"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..." (2 Thess. 2:3a)
This scripture teaches that in the last days before the Lord's return, there will be those who fall away from the faith.
We wonder why we must suffer in this life and why so many trials. A faith which is not tried by fire is a faith unproven. When the Lord shakes us up by allowing trials in our life, we find out how genuine our faith in Him is.
I am not a person who speaks from something I just read about regarding trials and suffering. I have gone through the fire in my life and took my husband and son with me. But the Lord was faithful to bring us through the fire. We did not lose our faith in Him because His Holy Spirit kept working in our hearts and we believed Him as best we knew how even when it was only one step at a time. That is why I know it is so important in these days to keep our focus on Jesus. This is a great burden in my heart that does not seem to die; As a matter of fact, as I watch people go through trials and they get depressed and seem to get disheartened and discouraged, the burden gets greater.
If you want to be proven genuine, then keep your eyes on Christ. What does that mean exactly? We must know His Word in order to know the heart of God and His promises. If we don't know His Word, we will surely stumble and possibly fall. I am not talking about losing salvation, I am talking about proving whether our faith was genuine in the first place.
I plead with anyone who reads this who may be struggling...Please, take your eyes off of earthly things and earthly circumstances and place them on Jesus. Believe His promises. He promises to provide for your needs. He does not say He will fulfill all your wants. Maybe you won't even have the size of house you desire, or maybe you won't even have a house. Maybe it would be His will that other Christians care for you and take you into their home. Are you willing to obey Him that far? Would you let go of pride to do that? He promises not to let you go hungry or without clothing. He says He clothes the lillies of the field and clothes the sparrows, will He not take care of you for whom He paid such a high ransom?
I pray you do not believe that I think I am better than anyone as I write this. I know my faults and weaknesses and believe me, they are plentiful! But I know the Lord is Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11). It is time we (Christians) realized that this life is NOT ABOUT US! We are to live to glorify God, to love Him and serve Him in what way He chooses, even if it costs us everything...yes, everything.
The Lord will not lead us to go through anything from which He cannot receive glory and be for our good (Romans 8:28).
Brothers & Sisters, please realize that when the Lord bought you, He bought all of you and everything in your possession. You own nothing, not yourself, not your loved ones, not your home, health... nothing. He is a better steward than we are anyway. Therefore, if you want to remain standing in Christ in these last days and be found faithful, count the cost, lay down everything and follow Him regardless of the circumstances. Let your emotions follow your faith and do not allow your emotions to dictate your faith.
The rewards of a faithful life will be worth it. It isn't how we started the race, but how we finish it that matters. If you have stumbled, get up, let the Lord dust you off with His forgiveness, and get back in the race.
It is time to stand for Christ. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13)...
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Truth or Consequences
I am old enough to remember an old radio, then later on a television show called, "Truth or Consequences." The gist of the show was that a contestant would be asked a question. If the contestant was unable to tell the truth, they would have to face the consequences.
The Apostle Paul talks about how Christians are contestants in a race: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." (1 Corinthians 9:24)
Christians will be rewarded for what they did out of obedience to Christ. One of the largest ways to be obedient to Him is not to be ashamed of Him before others. Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32-33)
Christians are commanded to submit to those in authority over us (Ref.: Romans 13:1-8), but...when those in authority over us begin to restrain us from spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have to decide, "Will we compromise truth and water down the message, or will we be faithful to Christ?".
Children are no longer hearing the truth in schools, but secular teachings on evolution, and teachings that morals are relative. People say, "Prayer was taken out of school. God was taken out of school." No they weren't. Prayer was forsaken and so was God on the altar of secularism and by a false reading of the U.S. constitution! But, Christians, we are not even to bow to the U.S. Constitution if on any given point it defies the truth of God's Word!
An example of how we ought to submit to God when man's authority is in conflict can be found in Daniel 3:16-18, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer you in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, then let it be known unto you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up."
What if you wouldn't make as good a salary or your job would be compromised if you told the truth of God's Word? Will you water it down with secular opinions, or will you be faithful to Christ? God promises to provide "all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Ref.: Philippians 4:19), so why worry about your income or your job?
When the Apostle Paul preached, he said, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (1 Cor. 2:4-5) The philosophies and psychologies of man's mind and tongue will never demonstrate the power of God unto salvation to anyone.
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap unto themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
This may sound like a big soapbox to some of you, but Christ NEVER compromised the truth, even to the point of death for us. He is returning soon... The question He is asking still is: "...When the Son of man comes, shall He find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8)
The Apostle Paul talks about how Christians are contestants in a race: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." (1 Corinthians 9:24)
Christians will be rewarded for what they did out of obedience to Christ. One of the largest ways to be obedient to Him is not to be ashamed of Him before others. Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32-33)
Christians are commanded to submit to those in authority over us (Ref.: Romans 13:1-8), but...when those in authority over us begin to restrain us from spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have to decide, "Will we compromise truth and water down the message, or will we be faithful to Christ?".
