Hello my friends, the goal here is to provide the reader with a thorough understanding of the basic Principles of Christianity. Even if you never go on to formally study the Scriptures, become a pastor or bible teacher, you can still make it to glory if you follow these foundations. Remember our Lord said, deny yourself, pickup your cross and follow me (Mat 16:24). However, in order to become more effective in prayer and implementing our gift, we must become a life long student of the Bible. Of utmost importance is this link where I provide my understanding of how a soul is born again because Jesus said, unless this happens you cannot enter the Kingdom of God: The 3Rs

We must be rooted and grounded in God’s Word and allow His Spirit to radically transform our thinking pattern and manifest or produce a new outer person or creation (II Corinthians 5:17).  While reading this teaching please go to the Scripture references and ask God to open your mind and soften your heart in order to receive all your blessings in Christ. For in our Lord are hidden all the wisdom and knowledge of God (Col 2:3). Also, pray that Christ grows me up into the Godly person who pleases Him and likewise, I will keep you in my prayers. Currently, I am using the New King James Version.

Who wrote the Bible, God or Man?

My friends, if we are not thoroughly convinced the Bible is from God and he has preserved its truth, we will have a difficult time making it to heaven.  Currently, I believe the Dead Sea Scrolls, dating around 300 BC, are the oldest manuscripts we have. This discovery in 1946 gave us copies approximately 1,000 years older, which means the Dead Sea Scrolls date back over 2,000 years. The scholars compared the wording of the Scrolls with our current Bibles and found them remarkably similar to our modern Bibles. Again, God has preserved his word! Are there small differences among the translations? Yes, but the primary message on the subjects of sin, repentance, death, judgment, heaven, hell, and God’s redemption plan, through his Son Jesus, are consistent.

We understand, according to Scripture (2 Peter 1:21), that God inspired men to write the Bible.  Similarly, in the Revelation, the Lord instructs John, to “Write down all these things you see and send them to the 7 churches”. (Rev 1-3).  Paul in 1 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.” Therefore, I believe the Bible is the infallible Word of God, even as God is holy and without error.  Ask yourself, what person would write a book that claims to help society, yet condemns it at the same time?  This paradox is true of the Bible because it condemns society if it attempts to exist apart from the God revealed in Scripture. 

This is essential for our stability and growth in Christ, to receive strength to face today’s challenges, problems and ultimately overcome sin.  Many people have discovered a need for Jesus and asked Him to help them.  However, without a study of God’s Word and spiritual insight from the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 2:14), we will never comprehend how deeply God loves us (John 10:27-30), (Romans 8:38-39). Also, we will struggle with His command for us to be perfect, which I understand means to walk in holiness (Mat 7).  Instead, our development will remain at an elementary level concerning the doctrines of testing, temptation, sin, repentance and salvation. 

Understanding Testing and Temptation

What does it mean to be tested and what does it mean to be tempted? Is it a sin to be tested and tempted? Who is testing me and who is tempting me? Is God testing me and tempting me to sin? Why am I being tested and why am I being tempted? We know the act of being tested or tempted is not a sin because our Lord was tested by the Holy Spirit and tempted by Satan for 40 days in the wilderness and did not sin. Being eternally perfect, the testing of the Lord did not result in him succumbing to temptation. We are striving for perfection or holiness but have sins in the past which disqualify us from the Lord’s level of perfection. We know that testing can lead to sin if we fail the test and give in to the temptation. So, what is testing and temptation, who is doing this to us, when does this experiment cross over into becoming sin, and most important, how can we overcome it?

God’s motivation in bringing testing

The testing of our faith reveals the level of sacrifice and obedience we are paying to surrender to our God. This part of the experiment comes from God. Remember there were many trees in the garden they were allowed to eat from but were forbidden from eating from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil”. God’s desire for us is always to pass the test and freely choose to obey him by not eating from the wrong tree. You can think of the tree of life as Jesus and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil as Satan tempting us to fail the test and give into our lust (2 Pet 1:4). Remember, what our Lord said to the women at the well, if you drink of this water (the wrong tree) you will thirst again. However, if you drink of the water I give you (the right tree), you will never thirst again (John 4:14). The level of relationship God desires with us has to be severely tested.

