Baby Steps – John 3:3

 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3
    There’s a new baby in the house. And while we are racing about trying to cover all the bases, the child is just beginning to see, hear, feel, and taste the world around him. Every move; every sense; every experience is new to the child. And so it is with us when we are “born again.” To understand the concept of being born again we must first consider what is evidenced in the natural first birth of man.
    From the moment of his birth he begins to grow, to advance, to mature. He learns to go from milk to meat. He learns to go from crawling to walking. He learns to go from infantile utterances to articulate speech. And as his life begins in earnest he grows into an adult with an adult’s perceptions, understanding, abilities, and strengths. This is the linear process of human life.
    But what of our “spiritual life?” This is the subject of Christ’s conversation with Nicodemus. When we are born again we begin to see with a Christ-centered perception. Our hearing becomes Christ-centered. Our speech becomes Christ-centered. And our actions become Christ-centered. To suggest otherwise would be tantamount to saying that a child has advanced to adulthood yet hasn’t progressed from mother’s milk to solid foods, or learned to walk or speak properly, or heard the sounds of the world around him. And just as the child could not mature and develop without these advances in both his communicative skills and physical manners neither can a Christian mature who does not find himself Christ-centered!
    Being born again involves more than simply claiming the experience, otherwise merely responding to an altar-call or signing a salvation card would be enough for redemption. No, Jesus Christ requires more! He requires that we be like Him. “ . . . but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:15-16. To be holy is to be Christ-centered.
    Just as that new born is learning to walk we too are learning to walk . . . like Christ! We are learning to think and talk and react and perceive things like Christ would. All these things we learn anew. Our old ways must be put to death and our new ways must take seed, flower, and blossom forth. "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” - John 12:24. Our old selves must pass away for our new birth to take effect. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17.
    May we all recognize that we are new creatures in Jesus Christ and let that knowledge be reflected in our walk with Him.

The New and Improved Gospel? - Acts 13:45

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. - Acts 13:45

    But why? Why would the Jews be full of envy, contradiction, blasphemy, and opposition to what Paul was saying? Perhaps the previous verse alone will provide us with a reason - “On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.” - Acts 13:44. Almost the whole city! It is clear that even in the early days of the church people hungered for the Word. Despite antagonism and persecution, people still wanted to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Is it possible then that the Word of Faith movement and the consequent Health, Wealth, and Prosperity ministries are filled with the same kind of envy today?
    It is clear that Paul taught a no-nonsense gospel which accurately preached the difficulty in following Christ. “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:10. No where and at no time did Paul ever preach that following Christ would be as easy as responding to an altar call, signing a prayer card, or repeating a salvation prayer! Neither did Paul ever preach that as Christians we could have every expectation of worldly health or wealth if we merely “spoke” it into action. But almost the whole city came out to hear the word of God! So the wolves in sheep’s clothing say, “There simply has to be a way to capitalize on such a potential for our ‘personal aggrandizement and success.’ But then there is that pesky gospel which speaks of infirmities, reproaches, needs, persecutions, and distresses. That could certainly get in the way of our grand plans. Ahaa! We’ll simply change the message. We’ll ‘improve’ it to suit our needs. People will flock to accept our ‘proprietary brand’ of the Good Word. There won’t be any more needs or human frailties when they respond to our altar call. We’ll convince them that they can have it all.”
    And what happens when the health and prosperity is not forthcoming? These false teachers lead their followers to bitter disappointment when the promises given are not fulfilled. And it is usually blamed upon a lack of faith in the believer or at it’s worst - God! Men and women like Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Crefalo Dolar, Benny Hinn, and Rod Parsley cannot (and DO NOT) muster the providence of God Almighty and bestow it upon the deceived. These modern charlatans exhibit all the same satanic shortcomings that the Jews did in Paul’s day: envy, contradiction, blasphemy, and opposition to the true word of God, all because they recognized the people’s desire to know Jesus Christ! They recognize it and have chosen to market it! Is it possible that there is something they have missed, a point in holy scripture that warns against such bold and arrogant articulation of a false gospel?
    “Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?” Hebrews 10:29.
    May we always keep our hearts and minds focused on the truly Good News of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, despite the satanic murmurings of false teachers.

