July 26, 2018
Anyone who has ever been in any type of relationship has had to forgive the other person ! The problem is why and do we really forgive ? When we get saved ALL of our sins (past, present, and future) are forgiven ! When your spouse hurts you and then you forgive them .... do you ever mention it in the NEXT fight ? Is that forgiveness ? This "Key" is so critical to biblical love that without forgiveness we would not have eternal life, any human long term relationships, no long term working relationships, no family relationships, etc. In fact, without forgiveness I believe society as we know it would cease to exist !!!
"For which is easier to say "your sins are forgiven you" or to say "Arise and walk"" ? (Matthew 9:5) In this verse Jesus is equating the healing of the body to the healing of the soul ! We also see that Jesus says "which is easier" leading them to believe that just saying the words "You are forgiven" is much easier than actually healing someone. BUT is it ? Jesus could speak health to the man but He had to die to forgive him ! Think about that. Forgiveness was and is so important to Jesus that He
was willing to suffer and die for you to be forgiven ! Is forgiving your spouse that important to you ?
"If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them ; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." ( John 20:23 ) WHAAAAT !!! Is Jesus saying here that we have the power to forgive sins ? Absolutely not ! What Jesus is telling the Apostles as they prepare to go out on their own is this : You now understand the truth and forgiveness, If based on their response to the Gospel they repent then you can know they are forgiven. If, on the other hand they do not repent, then you will know that they are not forgiven and are not saved. Jesus is not telling them to judge but He is telling them to look at their fruit once they have received the Gospel. This is exactly what we are to do ... be fruit inspectors.
" John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mark 1:4) We can see here that baptism does NOT lead to the forgiveness of sins, but is only an outward sign of repentance that has already happened in the heart ! This is a real problem for many people who think that because they have been baptized they are going to heaven. Nothing could be further from the truth ! Forgiveness comes from repentance. Repentance is a conscience decision to turn away from sin and towards God ! THAT leads to forgiveness. The same is true in our relationships. Forgiveness should only be granted when the offender has turned away from hurtful behavior and towards mending the relationship !!
There are many verses in the bible that talk about the connection between forgiveness and relationship and love ! I believe we all know the importance of forgiveness, I do not believe we all understand the consequences of forgiveness or NOT forgiving. When we get saved ... only God knows the condition and intention of our heart and therefor He is the only one able to decide if we are sheep or goats ! When we forgive each other we do not know the condition of the other person's heart. That is why Jesus says we are to forgive our brother 70 times 7. This is not a math problem we are to keep track of, it is a picture that when our brother asks ... we are to forgive. No matter what ! Unless we know for sure that their heart is not right. Remember : Do not judge....but inspect the fruit closely.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Goodness
July 21, 2018
In a bible dictionary is this definition of goodness : Praiseworthy character, moral excellence. The bible speaks often of goodness of God. (Exodus 33:19). God's goodness consists of righteousness, holiness, justice, kindness, grace, mercy, and love. Goodness is also a Fruit of the Spirit that should characterize Christian believers (Gal. 5:22). Christians are called to goodness, even as God the Father is perfect and good (Matt. 5:48). (Nelsons dictionary of the bible p. 438).
As we have said earlier, for every good gift from God ... Satan has a cheap knock off to appeal to the flesh as opposed to the Fruit of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:19 - 21 we can see a list of the "works of the flesh" as provided by Satan. In that list we will see the opposite of goodness. "Selfish ambitions" is the opposite of goodness. In verse 5:22 we see the list of the Fruit of the Spirit. The list ends with this "... And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with it's passions and desires."
In Romans 2:6-10 we see once again where Paul is comparing and contrasting "goodness". He is using the works of the flesh to show the difference. Although scripture teaches that salvation is not based on works, we see here that Paul is teaching that in the works of the righteous is goodness and not selfishness. "... eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality." Later in the same paragraph where he then contrasts this with those who do good for evil purposes. " -indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil ..."
Lastly, the first place in the bible where we see "goodness" is in Genesis chapter 1 where God says many times "...and it was good." When did God's "Good" and "very good" creation become not so good ? When Satan enters the picture ! So we can easily see that where "goodness is... Satan is not. Therefore, that explains why it is a Fruit of the Spirit and why it is a Key to Biblical Love ! Because where Love is... Satan is not !
In a bible dictionary is this definition of goodness : Praiseworthy character, moral excellence. The bible speaks often of goodness of God. (Exodus 33:19). God's goodness consists of righteousness, holiness, justice, kindness, grace, mercy, and love. Goodness is also a Fruit of the Spirit that should characterize Christian believers (Gal. 5:22). Christians are called to goodness, even as God the Father is perfect and good (Matt. 5:48). (Nelsons dictionary of the bible p. 438).
