Reese Barton's Blog: Living in Christ
July 31, 2024
a la carte
When you go to a nice restaurant and order an entree, the side dishes are usually ordered separately, or a la carte. Do you want the asparagus or the mac n cheese? The green beans or the mashed potatoes, and so on. Sadley, a lot of Christians treat God's word the same way.
They forget that every word of the gospel is written by the living God. He used prophets, disciples, scribes, and any other means He chose, but make no mistake about it; He wrote it. Period. It is the evangelical (or born again if you prefer) Christian's handbook for life. You either believe it (all of it), or you don't.
It isn't a fantasy football draft. You can't pick and choose what books, chapters, or verses you think are true and will serve you the best. God's word is exactly what it was meant to be. The ultimate Christian handbook to live a life holy and acceptable to Him.
It's meant to be read daily, studied, shared, but ultimately observed. The stories are there to show us the rich history of His love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace. That failure is NEVER final when we trust in our Lord and savior Christ Jesus.
Scholars often debate the time periods, but there is one thing the believer knows for absolute certain. If it's in His word, then it's fact, not fiction. His Word is there to guide us and equip us to deal with the world and all of its wicked ways. It shows us that throughout history he is always there for us, even when it seems as though we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death alone. He is there.
His word helps us to feel closer to him. It is designed to give us understanding and wisdom. It shows us that His love endures from generation to generation. Don't let the deceivers of this world distort its teachings. Don't let their doubt poison your mind and make you question its authenticity. Read it. Study it. Memorize it.
2 Timothy 3 16-17.
"16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Jesus died for you. Live for Him.
They forget that every word of the gospel is written by the living God. He used prophets, disciples, scribes, and any other means He chose, but make no mistake about it; He wrote it. Period. It is the evangelical (or born again if you prefer) Christian's handbook for life. You either believe it (all of it), or you don't.
It isn't a fantasy football draft. You can't pick and choose what books, chapters, or verses you think are true and will serve you the best. God's word is exactly what it was meant to be. The ultimate Christian handbook to live a life holy and acceptable to Him.
It's meant to be read daily, studied, shared, but ultimately observed. The stories are there to show us the rich history of His love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace. That failure is NEVER final when we trust in our Lord and savior Christ Jesus.
Scholars often debate the time periods, but there is one thing the believer knows for absolute certain. If it's in His word, then it's fact, not fiction. His Word is there to guide us and equip us to deal with the world and all of its wicked ways. It shows us that throughout history he is always there for us, even when it seems as though we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death alone. He is there.
His word helps us to feel closer to him. It is designed to give us understanding and wisdom. It shows us that His love endures from generation to generation. Don't let the deceivers of this world distort its teachings. Don't let their doubt poison your mind and make you question its authenticity. Read it. Study it. Memorize it.
2 Timothy 3 16-17.
"16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Jesus died for you. Live for Him.
July 12, 2024
Man's Nature VS God's Nature
“The man who is epieikes (fair, mild) is the man who knows when it is actually wrong to apply the strict letter of the law. He knows how to forgive when strict justice gives him a perfect right to condemn…"
- William Barclay
The book of Jonah is a prime example of man's nature versus God's. Jonah was given a command by God in Jonah 1:1-2 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” Jonah disobeyed and decided to take a boat in the opposite direction. God was displeased with His prophet, and in verse 17 we read that, "Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."
The fish then vomited Jonah out onto dry land and in chapter three verse two God once again tells Jonah, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” So, Jonah, begrudgingly makes the journey to Nineveh to deliver God's message, which was, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.”
Instead of ignoring Jonah's message, the Ninevites repented and turned from their "evil way," and even called on God for forgiveness. Verse ten tells us that, "When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened."
This angered Jonah greatly to the point that he asked God for death. He so hated the people of Nineveh that he did not want God to spare their life. He tried to avoid the place that God was sending him because he knew that there was a chance they might repent and be spared. Chapter four verse two Jonah states,"...I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love..."
