Saturday, August 31, 2019

Real or Fake - Part 1


Glacier National Park, Montana, USA Would love to explore more, it's mostly been a drive through to somewhere else so far....

John 12:34-41 The people answered Him (Jesus), “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, lest they should see with their eyes, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.” These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.

Continuing in our church’s Sunday sermon series through the gospel of John, Pastor Kyle stated that the term “deepfake” refers to a technique for human image synthesis based on artificial intelligence. It is used to combine and superimpose existing images and videos onto source images or videos using a machine learning technique known as generative adversarial network. Because of these capabilities, deepfakes have been used to create  counterfeit videos, fake news and malevolent hoaxes. It was a different world during the Lord’s visitation on Earth, but would cameras in Jesus’ day crate more and stronger faith and would malicious video manipulation cause us to doubt biblical reality? In terms of the kingdom of Heaven, would the outsiders (unbelieving illusionists with blind eyes and hardened hearts) be in and the insiders (true believers) be out? Not a chance; God is in control.

Psalm 81:11-12 “But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels.”

Everybody doubts; it’s part of being a fallen finite human being with “flesh desires”. But it’s what we do with our doubts that determine our path back to the Lord. We participate in the hardening of our life by our doubt, but God also hardens hearts that reject His holy Word and works, giving those over to their self. This is what happened to Pharaoh in Exodus 11 and they do not go kicking and screaming. Pray for them. The Jewish leaders doubted and rejected God’s Messiah as if a deepfake.

Romans 1:18-24 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but  became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves.”


Pastor Kyle explained four different forms of unbelief / doubt, the first being “straight out rejection”. These are those who hear and understand, but say: “No, that’s not for me.” The field of Science, though the branches were created by God-believing Creationist, has been hijacked by God-rejecting Evolutionist that distort factual truths and deceive the populace with confusing lies of time and random chance for the origin of life and against their Creator, Almighty God and His Word as truth. Pre-historic literally means the time prior to written history, which is just 7000 – 8000 years ago. What happened before then, nobody knows. The Theory of Evolution is by faith, not fact. Atheists start with the premise that there is no God, not because of reality, but because they ultimately reject their Maker’s authority over them and do not want to be responsible for their egocentric lustful sins. The word “science” literally means “knowledge”. 

Let’s continue his message and look at these 4 types in the next post.
In Christ, Brian

Friday, August 30, 2019

Living Truths

Navagio beach with shipwreck and flowers against sunset, Zakynthos island, Greece


Mark 12:24-27 Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.”


Despite darkness of evil and unbelief in the world, we know that Almighty God is working out His plan, is in control, and in the end we win. But, do we live in that reality. I read that Sin and death are grim realities in the world, but these are only temporary intruders, as it were. The God of Creation is the “living God”; and “Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16) is our living Savior, alive forevermore. The 1828 Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “living” as: Dwelling; residing; existing; subsisting; having life or the vital functions in operation; not dead. It is appropriate, therefore, that the term “living” is applied over and over again to great truths of the Christian faith. For example, the Holy Scriptures are called “the lively oracles”. “Lively” and “living” represent the same Greek word “zao”; thus, the Bible is God’s “living word.” Jesus Christ called Himself “the living bread which came down from heaven,” sent down by “the living Father”. He also promised that all who believe on Him would find “living water” flowing through their lives.

Jesus has opened for us, through His substitutionary death and justifying resurrection, “a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh” (Hebrews 10:20). Furthermore, He has thereby “begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Nothing dead about it.

The Lord Jesus is the foundation of the great house of the Lord into which we come through Him. “Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  (1 Peter 2:4-5). In this holy temple, we are therefore urged to “present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is [our] reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). Our God is, indeed, the God of the living! Live like it!


Thursday, August 29, 2019

Relegated and Marginalized – Part 2


Romans 1:18-23 “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man.”

Continuing Michael’s message: Question: How do you grind America down? The enemy planned specific actions to undermine America. The first step was to destroy the family by promoting cohabitation instead of marriage. Next they would put the children in public institutions to indoctrinate them with a godless worldview from preschool to graduation.  They supported a God-rejecting "feminist movement" to erase gender roles and encourage women to voice their grievances to undermine and destroy the institution of marriage. They planned to present biblically condemned homosexuality, sexual perversion, and promiscuity as normal and healthy. Then they would break down cultural norms that encouraged excellence, reward for hard work, thrift, and respect for family, God, and country.  They wanted to infiltrate the press, radio, TV, Internet communication, social Media, electronics, movies, government and higher education with secular humanism. Finally they planned to discredit  religion, traditional family values and support easy divorce to destroy the family institution. The fight by the darkness of sin and unbelief is for the hearts and minds of individuals. The philosophy of Atheism is to denounce God and His Word ... to convince the people that there is no right and wrong so that their godless socialist doctrines could prevail.

Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

In a scene in the mini-series, The Band of Brothers, one shell shocked soldier was cowering in a bomb crater in the midst of enemy fire.  His commanding officer ran up to his side and said, "what's the matter?"  The terrified soldier sobbed, "I'm afraid of dying."  The commander said, "that's your problem... you think you're going to live through this.  If you consider yourself dead, then we'll win this battle."  As Jesus said, "You need to die to yourself to follow me."  In dying to self then we can live unto him. The spiritual battle rages on between faith and unbelief. In order to defeat the enemy, we have to take up the offense. The offensive weapons in the spiritual Arsenal are the Word of God and Prayer.

2 Timothy 3:2-5, “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  Without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”

The enemy's troops are lovers of “self”, instead of lovers of God. How do we combat the enemy's army? The answer is in the next phrase: "from such turn away."  We must turn away from the world and unto our Lord Jesus Christ. The victory in the spiritual battle starts in our own family. We're called to love our spouses as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.  A child of God asks for forgiveness when they fall short. We cannot reconcile with our spouse until we are both reconciled to Christ. He alone is the One who reconciles, for there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Then, when we meet our spouse at the foot of the cross, that threefold cord is strong and not quickly broken. For truly our fellowship is with our Lord Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father and one with another in the household of faith.  

To secure the victory in the spiritual battle, stand fast in the Liberty wherewith Christ has made us free ... that we may ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ, Michael


Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Relegated and Marginalized – Part 1



1 Timothy 4:15-16 “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” 

This week, Michael writes that Jesus often repeated what he said to his disciples.  The word of God needs to be reinforced over and over. The word “meditate is defined in the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary as: To dwell on any thing in thought; to contemplate; to study; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind; appropriately but not exclusively used of pious contemplation, or a consideration of the great truths of religion. To meditate means to focus the mind deeply for a period of time ... to think about it over and over. 

The “journey of life” is taken one step at a time. A Sabbath day's journey was the distance that one person could walk on the Sabbath day. The Word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We can only see the step in front of us as we walk with the Lord, one step at a time. We don't know what tomorrow will bring ... but He does.  We cannot make a promise for tomorrow. However we can commit to the next step.  Then when we look back on our journey of life, we can reflect on what's really important. For most men and women, what's important is to perform well ... to work hard day after day to support our family. Upon reflection near the end of life, many people say that they would have worked less and spent more time with their family and the ones they love.

Oswald Chambers said, "When the crisis comes and courage is required, God expects his people to be the reliable ones. The crisis has come." A crisis is a time when action must be taken to avoid a catastrophe, a complete breakdown, a calamity ... a radical change for the worse. In the last times there will be cataclysmic events that will be difficult to bear. However as the Apostle Paul said, The Lord’s strength is made perfect in my weakness, His grace is sufficient for me.

God gives us opportunities to rise to the challenge to press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Men and women in each generation have a choice to accept God's challenge or to be marginalized, relegated, and exiled into oblivion. In every generation there are "men who won't lead and women who won't follow." People who fall into the devil's snares of this world are taken captive by the enemy at their will.  God allows crises and tribulations so that men and women are confronted with a stark choice: to either trust in the Lord with all their hearts and lean not unto their own understanding or to allow the devil and his minions to marginalize and relegate them into insignificance.

When God’s people rise up and believe the truth of the Word of God, the society will flourish. The encouragement is to "hold your ground." Our call to arms is, "This is the hour of battle. This day we fight, we bid you stand in His power, you people of God." As people of God, we're called to influence the world. The devil's ploy is that the world would influence us. Either we're active or passive. Either we actively engage in the spiritual battle or we will be defeated when we become passive targets. Casual Christians are casualties in the spiritual battle. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

The Christian's Lifestyle: Freedom

Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado.

It starts with the definition of Christian: A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.

Galatians 5:13 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

Continuing in this small Bible Study on Christian living, this lesson focus on “Freedom”. The word “Liberty” is defined as: freedom from restraint, in a general sense, and applicable to the body, or to the will or mind. The body is at liberty, when not confined; the will or mind is at liberty, when not checked or controlled. A man enjoys liberty, when no physical force operates to restrain his actions or volitions (choices, desires, preferences, will and wishes). Natural liberty, consists in the power of acting as one thinks fit, without any restraint or control, except from the laws of nature. It is a state of exemption from the control of others, and from positive laws and the institutions of social life. This liberty is abridged by the establishment of government.

Liberty has always been a cherished concept to Americans. It is what the Revolutionary War was fought for and is engraved on every American coin. It was also a burning issue with the Jews at the time of Christ, chafing under Roman rule as they were. Many early Christians were actually slaves or even in prison for their faith. All those in bondage have longed to be free, and wars and revolutions have been fought to gain their freedoms. But the worst bondage of all is slavery to sin. No army can free a man from sin, and if he dies in sin, he will continue in bondage forever.

