God has done His part and more. He has created us, given us much in this life, given us a spirit and His Spirit, His Word, forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice, and everlasting life. Now we must do our part. What does the Bible say for us to do? I could never give a complete answer, but here are a few things:
Luke 5:7, Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi and said, "Follow Me." We must follow Jesus.
1 Corinthians 11:24, Jesus taught His disciples to take the Lord's Supper, "Do this in remembrance of Me." We are to take the Lord's Supper. I do it every week.
Hebrews 10:24, "let us consider one another....not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." We are taught to assemble with other Christians.
Acts 17:10-11, the Bereans "searched the scriptures daily." We should study our Bibles.
James 5:16 says, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Pray.
1 John 2:10, "He who loves his brother abides in the light.." We must love our brother.
James 1:22, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only." We must be doers, not just hearers or talkers or dreamers or whatever.
James 1:27, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."
I'm sure this could go on and on, but let's don't. None of us is perfect, but let's try to be; to be more like Jesus, to "do" what He wants us to do. Hey, thanks for reading, for joining me here. Feel the love.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Question on Judgment
So I received a question on Judgment. Why is it that all people, even Christians, will be judged when this life is over? Shouldn't Christians be automatically saved?
I want to start by saying some disclosures like, hey, I don't claim to know everything, and likely God hasn't revealed everything regarding judgment and Heaven. But, still, the Bible gives us answers so let's look at some (there must be a thousand ways to answer this, but here is mine):
Yes, there is a judgment coming:
Matt. 5:22 "Whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment."
"Day of Judgment"--Matt. 10:15 and 2 Peter 2:9
1 John 4:17 "We may have boldness in the Day of Judgment."
Read Matt. 10:31-46 where it concludes, "But these will go into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
But if Christians have been saved, will they, and why will they, have to face judgment? (Before giving some verses, let me interject that ALL of the epistles (letters) from Romans on through the New Testament are written to Christians. So when we read warnings to not fall away, beware of sin, etc., the lesson is to those who have become Christians.)
A Christian can be tempted, can go back to sin and be lost--1 Cor. 10:12-13.
James 1:12-27--Even the Christian can fall; we must endure temptation.
2 John 8--"Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward."
And finally, the book of Hebrews gives many warnings to the Christian: 2:1, "lest we drift away." 3:12, "departing from the living God." 5:1, "you have become dull of hearing." 10:26, "If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins."
Thus, after we have become Christians, we must still resist temptation. We must continue to follow Jesus rather than Satan. And we must stand before God in the final judgment. But if we are sincerely trying to follow Jesus, we don't have to fear judgment. Note 1 John 5:13, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
My conclusion to all of this is that there must be a balance. Yes, we are saved by the blood of Jesus, the grace of God. But we must do our part as well.....and will be judged on whether we did so. He says, "Ask and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and...." We must do our part. Perhaps in the next posting we will look at specific things that we are to do. But meanwhile, thanks for reading and sharing these thoughts with me. Love and peace......
I want to start by saying some disclosures like, hey, I don't claim to know everything, and likely God hasn't revealed everything regarding judgment and Heaven. But, still, the Bible gives us answers so let's look at some (there must be a thousand ways to answer this, but here is mine):
Yes, there is a judgment coming:
Matt. 5:22 "Whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment."
"Day of Judgment"--Matt. 10:15 and 2 Peter 2:9
1 John 4:17 "We may have boldness in the Day of Judgment."
Read Matt. 10:31-46 where it concludes, "But these will go into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
But if Christians have been saved, will they, and why will they, have to face judgment? (Before giving some verses, let me interject that ALL of the epistles (letters) from Romans on through the New Testament are written to Christians. So when we read warnings to not fall away, beware of sin, etc., the lesson is to those who have become Christians.)
A Christian can be tempted, can go back to sin and be lost--1 Cor. 10:12-13.
James 1:12-27--Even the Christian can fall; we must endure temptation.
2 John 8--"Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward."
And finally, the book of Hebrews gives many warnings to the Christian: 2:1, "lest we drift away." 3:12, "departing from the living God." 5:1, "you have become dull of hearing." 10:26, "If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins."
