tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48551462111919278782024-03-26T23:35:12.558-07:00BRIAN TODD BLOGBloggers for ChristBrian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.comBlogger4010125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-75778866641526296942024-03-26T07:37:00.000-07:002024-03-26T08:04:32.021-07:00Holy Week<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1711463346262_1034" src="https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.LAnDYIsm7w6UTvNrH8TGtQHaDs&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 190.4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -5.2px; text-align: start; width: 381.5px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Matthew 21:8-9</b> And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This last Sunday, Pastor Obie preached on the eternal significance of Holy Week, which begins with “Palm Sunday” and culminates with “Easter’s Resurrection Sunday”. He stated that the story of the triumphal entry is one of the few incidents in the life of Jesus which appears in all four Gospel accounts (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19) and that repetition in the Bible begs for attention. We remember that momentous occasion of the sacrificial Passion of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lent is the Christian season of spiritual preparation before Easter. In Western churches, it begins on Ash Wednesday and in Eastern Orthodoxy, the spiritual preparations begin of Great Lent, starts on Clean Monday. During Lent, Christians observe a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, self-denial, and spiritual discipline. The purpose of the Lenten season is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ—to consider His suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial, and resurrection for our salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Palm Sunday begins “Passion Week” (also known as “Holy Week”) with Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. Pastor Obie explains the three declarations that Jesus made on the day that He rode into Jerusalem that faithful day in history during the Passover feast. (1) Jesus proclaimed that He is King. And a King has a kingdom in which they reign and rule. <b>Psalm 145:13</b> proclaims, “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.” The donkey on which He humbly rode in upon symbolized a king of peace. The palm branches laid in His path symbolized His victory. Cloaks laid before Him symbolized honor for the king. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(2) Jesus proved that He is the prophesied Messiah. The “Christos”, the anointed One of God, the Messiah. The were over 300 prophesies about the coming Christ, which Jesus fulfilled (including the day and method of His entry into Jerusalem). (3) Jesus paved the path for our salvation. The eternal Passover Lamb was selected and arrived and Holy Week begins. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">According to tradition, Holy Monday is the day on which Jesus cleansed the temple, was praised by local children, and cursed the fig tree. According to common interpretation</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> of the Bible, Holy Tuesday is when Jesus was issued various challenges by the Pharisees and Sadducees over subjects such as marriage in heaven, paying taxes to Caesar, and the source of His authority. By this same interpretation, this is the day Jesus commented on the widow’s donation and was approached by a number of God-fearing Greeks. Tuesday would also be the day Jesus spoke His seven “woes” against the Pharisees and the evening on which He delivered the Olivet Discourse.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Holy Wednesday is the day on which Jesus was anointed with spikenard (an aromatic essential oil) during a meal. The day is sometimes called “Spy Wednesday” since it is traditionally thought of as the day Judas conspired with local authorities to betray Jesus. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Maundy Thursday is the name given to the day on which Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, known as the Last Supper. The word Maundy is derived from the Latin word for “command.” The “Maundy” in “Maundy Thursday” refers to the command Jesus gave to the disciples at the Last Supper, that they should love and serve one another. Two important events are the focus of Maundy Thursday. First, Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples and thereby instituted the Lord’s Supper, also called Holy Communion. Second, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet as an act of humility and service, thereby setting an example that we should love and serve one another in humility.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Good Friday, also known as "Holy Friday," is celebrated traditionally as the day on which Jesus was crucified. Why is Good Friday referred to as “good”? God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” <b>1 Peter 3:18</b> tells us, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. Sin separated us from our just and holy God, but Jesus dying for our sin reconciles us and reunites us with God. Jesus saves. Holy Saturday is the name given to the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Christians recognize Holy Saturday, the seventh day of Holy Week, as the day on which Jesus “rested” from His work of providing salvation. As Jesus died, He called out, “It is finished!” There was no further price to pay; sin had been atoned for. He is the Savior of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Faithfully and humbly reverence this sacred Great and Holy Week in gratitude.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-24849136381509695932024-03-24T08:49:00.000-07:002024-03-24T11:50:35.042-07:00Triumph<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1711295264247_1219" src="https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.SiJFOcLdCNhPQIRnSA5t4gHaE4&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 186.2px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -3.1px; text-align: left; width: 282.8px;" /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: left;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Luke 19:28-42a</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">“I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem. And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace!</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br />The triumphal entry is that of Jesus coming into Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday, the Sunday before the crucifixion. The story of the triumphal entry is one of the few incidents in the life of Jesus which appears in all four Gospel accounts (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19). Putting the four accounts together, it becomes clear that the triumphal entry was a significant event, not only to the people of Jesus’ day, but to Christians throughout history. We celebrate Palm Sunday to remember that momentous occasion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">John 12:12-16</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #081c2a;">The story of the triumphal entry is one of contrasts, and those contrasts contain applications to believers. It is the story of the King who came as a lowly servant on a donkey, not a prancing steed, not in royal robes, but on the clothes of the poor and humble. Jesus Christ comes not to conquer by force as earthly kings but by love, grace, mercy, and His own sacrifice for His people. His is not a kingdom of armies and splendor but of lowliness and servanthood. He conquers not nations but hearts and minds. His message is one of peace with God, not of temporal peace. If Jesus has made a triumphal entry into our hearts, He reigns there in peace and love. As His followers, we exhibit those same qualities, and the world sees the true King living and reigning in triumph in us.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was the beginning of “Holy Week” which ended with the Savior’s triumph over sin and death by His resurrection from the grave. And His Resurrection on Easter Sunday, all repentant Born-again Believers have victory over sin and death with Him. Rejoice at His triumphal entry today!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Hosanna, Triumph</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">In Christ, Brian<o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-70323315519962899012024-03-22T07:33:00.000-07:002024-03-22T07:35:09.220-07:00Do Good<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1710937669981_1143" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.3nxv6xF7InzWZGs2R3VpqAHaE7&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 194.8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -7.4px; text-align: start; width: 292.5px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ecclesiastes 3:10-12</b> “I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to <u>do good</u> in their lives.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary gives 40 definitions for the word “good”, and for the account of God’s “good” creation in <b>Genesis 1</b>, it is defined as: Complete or sufficiently perfect in its kind; having the physical qualities best adapted to its design and use; opposed to bad, imperfect, corrupted, impaired. In <b>Genesis 1:29-31</b> And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. [note: our Creator created all creatures in Hid creation as vegetarians]. Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very <u>good</u>. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. The Hebrew word for “good” in this passage of holy Scripture is “ṭôḇ”, meaning pleasant to a higher nature: agreeable to the senses, excellent of its kind, valuable in estimation, appropriate and becoming, comparative as standard, prosperous of man’s sensuous nature, understanding of man’s intellect, kind and benign, right and ethical. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bad, imperfect, corrupt and imparted were not in this world until the Fall of Man ushered sin and death into creation. The Law of decay God’s creation changed from eternal to temporal. In <b>Genesis 3:17-19, 23</b> Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. Scores of distinguished scientists have carefully examined the most basic laws of nature. The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics describes basic principles familiar in everyday life. It is partially a universal law of decay and entropy; the ultimate cause of why everything ultimately falls apart and disintegrates over time. Because of “original sin”, material things are not eternal now, but souls are ... good was corrupted by sin. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ephesians 2:8-10</b> “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for <u>good</u> works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. By the grace of God, there is a plan of Salvation, redemption for the repentant, born-again Believer. We have the capacity to do another definition of “good”. Webster’s dictionary defines this “good” as: Having moral qualities best adapted to its design and use, or the qualities which God's law requires; virtuous; pious; religious; applied to persons – ethical and moral in the sight of the Lord, and opposed to bad, vitious, wicked, evil. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There is a term for people who do good called being a goody two-shoes often used to describe someone seen as excessively virtuous, overly good, or goody-goody. This term can be used in various social settings, sometimes with a slightly negative or teasing connotation by secular society where doing “less than best” is the norm. The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes is a children's story published by John Newbery in </span><span style="font-family: arial;">London in 1765. The story popularized the phrase "goody two-shoes" as a descriptor for an excessively virtuous person or do-gooder. A "do-gooder" refers to a person who deviates from the majority in terms of behavior, because of their godly and holy morality.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In a moral sense, Holy is defined as: pure in heart, temper or dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections. We call a person holy when their heart is conformed to the image of God, and their life is regulated by the divine precepts. Hence, holy is used as nearly synonymous with <u>good</u>, pious, godly. Hallowed; consecrated or set apart to a sacred use as God designed, or to the service or worship of God. Proceeding from pious principles, or directed to pious purposes. There is nothing bad about “good”, so do good!