Righteousness, Peace and Joy

Righteousness, Peace and Joy, these three words can change the course of our life forever. Jesus said seek you first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these Righteousness, things will be added unto you. What is seeking the Kingdom of God? It is obeying what He said in His word and the thing He tell us personally to do. It is putting His will ahead of our own this is righteousness. Jesus put a question before the People and said there was a Man who had two Sons. He asked one to do something and the Son said he would but did not. He asked the other one and he said he would not but later on, he did. Jesus asked which one did the will of the Father. The answer was the one who said he would not but later did it. It was not that Son's will to do what the Father asked but because he was his Father, he did it. There maybe times when we may not want to do the will of God at first but later on will do it. God sees this as righteousness because we have submitted our will to Him. What are the things that will be added unto us? These are the things that we need and or desire. We can be assured that after we have done the will of God, He will grant us the desires of our heart. His word said that He would send help from His sanctuary and grant us the desires of our heart. He will not put more on us than we are able to bear so what is required of us; we will be well equipped to do it. Righteousness brings peace and peace brings joy. During the period of righteousness we can expect opposition because we have an adversary, the Devil and he will do all he can to stop us from doing God's will but the word said no weapon formed against us shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against us we shall condemn. We should stay focus on His word and the thing that He has told us to do knowing that we are not along because He is with us and will make our way prosperous. Turmoil may break out because we are doing His will but there will be peace on the inside of us and with this evidence of peace, we will know that we are pleasing God. The result is joy. God rewards those who will do His will. He is a God of plenty and He will bless us with more than we could ever expect. As long as we do His will first, we will live a joyful life in return. We are Children of the Most High God and it is His good pleasure to do good things for us. The prime reason why we do not receive His fullness is that we are not obeying His word. However, He is good to the just and the unjust but His fullness is lay up for those who will obey Him. Righteousness, peace and joy are available to all of us but it is our choice to follow it. He does not attend pity parties so our crying, pleading, moaning and groaning will not move Him but obedience to His word will. I am a Christian and a License Practical Nurse. I enjoy helping and encouraging others. I am a Wife, Mother and Grandmother. I am also President of the Parent Teachers Organization, President of the Parent Supporter Task Force and a member of the Parent Leadership Institute. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5646029