Molehills and Mountains - Ephesians 4:14

. . . that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting . . . - Ephesians 4:14

    Thankfully I can say that it is not often that I see questions posted in this community which tend to be on the chaffing side of the Christian walk. These questions do not  outright challenge the foundations of our faith yet they are cleverly manipulated inquiries designed to sow discord. The answers to most of such questions are readily available in nearly any basic book on Christian theology.
    The test, as it were, seems to be either to draw us into a fruitless conversation about basic truths we all understand as Christians or to undermine and create doubts as to what we believe. For the life of me I cannot see how presenting such loaded questions accomplishes anything more than splitting hairs about the less important doctrines we either hold or reject. What kind of music is appropriate for worship? Which form of baptism is the correct form?  How often must we celebrate the Lord’s Supper? Is it sinful for a Christian to drink alcohol? These and a myriad of other inconsequential questions rise on occasion, and I thank the Lord it is only on occasion!
    Some might disagree with me that such questions have no place in the edification of fellow believers; however, when it comes to simple doctrinal disputes and differences,  molehills can quickly become mountains if we are not careful.
    “Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.” - Philippians 3:15-16. As believers we must concentrate on what Christ has provided for us through the grace of God: salvation! Edifying one another is not up for dispute; it is our role as Christians to encourage one another, not sow discord. “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” - Romans 14:19.
    And what of those who choose to distract us with their clever machinations?
    “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.” - 1 Timothy 6:3-5.
    May we always be more motivated by Christian love to move toward edification rather than conflict.

The Arrogance of Doubt - Isaiah 55:8

 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.”
- Isaiah 55:8

    Doubt. It was one of the most common human misgivings about God. For the unsaved - for those who do not believe - it is not unusual that they would question the very power, the very existence of God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. And so when a tragedy like 911 occurs, or the shootings at Columbine or Newtown, or the beheading of innocent men at the hands of Muslim extremists . . . or the death of a loved one, many are quick to question why God would allow such things to happen.
    By our human sin-nature we have been programmed to believe that we can deduce the reason for anything that happens in the world; so when something happens that we simply can’t explain it is difficult for us to process. And far too often we avoid the old principle known as Occam’s Razor (and I am paraphrasing): when multiple explanations are given, the simplest (and most obvious) one is usually correct. The reason we avoid coming to conclusions based on the O.R. principle is because God is all too often the answer! But herein lies the conundrum for most people, believers included - why would an all-powerful and all-loving God allow terrible tragedies to occur? It is within these moments of doubt that our arrogance rises.
    ‘Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.’ - Deuteronomy 32:39. Never wonder; never doubt; never conspire to discover “why.” It is the epitome of arrogance for us to question God’s intent or motives. How dare we do so? Such behavior suggests we are sovereign, not God! Regardless of our pain, bewilderment, and anguish we must remember that God is in charge; God is in control; God has a plan and those plans often lead us to moments of consternation.
    Yes, God has ordains all that takes place in the universe . . . including the evil that overcomes us at times. The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. - Proverbs 16:4. We cannot understand it nor are we supposed to in our lifetimes. Lest we forget - there are many who will never understand even the obvious. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” - Deuteronomy 29:29.
    We must remember that God is all the time working for righteousness and goodness throughout His creation. If we remain faithful to our calling we shall also remember - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28. We may not realize it at the time but we must remain faithful to the end. God will never abandon those who have faith in Jesus Christ! “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” - 1 Peter 4:12-13.
    Jesus Christ has given us His solemn promise: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33. Have faith in the Lord. Those who don’t will forever flounder in the morass of doubt and condemnation. In their arrogance, they will shake their fist at heaven and demand answers that will forever escape them.
    The day will surely come when the faithful will find rest in God’s assurance - “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” - Revelation 21:4.
    For those of us who believe and have faith in God we already have the answer that all too often eludes those who deny Him. God has already explained Himself, though he need never do so - “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:9
     May our doubts and misgivings forever be quenched by our everlasting faith in Jesus Christ.

To Glorify God? - 1 Corinthians 10:31

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. -
1 Corinthians 10:31

    Indeed, what does it mean to glorify God? I think of the concept and even say it often enough but do I truly understand what it is to glorify God? The term “glorify” coming from the Hebrew and the Greek are reflected in the words: great, heavy, honor and magnify. Glory is therefore something of great value. Glory, in Greek, comes from dóksa (dokeō). This is where “doxology” comes from: to praise God.
    So when we worship or pray we are glorifying God, yes? But the apostle isn’t talking about worshiping or prayer. He is saying “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” and he prefaces this command with a mention of eating or drinking. So it is safe to say, in fact, it is crucial to say that everything we do should be done to the glory of God! Whether it is the way we eat or drink or speak or dress or conduct ourselves we are to do it all to the glory of God. And that, brothers and sisters, includes all modes of self-expression. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
- Colossians 3:17.
    So if we are to glorify God in all we do are we doing so in our daily lives or merely on Sunday, if at all? What ramifications does the command to glorify God have for us Christians in the 21st Century? Certainly there are many forms of  self-expression available to us in these days of Godlessness that in all probability do not “glorify God.” I believe it is incumbent upon us to re-evaluate those forms we deem harmless, or simply feel entitled to, despite scriptural notification. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. -
1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
    May we all begin again today to reflect upon the holiness and splendor of our God who has lovingly saved us through the blood of His own son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Blindfold of Satan - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