Romans 7:23-24 “I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

It is only Christ who can set a sinner free. Christ died for our sins, and through faith in Him we receive full pardon and liberty. “Our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. . . . Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:6-7, 18). There is no greater or truer freedom than freedom in Christ. John 8:36 states, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed”. Because of Christ, the very creation itself, now groaning and travailing in pain under the curse of sin, one day soon “shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:21).

In Christ we now have freedom to live unto righteousness. “Being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6:22).

Monday, August 26, 2019

The Christian's Lifestyle: Relationships



It starts with the definition of Christian: A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.

Ephesians 5:21 “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

Continuing through this small Bible Study on Christian Living, the next lesson was on Christian relationships. It states that our calling is to walk worthy. Our gifts are perfect and complete. Our behavior is changed by the new man. Our wisdom is to understand the will of the Lord. Our control is being filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:22 through 6:9 presents a basic primer on human relationships in dynamics that impact most of our lives, our families, and our places of employment. Our relationships are to be carried out by submitting ourselves to one another in the fear of God. That key word submitting (“hupotasso”) is itself instructive. It is a compound of the preposition “under” and a word that means to arrange in order; thus, to arrange under, in order.

In the home, the submission (order, arrangement) is compared to the Lord’s house, the church. Wives are to be arranged under the husband (emphasis on authority) just as the church is under the authority of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24). Husbands are to be under the responsibility of love (emphasis on sacrifice) just as Christ gave His life on behalf of and for the benefit of the church (Ephesians 5:25-33). Children are to be under the arranged order of correct behavior (emphasis on obedience) just as the fifth commandment so requires for the protection and promotion of well-being and longevity (Ephesians 6:1-4).

Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

In the workplace, those who serve are to serve as though they were serving the Lord, not men (Ephesians 6:5-8). Those who lead and own are to relate to their employees and workers as though they were serving the servants, recognizing that one Master (God) is Lord over all (Ephesians 6:9). These instructions are really quite simple. We do not need to complicate them. You are the light of the world; shine in Christian relationship.

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Measuring Up - Part 2

#UpperCatawbaFalls Canvas Print featuring the photograph #Upper Catawba Falls" by Stephen Stookey #waterfall #NorthCarolina

Hebrews 11:13-16 “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”

Pastor Kyle continues his Sunday sermon message on “measuring up” by stating that the Gospel costs us everything. Jesus said in Luke 9:23-25 “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?”

We must lose our egocentric life; freely give it up and give it back to the Lord as a “living sacrifice”. God meets us where we are at, but loves us enough to not leave us where we are at. God comes first and foremost. No more knowing what Jesus did and what the Lord requires, but not practicing it in our life. Acknowledge what Jesus has done and live it out daily. A better life and heavenly country awaits in the kingdom of God, as a child of God. This is not out home; as citizens of Heaven, we are just passing through. Jesus said in John 12:25, “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” Jesus stepped out of eternity and into our reality. God stepped down from Heaven to Earth to save us and asks for one thing … our whole life; the greatest gift and the sweetest offering. Everyone wants the free gift of eternal life, but many do not want to give up their autonomous freedom, but following Jesus costs everything.

John 12:26 “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”

This life is temporal, but eternity is forever; never-ending by definition. One day our existence shall end. Our last breath here will be the true Christians first breath in Heaven. When the child of God passes here on earth, it will be amazing there. But, here and now, disciples of Jesus Christ are filled with the Holy Spirit, stable and grounded in their faith and life because they measure up. This side of eternity, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ wants to honor us. Our power and authority comes from serving God. Follow, trust and obey the Lord because you measure up, are accepted and are blessed now. 

In Christ, Brian

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Measuring Up - Part 1



John 12:20-26 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”

Pastor Kyle continued last Sunday in our sermon series through the gospel of John. He stated that the feeling of not measuring up is a hard thing to deal with. Some people can feel that they do not measure up for going to church. The Bible clearly states in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We know that all have sinned against their “just & holy” Almighty Maker and therefore do not measure up to the godly standards of the Lord. It may feel like we are behind the bar and in the bondage of our sins, because we do not deserve God’s love, forgiveness and the glory of Heaven. We know that we have sinned and broke (and continue to break) God’s Laws and Commandments and deserve righteous punishment by Him. So, how do we belong with the reality of spiritual things and an intimate relationship with our sinless Heavenly Father and Lord?

Romans 3:21-25a “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith.