As we have said earlier, for every good gift from God ... Satan has a cheap knock off to appeal to the flesh as opposed to the Fruit of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:19 - 21 we can see a list of the "works of the flesh" as provided by Satan. In that list we will see the opposite of goodness. "Selfish ambitions" is the opposite of goodness. In verse 5:22 we see the list of the Fruit of the Spirit. The list ends with this "... And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with it's passions and desires."
In Romans 2:6-10 we see once again where Paul is comparing and contrasting "goodness". He is using the works of the flesh to show the difference. Although scripture teaches that salvation is not based on works, we see here that Paul is teaching that in the works of the righteous is goodness and not selfishness. "... eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality." Later in the same paragraph where he then contrasts this with those who do good for evil purposes. " -indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil ..."
Lastly, the first place in the bible where we see "goodness" is in Genesis chapter 1 where God says many times "...and it was good." When did God's "Good" and "very good" creation become not so good ? When Satan enters the picture ! So we can easily see that where "goodness is... Satan is not. Therefore, that explains why it is a Fruit of the Spirit and why it is a Key to Biblical Love ! Because where Love is... Satan is not !
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Patience
July 14, 2018
2 Timothy 10 we see Paul reminding Timothy of his suffering in different cities. He is attempting to encourage Timothy to stay strong for the long term. When in verse 12 Paul says,"Yes, and all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." He reminds Timothy that from all of his persecutions he had been delivered by God. From these verses we see that when your heart is with Jesus you will suffer and from this long suffering, patience is the fruit that is reaped ! This all because of love for Jesus. The same fruit is for us when we have a biblical (godly) love. Yes, we will long suffer but patience through love is our reward.
2 Peter 3 : 9 " The Lord .....is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." Here we can see that God is willing to endure much from us in order that in the end we are saved. Why ? God desires an eternal relationship with us who believe on His Son. He created us to have a relationship with His creation who choose to have one with Him. Because we are sinful He knows that we are not capable of godly love without patience and much help from the Trinity. While that work is being done in us, He must be longsuffering with the reward of us not perishing but receiving life from Him !
One of the literature truths used in the bible is this : when a matter is important it is repeated twice. Either word for word or idea by idea. In proverbs 16 : 32 we see an example of the latter. " He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty. And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." You can see the comparisons used to make the same point. "Slow to anger" is the same as longuffering or patience. So the writer is saying that he who is longsuffering and he who rules his spirit is better and mightier than kings and rulers. As followers of Jesus we should always strive to be patient so that in God's eyes we are better and mightier (in spirit) than kings and rulers are (in body) !
When we are talking about patience being a biblical key to love, there is no better biblical proof than 1 Corinthians 13 : 4. This whole chapter is known as the love chapter. It breaks down biblical love with a list of "is and is not's". The first three words in verse 4 show the close connection. " Love suffers long .." In any love relationship if we are willing to endure for the long term, the reward is a relationship. God does this for us and here we see that we should do this for our love relationships. This is completely different than what the world teaches. If you are not happy you should walk away and try to find happiness. God says you should endure the hard time until you find the relationship !
2 Timothy 10 we see Paul reminding Timothy of his suffering in different cities. He is attempting to encourage Timothy to stay strong for the long term. When in verse 12 Paul says,"Yes, and all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." He reminds Timothy that from all of his persecutions he had been delivered by God. From these verses we see that when your heart is with Jesus you will suffer and from this long suffering, patience is the fruit that is reaped ! This all because of love for Jesus. The same fruit is for us when we have a biblical (godly) love. Yes, we will long suffer but patience through love is our reward.
2 Peter 3 : 9 " The Lord .....is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." Here we can see that God is willing to endure much from us in order that in the end we are saved. Why ? God desires an eternal relationship with us who believe on His Son. He created us to have a relationship with His creation who choose to have one with Him. Because we are sinful He knows that we are not capable of godly love without patience and much help from the Trinity. While that work is being done in us, He must be longsuffering with the reward of us not perishing but receiving life from Him !
One of the literature truths used in the bible is this : when a matter is important it is repeated twice. Either word for word or idea by idea. In proverbs 16 : 32 we see an example of the latter. " He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty. And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." You can see the comparisons used to make the same point. "Slow to anger" is the same as longuffering or patience. So the writer is saying that he who is longsuffering and he who rules his spirit is better and mightier than kings and rulers. As followers of Jesus we should always strive to be patient so that in God's eyes we are better and mightier (in spirit) than kings and rulers are (in body) !