Thus, after we have become Christians, we must still resist temptation. We must continue to follow Jesus rather than Satan. And we must stand before God in the final judgment. But if we are sincerely trying to follow Jesus, we don't have to fear judgment. Note 1 John 5:13, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
My conclusion to all of this is that there must be a balance. Yes, we are saved by the blood of Jesus, the grace of God. But we must do our part as well.....and will be judged on whether we did so. He says, "Ask and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and...." We must do our part. Perhaps in the next posting we will look at specific things that we are to do. But meanwhile, thanks for reading and sharing these thoughts with me. Love and peace......
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Question--Afterlife
I received a question from Steve. Here's the gist: "I was looking at the Catholic channel and they were talking about Purgatory. I've never heard non-Catholics talk about Purgatory. Anyway, the Catholic bishop was saying (I thought) St. Paul talked about it...that through Purgatory a person can go to heaven and have not accepted Jesus Christ while on earth....that believers can pray for the soul in Pergatory to be accepted? into heaven."
First, know that Purgatory is not a Bible word or Bible concept. It cannot be found in the Bible. The Catholics have their own Bible and set of beliefs that have evolved over centuries. And frankly, if it isn't in the Bible, I don't want it. But, for what it is worth, my understanding of the doctrine is that if a believer dies and has unforgiven sins (not of a major type, such as murder) then Purgatory is where the dead person's sins are removed through the prayers of the living. As for Paul referring to or inferring anything regarding Purgatory, he didn't. Here are a few pertinent Bible teachings.
About the after life:
Jesus' story about Lazarus--(Luke 16:23)--'Rich man in torments in Hades'--'Great gulf between the rich man and Lazarus.'
Jesus on the cross said (Luke 23:46) to the thief, "today you will be with me in Paradise"
1 Thes. 4:13-18 tells us that "God will bring with Him those who sleep (dead) in Jesus." Chapter 5 continues with how Jesus is coming back on the "day of the Lord."
We really don't know a lot about the after life though we read a lot about Heaven, particularly at the end of the book of Revelation. But Purgatory, praying for the removal of other people's sins after they have died? No!
About straying from the Bible:
2 Timothy 3:16-17--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God....that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 John 9--"Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God."
Revelation 22:18-19--"If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
So, the answer is for us all to just follow the teachings of Jesus and His followers in the Bible.
Thank you for reading! Written with love.
First, know that Purgatory is not a Bible word or Bible concept. It cannot be found in the Bible. The Catholics have their own Bible and set of beliefs that have evolved over centuries. And frankly, if it isn't in the Bible, I don't want it. But, for what it is worth, my understanding of the doctrine is that if a believer dies and has unforgiven sins (not of a major type, such as murder) then Purgatory is where the dead person's sins are removed through the prayers of the living. As for Paul referring to or inferring anything regarding Purgatory, he didn't. Here are a few pertinent Bible teachings.
About the after life:
Jesus' story about Lazarus--(Luke 16:23)--'Rich man in torments in Hades'--'Great gulf between the rich man and Lazarus.'
Jesus on the cross said (Luke 23:46) to the thief, "today you will be with me in Paradise"
1 Thes. 4:13-18 tells us that "God will bring with Him those who sleep (dead) in Jesus." Chapter 5 continues with how Jesus is coming back on the "day of the Lord."
We really don't know a lot about the after life though we read a lot about Heaven, particularly at the end of the book of Revelation. But Purgatory, praying for the removal of other people's sins after they have died? No!
About straying from the Bible:
2 Timothy 3:16-17--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God....that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 John 9--"Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God."
Revelation 22:18-19--"If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
So, the answer is for us all to just follow the teachings of Jesus and His followers in the Bible.
Thank you for reading! Written with love.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Baptism 2
Before deciding what we should be doing to please God, there are a few basic principles that should be established, that each of us must decide. First that there is a God; that the Bible is His Word; that Jesus is His Son; that we should pattern ourselves and our practices after what is taught in His Word. We would probably have to agree with these basic principles before looking at the practice of baptism.