Remember when God tested Job by allowing Satan to inflict him. Did God want Job to fail the test? Who wanted Job to fail the test? Remember, when God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, whom he loved, to him. Now, did God want Abraham to fail the test? Of course not. This request from God must have confused Satan because God never required human sacrifice, similar to the other pagan nations. Remember when God tested the children of Israel for 40 years in the wilderness and many of them failed the test (Heb 3:10-11). Therefore, we conclude God’s intent when testing our faith is never for us to fail the test. For the Bible says God cannot be tempted with evil and neither will he tempt any man (Jam 1:13). Also, remember the ultimate test our Lord submitted to in the garden. At the end of every test, we to must say like our Lord, Father your will be done (Mat 26:39).

Satan’s motivation and method in temptation

As God provides the test or experiment to prove our love and devotion, Satan temps you to fail the test resulting in disobedience or sin. When God placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden, did he need Satan to tempt man to fail for his purpose to be fulfilled? No, because the test was in place without Satan’s involvement.

When God gives you a great job and huge raise, does he want you to become materialistic by worshipping these things? Now, who will come along and say, your current car, which runs perfectly well, should be replaced with a brand new shinny one? If we purchase the new shinny object, we probably have given into the temptation of the flesh and failed the test. This test was can we handle more money without lusting for unnecessary material things. Therefore, when Satan enters our life, he is never coming to temp us to live holy or obey God. Remember, the thief comes but to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).

Paul says in Corinthians that no temptation has taken us but what is common to man and with each occurrence, God has provided a way of escape. Can we pass some test and resist some temptation without being born again or without the power of the Holy Spirit?  Yes, but eventually we will need the power of the Holy Spirit because the strongest form of temptation to sin is coming through supernatural powers.  The challenge to pass the test, overcome temptation, and not sin is the command, not suggestion, given to each of the churches in Revelation 2 and 3.  As God test our faith to prove our love and obedience, how does Satan present temptation to us?  

• The lust of the flesh – is this something that makes me feel good but against God’s rules
• The lust of the eyes – is looking or thinking about this against God’s rules
• The pride of life – am I thinking too much or the wrong way about myself

When temptation becomes sin

So the question of when does temptation cross over into sin must be answered through an examination of Scripture and prayer before God. Some thoughts or actions we might take pleasure in are obviously disobedient. A simple comparison against God’s written word reveals this for us. Also, we must be careful not to twist the plain text of the Scripture to our own peril (2 Pet 3:16). For other more subtle sins such as pride, greed, hatred, lust and unforgiveness, we must stay close to the Holy Spirit so he can reveal them to us.

So we conclude, like God tested Jesus, he is testing us because true love and devotion to God must be proved through sacrifice and submission, hence the forbidden tree in the garden. God’s motivation is for us to pass any particular test and if we happen to fail that one by sinning, his desire is for us to humble ourselves and repent (2 Pet 3, Rev 2,3). When Satan shows up in our lives, he is always tempting us to disobey God and fall into sin. If he is successful in that instance, he then accuses us and tries to convince us that God will not forgive that sin (Rev 12:10). After we repent and cry out for his power over that sin, we stand on the Scripture that says Jesus is a high priest forever (Heb 7:17). This means if we come correct, his blood is always available to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). My friends, we can never assume Jesus blood covers unrepentant sin because David said if I hide iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Psalms 66:18).

Just as committed God is to loving us and making the Holy Spirit available to us to obey him, Satan is equally committed to deceiving us and leading us into disobedience. The Revelation tells us that even after Satan is locked away for a 1,000 years, once released, he goes right back to working against God (Rev 20:7).

How we overcome temptation

In 1 John 2, we are commanded not to love the world or the things in the world.  If we love this fallen world, we will never be able to overcome temptation.  We always love people and encourage them to obey the Lord. The world in this passage is the same as Mystery Babylon, she is physically beautiful, decked out in materialism, and selling herself to anyone willing to buy (Rev 17, 18). This is why the Lord says come out of her my people. In other words, if our treasure or what we place the greatest value on is in this world, we will struggle with obeying the Lord (Mat 6:21).