Fighting Temptation

Salvation is a free gift from God, however it must be received by faith. It comprises all that God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives. Paul in writing to the church at Ephesus declared; "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The moment that a person believes on the Lord Jesus, he/she becomes a new creature in Christ - "old things are passed away and all things are new" (see II Corinthians 5:17). Because of the life of God within us, victory over sin and the flesh is possible for every believer who abides in Christ. Sad to say, but there are some Christians who think that doing good deeds, or having good conduct is the way to a victorious abundant life. However since salvation is a gift from God, no amount of work or self-effort, i.e. doing good deeds, studying the bible, fasting and praying, giving, etc. can merit it. Christian activities or works of righteousness are important. However they are the fruit of salvation, and not the way to salvation. After a person receives Jesus into his/her heart, all of their activities are (or should be) the result of the Holy Spirit working in them. Therefore just as it is by grace that God brings us into His family, it also by His grace that He continually work in us to accomplish His purpose. The apostle Paul in II Corinthians 5:17 wrote; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." However to simply say that we are new creatures without the underlying understanding that we are new creations only because we are in Christ and He is in us, will ultimately lead to much frustration in trying to live the Christian life. The very moment that a person believes on the Lord Jesus, he/she is placed in Christ and becomes a new creature in Him. Thus through this union with Christ by the Holy Spirit, He (Jesus) lives in the heart of every believer. This too is salvation, and not just the new birth. Since we are saved by grace through faith, there must always be a continual look of faith unto Jesus to live His abundant life in us. In so doing, we can have and enjoy His abundant life in our daily experience. There are some Christians who suppose that since they are new creatures, they have under their control and within their ability power over temptation and sin. However they fail to see that only through the empowering gift of God's presence within them alone is Christ's victorious life experienced. These dear believers somehow think the Holy Spirit is a special gift or ability from God that they possess and control which also helps them to live the Christian life. They see the Holy Spirit as a power, aid or support to their (independent) lives, rather than the Spirit of Christ living within them expressing His life through them. This type of believing fails to recognize that we have no power in, or of ourselves. We (Christians) are not independent of the Holy Spirit. The only power we possess is through Christ, and He is a person. He is the power of God, and is the Lord and ruler of our lives. Therefore the Holy Spirit within us is not some special power that we possess or control, but rather Christ living in us, and thus He possesses and controls us. We are not our own! There is nothing that we can do in our strength to make the abundant Christian life a reality. It cannot be obtained through discipline, or by spiritual activities such as prayer and fasting, praise and worship etc.. Hear this friend, "no amount of discipline will ever produce the life and character of Christ within us." The life of Christ within us is only made possible by the Holy Spirit revealing to us the reality of who we are in Christ and He in us. Thus by submitting ourselves to the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christ lives His victoriously life in and through us according to the will of God. God tells us in I John 5:4: "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith." Jesus defeated Satan for us, and His victorious over-coming life comes inside of us the moment that we believe on Him (Jesus). However our victory is made possible by faith not only in Jesus death, but also His resurrection. This means that not only did Jesus die for the sins of all, but He was also raised from the dead and lives unto God in all who receive Him (see Romans 6). In other words without Jesus' death and resurrection, the Christian life would not possible. If there were no resurrection, there would be no Christianity. Christianity is not just going to church, and doing good deeds. Neither is Christianity modified behavior based on the bible. The essence of Christianity is the person of Jesus living in our humanity (us). That is why Paul declared in Galatians 2:20; "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." He also said; "to live is Christ." So our victory over sin, Satan, and the world is made practical through faith in Jesus living in us moment by moment - here and now. There is a slogan that society has coined in the fight against drugs that says; "say no to drugs." That is the same attitude that many Christians have taken toward sin. However our victory over sin is not simply saying no to it, but rather saying yes to Christ within us. You see the truth is that we are not over-comers of anything in ourselves. Jesus is the over-comer living in us, and we over-come all things through Him. Jesus said in John 16:33; "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]. Jesus overcame all things through His death and resurrection. Therefore we are made over-comers in all of life by believing that He overcame everything for us, and is the one who overcomes all things in us. Knowing this is a firm foundation to believe that Christ in us is the strength and ability to overcome any obstacle that we may face. This means that no matter what our circumstances may be, the Spirit of Christ in us is greater them all - Jesus is Lord! It is a tragedy that so many believers have misunderstood the purpose of the indwelling Spirit of Christ. For example, some Christians recognize that the Holy Spirit made (past-tense) them new creatures, but fail to realize that it is the indwelling Holy Spirit who also maintain and keep (present tense) them new creatures. They see themselves living the Christian life with God's help, instead of seeing the truth that Christianity is in essence the life of Christ manifested in them through the Holy Spirit. This kind of thinking places them as the pilots in control (so to speak) of their lives, and God as their co-pilot. However if we are led and guided by the Spirit, and if it is God who is all the while working within us both to will and do of His good pleasure, what position does that put God in our lives???.......... Give Up? He is the Pilot! He is the Ruler! He is the Master! Jesus is Lord!! Some Christians quote James 4:7 when they are faced with temptations. They say; "you've got to resist the devil and he will flee from you." The problem here is that they are leaving out an important part of that scripture. God's word tells us in James 4:7; "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." First there must be submission before resistance, i.e. submission to God before resisting the devil. According to Merriam-Webster Thesaurus the word "submit" means; "to give up and cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control)." It also means; "to yield to the control or power of....." Another meaning for the word "submit" is "to surrender to." Before we can resist the devil we must be first submitted to God, having ceased from resisting the Holy Spirit and totally yielded to His control or power. When we are submitted (yielded to God's control and power), we are led of the Holy Spirit. Thus being yielded to God's control and power, our ability to resist the devil is in fact God working in us, which guarantees us victory every time! Have you ever considered the fact that when we are not submitted to God, we are by default resisting Him? Or on the other hand, when we are submitted to God, we are by default resisting the devil? Listen to what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6:14 KJV about submission; "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" Our yielding/submitting to God or Satan puts us in the position of servants, thus making us subject to our master's power. In regards to temptations, let me point out that we were not called to fight them, but rather submit to Christ who has defeated every temptation for us. By submitting to God, we have entered into His victory by faith. So recognize that the only fight that we have been called to fight is "the good fight of faith," which means to believe in or accept the finished works of Christ. Therefore our focus should never be on the temptations of life, but rather on Jesus. As it is written in Hebrews 12:2-3; "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." This doesn't mean that we look at Jesus and try to imitate Him. Our looking to Jesus is simply recognizing that He is our sufficiency, and thus with expectancy we rest in that reality. This my friend, is the "yea and amen" for God to work in us according to His good will and pleasure. If we fail to see Jesus as the one who does all in all and through all, we by default will look to ourselves or others, and the cares of this life will overwhelm us. Many well meaning believers often make the mistake of thinking that they must discipline themselves in order to conform to a Christ-like life style. They think that by will power and resolve they can overcome sin and temptation, and thus live a life that is pleasing to God. "What would Jesus do," is a popular phrase that is often quoted throughout the Christian community. This slogan is the anthem of many well-meaning believers who see Christianity as a lifestyle that they must manufacture base on their perception of what Jesus might do. These dear Christians read the scriptures, and attempt to follow and obey (in self-effort) them. However sooner or later they realize that they can't do them. They arrive at the conclusion that this Christian life is too hard - no......, impossible! Who can love their enemies? Who can forgive those who despitefully use them? Who can rejoice and count it all joy when the trials and adversities of life rush in on us like a tidal wave? When the apostle Paul sought the Lord concerning the thorn in his flesh in II Corinthian 12, was he sincere when he said; "..Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities." ".......I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake?" Did Paul know something that the modern church doesn't know? My friend, theses are genuine questions that must be truthfully answered before we can fully appreciate and enjoy the abundant life that God has given us in Christ Jesus. Let us look again at what Paul said to the Corinthian church. He said that he took pleasure (i.e. enjoyment, satisfaction, or contentment) in weakness, or in his limitations. Paul also said that he was joyful when people criticized or accused him, and content whenever there was a need. He said that he delighted in persecutions, and was joyful in sorrow and suffering. Come on Paul, are you for real? If you are, what is your secret? Christians today continually seek God over and over again for deliverance from the crisis of life. God's answer to Paul in II Corinthians 12:9 is the same answer that He is giving to us today; "...He said...... My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." When Paul realized that his weakness was simply the springboard into God's sufficiency he declared; "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." It was after Paul recognized his total inadequacy that he finally understood that he was created to be weak - totally dependent and surrendered to God. Therefore he proclaimed; "Christ is our sufficiency." From the foundation of knowing that he was as dependent upon God as a branch given up in absolute totality to a vine Paul could say; "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (II Corinthian 12:10). Let me emphasize again that Christian living is not us trying to imitate Christ, but rather Christ living in us. We have been made partakers of His divine nature through the Holy Spirit, participants in His life, and we live by Him, and from His resources. Hence being a Christian is not that we are in control of our lives - independently of God, but rather under His control through the Holy Spirit within us. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14). We must be as thoroughly convinced of there being nothing that we can do (apart from God's grace) to live this Christian life as we are convinced that there is nothing that we can do to free ourselves from sin. The Christian life is of, and by God's grace which means that He is the one working in us. I heard someone say concerning prayer that; "God says yes sometimes, no sometimes, and sometimes my grace is sufficient." My friend God's grace is always sufficient! Whether He says yes or no, it is always His grace at work. For it is by His empowering presence through which we live in every circumstance of life. Paul came to realize that Gods' grace is shown most effective and powerful in and toward us, when we are weak (subject to, submissive i.e. yielded to the control or power of the Holy Spirit). The reason why this is so, is because we are no longer resisting or fighting God (though we may have been doing it ignorantly). Thus His will in and for us, is unhindered by us. It is always God's will for us to resist the devil because Satan is anti-god. However when we are not abiding in Christ, i.e. submitted to God, led of the Spirit, walking in the Spirit etc., we are submitted to and/or agreeing with the devil in some way. Therefore if we are submitted to Satan (even though it may be in ignorance), it is impossible for us apart from the grace of God to resist him. The reason being is that we have no power or strength in and of ourselves. This truth is made evident in II Corinthians 3:5 from the Amplified Bible; "Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God." Listen to the prayer of Jehoshaphat King of Israel to God when Ammon, Moab, and Mt. Seir came to fight against Israel, and God's answer to them. ".....For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You"........"Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's" (II Chronicles 20:12, 15B). Therefore beloved, submit to God, and cease from resisting Him. Stop fighting life's battles and temptations in the toil of human strength and effort for; "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Recognize that God created you to be forever weak and helpless as a branch of the vine. However also know that in your utter weakness and helplessness, God is the strength of your life. Therefore none of life's battles are yours; they all belong to God. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1142250

Spirit - What is Your Spirit and How Does it Impact Your Life?