Jonah's reasons were beyond selfish. Because Nineveh was Israels enemy, he wanted to see them destroyed. Jonah was a prophet of God. His desires should be the same desires as the Lord, to see others repent and serve God, but his human nature took over and instead of praising God for their repentance, he cursed them for it.
Man's nature is sinful. God's nature is love and forgiveness. In His word we see time and time again where His love and forgiveness benefit the Christian, but we forget about that love when we see our enemies. We forget that Christ died for them too. God's love and forgiveness is for everyone who accepts His son as the propitiation for our sins.
I have often heard it said that God loves us for who we are, but His word tells us that He loves us despite who we are. We bring to the table a sinful nature that longs for His forgiveness. Romans 10:9 tells us, "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Living the Christian life is a lifelong event. Challenges will come your way and Satan will find ways to throw temptations at us, but when we faithfully pray to Him and study His word, He will equip us with the armor to defeat our sinful nature and follow the path to a fulfilling life in His service.
Let His loving grace turn you from a man-pleaser, into a God-pleaser.
- William Barclay
The book of Jonah is a prime example of man's nature versus God's. Jonah was given a command by God in Jonah 1:1-2 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” Jonah disobeyed and decided to take a boat in the opposite direction. God was displeased with His prophet, and in verse 17 we read that, "Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."
The fish then vomited Jonah out onto dry land and in chapter three verse two God once again tells Jonah, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” So, Jonah, begrudgingly makes the journey to Nineveh to deliver God's message, which was, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.”
Instead of ignoring Jonah's message, the Ninevites repented and turned from their "evil way," and even called on God for forgiveness. Verse ten tells us that, "When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened."
This angered Jonah greatly to the point that he asked God for death. He so hated the people of Nineveh that he did not want God to spare their life. He tried to avoid the place that God was sending him because he knew that there was a chance they might repent and be spared. Chapter four verse two Jonah states,"...I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love..."
Jonah's reasons were beyond selfish. Because Nineveh was Israels enemy, he wanted to see them destroyed. Jonah was a prophet of God. His desires should be the same desires as the Lord, to see others repent and serve God, but his human nature took over and instead of praising God for their repentance, he cursed them for it.
Man's nature is sinful. God's nature is love and forgiveness. In His word we see time and time again where His love and forgiveness benefit the Christian, but we forget about that love when we see our enemies. We forget that Christ died for them too. God's love and forgiveness is for everyone who accepts His son as the propitiation for our sins.
I have often heard it said that God loves us for who we are, but His word tells us that He loves us despite who we are. We bring to the table a sinful nature that longs for His forgiveness. Romans 10:9 tells us, "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Living the Christian life is a lifelong event. Challenges will come your way and Satan will find ways to throw temptations at us, but when we faithfully pray to Him and study His word, He will equip us with the armor to defeat our sinful nature and follow the path to a fulfilling life in His service.
Let His loving grace turn you from a man-pleaser, into a God-pleaser.
May 29, 2024
The Blood That Forgives
Mark 2:1-5
And again, He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So, when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
Can you even imagine a God so loving and compassionate that He would forgive your sins based on faith in Him? That He would extend His amazing grace to you because He has unconditional love for you? A God like that is truly a God worth serving.
The unconditional love and grace of Jesus didn't end in that house with that man. Jesus loves us so much that He took that love to the cross with Him. He endured the brutal Roman practice of crucifixion, and at the end awaited the cross. They drove spikes through His hands and through His feet, and as He hung there bleeding on the cross, the compassion, love and grace never left His eyes or heart. And when uttered the words, "It is finished," He gave up His spirit and His blood washed over the sins of the world.
HE LOVES YOU AND ME THAT MUCH!
When he conquered death and rose three days later, He defeated eternal death forever. If you will only accept this incredible gift of salvation that He offers, then this life will truly mean something. He made us an eternal promise in John 14:3.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
And again, He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So, when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
Can you even imagine a God so loving and compassionate that He would forgive your sins based on faith in Him? That He would extend His amazing grace to you because He has unconditional love for you? A God like that is truly a God worth serving.