When we consider how testing comes to us and how we literally exist, we understand that it is impossible not to be tested.  Remember, our Lord said in this world you will have tribulation or testing, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Even if we withdraw from society and live in a monastery, we will always take our thoughts and actions with us.  Because there is that old saying, where ever you go, there you are. 

Once we are born again, we have a power living in us to help us in our weaknesses or when we are tempted.  Hebrews 4 says let us boldly approach the throne of God to find help in time of need.  Revelation 12 tells us that we overcome by the blood of the lamb, the word of our testimony and we love not our lives to the death.  To overcome means that we have overcome sin and are walking in holiness.  Does this mean that we cannot sin?  Of course not, however this means that we are not practicing sin. Let us not deceive ourselves, if we are practicing sin, then our relationship with God is broken until we repent and begin to walk in holiness again (1 John 3:8).

Now, this does not mean when we initially disobey God, he immediately cuts us off from his Spirit. Just like the churches in the Revelation, God gives us time to repent before he takes action. Remember, the Lord says to the church of Ephesus in the Revelation, if you do not repent, I will come and remove your lampstand (Rev 2:5). Again, the Bible says that God is long suffering, not willing that any should perish but all to come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9). I believe the swift action performed on Ananias and Sapphira was necessary due to the initial formation of the church (Acts 5:1). However, even in that instance, Peter gave them one final opportunity to come clean.

The Lord promises us power over all evil forces in Luke 10:19 and to accomplish the great commission in Matthew 28. However, this authority is only available when we get the sin out of our life, because the children of Israel could out advance beyond Jericho until they delt with the sin of Achan (Jos 7:10). At the end of the day, let’s not assume we can accomplish anything and God will delay judgment in our lives if we continue in disobedience.

Understanding Sin

What is sin and why am I a sinner?  Am I in sin when I feel broken, guilty or weak? Did Jesus feel broken, weak and frustrated at times? Am I always going to sin or can I ever become free of sin? The New Testament was written in Greek and my understanding of the Classical Greek word, Hamartia, translated as Sin, is missing the mark. What is the mark that God requires for his creation? The mark was established in the garden, which is for us to perfectly obey God’s rules and laws. Jesus hit the mark and said in John 8, which of you can prove I am a sinner. In other words, Jesus is saying, I always obey my Father’s rules and laws. Therefore, sin is disobedience to God, evidenced by the breaking of God’s rules (Mat Chapter 5 – 7) and the transgression of God’s law (Exodus 20:6-17).  We are not necessarily in sin when we feel broken, sad, weak, angry or disagrees with someone. For the Bible says, be angry but do not allow yourself to fall into sin (Eph 4:26,27). Paul and Barnabas disagreed sharply over John Mark but the Scripture does not indicate either of them was in sin (Acts 15:39).

All have sinned

Now, since we have all broken God’s rules, we have all sinned (Rom 3:23).  We have sinned because we have not lived up to God’s standard of perfection (Exodus 20:6-17, Mat 5 thru 7). If we say we have no sin or have not sinned then we make him a liar (1 John 8, 10).  We can never say we have no sin because our past actions still belong to us. However, Jesus blood continues to intercede for our past sins because Hebrews says you are a priest forever. Now, we must get to the place where we can say, I am not currently practicing sin or living in a state of unrepentance. For 1 John says he who sins is of the devil and little children I write to you that you may not sin. Obviously, if we are sinning continuously, this verse makes no sense. 

All deserve God’s judgment in hell

The payment God owe us for having sinned is physical death (Genesis 5:5) and spiritual death (Genesis 2:17) in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14), (Isaiah 5:14).  Now, the physical or first death will be experienced by all of us but God has made a way for us not to experience the second death (Rev 21:8). Notice who the everlasting fire in Matthew 25:41 was prepared for.  Also, if we sin then we must confess this (1 John 1:9) and ask the Holy Spirit to give us power to overcome. Notice the Bible does not say “when we sin” we must confess. If we are living from a position that says Lord I know I am going to sin in the future, then we will have a difficult time walking in holiness. This is why the Bible says we must present our bodies as living sacrifices and renew our mind continually (Romans 12). When God gave all the laws in Leviticus as well as the protocols to follow, he always said, “if the people sin, not when”.  