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-24626260946057099372024-03-20T08:38:00.000-07:002024-03-20T08:39:41.835-07:00Life's Battles - Part 2<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1710937669981_1144" src="https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.NggQawxQB9R2zacM-np63gHaE8&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 194.3px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -7.1px; text-align: start; width: 291.3px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ephesians 6:13-17</b> “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pastor Kyle continues that there is an old saying that “it isn’t a matter of if a spiritual attack is going to come, but when a spiritual attack will come.” We have always had our fallen sin nature of the flesh, also the devil feeds us lies, deceives us and places many enticing temptations in front us which are sinful [containing sin, or consisting in sin; iniquitous; criminal; unholy; contrary to the laws of God], but today the rebellious God-rejecting world [a people laden with iniquity, with a morbid desire to burn in Hell] are attacking the people of God [and especially against children] with vengeance in their war against God. For they say “<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I will exalt my throne above the stars of God</span>. I will be like the Most High.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yet, the Lord has equipped is Christian soldiers and orders His children to “put on the full armor of God, the armor of light, so that when the dark day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm” for the power of God is right behind us supporting. And the day is now! It is a real test of your values, reliance and dedicated devotion to your heavenly Father and His Word [a diligent observance of our duty to God and His kingdom] with the peace of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our spiritual protection [the energy and knowledge to stand] which the born-again Believer puts on daily and uses comes in the form of (1) the belt of truth. The Lord Jesus declares in <b>John 17:17</b>, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” To do truth is to practice what God commands in faithful obedience to God. (2) The breastplate of righteousness which protects their heart. No doubt, no guilt, just standing confident and unwavering in what is right in the eyes of the Lord. (3) protective shoes [ a prepared and resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to dig in and hold tight during the fight, then walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it, in peace with God, a quiet mind which the gospel calls for. Being not easily provoked, nor prone to quarrel: but showing all gentleness and all long-suffering to all men, and this will certainly preserve you from many great temptations and persecutions, yet prepares for repentance. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(4) The Shield of Faith which <span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">fully persuades us of the truth of all God’s promises. Our enemy the devil is here called<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>the wicked one<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">. He endeavors to make us wicked, oppressed and depressed. His violent temptations by which the soul is set on fire of hell are called<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>fiery </span>darts. Faith is the shield with which we must quench these fiery darts. (5) The helmet of Salvation where a godly knowledge of our sure hope of salvation, well founded and well built, will both purify the soul and keep it from being defiled by Satan, and it will comfort the soul and keep it from being troubled and tormented by the world. For <b>Romans 6:23</b> proclaims, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The devil would tempt us to despair; but good hope keeps us trusting in God, and rejoicing in Him. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(6) The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">in order to maintain within the spiritual warfare in which they are engaged and succeeding in it.</span> <b>Hebrews 4:12</b> states, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The Word of God is perfect for defending the faith and holding back the enemy. God commands and His army, led by the Holy Spirit, obeys His holy Word with the sword of the Spirit and fights the good battle. Link arms with others Christians because kingdom victories happen when we stand together as a unit united in unity of the Word and the Spirit. Warriors stand together strong for the victory.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><b>Ephesians 6:18</b> “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” The Christian soldier is armed with fervent and persistent prayer. Prayer must buckle on all the other parts of our Christian armor. We must join prayer with all these graces, for our defense against these spiritual enemies, imploring help and assistance of God, as the case requires: and we must pray always. We must pray in the Spirit upon all occasions, and as often as our own and others’ necessities call us to it. There is power in prayer and prayer changes things. Pray that the enemies in this war on God see the light of truth, that the Holy Spirit touch their heart, that they realize their sin and repent, believe and are saved, because that is the plan of Salvation through the Gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Christian, you do what you are, not are what you do. Use your God-given gifts. Evangelize the culture, defend the faith, spread the Gospel, advance and expand the kingdom of Heaven. But always be prepared in season and out for life’s battles. There is an enemy attacking sovereign God, His omnipotent reign and rule by His eternal Word of His creation, and His Believers. <b>Ephesians 6:23-24</b> “Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-2269239002270232532024-03-18T16:18:00.000-07:002024-03-18T16:18:39.052-07:00Life's Battles - Part 1<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF18Ac6fu3oP_d-fHZZT6iVIVPj5ao1YaZ92m-db0LlCjp3JN9hDKKfOfX0N00vPVOzL4Pm1enF5uQh-5FgahL4CL8HjPiugaRJTi6XUWhT7EPhevpOnoTZJMplrjPqO1utMOE8po8aiQLFKoZLErnqfKhcmibvIcBhmEjJ5ioUmHu7U7gwuegW6bY5Eg/s280/Twilight%20Peak%20Winter-SNOW.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="280" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF18Ac6fu3oP_d-fHZZT6iVIVPj5ao1YaZ92m-db0LlCjp3JN9hDKKfOfX0N00vPVOzL4Pm1enF5uQh-5FgahL4CL8HjPiugaRJTi6XUWhT7EPhevpOnoTZJMplrjPqO1utMOE8po8aiQLFKoZLErnqfKhcmibvIcBhmEjJ5ioUmHu7U7gwuegW6bY5Eg/s1600/Twilight%20Peak%20Winter-SNOW.gif" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ephesians 6:10-13</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yesterday, our pastor Kyle completed preaching through our Sunday sermon series in the Pauline Epistle to the Ephesians, stating that in our fallen in sin world, on this side of eternity we will constantly be enduring temptations and spiritual battles against the God-rejecting rulers, against the secular humanist and atheist authorities, against the demonic powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil of the devil in the heavenly realms. These spiritual attacks manifest themselves in real battles; Battles for the heart, mind and souls of everyone, battles against our children, battles against our grandchildren, our families and our fellow man. But <b>1 John 4:3-4</b> tells us, “Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In 1529, the Father of the Protestant Reformation wrote the classic Christian Hymn, which begins “<i>A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing: For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal. </i></span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth</span></i><span style="font-family: arial;"><u><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span class="apple-converted-space">,</span></span></u></span><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"></span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> His Name, from age to age the same, and He must win the battle. </span></i><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.” Who can stand against the living God; Creator of all - </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">[Jehovah</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sabaoth<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">- "The Lord of Hosts"</span>]</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In <b>2 Kings 6:17-20</b>, Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Open your spiritual eyes, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, become increasingly aware of the enemy, beware of his strategies and discover where he comes in; do not give the devil a foothold. Do not underestimate the devil. The Lord Jesus tells us in <b>John 10:10</b> “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The enemy is delighted by nominal Christian who profess and call on the name of Jesus Christ, but live worldly lives; happy with material things, but are blind to godly things, therefore practical atheists. In <b>Luke 4:46</b>. the Lord Jesus that they profess asks, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On this side of glory there are three members of the “unholy trinity”: (1) our fallen flesh which lusts in unrighteousness and wrestles with our indwelling Holy Spirit in our heart. <b>Galatians 5:17</b> says, “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.” (2) the God-rejecting world system, which is at war with their Creator; against His kingdom on earth, His reign and His people. <b>Isaiah 1:4</b> declares, “Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.” (3) the devil, “the deceiver” tempting and telling lies in order to take as many as he can with him to Hell. <b>1 Peter 5:8</b> warns, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Watch against Satan’s tactics, arm yourself spiritually and stand firm. Let’s see how from pastor Kyle in the next post.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In Christ, Brian<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-36288589561831723522024-03-16T14:53:00.000-07:002024-03-16T14:53:57.995-07:00A Higher Standard – Part 2<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1709345063911_2080" src="https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Wzuc1XrC-iEHJVdXWUjY8AHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 176.8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 1.6px; text-align: start; width: 314.4px;" /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Michael continues: Today’s worldly standard of political correctness says, “I have the right not to be offended by God, God’s Word or God’s people.” The world will trick us to compromise, criticize, condemn, and complain. However, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father except by me.” According to John 15, Jesus Christ is the standard. He said, “Unless the branch abides in the vine, the branch cannot bear fruit. I am the vine and you are the branches.” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Outside of Christ, the Christian life is impossible; you cannot follow Jesus and not follow Jesus at the same time. Unless we have the power of Christ in us, we cannot truly forgive the unforgivable and love the unlovable ... not even ourselves. If our love doesn’t carry us above and beyond ourselves, then it’s not the agape love of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Oswald Chambers said, “After being born-again in the transforming consecration of the Holy Spirit, I found myself on a mission to abide in Christ in every area of my life ... to bring all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ as Scripture calls us to. I don’t need to change and arrange my circumstances, because the Lord planted me here and now for a purpose. Jesus found himself in the circumstances where God planted him. He always did His Father’s will. Therefore, seek the Lord while He may be found. In the early stages of a new Christian’s walk, it’s a deliberate effort. Then as we mature, abiding in Him becomes second nature.” God will bless your decision to proceed in the direction He’s given you.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ephesians 6:10-14</b> Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />As the people of God we have been called to defend the faith, identify evil, expose darkness, and stand against the godless standards of this world. Also, we have been called to be witnesses for Christ and God’s grace, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion; pointing to the foot of the Cross where the fallen are restored to an upright position before their Maker. These are the qualities of the unconditional love of God which is His righteous standard. We cannot love our neighbor in our own power. However we are in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us God’s wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. <b>1 Peter 1:15-16</b> instructs us, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” In Christ, we were called to His higher standard ... as Jesus said, “to love one another even as I have loved you.”