Children are no longer hearing the truth in schools, but secular teachings on evolution, and teachings that morals are relative. People say, "Prayer was taken out of school. God was taken out of school." No they weren't. Prayer was forsaken and so was God on the altar of secularism and by a false reading of the U.S. constitution! But, Christians, we are not even to bow to the U.S. Constitution if on any given point it defies the truth of God's Word!
An example of how we ought to submit to God when man's authority is in conflict can be found in Daniel 3:16-18, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer you in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, then let it be known unto you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up."
What if you wouldn't make as good a salary or your job would be compromised if you told the truth of God's Word? Will you water it down with secular opinions, or will you be faithful to Christ? God promises to provide "all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Ref.: Philippians 4:19), so why worry about your income or your job?
When the Apostle Paul preached, he said, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (1 Cor. 2:4-5) The philosophies and psychologies of man's mind and tongue will never demonstrate the power of God unto salvation to anyone.
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap unto themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
This may sound like a big soapbox to some of you, but Christ NEVER compromised the truth, even to the point of death for us. He is returning soon... The question He is asking still is: "...When the Son of man comes, shall He find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Unity in the Body of Christ
I believe, and it has been confirmed through other godly Christian witnesses, that the Lord is impressing upon His Church, the Body of Christ, the need for unity.
It was never in the Lord's plan for there to be different denominations within the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul addressed this issue with the church at Corinth.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you says, 'I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or, were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ be of none effect." [Bold emphasis mine.]
Currently there are all sorts of denominations within the one Body of Christ. Denominations occurred because of varying interpretations of scripture, which people then allowed to divide the Body. There is only one Lord and one Holy Spirit. There should not be varying interpretations, but because we don't always walk in the Spirit and instead of waiting upon the Lord for understanding, we proceed ahead and make whole doctrines from those things which we do not yet understand. James 1:5 states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him as of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him." We need not let ignorance of the truth divide the Body of Christ. As long as the church has the one important focus, "Jesus Christ is Lord, was crucified for our sins, and raised on the third day", then we should be able to have unity in the Body. It has been said, "Let us not major in the minors!" I don't know who said it, but I believe it is a wise statement.
Note: I do want to emphasize that there is a vast difference between the ignorance which causes some misinterpretations and outright false teachers and prophets. There are many "religions" which have blatantly mixed truth with lies and are NOT a part of the Body of Christ. Those who do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that "all the fullness of the godhead dwells in Him bodily (Ref.: Colossians 2:9), that He is therefore divine, are false teachers. For if Christ is not Himself God, then all are still lost in their sins. If a "religion" teaches something other than Jesus Christ being the only, "Way, truth, and life, and that no man comes to the Father but by Him" (Ref.: John 14:6), then they are false teachers and NOT members of the Body of Christ. However, we are to love outsiders and share the gospel with them, but that is a topic of discussion for another time. [End note.]
The Body of Christ needs focus on the Lord and the Holy Spirit's leading. Let's keep the main thing the main thing! I have been saddened by those within the Body of Christ who have made so many man-made rules that they have hindered the Holy Spirit's work. We have membership lists, rules that only "members" of a certain denomination can be active in ministries within a local congregation of believers, closed communion if one does not belong to a certain denomination, rules that a person of another denomination can not be employed at a Christian school, etc. These rules are NOT ordained of God. Such man-made rules are foolishness which are divisive and ought not to be! As the Apostle Paul said, "Is Christ divided?"
Recently, my husband and I have experience some wonderful unity within the Body of Christ. Many members of the Church (The Body of Christ)are coming together to worship and to accomplish great things in the Spirit for the Kingdom of God!
Please, pastors and leaders, don't be afraid to cast off those traditions of men and open your hearts to the Spirit's leading regarding unity in the Body of Christ. And don't be afraid to encourage your parishioners to do the same. Pray for His Spirit of discernment. The Lord will set your spirit free in ways you never imagined, will bless you, and will build His Kingdom! I challenge you today to pray to the Lord and ask Him for direction in what you can do to bring unity to the Body of Christ, within the walls of your own building, and outside the walls as well.