Our desire is to live holy lives and through Christ we can do all things (Phi 4:13).  The all things definitely include power to overcome sin.  The Scripture says shall we continue in sin that grace may abound (Rom 6:1)? The obvious answer is no! My friends, just as God used Ezekiel to warn the people in Ezekiel 8 and testify against all Israel’s abominations committed in his sanctuary, I am warning everyone that if we do not get the sin out of our lives disaster will overtake us, and it will overtake us in Deborah’s lifetime.

Understanding Repentance

My friends, true repentance involves confession, a thirst for righteousness (Mat 5:6) and understanding of the penalty against sin. To become Godly sorry over our sin (2 Corinthians 7:10) and view sin as God does, involves a complete change in our attitude of how we understand sin.  How does God view sin?  How many sins were required before God cursed the entire creation in Genesis (Gen 3:14-19)? Only one!  Man’s view says God over reacted because they only ate a piece of fruit.  God’s view says I gave you everything in the garden and only asked you abstain from one tree. 

Now prior to conversion, we must accept that we are wretched or disgusting sinful people with wicked hearts (Romans 7:24) (Jeremiah 17:9).  Remember, James make it clear that faith without works is dead.  Remember, John the Baptist says bring forth fruit worthy of repentance (Mat 3:8). In other words, our actions must back up our mouth! Yes my friends, we are saved by the grace of God and we will definitely work to enter eternal life. James 1:27 says true religion is to help the widows (meet some physical needs) and keep yourself unstained from the world (keep sin out of our life).

True repentance produces obedience

The Scripture says in Hebrews 11 that genuine faith will produce obedience to the Lord.  All of our good works, witnessing, evangelizing, going to church, feeding the poor, fasting and praying, not seeking riches, walking in humility represent the fine linen of the saints (Revelation 19:8).  However, if we are doing these same works to be seen of men and believe they are earning us salvation, apart from the cross, they are like filthy rags. The key phrase here is “apart from the cross”. The Lord’s blood is mingled with our holy living on the altar to release the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are striving to live holy or enter the narrow gate (Mat 7:13) while understanding we deserve the wrath of God in eternal hell (Eph 2:3). 

Remember the words of our Lord to Peter. Our Lord said to Peter, I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail and after you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren (Luke 22:32). Obviously, Peter’s faith did fail, which was helped by him sleeping in the garden when he should have been praying. Thankfully, even after denying the Lord three times, he found repentance. Our process of restoration may include reaching out to others, apologizing and asking for forgiveness when necessary (Mat 5:23), but it always includes crying out to God before his throne (Rev 2,3).

True repentance involves confessing and forsaking sin in order to be covered by the blood (1 John 1).  Holy living or our good works are done because God commands us to live this way (Exodus 20, Mat 5, Rom 12:1), to express our obedience, which demonstrates our love and thankfulness to God (John 3:16, Isaiah 9:6). Behold he is coming and his reward is in his hand to give everyone according to their works (Rev 22:12). Therefore, let us leave the elementary principles of Christ and go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and faith toward God (Heb 6:1).

Belief / Trust / Faith unto Salvation

Friends, what does it mean to believe in God for salvation?  For instance, when we sit in a chair, we place our complete belief or trust or faith (notice how interchangeable these three words are) in the strength of that chair and its ability to sustain our weight and trust we will not hit the floor.  This is true because no one sits in a chair and holds himself up by something else, except maybe a clown.  Scripture says that even the devils believe there is one God and tremble (James 2:19).  Now we know the demons and fallen angels do not possess salvation (Jude 6:6), (Matthew 8:29) (Revelation 12).  Therefore, our belief in God must cause us to seek Christ through the Scripture, listen to his voice through the pages (John 10:27) (Abide in Jesus John 15), and submit to his commands (Luke 6:46).  As we abide in Jesus, we are born again, or not born of blood (physically by the will of man) but spiritually (by the will of God) (1 John 1:12). 