What is your Spirit and how does it help you through life? Learn how it communicates to you and your life will move into happiness and away from constant struggle and stress. What is your Spirit to you? What is your Spiritual point of view? It's something you really only know in your heart. It's a feeling you sense. It's something apart from the ordinary, from the daily mundane thoughts and experiences of life. Spirit exists on every plane of existence. Immortal, eternal and all knowing it's that part of you known as your Higher Self, your Soul. As such your Spirit knows your past, your present and your future. It talks to you all day long. In fact, when you listen without using your ears you will hear that it sings a song n your heart. Listen carefully. Understand how it talks to thee. Recognize that all the information it shares is 100% accurate. It tells you what to do when and how to do it so you can accomplish all you desire in life. In fact, when you listen and act on what it says your life will shift into high gear. Your Spirit provides all the synchronicity that allows you to easily manifest what you want. Yes, without the struggle - if you listen and take inspired action, that is. It's time to open up your mind and hear. Here is your life being handed to you on a silver platter Will you take it? This is your life. This is your world. Pay attention as the secrets come unfurled. Your Spirit constantly reveals how to manifest what is in your highest and best interest. Learn to listen. Learn to hear. Learn to sense and feel the messages for they don't always come to you in words. Yet know they are completely real You will never ever go astray when you follow your instinct. Why? Your Spirit is your instinct, your gut feeling, the little voice that suddenly, out of no where tells you to take some action that makes absolutely no sense to you in that moment. When you ignore that feeling you always regret it later. Know what I mean? That experience happens to everyone now and then. Your job is to realize that little voice is your Spirit delivering some crucial information to act on right then. Your Spirit speaks in feelings and knowings - as I call those little intuitive messages. Certainty. Your Spirit is always sure that what it tells you is in your highest and best interest - not just in that moment but down the road in the big picture too. Since your Spirit always knows what is best for you and lets you know exactly what to do why wouldn't you pay attention and take those actions? Isn't that how you want to live your life? Eliminate the strife except for what helps you grow. Yes, even the painful times move you forward in your life to peace and joy and happiness. Yes! That is your Spirit helping you every step of the way every day! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4267085

Basic Yet Essential Introduction to God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit

Who Is God? How about His Son and His Holy Spirit? What are their attributes and the roles they play? Here is a brief introduction to God, the Son of God and the Holy Spirit: Yahweh (from YHWH in Hebrew) Is the only true God (Isaiah 45:5; John 17:3). Yahweh ("Jehovah" in English) is the Creator of everything that is good, both the physical and spiritual, and created things from nothing (Genesis 1:1, 31; Hebrews 11:3). Yahweh is eternal, self-existing, omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and the only one who is purely good and holy (Exodus 3:14; Psalm 139; Matthew 19:17; Isaiah 6:2). Since Yahweh is the only true God and is purely good, only He alone deserves our sincere worship and complete obedience (Revelation 4:11). Jesus is the divine only begotten Son of Yahweh who originally existed as a Spirit Being, the firstborn of all creation through whom Yahweh created the world (Hebrews 1:2; Colossians 1:15-16; John 1:1-3, 18). He is the exact image of Yahweh, having the same spiritual qualities as God (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:15). Jesus and Yahweh are one spiritually. It is this oneness that Jesus desires all Christians to share and enjoy with one another and with him and his Father (John 14:20; John 17:11). Two thousand years ago, Jesus was miraculously "transferred" (for lack of a better word) into the womb of the virgin Mary by God's Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-35). By this means, Jesus was born into the world as a human being to fulfill his mission as the Messiah (the "Appointed One," which "Christ" also means). As the Christ, Jesus was sent by Yahweh to be a willing sacrifice to die in the place of sinners to pay the penalty for their sins, so those who actively trust in him will be forgiven of their sins and receive eternal life to be lived with Yahweh and Jesus (John 3:16; Hebrews 9:26-27; Hebrews 10:4-22). After Jesus was executed, he was resurrected by God on the third day, and then forty days later ascended back to heaven where he currently reigns only second in line to Yahweh and waits for his enemies to be made the footstool for his feet (1 Corinthians 15:1-9; Acts 1:1-11; Hebrews 10:12-13; Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Corinthians 15:27). On Yahweh's appointed day, Jesus will return to Earth to establish his 1000-year reign over Earth (Acts 1:11; Revelation 20:4-8). Afterward, he will hand the Kingdom back to Yahweh (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). The Holy Spirit is Yahweh's creative power that He uses to perform His deeds, including the creation of the world and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (Genesis 1:2; Romans 8:11). Yahweh gives His Holy Spirit to each genuine Christian upon their sincere profession of faith in Jesus Christ; the indwelling Spirit then helps the Christian to live a life that is pleasing to Yahweh (John 7:37-40; Titus 3:5-6). To walk by the Spirit is to submit to the Spirit's guidance according to God's will (Galatians 5:16-21). The Spirit will develop the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the Christian which is a bundle of Christ-like qualities such as love, goodness, peace, meekness, and faith (Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit given to a Christian acts as the guarantee that he or she will inherit the Kingdom of God and all His blessings (Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). If you'd like to learn more about Yahweh God Almighty, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, I strongly advise you to pick up a copy of the Bible and carefully read and study it on a regular basis. This is how you can begin to develop an intimate relationship with Yahweh. A relationship with God is the most sacred and fulfilling of all relationships, so don't delay; start deepening your knowledge about your Heavenly Father today! Learn the Entire Bible in Depth from Genesis to Revelation via E-mail with Dr. Shirley Cheng: Want to know your Creator, understand your origin, and fulfill your purpose? Do you desire to obtain true, enduring wealth, happiness, and wisdom? Then obtain an in-depth knowledge of the Holy Scriptures (both the Tanakh and Greek Scriptures) by signing up for the free virtual class at http://www.ultra-ability.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9012911

End Time Prophecy Course: How Crucial Is It to Your Eternal Salvation?