When we are talking about patience being a biblical key to love, there is no better biblical proof than 1 Corinthians 13 : 4. This whole chapter is known as the love chapter. It breaks down biblical love with a list of "is and is not's". The first three words in verse 4 show the close connection. " Love suffers long .." In any love relationship if we are willing to endure for the long term, the reward is a relationship. God does this for us and here we see that we should do this for our love relationships. This is completely different than what the world teaches. If you are not happy you should walk away and try to find happiness. God says you should endure the hard time until you find the relationship !
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Choice
July 4, 2018
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." In this very famous verse we see that God chose us ! This was not easily or lightly. Look at the verse it says "He "GAVE" His only begotten Son". He had to make a choice to give away His son ! Could you make that choice to give your life or that of a loved one for God ? God did that for us ... and expects the same choice from us !
Acts 1:22 ":beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." Here we can see that on the day when John was baptized He had to be a witness... WHO had to be a witness with us ? The Holy Spirit ! He has made a choice to be with us as a witness for Jesus !
Deut. 14:2 "For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself ..." Once again we see where God has chosen us for Himself. From Genesis to Revelation, God continually chooses us for Himself. Even as we ignore Him, sin, and worship other gods and otherwise turn from Him. Again this is a choice God has made for us ...and He expects the same choice and dedication from us for Him !
Psalm 119:173 "Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts." In this verse we see that the writer HAS made the choice for God ! One of the differences between God choosing us and us choosing God is God is perfect and we are not. However, when we fall God does expect us to continue to make the choice for Him every day ! That is what being a Christian is ... a daily decision to follow Jesus. NOT a one time choice to say a prayer and be done !
Isaiah 42:1 "Behold ! My Servant whom I uphold, My elect One in whom my soul delights ! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the gentiles." Here God is speaking and when He says "My Servant whom I uphold.." Who is He speaking of ? JESUS ! Here we see plainly that not only has God chose us for Himself but Jesus has made the choice to love God and to give Himself for us AND for the Father !
Romans 8:13 "For if you live according to the flesh you will die ; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." This is scripture that is talking about the daily choice we must make to follow Jesus. If we try by the flesh we will die spiritually. However, if we live by the Spirit, that choice will put to death the deeds of the flesh and we will live spiritually ! The key here is we must choose DAILY to live by the Spirit and not by the flesh !
These scriptures, and many more, show that one of the keys to love is choice. Not just our choice, but the choice of God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and us. All must make the choice to love. With this daily decision to love, the deeds of the flesh will die and we will live spiritually. We should celebrate every day that we have a God that loves us enough to give us a choice and a will to love Him ! God is good ... every day !
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." In this very famous verse we see that God chose us ! This was not easily or lightly. Look at the verse it says "He "GAVE" His only begotten Son". He had to make a choice to give away His son ! Could you make that choice to give your life or that of a loved one for God ? God did that for us ... and expects the same choice from us !
Acts 1:22 ":beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." Here we can see that on the day when John was baptized He had to be a witness... WHO had to be a witness with us ? The Holy Spirit ! He has made a choice to be with us as a witness for Jesus !
Deut. 14:2 "For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself ..." Once again we see where God has chosen us for Himself. From Genesis to Revelation, God continually chooses us for Himself. Even as we ignore Him, sin, and worship other gods and otherwise turn from Him. Again this is a choice God has made for us ...and He expects the same choice and dedication from us for Him !
Psalm 119:173 "Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts." In this verse we see that the writer HAS made the choice for God ! One of the differences between God choosing us and us choosing God is God is perfect and we are not. However, when we fall God does expect us to continue to make the choice for Him every day ! That is what being a Christian is ... a daily decision to follow Jesus. NOT a one time choice to say a prayer and be done !
Isaiah 42:1 "Behold ! My Servant whom I uphold, My elect One in whom my soul delights ! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the gentiles." Here God is speaking and when He says "My Servant whom I uphold.." Who is He speaking of ? JESUS ! Here we see plainly that not only has God chose us for Himself but Jesus has made the choice to love God and to give Himself for us AND for the Father !
Romans 8:13 "For if you live according to the flesh you will die ; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." This is scripture that is talking about the daily choice we must make to follow Jesus. If we try by the flesh we will die spiritually. However, if we live by the Spirit, that choice will put to death the deeds of the flesh and we will live spiritually ! The key here is we must choose DAILY to live by the Spirit and not by the flesh !
These scriptures, and many more, show that one of the keys to love is choice. Not just our choice, but the choice of God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and us. All must make the choice to love. With this daily decision to love, the deeds of the flesh will die and we will live spiritually. We should celebrate every day that we have a God that loves us enough to give us a choice and a will to love Him ! God is good ... every day !
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