<br /><br />God works all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. The lyrics to the song, “Is He worthy?”, are appropriate to remember God’s remarkable love wherewith He loved us ... for His love is His natural attribute – God is love. Because He loved us we can love Him. The greatest blessing is that we have the high and holy privilege of loving Him. In blessing Him that we may ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Your brother in Christ, Michael</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-76217068619259314892024-03-15T03:33:00.000-07:002024-03-15T03:33:00.144-07:00A Higher Standard - Part 1<p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" class="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1709345063911_6743" src="https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.sbNsHV64qRiECcUTRLmmFAHaEo&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 183.1px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -1.6px; text-align: left; width: 293px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This week Michael writes that <b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Isaiah 55:8-9</span></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> says God’s ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts than our thoughts. His holy Word is the higher standard. The characteristic of God, according to the Old Testament, is loving kindness and tender mercy. His steadfast love is singularly significant, His love is remarkable and extraordinary ... a divinely higher standard than the standard of this world.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">In <b>Matthew 5:43</b> Jesus said, “you have heard that you should love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” This is the world’s standard. However Jesus continued in verse <b>44</b>, “but I say love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you and despitefully use you.” Why? Because unconditional love is the nature of God himself. God wants to reproduce His children “after His kind.” He loves us despite the fact that we were unlovable. He has given us His love with mercy and grace, even though we do not deserve it. He loved us not because we were deserving but because God is love .... not because of who we are, but because of who He is.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">According to <b>Acts 1:8,</b> Jesus said, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you, you shall receive power from on high and you shall be witnesses unto me. The power from on high is the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the power of this world. Anyone can resent and wish evil upon their enemies. However the power of the Holy Spirit is to love the unlovable and to forgive the unforgivable. This is the love wherewith He loved us, for in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly – <b>Romans 5:8</b>. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ephesians 2:1-5</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A1-5&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-29232a" style="color: #954f72;" title="See footnote a"><span style="color: black;">a</span></a>]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, <u>because of His great love with which He loved us</u>, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">The love of God is remarkable, uncommon, and above the standard of this world. Jesus said, therefore be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect. The perfection is not in our own power. The perfection is in the power of the Holy Spirit [the third person of the Triune God]... the power of the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. For in Christ He has made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Obviously, our perfection is not in our sinful nature that we inherited from Adam. Instead, our perfection is in the righteousness of Christ which we inherited from God when we were born-again of the Holy Spirit ... born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which lives and abides forever.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Jesus said in <b>John 13:34</b>, a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. The ability to love one another is a gift the Lord gave to us. The purpose is that we shall be His witnesses ... that those who do not know Christ can witness the love of God which is not of this world through His born-again Believers. Therefore encourage one another to love and do good deeds. </span><br /><br /><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">1 Corinthians 13</span></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> is called the “love chapter”; a higher standard and the “charity checklist” for the love of God, </span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 13:4-8a</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> declares, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.“ </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Let's continue Michael's message </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">on a higher standard in the next post.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In Christ, Brian</span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-88349872442170147212024-03-13T12:20:00.000-07:002024-03-13T16:23:35.392-07:00New Life in Christ – Part 2<p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1709345063911_6725" src="https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.630D8xPUr-svZHkU4hYzugHaEo&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 177.1px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 1.4px; text-align: left; width: 283.4px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ephesians 4:25-32</b> “Therefore, putting away lying, Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Pastor Kyle continues that lying is not an attribute, but a vice. <b>Proverbs 6:16-19</b> declares, “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a <u>lying</u> tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks <u>lies</u>, and one who sows discord among brethren. God detests lying. “Thy shalt not lie” is one of God’s Ten Commandment of His immutable Moral Law, stating in <b>Exodus 20:16</b>, “You shall not testify falsely [that is, <u>lie</u>, withhold, or manipulate the truth] against your neighbor (any person).” Speak truth. <b>Psalm 120:2</b> prays, “Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>1 Timothy 1:8-9</b> “Now we know [without any doubt] that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully and appropriately, understanding the fact that law is not enacted for the righteous person [the one in right standing with God], but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinful, for the irreverent and profane.” How else would we know “right from wrong”, “good from bad”, “righteous form unrighteous”, holy from unholy”. God established those standards by which mankind is to live by.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Psalm 4:3-4</b> tells us, “Know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I call to Him. Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” Let go of bitterness and anger, holding onto forgiveness and kindness. There is “righteous indignation” we can experience, but that is a corrective anger, not the ongoing character of the born-again Believer. God is angry with sin (the voluntary departure of a moral agent from a known rule of rectitude or duty, prescribed by God; any voluntary transgression of the Divine law, or violation of a divine command; a wicked act; iniquity), and so should the child of God. It is unacceptable to accept what the Lord, our God does not accept as righteous in His eyes; God sets the standards. In <b>Romans 1:16-19 </b>the Apostle Paul explains, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’ 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.” This is not uncontrolled rage, but corrective anger to induce repentance unto forgiveness and restore the person to an upright position before God, and not give the devil a place in their life. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stealing is also a sin against God’s Moral Law of the Ten Commandments in <b>Exodus 20:15</b>, “Thou shalt not steal.” Doing so with an intent to take what belongs to another, and without their consent. Also, put off foul language and put on truth and grace in communication. “Swear words”, “cuss words”, and foul-mouthed profanities are ugly, ungodly and unnecessary. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>2 Timothy 3:15-17</b> “From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. Study God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures of the living Bible enough to have a Word for someone else. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Logically, <b>Romans 10:14</b> asks, “how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" It is said that you don’t know what you don’t know, but you cannot teach what you do not know either. In the "seeking and saving the lost" mission ministry of God’s redemptive work for new life in Christ. In witnessing for the Godpel, we all need to grow in the knowledge of the Word of life. <b>1 Peter 3:15</b> instructs us, “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you.” That hope in Christ is unto salvation and eternal life in Heaven for eternity. Let us know God and make Him known.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-75116411488548644482024-03-11T13:59:00.000-07:002024-03-11T13:59:39.323-07:00New Life in Christ - Part 1<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1709345063911_6729" src="https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.vFuEbuCFUONR448RgkuoPQHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 191.9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -5.9px; text-align: start; width: 341.1px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ephesians 4:17-24</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> “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. 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.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This last Sunday, Pastor Kyle continued in our church’s sermon series through the Pauline Epistle to the Ephesians. The born-again Believer, upon repenting of sin with a contrite heart, believing in the grace of God which provided redemption and salvation in Jesus Christ, the regeneration of the spirit and the transformation of soul, becomes a sanctified convert (inwardly putting off the old self and putting on the new self). It is a newness of life, no longer walking alienated in sinful lust desires, but putting on the life of Christ, walking by faith and walking in the Spirit. <b>Romans 12:2</b> tells us, “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.” This is a renewal that cleansed our soul, but continues to cleanse daily in sanctification. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Psalm 51:10-12</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">To be consecrated is to make or declare to be sacred; to appropriate to sacred uses; to set apart by God for the purposes of God in earth. <b>1 Peter 1:15-16</b> instructs us, as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” The word “holy is defined as: whole or perfect, in a moral sense. Hence, pure in heart, temper or dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections. Mankind is more or less holy as his heart is more or less sanctified, or purified from evil dispositions. We call a man holy when his heart is conformed in some degree to the image of God, and his life is regulated by the divine precepts. Hence, holy is used as nearly synonymous with good, pious, godly. 2. Hallowed; consecrated or set apart to a sacred use, or to the service or worship of God. The calloused, hardened heart is petrified against God, but the true Christian has a self-reflecting soft heart which listens to the Holy Spirit, reads and meditates on God’s Work, fellowships with other Believers, confronts sin, and communes with God in prayer. <b>Proverbs 4:23</b> declares, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” The children of God are in His likeness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lamentations 3:22-24</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> proclaims, Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Let's continue PAstor Kyle's message on new life in Christ on the next post.