him humble. Always remember, the bible says, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James (4:6NIV )
You may wonder and ask, what is thorn in the flesh (God will allow) that satan may use to buffet or batter a saved person to keep him humble and of course to keep the tongue tamed? To better understand this matter, let’s turn to Hebrews 12:7-11,
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Every person that God calls as sons will subject to a so called “Divine Chastisement”. In some degree or another all believers must went through on that process, otherwise if he will not endure it, the tongue which is so small will contaminate the whole body and sets on fire of hell. Divine chastisement is a form of God’s discipline to train the most untamed, unruly and dangerous thing permanently attached inside the mouth, which is the tongue.
How then God directly chastise or discipline a saved person? The life of Job is a great example. By studying his life we could learn an important lesson we can apply in our life as Christian. Job was put to the test to prove if he remains faithful despite all odds. Not only had he become more faithful he even more became humble throughout the trials, pain, suffering, sickness and insults he experienced. He endured everything and not a single evil word came out from his tongue.
Consider this truth, every Christian all over the world suffer in some form or another and if right now you think you have trials of many kinds the bible said, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”. James 1:2-4
Whatever would come in our way, may it be a messenger of satan or thorn in the flesh, may it be afflictions, sufferings, trials of many kinds or personal problems we face, just let it pass through. We can ask God why it is happening but let us be steadfast and unmovable, take no thoughts of complaining. Just hold on. God is doing exactly as what he intended for us to be and that is to become a tamed-tongue-children of God. A child of God that has a mouth and tongue well trained to avoid any sin of lying, exaggeration and boasting.
Do you have any suffering right now? If you do, then, Give praise to the Lord! If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Pet 4:15-16
Let our tongue utter a word of encouragement for ourselves! It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Ps 119:71
Monday, January 12, 2009
Two Most Dangerous Member of the Body of a Saved Person
There is a great danger if the eye and hand causes a saved person to sin because his whole body will inevitably be cast into hell.
• Eyes - And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.Mat 5:29
• Hand - And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Mat 5:30
Are you saved? If so, did you still look with a lust to opposite sex? Is your right hand or left hand clean from any filthy things? If you do look with a lust and has filthy hands, you are putting yourself in danger of the fire of hell.
The condition of our body is what the apostle Paul had been found about to himself and to his body, " For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing" (Rom 7:18). It means, there is a sin living and active in the members of our body such as the sin of the lust of the eyes and lust of the flesh.
True of what had said by Apostle Paul. Look at what happened to King David, he committed adultery with Bathseba, his eyes caused him to do the detestable things in the sight of God. And maybe you know the anointed televangelist named Jimmy Swaggart. Every time he preach on the pulpit, people begun to cry when he lifted the bible with his hand. But to the dismay of many Christians all over the world who watch his telecast, Jimmy Swaggart confessed in public that he was involved with a prostitute.
Those are just two example of the many man of God who plunged into sin. It proves of how big there is a possibility any saved person could lead himself to sinful acts by his own eyes and hands. In this adulterous generation, there are many Christians unaware on the sin indwelling in the member of their body.
It cannot be deny, the eyes and hand causes many professing Christians to indulge in some forms of habit of sins. Besides adultery, it causes also to commit other sins. Such as to lie, steal, boast, exaggerate, to anger-murder and into many unrighteous acts.
George Whitefield said, "After we are renewed, yet we are renewed but in part, indwelling sin continues in us, there is a mixture of corruption in every one of our duties".
No way by our own strength can we drive out the indwelling sin continues in us. We need the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the sin living in the members of our body. To indwell the Holy Spirit in us is by only through the Word of God, because the Word is Spirit and gives life (John 6:63). We must read and meditate it day and night. While the best way to drive away and to remove the sin that lives in the member of our body is by through the surpassing of the Law.
To surpass the Law is actually the best and the most practical way to gradually remove and pluck it out the sin that lives. There is no other way; the Law is the best and practical way. Repeat, a practical way, and a very practical way anyone can do.
Read and meditate the Law, which is the Word, the statues of the Lord, which is the testimony of the Lord. Then surpass them.
• Eyes - And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.Mat 5:29
• Hand - And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Mat 5:30
Are you saved? If so, did you still look with a lust to opposite sex? Is your right hand or left hand clean from any filthy things? If you do look with a lust and has filthy hands, you are putting yourself in danger of the fire of hell.