Baptism is one of those things that man would not have ever come up with. It is a part of God's plan for man. But on a practical level, it doesn't seem necessarily reasonable to man. It is like the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5. Read this; it is great! He had leprosy, went to the prophet Elisha to be healed, was told to wash in the river Jordan 7 times and he would be healed. "He turned and walked away in a rage." Naaman thought this was ridiculous, but did it anyway, and he was healed on the seventh dip. Baptism is like that for us. We do it because He set the example...
The word "baptism" is "baptiso" in the Greek, meaning to submerge. When Jesus was baptized He came up out of the water. When the Ethiopian Nobleman in Acts 8 was baptized he came up out of the water. There is no instance of sprinkling in the Bible. We should do what they did and be submerged. Romans 6 describes it as a burial and a coming up as a new creature. Take time to read that; it is so interesting. And baptism is always described as a cleansing of sins. Note Acts 22:16, where Paul was told: "Why do you wait? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins." Acts 2:38 says: "repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...."
For purposes of not being too lengthy, I am taking excerpts. But take the time to read the context of these passages and you will see that there is a lot of teaching about the importance and even the method of baptism, that it had to do with Spiritual cleansing, removal of sins, and salvation.
This is very controversial subject matter in the religious world today. Feel free to let's talking more on this in detail if you disagree. My position is that the Bible is very clear on it, but you may want to disagree. Thanks for reading. You are important.
Baptism is one of those things that man would not have ever come up with. It is a part of God's plan for man. But on a practical level, it doesn't seem necessarily reasonable to man. It is like the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5. Read this; it is great! He had leprosy, went to the prophet Elisha to be healed, was told to wash in the river Jordan 7 times and he would be healed. "He turned and walked away in a rage." Naaman thought this was ridiculous, but did it anyway, and he was healed on the seventh dip. Baptism is like that for us. We do it because He set the example...
The word "baptism" is "baptiso" in the Greek, meaning to submerge. When Jesus was baptized He came up out of the water. When the Ethiopian Nobleman in Acts 8 was baptized he came up out of the water. There is no instance of sprinkling in the Bible. We should do what they did and be submerged. Romans 6 describes it as a burial and a coming up as a new creature. Take time to read that; it is so interesting. And baptism is always described as a cleansing of sins. Note Acts 22:16, where Paul was told: "Why do you wait? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins." Acts 2:38 says: "repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...."
For purposes of not being too lengthy, I am taking excerpts. But take the time to read the context of these passages and you will see that there is a lot of teaching about the importance and even the method of baptism, that it had to do with Spiritual cleansing, removal of sins, and salvation.
This is very controversial subject matter in the religious world today. Feel free to let's talking more on this in detail if you disagree. My position is that the Bible is very clear on it, but you may want to disagree. Thanks for reading. You are important.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Baptism 1
Let's do two sessions on baptism. The first is to discuss its importance and really the necessity of it for salvation. I know that many do not agree with what is to follow. But it is biblical, straight out of God's Word.
John the Baptist was baptizing people all over (Matthew 3:5,6). Jesus insisted on being baptized (Matt. 3:13). At the end of Jesus' life He said, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned," (Mark 16:15-16). Then in Acts 2, after Jesus has ascended into Heaven, Peter preached hard to the Jews in Jerusalem saying they crucified the Lord. Peter said, "repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." In Acts 8, God sends Philip to join an Ethiopian Jewish nobleman on a chariot. It says in verse 35, he "preached Jesus to him." That is all that we know that was said. But we know the result. "Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the Eunuch said, 'See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?' " The importance of baptism cannot be ignored. And in Acts 22:16, God sent Ananias to Paul. Ananias said, "Why do you wait? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins." Then read the first verses of Romans 6. This is talking about sin and tells how baptism cleanses sin. And finally, I Peter 3:18-22 tells us that just as Noah and his family were "saved through water (the flood)....baptism now saves us."
