And the Second Is Like It...

And the second greatest commandment is like the first, “Love your neighbor as yourself”, Jesus says (Mt 22:39; Mk 12:31) (And this love for self is also shown in the context of a marriage union in Eph 5:28-30, where the love for a spouse is equal -on some level- as love for self, since the two have become one.).  Jesus tells us, “love one another as I have loved you…” (Jn 13:34).  (He said this was a new commandment, but it was actually an old one [Lev 19:18].  It was new in the sense that it was a mark of the disciple’s bond created by Christ’s love for them [NIV note on Jn 13:34].)  We love because God first loved us (1 Jn 4:19).  Love ultimately comes from God himself. If anyone says, ‘I love God’, but hates his brother is a liar; because anyone who doesn’t love his brother, who he has seen, cannot love God, who he hasn’t seen.  So God has given us this command:  Whoever loves God must also love his brother (1 Jn 4:20-21).  Here, the term ‘brother’ is intended to mean mankind, not simply our siblings in Christ. But those who are followers of Christ should especially care for our brothers and sisters in Christ (Jn 21:15-17; Gal 6:10).       

The parable of ‘the Good Samaritan’ illustrates this love well, and shows us who we are to regard as our neighbor.  In the presence of so-called lovers of God, Jesus commends a Samaritan –a people who Jews were openly hostile against and considered both spiritual and physical half-breeds- over a religious leader (priest) and another lay person (Levite) to show that love has no national, religious, racial, etc. boundaries (Mt 10:5; Jn 4:20,22; Lk 9:52; NIV note on Lk 10:31-33).  It was this despised Samaritan who cared for a foreigner -who would’ve probably cursed him, if he had the strength (v. 33-35).  It was him who Jesus told his fellow Jews to imitate (v. 36-37).  So, my definition of a neighbor, given the context, is anyone who isn’t you!

And again, this is a commandment from God.  To show love towards men, who were made in His spiritual image, is one way of showing love for him (which remember, is second only to directly showing love to God).  This is true, just as failing to love our brothers is to show contempt for Him.  If you follow the first and greatest commandment, the second -which is like it- will fall into place.  Love for God and love for man are inseparable.        

  

The Greatest Commandment

Jesus said, the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with everything you’ve got, with everything that you are, with your entire being (all your heart, soul, mind and strength; Dt 6:5; Mt 2337; Mk 12:29-30).  Here, the heart represents an individual’s will and desire (Ex 25:2; 1 Sa 13:4; Lk 6:45).  The soul is our true self (our immortal being, while the body is merely a temporary shell (Mt 10:28 and NIV note).  The mind encompasses our complete mental faculty: memory, perception, reasoning, opinions, views, disposition, and mood (m-w.com).  And our strength is our power to resist, our attributes or inherent assets, our ability, energy, might, and vigor (m-w.com; 1 Co 10:13; 16:13; Isa 40:31).  God wants it all!       

It was necessary for Jesus to fulfill all that had been previously taught to Israel (the Law of the Prophets, which is the Old Testament in its entirety) by making clear its full meaning.  To fulfill means to measure up to, convert into reality, and develop the full potentialities of (m-w.com).   Jesus did this by emphasizing the deep underlying principles of the law and total commitment to it rather than mere external acknowledgement and obedience (NIV note on Mt 5:17). 

It’s this commandment to love God with our all –along with the second greatest commandment- that the Law of the Prophets hangs on (Mt 22:40.)  The love shown here, to the Lord our God, is primarily in view of the love shown by a subject to a king, because to truly love God is to be his loyal and obedient servant (NIV note on Dt 6:5).  God, our king, requires complete devotion and honor.  He commands us:  not to put anything before him, not to form any idol(s), and not to misuse his name (Ex 20:3-7).         

Our love for God will be evidenced by a life that’s characterized by service to him; the perfect example being the life lived by Jesus Christ.  However, we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Ro 12:1).       

Binding and Loosening

My purpose in researching this topic was as most people see it: as a way to divinely, and selfishly get my own way (Lord forgive me.), but after reading up on the ability to bind and loose, I’ve put it in Jesus’ intended context that he originally spoke on.