The condition of our body is what the apostle Paul had been found about to himself and to his body, " For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing" (Rom 7:18). It means, there is a sin living and active in the members of our body such as the sin of the lust of the eyes and lust of the flesh.
True of what had said by Apostle Paul. Look at what happened to King David, he committed adultery with Bathseba, his eyes caused him to do the detestable things in the sight of God. And maybe you know the anointed televangelist named Jimmy Swaggart. Every time he preach on the pulpit, people begun to cry when he lifted the bible with his hand. But to the dismay of many Christians all over the world who watch his telecast, Jimmy Swaggart confessed in public that he was involved with a prostitute.
Those are just two example of the many man of God who plunged into sin. It proves of how big there is a possibility any saved person could lead himself to sinful acts by his own eyes and hands. In this adulterous generation, there are many Christians unaware on the sin indwelling in the member of their body.
It cannot be deny, the eyes and hand causes many professing Christians to indulge in some forms of habit of sins. Besides adultery, it causes also to commit other sins. Such as to lie, steal, boast, exaggerate, to anger-murder and into many unrighteous acts.
George Whitefield said, "After we are renewed, yet we are renewed but in part, indwelling sin continues in us, there is a mixture of corruption in every one of our duties".
No way by our own strength can we drive out the indwelling sin continues in us. We need the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the sin living in the members of our body. To indwell the Holy Spirit in us is by only through the Word of God, because the Word is Spirit and gives life (John 6:63). We must read and meditate it day and night. While the best way to drive away and to remove the sin that lives in the member of our body is by through the surpassing of the Law.
To surpass the Law is actually the best and the most practical way to gradually remove and pluck it out the sin that lives. There is no other way; the Law is the best and practical way. Repeat, a practical way, and a very practical way anyone can do.
Read and meditate the Law, which is the Word, the statues of the Lord, which is the testimony of the Lord. Then surpass them.
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Danger of not Establishing the Law
Judgment is coming! Spare yourselves!
There would be worst case scenario that will take place in the church if the Law will not be established in the church in these last days. Judgment will begin in the house of God. (1 Pet 4:17). On that day,many might fall dead instantly if not will receive a severe punishment. Think of what happen to King David, to the Israelites and to many others who transgressed the Law .
The Law which is the Ten Commandments is a very serious matter to think about. And there are four sin that might become prevalent in the Church if the Law will not be establish.
1. The father of lies (satan) will reign. Lies, boasting and exaggeration will not be extinct.
2. Thief shall arise. They don’t mind if they steal something even if it is small of value. Tithes and offering greatly affect too(they rob God)
3. Adulterous eyes were on the look (look with lust is adultery) (to love the things of the world is also adultery Jam 4:4)
4. Murderers freely come and go (anger is murder)
We are on the last days, and before the return of the Lord Jesus there would be a purification of the Church. God will purify the church to cleanse it and he will do it swiftly by means of judgment. He will pour judgment on earth that will begin first in the house of God.(1 Pet 4:17)
As if there is no thief, adulterer, murderer particularly liar will enter heaven will also be the same in the house of God. It will be like as on the time of the Apostles where Ananias and Sapphira who professed as Christian had been judged. They both expected to enter and be received gladly by the apostles with their generous gift but to their shame, both of them found out to be liars. At the door they fell backward dead. Much blessing will they supposed to receive but instead because they agreed to lie, judgment fall on them.(Acts 5:1-10)
The scripture gives us a lesson to be learn, an example for us as well as a clear warning.
“But God wasn't pleased with most of them, and so they were struck down in the wilderness. Now these things became examples for us so that we won't set our hearts on evil as they did. Let us stop being idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to play." Let us stop sinning sexually, as some of them were doing, and on a single day 23,000 fell dead. Let us stop putting the Lord to the test, as some of them were doing, and were destroyed by snakes. You must stop complaining, as some of them were doing, and were destroyed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down as a warning for us in whom the climax of the ages has been realized. Therefore, the person who thinks he is standing securely should watch out that he does not fall”. 1Co 10:5-12
As what mentioned, the church will undergo a process of purification before Christ return. Judgments are the means by which God will clean to prepare the church to be the bride. The bible refers the church as the Bride of Christ (Rev 19:7). And the bride to come in the “marriage of the lamb” is must be without spot and wrinkles. Her garments must be purely white without any dirt or stains.