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In Christ, Brian</span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-14670815608336841552024-03-09T03:33:00.000-08:002024-03-09T03:33:00.131-08:00Value <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1709345063911_4258" src="https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.VAhsmRluQah-U5QKF5a4pQHaE7&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 181.5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -0.7px; text-align: start; width: 272.3px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Proverbs 10:20</b> “The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This last week,<b> </b>our Wednesday night Bible Study group met for a biblical study on “value”. What on earth do we hold dear and precious in life? What do we truly value in life? What do we consider sincerely worth our time and consideration? We seem to all have things (goals, aspirations, achievements and prized possession) which we live for. But, what about our spiritual values towards God, Christ, the Christianity and Heaven?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Whether we realize it or not, each of our everyday existences are lived out “Corum Deo”, before the face of our all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful and ever-present Creator God. In your system of values, where does your heavenly Father rank? The first of God’s Ten Commandment in His Moral Law found in <b>Exodus 20:3</b> is “You shall have no other gods before me”,ʿal pānîm, literally meaning “before your face and my face.” Anything that we value more than God and place before Him is technically an idol (another god). Do we value God above all as God? Our heart, mind and soul is to always be upon the Lord, our worthy God with His holy and perfect Word, Will and Way in thought, cognizance and intellect. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In <b>Matthew 13:44</b> Jesus tells us a parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “ Bible Commentator Matthew Henry states that in this parable Jesus represents the kingdom of heaven as of great value in itself, and of great advantage to those who embrace it. Jesus Christ is the true Treasure; in Him there is an abundance of all that which is rich and useful: redemption, forgiveness of sins and salvation: all fulness of life: treasures of wisdom and knowledge, of righteousness, grace, and peace; these are laid up for us in Christ. The gospel is the field in which this treasure is hid. It is the greatest thing to discover the treasure hid in this field, and the unspeakable value of it. Those who have searched the scriptures, so as in them to find Christ and eternal life, have discovered such a treasure in this field as makes it infinitely more valuable. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Immediately, Jesus tells a second parable in <b>Matthew 13:45-46</b> “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matthew Henry states that we are just material people living in a material world where all the children of men are busy, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">seeking fine pearls (the fine things of life): one would be rich, another would be honorable, another would be learned; but the most are imposed upon, and take up with counterfeits for pearls. Jesus Christ is the Pearl of great price, a Jewel of inestimable value, which will make those who have it rich, truly rich, rich toward God; in having Him, we have enough to make us happy here and forever. A true Christian is a spiritual </span><span style="font-family: arial;">merchant, that seeks and finds this pearl of great price; that does not take up with any thing short of an interest in Christ. Do we value Jesus Christ above all as Savior and Lord? Those who would have a “saving” interest in Christ, must be willing to part with all for him, leave all to follow Him. Whatever stands in opposition to Christ, or in competition with Him for our love and service, we must cheerfully quit it, though ever so dear to us. A person may buy gold, but not this pearl of great price; He is received by grace through faith.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Mark 8:36-37</b> “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Being a child of God, a citizen of Heaven and a follower of Christ advancing the Kingdom Heaven is what we truly value for a fruitful life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Seek the face of God.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-15761067331713355562024-03-07T03:33:00.000-08:002024-03-07T11:51:27.660-08:00Path Three - Walk in Wisdom<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1709345063911_4332" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.v66E9ENOdbqFp39R-BY3IAHaE8&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 204.7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -12.4px; text-align: start; width: 307.1px;" /></div><div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ephesians 5:15-21</b> 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. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pastor Obie continued that as Christ followers, stating that foolishness is rejecting God’s righteous will for our lives. Therefore, knowing and doing the right thing is the wise thing. Three factors help us to walk circumspectly (meaning cautiously, on guard and watchful in everything) in order to not be foolish - (1) Confession of sin, (2) Accountably to the Word, Will and Way of God and (3) Commitment to Christ and His church mission of advancing the Kingdom of Heaven. Theologian C. Samuel Storms wrote that true Christian repentance involves a heartfelt conviction of sin, confession and contrition over the offense to God, a turning away from the sinful way of life, and a wise turning towards a God-honoring way of life. Dr. David Jeremiah declares that this is God’s preference for all people today – that they would end their rebellion and come back to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Galatians 5:19-21</b> states that “when you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, drug abuse, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We live in a fallen world with temptations, deceptions and distractions on all sides which can cause us to drift onto the wrong side of the road. The fallen flesh nature, the God-rejecting world system, and the devil (Satan the deceiver) are our enemies. Sinful pleasures allure, entice and influence our souls unto aberrant lusts. <b>Romans 1:21-22</b> explains “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” Drunkenness and recreational drug use for intoxicating pleasure leads to debauchery, which is sinfully intentional excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures of the foolish heart. Like sexual immorality, let these sinful thoughts, discussion or actions not even be named among you, as they are unfitting for the sanctified child of God. Truth and consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Galatians <b>5:16</b>, <b>24-25 </b>the Apostle Paul proclaims, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, opportunities and matters because the days are evil. Be filled with the Spirit and walk wisely with the Spirit. Pursue goodness, righteousness and godly truth. Expose darkness with the light of truth and bring hidden iniquitous acts and issues into the open. Continually seek God’s Will, propelled by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Live a worshipful life, honoring the Lord with praise and glory. Follow the Leader (Jesus Christ - the Word made manifest) and stay active in His blessed Words of the Holy Bible. Pray without ceasing and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost the dying world. That is walking in wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The path to love is light. Live out the “Golden Rule” of <b>Matthew 7:12</b>, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you”. Overcome evil with good and advance the Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is my 4000th blog message.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Praise be to God!</span></p></div>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-46181952363332821412024-03-05T03:33:00.000-08:002024-03-06T13:24:54.588-08:00Path Two - Walk in Light<p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1709345063911_4307" src="https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Hm97iGXY43TeS_1gTKYYvQHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 178.4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0.8px; text-align: left; width: 317.1px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ephesians 5:8-14</b> “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: </span><span style="font-family: arial;">“Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pastor Obie finished the first path [Walk in Love] by explaining that covetousness is truly human greed and idolatry. <b>Colossians 3:4-6</b> proclaims, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” The tenth Commandment in God’s eternal Moral Law is found in both <b>Exodus 20:17</b> and <b>Deuteronomy 5:21</b> declaring, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” The Greek word of covetousness is “pleonexia”, meaning extremely greedy desire to have more; avarice. Webster’s dictionary defines the word as: A strong or inordinate desire of obtaining and possessing some supposed good or gain; usually in a bad sense, and applied to an inordinate desire of wealth or avarice. It is discontentment and dissatisfaction based on the greedy desire for more, which is idolatry. Let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints [a person sanctified; a holy or godly person; one eminent for piety and virtue] – a true Believer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Imitators of God are intimate with God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). The child of God imitates their heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ as they walk in the Spirit. They do not gratify the sinful desires of the fallen, sinful flesh, but cultivate an attitude of gratitude and they walk in the path of light, with truth and righteousness. <b>John 3:21</b> declares, “he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” Count your many blessings every day. Do not be deceived; deceptions, distractions, temptations and lies are both untrue and wrong for the Christian walk. Fool me once, shame on you tricky devil. But, know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, godly and ungodly then choose to be an obedient disciple of Christ, child of God and citizen of the kingdom of Heaven, never lacking reverence, honor and respect of God and His holy Word. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Psalm 89:14-16</b> “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face. Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Compare everything you hear and see to the Word of God, the righteous Standard of life. Jesus said in <b>John 17:17</b> “Sanctify<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">them by Your truth.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">Your word is truth.</span><span class="woj">” </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Receive the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Pursue goodness, righteousness and truth.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial;">1 John 1:6-7</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">decrees, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.</span><span style="font-family: arial;">”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Let's continue Pastor Obie's three part message in the next post.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Walk in light, in Christ, Brian</span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-53194445870202287732024-03-03T19:52:00.000-08:002024-03-06T13:23:45.619-08:00Path One - Walk in Love<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1709345063911_4266" src="https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.