Jesus Christ himself has given us the power to bind (to make secure, refine, constrain, fast or tie together, take up and hold, protect, strengthen, hamper free movement of) and loose (antonym of bind; to free from restraint, etc.).  Although Jesus’ proclamation that the physical manifestation his church would be established by Peter does not apply to us, he has given us –as believers- the ability to bind and loose as well (Mt 16:19; 18:18).  Jesus said, ‘I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven’.  When we speech, actions, thoughts line up with the Word of God, which is the Holy Bible, heaven co-signs it!   But this is not an authority to determine, but the authority to announce (guilt or innocence according to his Word) (NIV note Mt 16:19). 

For proper context, in Matthew 18:15-20 Jesus instructs us on how to properly address a brother or sister who has sinned.  It refers to disciplinary action that should be taken when they:  1) have failed to listen to the single person who’s brought the issue to them in secret 2) have failed to listen to the one, plus two others who have again –approached this person who has sinned- in a discrete manner 3) and lastly, have failed to listen to the three, plus the church now!  If they are so far gone, Jesus tells us to treat them as the despised, pagans and tax collectors (basis for excommunication; see also 1 Co 5:1-13) (Mt 18:15-17).  What Jesus is promising here is his presence and guidance when such sensitive, crucial decisions to are being made to discipline an immoral brother or sister (They are proven immoral as evidenced by their decision not to listen to the reason of those who are speaking and acting according to God’s word.) (Mt 18:19-20).      

Once again, that wasn’t even where I planned to go with that, but I’m just being obedient to the Holy Spirit.  There it is.

Have Nothing to Do With Them

We are all called to be holy and sanctified.  But if perfection was the criteria for whom God allowed us to associate with, then we’d truly be islands, not dealing with anyone.  (Furthermore, how estranged would we be from a holy God himself?) So, I believe that the instruction not to have anything to do with people who are:  lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God should be understood as being indicative of the very character of that individual (2 Tim 3:1-5).  I believe that if the overall tenor of a person’s life is marked by sin -if it doesn’t surprise you that they’ve chosen to do wrong, as opposed to right- then these are the people the Word is referring to.  These are the people we should have nothing to do with. 

To some extent, I’ve found myself in the previous description.  I can work on being more self-controlled.  I have moments of pride.  And unfortunately, there have been times when I’ve put my own pleasure first.  But my life is not characterized by these instances of failing to meet the mark.    

The Bible tells us how to further indentify these people we’re to distance ourselves from.  They seemingly lead a life that is good and holy, with a reverence for God, but they lack the power of one who does (2 Tim 3:5; NIV note on 1 Tim 2:2).  They take advantage of people’s weaknesses (v.6-7). And they oppose the truth of God’s word (v. 8).  But the Bible also lets us know that they won’t get very far, because their folly (lack of good sense, prudence, or foresight) will be clear to everyone (v. 9).  God’s not trying to deny us anything, but it’s plain to see that he wants to save us from suffering the same fate as these people because surely bad company corrupts good character (1 Co 15:33).

Similarly, these people who do not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God (the word ‘retain’ is used here because the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men [Tit 2:11]), not only continue to do these things -become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity, are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice, are gossipers, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil, they disobey their parents; they’re senseless, faithless, heartless, and ruthless- but they approve of those who practice them as well (Ro 1:28-32)! 

The Bible tells us that these people deserve death (v. 32).  But thank God, he’s loved us enough to provide us with a way out if we’re ever so caught out there that we’re given over to a mind such as this (v. 28; Jn 3:16).  Jesus Christ (our way out!) who’s given the ransom for our lives, so that we can be restored into right standing with God has offered his blameless, unblemished, perfect life for ours (Mk 10:45; Ro 5:10; 10:9; 1 Co 15:56-57; 2 Co 5:21).  Through him we have the opportunity to cheat death (Rev 12:11).  All YOU need to do is accept the gift of salvation offered, by confessing that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead and you will be saved (Ro 10:9).  No, you won’t be perfect, but you will be saved.          