The unconditional love and grace of Jesus didn't end in that house with that man. Jesus loves us so much that He took that love to the cross with Him. He endured the brutal Roman practice of crucifixion, and at the end awaited the cross. They drove spikes through His hands and through His feet, and as He hung there bleeding on the cross, the compassion, love and grace never left His eyes or heart. And when uttered the words, "It is finished," He gave up His spirit and His blood washed over the sins of the world.
HE LOVES YOU AND ME THAT MUCH!
When he conquered death and rose three days later, He defeated eternal death forever. If you will only accept this incredible gift of salvation that He offers, then this life will truly mean something. He made us an eternal promise in John 14:3.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
May 2, 2024
Jeremy Camp - These Days
Occasionally I have the thought that I was born in the wrong era. My interests for different music and movies from the old west, or the 1930's, 40's, 50's, and 60's has me wondering if I would have been better suited for that time. But I know that my God placed me in exactly the right place at exactly the right time.
Jeremy Camp is a popular Christian artist who sang and co-wrote a song that expresses that exact sentiment. In the chorus, These Days, states:
I believe that you and I
Are in the right place, at the right time
God called us by name
And He doesn't make mistakes
I know we were born to shine bright
In a dark world that needed some light
Don't have to be afraid
Maybe we were made for these days
Check out the lyric video at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXWRU...
Jeremiah 1:5 states,
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you..."
He spoke these words to the prophet Jeremiah, but God was letting him, and all of us know, that He has a direct purpose for our lives. He has chosen to put us into this world at the perfect time so that we can fulfill His will for our lives, and His glory.
It's always fun to think about transporting yourself to a different time period, but never lose focus on the fact that you are perfectly where you need to be. His love and grace for us knows no end when we trust and obey His loving direction.
Just remember, where you can make the biggest impact and difference in His name, is right here, right now.
Jeremy Camp is a popular Christian artist who sang and co-wrote a song that expresses that exact sentiment. In the chorus, These Days, states:
I believe that you and I
Are in the right place, at the right time
God called us by name
And He doesn't make mistakes
I know we were born to shine bright
In a dark world that needed some light
Don't have to be afraid
Maybe we were made for these days
Check out the lyric video at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXWRU...
Jeremiah 1:5 states,
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you..."
He spoke these words to the prophet Jeremiah, but God was letting him, and all of us know, that He has a direct purpose for our lives. He has chosen to put us into this world at the perfect time so that we can fulfill His will for our lives, and His glory.
It's always fun to think about transporting yourself to a different time period, but never lose focus on the fact that you are perfectly where you need to be. His love and grace for us knows no end when we trust and obey His loving direction.
Just remember, where you can make the biggest impact and difference in His name, is right here, right now.
April 17, 2024
Live life color blind
I have always been amazed that there are still people in this world who believe that God favors man by the color of his skin. Some go to great lengths to distort His word to express this sentiment, but God is very clear right from the beginning about man.
Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..."
This verse emphasizes two important points. First, it shows us that God is not alone. He very distinctly uses the adjectives, "Us," and "Our." This signifies that the holy trinity is already in place before creation. God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost (Spirit) creates man in, Their image. Second, They make man in Their image and likeness. No where in this description, written by Moses through God, does it state; white man, black man, or any other nationality.
We are all created equal in the eyes of our creator. Any deviation from this is not God ordained, but man driven. One of the arguments has been the vast difference in the way mankind has been treated over the years because of the color of their skin. Again, this has been perpetuated by a society ignorant of God's love and grace. Jesus' himself not only warned us about Satan's presence in this world, but called him the, "ruler of this world."
John 12:31
31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
John 14:30
30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.
Luke 10:18
18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Satan was cast out of heaven because he wanted to be God. Theologians over the years have debated heavily on this subject, and most agree that Satan was jealous of God's love for mankind. When he was cast out, he decided to make earth his kingdom and wreak havoc on God's creation. God has given us freewill on earth, and we can choose who we serve. Jesus our king, or Satan (greed, fame, destruction, murder, etc...).