Notice what it said in the scripture, How blessed are those who wash their robes so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city! Rev 22:14. In other version,“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.(KJV)
In the same way, as the law is perfect to convert, renew, reform the soul-psyche-mind, the law is altogether perfect to wash and cleans our robes and garments and makes us holy. Rev 22:11 says, “Let the holy person continue to be holy”.
Judgment is coming! Spare yourself! The perfect way to be spare one self from the coming judgment is by surpassing the law. God will base his judgments on the Law because all possible sin a man can do are all covered by the Ten Commandments.
Make every effort to establish the Law in the church especially in our mind.
There would be worst case scenario that will take place in the church if the Law will not be established in the church in these last days. Judgment will begin in the house of God. (1 Pet 4:17). On that day,many might fall dead instantly if not will receive a severe punishment. Think of what happen to King David, to the Israelites and to many others who transgressed the Law .
The Law which is the Ten Commandments is a very serious matter to think about. And there are four sin that might become prevalent in the Church if the Law will not be establish.
1. The father of lies (satan) will reign. Lies, boasting and exaggeration will not be extinct.
2. Thief shall arise. They don’t mind if they steal something even if it is small of value. Tithes and offering greatly affect too(they rob God)
3. Adulterous eyes were on the look (look with lust is adultery) (to love the things of the world is also adultery Jam 4:4)
4. Murderers freely come and go (anger is murder)
We are on the last days, and before the return of the Lord Jesus there would be a purification of the Church. God will purify the church to cleanse it and he will do it swiftly by means of judgment. He will pour judgment on earth that will begin first in the house of God.(1 Pet 4:17)
As if there is no thief, adulterer, murderer particularly liar will enter heaven will also be the same in the house of God. It will be like as on the time of the Apostles where Ananias and Sapphira who professed as Christian had been judged. They both expected to enter and be received gladly by the apostles with their generous gift but to their shame, both of them found out to be liars. At the door they fell backward dead. Much blessing will they supposed to receive but instead because they agreed to lie, judgment fall on them.(Acts 5:1-10)
The scripture gives us a lesson to be learn, an example for us as well as a clear warning.
“But God wasn't pleased with most of them, and so they were struck down in the wilderness. Now these things became examples for us so that we won't set our hearts on evil as they did. Let us stop being idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to play." Let us stop sinning sexually, as some of them were doing, and on a single day 23,000 fell dead. Let us stop putting the Lord to the test, as some of them were doing, and were destroyed by snakes. You must stop complaining, as some of them were doing, and were destroyed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down as a warning for us in whom the climax of the ages has been realized. Therefore, the person who thinks he is standing securely should watch out that he does not fall”. 1Co 10:5-12
As what mentioned, the church will undergo a process of purification before Christ return. Judgments are the means by which God will clean to prepare the church to be the bride. The bible refers the church as the Bride of Christ (Rev 19:7). And the bride to come in the “marriage of the lamb” is must be without spot and wrinkles. Her garments must be purely white without any dirt or stains.
Notice what it said in the scripture, How blessed are those who wash their robes so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city! Rev 22:14. In other version,“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.(KJV)
In the same way, as the law is perfect to convert, renew, reform the soul-psyche-mind, the law is altogether perfect to wash and cleans our robes and garments and makes us holy. Rev 22:11 says, “Let the holy person continue to be holy”.
Judgment is coming! Spare yourself! The perfect way to be spare one self from the coming judgment is by surpassing the law. God will base his judgments on the Law because all possible sin a man can do are all covered by the Ten Commandments.
Make every effort to establish the Law in the church especially in our mind.
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Main Purpose of Law and Grace
• The Main Purpose of Grace:
God is giving all unbelievers as well all believers a plenty of time to repent (2Pet 3:9). God calls the seven churches in the book of Revelation to repent.
Repent means "to turn away from sin". And to turn away from sin completely does not take place overnight. A saved person must progressively grow in holiness and in the righteousness as of in the exact copy of Christ. In other words, change does not happen at once.