The gospel is for everyone. God’s attribute is love and mercy, so He desires to extend His grace with an inclusive offer of forgiveness of sin and redemption. This salvation is received by “saving” faith in Christ, sent by Father God by His grace, to pay for our past, present and future sins on the Cross by Jesus, so that we measure up; freeing us from the Hell that we deserve, giving us the indwelling Holy Ghost, spiritual gifts, a regenerated spirit with a new godly heart, eternal life in Heaven and the reconciled and restored relationship as a child of God that frees our guilt and makes us worthy to go to church to worship and give glory, praise and honor to the living God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for these free gifts.

Romans 6:22-23 “But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Because of Christ, we are drawn near God. Those who seek Him, find Him when they seek Him with all their heart – Deuteronomy 4:29. Jesus made our salvation for sin, death and eternal damnation undeniable that because of His finished work of redemptive atonement, all who believe by saving faith measure up. God’s plan of salvation is available to all races, all nationalities, all wage classes, and even all political parties, all who repent of sin, believe in Christ with saving faith, and receive God’s offer. Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Sin dug an impasse of a great gap and built an impenetrable barrier between God and us, but Jesus bridged the gap and knocked down the wall.

Ephesians 1:22-2:1-8 “And He [father God] put all things under His [Jesus’] feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

But, there is more. Let’s continue Pastor Kyle message on “measuring up” in the next post.
In Christ, Brian

Friday, August 23, 2019

American Christians? – Part 2


-I take no credit for this picture-

Continuing Michael's message, He reminds us that the causal Christian struggles with the lust of the flesh and they have problems with their relationship with their spouse, but they say that they don't need counseling. They complain that their spouse doesn't accept them for who they are.  They resent that their spouse spends most of their time trying to change them. They think that the other is the problem. They never pray with them or for them.  They’ve been to retreats and church conferences, but cannot understand the meaning of grace. They know that they don't pray enough, give enough, serve enough, or love enough. They think that others have their acts together but know that they do not. They even question their own salvation. They spend most of their time in sin management instead of living in Gods grace, mercy, and love.

The casual Christian is fearful of sharing their faith because they’re not sure how...  and they’re not even convinced of their own salvation. They’re afraid of praying in public and sharing in a bible study discussion.  Even deacons and elders in the some churches feel inadequate, ignorant, lonely, fearful and isolated. The casual Christian will refuse to come to a Christian small group. They don't have time to cultivate true friendships so they keep their relationships casual. They find their identity in their works. Their motto is "I am what I do."  They’ve bought into the culture's definition of being a mature adult. They pride themselves on their bank account, their accomplishments, their possessions and their worldly successes. They don't know how to work out their own salvation in their family and in the marketplace.

The question to ask ourselves as Christians is, "If every person were like me, would we win the spiritual battle?" We live in a culture that thinks that prayer doesn't belong in schools and public places; that we should keep our "religion" to ourselves. Some churches won't allow us to quote scripture in marriage classes where it says, "Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands in the Lord." As in the days of Noah, there's a flood coming. When Noah warned the people of the impending flood, the people laughed, mocked, and went about their business as usual. Noah was faithful for one hundred years to warn them that the flood would take away their families, their homes, their businesses, and their own lives. Then when the flood finally came, they didn't know what hit them.

The question is, "How are we as Christians different from the culture around us?" When we Christians fellowship together and isolate ourselves from the world, how can we change the world? Do we have a form of godliness while we deny the power thereof?  As the Apostle Paul said, our challenge is to "work your our own salvation with fear and trembling...with respect and reverence. For it is God who works in you to will and to do of his good pleasure."

We meet with like-minded Christians so that we can pursue of their Lord Jesus Christ.  As we walk in the light as He is in the light, we shall have fellowship with Christ, our brother, with our Heavenly Father, and with one another in the household of faith. We link with like-minded brethren so that we can give it away. The Lord called us to deliver the message of salvation, but more importantly He called us to be the message, for we are God's love letters, His living epistles known and read of all men and women. Then we can "stand fast immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord inasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 

And as we follow in the footsteps of our Lord, may we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ, Michael

Thursday, August 22, 2019

American Christians? = Part 1


An Apology Letter To Oahu | adorned with love

2 Timothy 2:22-26Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

This week, Michael writes how research has shown that women who gain a few pounds live longer than men who point it out. It's easy to give in to the connotative definition or cultural points of contention.  According to 2 Timothy 3, people in the last days will be lovers of self, haughty, high minded, boastful, covetous, despisers of those who are good, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof. Christianity is a rescue effort for desperate men and women. What's the average Christian like who attends church?  Are they about their Father's business?  Are they ashamed to be called "man or woman of God?"  

Three hundred thousand Christians living for God in their homes will change this nation more than one person in the White House, in Congress of on the Supreme Court. The question is: Are we Christians who happen to be Americans or are we Americans who happen to be Christians? The purpose of our calling as “People of God” is that we keep our priorities in line. We don't have a political problem today, we have a spiritual problem today. Retired Lieutenant colonel Oliver North stated that if the US Congress would live by the biblical “Golden Rule” of do to others what you would have them do to you, then 90% of our political problems would be eliminated. Regardless of the problem, the answer is Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is the Word of God made manifest.