The Top Ten Steps to Success

10. Just keep trying.

9. Try to determine what is working.

8. Try to determine what is not working.

7. Try to find someone who’s done it.

6. Try to ask for help.

5. Try it again tomorrow.

4. Try it a little differently.

3. Try it once more.

2. Try it again.

1. Try.

Y’all notice a theme there?  I love this list!  I don’t know if you’ve seen it before, but I got it from a poster at work.  And being that I desire to live according to the word of God, I’ve grabbed instances in the Bible where people have put these guidelines for success to work; because unless these steps line up with the word of God, they’re just flowery words that will ultimately lead to failure, if one chooses to build on them (Lk 6:46-49).  Some in the Bible needed to apply many of these steps and some only a couple, but they’ve shown that with God anything’s possible (Mt 19:26).    

When Jesus’ disciples went fishing on the sea of Tiberius one night and were not able to catch anything (which must’ve been extremely frustrating considering at least two were career fisherman and nighttime was the favorable time to fish), they followed the instruction of a man that they did not recognize as Jesus to cast their net on the right side of the boat, and caught so many fish that they couldn’t pull the net onto the boat (Jn 21:1-6)!  Theses disciples decided to try once more the next day, after presumably fishing all night until early morning.  They knew enough to put their experience to work, but also had enough sense to know that it wasn’t working, and they then tried it a little differently.  And although Jesus was a carpenter, by trade, he was also 100% God and 100% man, lived a perfect life, and defeated death (Mt 13:55; Jn 1:1-2, 13; 2 Co 5:21; 1 Co 15:55-57).  Who better to listen too?  He’s done it all!  Although they didn’t ask the man for help, thank God they were willing to take his advice.    

Before his death and resurrection, when Jesus walked out onto the lake to catch up with the disciples that he’d sent forward, and they were scared -thinking he was a ghost.  He told them, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’  Peter then asked him to invite him out onto the water.  And at Jesus’ the word, Peter was able to walk on the water, as Jesus did.  But then, instead of keeping his focus on Jesus, Peter considered the wind, and began to sink.  He then called out to Jesus, crying out, ‘Lord, save me!’  And immediately, the Bible says, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, and said, ‘You of little faith.  Why did you doubt?’ (Mt 15:22-31)  Peter saw what was working, asked for help, tried it, saw that focusing on the situation wasn’t working and cried out (tried it again).  Imagine if Peter hadn’t trusted in the Lord.  Not only could he have drowned (It’s possible.), but he wouldn’t have been added to the two man list of people who’ve walked on water!

Similar stories are found in the Bible, where those who were casting out demons learned that if you don’t know the Lord for yourself, it can be detrimental to your well being to use his name (Ac 19:13-20).  David took the tools of his trade along with him (a staff, sling, and five smooth stones), as well as an assurance of victory in the Lord, instead of the bulky armor of a soldier (1 Sam 17:38-40).  And he didn’t need a sword either.  He just used Goliath’s to cut his head off (v. 51).  Timothy lead a successful ministry after being mentored by Paul (1 Tim).  And Job refused to curse the Lord during his trials, but in his affliction was restored twice the amount he’d lost after praying for his useless ‘friends’ (Job).

These people put forth a genuine effort to reach whatever goal that was ahead of them and were made successful because of their faith that they put into action (Jas 2:17).  And God, not being a respecter of persons, if it was doable for them, it’s doable for us through our Lord Jesus Christ (Ac 10:34; Php 4:13).

In Its Proper Place

(I don’t know who you may be sharing these posts with, but as the TV folk do, I’m going to put a disclaimer on this one and say that it does involve sexual content.  So, share at your own discretion.)

The main purpose of this blog is to ensure that lives are defined solely on God’s word.  And I believe one of the biggest problems for a lot of so-called believers is that their belief is in tradition as opposed to the Bible, which is holy.  They do things based on a modeled lifestyle of what someone else’s interpretation of Christianity is instead of following God’s word as the Holy Spirit gives it to them.  And if a person’s life is not characterized by the truth of God’s word, there will be internal confusion and conflict.  They’ll lack the faith necessary to please God because they’ve never, or at least not consistently, heard the word of God (Ro 10:17).  That being said, I’ll pose the question, Is sex outside of marriage wrong?  Is your answer based on assumption of what’s right, or on the truth of God’s word?