Without fear of contradiction, a prophecy course on end-time events is far more important a branch of study than what you learn in college or in any institution of learning for that matter. After all, what you learn in school today is only for your temporal sustenance. But your knowledge of the Bible is a means of preparing you for eternity. The primacy of the word of God in the lives of mankind is thus summed up in the words of Job: "My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:11, 12 (KJV). The importance of the knowledge of last-day prophecy has never been as pronounced as it is today. And there is good reason for this the very signs of the times have given us enough reason not to be under any illusion that we are indeed living in the time of the end. This fact is not only acknowledged by Bible-believing Christians but the very worldians themselves are much more aware of end-time Bible predictions than we would give them credit for. However, there are many today who seem to think that Bible prophecy is a non essential; that a prophecy course is of academic interest only and therefore, not important for our eternal salvation. While one could get away with that kind of assumption in former dispensations, holding that view today is a mistake that could be detrimental to your spiritual survival and, hence, your eternal future. If we think that Satan was working against the Christian in former dispensations we need only to take look at what is predicted to befall the church in the latter days. THE URGENT NEED TO PREPARE: The purpose of prophecy education is not to get you into a fit of excitement about impending end-time events only to become listless after the excitement wears off, but to adequately prepare you to face the challenges that the fulfillment of prophecy brings. Awareness of any adverse event before it happens is always essential to its anticipation. In Daniel 12 and Matthew 24 we are told of a "time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation", and so serious is this forecast that many church goers are quaking in fear believing that they will not be here when it happens. In the course of the fulfillment of end-time predictions, the Lord does not want you to respond in ignorance, but to treat it as something you were always looking forward to and not surprised about. This can only be achieved when you are thoroughly prepared through prophecy study. As the apostle Peter admonished His disciples, "We have a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." 2Pet. 1:19 (KJV). THE NEED TO FORTIFY YOUR MIND AGAINST DECEPTION: The scriptures does not intend to leave us in any ignorance about the kind of battle we are going to have to fight in the last days when it declares: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" 1Pet. 5:8 (KJV) If such an admonition was needed in the apostolic era when the church was at the height of her militancy, how much more when she is not as vigilant (as is the case today)! Becoming a candidate fit to be drafted in the Lord's end-time army to fight Satan and his host, will require more than a passing knowledge of what is to come upon the earth not very long from now. Just as how a computer course is needed for one to be prepared to handle the challenges of data entry, programming, and other related aspects, a prophecy course is needed to enable him/her to deal with the harsh realities of end-time events predicted in the scriptures. One of the most effective ways in which Satan will exercise his roaring-lion approach to ensnare souls, is through false teachings. This fact is underscored by Christ's warnings against the proliferation of false prophets in the last days. When you read the 24th chapter of the Book of Matthew, you will see where the Lord issued this very warning in three places! This must be an indication of how crucial it is for you to fortify your mind with the truths of the Bible so as to enable you to withstand the fiery darts of deceptions in the last days. A PROPHECY STUDY COURSE IS DESIGNED TO REKINDLE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: When you study Bible prophecy, it does not only introduce you to the harsh end-time realities but it also tells you about a glorious future beyond the storm. We will not be able to inherit such a future if we are not prepared to cross the proverbial 'Jordon River' overflowing all its banks. Only the Lord will be able to take us across, and He has already provided us a means of preparation (the Bible). Describing the final triumph of the saints and their eternal security in the heavenly abode, the prophet John thus declared: "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither has received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Rev. 20:4 (KJV). This is clearly a vision of people like you and me who will be severely harassed and persecuted, but in the end will yet be victorious in their resolve to remain faithful to Christ. In this verse the Lord is showing us a transition between a great tribulation and the inheritance of eternal, immortal bliss. The last two chapters in the book of Revelation have given us a graphic presentation of what will be the lot of all who served the Lord during their earthly sojourn, and that will include those who have educated themselves in the prophecies of the end times. Therefore, we have no warrant to entertain the thought that the sacrifice of a few hours per day in the study of the prophetic word is too costly to obtain the promise of everlasting happiness. Studying end-time Bible predictions, via a prophecy course is not without its rewards. You may think that you have all the time in the world to engage in such a course of study but it may well cause you to end up like the five foolish virgins who took their lamps but no oil with them (see Matthew 25:1-13). In other words, they have their Bibles but did not study it that they might be prepared for the midnight cry, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh". Let us, therefore, rest in the strength of Christ's admonition to His disciples saying, "And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe." John 14:29 (KJV) Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7276953