What's our big challenge?  What's keeping men and women of God from their call to brotherhood in Christ? The popular culture is opposed to Christian brotherhood. The world's code is centered on self and says that the objective is to become a self-made person. However, Jesus said, unless a person forsakes their family and themselves, and takes up their cross daily to follow me, they cannot be my disciple.

Jesus said, I'm not here to give you a plan. The works that I have done you shall do also, and greater works shall you do because I go unto my Father. The greater work is that we can lead others to salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.  When Jesus was here on earth, salvation was not yet available because He had not yet paid the price for our redemption and God's Holy Spirit was not yet available. In the book of Acts, the multitudes marveled that the men who spoke at the day of Pentecost spoke with power and authority even though they were lowly Galileans. Then they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

The typical casual Christian has misplaced priorities and rarely looks inside to see how they can correct this imbalance. They’re struggling with guilt, shame, fear, and loneliness. They identify themselves with their works but cannot find the purpose for their life. They may have a  relational father-wound.  He never heard their dad say, "I love you son." They cannot relate with a loving Heavenly Father because their own dad never modeled what it means to be a godly father.


Let's continue Michael's message on Christian living in the next post.
In Christ, Brian

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

The Christian's Lifestyle: Wisdom


Bela

It starts with the definition of Christian: A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.

Ephesians 5:15-17 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as  wise,  redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but  understand what the will of the Lord is.”

This lesson from a small study on Christian Living points out that the “therefore” is preceded by the command in Ephesians 5:8 to “Walk as children of light”. This title, children of light, is used only three other times in the New Testament: once by the Lord Jesus in Luke 16:8 to contrast worldly wisdom with the ineffectual use of godly wisdom in the least things; once again in John 12:36 to direct us to believe in the light of Jesus; and finally by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 to encourage us to watch and be sober.

Proverbs 13:14-20 “The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful ambassador brings health. Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored. A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.”

A light-like life, which is evidence of the fruit of the Spirit, is expressed in the character of goodness, righteousness, and truth. Proverbs 11:30 says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.” In fact, the transformation of our character by our conscious choice to “present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” enables us to “prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God”. An equation is clearly drawn between godly behavior and godly wisdom. Proverbs 15:24 says, “The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below.” It therefore follows that children of light should have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, taking the responsibility to reprove them and recognizing the shame even to speak of those things.

Daniel 2:20-21 “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

The light of Christ things make present and on display that which is reproved (
corrected gently with kindly intent), enabling us to walk accurately and carefully, "not as fools but as wise”. That wisdom is not the foolish wisdom of this world but the wisdom of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God, understanding what the will of the Lord is. Children of light, be wise. 

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

The Christian's Lifestyle: Control


горы | горы | Постила

It starts with the definition of Christian: A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.

Ephesians 5:15-20 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Continuing in this small study I found on Christian Living, we come to the issue of “control”. The lesson states that two factors need to be identified with Ephesians 5:18 (above). First, the immediately preceding context confines the primary application to behavior, just as the immediately following context relates the “filled” behavior to the fellowship of believers. Secondly, the imagery stresses control of the behavior by the Holy Spirit (contrasting filled with drunken behavior).

Jesus said in John 14:15-17, “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

In” be filled with the Spirit”, the filling is not synonymous with the baptism of the Holy Spirit, since all are so baptized but not all are filled. Nor is it equal with or subsequent to speaking in tongues, since some specifically identified as being filled with the Holy Spirit never spoke in tongues. Some individuals were filled on different occasions. Apparently, the filling produces a temporary effect. The effect of the filling of the Holy Spirit enhances or encourages a God-like behavior in contrast to the Satan-like behavior stimulated by the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16-18 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

Some passages equate power with this filling, and others equate it to wisdom. The immediate context, however, lists four evidences of the Holy Spirit’s control: songs of praise together; personal singing and private melody to God in our hearts; thanksgiving; and voluntary submission to one another in the Lord. Indwelling Holy Spirit of God’s control enables our self-control. Since the Holy Spirit distributes gifts to the saints (those who have been sanctified in Christ) for the purpose of building the body of Christ, it stands to basic reason that the Holy Spirit’s control is designed to enhance and stimulate the ministry of believers to each other and the personal joy and awareness of the goodness of God. 

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Crowd Around Jesus – Part 3



Matthew 13:3-4 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a Sower went out to sow.  And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.”

