Happy are you, If!

Matthew 5:1-12 The Beatitudes of Jesus

Introduction:

When we go to the Sermon on the Mount we must go knowing that the beatitude’s were spoken by Jesus and is thus Holy Ground. Jesus is conveying the Truth about Blessings or better yet how a person can find true Happiness. Everyone on Planet Earth wants to be happy, don’t they? I truly believe this is a God given hearts desire of every human being. It is well documented that throughout human history all people have sought after Happiness. It is also well documented that the seeking of happiness encompasses many misguided attempts to find happiness without God. There are many who try and fail to be truly happy. Jesus will show all of us how to be Blessed or Happy if we would simply hear His Words and then apply them to our hearts and lives.

1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,
2 and he began to teach them, saying:

There are many Bible scholars who estimate that the crowd at this Sermon reached in the thousands. There is no way of knowing the exact number but we do see and hear the voice of Jesus thundering through the Mountain and into this passage of Scripture! Jesus is the Master Teacher and it will be wise to learn from Him!

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed in the Greek means Happy or supremely Blessed. Poor in the Greek means distressed. So you will be happy if you have a poor or distressed spirit. Why? Because God promises those who have a distressed spirit will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Isaiah 57:15 For this is what the high and lofty One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. Again Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Is your spirit poor, distressed, broken or contrite before the Holy God who Created you? If it is then Jesus says you will be Happy!

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

The word mourn in Greek means to grieve. Jesus says we will be happy if we grieve. Why? Because we will be Comforted. Those that trust in Jesus have more than hope, they have the COMFORTER, the Holy Spirit. Everyone grieves and mourns in this life, but those in Jesus are happy and our grief turns to rejoicing because of the promise of the Holy Spirit. John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (Holy Spirit) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Isaiah 61:2,3 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion– to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Are you grieving? Jesus says you will be happy if you grieve. Will we be happy because we mourn? No! We will be happy because the promise of the Holy Spirit, (COMFORTER ) will turn our grief into joy!

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

The word meek in the Greek means mild, which implies humility. Jesus says we will inherit the Earth if we are humble. Pride is the opposite of humble. This promise of happiness can only come from the act of humbling ourselves. James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Again Jesus says in Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. The inheritance of the Earth implies that the Earth will always be in existence in order for Jesus to deliver this Promise. Do you truly want to be happy? Then Jesus says be humble, meek and mild, and you will inherit the Earth!

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

We all know what it means to be hungry and thirsty. The Greek word for hunger means to crave. The Greek word for thirst means to thirst for something. The Greek word for filled means to satisfy. Now Jesus is saying that if we crave or thirst for Righteousness we will be satisfied! To be happy in this life we must hunger, thirst and find satisfaction in Righteousness only! True happiness is not found in possessions, money or in relationships with other people. Matthew 6:19-20 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Again Psalm 42:1,2 For the director of music. A of the Sons of Korah. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Righteousness comes through Faith in Jesus. If you love me keep (obey) my commands cries Jesus. His commands are Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” You want to be Blessed or happy? Crave and thirst for Jesus and you will be satisfied! As a Hymn suggest; come to the Fountain so Rich and Sweet, cast thy poor soul at the Saviors feet, plunge in today and be made complete, Glory to His Name. There is no end to the Blessings that are in Christ Jesus!

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

The word merciful means in Greek to be compassionate by word or deed. To obtain or receive mercy. For those who live and believe in Jesus , they have received mercy. Mercy can also be defined as; God does not give us what we deserve. Mercy is a property or Attribute of Almighty God. So if we are to be shown mercy we should also show mercy. If we desire to be or obtain happiness we must be merciful, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! James 2:13. Jesus also said in Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Gain mercy by showing mercy. Jesus help us to show mercy !

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
The Greek word for pure means literally clean or clear. So a person who has a clean heart will be able to see God who is the Author of Purity. The heart is our thoughts and feelings. What dominates your thoughts? What is your dominate feeling? This s what it should be Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. If this is your prayer, then I guarantee you this promise of Jesus will be applied to you! No one can truly be happy without a clear, clean and pure heart. Can they? Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Jesus clean my thoughts and my feelings that I may truly be happy in this life and the next.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

The Greek word for peacemaker means to be peaceable. Who doesn’t want to live at peace with God and their fellow man? Will we ever be happy if there is no peace? The true peace that is offered by Jesus is the peace that transcends all understanding. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. We can have peace in our souls regardless what is going on in the World! Because Jesus offers us peace, we should seek to live a peaceful life in all Godliness. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 True happiness comes upon the soul of men when they are first of all at peace with God, then with men. To be called sons of God is a great privilege indeed. So be a pacemaker and find happiness!