Hence, racism and hatred among God's created who choose to let Satan control their behavior. Each generation has made choices based on godly conduct or worldly values. This was not God's design for mankind. Genesis chapters one and two paint the perfect picture of paradise. Chapter three is the fall of man and their allegiance to sin over God. God's perfect world never had man judging man by the color of his/her skin. It was Satan's influence that started in the garden and has continued to this day. Over the years man's return to God's loving nature has slowly chipped away at that hatred, but not until the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will it be perfected once again.
Until that day we must continue to spread the gospel all over the world and profess the name of Jesus. Don't give in to the temptation of judging others because of the color of their skin. I have always liked the song, Livin on the Edge by Aerosmith. They sing:
"If you can judge a wise man
By the color of his skin
Then mister, you're a better man than I"
Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..."
This verse emphasizes two important points. First, it shows us that God is not alone. He very distinctly uses the adjectives, "Us," and "Our." This signifies that the holy trinity is already in place before creation. God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost (Spirit) creates man in, Their image. Second, They make man in Their image and likeness. No where in this description, written by Moses through God, does it state; white man, black man, or any other nationality.
We are all created equal in the eyes of our creator. Any deviation from this is not God ordained, but man driven. One of the arguments has been the vast difference in the way mankind has been treated over the years because of the color of their skin. Again, this has been perpetuated by a society ignorant of God's love and grace. Jesus' himself not only warned us about Satan's presence in this world, but called him the, "ruler of this world."
John 12:31
31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
John 14:30
30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.
Luke 10:18
18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Satan was cast out of heaven because he wanted to be God. Theologians over the years have debated heavily on this subject, and most agree that Satan was jealous of God's love for mankind. When he was cast out, he decided to make earth his kingdom and wreak havoc on God's creation. God has given us freewill on earth, and we can choose who we serve. Jesus our king, or Satan (greed, fame, destruction, murder, etc...).
Hence, racism and hatred among God's created who choose to let Satan control their behavior. Each generation has made choices based on godly conduct or worldly values. This was not God's design for mankind. Genesis chapters one and two paint the perfect picture of paradise. Chapter three is the fall of man and their allegiance to sin over God. God's perfect world never had man judging man by the color of his/her skin. It was Satan's influence that started in the garden and has continued to this day. Over the years man's return to God's loving nature has slowly chipped away at that hatred, but not until the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will it be perfected once again.
Until that day we must continue to spread the gospel all over the world and profess the name of Jesus. Don't give in to the temptation of judging others because of the color of their skin. I have always liked the song, Livin on the Edge by Aerosmith. They sing:
"If you can judge a wise man
By the color of his skin
Then mister, you're a better man than I"
April 3, 2024
The Sower
Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23
In this parable Jesus talks about the different types of personalities that learn about the Kingdom of God. He puts them into four different categories.
A Sower went out to sow (scatter seed for the crops to take hold and grow). As he walked toward his field 4 things happened.
1. Some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.
2. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.
3. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
4. Others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
The parable details for us the different types of people who learn about God's gift of salvation through grace, and what they ultimately decide to do with that gift. Jesus reveals the meaning of the parable to His disciples in verses 18-23.
1. The seed that fell by the wayside - When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one (Satan) comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.
Example: Someone hears the gospel through church, a friend/relative, radio show, etc... and the seed for growth is planted, but before they can absorb more information, the evil one creates circumstances to thwart that growth. Generally, in the form of a tragedy or a worldly pleasure that takes attention away from God's word, and the person doesn't revisit the cause of their excitement and it fades away.
2. The seed that fell on stony places - This is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
Example: There is excitement in hearing God's promise of salvation and eternity with Him, but before it can fully take root, it is stamped out by worldly persecution. Mainly in the form of others criticizing your newfound belief in God and expelling you from the inner circle, by treating you differently for your beliefs. You choose the world over God.
3. The seed that fell among the thorns - He who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
Example: You cast aside God for what the world has to offer. It's more important for you to fit in and be praised by the world then to conform to the life that God offers you. Money and fame trump grace and salvation. The world is your god.
4. But he who received seed on the good ground - Is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Example: The believer who holds true the love and mercy of the Almighty God and His selfless act of giving His only begotten Son, Jesus, as an offering for our sins. He/she puts their trust and faith in God's path for their life and honors Him through faithful service.