Continuing with Pastor Obie’s message, the third type of person in the crowd was the “Pseudo” or “False” Christian. These are people who think that they are “saved” from eternal damnation in Hell, but are not. They have a false security and an erroneous assurance of salvation. They may have the appearance by knowing, saying and doing the right things, but have no personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus clarifies in Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ They may have been born in a Christian nation or have true Christian parents, but God has no grandchildren. You must be “born again”. They know of Him, but they do not know Him. They do not remember the moment or event when Jesus became Savior and Lord, because it never happened for them. The “false” Christian is in need of rescue by the Blessed Redeemer and Savior of the world, but does not know it and, therefore, does not seek it.

John 12:19  The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”

The fourth type of person in the crowd was the “Non-Christian”. They do not believe in the One true God or His Christ and fall into two categories. (1) Rejecters, who have a closed mind and a hard heard to Jesus being Lord and Savior; the Messiah from God in Heaven. They are on the wide road to destruction and chase after other gods, because if Jesus is not your Lord, then something else is. No Jesus; no Savior. (2) Seekers are open-minded, but skeptic as they watch and note the hypocrisy of the “Firecracker” Christian in the crowd. It has bring up the question: Are our words and actions doing Jesus justice or turning people away? Seekers begin with a Theistic philosophy in mind, but the eyes of their heart are not searching for Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Matthew 28:18-20 “Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

A true Christian practices and supports Christianity (the religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or its beliefs and practices) with a new heart and spirit in personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s not what they do, but who they are. What type are you? What great things could you be missing out on by not obeying God? So, obey and don’t delay! Rise above the criticism and misconceptions of Christianity. Do a better job of representing Jesus. Disciples: You are blessed. Stay committed and shine. Firecrackers: Repent, revitalize and rekindle the fire for and your connection with Jesus. False Christians: Get off the dime and get right with God. Repent and accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, then take this journey in the right direction. Non-Believers: Repent and give you life to Jesus. Change your eternal address. Pray and accept the free gift of forgiveness, salvation and eternal life by God’s grace through “saving” faith. Be the disciple of Christ in the crowd.

In Christ, Brian

Sunday, August 18, 2019

The Crowd Around Jesus – Part 2


 

John 12:16-18 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 

Continuing with Pastor Obie’s message, he explained that there is denotative “literal” definition of a word and there is also the connotative “cultural” definition of a word. The word “Christian” is literally defined in the 1828 Noah Webster’s dictionary as “a real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.” On the other side of obedience is God’s faithfulness. Per the Strong’s Dictionary of Bible Words, the Greek word “Christianos”, meaning Christian, translates to “follower of Christ”. But, the cultural definition of a Christian (right or wrong) differs depending on society and can change. Hence, people can call themselves a Christian without living out the literal definition of the word.

Matthew 13:3-7 ““Behold, a Sower went out to sow.  And as he sowed, some seed ... some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.”


The second type of person in the crowd was the “Firecracker” or “Casual” Christian. They have a genuine experience of “born again” saving faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, but fades with time as  they get used to their Christian life and rituals to the point of just going through the motions daily. They have an amazing start with a “hilltop experience” in Christ, to follow Him by faith and share the “Good News” of the gospel of salvation discovered, believed and pursue, but have gone back to their old habits and set Jesus in the backseat as they were not deep rooted. This happens because they are trend, event and experience oriented. As the newness wears off and the distractions of the trials of life take place over time, they partially back out of their dedication, devotion and desire, leaving their first love, because they become lukewarm with a compartmentalized faith. Jesus said in Revelation 2:2-4, “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

Let’s conclude Pastor Obie’s message on the people in the crowd around Jesus at the Triumphal  Entry into Jerusalem in the next post.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

The Crowd Around Jesus _ Part 1


John 12:12-15 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

This last Sunday, Pastor Obie continued in our church’s sermon series through the book of John, with Christ “triumphal Entry” into Jerusalem. Messianic prophecy was being fulfilled before their very eyes. Zechariah 9:9 prophesied, “Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Psalm 118:25 proclaims, “Save now, I pray, O Lord” and Almighty God sent Christ to “save now”; the very meaning of the Hebrew word “Hosanna”. But, in the crowd around Jesus that day, there were four types of people gathered, which still exist in the world today. The question is: which type is the type of person that Jesus wants us to be?

John 1:12-13 “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”


The first type of people in the crowd was a “disciple”. A “Disciple” is defined in the 1828 Noah Webster’s dictionary as 1.  A learner; a scholar; one who receives or professes to receive instruction from another; as the disciples of Jesus. 2. A follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another. Hence the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples; and hence all Christians are called his disciples, as they profess to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts. A pupil / follower of Jesus Christ. Per the Strong’s Dictionary of Bible Words, the Greek word “Mathētēs”, meaning disciple, translates to “student”. A true disciple follows Jesus (their God-given Savior and Lord) because they genuinely love Him inwardly and love others outwardly sharing the love of God and the gospel of salvation. They have believed and put their full faith in Jesus Christ, being saved by grace through faith as a gift from God. Their sins are forgiven, they are reconciled with God, their spirit is regenerated, they have been “born again” with a new heart and the Holy Spirit indwelling as a constant guide. They love to hear the voice of God through prayer, the Word of God in the Holy Scriptures and in the preaching of the gospel. They are consistent in dedication, devotion and the desire to connect to the Lord and the community. They have found the narrow gate, taken the straight and narrow path because they are a child of God and their citizenship is in heaven.