As stated before, I know that this is controversial with some people. But it isn't a controversial subject in the Bible; the Bible is very clear on the connection between salvation and baptism. It is interesting that God's word uses different expressions in regard to salvation. It clearly says that one must "believe" to be saved. Elsewhere it emphasizes the importance of "repentance" for salvation. We are saved by "faith," but we also know that we are only saved by the "blood of Jesus." All of these things are involved in salvation. But note that the blood of Jesus, while it is for everyone, isn't going to save everyone; it will save those who believe. It will save those who are willing to repent (change their lives). It will save those who obey Jesus. And it will save those who have been baptized, brought forth as new creatures as we read in Romans 6.
Thank you for reading. See you next week!
John the Baptist was baptizing people all over (Matthew 3:5,6). Jesus insisted on being baptized (Matt. 3:13). At the end of Jesus' life He said, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned," (Mark 16:15-16). Then in Acts 2, after Jesus has ascended into Heaven, Peter preached hard to the Jews in Jerusalem saying they crucified the Lord. Peter said, "repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." In Acts 8, God sends Philip to join an Ethiopian Jewish nobleman on a chariot. It says in verse 35, he "preached Jesus to him." That is all that we know that was said. But we know the result. "Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the Eunuch said, 'See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?' " The importance of baptism cannot be ignored. And in Acts 22:16, God sent Ananias to Paul. Ananias said, "Why do you wait? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins." Then read the first verses of Romans 6. This is talking about sin and tells how baptism cleanses sin. And finally, I Peter 3:18-22 tells us that just as Noah and his family were "saved through water (the flood)....baptism now saves us."
As stated before, I know that this is controversial with some people. But it isn't a controversial subject in the Bible; the Bible is very clear on the connection between salvation and baptism. It is interesting that God's word uses different expressions in regard to salvation. It clearly says that one must "believe" to be saved. Elsewhere it emphasizes the importance of "repentance" for salvation. We are saved by "faith," but we also know that we are only saved by the "blood of Jesus." All of these things are involved in salvation. But note that the blood of Jesus, while it is for everyone, isn't going to save everyone; it will save those who believe. It will save those who are willing to repent (change their lives). It will save those who obey Jesus. And it will save those who have been baptized, brought forth as new creatures as we read in Romans 6.
Thank you for reading. See you next week!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Sieze the Moment
Here is a departure from my usual article, but I want to bring something a bit different this week.
First, note that Jesus was one to "sieze the day," to do things now that needed to be done. I'm sure that many important activities were planned ahead. But much of what we read shows that Jesus' deeds were momentary ones. The healings are an example. He didn't go out and seek people to heal; He reacted to people who were around Him, like the leper in Matthew 8 who said to Him, "Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean." And He was sleeping in the boat when a great storm arose. Jesus "arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm." And Zacchaeus was sitting in a tree when "Jesus...looked up and saw him, and said to him, Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." And, of course, we could go on and on with the momentary service events of Jesus, even to the telling of the story of the good Samaritan. But it brings me to the point of this entry.
I found this poem on the door of a professor's office, Dr. Torbert, at Southern Methodist University in Dallas in 1970. I'm sure by now he is dead or at least not aware that the poem lives on. But I really liked it and need to post it here.
"Small change, my Lord," I say
"This that you ask in pay,
When I could give the livelong incandescent day
Could it my debt defray.
Nay I'd include the range
Of weeks and months, the change
Of seasons, not one moment only; strange
To lifetime bounty you prefer small change.
Why, not to disavow
My debt, I'd servile bow
Beneath thy yoke for eons, take a vow
To serve eternally." He smiled,
"I'll not allow
Such tribute; give one moment only,
But that moment NOW."
2/15/57 Alice C. Torbert Dallas, Texas
Feel the love. Spread the love. See you next week!
First, note that Jesus was one to "sieze the day," to do things now that needed to be done. I'm sure that many important activities were planned ahead. But much of what we read shows that Jesus' deeds were momentary ones. The healings are an example. He didn't go out and seek people to heal; He reacted to people who were around Him, like the leper in Matthew 8 who said to Him, "Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean." And He was sleeping in the boat when a great storm arose. Jesus "arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm." And Zacchaeus was sitting in a tree when "Jesus...looked up and saw him, and said to him, Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." And, of course, we could go on and on with the momentary service events of Jesus, even to the telling of the story of the good Samaritan. But it brings me to the point of this entry.