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

What? Jesus is saying we are blessed or happy if we are persecuted for living a Righteous life? Absolutely! The word persecute implies suffering. We who know Christ will suffer as He suffered. Isaiah 53:8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. Again Philippians 3:10-11 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. To suffer for Christ is the greatest of all expressions of love and devotion. For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven refers to Revelation 20:4; I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. To be slandered or insulted for Jesus is common in this World who despises what Christianity offers. Jesus said that if the World hates you, just remember it hated me first. We who know Jesus and share in His sufferings can rejoice because we know, great is our reward! Wow, to be happy is to suffer for Jesus. Learning how to rejoice in sufferings may sound to difficult, but great joy will come to those who grow in the Knowledge of Jesus Christ! Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Millions of Men and women from the Old Testament and for the last two thousand years have suffered for Righteousness. We who Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ are going to suffer persecution, but just remember Jesus is Worthy and you are not alone!

Read Full Post »

Is Jesus God in the flesh?

John 1:1-14 The Incarnation of Christ!

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

In the beginning of what? All that has been Created. Genesis 1:1-4 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. Who is the Word? Revelation 19:11-16 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. With all the Truth of God’s Word, this is Jesus! Does the Bible teach that Jesus is God in Flesh? Look at verse 1. Yes Jesus is the WORD and is God; the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. Notice from the text vs. 4&5 that the Word was life and that Life was the Light of men. That Light shines in the Darkness. Now go back and read Genesis 1:14-19; And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights– the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning– the fourth day. Notice very carefully that there was Light before God(including Jesus the Word, and Holy Spirit) Created the Sun, Moon and Stars on the fourth day of Creation! The Word is that Light!

6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.
7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.
8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

Verse six refers to John the Baptist who we know was the forerunner to Jesus; Preparing the Way of the Lord. John the Baptist made it perfectly clear that he was not the Messiah, when he exclaimed John 1:29 The next day John(the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! We must Believe this proclamation and Repent of our sins, in order to be Saved.

9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

Jesus is the Light and He offers that Light to every human being. Men do not have an excuse for not believing in Jesus Christ. Romans 1:18-23 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities– his eternal power and divine nature– have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. 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 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. People refuse to Repent or give up their sinful ways and turn to the WORD (Jesus). People who refuse Jesus will continue to live in darkness because God gives them what they want. Believe me people we never want God to give us what we want! Verse 11 refers to when Jesus went to His hometown of Nazareth and would not preform many miracles because people refused to believe. This verse also refers to the rejection of the Jewish people concerning the Messiahship of Jesus.

12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God–
13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Jesus, the Word and God, came that sinful man could be adopted into the family of God. Romans 8:12-17 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation– but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of son ship. And by him we cry, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs– heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Now for the issue of being born of God. Every single human being must be born again in Spirit of God in order for Salvation to be granted. John 3:3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Again John 3:13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven– the Son of Man. Listen to Jesus statement; John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. This is the Gift from the Babe of Bethlehem also known as the Word Incarnate!

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Here is the Truth; Jesus is God Incarnate and dwelt among us! Listen to the definition of the word Incarnation; the Incarnation Theology is the doctrine that the second person of the Trinity assumed human form in the person of Jesus Christ and is completely both God and man. Now a Bible dictionary definition; that act of grace whereby Christ took our human nature into union with his Divine Person, became man. Christ is both God and man. Human attributes and actions are predicated of him, and he of whom they are predicated is God. A Divine Person was united to a human nature. God in Flesh AMEN! Now how are we to take all this into our hearts. I am going to say something that may be offensive to some, but the Lord’s Will be done! It is a Damnable heresy for Christians to pervert the celebration of the Incarnation (Christmas) with the Paganism of the World. I must say it again; It is a Damnable heresy for Christians to pervert the celebration of the Incarnation (Christmas) with the Paganism of the World. Santa Clause and the absolute materialism associated with the Paganism is a heresy because the WORD became flesh is Christmas. Some reading this will try to justify their viewpoint. I must quote a Scripture; James 4:4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Again blending Paganism with Christianity is a Damnable heresy and must be Repented! Again listen to this passage; 1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world– the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does– comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. Just Something to think about the next time you think of the Babe of Bethlehem! The Word is awesome and deserves our obedience without compromise. Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Read Full Post »

Freedom!