Do you want more people to be drawn to Christ? Then realize the world is watching the Church. They want to see that we love one another and that we practice the love of Christ that we so preach. A sad statement made by Ghandi went something like this "It is not Christ that I have a problem with, but those who call themselves Christians. They are so unlike their Christ" [Paraphrased]. Ouch! This did not relieve Him from choosing to follow Christ, but Satan used it for an excuse to keep him from Christ. The reason the Mormon religion is so popular is because they have formed a sense of community and family. Isn't it a shame that false teachers seem to have grasped that concept better than the Body of Christ?
Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; As I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 13:34-35)
It was never in the Lord's plan for there to be different denominations within the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul addressed this issue with the church at Corinth.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you says, 'I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or, were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ be of none effect." [Bold emphasis mine.]
Currently there are all sorts of denominations within the one Body of Christ. Denominations occurred because of varying interpretations of scripture, which people then allowed to divide the Body. There is only one Lord and one Holy Spirit. There should not be varying interpretations, but because we don't always walk in the Spirit and instead of waiting upon the Lord for understanding, we proceed ahead and make whole doctrines from those things which we do not yet understand. James 1:5 states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him as of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him." We need not let ignorance of the truth divide the Body of Christ. As long as the church has the one important focus, "Jesus Christ is Lord, was crucified for our sins, and raised on the third day", then we should be able to have unity in the Body. It has been said, "Let us not major in the minors!" I don't know who said it, but I believe it is a wise statement.
Note: I do want to emphasize that there is a vast difference between the ignorance which causes some misinterpretations and outright false teachers and prophets. There are many "religions" which have blatantly mixed truth with lies and are NOT a part of the Body of Christ. Those who do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that "all the fullness of the godhead dwells in Him bodily (Ref.: Colossians 2:9), that He is therefore divine, are false teachers. For if Christ is not Himself God, then all are still lost in their sins. If a "religion" teaches something other than Jesus Christ being the only, "Way, truth, and life, and that no man comes to the Father but by Him" (Ref.: John 14:6), then they are false teachers and NOT members of the Body of Christ. However, we are to love outsiders and share the gospel with them, but that is a topic of discussion for another time. [End note.]
The Body of Christ needs focus on the Lord and the Holy Spirit's leading. Let's keep the main thing the main thing! I have been saddened by those within the Body of Christ who have made so many man-made rules that they have hindered the Holy Spirit's work. We have membership lists, rules that only "members" of a certain denomination can be active in ministries within a local congregation of believers, closed communion if one does not belong to a certain denomination, rules that a person of another denomination can not be employed at a Christian school, etc. These rules are NOT ordained of God. Such man-made rules are foolishness which are divisive and ought not to be! As the Apostle Paul said, "Is Christ divided?"
Recently, my husband and I have experience some wonderful unity within the Body of Christ. Many members of the Church (The Body of Christ)are coming together to worship and to accomplish great things in the Spirit for the Kingdom of God!
Please, pastors and leaders, don't be afraid to cast off those traditions of men and open your hearts to the Spirit's leading regarding unity in the Body of Christ. And don't be afraid to encourage your parishioners to do the same. Pray for His Spirit of discernment. The Lord will set your spirit free in ways you never imagined, will bless you, and will build His Kingdom! I challenge you today to pray to the Lord and ask Him for direction in what you can do to bring unity to the Body of Christ, within the walls of your own building, and outside the walls as well.
Do you want more people to be drawn to Christ? Then realize the world is watching the Church. They want to see that we love one another and that we practice the love of Christ that we so preach. A sad statement made by Ghandi went something like this "It is not Christ that I have a problem with, but those who call themselves Christians. They are so unlike their Christ" [Paraphrased]. Ouch! This did not relieve Him from choosing to follow Christ, but Satan used it for an excuse to keep him from Christ. The reason the Mormon religion is so popular is because they have formed a sense of community and family. Isn't it a shame that false teachers seem to have grasped that concept better than the Body of Christ?
Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; As I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 13:34-35)
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Source of Joy
As I walk through a crowd of people I often look at their faces. As I smile at them I often have one returned, but I notice I do not see joy in many of those whom I pass.
Everyone wants to be happy, but happiness is only temporary, based on the condition of our current situation. Joy, on the other hand, can be permanent if you know the source of joy.
Yes, I am going to tell you that joy is in Christ, but if I leave it there with out explaining, then you may just view that statement as one of "religion" and not life practicality and experience.
Christ is the source of all joy but only if we put into practice those things of which His Word speaks and in which the Holy Spirit leads. I talk much about dying to self and preferring others before ourselves because Jesus spoke often of those precepts as well. Not many are willing to die to self, but true and lasting joy is only available to those who will.
The world teaches us to "Go for the gusto!", "Get all you can and can all you get!", "Happiness is within yourself.", "It's all about you!", "What's good for you is good.", etc. However, the problem with those lines of thinking is that they are self-focused. So, if everyone is focused on themselves, then no one really cares about others do they? Some of you may say, "So what?"