However, for God to allow repentance, one must have a godly sorrow. For having sorrow in a godly way results in repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets. But the sorrow of the world produces death. 2Co 7:10. Godly sorrow is a kind of sorrow that a person is deeply felt sorry for the sin he did. He is in the state of being sad because he was sinful, wretched and fall short of the glory of God.
Repentance must continuously run its course until the sin we hate (and sin we already knew is sinful and evil) are completely overcome. We have to produce it, until we finally be able to do the good things we ought to do such as to pray, read the bible, having a joy of belonging and a passion to obey God.
• The Main Purpose of Law:
Psalms 19:7 says, "The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul". The Latin word of "soul" is "psyche" which means "mind". Therefore, the main purpose of the Law is to convert, to reform, to change and to renew the mind. In other words, the Law is perfect for the renewing of the mind.
All believers were urge to renew their mind, "Do not be conformed to this world, but continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God's will is-what is proper, pleasing, and perfect. Rom 12:2
There is no perfect way by which a believer has to renew his minds except through the Law which is the Ten Commandments. Other way will make sense but usually, it end up in frustrations and defeat. Recurring thought patterns and bad habits will keep coming back again and again. While inwardly you desire to do good but cannot carry it out. And unless you surpass the law, that will be your constant situation and no change at all.
Renewing of the mind will make way when you surpass the Law. There would be no renewing without surpassing the Law.
The Law is guaranteed to renew your mind, and there is no other way around.
God is giving all unbelievers as well all believers a plenty of time to repent (2Pet 3:9). God calls the seven churches in the book of Revelation to repent.
Repent means "to turn away from sin". And to turn away from sin completely does not take place overnight. A saved person must progressively grow in holiness and in the righteousness as of in the exact copy of Christ. In other words, change does not happen at once.
However, for God to allow repentance, one must have a godly sorrow. For having sorrow in a godly way results in repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets. But the sorrow of the world produces death. 2Co 7:10. Godly sorrow is a kind of sorrow that a person is deeply felt sorry for the sin he did. He is in the state of being sad because he was sinful, wretched and fall short of the glory of God.
Repentance must continuously run its course until the sin we hate (and sin we already knew is sinful and evil) are completely overcome. We have to produce it, until we finally be able to do the good things we ought to do such as to pray, read the bible, having a joy of belonging and a passion to obey God.
• The Main Purpose of Law:
Psalms 19:7 says, "The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul". The Latin word of "soul" is "psyche" which means "mind". Therefore, the main purpose of the Law is to convert, to reform, to change and to renew the mind. In other words, the Law is perfect for the renewing of the mind.
All believers were urge to renew their mind, "Do not be conformed to this world, but continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God's will is-what is proper, pleasing, and perfect. Rom 12:2
There is no perfect way by which a believer has to renew his minds except through the Law which is the Ten Commandments. Other way will make sense but usually, it end up in frustrations and defeat. Recurring thought patterns and bad habits will keep coming back again and again. While inwardly you desire to do good but cannot carry it out. And unless you surpass the law, that will be your constant situation and no change at all.
Renewing of the mind will make way when you surpass the Law. There would be no renewing without surpassing the Law.
The Law is guaranteed to renew your mind, and there is no other way around.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Choose this Day!
So whoever sets aside one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Mat 5:19
In this last days, a saved person must decide and choose wisely on how he will be going to do about the Law which is the Ten Commandments. If you claimed you are a saved person choose now:
Are you going to set aside the Law and tell others to do just the same? Or
Are you going to keep, obey and teach others to surpass the Law?
Take a closer look at the scripture above, if any saved person prefers to set aside the Law and teaches others that the ten commandments had passed away, that the Law is not binding anymore, obsolete and have no significance until today they are preventing themselves on the great privilege God had prepared in His Kingdom. As for those who does them (the ten commandments) there is a great rewards waiting for the Christians who follow, keep, obey and teach others to surpass the Law.
It does not mean a Christian who set aside the law is not saved. He is saved. However, if he wants that way by not allowing the law to rule in his heart and mind, certainly he will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.
If indeed the saved person decides to set aside the Law, there is a very serious matter they must consider to think about. Sin is transgression of the law (1John 3:4). That is the biblical definition of sin. And if your eyes and hands and also your tongue causes you to sin you actually transgress the law and you are in big trouble (Mat 5:29-30; Jam 3:6). In fact, any possible sin a man can do are cover by the Ten Commandments.