Read Full Post »

Why Fast for Lent?

Message outline for the First Sunday in Lent

I. What is Lent?
A. 40 day period from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.
1. Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights before being tempted by the Devil. Matthew 4:1-11
2. Jesus is our example, therefore we should obey and do as He did.
B. Fasting is a good thing when it is done with a biblical perspective. It is good and pleasing to God when we give up sinful habits and practices. There is absolutely nothing wrong with setting aside a time when we focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection. However, these practices are things we should be doing every day of the year, not just for 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter. If a Christian wishes to observe Lent, we are free to do so. The key is to focus the time on repenting from our sins and consecrating ourselves to God, not on trying to earn God’s favor or increase His love for us.
1. A Christian does not fast sinful behavior, they must repent.
2. A Christian has God’s favor only through Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 2:8,9)
II. Why fast?
A. Jesus did
B. Jesus said we must deny ourselves. Subject our flesh to Him.
C. To be mastered by nothing but Jesus.
D. To show our broken and contrite heart toward our flesh. (Psalm 51:17).
III. How to fast?
A. Jesus taught us step by step how to fast. (Matthew 6:16-24)
1. do not look somber as the hypocrites do.
2. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face
so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting.
3. Do it secretly without anyone knowing. (This is hard but important)
4. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth
IV. What benefit is fasting?
A. Our Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
1. More dedication to Him
2. More self control
3. Intimacy with God will grow stronger (Hebrews 12:1-11)
B. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
1. Testing of faith
2. Testing of the heart
3. “No one can serve two masters.
a. Either he will hate the one and love the other
b. Either you will be devoted to the one and despise the other
c. You cannot serve both God and Money. (confidence, i.e. wealth, personified) material things.
C. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10)
1. Come near to God and he will come near to you
2. Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
V. What to fast?
A. foods that you crave
B. TV programs
C. Drinks – like coffee, soda,
D. Time – dedicate time you would otherwise spend on yourself ie. Tv
E. Anything that is favorite

VI. Conclusion
A. I cannot tell you what to give up or fast but I will challenge you to ask God the Father what is a strong hold in your life and what He wants you to fast. Remember giving up sin is not fasting, you must Repent of sins, it is giving up things that can become sins in our lives if not denied. So, what is God calling you to fast? Will you even ask Him? Do you not want to follow Jesus? Do you not want to walk and live more worthy of Christ? I can guarantee that this exercise on your faith will not be easy but I know God will honor if done in Secret!
B. Please study Psalm 51

Read Full Post »

Family Breakdown and the Nation’s Pocketbook!

In the lobby of the Department of Health and Human Services is a large bronze sculpture of a solitary woman playing with her three children. That sculpture is called “Happy Mother.”

Nothing better illustrates what’s wrong with American culture today than the philosophy behind that sculpture — that fathers are extraneous. Yet that myth is the basis of forty years of failure by the leftist research communities to honestly report on the problem of fatherless families.

Many social scientists now agree: A loving mother and father within a committed marriage is the very best foundation for the family, for the economy, and for the nation. Yet currently, about forty percent of American children are born out of wedlock. That fact affects everyone and all of American culture. Though many have tried, there is no way to separate the social and economic issues; they are intertwined. Family problems always hit our pocketbooks — hard!

Bottom line: The family — the glue that holds our communities, nation, and world together — is weakening, and the moral foundation necessary for a civilized and well-functioning society is crumbling all around us.

When the family becomes nothing more than “any group of people living together,” there is no moral authority in terms of standards of behavior. Children are left to drift aimlessly in an “anything goes” culture. The family is where a child first learns what it means to “share and care,” to “take turns,” and to be an ethical, moral, and empathic person — one who will become a contributor to a good and prosperous society. These character traits are more “caught” than “taught.” Children need to observe those authentic interactions day in and day out in the reactions and relationships of the adults around them.