I found this poem on the door of a professor's office, Dr. Torbert, at Southern Methodist University in Dallas in 1970. I'm sure by now he is dead or at least not aware that the poem lives on. But I really liked it and need to post it here.
"Small change, my Lord," I say
"This that you ask in pay,
When I could give the livelong incandescent day
Could it my debt defray.
Nay I'd include the range
Of weeks and months, the change
Of seasons, not one moment only; strange
To lifetime bounty you prefer small change.
Why, not to disavow
My debt, I'd servile bow
Beneath thy yoke for eons, take a vow
To serve eternally." He smiled,
"I'll not allow
Such tribute; give one moment only,
But that moment NOW."
2/15/57 Alice C. Torbert Dallas, Texas
Feel the love. Spread the love. See you next week!
Friday, June 5, 2009
A Personal Relationship
Being a Christian is much about having a personal relationship with Jesus. I often enjoy the quips in front of church buildings. I passed one the other day that said, "Truth is not a doctrine, it is a person." Certainly there is truth in this statement, though doctrine cannot be avoided, since Jesus said, "If you love me, keep My commandments," (John 14:15). But Jesus and His followers taught the importance of having our heart connected to the Lord and to His people. Let's do a sampling of some of the teachings of Jesus, focusing on the sermon on the mount.
We see in Matthew 5 that much of Jesus' teaching had to do with relationships. "Let your light so shine before men.." (vs 16), and "Agree with you adversary quickly.." (vs 25). He says in verse 41, "whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two," and "love your enemies" (vs 44). Chapter 7:3 tells us, "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in you own eye." There is much teaching about dealing with others. He gave us this rule to help us with these challenges, "..whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.." (7:12)
There is a lot about personal character in the teachings of Jesus. "I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (vs 28). And, ".. I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except.." (vs 32). He said in Matt. 6:1, "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them." And, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.." (6:19). The Lord knew these things would be a problem for us so He went right to the point.
And there is much in the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) regarding our relationship with our Lord. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.....how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!", (7:7 & 11). He shows us that He loves us with the greatest of Fatherly love, that He takes care of the grass and the birds, "And are you not of more value than they....Therefore do not worry..." And He taught us to pray, and to pray in secret. (6:5), and not to make a show of it like the "hypocrites."
Finally, He concludes all of this teaching by saying, "Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock..." and it stands firm under the greatest of storms. Yes, we need a personal relationship with Jesus....and we need to do what He says.
I saw this quip on a billboard: "A clear conscience is a soft pillow." How true. See you next week.
We see in Matthew 5 that much of Jesus' teaching had to do with relationships. "Let your light so shine before men.." (vs 16), and "Agree with you adversary quickly.." (vs 25). He says in verse 41, "whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two," and "love your enemies" (vs 44). Chapter 7:3 tells us, "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in you own eye." There is much teaching about dealing with others. He gave us this rule to help us with these challenges, "..whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.." (7:12)
There is a lot about personal character in the teachings of Jesus. "I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (vs 28). And, ".. I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except.." (vs 32). He said in Matt. 6:1, "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them." And, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.." (6:19). The Lord knew these things would be a problem for us so He went right to the point.
And there is much in the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) regarding our relationship with our Lord. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.....how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!", (7:7 & 11). He shows us that He loves us with the greatest of Fatherly love, that He takes care of the grass and the birds, "And are you not of more value than they....Therefore do not worry..." And He taught us to pray, and to pray in secret. (6:5), and not to make a show of it like the "hypocrites."
Finally, He concludes all of this teaching by saying, "Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock..." and it stands firm under the greatest of storms. Yes, we need a personal relationship with Jesus....and we need to do what He says.
I saw this quip on a billboard: "A clear conscience is a soft pillow." How true. See you next week.
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