First, let’s get on the same page and define both ‘sex’ and ‘marriage’.  Sex in the context of this subject is sexual intercourse, which includes heterosexual, homosexual, and oral intercourse (Merriam-Webster Online).  In the Bible, sexual intercourse is defined as ‘laying with’ (Ge 4:1; Lev 18:22).  Marriage is the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband and wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law.  Since the Bible speaks of the necessity of a certificate of divorce, it is implied that a recognized marriage also includes a certificate of marriage, which renders the practice of ‘shacking’ or common-law unions unacceptable in God’s sight (Dt 24:1; Mk 10:4).  Some of God’s intentions for marriage are monogamy, free from adultery and intermarriage with the faithless (which includes those of other so-called faiths), between man and woman, and for life (although the only acceptable cause for divorce is marital unfaithfulness, which is a subject I’ll have to write about later) (Ge 2:24; Ex 20:14; 2 Co 6:14-18; Mal 2:16; Mt 5:32).  It’s clearly a commitment that God does not take lightly. 

Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but whoremongers, the sexually immoral, fornicators, and adulterers God will judge (Heb 13:4 KJV, NIV, NASV).  Man has the habit of attempting to exclude his own sinful behavior from the truth of God’s word by justification, which includes renaming sin, which was my purpose of combing biblical versions of the scripture above.  I want to get a tight grasp on this subject, so that we’re ensured that we’re in the right, as opposed to assuming we are.  Since the Bible is not to be followed by one gender or another, but all, I will eliminate any implication of one gender or another in the definition of these words.  A whoremonger is one who consorts with a people who are sexually promiscuous or immoral, whether it is for money or not.  Fornication is simply sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other.  Adultery is defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse.  And the sexually immoral, in general, includes those who engage in behavior previously mentioned, as well as homosexual offenders (1 Co 6:9). 

Just like it may not be necessary to announce that you’re a Christian, it probably won’t be necessary for a person to announce that they’re a whore, whoremonger, homosexual, adulterous, etc. (Mt 7:16; Lk 6:44).  If their speech and behavior suggests this, it’s clear that these are people we need to involve ourselves with only on the basis of witnessing to them (Mt 28:19-20).  Or they may need to be avoided altogether (Gal 6:1).  It’s not a sin to be tempted –Jesus himself was tempted- but it’s a sin to give in to temptation to sin (Mt 4:1-11; 1 Co 10:13; Heb 2:18).  This is a judgment of character, not a snap judgment bases completely on hearsay, popular opinion, stereotypes, etc., but sound judgment based on reasonable criteria, namely God’s word.  It’s the action that’s judged, not the individual.     

       

    

What Makes A Church?

There are many ideas of what constitutes a church, but it’s defined exclusively by the word of God.  Many believe it’s the structure where believers worship.  And although a place of worship is important, it does not define a church (1Chr 17:1-15).  When a structure is built for the purpose of worship, it has to be sanctified.  And the building is then desanctified for common use before it is sold, or before it is demolished.  The two ceremonies usually involve a gathering of the congregation and includes a prayer.  In the Old Testament the presence of Lord dwelled in tabernacles and tents, and on items deemed holy.  And God gave strict (consequence of death) instruction of care of them (Nu 1:51; 4:15).  In the New Testament the Lord dwelled among men (Jn 1:14).  And finally Jesus gave the believer the ability to be indwelt by the Lord upon accepting him as Lord and Savior (Eph 2:19-22; Col 2:9-10; Jn 14:23, 26).    

The church is illustrated as a body, with Jesus being the head (Col 1:18, 24).  Just as a headless body cannot live, neither can an assembled people that don’t collectively recognize the character, essence, authority, and the word of God.  The church is also illustrated as the bride of Jesus, who -in love- has given his very life for her (Eph 5:23-27).  Just as we recognize a tree by its fruits, a church is recognized by an adherence to God’s word (Lk 6:44).  While it’s true the church is made up of imperfect people who err, the essential character of the that assembled body should be defined by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and truth according to the Word (Gal 5:22; Jn 4:24).  And just as individual believers are to repent for their wrongdoing, it’s my belief that individual bodies, and the universal church should as well -where it is applicable (Mt 3:2).  It is my prayer that we strive to be holy, as God is holy, for it is our charge (1 Pe 1:16).  Let’s stay right, where we are right, and get right where we’re not.