American opinion leaders have for years advocated and modeled a self-indulgent lifestyle, claiming that there are no negative consequences. An endless stream of so-called research studies has obfuscated the causes of the nation’s social problems. Reality, however, cannot be suppressed. Material prosperity will never compensate for moral poverty. Without authentic moral absolutes, America as we know it is at risk. Moral boundaries, not moral relativism, are the fiber of a strong nation. When truth and goodness are not vigilantly upheld, distortions, lies, and myths flood in to take their place like in sea-flooded New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.

History offers harsh examples — Hitler’s Youth Movement or Mao’s Red Guards — that show the terror that can be unleashed when solid moral principles no longer guide a nation. When marriage and family decline, the quality of community life erodes, and there’s a corresponding breakdown in social cohesion. An examination of the world that our children inhabit shows the values vacuum created by those who disparage traditional morality, virtue, and good manners. The result is moral decay as vulgarity spirals downward into viciousness and crude immorality.

What is thriving in today’s values vacuum? Rock music and pop stars push the envelope with a hedonistic lifestyle and songs with misogynistic, crude, coarse, and shockingly vile lyrics. Cartoons, popular movies, and television programs portray parents as out-of-touch, old-fashioned, and prudish. Defiant, rebellious children talk back to teachers and parents. Patriotism, family traditions, and religion are treated with disdain. Adults and authority figures with moral values are often held in contempt, subtly mocked, or openly ridiculed. A favorite tactic of television situation comedies is to poke fun at bumbling and inept fathers, school principals, and religious leaders. Weakening respect for parents and other adult authority figures tempts inexperienced youths to make far-reaching decisions or take huge risks with potentially costly consequences.

In analyzing these problems, we’ve seen that changes in grassroots attitudes and the cultural climate of a nation don’t happen just because facts indicate the necessity for such changes. A sustained public effort is required in order to achieve needed social changes. Consider two efforts in America’s recent history that show dramatic success in producing broad cultural transformations. Their purpose has been to convince women not to smoke or drink alcohol during their pregnancies because of the potential danger to their babies. Subordinate campaigns sought to convince parents that secondhand smoke is damaging to children and that drinking and driving can be deadly. The results have been overwhelmingly positive.

First, these efforts to change public behavior were based on solid research data showing that certain behaviors produce negative health outcomes, especially for pregnant women and their unborn children. Second, both campaigns for change included broad public relations efforts that focused on the whole nation and enlisted the efforts of a wide spectrum of opinion leaders. All these efforts produced amazing results at the grassroots level. Perceptions changed, values changed, and most importantly, behavior changed.

The burning question we face today is whether the epidemic of single parenting is likewise amenable to influence by researchers’ findings and whether those who influence public opinion will support the effort to change those attitudes and behaviors that lead to the establishment of single-parent households. It is glaringly obvious that government solutions are never enough to compensate for the breakdown of the family.

Let us be clear. If America is to have a future as bright as its past, we must guard and maintain the fortresses of truth and knowledge against the unending assault of fallacies, folly, and myths.

In the early 1900s, Robert Frost wrote a poem called “Mending Wall.” That popular poem describes the experience of two neighbors meeting every spring to walk the fence dividing their properties and working together to repair the damage that occurred during the previous winter.

Today, we need a national application of the lesson of Frost’s poem: The good walls of moral boundaries make for a strong nation. We need to walk together along the fence lines of the walls that protect our culture. Together, we need to look realistically at the numerous areas that have fallen. Then we must work together to rebuild and repair those walls.

We must restrain the cultural pollution that poisons individual lives and destroys the potential of the whole nation. We must lift the heavy boulders of protection and replace them so that future generations will have a bright and prosperous future. Those who care about the future of America must be committed and determined to restore the moral foundation stones our founders laid for this great land. By Janice Shaw Crouse, writer for the American Thinker.

Read Full Post »

Does God Repent?