The believer is not a perfect human being. They will continue to fall, and God will continue to pick them up. Sin is forever present in our lives until we pass from this world into the next, but we come to Him with a repentant heart, and He forgives us because of Jesus' sacrifice.
He did not promise an easy life for His followers: John 15:18-25 outlines this principle. In verse 18 & 19 He reminds His disciples, “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 its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."
He leaves the choice to us. A few decades of world praise, or an eternity of happiness and love with Him in his kingdom.
The amazing grace of God allows the seed that feel by the wayside, stony places, and the thorns to repent and receive salvation at any point in their life. He loves all of us greatly and cares for us deeply. His love knows no end.
In this parable Jesus talks about the different types of personalities that learn about the Kingdom of God. He puts them into four different categories.
A Sower went out to sow (scatter seed for the crops to take hold and grow). As he walked toward his field 4 things happened.
1. Some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.
2. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.
3. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
4. Others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
The parable details for us the different types of people who learn about God's gift of salvation through grace, and what they ultimately decide to do with that gift. Jesus reveals the meaning of the parable to His disciples in verses 18-23.
1. The seed that fell by the wayside - When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one (Satan) comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.
Example: Someone hears the gospel through church, a friend/relative, radio show, etc... and the seed for growth is planted, but before they can absorb more information, the evil one creates circumstances to thwart that growth. Generally, in the form of a tragedy or a worldly pleasure that takes attention away from God's word, and the person doesn't revisit the cause of their excitement and it fades away.
2. The seed that fell on stony places - This is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
Example: There is excitement in hearing God's promise of salvation and eternity with Him, but before it can fully take root, it is stamped out by worldly persecution. Mainly in the form of others criticizing your newfound belief in God and expelling you from the inner circle, by treating you differently for your beliefs. You choose the world over God.
3. The seed that fell among the thorns - He who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
Example: You cast aside God for what the world has to offer. It's more important for you to fit in and be praised by the world then to conform to the life that God offers you. Money and fame trump grace and salvation. The world is your god.
4. But he who received seed on the good ground - Is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Example: The believer who holds true the love and mercy of the Almighty God and His selfless act of giving His only begotten Son, Jesus, as an offering for our sins. He/she puts their trust and faith in God's path for their life and honors Him through faithful service.
The believer is not a perfect human being. They will continue to fall, and God will continue to pick them up. Sin is forever present in our lives until we pass from this world into the next, but we come to Him with a repentant heart, and He forgives us because of Jesus' sacrifice.
He did not promise an easy life for His followers: John 15:18-25 outlines this principle. In verse 18 & 19 He reminds His disciples, “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 its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."
He leaves the choice to us. A few decades of world praise, or an eternity of happiness and love with Him in his kingdom.
The amazing grace of God allows the seed that feel by the wayside, stony places, and the thorns to repent and receive salvation at any point in their life. He loves all of us greatly and cares for us deeply. His love knows no end.
March 28, 2024
Confess & Believe
There are several popular theories about what it means to be called a Christian.
1. Is that it is living a good life. Being courteous, honest, caring, loving, compassionate, and a forgiving person, who treats others with respect and kindness.
2. Going to church a few times throughout the year, donating and volunteering to do charity work occasionally.
3. Not committing crimes or just overall being a good person.
All three of those theories should be a byproduct of Christianity, but none of them will make you a Christian. I'll even take it a step further. Let's say that you combine all three of those theories, and even super charge them. You go to church every Sunday, and even throw in a Wednesday once in a while. You volunteer once a week to help the less fortunate and donate 50% of your income each month to charities and the church. You stay crime free and maintain the reputation of being an exceptional husband/wife, father/mother, son/daughter, relative, neighbor, and friend.
It still will not make you a Christian.
You can even claim to be a Christian based on the above traits, and others will not doubt you at your word, because they can see your good character and works. You might even fool yourself into believing that's what a Christian is. Are you really willing to risk eternity? Your eternal soul based on good works?
