Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Christian Separation
The Bible teaches us that as Christians, we live in the world, but we are not of the world. We must become separate. The problem is that several of us Christians, yes me too, find ourselves like the Apostle Paul, going places we should not go, saying things we should not say, and doing things we should not do. Now we shall not convict ourselves becuase of our discobendience. We must use the pain of correction as a time to pray for God to Create in US Clean Hearts and Renew our Spirits.
The difficulty with the lack of practicing Christian separation, is that Professed Christianity has not been grounded with a Scriptural concept of being set apart unto God from the world. "But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is Godly for Himself" (Psalm 4:3). Our election by God has separated us from the sinfulness of the world. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you" (2Corinthians 6:17). Even as the LORD Jesus is "separate from sinners" (Hebrews 7:26)-- hating the sin, but loving the sinner-- we ought to conduct ourselves as those who "love not the world" (1John 2:15). "15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (2:15-16).
Even the Apostle Paul had to ask "why do I go the places I am not supposed to go, say the things I am not supposed to say, and do the things I am not supposed to do." (paraphrased) Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.(Romans 7:20) Instead of feeling guilty and being overwhelmed, the Apostle Paul was made aware that it is not his Heart but His Flesh that takes him places he has no business going , doing things he has no business doing and saying things he has no business saying.
Cousins, let us no longer become victims of our own persecution. Jesus was not sent to persecute sinners, but to give us salvation from our sins. At the time we begin to feel guilty about our lack of Christain separation, as we are getting low in the club or hanging out with out pot smoking frineds, remenber. God's Mercies are new everyday!!! Instead of beating yourself with the "oh no I should not have done that last night and Blame it on the alcohol...." Rememeber it is not the time to get depressed or wallow in guilt, but a time to pray for God to help you overcome your flesh, which is SIN!
The difficulty with the lack of practicing Christian separation, is that Professed Christianity has not been grounded with a Scriptural concept of being set apart unto God from the world. "But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is Godly for Himself" (Psalm 4:3). Our election by God has separated us from the sinfulness of the world. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you" (2Corinthians 6:17). Even as the LORD Jesus is "separate from sinners" (Hebrews 7:26)-- hating the sin, but loving the sinner-- we ought to conduct ourselves as those who "love not the world" (1John 2:15). "15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (2:15-16).
Even the Apostle Paul had to ask "why do I go the places I am not supposed to go, say the things I am not supposed to say, and do the things I am not supposed to do." (paraphrased) Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.(Romans 7:20) Instead of feeling guilty and being overwhelmed, the Apostle Paul was made aware that it is not his Heart but His Flesh that takes him places he has no business going , doing things he has no business doing and saying things he has no business saying.
Cousins, let us no longer become victims of our own persecution. Jesus was not sent to persecute sinners, but to give us salvation from our sins. At the time we begin to feel guilty about our lack of Christain separation, as we are getting low in the club or hanging out with out pot smoking frineds, remenber. God's Mercies are new everyday!!! Instead of beating yourself with the "oh no I should not have done that last night and Blame it on the alcohol...." Rememeber it is not the time to get depressed or wallow in guilt, but a time to pray for God to help you overcome your flesh, which is SIN!
Obedience vs Sacrifice
22 But Samuel replied:
"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Have a Blessed Day
I know that God is going to pour His Blessings out amongst all who call upon His name. Ask and He will answer. Seek and ye shall find! God's Mercy endureth forever. Yes. Forever. So today is your day for a brand new start. I think that you should Praise Him in advance for the miraculous day you will have. Hallelujah! Thank you Father!!!!
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
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