The Signs of the End Times

At first glance the reading from Luke 21:25-36 seems to be out of place during Advent. After all, most of us think of Advent as a time to prepare for Christmas. That is only partially true. Advent is also a time to remember and prepare for Christ's Second Coming, and that preparation includes watching for the signs of his return. On the Third and Fourth Sundays in Advent the readings will focus on Christ's First Coming over 2,000 years ago. Luke wrote his Gospel several years after Christ's death, resurrection and ascension. At that time the church was undergoing suffering and injustice. Luke wrote his Gospel to encourage the church and remind the people that God is in control of events and has a time set for Christ's return. Luke's message applies to us today. Luke wants us, like the believers he wrote to, to be ready to meet Jesus when he returns and in the meantime we are to stand firm and witness to his name. According to Luke, we live in the time between Christ's triumph over death and his Second Coming. This "in-between" time is filled with both tension and hope. The hope can be found in the beginning and ending of the story of the church (and therefore our story), which has been secured by Christ. We are also living in the time of the Gentiles, which began with the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. This time will end when Christ returns. The end times will begin when armies surround Jerusalem. The end time disasters will be orchestrated by God for the sake of warning sinners and calling on them to repent. At this time the Messiah will return and defeat evil. In today's reading from the Gospel of Luke Jesus gives us some of these signs. The signs mentioned in this passage are supernatural in nature. They are orchestrated by God. They will awaken humanity out of its spiritual slumber before Christ returns. Jesus will return at the end of the Tribulation period. He will defeat his enemies and begin his one thousand year reign of peace on a restored planet. Jesus' life, death, resurrection and ascension were testimonies to God's faithfulness through the signs of Christ's return. Jesus used the parable of the fig tree to explain to his followers how to interpret the signs of the end times. Just like a fig tree behaves in predictable ways, prophecy can reliably point to future events. We can understand prophecy if we take time to read it carefully. For example, just like the leaves of the fig tree come to life after winter, the kingdom of God should not come as a shock to us. Some of you might look at world affairs and wonder if they are signs of Christ's return. Your concern is certainly understandable considering the recent attacks in Paris and the war on ISIS. Only time will tell if these are early signs of the end times, but in any event we must keep our faith strong. The world will see these signs and quake with fear. On the other hand, Christians will see these signs as a prelude to Christ's return and their own redemption. Redemption refers to Christ's return, and at that time mortality puts on immortality, and the redemption of the body takes place. For Christians, difficult times do not mean that God has deserted them but that God will fulfill all of his word-both the difficult parts as well as the delightful ones. When Jesus referred to "this generation," he was not referring to the disciples. He was referring to the people who would see the signs of the end times. These people won't die until Christ the King returns in power and establishes his kingdom here on earth. These events will happen quickly. Jesus claimed to be the divine Son of God. He also called on his followers to put as much confidence in his teachings as they did any other portions of Scripture, and he calls on us to have the same confidence today. His words and teachings are for all time. They are permanent. Jesus also called on his followers to watch and pray to do his will. When hard times come, praying for escape is not wrong. Even Christ prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that he would escape the cross, but he surrendered himself completely to God's will. We can and should pray for escape when times are tough, but ultimately we must surrender to God's will for the particular situation we find ourselves in. God's Word is our security in times of turmoil. In the words of the hymn, "Will Your Anchor Hold": We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure as the billows roll Fastened to the Rock which cannot move Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love Jesus doesn't talk about wars, rumours of wars or natural disasters to scare us. He wants to prepare us for his Second Coming. We are not to be afraid. We are not to be led astray by false teachers or people claiming to be Jesus. We are to take advantage of the turmoil that will precede his return to spread the Good News of salvation. As I mentioned earlier, his return is not catastrophic for believers because his return will usher in their redemption. It will be a time for hope, anticipation and glory. On the other hand, his return will be catastrophic for non-believers because it will lead to a new world where evil will be ended and creation will be restored to God's design. Jesus tells us to watch for the signs of his return, but in the meantime we have work to do. We must spread the Good News to a sin-filled world. We must also continue to prepare for Christ's return. When we see natural disasters and conflicts, we can be sure that Christ's return is near. We must be ready, because he could return at any time. The promise of his return offers us hope. There are times when we don't believe that God offers hope, and some of you might be in that situation right now. We might like the outward appearance of Advent with all of the decorations, parties and shopping, but do we let Advent and its promise of Christ's return change us? We need to let it get into our feelings and open our hearts. Many times Christians have expressed the desire for the day to just get here already. They was to end the wars and suffering... the waiting... and get on with Christ's return? They read the Scriptures, looking for details, for signs, that Christ is coming soon. Groups form and debates rage about the finer details of the end times. God appreciates our interest in and desire for his arrival, but do we really know what we're really asking for when we say that we want him to hurry up and return? Are we really ready? Is the world really ready? If we had to stand before Christ tomorrow, would we be ready? Would your life reflect service to him? Love of him? Submission to him? Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9240920