Although individual churches may vary in interpretation of disputable matters, we should ‘make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace’ and at least agree that ‘there is one body and one Spirit’…’one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father…’ (Ro 14; Eph 4:3-6)

In Jesus' Name

We must first realize that the concept of name in scripture involves much more than a tag that identifies that person and distinguishes him or her from other people.  And, although it does do that, it also has a much deeper meaning.  Name in scripture represents the very essence of the person.  A person’s personality, character, reputation and authority are all wrapped up in their name (Reagan, learnthebible.org).  That is why God’s name is so often exalted in scripture.  His name is a declaration of the greatness of His person (Reagan) (Ps 8:1; 103:1; 113:1-3; 148:13).  And since God’s name is excellent, we are to exalt it in our prayer, our praise, and in the act of offering ourselves as living sacrifices everyday (Reagan) (Ro 12:1).

We know that Jesus was God’s living word made flesh, so to do anything in Jesus’ name is to do so according to God’s word, which is the Holy Bible (Jn 1:1-2, 14).  The Holy Bible is the personality, character, reputation, essence, and authority of our Lord God.  When David fought and defeated Goliath he proceeded under the direction, power and authority of the ‘name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel’ who Goliath had defied.  David didn’t take Goliath’s head.  It was handed over by God (1 Sam 17:45-46)!  Although God’s word hadn’t yet been made flesh, David still had direction, power and authority based on the word of the Lord.   

But now, we can only come to God by Jesus (Jn 14:6).  We are accepted and become God’s children and heirs according to the name of Jesus (Eph 1:5-6; Ro 8:17).  Anything asked in line with Jesus’ name will be granted (Jn 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23, 26).  Again, this isn’t simply a prayer that mentions Jesus’ name but prayer in accordance with all that Jesus is –his personality and character.  It is a prayer aimed at carrying forward the work he did, a prayer that he would answer (Jn 14:13 NIV note).  (WARNING:  This is not a magical way to get your way with God!  Pray with sincerity of heart [Heb 10:22]!  Misuse or failure to honor the name of God is blasphemy!)              

It's All About Who You Know

I overheard a guy making this statement while whining about his job search woes at a bookstore last week, basically expressing doubt about the possibility of getting hired.  I still kind of regret missing the opportunity to speak life into his situation, but sometimes people have a spirit on them I just feel the need to run from.  I can’t bother with negativity sometimes.  But I couldn’t help but agree with what he said though.  It is all about who you know.  If you know God, he’ll know you. 

The Lord recognizes those who recognize his Son.  It’s only Jesus Christ who has the power to intercede for us (Ro 8:33-34).  Those who know God (both in word, and more importantly, in practice) will be recognized by him.  But if anyone is ashamed of him and his words, Jesus will be ashamed of him when he comes to the Father (Lk 9:26).  The Bible speaks of God’s regard for those who either acknowledge him, or not, in light of Judgment Day (Mt 10:32-33; Mk 8:38; Lk 12:9).  But I believe our lives are affected by that principal on earth as well.  Those who honor God will be honored, but those who despise him will be disdained (1 Sa 2:30).  Israel forgot God, so with divine correction, he punished them by selling them into the hand of their enemy (1 Sa 12:9; Heb 12:11).  For all of us who are familiar with Israel, they had a habit of doing this, as do many of us today: They failed to acknowledge God -in one way or another- and in his love, God disciplined Israel in order to restore them into good standing with him.  Surely, a person cannot expect to be treated any differently than they treat a just God. Yet, he continues to show us grace and mercy.  He remembers us when we’re in a bad place (Ps 136:23).  And I am thankful that he grants what’s not owed!  But we’re warned not to tempt him (Dt 6:16; Mt 4:7).     

It’s not only about who, but what we know.  By faith, through Jesus, and with the Holy Spirit, we have power and authority on this earth to move mountains, and receive new jobs (Heb 11:1, Mt 28:18; Ac 1:8; Mt 17:20; 21:22)!  We have the ability to speak to a situation, and it must change Mk 11:23)!

Racism

It is so necessary to approach God’s word with a spirit of sincerity, desiring the truth, and to pray for spiritual discernment in this, because it blows my mind how much people distort biblical scripture in order to fit their own prideful and selfish ideas (Jn 4:24).  Racist Christians –a contradiction in terms- is a practice that has been accepted for far too long.   We need to be careful not to align ourselves with others (e.g. the Ku Klux Klan) who preach the hatred of racism based on a perversion of God’s word.  Racism is defined as a belief that race (a class or kind of people unified by shared interests, habits, or characteristics; a category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits) is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent  superiority of a particular race; and is also defined as racial prejudice or discrimination. 