-A8R9UHh9-yc262sj38WZAHaEo&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 210.4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -15.2px; text-align: start; width: 336.6px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Ephesians 5:1-21</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">This morning at church, Pastor Obie continued in our sermon series through the Pauline Epistle of Ephesians, stating that the children of God are to imitate their heavenly Father. Being human, we are natural imitators, because we innately emulate what we like and love. It is instinctive to mimic what our imperfect but loving biological parents do (teaching values, virtues, truth, honesty, integrity, morals, community, courtesy, industry in our work ethic and healthy boundaries) during our formative years and adolescent years for life instruction and become productive adults in society. The same is true about our pure and unblemished loving Creator Father God. In <b>Matthew 5:48</b> Jesus instructs us imitate God saying, “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">y</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">ou shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">” The Word of God in the Holy Scriptures of the Bible instructs us to walk in love on paths of sacred righteousness (harmonious godly, holy and right living before the face of God)</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Luke 6:45</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> declares, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">“</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">.” </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Good produces good and evil produces evil. Therefore, in our fallen flesh of Adam we need to consciously and intentionally avoid impurity. The term “sexual immorality” in the Bible is the Greek word “porneia”, meaning any and all illicit sexual thought, word or deed (including adultery, incest, fornication, masturbation, homosexuality, pornography, etc.). Men and women were created by God for sexual purity. Marriage between one man and one women for life was designed and instituted by God and is sacred. Sex outside of the context of marriage is not love. It does not matter what sinful mankind says, because God created man and woman, so sets the standards by which we live. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Sexual immorality</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">in any way, shape or form, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">and all uncleanness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> (Christians, Believers, Followers of Jesus Christ, children of God, and citizen of the kingdom of Heaven) those who have repented of sin, accepted Christ as their Savior, been redeemed by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, and have been forgiven, received salvation and eternal life, been consecrated, blessed, hallowed and sanctified by the Holy Spirit).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">For this you know, that no </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">sexually immoral</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> The wages of sin is death. God defines life; </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Speak life not death. God defines what is good; Speak good, not evil. God defines what is constructive in life; constructively build up, not destroy. Walk in love and please God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Let's continue Pastor Obie's three part message in the next post.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-87401216522360914722024-03-01T21:05:00.000-08:002024-03-01T21:05:08.717-08:00Whatever<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1709345063911_2086" src="https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.X09EOnZHDXWS7sYGn6Sp4QHaEo&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 174.3px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 2.9px; text-align: start; width: 278.8px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Philippians 4:8</b> “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our Wednesday evening Small Group at church is viewing the Christian Family Psychologist Gary Smalley study series “The DNA of Relationships”. In our last session, Dr. Smalley stated that one of the action tools that he uses in making decisions is running the issue through Philippians 4:8 in order to determine if is reasonable and worthy of consideration as a child of God and Christ follower for pursuit and engagement. It is a simple test, but quickly brings to light whether or not we should contemplation such things in life. It requires a correct definition of words though. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">First check point: Is it true? Meaning, is what I am thinking about 1. Conformable to fact; being in accordance with the actual state of things. 2. Genuine; pure; real; not counterfeit, adulterated or false; as a true Christian. 3. Faithful; loyal; not false, fickle or perfidious. 4. Free from falsehood. 5. Honest; not fraudulent. 6. Exact; right to precision; conformable to a rule or pattern; a true likeness of the original. 7. Straight; right. 8. Not false or pretended; real; as, Christ was the true Messiah. 9. Rightful. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Second check point: Is it noble? Meaning, is what I am taking under consideration 1. Great; elevated; dignified; being above everything that can dishonor reputation. 2. Exalted; elevated; sublime. 3. Magnificent; stately; splendid. 4. Free; generous; liberal; as a noble heart. 5. Ingenuous; candid; of an excellent disposition; ready to receive truth. 9. Of the best kind; choice; excellent; <a href="https://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/Noble" style="color: #954f72;" target="24002021"><span style="color: black;">Jeremiah 2:21</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Third check point: Is it just? Meaning, is what I am reflecting upon 1. In a moral sense, upright; honest; having principles of rectitude; or conforming exactly to the laws, and to principles of rectitude in social conduct; equitable in the distribution of justice; as a just judge. 2. In an evangelical sense, righteous; religious; influenced by a regard to the laws of God; or living in exact conformity to the divine will. 3. Conformed to rules of justice; doing equal justice. Just balances, just weights. 4. Conformed to truth; exact; proper; accurate; as just thoughts; just expressions; just images or representations; a just description; a just inference. 5. True; founded in truth and fact; as a just charge or accusation. 6. Innocent; blameless; without guilt, 7. Equitable; due; merited; as a just recompense or reward.8. True to promises; faithful; as just to one's word. 9. Impartial; allowing what is due; giving fair representation of character, merit or demerit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fourth check point: Is it pure? Meaning, is what I am deliberating upon 1. Separate from all heterogeneous or extraneous matter; clear; free from mixture. 2. Free from moral defilement; without spot; not sullied or tarnished; incorrupt; undebased by moral turpitude; holy.3. Genuine; real; true; incorrupt; unadulterated; as pure religion. 4. Unmixed; separate from any other subject or from everything foreign. 5. Free from guilt; guiltless; innocent. 6. Not vitiated with improper or corrupt words or phrases; of discourse or composition. 7. Disinterested; as pure benevolence. 8. Chaste; as a pure </span><span style="font-family: arial;">virgin. 9. Free from vice or moral turpitude. 10. Ceremonially clean; unpolluted. 11. Free from anything improper; as, his motives are pure. 12. Mere; absolute; that and that only; unconnected with anything else. He did that from pure compassion, or purely good nature.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fifth check point: Is it lovely? Meaning, is what I am contemplating amiable; that may excite love; possessing qualities which may invite affection.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sixth check point: Is it of good report, of any virtue, and worthy of praise? Meaning, is what I am giving my attention to something that will render us beloved, and make us well spoken of, as well as well thought of, by others. Bible Commentator Matthew Henry asks, Is it anything really virtuous of any kind and worthy of commendation? If there be any virtue, think of these things—imitate them in what is truly excellent among them, and let not them outdo you in any instance of goodness. Virtue has its praise, and will have. We should walk in all the ways of virtue, and abide therein; and then, whether our praise be of men or no, it will be of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When we question our thoughts and decisions through the six check points of Philippians 4:8, we discover the godly or ungodly factors for living a life that right in the eyes of the Lord and keeps our walk in-tune with the Holy Spirit because we’ll have the right “whatever”. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-49794732770831576272024-02-27T23:21:00.000-08:002024-02-28T07:38:43.640-08:00Delays<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn4t5l5s73Dqg3f2fNdjEYTEzH2oEp-Oe7X7HqVSAHQashQTb7JceBYf4ZmUH6uA2x7wwPNhbEx_UeD9X6rgn7Ie4oIsfpetf1ElXLnrbPiShDPmytFtTU4F33p5Raor_yYMLGpRqOWhT5iuUTjiIDVuP7hi5IeWfTbTNsBCebOvfUq_fGUZ5MYHEPq0U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="612" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn4t5l5s73Dqg3f2fNdjEYTEzH2oEp-Oe7X7HqVSAHQashQTb7JceBYf4ZmUH6uA2x7wwPNhbEx_UeD9X6rgn7Ie4oIsfpetf1ElXLnrbPiShDPmytFtTU4F33p5Raor_yYMLGpRqOWhT5iuUTjiIDVuP7hi5IeWfTbTNsBCebOvfUq_fGUZ5MYHEPq0U" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>2 Peter 3:9</b> “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We are living in the “End Times” or the “Last Days” and that can be an uneasy thought as the finality sounds ominous and gloomy. But, the biblical phrase “last days” refers to the period of time between the end of Jesus’ initial earthly visitation/ministry and His Second Coming. In <b>Matthew 24:3</b> Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” People throughout the ages have been interested in end of time here on earth, both in their mortal lifespan and the cosmic lifespan, when as in <b>Revelation 21:1</b> the Apostle John tells us, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.” They see the sign of the times in the loss of the cultural moral compass, the attack on women and children, the national aggression and violence in the world, the decline in faith-based institutions, the decay of ethics, honor, manners and respect, so wonder just how close are we and what is delaying His arrival? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Psalm 13:1-2</b> “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?” But, as King David of Israel felt, we may experience God’s perceived delay for divine intervention in our daily lives while living now and stress may be the result. The late Christian family Psychologist Gary Smalley suggested four actions for our self-care in trying times. (1) Start off each day by reducing all your earthly expectations to as close to zero as possible. No longer expect life to unfold according to your will, your timeline, and your desires. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(2) Receive everything that happens to yourself as filtered by God. Take everything as a learning experience. (3) Know that every upsetting experience is an opportunity to worship God. Remember that God causes all things to work together for good, so emotional disturbances remind us that God is all that we need. (4) We need to rest in God, listen quietly, and ask Him to reveal His will for us and what He is telling us to do. Remember that your all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful and ever-present God is in control. Though we may not see and recognize it now, anything that He is delaying is for a good reason. So, in the meantime follow the advice of <b>Philippians 4:8</b> which<b> </b>instructs us, “brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. In God We Trust, so enjoy life. Don't delay, enjoy the day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-71620204200679046772024-02-26T09:05:00.000-08:002024-02-26T19:01:56.041-08:00You are Loved<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW_Y83hI8GiRL3xr_gnuimyVG1xxSmu15LpqAzen3hual_E6qTLRJyuI6RoPFgjojpiu8VHVe7PD3VvYJv_B903XEfT9OSlrQtgrthZ1YmR_1hCfDBO2fMhKufvAzmKIaftm_-iai_0g75kLDSFC86XIkwb5nPHZsftu2ZO1sHiMSWWYtI3XsvMQAVoUM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="265" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW_Y83hI8GiRL3xr_gnuimyVG1xxSmu15LpqAzen3hual_E6qTLRJyuI6RoPFgjojpiu8VHVe7PD3VvYJv_B903XEfT9OSlrQtgrthZ1YmR_1hCfDBO2fMhKufvAzmKIaftm_-iai_0g75kLDSFC86XIkwb5nPHZsftu2ZO1sHiMSWWYtI3XsvMQAVoUM" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">God bless you and keep you safe and secure in His loving hands. May He give you the joy and peace that only comes through His faithful love and providence. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Lord is truly our refuge and protection, our light and our path to prosperity in life as we follow Him alone and put our full trust in His almighty Power and grace. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">He alone is the solid rock foundation on which we build our life, home and goals upon because it will stand firm through the storms and provide secure shelter for our family.