Think of it, if you will not give importance about the Law, then better make sure that your eye is not adulterous, see to it that your hands does not use in wickedness and your tongue found no deceit, arrogant speech and falsehood. Doubtless, the wrath of God will be pour out on those who professed they know God but in themselves does not keep His commandments (1 John 2:4). Be warned, no adulterous, thief and liars will enter the kingdom of heaven.
You can see clearly the big difference, those who will not set aside the law has a greater position than those who will.
There is a the risks involve too, that ignoring and setting aside the Law might putting oneself in the danger of the fire of hell.
So if your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away from you. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into hell." Mat 5:29-30
The tongue is a fire, a world of evil. Placed among the parts of our bodies, the tongue contaminates the whole body and sets on fire the course of life, and is itself set on fire by hell. Jas 3:6
Now is the time to decide.
Do you want to be called least in the kingdom of God and be out of danger of the fire of hell? Or
Do you want to be called great in His kingdom? Reap great rewards God had prepared for those who keep, obey and gave importance even the least stroke of the pen written in the Law?
The choice is yours.
In this last days, a saved person must decide and choose wisely on how he will be going to do about the Law which is the Ten Commandments. If you claimed you are a saved person choose now:
Are you going to set aside the Law and tell others to do just the same? Or
Are you going to keep, obey and teach others to surpass the Law?
Take a closer look at the scripture above, if any saved person prefers to set aside the Law and teaches others that the ten commandments had passed away, that the Law is not binding anymore, obsolete and have no significance until today they are preventing themselves on the great privilege God had prepared in His Kingdom. As for those who does them (the ten commandments) there is a great rewards waiting for the Christians who follow, keep, obey and teach others to surpass the Law.
It does not mean a Christian who set aside the law is not saved. He is saved. However, if he wants that way by not allowing the law to rule in his heart and mind, certainly he will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.
If indeed the saved person decides to set aside the Law, there is a very serious matter they must consider to think about. Sin is transgression of the law (1John 3:4). That is the biblical definition of sin. And if your eyes and hands and also your tongue causes you to sin you actually transgress the law and you are in big trouble (Mat 5:29-30; Jam 3:6). In fact, any possible sin a man can do are cover by the Ten Commandments.
Think of it, if you will not give importance about the Law, then better make sure that your eye is not adulterous, see to it that your hands does not use in wickedness and your tongue found no deceit, arrogant speech and falsehood. Doubtless, the wrath of God will be pour out on those who professed they know God but in themselves does not keep His commandments (1 John 2:4). Be warned, no adulterous, thief and liars will enter the kingdom of heaven.
You can see clearly the big difference, those who will not set aside the law has a greater position than those who will.
There is a the risks involve too, that ignoring and setting aside the Law might putting oneself in the danger of the fire of hell.
So if your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away from you. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into hell." Mat 5:29-30
The tongue is a fire, a world of evil. Placed among the parts of our bodies, the tongue contaminates the whole body and sets on fire the course of life, and is itself set on fire by hell. Jas 3:6
Now is the time to decide.
Do you want to be called least in the kingdom of God and be out of danger of the fire of hell? Or
Do you want to be called great in His kingdom? Reap great rewards God had prepared for those who keep, obey and gave importance even the least stroke of the pen written in the Law?
The choice is yours.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Four Secrets of Apostle Paul
Four Secrets of Apostle Paul
by Zac Poonen
1. Contentment:
In Philippians 4:11, Paul says, "In whatever state I am, I am content." And such contentment brings with it fullness of joy and peace. Hence Paul speaks of joy and peace in verses 4 and 7 of the same chapter. We can praise God only when we are perfectly content with all His dealings with us. If we believe in a God who is sovereign and Who can therefore make everything that befalls us work together for our good, (Rom.8:28) then we can be truly content in all circumstances. Then we can praise the Lord, like Habakkuk, even when the trees in our garden don't bear fruit, when our flock dies and when we have suffered heavy financial loss - or in any situation (Habak.3:17,18). Ephesians 5:18-20 indicates that the result of the infilling of the Holy Spirit is an outflow of praise to God. The Apostle Paul could rejoice even when he was locked up in prison, with his feet in stocks (Acts 16:25). Even there, he was content and found nothing to complain about.