Let's continue Pastor Obie's message in the next post.
In Christ, Brian

Friday, August 16, 2019

The Christian Lifestyle: Speech



It starts with the definition of Christian: A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.

Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.”

Continuing in this small Bible Study of the Christian Lifestyle, the next lesson was on our speech. This lesson explains that a Christian’s words are of transcendent importance, for Jesus has said in Matthew 12:36: “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment”. The word “answer” in the text above means more than simply an answer to a question. The Greek word “apokrinomai” is used 250 times in the New Testament, and in every other instance it is used in a simple narrative sense (such as, “he answered saying”). Thus it refers to ordinary conversation, indicating that every verbal response of a Christian should be gracious and tasteful—never crude, or hurtful, or bland.

1 Peter 3:14-16 “Even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

The Scriptures include many other specifications for a Christian’s speech. In the first place, there should not be too much of it! Our words should be carefully chosen, able to be substantiated—“sound speech that cannot be condemned” as Titus 2:8 says. People should be able to rely on the truth of what we say.

The Apostle Paul declares in Ephesians 4:25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor”. Furthermore, proclaimed in Ephesians 4:29, “let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers”. Colossians 3:8 instructs, “now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.” Foul speech is unbefitting a child of God. Our words should always be edifying and helpful, wholesome and thoughtful.

But if this seems humanly impossible, remember God is able to transform our minds and tame our tongues, even though we cannot! The key is prayer—earnest and consistent prayer—not just that our speech become innocuous, but that it may edify, testify, and minister grace. You are blessed to be a blessing.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

The Christian's Lifestyle: Behavior


Очень красивые фото и картинки. – Сообщество – Google+

It starts with the definition of true Christian: A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.

Ephesians 4:17-19 “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”

I started reading a small study on the Christian lifestyle that I’d like to share with you over the next several days. On Ephesians 4:17, this succinct command quickly is followed by a sweeping description of the impotent mind of the Gentiles of that day in contrast to the utterly changed condition of the Believer in Christ (whether Jew or Gentile). 1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us, “the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” The non-Christian Gentiles had a darkened perceptive ability, rendering them alienated because of the ignorance that was in them, and an overall blindness of their heart that was the root cause of their inability to function, even to feel, in the same way as the children of God (compare Romans 1:21-32; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Jesus explained in John 3:3 , “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Ephesians 4:20-24 “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

The saint of God (those who have been sanctified by saving faith in Christ), however, is told to discard the old man and to put on the new man, as though that simple picture of a powerful reality is adequate instruction to fulfill the earlier command. No longer is the child of God to be corrupted by the deceitful lusts of his or her old condition (the natural sin nature of our flesh desires), but having a regenerated spirit, learned Christ and been taught by Him is to be renewed in the spirit of their mind. A transformation is now possible through the new mental (intellectual, spiritual) abilities given to us by Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

The new man or woman, which we are responsible to wear like a body-enveloping cloak, is created for us by the omniscient Creator in righteousness and true holiness. We have been given a specially created new man or woman to wear (our Christian behavior), which will show (exhibit, demonstrate, make clear) the spiritual difference between the unbelieving Gentiles and the saints of God.

1 Corinthians 2:16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.


Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Fellowship Versus Brotherhood – Part 2



Philippians 2:12-13 “As you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

Continuing Michael's message on brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ, he writes that the nominal Christian is more comfortable isolating themselves when their struggling and in pain. It's difficult for them to ask for help from other people.  They find their identity in their job, their bank accounts, their possessions and in their worldly successes. They avoid spending time and sharing their heart with a group of intimate friends. They don't know how to work out their own salvation in the marketplace and in the culture. People who feel this way in church are the weak ones whom the devil picks off doubt and guilt. When faced with learning the role of men and women in the Christian family, many say, "We don't want to be taught about that. We don't think we really need to be reminded about our shortcomings."  These casual Christians wasn't ready to be reproved....they weren't willing to admit that they had a problem.