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Our reverence, our praise, our honor and respect is to our God, our Heavenly Father, whom we love with all our heart, our mind, our soul and our strength. You are loved!</span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-33529458702266399952024-02-25T19:09:00.000-08:002024-02-25T19:09:32.429-08:00Submission to God<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1708227886268_4393" src="https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.wZDiJCbYmQw2m8K8X_KXHQHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 195.8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -7.9px; text-align: start; width: 348.1px;" /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ephesians 5:18-21</b> “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. <u>Submit</u> to one another out of reverence for Christ.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today, our pastor continued in their Sunday sermon series through the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians. Submission isn’t a word used much these days. You may have heard of a wrestler or MMA fighter surrendering the match when they find themselves in a “submission hold” by their opponent and cannot continue. The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines “Submission”</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> as: The act of submitting; the act of yielding to power or authority; surrender of the person and power to the control, or government of another. Obedience; compliance with the commands or laws of a superior. Resignation; a yielding of one's will to the will or appointment of a superior without murmuring. But ultimately, entire and cheerful submission to the will of God is a Christian duty of prime excellence.” This means surrendering our flawed will, which is corrupted by the sin-nature of the fallen flesh inherited through Adam in the Garden of Eden, and in doing so we take God’s righteous will as our own, so that our will is now aligned with His perfect, sinless, and holy will in a heart of reverence, respect, praise and honor. The Christian has been saved unto “good works” for God which were planned in advance, and they are no longer a slave to sin.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ephesians 6:5-8</b> “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Hebrew word for bondservant” is ‘ebed’. The Mosaic Law allowed an indentured servant to become a bondservant <u>voluntarily</u> out of love for his master. In making this choice, then he will be his master’s servant for life. Jesus’ earthly visitation from heaven was as a “suffering servant” being about His Father business. As He served His Heavenly Father and was about His Father’s godly purposes and works in the world, this is the model for our serving the Lord, attuned to the Holy Spirit, with a loving and willing heart. The Word of God communicates our Creator’s standards for life and living in godly purity, devout sacredness, devoted consecration within a biblical worldview, so that nothing depraved, debauched, evil, immoral, unethical, or sinful in the yes of the Lord corrupts our days on this side of eternity and promotes unity in the Spirit which produces a love that serves God and our fellow man in community. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The sin nature of the fallen flesh serves “self” first and foremost with pride, looking for the next easure, position of power and material wealth. The submissive nature of the repentant, redeemed Believer serves God first always with gratitude, having the fruit of the Spirit, obediently serving the Lord, advancing the kingdom and blessing others in Gospel truth. The born-again children of God has gotten off of their egocentric throne of control and allowed Jesus to take His rightful seat there and reigning in majesty daily and forever more. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The first verse of Judson W. Van DeVenter’s 1896 Hymn “I Surrender All” says: “All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.” And the familiar refrain: “I surrender all, I surrender all; All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.” Also, In the much beloved Christian hymn by Fanny Crosby "Blessed Assurance" written in 1873 to the music by Phoebe Knapp, the final verse says: “Perfect <u>submission</u>, all is at rest. I in my Savior am happy and blest. Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.”<span style="background-color: white;"> </span>And the familiar refrain: “This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior, all the day long.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Life is not about: What’s in it for me? It’s not about where I used to be, either. It is about where I need to be and what the Lord wants me to be doing as I grow and mature in faith, by the grace of God. Submit to Christ, get on the “right” path and invest in the kingdom of God. Give it everything you have! Go in peace and serve the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-58341949596532520702024-02-23T19:40:00.000-08:002024-02-23T19:40:06.586-08:00Stand Your Post<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1708227886268_4379" src="https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.WlnNo03kHjAHDIvVWlM_6wHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 205.8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -12.9px; text-align: start; width: 365.9px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ecclesiastes 10:4</b> says, despite the battle raging around you, don’t leave your post: “If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifies great offences.”<br /><br />This week Michael writes that Jerry Leachman of Leachman Ministries recently wrote a blog entitled, “Do Not Leave Your Post,” an exhortation from Ecclesiastes 10:4: “If the spirit of the ruler rise up against you, leave not your place; for yielding pacifies great offences.” If we leave our post even for a little while, a lot of destruction can happen. In leaving our post, our reputation can be sullied and many followers will fall. The Bible has many warnings about people who had stood for God and the integrity of His word. As men and women serving of the most high God may our prayer be, “Keep me in the hollow of thy holy hand that I would be a witness unto you to your glory and honor.”<br /><br />We know that nobody is perfect. That is why Romans 3:23 declares, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Because of the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden Romans 7:18 proclaims, “In my own flesh dwells no good thing.” But, our redemption is not through our own works. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains, “For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God not of works lest any man should boast.” Therefore keep your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life. Sin thrives in darkness and behind the scenes isolation. 1 John 1:7 says, “If we walk in the light as he is in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We’re called to the body of Christ to build up one another and to encourage one another in love.” <br /><br />Pride blinds us from our weakness. 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns us, “Let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.” The love of Jesus keeps us pure in heart. In His presence we develop a “hunger and thirst after righteousness.” If we focus on sin, we’ll fall deeper into sin. Sin means to miss the mark; God’s mark. The emphasis on the Greek word for sin [“hamartia”] is not on the missing of the mark but on the mark itself. Therefore, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, I press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus [Hebrews 12:2].<br /><br />God wants to reproduce children “after his kind.” The character of our Heavenly Father is love, mercy, grace and faithfulness. These are the qualities that he will reveal in us when we return our hearts to him with a whole heart. Therefore, conduct yourselves like people who stand their post to which God has assigned you. Then we shall realize His plans for good and not for evil ... to prosper and be blessed. God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11-13 says: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall you call upon me, and you shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.”<br /><br />That we may ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!<br />Your brother in Christ, Michael<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-34737383102600695052024-02-21T14:35:00.000-08:002024-02-21T14:35:08.499-08:00Christian Growth and Maturity<p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" class="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1708227886268_4344" src="https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.x9r0YOB8WCQTlRoJF83_OgHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 198.2px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -9.1px; text-align: left; width: 352.3px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ephesians 4:1-16</b> I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This last Sunday, our church continued through the sermon series through the Pauline Epistle to the “Ephesians”. My study notes explain that the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to expand the horizons of his readers, so that they might understand better the dimensions of God’s eternal purpose and grace, coming to appreciate the high goals God has for the church. A life lived out, where the practical daily life of the Believer continues to work out the purposes of God. The ascended Lod Jesus Christ gave spiritual gifts to the members of His church to enable them to minster to one another and so promote godly unity and maturity. The unity of the Christian church under the headship of Christ foreshadows the unity of “all things in heaven and on earth” under Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our pastor preached that this goal of growth, maturity and unity is evidenced through (1) walking the talk of Christianity. What matters the most in “kingdom” life on this side of eternity is the Gospel message lived out in biblical oneness walking in the Spirit aligned with the Word of God. (2) A biblically informed worldview coupled with humility. IT is the Word of God applied to our lives as the standard by which to live in willful and joyful obedience, and with no compromise so that we have a firm, solid foundation on which to build a godly life. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(3) A deepening commitment to the work of ministry. Christ Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. All Christians are called his disciples, as they follow Jesus as Lord and profess to learn and receive His doctrines and precepts. But by the call of Christ, the church disciples then [speaking the truth in love and humility] ministers to their fellow man by going and make disciple of nations. The result is a community transformed by the power of Christ and kingdom growth and maturity flourishes for the glory of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The fields of our fallen in sin world are ripe for the harvest unto salvation, so kingdom workers must engage our culture with the Gospel truth that a lost and dying world may hear and experience Gospel love and find forgiveness and redemption for themselves at the foot of the Cross. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-22088648702876872082024-02-19T17:02:00.000-08:002024-02-19T17:39:13.953-08:00The Ultimate Gift<p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1708227886268_4319" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.vzKw3qNOABFEeUsrZeB1RwHaEo&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 171.9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 4px; text-align: left; width: 275.1px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ephesians 3:2-12</b> Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What is authentic heartfelt, transformational “saving faith”? You know … <b>Ephesians 2:8</b> faith that declares, “<u>For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith</u>—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Not just the theological definition from the Webster’s 1828 dictionary of “the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed. Simple belief of the Scriptures, of the being and perfections of God, and of the existence, character and doctrines of Christ, founded on the testimony of the sacred writers” (which is necessary in all Believers). But “the evangelical, justifying, or saving faith, which is the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God's testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God's character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to His guidance, and dependence on His merits for salvation. In other words, that firm belief of God's testimony, and of the truth of the gospel, which influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our pastors are preaching a Sunday sermon series through the Pauline Epistle of the Book of Ephesians and previously expounded on God love, mercy and grace in <b>Ephesians 2:4-5</b> that “because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” The Apostle Paul echoes this gospel truth in <b>Romans 5:8</b> that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">God sent His Son as the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, who was first revealed by God clear back in <b>Genesis 3:15</b>, before the calling of Abraham that fathered the Jewish nation and Israelite people from which the Messiah of God would come from to save the people. This was known as the “protoevangelium” — the first gospel. The verse introduces two elements previously unknown in the Garden of Eden, elements that are the basis of Christianity—the curse on mankind because of Adam’s sin and God’s provision for a Savior from sin who would take the curse upon Himself. A Savior for all people to every descendant of Eve; every nation and race on earth created by God. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The is a choice that each of us must make, whether to accept this gift of God unto Salvation. Sadly, many love their sinful life and will choose to reject Jesus, but <b>John 1:12-14</b> tells us “yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Every born-again Believer is saved. Now, that is Good News!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>2 Peter 3:9</b> “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. So, He gave us Jesus. By faith, receive and cleave to Him – the ultimate gift.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-10088667881638255502024-02-17T21:32:00.000-08:002024-02-18T08:06:26.276-08:00Good People<p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1708227886268_4318" src="https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.3KqtI1P1c-vWFW9Mr89gKQHaCu&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 185.1px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -2.5px; text-align: left; width: 503.3px;" /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: left;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Ephesians 2:1-10</b> “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The pastors at our church began a Sunday sermon series through the book of Ephesians, and the other week came to this passage (above) which made such a profound impact on my understanding of the Gospel of salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pastor Kyle stated that everybody thinks of themselves as a “good” person. In <b>Matthew 19:17</b> Jesus said to the rich young Ruler, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.” Obviously, it depends on your definition of “good”. Both Psalm 34:14 and Psalm 37:27 instruct us all, “Depart from evil and do good.” The Greek word here is “agathos” and the 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines “good” as: Having moral qualities best adapted to its design and use, or the qualities which God's law requires; virtuous; pious; religious; applied to persons, and opposed to bad, vicious, wicked, evil. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Conformable to the moral law; virtuous. Creator God defines what is good and evil; not us.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Genesis 1:31</b> tells us, “God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” God’s creation was pleasant (to the higher nature), excellent (of its kind), and right ; it was all good … until sin and death entered the world in the Garden of Eden through Eve and Adam which corrupted everything. <b>Galatians 5:19-21</b> expounds, “Now the works of the sinful flesh nature of fallen mankind are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">idolatry, sorcery [drug abuse], hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” We are more than bad, we are dead in your transgressions and sins against a just and holy God. Before Christ we were all spiritually dead with no way to save ourselves.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Romans 3:10-18, 23</b> explains that with the nature man: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one. Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit; The poison of asps is under their lips; Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; </span><span style="font-family: arial;">And the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes </span><span style="font-family: arial;">for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We all desperately need a Savior.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>John 3:16-17</b> “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. <b>2 Corinthians 5:21</b> explains, “For He [Father God] made Him [Jesus Christ] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. The bad news is the worst reality ever of wrath and eternal damnation due to our sin, but the “Good News” is the best reality ever of redemption, forgiveness, regeneration, restoration, transformation and eternal life due to Jesus Christ – the Savior of the world. That’s the Gospel! It's the gift of God. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. Let’s be God’s godly people; that is good.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-34829021795777099762024-02-15T16:08:00.000-08:002024-02-15T18:12:49.515-08:00Salt of the Earth – Part 2<p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1707286715223_2175" src="https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.fIf6YtKr34TIV2AhOq_o6gHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 193.2px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -6.6px; text-align: left; width: 343.4px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Michael continues: Genesis chapter 6 says that the Spirit of God will not always strive with man. He is the Creator and we are creatures of His creation. God has set up His Word as His righteous standard by which everything operates and is measured against. God is no respecter of persons, however, He is a respecter of His Word. His laws are intended to benefit and protect those who choose to enter into fellowship with Him, walking in His blessed will and way, and live under the canopy of His blessings; under the shadow of the Almighty; under the Banner of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">However, when God’s people commit two evils by forsaking Him - the fountain of living waters (renouncing or turning away from entirely) and hewing out for themselves broken cisterns that can hold no water. Left to their own devices they will not break God’s law. They will break themselves upon the secure pillar and solid ground of the truth by leaving of the canopy of God’s protection.<br /><br />Believers will be blessed when they witness the truth of the Word of God, for they taste and see the love of God; the truth manifest in the lives of Christians who speak and live the savor and salt of God’s truth. As the salt of the earth, we preach not ourselves, but the Good News of Jesus Christ and Him crucified for the sins of the world. Disciples of Christ fulfilling the Great Commission to reach the unsaved are the sweet smelling fragrance of salvation. But to those who do not believe, the followers of Christ do not bear the Good News of the Gospel for they choose to remain dead in their trespasses and sins. Jesus Himself states in <b>John 3:19-20</b>This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />To accept Jesus as Lord means to forsake the darkness of self-serving pride. This is the root of the problem with the rich young ruler In Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18, who approached Jesus and said, “Good Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life.” Jesus knew what was in the heart of man so he replied, “Why do you call me good? There is none good (in the flesh). Only God himself is good.” Jesus continued, “You know the law: Do not commit murder, do not steal, do not commit adultery, do not bear false witness, honor your father and your mother... in other words, love your neighbor as yourself.” The young ruler said filled with pride, “These things I have done since my youth.” Then Jesus said, “One thing you lack. Sell all your goods and give the proceeds to the poor. Then come and follow me.” The young man went away sorrowful, for he had great material wealth. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The rich young ruler may have kept part of the Ten Commandments, but he did not honor the first of the ten commandments ... Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. The gods he worshipped were his material possessions and his own self-serving pride. According to the Aramaic text, this verse says, “Thou shalt have no other gods between your face and my face.” He had the wrong gods that came between him and the one true God. The first and great commandment is to love God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength. When we do the first commandment, the other nine will fall in line. Why? Because in truly loving of God you naturally live by His holy and righteous Word, Will and Way and breaking God’s Moral Law is naturally repulsive sin to the redeemed child of God.<br /><br />The problem with the church is nominal, fair-weather or casual Christians. A casual Christian follows Christ only when it’s convenient, easy, and without heartache, trials and tribulations. Casual Christians are casualties in the spiritual battle because one foot is always in the world. Jesus said you have to count the cost of following me. Jesus says in <b>John 16:33</b>, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” The last of the beatitudes says, blessed are they when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake, for great is your reward in heaven. Are you willing to go as far as being persecuted for your faith? Jesus said in <b>John 15:18</b> “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. Remember, darkness hates the light.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />There is a difference between a Jesus that is a Savior but not the Lord and Jesus Lord and Savior of all. A Jesus of our own devise is a broad way that leads to destruction. Jesus – the Son of God sent to saved the world and Lord of all is the narrow way through the narrow gate that leads to eternal life. The true Jesus says count the cost, take up your cross daily and follow me, but come on God’s terms. His terms are unilateral and non-negotiable according to the Word of God; obey no matter what, make decisions based on faith and look to the things of God for you are bound by the bond of love. You are servants of whom you obey, whether sin unto death or the Spirit of God unto eternal life. <br /><br />The world wants you to be politically correct. Jesus wants you to be biblically correct. Truth is absolute. Jesus is my Lord, so our circumstances are working out for the good of the gospel. Therefore, be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The peace of God is not dependent on circumstance but upon the presence of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jesus says study the Word of God for the renewing of your mind that you will be transformed that you may prove what is the good and perfect and acceptable will of God. <b>1 Corinthians 15:33</b> says, be not deceived, bad company corrupts good morals. You’re most like those with whom you choose to associate. We are called to the church, the body of Christ, so that we can link together with likeminded men and women of God in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Despite the brokenness of this fallen world, our hope is not in our nation but in the country of our new birth for we are born-again citizens of heaven.<br /><br />God doesn’t call the qualified and equipped. He qualifies and equips the called. The qualification and the equipment is the power of the Holy Spirit. God did not call us to deliver the message, but to be the message and to be about our Father’s business. Our heavenly Father’s business is to be the salt of the earth and to be witnesses of the truth and the message of salvation, to reconcile people back to God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is our mission and our great commission: to go give ‘em Heaven that together we may live to the praise of the glory of His grace! Be the salt of the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Your brother in Christ, Michael</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-18492791931637617612024-02-13T21:02:00.000-08:002024-02-13T21:05:01.082-08:00Salt of the Earth – Part 1<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1707286715223_1938" src="https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.be-CJy0Kv_-qQ-8KU6uA_wHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 188.4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -4.2px; text-align: start; width: 335px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Matthew 5:13</b> “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This week Michael writes: Many American Christians are vulnerable to the worldly philosophies of secular humanism, materialism, and hedonism – big works meaning a Godless existence. Gallup, Inc. in a recent analysis “The Search for Faith in America” said that never before has the gospel of Christ made such inroads, yet made such little impact on the culture and the ways people live. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jesus said, people will forsake true righteousness and instead choose the pleasures of the world over the calling of God. Their lust for material things and pleasures would prevent them from becoming disciplined followers of Jesus Christ. Weak faith would cause Christians to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and this would lead to God withhold His hand and prevent Him from continuing to bless their land. The sinful lifestyle of nominal Christians would discourage many from seeking the true light of Christ. The late Francis Schaeffer cited the crumbling moral foundations of the media, the government and education as major contributors. He said Americans would prefer to seek material things and so-called happiness instead of the things of God. In short, it will get tougher and tougher to be a Christian At this pace. This is an excerpt from the book “Idol Signs” coauthored by George Barna and McKay in 1985.<br /><br />The ways of the world are upside down from the ways of the beatitudes. The values of the God-rejecting world are paradoxical to the values of our Heavenly Father. The world emphasizes self-confidence, self-preservation, self-actualization and self-aggrandizement ... with the emphasis on self. These selfish priorities appeal to pride and self-sufficiency. They are the tools the devil uses to turn people’s hearts away from seeking God and His righteousness through Jesus’ sacrifice for sin on our behalf. However, the beatitudes emphasize humility in mourning over sin and poverty of the Holy Spirit. These blessed attitudes prioritize meekness to receive God’s instruction in righteousness... to be blessed through the filling of the spirit of Christ in us for Jesus said, I am the bread of life and the fountain of living waters. <br /><br />Those who embrace Jesus’ beatitudes are his peacemakers who deliver a peace treaty from the kingdom of heaven to reconcile with our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ those whom God has called. After Jesus taught the beatitudes he said, ye are the salt of the earth. Salt is a preservative that keeps food fresh by preventing decay and corruption. Salt represents truth. Salt preserves from degradation, decomposition and decay. The truth of word of God makes us free from the declining existence of the world. Jesus said, If you continue in my Word you shall be my disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. Like salt, the truth of the Word of God in the Holy Scriptures of the Bible is the antiseptic and disinfectant to free Christ followers from the world’s corruption.<br /><br />Recently there has been an emphasis on mental illness of the depravity that has proliferated as our culture and society has turned its back on the truth of the Word of God. The battle field is in the mind. As the world has forsaken and forgotten true liberty in Christ, the nations are and women increasingly succumbing to the consequences of sin that holds men captive. Without the full armor of God, there is no soundness of mind ... for God has not given us (who are born-again of God’s Spirt) a spirit of fear, but of power, or love, and of a sound mind. <br /><br />The secular pagan philosophies of this world lead to hopelessness and meaninglessness, without God and without hope in a world of darkness. Jesus Christ came to give sight to those born spiritually blind. It used to be that there were standards for truth and a moral compass. There was no question regarding “sexual or gender identity.” Until recently the godly prevailing standard was that a person was either male or female. Today however, many in our culture embrace the godless secular teaching that insists that gender is “fluid” and can change at the whim of the individual or doesn’t exist al all … it’s about how you “feel”. There is a proliferation of confusion regarding sexual identity and this confusion not only divides, but also pits those who believe the truth of the Word of God from the so-called atheistic politically correct who insist that truth is relative to the individual’s preference. Jesus Christ is the Word of God made flesh. He is the standard for truth and of a life worth living. He said, I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father except by me.<br /><br />Without the truth of the Word of God and Jesus Christ - the Word of God made manifest, the world will sink into degradation, decay, depravity and self-destruction. Any system of order will degrade, disintegrate, and fall apart without the infusion of power directed by God’s will and purpose. He is the one who directs, orchestrates, manages, and sustains all things according to the purpose of His sovereign will. The Creator sets the rules for His creation. When we who believe in the truth of His Word delight in his Word and align our hearts with His heart, then it is God that works in us and through us to will and to do of His good pleasure.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Let's continue Michael's message on being the "salt of the earth" in the next post.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian</span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-4867506938477298852024-02-11T22:09:00.000-08:002024-02-12T13:25:15.311-08:00Holy Conduct and Godliness – Part 2 People of God<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1707286715223_1928" src="https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.pkQ7GYe59CyDxDm5xhDsRQHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 193.2px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -6.6px; text-align: start; width: 343.4px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>2 Peter 3:10-14</b> But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In my evangelistic witnessing for Christ, I listen to what secular and some religious people have to say about their personal desires, particular wants and perceived needs. Almost all state that they want to go to Heaven when this life is over, but in this life, in the here and now, many say that they want to do whatever they want to do, whenever they want to do it, wherever they want, however they want, with whoever they want. They are living humanistic lives that determine what is right and wrong for themselves and have soul-authority over everything they think, say and do by their freedom of choice with no higher authority of the God to hinder them. They desire to be saved by God, but are a law unto themselves [<b>Romans 2:14</b>]. That won't fly. Why? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">They may believe in Jesus as Savior, paying for their sins and getting them into Heaven, but God and Jesus are not Lord of their life. Like the “Rich Young Ruler” of <b>Matthew 19</b>, <b>Mark 10</b>, and <b>Luke 18</b>, “push come to shove”, when told to “go all in”, forsaking everything else and follow the Lord’s Word, Will and Way, precepts, statutes, commandments and Moral Law with holy conduct and godliness, they walk <span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">away sorrowful, for they self-servingly believe that they have sovereign authority, power and possessions on the throne of their lives and love blindly living a lifestyle that is unrighteous in the eyes of the Lord. There is a God, and He is not you or I.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">In the end, it all goes away and we stand before our just and holy God to give an account of our lives for reward for righteousness or punishment for unrighteousness. Knowing this fact, the holy conduct and holiness of the people of God is lived out on this side of eternity and demonstrated (1) by being people of faith, trusting in God and knowing whose you are. </span><b>Romans 1:17</b> For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (2) by being people of purity. <b>1 John 3:2-3</b> tells us, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(3) by being people of promise. We need to anticipate with joy the sure promises of God and the promise of Christ’s return for us. (4) by being people of purpose. <b>1 Timothy 4:7</b> instructs us, “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit].” (4) by being people of persistence. <b>Revelation 2:25-26</b>“hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power.” And (5) by being people of progress. <b>2 Peter 3:18</b> tells us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>1 Peter 1:15</b> proclaims, “like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior.” People of God, walk in the Spirit and live a holy life that is pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. Never let your heavenly Father down.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In Christ, Brian </span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4855146211191927878.post-25404426283992142612024-02-10T20:24:00.000-08:002024-02-11T08:18:57.292-08:00Holy Conduct and Godliness – Part 1 Look up<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1707286715223_1418" src="https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.a4t-vCAkotwxtK5meBM6AgHaEo&pid=Api&P=0&h=180" style="height: 193.5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -6.8px; text-align: start; width: 309.6px;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">2 Peter 3:10-14</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Bible Study that I lead at a Senior Living facility in Anaheim, California is studying a series on how to live in view of eternity (also known as the “after-life”). The aspects of our life and the world include the beginning, the existence (aka our journey of walk on earth), the end and the after-life. It is fascinating to think about life and the Almighty Creator and divine Director of it all. The times in which we currently live and the chaotic situation of our culture without a moral compass have a majority of people looking up and becoming concerned about the future. The author of our Study series on being “Rapture ready”, pastor David Jeremiah states that the Lord Jesus tells us, <b>Luke 21:25-28</b> “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, <u>look</u> <u>up</u> and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Apostle Paul instructs us in<b> Colossians 3:1-2</b> “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” The reality of Heaven impacts our lives here on earth. With the promise and eternal perspective that of Heaven as the eternal home of the born-again Christian believing in holy and just Creator God (knowing that the wages of sin is death, a judgment deserving Hell) as God must punish sin, repenting of their sin, understanding that by grace alone, God provided a way to redemption by ending Jesus and trusting by faith in the atoning death of Christ in their place that they receive salvation and eternal life in Heaven in glory. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So many today live existential lives, living in the moment without a real thought of the future, let alone where they are going to go when they die; you cannot take it with you when you go. But, everything in this world is also left behind and burned if Jesus’ comes while we are still alive on this earthly existence. So, why the short-sighted vision of life? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">British Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon said, “Hold everything earthly with a loose hand, but grasp eternal things with a death-like grip.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 4:17-18</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> brings this perspective to light stating, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” The future drives “the here and now”. So, the real question was asked at the beginning of this message: “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Let look at that in the next post.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Keep looking up, in Christ, Brian<o:p></o:p></span></p>Brian Ray Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01242157834688837290noreply@blogger.com0