If we take a good look at our world today, the moral condition of humanity is not so appealing. Why? Because many are practicing actions based on the aforementioned worldly thoughts. Where there is self-centeredness, there is no love and no joy. I will even be so bold as to say, "If you are self-centered, you don't even love yourself." That may sound contradictory, but think about it. If you loved yourself, you would want the real source of joy in your life and would be practicing those things which allow joy to flow, not following the world's precepts which lead to death of love, peace, and joy.
Before I came into a personal relationship with Christ, I too practiced the world's precepts of self-focused, self-centered living. I probably ranked close to the top if there was a list of those who were most miserable in life. I didn't love anyone, not even myself! I certainly had no peace or joy in my life.
On the flip-side, since I have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, I have His Spirit within me enabling me to love Him, others, and myself in a healthy way. I derive great joy in loving others. No, I am not perfect. I still mess up and get self-focused at times. But, when I do, the Holy Spirit convicts me and puts me back on the right path to love and joy.
How can we have joy by preferring others before ourselves? It is because when you are being kind and doing something for someone else, you are doing it for Jesus. When you live life in that manner, you can, with your heart's eye, see a smile on His face. I think He smiles the widest when we are loving and kind to those who treat us though we are their enemy. There is no greater purpose and calling in life than to serve the Lord, the Creator of all things!
You might say, "I am not about to be nice to some mean person who treats me like dirt." Then you will be robbing yourself. Bearing grudges and continuing the hate process just breeds more hate, more grudges and robs yourself and the world of love, peace, and joy. Proverbs 25:21 states, "If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink: For you shall reap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward you."
Note: In ancient times, a person would place a pan of coals upon their head as a sign of repentance.
Maybe you are in a relationship with someone who is totally self-centered and self-serving. So, you might say, "If I serve them and am kind to them, won't I just be adding to their self-centeredness?" That is a very good question. Loving a person does not necessarily mean we give into all their whims and self-serving desires. Loving a person is when you do what is best for them at all times. Sometimes that might require holding the tongue instead of unleashing it. Or, if the Holy Spirit leads (and ONLY if He leads) it might mean giving a word of reproof spoken in the spirit of meekness and love (See Ephesians 4:15). When that word of reproof is spoken, it will not be for a self-serving interest, but for the best interest of the person receiving it. I have found that most often the best way for the Lord to work in a person's heart is through our unselfish prayers for that person.
How badly do you want a life of joy, peace, and love? If you really want it, then as I said previously, "It is found in Christ." It is found in being obedient to Him in all things, especially when it comes to how we relate with other people.
If you are lacking joy in your life, how about examining yourself to see why and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you those hidden sins. Then, confess your sins, receive forgiveness and follow Christ. 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
No matter where you are in life, His grace is sufficient and His joy can be full in you. Choose from this day forward to live a joyful life!
Everyone wants to be happy, but happiness is only temporary, based on the condition of our current situation. Joy, on the other hand, can be permanent if you know the source of joy.
Yes, I am going to tell you that joy is in Christ, but if I leave it there with out explaining, then you may just view that statement as one of "religion" and not life practicality and experience.
Christ is the source of all joy but only if we put into practice those things of which His Word speaks and in which the Holy Spirit leads. I talk much about dying to self and preferring others before ourselves because Jesus spoke often of those precepts as well. Not many are willing to die to self, but true and lasting joy is only available to those who will.
The world teaches us to "Go for the gusto!", "Get all you can and can all you get!", "Happiness is within yourself.", "It's all about you!", "What's good for you is good.", etc. However, the problem with those lines of thinking is that they are self-focused. So, if everyone is focused on themselves, then no one really cares about others do they? Some of you may say, "So what?"
If we take a good look at our world today, the moral condition of humanity is not so appealing. Why? Because many are practicing actions based on the aforementioned worldly thoughts. Where there is self-centeredness, there is no love and no joy. I will even be so bold as to say, "If you are self-centered, you don't even love yourself." That may sound contradictory, but think about it. If you loved yourself, you would want the real source of joy in your life and would be practicing those things which allow joy to flow, not following the world's precepts which lead to death of love, peace, and joy.
Before I came into a personal relationship with Christ, I too practiced the world's precepts of self-focused, self-centered living. I probably ranked close to the top if there was a list of those who were most miserable in life. I didn't love anyone, not even myself! I certainly had no peace or joy in my life.
On the flip-side, since I have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, I have His Spirit within me enabling me to love Him, others, and myself in a healthy way. I derive great joy in loving others. No, I am not perfect. I still mess up and get self-focused at times. But, when I do, the Holy Spirit convicts me and puts me back on the right path to love and joy.