    It has been truthfully revealed to us that in the flesh we can do nothing to approach God. Our flesh is merely the outward sign of death, both physical and spiritual. This is the result of being born with “the sin nature.” Thanks to Adam’s failure to obey God’s command in the Garden of Eden we, as his descendants, all share one thing in common as human beings. It isn’t our language, our race, our ethnicity or any other physical human trait: it is the sin nature. So we are all born into this worldly life as equals . . . in sin. Unless we are quickened by the Holy Spirit we will all die in that sin. Why?
    First, as I stated , we all share the sin nature from birth. But there is another factor that stands in the way of our coming to Christ - the blindfold of Satan! Satan uses everything in his power to keep us from seeing the light of God’s grace. The devil knows that if he can keep us distracted with things of the flesh we will remain disinclined to seek God, and his plan has worked well since the dawn of time. “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” - John 1:5.
    So we run from the glory that is God because Satan has blinded us to “the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) When the holy Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached to us we hide our eyes and close our ears and our hearts just as the devil has taught us. “Give me the world and the things that are of the world; things I can understand! We cry. Why? Because Satan has blinded us. We are born with no desire to see God and Satan reinforces that commitment to the flesh! “How then,” you ask, “is anyone saved?” - by the grace of God and only by the grace of God.
    Since we are dead in sin we cannot possibly do anything to save ourselves. God chooses to save us and accomplishes His heavenly will through the intervention of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit quickens us and regenerates us into faithful believers in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Unless the Holy Spirit steps in to change our sinful hearts there can be no salvation.
This is the only way to salvation: the regeneration of the heart so that we come to believe and have a living faith in Jesus Christ. God chooses us; the Holy Spirit regenerates our hearts; Christ pays the price for our blindness and we are then free to see the glory of God! God - the Holy Spirit - Jesus Christ: this is grace. We don’t have to do anything; we can not do anything; we are powerless to do anything. The Holy Spirit, acting on God the Father’s behalf will open our eyes and our hearts to the saving act of self-sacrifice that Jesus Christ, God incarnate, provided for our eternal salvation.
    “How does this happen,” you ask? If your question comes from your sincere desire to know God . . . it has begun. The Holy Spirit has begun His work in you. Praise God for His love and grace! Others will walk away when you stay to hear that subtle voice in your heart. They will follow the flesh and blindly seek all the world has to offer. The blind of this world will walk unwittingly in darkness toward the pit, the lake of fire, but you walk in the light of Jesus Christ.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light  (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),  finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” - Ephesians 5:8-10.
    May we all walk as children of light; it is both pleasing and acceptable to the Lord.
   

A Godly Civilized Life - 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. - 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

    Recent events reveal an America that no longer cares to work for its own bread. Street riots, violence for the sake of violence, destruction of other’s property, and the pillaging of other’s goods are earmarks of a society which no longer cares about the Godly ideas of living an orderly life, earning their own bread, or walking in Christian humility. And any man or woman bearing the Christian title, "Reverend" who supports such violent civil disobedience is no Christian, but merely a false teacher!
    Detractors of the above statement will be quick to insist that the law enforcement officers in the lead-up to such instances routinely overstep their authority and are prejudicial in serving justice. But if those citizens most often engaged in such disorderly conduct were to follow Paul’s straightforward and clearly understandable commands would such violent confrontations still occur? How? How could they possibly occur if people followed the simple rules Paul set forth in his letters to the Thessalonians.
    “ . . . that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:11 -12. Let’s take Paul’s message in its natural order: “aspire to lead a quiet life” - Paul is simply advising us that conflict and uproar do nor serve God’s ultimate purpose for our lives. “mind your own business” - more trouble is caused by people who tend to place their attention everywhere but where it belongs. We need to exemplify the Christian life by attending more to the Godly things in this life and less to the worldly! “work with your own hands” - every man or woman who is capable of working should be working, not making excuses why they can’t or won’t work. There is a  twofold result that comes from putting Paul’s advice to the test: first, not only do you show those around you that the Christian lifestyle is marked by responsible behavior including dutiful employment. Secondly, such a civil behavior and work ethic results in a man or a woman being able to “eat their own bread” as well as glorify God in the process. I’m sure that the smashing of windows and the pillaging of buildings has never glorified our Almighty God . . . and it never will! There is no social gospel at play in the world. There is no Black Liberation Theology. There is no Feminist Theology. There is no Gay Theology. God has never ordained such heresies. There is only the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us pray that all those who seek heaven take 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 to heart so that we can be what we should be in the eyes of our neighbors, but most  importantly in the eyes of our Lord, Jesus Christ.