Christian Churches Become Wealthy While Children Die From Starvation

If it bothers you that millions of children will die from starvation this year, while Christian Churches in America have enough money in their bank accounts to feed all of these children three meals a day throughout the year, you need to read this article. I will be discussing a few subjects related to finances in the American Christian Church, all of which should be a major concern for all sincere Christians in this nation. I will begin with the subject of mega churches and their income and assets. They have become commonplace in America; huge and extravagant church buildings, costing from $10 million to $100 million each, have arisen throughout our nation. Today's Christian Church in America has become a gigantic commercial enterprise. Recent statistics from "The Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches" and "The National Center for Charitable Statistics", reveal that Christian churches and ministries in America have an annual income of about $80 billion. The amount of the Church's income is not the concern, but rather how the funds are being spent. As mentioned, huge and extravagant church facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and luxurious furnishings are arising everywhere. More and more ministries are operating in expensive new buildings. Many of these ministries boast of flying to their meetings in their own private jets. And, all of this is happening at a time when there is so much need in our nation, and even more so in other parts of the world. The number of homeless and hungry Americans is rapidly increasing. Furthermore, more than nine million people die from starvation annually throughout the world. At such a time as this, when there is so much need all around us, wouldn't it be a powerful witness for Christ if American Christian churches and ministries were willing and able to minister to these needs in a substantial way, by spending a "significant portion" of their massive income and assets to help those in need? However, their vast expenditures on luxurious mega churches, large salaries, worldly investments and expensive toys are hogging most of their income and assets, while, by comparison, only a minimal percentage is spent on real ministry. This is shameful, and it is not "what Jesus would do"! Of course, those in the Church who are spending their donated funds on all of these "material things" are quick to justify their actions. They remind us that the Jewish temple in the Old Testament also was an extremely expensive and luxurious building. Unfortunately, their comparison and reasoning are both quite faulty. If they really want to compare their modern churches to the temple, the first thing they should do is to close down all of their coffee shops, bookstores, arcade rooms and restaurants that they have included in their expensive church facilities. Why? Because the Bible states that Jesus cast the "sellers" and "money changers" out of the temple, and He said that we are not to make His Father's house, a "house of merchandise" (John 2:16; Matthew 21:12). In other words, do not turn the temple into a shopping mall. Therefore, if today's church leaders want to compare their buildings with the temple, then their profitable bookstores, restaurants and amusement rooms need to be eliminated. However, it is highly unlikely that you will be seeing this occur anytime soon. You see, the contemporary Church does not want to conduct itself like the Old Testament temple when it comes to reverence and sanctity, but only when it comes to expensive and luxurious adornment. It is also noteworthy, that the Jewish temple housed the Shekinah Glory, the Ark of the Covenant, the tablets of stone with the Ten Commandments written by God, the "mercy seat" and other divinely appointed furniture and utensils. It was so holy that only the priests and Levites could enter it. In fact, only the high priest could enter the revered Most Holy Place of the temple, and just once each year. On the other hand, in Jesus' day, there were numerous synagogues throughout the land, in which the common people worshipped on a regular basis; they were very ordinary structures. Those synagogues would be the equivalent of our churches today, and not the temple. As previously stated, the leaders of today's wealthy, worldly and selfish churches want to compare their structures to the temple, in order to justify their luxurious buildings. Thus we are ending up with tens of thousands of temples throughout America, while the commonplace synagogues (churches) of worship are quickly vanishing from the American landscape. Christian leaders have conveniently forgotten that there was only "one" temple in all of Israel, while there were numerous modest synagogues throughout the land. God didn't need thousands of temples in the land of Israel, and it is likely that He doesn't need them in America either. There is, of course, nothing wrong with having a nice building. However, with hundreds of thousands of homeless people in our cities, due to a shortage of homeless shelters, and with millions of people starving to death each year throughout the world, it is appropriate to ask if today's Christian Church in America has forgotten its real mission and purpose. One of the most common slogans in Christianity is, "What would Jesus do"? It would be a good idea for today's Church to ask itself this question. The Jesus we read about in the Bible spent His life ministering to people's needs, not ministering to Himself. I think it is reasonable to assume that He would ask His Church to follow His personal example, by also ministering to those in need, instead of ministering to itself. As the Scriptures state, we are to "walk" as He (Jesus) "walked" (1st John 2:6); that is, we are to live our lives patterned after the example of Jesus' life revealed in the Bible. And, regarding ministering to others, in Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus taught that true Christianity is manifested in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and ministry in general to those in need. This is what Christian churches and ministries should be doing, not ministering to themselves. It is both astonishing and disturbing to realize what America's Christian churches and ministries could accomplish if they just dedicated a fraction of their annual income to "real ministry". According to "poverty.com", about 25,000 people die from starvation each day throughout the world; that's more than nine million people starving to death each year, and the vast majority of these deaths are children! And, according to the ministry, "Feed My Starving Children", it only costs 22 cents to provide one nourishing meal. Based on those statistics, if American Christian churches and ministries committed just ten percent of their massive annual income to "real ministry", there would be enough money to feed every starving person in the world three meals a day throughout the year, and to build 1500 homeless shelters across America annually; within two or three years every homeless person in our nation could be off the streets, and starvation could be immediately eliminated worldwide! In view of what could be accomplished in such a short period of time, if our churches and ministries in America gave just ten percent of their income, can there be any legitimate reason for not doing so? Can they not afford to give only one out of every ten dollars to help those who are in such dire need? Tens of billions of dollars are spent annually by America's Christian organizations on elaborate renovation and expansion projects, and on new, large, luxurious buildings for our numerous, wealthy mega-churches. However, just ten percent of their income, only eight-billion dollars, would feed every starving person in the world three meals a day and house every homeless person in our nation within two or three years. It literally sickens and angers me to see the selfishness, materialism and "luxurious living" within so much of the Christian Church in America, while millions of people die from starvation and America's homeless live in cardboard boxes and eat out of garbage cans. This is not what Jesus would do! This is not biblical Christianity! This is the conducting of a profitable, religious "business enterprise", while masquerading it as Christian ministry. I'm offering the ten percent challenge to all Christian churches and ministries in America. It's time to find out which ones are truly ministering organizations, and which ones are actually just religious "business enterprises". Anyone who has read the New Testament knows that Jesus loves and values people more than buildings and other material things. We've all heard the "talk" from America's Christian organizations. Now, it's about time to see the "walk". I challenge the Church in America to put a "moratorium" on all building and expansion projects, until they have set aside the eight-billion dollars to provide for the desperate needs that I have mentioned. I think that most unbiased and reasonable people would agree that such a suggestion is appropriate. After all, Christian churches and ministries claim to be ministering organizations. Jesus spent His life ministering to those in need. And, the Bible states that, if we see others in need, but do not help them, the love of God does not abide in us (1st John 3:17-18). It is time for the Church to practice what it