How can we have joy by preferring others before ourselves? It is because when you are being kind and doing something for someone else, you are doing it for Jesus. When you live life in that manner, you can, with your heart's eye, see a smile on His face. I think He smiles the widest when we are loving and kind to those who treat us though we are their enemy. There is no greater purpose and calling in life than to serve the Lord, the Creator of all things!
You might say, "I am not about to be nice to some mean person who treats me like dirt." Then you will be robbing yourself. Bearing grudges and continuing the hate process just breeds more hate, more grudges and robs yourself and the world of love, peace, and joy. Proverbs 25:21 states, "If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink: For you shall reap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward you."
Note: In ancient times, a person would place a pan of coals upon their head as a sign of repentance.
Maybe you are in a relationship with someone who is totally self-centered and self-serving. So, you might say, "If I serve them and am kind to them, won't I just be adding to their self-centeredness?" That is a very good question. Loving a person does not necessarily mean we give into all their whims and self-serving desires. Loving a person is when you do what is best for them at all times. Sometimes that might require holding the tongue instead of unleashing it. Or, if the Holy Spirit leads (and ONLY if He leads) it might mean giving a word of reproof spoken in the spirit of meekness and love (See Ephesians 4:15). When that word of reproof is spoken, it will not be for a self-serving interest, but for the best interest of the person receiving it. I have found that most often the best way for the Lord to work in a person's heart is through our unselfish prayers for that person.
How badly do you want a life of joy, peace, and love? If you really want it, then as I said previously, "It is found in Christ." It is found in being obedient to Him in all things, especially when it comes to how we relate with other people.
If you are lacking joy in your life, how about examining yourself to see why and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you those hidden sins. Then, confess your sins, receive forgiveness and follow Christ. 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
No matter where you are in life, His grace is sufficient and His joy can be full in you. Choose from this day forward to live a joyful life!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The Joy of Justification
I think if more Christians realized what Christ really did for them when He died on the cross, they would live more freely and with more joy. It is my prayer and my hope that even though this is a bit lengthly, each of you will take the time to read it and believe what the Lord says about a believers justification in Christ.
Romans 8:29 states, "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren." So what does it mean, "whom He foreknew?" The word, "foreknew" is the word proginosko in the Greek. This words means to perceive or recognize beforehand. In Romans 8:29 it occurs with the verb proorise, did predestinate. "This foreknowledge and fore-ordination in the Scripture is always unto salvation and not unto perdition. Therefore, it could be said that the Lord never foreordains anyone to be lost, but those who are saved as a result of their exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ were known ahead of time and thus chosen unto God." (Ref.: Greek-Hebrew Key Study Bible)
I love it that the Lord foreknew that I would exercise the faith He gave me to believe in Jesus. Since He knew I would, then He chose me in Him [Christ] before the foundation of the world (Ref.: Ephesians 1:4). The same goes for ALL of those who truly believe the gospel and have exercised their faith in Jesus.
The Scriptures go on to tell us that since He foreknew us, He predestined us, "and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." (Romans 8:20) [Bold emphasis mine.]
The word, "justified" in the Greek is the word, dikailoo. "This word, to justify, in the New Testament never means to make anyone righteous by doing away with his violation of the law by himself bearing the condemnation and the imposed sentence. In the N.T. man in his fallen condition can never do anything in order to pay for his own sinfulness and thus be liberated from the sentence of guilt that is upon him." (Greek-Hebrew Key Study Bible).
We are set free because of our faith in what Christ did for us, and not by our own works; We are justified in Christ! It as though we have never or will never sin! The Scriptures tell us in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "For He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." Don't be afraid to believe that because it is the truth! John 8:36 states, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." [Bold emphasis mine.]
I really want to emphasize just what we have in Christ when it says we are justified. Romans 3:21-28 states, "But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for their is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forebearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law." [Bold emphasis mine.]
Romans 5:6-10, "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners,Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." [Bold emphasis mine.]
Romans 8:1 states, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Did you get that??? NO CONDEMNATION! When Satan comes to accuse you and tries to tell you that you are doomed, tell Him to "Take a hike, in Jesus's name" because you are justified in Christ and no longer under condemnation!
Romans 8:31, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?"
Romans 8:32-34, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect [Those whom He foreknew and predestined]? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us." [Bold emphasis and amplification mine.]
Romans 8:35-39, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, 'FOR THY SAKES WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.' But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." [Bold emphasis mine.]