Now that I've covered what a Christian is not, let's cover what designates someone as a Christian, believer, or someone who is a born again/evangelical Christian.
Romans 10:9 defines it best:
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
The Formula: Confess & Believe.
We can fool mankind and even ourselves, but you cannot fool Almighty God. He sees and knows your heart. Simply repeating a prayer without believing doesn't change who you are.
1 Samuel 16:7 describes God's power:
"...the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
He knows every part of His creation intimately. He created you to do good works in his name but gave you the free will to make that choice.
Good works will not get you to heaven. You can't earn your way there. It doesn't matter what your status is, how much money you make, how much charity you do, etc...
Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Salvation in Christ coupled with good works makes for an effective Christian leader among mankind.
Sin separated us from God, but Jesus paid the price of sin for us. He took our sins to the cross and defeated sin through death. Then He conquered that sinful death through his resurrection so that we could live a new life in Him and take part in His kingdom to come. All you need to do is Confess & Believe and start living the life that God intended for you.
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Confess & Believe is the only way to know for 100% sure where you will spend eternity when you leave this present world. He died for you, now live for him.
The fiery pastor and evangelist Charles Spurgeon said it best when he said:
"The grace that does not change my heart, will not save my soul."
1. Is that it is living a good life. Being courteous, honest, caring, loving, compassionate, and a forgiving person, who treats others with respect and kindness.
2. Going to church a few times throughout the year, donating and volunteering to do charity work occasionally.
3. Not committing crimes or just overall being a good person.
All three of those theories should be a byproduct of Christianity, but none of them will make you a Christian. I'll even take it a step further. Let's say that you combine all three of those theories, and even super charge them. You go to church every Sunday, and even throw in a Wednesday once in a while. You volunteer once a week to help the less fortunate and donate 50% of your income each month to charities and the church. You stay crime free and maintain the reputation of being an exceptional husband/wife, father/mother, son/daughter, relative, neighbor, and friend.
It still will not make you a Christian.
You can even claim to be a Christian based on the above traits, and others will not doubt you at your word, because they can see your good character and works. You might even fool yourself into believing that's what a Christian is. Are you really willing to risk eternity? Your eternal soul based on good works?
Now that I've covered what a Christian is not, let's cover what designates someone as a Christian, believer, or someone who is a born again/evangelical Christian.
Romans 10:9 defines it best:
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
The Formula: Confess & Believe.
We can fool mankind and even ourselves, but you cannot fool Almighty God. He sees and knows your heart. Simply repeating a prayer without believing doesn't change who you are.
1 Samuel 16:7 describes God's power:
"...the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
He knows every part of His creation intimately. He created you to do good works in his name but gave you the free will to make that choice.
Good works will not get you to heaven. You can't earn your way there. It doesn't matter what your status is, how much money you make, how much charity you do, etc...
Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Salvation in Christ coupled with good works makes for an effective Christian leader among mankind.
Sin separated us from God, but Jesus paid the price of sin for us. He took our sins to the cross and defeated sin through death. Then He conquered that sinful death through his resurrection so that we could live a new life in Him and take part in His kingdom to come. All you need to do is Confess & Believe and start living the life that God intended for you.
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Confess & Believe is the only way to know for 100% sure where you will spend eternity when you leave this present world. He died for you, now live for him.
The fiery pastor and evangelist Charles Spurgeon said it best when he said:
"The grace that does not change my heart, will not save my soul."
March 22, 2024
Don't be a feel good Christian
A feel-good Christian is like a feel-good pastor. They say the things that people want to hear, instead of the things people need to hear. These kinds of people, friends, or pastors due you no favors when it comes to living a godly life.
They are the ones who distort the gospel to make you feel better. They stray from telling you what God's word actually means, and instead they tell you what you want to hear. To the Christian, God's word is the definitive truth. It is what we live our life by, and any attempt to alter it is forbidden by our creator. It was written by God through many prophets, disciples, and Christian leaders, and is not to be mocked. We are told plainly in 2 Timothy 3 16-17.