The gift comes from God

Friends, we are not able to cause ourselves to be born physically and therefore we cannot cause ourselves to be born again, therefore the gift must come from God.  However, if our actions cause us to leave his teachings and way of living, can we say we have been born again (1 John 2:6)?  Let us not deceive ourselves, those who practice righteousness are righteous, those who sin are of the Devil (1 John). Our only hope is to cling to his promises by following after him in the Word of God, confess our sins if necessary, and love our neighbors as best as we can.  For Jesus has promised my sheep hear my voice, they follow me and I give unto them eternal life.  My friends, this sounds a lot like a marriage relationship between God and us. We are hearing the Lord’s voice, obeying him and the result is eternal life (John 10:27). Obviously, if we are practicing sin or living in the flesh, we are disobeying the Lord.

Belief in Scripture must be lived out

When the Lord said in John 3:16 that whoever believes in me will not perish was he saying you can just believe this statement? When Paul says in Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead was he saying you can just say this with your mouth and believe these facts? My friends, in both of these statements, where do we find the command for us to repent of our sins and live a holy life? We must be careful not to take a few passages out of context and say this is how to get saved. Any form of salvation which does not include a life of holiness is a lie.

The individual who tells you to quote John 3:16 or Romans 10:9 as a formula to salvation only has head knowledge and the heart has not become Godly sorry. True salvation requires us to obey and accept the Lordship of Christ. Head knowledge is simply intellectual cognizance of Christ and is the devil’s faith spoken of in James, thus worthy of judgment. 

Assurance of Salvation

Can we have assurance or know that we have eternal life? Yes! The Bible tells us that the Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Rom 8:16).  My friends, you will experience supernatural encounters that your mind cannot deny.  The Lord has performed many signs and wonders through me such as miraculous physical healings, spoken in tongues, received dreams, visions, direct verbal dialogue, casted out demons, physical sensations and circumstances that cannot be explained and he promises the same to all his children (Mark 6:17), (Joel 2:28). Now this does not mean everyone will perform the same actions because we all have different gifts (1 Cor 12:4).

Alternatively, can we have assurance of salvation if we are lukewarm in our love toward the Lord, being witnessed by us not being heavily invested in the Lord’s work or have a life filled with sinful practices? (Rev 3:16) (James 1:7).  His word says that if we walk in the light as he is in the light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all darkness (1 John).  John makes it clear in this letter that walking in the light means practicing holiness and walking in the darkness means practicing sin.

Now, consider the opposite of this statement, if we walk in darkness and he is in the light, will his blood continue to cleanse us from all sin?  These doctrines must engender deep thoughtful periods throughout our lives.  Seek God for wisdom (James 1:5). Remember, God is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy (God’s part-Jude 1:24) and we must present our bodies a living sacrifice and continue to renew our mind in his Scriptures (Man’s part-Rom 12:1,2). I like to say it this way, God is giving it everything he has to save us and we must give it everything we have to be saved!

Man’s Baptism vs God’s Baptism

What are the baptism’s commanded in the New Testament under the New Covenant? Does water baptism or the baptism by a man save me? Does baptism by the Holy Spirit save me? How do I know if I have been baptized by God and placed into the body of Christ? If I was baptized as a baby or child, do I have to get baptized again?

Man’s Baptism

The first mention of a baptism in the New Testament is by John the Baptist whose ministry was to baptize people preparing them for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit under the New Covenant. John’s water baptism was based on a person’s confession that they wanted forgiveness and repented of disobeying the Lord. Prior to John’s instructions, people were following the Old Covenant rules to get their sins forgiven. John said I am initiating a new way to get your sins forgiven by saying I baptize you unto repentance, but he will baptize you, speaking of Jesus, with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11).

From this passage, it is evident that John’s baptism (Man’s) was different from baptism by the Holy Spirit (God’s). I understand this passage as John is saying I baptize you based on your confession of repentance. John later indicates that we must bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. I understand this passage as John saying our actions in life must be changed. This is consistent with Paul saying in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that anyone in Christ is a new creation.

Simon the sorcerer in Samaria believed the words of Philip and was baptized (Acts 8:13), but did not have the Holy Spirit. Simon received a baptism by Phillip or man, unto repentance, but he did not repent. We know this because when Peter came and laid his hands on some and Simon saw the Holy Spirit was given, he said give me this power and offered them money (Acts 8:18). Therefore, we conclude that water baptism did not save Simon because this physical act might not result in true repentance.