Brothers and sisters, if you want to be free, have peace and joy, then accept who you are in Christ and that you are JUSTIFIED and glorified (in Christ) because of what He did, not what you do. Stop worrying about losing your salvation every time you fall into temptation and sin. You WILL sin in your flesh because the flesh is nothing but corrupt (Read Paul's speech on his struggle with sin in Romans 7:14-25). That does not mean to say that we are to intentionally practice walking in sin (Read Romans chapter 6), but to reckon ourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. We died in Christ and we arose in Him! It is time to take off the grave clothes and live!
A true believer, one who was given the faith to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and is exercising that faith, has been justified. There is no double-jeopardy when it comes to God. God foreknew you, so He redeemed you and your redemption is a sealed fact in Heaven, one that cannot be undone. If you can undo what God foreknew the God isn't God and you are without hope.
"For what says the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (Romans 4:3)
Romans 8:29 states, "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren." So what does it mean, "whom He foreknew?" The word, "foreknew" is the word proginosko in the Greek. This words means to perceive or recognize beforehand. In Romans 8:29 it occurs with the verb proorise, did predestinate. "This foreknowledge and fore-ordination in the Scripture is always unto salvation and not unto perdition. Therefore, it could be said that the Lord never foreordains anyone to be lost, but those who are saved as a result of their exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ were known ahead of time and thus chosen unto God." (Ref.: Greek-Hebrew Key Study Bible)
I love it that the Lord foreknew that I would exercise the faith He gave me to believe in Jesus. Since He knew I would, then He chose me in Him [Christ] before the foundation of the world (Ref.: Ephesians 1:4). The same goes for ALL of those who truly believe the gospel and have exercised their faith in Jesus.
The Scriptures go on to tell us that since He foreknew us, He predestined us, "and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." (Romans 8:20) [Bold emphasis mine.]
The word, "justified" in the Greek is the word, dikailoo. "This word, to justify, in the New Testament never means to make anyone righteous by doing away with his violation of the law by himself bearing the condemnation and the imposed sentence. In the N.T. man in his fallen condition can never do anything in order to pay for his own sinfulness and thus be liberated from the sentence of guilt that is upon him." (Greek-Hebrew Key Study Bible).
We are set free because of our faith in what Christ did for us, and not by our own works; We are justified in Christ! It as though we have never or will never sin! The Scriptures tell us in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "For He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." Don't be afraid to believe that because it is the truth! John 8:36 states, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." [Bold emphasis mine.]
I really want to emphasize just what we have in Christ when it says we are justified. Romans 3:21-28 states, "But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for their is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forebearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law." [Bold emphasis mine.]
Romans 5:6-10, "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners,Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." [Bold emphasis mine.]
Romans 8:1 states, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Did you get that??? NO CONDEMNATION! When Satan comes to accuse you and tries to tell you that you are doomed, tell Him to "Take a hike, in Jesus's name" because you are justified in Christ and no longer under condemnation!
Romans 8:31, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?"
Romans 8:32-34, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect [Those whom He foreknew and predestined]? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us." [Bold emphasis and amplification mine.]
Romans 8:35-39, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, 'FOR THY SAKES WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.' But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." [Bold emphasis mine.]
Brothers and sisters, if you want to be free, have peace and joy, then accept who you are in Christ and that you are JUSTIFIED and glorified (in Christ) because of what He did, not what you do. Stop worrying about losing your salvation every time you fall into temptation and sin. You WILL sin in your flesh because the flesh is nothing but corrupt (Read Paul's speech on his struggle with sin in Romans 7:14-25). That does not mean to say that we are to intentionally practice walking in sin (Read Romans chapter 6), but to reckon ourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. We died in Christ and we arose in Him! It is time to take off the grave clothes and live!
A true believer, one who was given the faith to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and is exercising that faith, has been justified. There is no double-jeopardy when it comes to God. God foreknew you, so He redeemed you and your redemption is a sealed fact in Heaven, one that cannot be undone. If you can undo what God foreknew the God isn't God and you are without hope.
"For what says the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (Romans 4:3)
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Wickless Candles
In today's markets we can find candles which are wickless. They smell good and look very much like a candle that burns, however they give no light.
It reminds me of the difference between those who possess Christ and those who merely profess Christ. Some shine light and some do not. Some are authentic Christians; they put off the fragrance of Christ and they have His likeness in their actions. They also provide His light for others to find their way to Him. But there are others who are professing Him, but don't necessarily possess Him. They have a certain "religious" look and can even smell like the real deal to those who don't know the difference, but they do not have the relationship with Christ; therefore they do not light the way for others to see Him.
You may say, "Well who are you to judge who is a Christian and who is not?" I am no judge at all, but I do believe God's Word which states, "Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore, by their fruits you shall know them" (Matthew 7:17-20) [Bold emphasis mine].
Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). It is impossible to shine the light of Christ unless He is indwelling by His Holy Spirit inside of you. People are not turned to Christ through religion, they are turned to Christ through the relationship we have with Him.
Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Jesus knew that if we truly love Him, we will trust and obey Him. By doing what He says, others will be drawn to His light like a moth to a flame.
Satan love Christians who profess Christ then live like the devil and he also is the puppet-master to many who are not Christians at all, but merely are going through religious motions and call themselves Christians. It helps his strategy when people turn others away from Christ in this manner. That is why it is so important that true Christians live their faith, honoring God. 2 Timothy 2:19 teaches us to, "Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." This is so that God is glorified and not Satan. The world can spot a hypocrite!
There is so much blessing in believing, trusting, and obeying Christ. It is not easy being a Christian. Many will turn away from you if you are walking your faith because Jesus said, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:18-19).
A person who walks their faith will even be hated of other PROFESSING Christians if they are not wanting to be obedient to the Lord. Therefore, it is very important when you come to Christ for salvation that you count the cost because if you are not willing to deny yourself, then you will fall away. Jesus said, "If any man comes to me and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost whether he has sufficient means to finish it" (Luke 14:26-28) [Bold emphasis mine]? Once you have counted the cost and determined that the future reward in heaven is worth it, then don't look back. Jesus said, "No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Matthew 9:62).
I pray that all who profess Christ will ensure that they truly posses Christ by surrendering their lives to Him. Then, go on to maturity by putting away the lust of the flesh and worldly actions. No authentic Christian should be like a wickless candle. Let your light shine for Christ so others will be drawn to Him and our Father in heaven will be glorified.
It reminds me of the difference between those who possess Christ and those who merely profess Christ. Some shine light and some do not. Some are authentic Christians; they put off the fragrance of Christ and they have His likeness in their actions. They also provide His light for others to find their way to Him. But there are others who are professing Him, but don't necessarily possess Him. They have a certain "religious" look and can even smell like the real deal to those who don't know the difference, but they do not have the relationship with Christ; therefore they do not light the way for others to see Him.
You may say, "Well who are you to judge who is a Christian and who is not?" I am no judge at all, but I do believe God's Word which states, "Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore, by their fruits you shall know them" (Matthew 7:17-20) [Bold emphasis mine].
Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). It is impossible to shine the light of Christ unless He is indwelling by His Holy Spirit inside of you. People are not turned to Christ through religion, they are turned to Christ through the relationship we have with Him.
Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Jesus knew that if we truly love Him, we will trust and obey Him. By doing what He says, others will be drawn to His light like a moth to a flame.
Satan love Christians who profess Christ then live like the devil and he also is the puppet-master to many who are not Christians at all, but merely are going through religious motions and call themselves Christians. It helps his strategy when people turn others away from Christ in this manner. That is why it is so important that true Christians live their faith, honoring God. 2 Timothy 2:19 teaches us to, "Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." This is so that God is glorified and not Satan. The world can spot a hypocrite!
There is so much blessing in believing, trusting, and obeying Christ. It is not easy being a Christian. Many will turn away from you if you are walking your faith because Jesus said, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:18-19).
A person who walks their faith will even be hated of other PROFESSING Christians if they are not wanting to be obedient to the Lord. Therefore, it is very important when you come to Christ for salvation that you count the cost because if you are not willing to deny yourself, then you will fall away. Jesus said, "If any man comes to me and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost whether he has sufficient means to finish it" (Luke 14:26-28) [Bold emphasis mine]? Once you have counted the cost and determined that the future reward in heaven is worth it, then don't look back. Jesus said, "No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Matthew 9:62).
I pray that all who profess Christ will ensure that they truly posses Christ by surrendering their lives to Him. Then, go on to maturity by putting away the lust of the flesh and worldly actions. No authentic Christian should be like a wickless candle. Let your light shine for Christ so others will be drawn to Him and our Father in heaven will be glorified.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Enduring Sound Doctrine
A soldier of Christ in the army of the Lord will be one who can endure sound doctrine. This will be part of our sifting, to see whether our fruit is genuine or not.
2 Timothy 4:3-4, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap unto themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
"Itching ears"...There are a lot of false teachings in the world and much of it has to do with desiring the gifts and manifestations MORE than desiring the Lord Himself. We have to tread very carefully in this area. Everyone wants to be blessed. I know I certainly do! And, we should desire God's blessings because He wants to bless us. But, we have to be very careful that we don't start desiring the Lord's blessings MORE than the Lord Himself. We must not seek His manifestations more than we seek Him for to do so leads us to idolatry of the manifestation rather than the worship of the Lord. Most importantly, we have to ensure that in whatever gifting or manifestation is taking place, it is pointing people to Christ and not to men! God only will receive the glory, not men or angels!