"16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Christians/pastors who lead us astray by giving us false interpretations of the bible discredit the Word. When we are facing a crisis or we are questioning life, we need to hear the truth. We need God's instruction more than ever, not a watered-down version of that truth that makes us feel good in the moment but ultimately taints our knowledge of God's direction.
Feel good Christians/pastors also love to sidestep or dodge the issues at hand. They stay away from controversial issues to keep from being disliked, or they stay silent when His direction is needed most. Some so-called Christians even go so far as to deny Christ when really pushed by others to explain their beliefs. The God they know and serve takes a backseat, and instead of being the God pleaser they need to be, they become a man pleaser for the sake of popularity. Jesus Christ himself addresses this in Matthew 10:32-33
32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
When you accepted salvation, you accepted the Word of God as the ultimate guide in your life. We read it, live it, teach it, and admonish it over all other worldly practices. We are told to go out into the world and display His love, His mercy, His forgiveness, and His grace. We won't be perfect in doing this, but it is our mission and our dedication to Him that will sustain us in our efforts. We will need to constantly pray and seek the fellowship of other believers for support, but He promises us His eternal blessings in return.
When God does great, miraculous things, it is easy to believe that He is in control. When times are hard and trials are heavy, we need to believe it all the more.
-David Guzik
They are the ones who distort the gospel to make you feel better. They stray from telling you what God's word actually means, and instead they tell you what you want to hear. To the Christian, God's word is the definitive truth. It is what we live our life by, and any attempt to alter it is forbidden by our creator. It was written by God through many prophets, disciples, and Christian leaders, and is not to be mocked. We are told plainly in 2 Timothy 3 16-17.
"16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Christians/pastors who lead us astray by giving us false interpretations of the bible discredit the Word. When we are facing a crisis or we are questioning life, we need to hear the truth. We need God's instruction more than ever, not a watered-down version of that truth that makes us feel good in the moment but ultimately taints our knowledge of God's direction.
Feel good Christians/pastors also love to sidestep or dodge the issues at hand. They stay away from controversial issues to keep from being disliked, or they stay silent when His direction is needed most. Some so-called Christians even go so far as to deny Christ when really pushed by others to explain their beliefs. The God they know and serve takes a backseat, and instead of being the God pleaser they need to be, they become a man pleaser for the sake of popularity. Jesus Christ himself addresses this in Matthew 10:32-33
32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
When you accepted salvation, you accepted the Word of God as the ultimate guide in your life. We read it, live it, teach it, and admonish it over all other worldly practices. We are told to go out into the world and display His love, His mercy, His forgiveness, and His grace. We won't be perfect in doing this, but it is our mission and our dedication to Him that will sustain us in our efforts. We will need to constantly pray and seek the fellowship of other believers for support, but He promises us His eternal blessings in return.
When God does great, miraculous things, it is easy to believe that He is in control. When times are hard and trials are heavy, we need to believe it all the more.
-David Guzik
March 10, 2024
I, am a sinner!
Until I said those words out loud, I refused the help that Jesus was offering me. When I truly came to terms that I was a sinner, He invited me to explore the amazing grace and unconditional love that he offers us all.
Jesus came to earth as a man to experience all of the temptations and obstacles that we face on a daily basis. Luke 4:1-13 describes the temptation he faced by Satan for forty days and forty nights. Through His life on earth, He remained perfect because He never looked away from Father. He knows our struggles run deep, but He sacrificed His life so that we could experience an eternity of happiness in heaven when this life is over.
But He knows that while we live on this earth, Satan will continue to throw temptation in our path. In John 12:31 He describes Satan as the "ruler of this world." He knows that without Him we will continue to thirst for righteousness, and we will continually try to fill the void with worldly solutions that will always leave us empty and thirsty.
In John 7:38 He asks us to drink of the living water and thirst no more. He is waiting to fill the void that the world cannot. He offers everything we crave, Unconditional love, grace, forgiveness, true acceptance, and so much more. In John 3:16 God explains that He gave His only Son, and that whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life, and free themselves from the penalty of eternal death (damnation).
Jesus tells us in John 14:1-4 that he is preparing a place for believers in heaven for eternity. That His love is eternal.