Where is repentance in our sinful day! Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Do you not want peace and joy in your life? Do you not want happiness of your soul? Do you not care what happens to you when you breathe your last breath in this life? To come back to the Scripture upon which we are meditating: both forgiveness and repentance flow from the same source, and are given by the same Savior. The Lord Jesus in His glory bestows both upon the same persons. You are neither to find the remission nor the repentance elsewhere. Jesus has both ready, and He is prepared to bestow them now, and to bestow them most freely on all who will accept them at His hands. Let it never be forgotten that Jesus gives all that is needful for our salvation. It is highly important that all seekers after mercy should remember this. Faith is as much the gift of God as is the Savior upon whom that faith relies. Repentance of sin is as truly the work of grace as the making of an atonement by which sin is blotted out. Salvation, from first to last, is of grace alone. You will not misunderstand me. It is not the Holy Spirit who repents. He has never done anything for which He should repent. If He could repent, it would not meet the case; we must ourselves repent of our own sin, or we are not saved from its power. It is not the Lord Jesus Christ who repents. What should He repent of? We ourselves repent with the full consent of every faculty of our mind. The will, the affections, the emotions, all work together most heartily in the blessed act of repentance for sin; and yet at the back of all that is our personal act, there is a secret holy influence which melts the heart, gives contrition, and produces a complete change. The Spirit of God enlightens us to see what sin is, and thus makes it loathsome in our eyes. The Spirit of God also turns us toward holiness, makes us heartily to appreciate, love, and desire it, and thus gives us the impetus by which we are led onward from stage to stage of sanctification. The Spirit of God works in us to will and to do according to God�s good pleasure. To that good Spirit let us submit ourselves at once, that He may lead us to Jesus, who will freely give us the double benediction of repentance and remission, according to the riches of His grace. �By grace are ye saved.�

Read Full Post »

Words to live!

There are Ten Principles I would like to share from God’s Word. Many have come to know them as the Ten Commandments. Pick up your Bible and spend a bit of serious time with the Commandments recorded in Exodus 20:1-17. It could be the best thing you do today!
You will not find a 1200-page congressional bill, but you will find about 300 words that outline good life and good government. No person who wants to know the Way, the Truth and the Life can ignore these 10 principles of life. No Nation that wants to weave a successful history of democracy can ignore and break these 10 principles of governance. These commandments or principles were given to the Israelites as they emerged from long and debilitating slavery in Egypt. They were abject slaves. They were nobodies. They had no government. They had no direction. God used Moses, their leaders, to pass along to them the foundational principles to organize a successful nation and create a citizenry that could maintain it. So, here we have them. Ten fundamental principles of government and society over which a nation or a person rises or falls! They are basic. They are unchangeable. They are forever! So, hang them in your homes, but more importantly write them into your heart and daily living. Hang them in the halls of our capital and in the public square, but more importantly write them into national legislation.
Notice that these principles fall into two sections. Principles 1-4 are found in versus 1-11 and have to do with our relationship with God. Principles 5-10 are found in versus 12-17 that have to do with our relationship with each other.
* First, the relationship with God. The “words” God spoke are clear and concise: (1) recognize “the Lord thy God,” the one and only God, the Creator, the deliverer, the Sustainer; (2) make no image of God image of God to break your personal relationship with God; (3) make no light or frivolous use of God’s Name – He is Holy – practice reverence; and (4) God has named one day of seven as “the Lord’s Day” – a day of rest, a day of worship, a day to come up out of the secular world for a breath of spiritual air and spiritual renewal. Keep it Holy!
* Second, the relationship to each other: (5) honor the family, father, mother, child – this is the commandment with promise – the best of life; (6) human life is sacred – do not murder, no abortion – no murder, period; (7) God’s established role for a man and a woman – wedded relationship, when two become one, a sexual breach of that sacred relationship is a divine “No, no;” (8) protection of private property is essential to any human society – stealing is condemned; (9) honesty – speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, this is essential to a workable society; and (10) do not covet – “no keeping up with the Jones’s”, desiring what doesn’t belong to you, curb evil inner desires.
“The cowboy church put them this way; Just one God. Honor your Ma and Pa. No tellin’ tales or gossipin’. Git yerself to Sunday meetin’. Put nothin’ before God. No foolin’ around with another feller’s gal. No killin’. Watch your mouth. Don’t take what ain’t yers. And don’t be hankerin’ for yer buddies stuff.” As a columnist put it; “These “Commandments” are stated, they are “principles” by which individuals or Nations live or die. They are the Foundation of the good life and National democracy. Why would the ACLU try to remove them from the public square? Do they have a hidden agenda? Do these biblical principles stand in their way? YES, they do!” Dr. Julian Pipkin
Jesus summed it all up as he stated the Great Commandment. First, love the Lord thy God with all your heart, soul and mind. And second, love your neighbor as yourself. Think on these things and more importantly, obey. You will be Blessed if you live these 10 Principles!

Read Full Post »