2. Cross:
Paul said, "I am crucified with Christ" (Gal. 2:20). The cross is a symbol of weakness, shame and death. The Apostle Paul had fears, perplexities, sorrows and tears in his life (See 2 Cor. 1:8; 4:8; 6:10; 7:5). He was considered a fool and a fanatic. He was often treated like dirt and garbage by others (1 Cor. 4:13). He glories in nothing but the cross (Gal. 6:14). He does not glory in his gifts or abilities or even his deeper life experiences. He glories only in dying to himself perpetually. He says in 2 Cor. 4:10, "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body [in ever-increasing degree]." One aspect of the cross that he accepted was the disciplining of his bodily appetites. He says, "Like an athlete I punish my body, treating it roughly, training it to do what it should, not what it wantsto" (1 Cor. 9:27-LB). He disciplined his eyes in what they read and looked at, his ears in what they listened to, and his tongue in what it spoke. He disciplined his life in every area.
3. Humility:
Twenty-five years after his conversion, Paul says, "I am the least of the apostles" (1 Cor. 15:9). Five years subsequently, he says, "I am less than the least of all the saints" (Eph. 3:8). Still a year later he says, "I am (notice, it is not "I was" but "I am") the chief of sinners" (1 Tim. 1:15). The closer Paul walked with God, the more he was conscious of the corruption and wickedness of his flesh. He recognized that no good thing could be found in his flesh (Rom. 7:18).
4. Pressing forward:
"I am pressing on," says Paul, nearly thirty years after his conversion, and as he was drawing to the end of his life (Phil. 3:14). He still has not attained. He is seeking a still greater degree of the fullness of the Spirit of God in his life, and is therefore straining every spiritual muscle toward this goal.
_________________
by Zac Poonen
1. Contentment:
In Philippians 4:11, Paul says, "In whatever state I am, I am content." And such contentment brings with it fullness of joy and peace. Hence Paul speaks of joy and peace in verses 4 and 7 of the same chapter. We can praise God only when we are perfectly content with all His dealings with us. If we believe in a God who is sovereign and Who can therefore make everything that befalls us work together for our good, (Rom.8:28) then we can be truly content in all circumstances. Then we can praise the Lord, like Habakkuk, even when the trees in our garden don't bear fruit, when our flock dies and when we have suffered heavy financial loss - or in any situation (Habak.3:17,18). Ephesians 5:18-20 indicates that the result of the infilling of the Holy Spirit is an outflow of praise to God. The Apostle Paul could rejoice even when he was locked up in prison, with his feet in stocks (Acts 16:25). Even there, he was content and found nothing to complain about.
2. Cross:
Paul said, "I am crucified with Christ" (Gal. 2:20). The cross is a symbol of weakness, shame and death. The Apostle Paul had fears, perplexities, sorrows and tears in his life (See 2 Cor. 1:8; 4:8; 6:10; 7:5). He was considered a fool and a fanatic. He was often treated like dirt and garbage by others (1 Cor. 4:13). He glories in nothing but the cross (Gal. 6:14). He does not glory in his gifts or abilities or even his deeper life experiences. He glories only in dying to himself perpetually. He says in 2 Cor. 4:10, "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body [in ever-increasing degree]." One aspect of the cross that he accepted was the disciplining of his bodily appetites. He says, "Like an athlete I punish my body, treating it roughly, training it to do what it should, not what it wantsto" (1 Cor. 9:27-LB). He disciplined his eyes in what they read and looked at, his ears in what they listened to, and his tongue in what it spoke. He disciplined his life in every area.
3. Humility:
Twenty-five years after his conversion, Paul says, "I am the least of the apostles" (1 Cor. 15:9). Five years subsequently, he says, "I am less than the least of all the saints" (Eph. 3:8). Still a year later he says, "I am (notice, it is not "I was" but "I am") the chief of sinners" (1 Tim. 1:15). The closer Paul walked with God, the more he was conscious of the corruption and wickedness of his flesh. He recognized that no good thing could be found in his flesh (Rom. 7:18).
4. Pressing forward:
"I am pressing on," says Paul, nearly thirty years after his conversion, and as he was drawing to the end of his life (Phil. 3:14). He still has not attained. He is seeking a still greater degree of the fullness of the Spirit of God in his life, and is therefore straining every spiritual muscle toward this goal.
_________________
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