What's the difference between brotherhood or sisterhood and fellowship?  There are several scriptures about brotherhood and sisterhood. These include:  Proverbs 18:24; John 15:13; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 1:22; Romans 12:10; Ephesians 4:12; and Proverbs 27:17. The essence of the word "fellowship" is our allotment, our share ... that which we hold in common or in partnership. Companionship; society; consort; mutual association of persons on equal and friendly terms; familiar intercourse. It's also translated as "communion" or co-Union. The dictionary definition of "brotherhood" is "the state or quality of being brothers."  And “sisterhood” as “the state or quality of being sisters”. Intimate brotherhood and sisterhood goes far beyond casual fellowship within the church.  

For example, men who go through combat together know what it means to have a "band of brothers."  It means that I'll give my blood to save my brother... that I have his back and he's got mine. Men in battle are willing to die for their brothers, to shed their own blood in order that their brother might live. They have come to the conclusion that if there is nothing worth dying for, then there is nothing worth living for. It goes that deep.

Hebrews 9:22 “In fact under the Law almost everything is cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness [neither release from sin and its guilt, nor cancellation of the merited punishment].”

Jesus Christ shed his innocent blood on our behalf. There is no redemption without the shedding of blood. He gave His life so that we could live in the newness of spiritual resurrection life. He's our blood brother, the firstborn among many brethren. For He who was without sin became the perfect sin sacrifice on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in Him. What should be our response?  As brothers and sisters of the Son of God and brothers and sisters in Christ, we can live according to Galatians 2:20:  “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

As brothers and sisters of the Son of God, may we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ, Michael

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Fellowship Versus Brotherhood - Part 1


Going on a Scotland trip? Experience Ullapool, Slains Castle, Loch Ness, Orkney, Falls Of Feugh, and so many more scotland highlands beautiful places! Here are 8 magical places you NEED to see when traveling to Scotland. #Scotland #Scotland2019 #ScotlandTravel #ScotlandTrip #ScotlandVacation

This week, Michael writes: "Phileo" love is brotherly love. People say that they want brotherhood.  However, the question is, "what price are you willing to pay?"  Mickey Mantle said when he was sitting in a bar watching a baseball game after he had retired from the Yankees, "I should be out there playing.  But what I really miss is the locker room, the brotherhood of the guys on the team." What are their core values and what do they value when it comes to the church?  The statistics show that if men are faithful followers of Christ, 90 percent of their families receive Christ.  However, only 17 percent of families come to faith if only the wife is a Christian.  

When you usually call people in the church "man or woman of God," they'll usually look away. When you ask them why they are ashamed, they'll say, "Because I feel unworthy." The lawless world's code says that we're what we make of ourselves and that grace doesn't matter. It teaches that the goal is to be a self made person. We're taught to resist receiving anything as a gift of grace.  However, according to Ephesians 2:8, by grace are you saved by faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God not of works lest any man should boast.

The devil's tactic is to take the people of God off of the spiritual battlefield. Great cultures and nations always fail from within. It's not other nations that conquer a great civilization, but by corruption from within. Ephesians 6 speaks about the armor of God. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness from on high. Every sphere of influence whether family, government, education, entertainment, and even churches are weakened from within when they compromise their faith, forsake the spiritual armor of God and are overtaken by the powers of darkness. When factions fight for power in the voting booth, the president's worldview will be forced on the culture. However, even if we elect a Christian president, the culture has already been infiltrated by spiritual wickedness and the sinful darkness of unbelief in the halls of power.  

God will allow persecution inside and outside the church to purge the culture in order to find out who the real Christians are. According to the flesh, it's difficult to discern who's really a Christian. The casual Christian man or woman feels fearful, insecure, inadequate and lonely. He's casual relationally with Jesus and with others. Casual Christians end up being casualties in the spiritual battle. The average Christian is under challenged and has no mission to which they can commit their life. Christ’s church asks us to give faithfully, to attend regularly and to serve diligently. However, the church often fails to emphasize the main question, "How's your walk with God?"

The nominal Christian guy is stressed and struggles with guilt and shame. He struggles with being a culturally acceptable Christian rather than a Biblical Christian. They may have father-wounds because their dad never said, "I love you."  Their dad never helped them spiritually or morally. He's overcome by the "lust of the flesh."  They’re angry but can't quite put their finger on the cause of their anger. They have problems with their marriage and doesn't pray for or with their spouse.  They can't communicate with them like they want and need for them to communicate from the depth of their heart. They never have a date night with their spouse and will not attend marriage retreats or conferences with them.  They know that they don't give enough, serve enough, pray enough, read their bible enough, or love enough.  They spend most of their time in “sin management” rather living in God's grace, mercy, forgiveness and love. They’re terrified of losing control and feel uncomfortable on spiritual turf. They fear rejection and avoid situations where they may be asked to pray out loud or participate in meaningful biblical discussions. Even deacons and elders in many churches realize they don't really have a deep, committed, and abiding relationship with their Lord and with the Word of God.  

Let's continue Michael message on brotherhood and sisterhood in the next post.
In Christ, Brian