Let His love save you from the bonds of a sinful world. Choose eternal happiness instead of the temporary luxuries that this life provides. Seek Him and you will find Him, and in doing so find the truth that you will never want to let go of.
Pastor Brad Powell of Northridge Church gives a powerful message in their "Encounters" series on the living water. To get right to the message after pushing play, go to the 26:30 mark.
https://www.northridgechurch.com/serm...
Jesus came to earth as a man to experience all of the temptations and obstacles that we face on a daily basis. Luke 4:1-13 describes the temptation he faced by Satan for forty days and forty nights. Through His life on earth, He remained perfect because He never looked away from Father. He knows our struggles run deep, but He sacrificed His life so that we could experience an eternity of happiness in heaven when this life is over.
But He knows that while we live on this earth, Satan will continue to throw temptation in our path. In John 12:31 He describes Satan as the "ruler of this world." He knows that without Him we will continue to thirst for righteousness, and we will continually try to fill the void with worldly solutions that will always leave us empty and thirsty.
In John 7:38 He asks us to drink of the living water and thirst no more. He is waiting to fill the void that the world cannot. He offers everything we crave, Unconditional love, grace, forgiveness, true acceptance, and so much more. In John 3:16 God explains that He gave His only Son, and that whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life, and free themselves from the penalty of eternal death (damnation).
Jesus tells us in John 14:1-4 that he is preparing a place for believers in heaven for eternity. That His love is eternal.
Let His love save you from the bonds of a sinful world. Choose eternal happiness instead of the temporary luxuries that this life provides. Seek Him and you will find Him, and in doing so find the truth that you will never want to let go of.
Pastor Brad Powell of Northridge Church gives a powerful message in their "Encounters" series on the living water. To get right to the message after pushing play, go to the 26:30 mark.
https://www.northridgechurch.com/serm...
February 27, 2024
Anxiety
It has a way of making even the most confident person feel small and weighed down with life's problems and worries.
It is experienced by everyone at some point in their life, even the most confident of individuals. There is only one surefire way to expel it completely or reduce it to vapors. Give it all to Jesus. Make Him your trusted savior. Cast all of your cares and worries on Him and watch as the stress and anxiety melt away and become distant memories. God understands that even after you give Him your life, that there will be times when the evil one will use the weight of this world to try and make you doubt your faith. He will use whatever resources are available to try and tear down your faith and trust in God. That it is when you have to "Hunker down" as my grandmother used to say and let God be the rock that He is.
Jesus talks about worry and anxiety in the sermon on the mount in Matthew 6:25-34. He reinforces that truth that we already know. God cares about you deeply. His love for you is eternal and mighty. If anxiety or worry plagues your life, then read that passage over and over to comfort your heart and soul. It is powerful and true.
In the Billy Graham training center bible, Billy absolutely says it best when he talks about anxiety by saying, "As your fellowship with God increases, faith will replace fear, and peace will supplant anxiety."
It is experienced by everyone at some point in their life, even the most confident of individuals. There is only one surefire way to expel it completely or reduce it to vapors. Give it all to Jesus. Make Him your trusted savior. Cast all of your cares and worries on Him and watch as the stress and anxiety melt away and become distant memories. God understands that even after you give Him your life, that there will be times when the evil one will use the weight of this world to try and make you doubt your faith. He will use whatever resources are available to try and tear down your faith and trust in God. That it is when you have to "Hunker down" as my grandmother used to say and let God be the rock that He is.
Jesus talks about worry and anxiety in the sermon on the mount in Matthew 6:25-34. He reinforces that truth that we already know. God cares about you deeply. His love for you is eternal and mighty. If anxiety or worry plagues your life, then read that passage over and over to comfort your heart and soul. It is powerful and true.
In the Billy Graham training center bible, Billy absolutely says it best when he talks about anxiety by saying, "As your fellowship with God increases, faith will replace fear, and peace will supplant anxiety."
Living in Christ
When you place your trust in Jesus and accept His free and miraculous gift of Salvation, it sends you on a path of fulfillment and purpose.
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