We must each ask ourselves: "Am I willing to receive the blessings of God, but not the correction and chastening of God?" If we are seeking His blessings, but refusing to remove ourselves from those things that poison our lives, hindering our fellowship with Him, then we need to ask Him to send us His Spirit of repentance to change our hearts.
Brothers & Sisters in Christ, we MUST be able to withstand even the hard words that God speaks through His Word. I admit, no one likes to be reproved or corrected, but God chastens through His love so that we do not stray from Him. Hebrews 12:5-7 states, "...My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord nor faint when you are rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loves He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives." If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons, for what son is he whom the Father chastens not?" If you are chastened of the Lord, whether it be through His Word or whether He uses another one of His children to bring you the message (Such as Nathan did with King David), do not faint, but be glad that you are His child whom He loves.
God will use more than one method to keep us on track. He will use His Word, His Holy Spirit, circumstances, and His other children. Galatians 6:1, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, let you also are tempted." We are to help one another not to stumble. This is not to be a judgmental type of behavior, but gently and with meekness we are to go to our brethren and help them back on track, considering our own selves so that we are walking the right path also. If we have a spirit of haughtiness or pride in the matter, then we need to confess our own sins first (removing our own planks) before we move on to remove the speck in our brother's eyes. If we are on the recipient end of correction, we need to respond in a manner of confession and asking the Lord to help us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. Let us all remain humble.
Brothers & Sisters, since there are so many false prophets and teachers, let us practice 1 John 4:1, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confessed that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God;and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
A great rule of thumb: If it tickles your ears but does not challenge you to grow closer to Christ, be leery of it. COMPARE ALL THINGS TO THE WORD OF GOD! The Lord will NEVER contradict His written Word. If someone is teaching you and you do not know whether what they are saying is true, ask them to provide scriptural reference; then go look it up and ask the Holy Spirit to work in your heart about it.
1 Timothy 6:12-15, "Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will bring about at the proper time - He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords..."
2 Timothy 4:3-4, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap unto themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
"Itching ears"...There are a lot of false teachings in the world and much of it has to do with desiring the gifts and manifestations MORE than desiring the Lord Himself. We have to tread very carefully in this area. Everyone wants to be blessed. I know I certainly do! And, we should desire God's blessings because He wants to bless us. But, we have to be very careful that we don't start desiring the Lord's blessings MORE than the Lord Himself. We must not seek His manifestations more than we seek Him for to do so leads us to idolatry of the manifestation rather than the worship of the Lord. Most importantly, we have to ensure that in whatever gifting or manifestation is taking place, it is pointing people to Christ and not to men! God only will receive the glory, not men or angels!
We must each ask ourselves: "Am I willing to receive the blessings of God, but not the correction and chastening of God?" If we are seeking His blessings, but refusing to remove ourselves from those things that poison our lives, hindering our fellowship with Him, then we need to ask Him to send us His Spirit of repentance to change our hearts.
Brothers & Sisters in Christ, we MUST be able to withstand even the hard words that God speaks through His Word. I admit, no one likes to be reproved or corrected, but God chastens through His love so that we do not stray from Him. Hebrews 12:5-7 states, "...My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord nor faint when you are rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loves He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives." If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons, for what son is he whom the Father chastens not?" If you are chastened of the Lord, whether it be through His Word or whether He uses another one of His children to bring you the message (Such as Nathan did with King David), do not faint, but be glad that you are His child whom He loves.
God will use more than one method to keep us on track. He will use His Word, His Holy Spirit, circumstances, and His other children. Galatians 6:1, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, let you also are tempted." We are to help one another not to stumble. This is not to be a judgmental type of behavior, but gently and with meekness we are to go to our brethren and help them back on track, considering our own selves so that we are walking the right path also. If we have a spirit of haughtiness or pride in the matter, then we need to confess our own sins first (removing our own planks) before we move on to remove the speck in our brother's eyes. If we are on the recipient end of correction, we need to respond in a manner of confession and asking the Lord to help us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. Let us all remain humble.
Brothers & Sisters, since there are so many false prophets and teachers, let us practice 1 John 4:1, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confessed that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God;and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
A great rule of thumb: If it tickles your ears but does not challenge you to grow closer to Christ, be leery of it. COMPARE ALL THINGS TO THE WORD OF GOD! The Lord will NEVER contradict His written Word. If someone is teaching you and you do not know whether what they are saying is true, ask them to provide scriptural reference; then go look it up and ask the Holy Spirit to work in your heart about it.
1 Timothy 6:12-15, "Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will bring about at the proper time - He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords..."
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