preaches, or else to stop preaching. There is another area involving "money practices" in the Church that should produce righteous indignation within all sincere Christians; I'm referring to the outlandish "profiteering" being conducted throughout American churches and ministries. It has become common practice for these Christian organizations to market Jesus Christ's "free gospel" of grace with profit margins of 1000 to 2000 percent! CDs and DVDs containing gospel sermons, which cost less than a dollar apiece, are commonly sold at prices ranging from ten to twenty-five dollars each! The Apostle Paul, who God used to write half of the New Testament, said that he presented the gospel "without charge", so that he did not abuse his authority in the gospel (1st Corinthians 9:18). Today's 1000 to 2000 percent profit margins being reaped by American churches and ministries certainly does not constitute presenting the gospel "without charge", and surely does represent abusing their authority in the gospel, based on 1st Corinthians 9:18. This brings me to a third topic concerning finances in the Church, regarding a doctrine that is being taught throughout America. That doctrine is the "prosperity gospel", which teaches Christians that, if they "sow a financial seed" (give an offering) into a church or ministry that proclaims the prosperity gospel, they will receive a "harvest" of good health and wealth from God. This "prosperity doctrine" proudly and unashamedly assures people that the devil cannot harm their health or finances as long as they have strong faith and keep making contributions. Therefore, according to these prosperity-preaching organizations, all "contributing" Christians with strong faith are guaranteed to be healthy and wealthy. This results in a selfish "giving money to get blessings" mentality, which I appropriately call, "The Gospel for Sale". It's too bad that contemporary "prosperity preachers", with their great faith, are not able to go to many of the third-world countries where impoverished Christians are being martyred daily for their faith. Evidently these poverty-stricken Christians, who are being maimed and killed for their faith in Jesus, must not have had the great faith of these American churches and ministries who proclaim this prosperity message. Also, the Apostle Paul, who wrote nearly half of the New Testament, must not have had as great of faith as these modern "prosperity preachers" either, because he said that he was hungry, homeless and poorly clothed, in 1st Corinthians 4:11. In fact, even Jesus must not have had a faith as great as theirs, because He said that even foxes and birds had homes, but He had no place to lay His head (Matthew 8:20). If only today's prospering churches and ministries in America could have instructed Paul and Jesus about having strong faith and "sowing financial seeds", perhaps they could have lived their lives with greater faith and comfort. Of course, this is untrue and absurd, as is the prosperity gospel being preached today. However, this teaching is seductive, and churches and ministries who promote this doctrine are growing rapidly. With this teaching you can have the best of both worlds. Now you can be a Christian, but not have to deny self anymore. Now you can be a Christian, but still enjoy all the things of the world. In fact, with this "prosperity gospel", being a Christian will guarantee you wealth! It used to be that Christianity was known for the "cross" of self-sacrifice. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus told His disciples that anyone who wanted to follow Him would have to deny himself and take up his cross. However, prosperity-preaching Christian churches have come up with a new and improved tactic for recruiting disciples. They have decided to allow prospective disciples to trade up from a "cross" to a "Cadillac". Instead of asking for self-denial, as Jesus did, they promise the pampering of self with rewards of wealth for giving to God. Of course, the way that you give to God is by giving to their churches and ministries. Some even go so far as to promise a hundredfold return from God on the donations made to their ministries. And, they try to justify their unbiblical and worldly conduct by even suggesting that Jesus and the Apostle Paul were actually both wealthy themselves. Well, what about this prosperity gospel? Does it square with Scripture? Were Jesus and Paul wealthy? As previously mentioned, Jesus said that foxes and birds had homes, but He Himself had nowhere to lay His head; Jesus was homeless (Matthew 8:20). The Bible states that Paul and the other apostles were hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed and homeless (1st Corinthians 4:9-11). And, Jesus said that His disciples would also live lives of self-denial and sacrifice, taking up their "cross" (Matthew 10:38; Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; Luke 14:27; Luke 14:33). He said that we are not to lay up treasures on this earth, but in heaven; moreover, that we cannot serve two masters, God and money (Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 6:24). The Bible states that, if we are attached to this world and love "its things", we are enemies of God and do not have His love in us (James 4:4; 1st John 2:15). Also, whereas prosperity preachers present their wealth as being proof of their strong faith, their closeness to God, and as being a blessing that God will bestow upon all Christians having strong faith; Jesus presents a completely opposite picture. He says that it is "hard" for rich people to enter heaven (Matthew 19:23; Mark 10:23; Luke 18:24). Furthermore, He stresses the "danger" of riches in His parable of the sower of the seed, when He states that God's Word is choked by the "deceitfulness of riches" (Mark 4:19; Luke 8:14). And, whereas prosperity preachers tell Christians to desire and strive for wealth, and to expect material riches to result from a strong faith; the Bible declares that those who hasten to be rich will not go unpunished (Proverbs 28:20). The Scriptures also state that people who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare; moreover, that they fall into foolish and harmful lusts that lead them to destruction and perdition (1st Timothy 6:9). And, rather than proclaiming money to be a reward or a proof of strong faith, Scripture warns that the love of money is the root of all evil (1st Timothy 6:10). Furthermore, while prosperitypreachers proudly speak of their luxurious homes, cars, yachts and personal jets as being proof of their "status with God", Jesus states that it is "fools" who lay up treasures for themselves (Luke 12:16-21). At this point, regarding the subject of private jets owned by preachers, ministries and churches, I am compelled to illustrate their misplaced priorities and abandonment of the selfless gospel of Jesus Christ. The previously mentioned ministry organization, "Feed My Starving Children", says that one nutritious meal per day, costing just 22 cents, is enough to save a child from dying of starvation. Based on this statistic, it is appalling to know that the cost of just one preacher's or ministry's private jet would provide enough food to keep about 100,000 starving children alive for a year! Now I ask you: "What would Jesus do?" If you're a professed Christian preacher, church or ministry, and you own one of these multi-million-dollar jets, sell it, and keep 100,000 children alive for a year! Furthermore, if you're a gospel preacher, how can you justify driving a Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Porsche or other luxury car costing nearly 100 thousand dollars, when you could provide enough food to save nearly 1000 children from dying of starvation by driving a $30,000 car instead? What would Jesus want you to do? Would He want you to buy a $100,000 Mercedes, or would He want you to buy a $30,000 Ford and keep 1000 children alive? It is interesting that prosperity preachers tell Christians that a strong or "rich" faith will result in them being financially rich, while they tell them that they will remain poor if they do not have a "rich" or strong faith. However, the Bible says that it is the poor who are "rich in faith" (James 2:5). The truth of the matter is that today's popular "prosperity gospel" blatantly contradicts Scripture. Prosperity preachers are manipulating and twisting Scripture to keep the money coming in, so that they can continue living lavishly. The Bible has warned us that false teachers would arise teaching heresies and exploiting Christians with deceptive words for covetous purposes, and that those who teach unscriptural things and use "godliness" (the things of God) as a means of personal gain, are proud and have corrupt minds that are destitute of the truth (2nd Peter 2:1-3; 1st Timothy 6:3-8). 1st Timothy 6:7-8 also reminds us that we came into this world without any material possessions, and that we will not be able to take any with us when we leave, so we should be content with just having food and clothing. Does that sound anything like today's prosperity gospel? Absolutely not! I hope that you are as alarmed as I am regarding the financial abuses being conducted within the American Christian Church, and I also hope that you will do what you can to get this message out. You can read other interesting and provocative articles by Henry Bechthold at http://www.godormen.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7224673