So, what appeared to be what we know as racism today, in the Old Testament was no more than God demanding absolute spiritual devotion from his people.  Before God’s word was preached to the Gentile people, everything associated with them (their shared interests, habits, characteristics) was, in fact, sinful and spiritually unclean because they didn’t recognize God (1 Sam 17:26).  Their beliefs were at issue, not physical characteristics.  This is why interfaith marriage, then and now,  is considered detestable to God.  We’re told to not be joined together with unbelievers because righteousness and wickedness have nothing in common (2 Co 6:14).  There is no fellowship.  There is no harmony (v.14-15).  Again, the issue here is belief.  When the Canaanite, Hittite, Perizzite, etc. races (meaning nations or peoples) are spoken about negatively, it is because of their detestable practices (Ezra 9:1).  The people of Israel -God’s people- were identified as ‘the holy race’ because they were believers of God’s word (v.2).  It was their belief that justified them as a people, not their nationality, skin tone, native tongue, or any other superficial characteristic.  Again, God’s concern was that their mingling with foreign people eventually would lead them into unfaithfulness, and it did (v.2; Neh 13:27).        

A strict adherence to Mosaic Law, and cultural practices associated with it laid the foundation of the faith that would later be clarified -not abolished- by Jesus Christ’s teaching of grace in the Gospel (Mt 5:17).  God does not show favoritism, but accepts people from anywhere  that revere him and do what’s right (Ac 10:34-35; Ro 2:9-11; 10:9-13).  And since we’re to be like God, we’re told not to show favoritism as well (1 Pe 1:16; Jas 2:1-13).  If we do, we sin (Jas 2:9).  Don’t be like one of the experts of the Law who wanted to justify his own racist views (Lk 10:29).  Like the good Samaritan, we’re to treat our others as ourselves (Lk 10:25-37).  This is our charge:  to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything Jesus Christ has commanded us, according to God’s word, which is the Holy Bible (Mt 28:19-20; Jn 1:1-2, 14).       

Be Encouraged

Encouragement plays such a big part in the walk of one trying to follow Christ.  In fact, it’s absolutely essential.  Throughout the Bible, we ourselves are not only encouraged by God’s word, but charged to encourage one another as well (Tit 2:15; Isa 1:17; Eph 6:22; Col 4:8).  The writer (who we believe to be Paul) of Hebrews was divinely inspired by God to pen these words, ‘…(E)ncourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness’ (3:13).  Here, Today is contrasted with the Day (of ultimate judgment), so we’re presented with many opportunities to admonish (which involves warning and urging, in addition to encouraging) one another in everyday that proceeds our day of judgment.  For those who trust in the Lord, the forthcoming Day is not a looming threat, but an encouragement to, not only find joy in working for the Lord, but to admonish others to share in that joy as well.  For the Christian, there is no suffered loss, whether it’s Today or the Day (Php 1:20-26).  To live is Christ and to die is gain (Php 1:21).  How’s that for encouragement?  If you’re on God’s side you win, no matter what!

There is no real encouragement outside of God’s word (2 Ti 4:2).  Any other words spoken are just flowery and deceptive, with no basis, or promise.  Be careful not to accept negative ‘encouragement’, which we’re all susceptible to (Ps 64:5).  That is why we’re encouraged to regularly meet with those who are strengthening themselves in God’s word (Heb 10:25).  Iron sharpens iron, indeed (Pr 27:17)! 

It’s not only for the prophet, the gifted, or the seemingly strong to encourage (Ac 15:32; Ro 12:8; 15:1).  We can all be an encouragement, at least in prayer.  Remember, Job in his affliction had the heart to pray for his friends (who were supposed to be an encouragement to him), and as a result of his act of faith, he was then prospered (Job 42:10)!  It’s not only for the benefit of others that we should encourage.

God is our source for all things.  Through Jesus Christ himself and God our Father we have eternal encouragement (2 Th 2:16-17).  And if -and when- we become weak, God has a ready ear to listen to our desires and our cries (Ps 10:17).  With that thought in mind, I want to encourage you to go to Him who’s not only ready to hear you, but has all the power in heaven and earth to positively affect your circumstance.              