God’s Baptism

Peter was sent to Cornelius to deliver the message of salvation to the Gentiles (Acts 10:25). As Peter was delivering the message that Jesus is the Messiah, the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles while he was speaking (Acts 10:44), which was evidenced by tongues in this instance. However, notice that these Gentiles did not get water baptized until after this event (Acts 10:47), as Peter said can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we conclude just as John the Baptist says, you can be baptized unto repentance (by Man) but must be baptized by the Holy Spirit (by God.)

My friends, just how God told Moses to have the people consecrate themselves and wash their clothes and I will come down to them (Exodus 19:10), he commands us to repent of our sins and be baptized and he will come to us. After you have repented of your sins, then baptize yourself or have someone baptize you in water (by Man), then the Lord promises to baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Now once we have been baptized by the Holy Spirit, we must continue to live a holy life because Jesus says he who endures to the end, the same will be saved (Matthew 24:13).

Water baptism or baptism by the Holy Spirit will not save us if we continue to live in sin as Paul says let everyone who confesses the name of Christ depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19). 1 Peter 2:21 also says that just as the people during the flood were saved through water, that is physical water, you two are saved by baptism. However, Peter clarifies by saying, it is not the removal of the filth of the flesh by water (that is physical baptism) but the answer of a good conscience toward God (this is the result of living right before God).

Evidence of God’s Baptism

The evidence that we are being baptized by the Holy Spirit is that we are walking in the light rather than walking in darkness (1 John 1:6). Again, walking in the light is symbolic of living or practicing holiness and walking in darkness is symbolic of living or practicing sin. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free and have been made to drink into one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). This baptism is accomplished by the Holy Spirit as Paul says His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Rom 8:16). Now our obedience to the Lord definitely includes submitting to water baptism. Our Lord said all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth, go into all the world and make disciples baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Mat 28:18).

Passover vs Communion

What is the significance of the Old Testament observance of Passover and the New Testament observance of Communion? When were these rituals instituted? Should we observe the Old Testament ritual of Passover or the New Testament ritual of Communion? Am I saved by observing one or both of these rituals?

Old Testament Passover

The observance of Passover was commanded in the Old Testament to commemorate when the Death Angel killed the first born of Egypt and passed over those who had the lamb’s blood on their house (Exodus 12:13). The Lord said so this day shall be to you a memorial and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance (Exodus 12: 14). The significance of observing Passover was the children of Israel were rescued from their enemies the Egyptians. They had to kill a sacrificial lamb and place its’ blood on their door post so God would not kill their first born, like he killed the Egyptians.

New Testament Communion

The observance of Communion was established to replace or fulfill the Old Testament Passover ritual because it was at this Old Testament ritual that the Lord took the bread, which symbolized his body and the cup, which symbolized his blood and said these words. For this is my blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:26-29). The Lord also said do this to remember me (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Those who are continuing to observe the Old Testament Passover have not recognized that the Lord is the New Testament Passover Lamb sacrificed not to save us from the Egyptians but ultimately from our sins (Revelation 1:5) and the wrath of God. Just as we are commanded to be water baptized, we are commanded to observe communion. Remember, the Lord said I have not come to abolish the law but to fulfill (Mat 5:17). The new practice of Communion is the fulfillment of the Old Testament practice of Passover. However, observance of communion or water baptism does not guarantee salvation because we must continue to abstain from sin and abide in Christ until the end (1 John 3:8).

Transubstantiation

For those who believe in the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, this passage tells you that the bread and wine symbolized the Lord’s literal body and blood. If these elements symbolized the Lord’s literal body at the time of initial establishment, there is no reason to believe they are not symbolizing it now. When the Lord says in John 6 that we must eat his body and drink his blood to be saved, he meant for us to continue in his teachings, which includes observance of the ritual of Communion. This language is consistent with the message given to John in Revelation 10 where he was told to eat the little book in the Angels hand.

Furthermore, when Communion was discussed in 1 Corinthians 11:27, Paul says that whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Now this meal was a substantial source of food for some because many were coming to the table hungry and falling under God’s judgment. Therefore, believing a small piece of bread or wafer and a little wine is transformed into the Lord’s literal body is inconsistent with this early observance of Communion.