Preaching the Truth - God's True Message

When it comes to organized religion, it seems like very few preachers are actually telling the truth. They often cover-up scandals and manipulate Bible verses to provide their congregation with messages that will benefit them personally and their organization. Some of these preachers get a little out of hand and use guilt to make people feel sorry for others and even second-guess themselves. Some of these religious leaders have become better at asking for money than actually preaching the gospel. I know that most preachers, ministers, priests, pastors and other religious leaders don't want to hear the truth, but it's time that someone said something and that someone is me. I'm pretty tired of watching Christian leaders talk about their problems, while ignoring the problems of the masses. If you belong to an organization that isn't interested in you personally, you might want to find another church to go to. It's time to start sending these people a message and the best way that you can send a message to them is to quit giving them the money that they are requesting to build bigger and better churches or provide themselves with a better lifestyle. It's up to you personally to put an end to the damage that is being done today by Christian leaders that aren't preaching the truth. You can't just keep asking for money without providing inspiration and hope for the future. If you're Christian leaders aren't telling the truth or won't answer the hard questions about early Christianity, it's time to join another church that does. Click Here Now For Some Unbelieveable True Bible Facts [http://didgodactuallysaythat.spiritualbooks4u.com/].

Preaching and Teaching

The educational system in our country has come under scrutiny. Teachers and students alike have been observed, tested, and analyzed for their efficiency and achievements. Whenever goals have not been reached, committees and subcommittees are introduced to address and define the causes of sub inferior educational standards and accomplishments. Education begins with the educators. If a teacher lacks scholastic integrity, the students will suffer. The teachers must be well versed in their field of expertise. To not understand and believe in what they teach is to put their students at a distinct disadvantage. The Church is not immune to investigative attention. I believe every Pastor should be held to the highest standards in Biblical education. If they lack spiritual integrity and congregational compassion, their "students" will fail to achieve spiritual growth. It is so tragic to see hungry Believers enter the church building and leave with hunger pains. It is hard for me to understand how a once a week communal service can possibly help the Believer reach the goal of spiritual maturity. What happened to the Sunday night service or the Wednesday Bible study? In place of those Christian staples, "small groups" gather to discuss Christian publications or to just fellowship around cookies and liquid refreshments. If there are "cell" groups, it is essential that there is a strong spiritual leader that can oversee the group and be able to steer them in the right direction. If that is not done, it is like the blind leading the blind. Jesus ministry centered on PREACHING and TEACHING. I believe that every pastor needs to adopt his ministry around those two foundational principles. Preaching is heralding divine truth while teaching elaborates on those truths.. When Jesus began His ministry, He came preaching "repentance." In fact that was the foundation on which He would build His ministry. (Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:38) Before anyone can receive Truth, he must be willing to change direction (repent), thus opening himself to the teaching that is offered through the Scripture. The commissioning of the Disciples was around this principle. As they went into the world they were told to preach the Gospel and then follow it up with teaching. (Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19). The reason there is such a lack of excitement in so many churches is because the foundation of repentance has not been proclaimed. How can one understand Biblical teaching when they have not decided to seek a different direction in their daily walk? (Repentance) After preaching repentance, Jesus entered the Synagogues and Temple teaching. (Matthew 4:23, John 7:14) He taught from a boat, hillside and anywhere that people were ready to listen. PREACHING prepares the hearer, while TEACHING explains the Word. How many times I have seen people leave a worship service just as empty as they entered. How can you blame them? They can't understand the implication of the Word, unless they have made a conscious effort to change direction! It is one thing to preach on the forgiveness of God, but another thing to teach how we can pass our forgiveness on to others. Preaching deals with absolutes, while teaching deals with application of those absolutes. When Pastors learn the difference between PREACHING AND TEACHING, they will see a change in the people that they could only have imagined. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9241727

Heavenly Minds Seek Christ Jesus

Seek Those Things Which Are Above Heavenly minds seek Christ Jesus on a daily basis. Colossians 3:1 proclaims, If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. We can only be raised with Christ when we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. As a result, we practice dying to ourselves on a consistent basis. (Not my will, but Thy will be done.) Each time we exemplify the principles of the kingdom of God, it is evidence that we are crucifying the flesh and therefore seeking what's above. What's above? According to James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning - meaning the Lord does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. The kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Frequently, I search the meanings of bible words from the original text because oftentimes something is lost in translation. The Greek word for seek is zeteo (pronounced dzay-the'-o), which means to worship God. I find that fascinating. Matthew 6:33 states, But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. What things? All the things that you need for your existence: food, clothing, shelter, etcetera, as well as some of your desires. Presently, we are not speaking of a kingdom that can be seen with the natural eyes - though that is to come. We are speaking of the spiritual kingdom on the inside. Worship sets our mind on heavenly treasures. When we seek God, we declare his worth-ship to us. In doing so, we are propelled to the mountaintop - giving us a clearer view and greater advantage over the limited view in the valley. Treasures in Heaven When we examine Matthew 6:19-21 we are instructed: Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Let's visit Proverbs 2:1-6. My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; In verse 4, the Hebrew word for seek is baqash (pronounced baw-kash), which means to search out by worship and prayer, strive after. The heavenly minded seek Jesus Christ our Lord because of the 'mindset'. Their minds are set on him. Why do we have to set our minds? Because the battle is fought in the soul, which is comprised of the mind, will, emotions, imaginations and intellect. When our minds are set and our hearts fixed, we are convinced and determined. The ASK Acronym: Ask, Seek and Knock Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Aiteo (ahee-the'-o), the Greek word for ask is to crave, call for, or desire. The Psalmist said, as the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after thee. SET YOUR AFFECTIONS Colossians 3:2 Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. When we are dead to this world, it becomes less important to us, because we understand that everything on earth is passing away. Only what's done for Christ will be rewarded. Take a good look at the Greek meaning for set. It is phroneo (fron-eh'-o), meaning to interest oneself with obedience; be of the same mind; focus, anchor or cement. These are weighty definitions and demand serious observations. The first has made an indelible mark on my mind. When we interest ourselves with obedience, we are more likely to be obedient. The mind wills and we obey - usually. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. It is vital that we do not conform - act in accordance with this world's system, but that we are transformed - changed by renewing our minds when we meditate on the scriptures. The Greek word anakainoo, pronounced (an-ak-ah'ee-no-sis) is translated renew, renovate. The prefix ana (an-ah') in compounds often means reversal. It is also a derivative of a Greek word for neoteros (neh-o'-ter-os) meaning regenerate - formed or created again; spiritually reborn or converted; restored to a better, higher, or more worthy state. Ephesians 4:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members, which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. Mortify means to kill. How do we mortify our members? By controlling our physical desires and passions; by self-denial coupled with fasting and prayer. Colossians 3:8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 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. Why focus on the heavenly? Because sin will kill you. The wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) Is it possible for us not to sin? Yes! Jesus made it possible by becoming sin for us. But it's not likely to happen. Will we ever not sin? Not as long as we are in these terrestrial bodies. Does that give us the liberty to sin? No! We've been made more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37) The question on the floor: If we were placed on trial in a court of law for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us? Too often we're so caught up in this world's system (blending), that the world cannot tell us from its own. Unfortunately, the saying: "He's so heavenly minded, he's no earthly good," does not apply to the great majority of believers. Read Ephesians 2:6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, If you've been raised up with Christ, you should seek the things that He seeks. We have to have a vision, or we perish. Our vision should be a desire to be more like Christ each day. We don't work for salvation; we work from salvation - exercising the fruit of the Spirit. True faith in God will be evident in our actions. It's not what we say necessarily, but rather what we do. Actions will always speak louder than words. Exemplify your stand for Christ by the way you occupy your seat. Today, be heavenly minded, seek Christ Jesus and set your affections on things above. Jesus said come unto me all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior today, it's a simple remedy. Pray, Father forgive me and cleanse me from every sin that I committed. I confess that your son, Jesus died for my sins and I confess him as my Lord and Savior. Now ask Jesus to come into your heart and live his life in you. For more articles like 'Heavenly Minds Seek Jesus Christ, click on the link below. You will also have access to more FREE resources and services. 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