Salvation

We’re told that we’ve all have sinned and fallen short of what God has intended us to be -as detailed in his word, which is the Holy Bible (Ro 3:23; Jn 1:1-5).  To be clear, the word all excludes no one.  And falling short of God’s word is the definition of what sin is.  Being made in God’s spiritual image, we’re intended to be like God, who is holy, righteous, just, etc. (Ge 1:26-28; 1 Sam 2:2; Ro 3:22; 2 Th 1:6).  However, after the fall of man we’re all born into sin -meaning we have the propensity to sin, not that we were born with sin (Ge 3; Ps 51:5).  And the result of sin is death, and separation from God (Ro 6:23; Isa 59:2; Hab 1:13). 

There must be a sacrifice given for sin, in order to reconcile us to God, and Jesus Christ has made that sacrifice for us (Heb 9:22; Ro 4:25; 1 Jn 2:2: Heb 10:10-18).  He was qualified because he did what no one else did, lived a perfect life, free of sin (2 Co 5:21).  And not only did he lay down his life, but he was resurrected, meaning he has victory over sin, and the death that results from it (Ro 5:8; 1 Co 15:3-4, 54-57).  And through Christ we have the same power to overcome sin and death (Ro 5: 8-10; 6:6, 23; 1Pe 3:18). 

Since salvation has been offered, it is now for us to receive it by faith in Jesus Christ (Jn 1:12; 3:16-18; 5:13).  It is only by our belief in Jesus that we receive salvation, not by our works (Eph 2:8-9; Jn 5:24).  From sin, death, and separation to righteousness, life and reconciliation we are saved (Jn 20:31; Ro 3:21-22).  People differ on what’s required for salvation:  whether, or not, it is a one time deal or the reception of salvation must be perpetual, and whether, or not, baptism, or a confession in speech, are absolutely necessary (It would be a shame if a man couldn’t be saved because he was mute, or there was a drought.) (Jn 3:5; 17:3; Ro 10:9-13).  But the one thing that all scripture, regarding salvation, has in common is belief in Jesus Christ (Lk 23:39-43; Jn 14:6).  God, being just will only hold us responsible for what we know or have been given the opportunity to know (Ro 1:20; Rev 3:20).  

...Will You Not Be Accepted?

God does not show partiality or favoritism, but accepts anyone who chooses to show reverence for him and simply do what’s right (Acts 10:34-35; Ro 2:11).  He rewards those who believe in him, and earnestly seek him (Heb 11:6).  He honor’s those who honor him (1 Sam 2:30).  So, why is it that many people find themselves –like Cain- angry and downcast when the Lord looks with favor upon the Abels of the world (Ge 4:4-5)?

I believe they’ve chosen to accept Satan’s lie that it’s them who haven’t been accepted, as opposed to their paltry or lacking service, gift, or worship (While Abel brought God some his first and best, Cain merely brought some.  In other words, Abel brought tithes and offering, while Cain brought pocket change.  Cain showed his disdain for God in the way that he gave.)  And since they believe that lie, they consequently believe the lie that their brother is their competition for God’s love.  And degrading, insulting, or even eliminating their ‘competition’ is their only chance at being accepted by God.  And unfortunately, we see this played out in the lives of modern day Cain and Abels every day.  Insert your example here. 

No one’s perfect, but if you’re putting forth an earnest effort to please God, instead of man, by living according to his word, you will have people insult, persecute and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Jesus (Gal 1:10; Jn 12:43; Mt 5:11).  Daniel went through it, as well as the Three Hebrew Boys (Dan 3 and 6).  And David often prayed to God to deal with the folks who were after him unjustly (Ps 40:14; 63:9; 69:4).

We’re to rejoice and be glad when we’re persecuted because of righteousness because we’re blessed, and are rewarded for our faith in heaven, and on earth (Mt 5:3-12; 10:22).  When we follow God’s word, in faith, we have the opportunity to undergo trials with comfort and protection, and come out of them approved, unscathed, promoted, and prosperous (Dan 3:24-30; 6:16-28; 2 Tim 2:15).  We all suffer -in one way or another- but surely it’s better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (1 Pe 3:17).