Can I lose my salvation once I am saved?

This is a legitimate question for anyone who is concerned with their soul and their eternal resting place.  The Bible makes it clear that it is appointed once for a man to die, then after this there is the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).  Did God save me against my free will? Now that I am saved, is he going to keep me saved against my free will? Now that I am saved, did I lose my free will? My friends, let’s attack the answer from examining our past actions, present state and potential future. 

My past actions

Let’s take our mind back to the first time we confessed our sin, asked the Lord to forgive us and subsequently begin our Christian journey.  Now, this moment happened at the time of death for the thief on the cross (Luke 23).  This man recognized he had lived a sinful life because he said we are getting our just reward but this man, speaking of Jesus, has done nothing wrong.  He confessed Jesus as Lord and repented by saying Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom. Obviously, he believed Jesus was Lord and had authority over death otherwise his request made no sense.  Jesus said today you will be with me in paradise. Our Lord looked at the thief’s heart and knew he was sincere in calling upon the Lord for salvation of soul, not physical death (Acts 2:21). The other thief was not repenting and only wanted the Lord to save them from physical death, which they definitely deserved.

Therefore, whenever we repent of our sins we are in a state of salvation.  For this man, it just happened to be immediately before his physical death. Jesus said, he who preservers to the end, the same will be saved (Mat 24:13). This man continued in his belief or faith until the end. Therefore, we conclude that if our initial free will encounter with the Lord was sincere, we were once in a state of forgiveness or salvation.

My present state

Although we can remember the past and anticipate the future, we can only live in the present.  This is why the Bible says that today if you will hear his voice do not harden your heart (Hebrews 4:7).  Today is the day of salvation.  The Lord also tells us do not worry about tomorrow for today has enough trouble in itself.  In other words, give us this day our daily bread (Mat 6:11).  If we are currently aware of unconfessed sin, then we should repent by asking the Lord to forgive us and asking the Holy Spirit to fill us with his presence so we can walk in holiness (1 John).  Therefore, if you need to come before the Lord now, please do so. Otherwise, we are in a current state of forgiveness or salvation. 

My anticipated future

If I sin in the future, will I lose my salvation?  My friends, ask yourself if you sin in the future will you repent of this sin? Notice that the Bible does not say “When you sin but if you sin” (1 John).  The first thing you must realize is that no one knows their future, unless revealed to them by God, so do not believe you must sin in the future.  Jesus said offenses or sins must come, but woe to that person who offends or sins (Mat 18:7). Then the Lord begins to say we should cut off body parts if they make us sin (Mat 5:30)!

James says we all stumble in many ways, but this is in reference to humanity as a whole and not an individual. James could not be referring to the future in relation to specific sins because no one knows if they will sin today, tomorrow, next week or next year.  James also says that if, not when, any among you, speaking of a Christian, wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins (James 5).  Paul reaffirms this same position by saying, if a man falls into sin (not when), you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness (Gal 6:1). The question of if I sin in the future will I lose my salvation should be answered from the perspective of will I repent if I sin in the future?

My friends, let’s not worry ourselves over what if’s in the future, let’s ensure that we do not have any sin which must be repented of. Because the Bible says, if I hide iniquity or sin in my heart, the Lord will not hear my prayers (Psalms 66:18). For we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul (Heb 10:39). Now unto him who is able to keep us from falling and present us before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy (Jude 24).

Can I be sinning and saved at the same time?

My friends, can we be in a current state of sin or lost and possess salvation at the same time?  Can we be living in the Kingdom or God and Kingdom of Satan at the same time? Since sin is disobeying God, then the question becomes can we be disobeying God and obeying God at the same time? What did Jesus mean when he said can anyone serve two masters (Matthew 6)? My understanding is our Lord is asking the question can we be serving God and Sin or Satan at the same time?

If sin brings forth death (James 1) and death is separation from God, can we be separated and joined to God at the same time? What if we are currently lusting, living in sexual immorality, vaping all day or a drunkard while saying that we are saved by grace? Remember our Lord said these people honor me with their lips but their heart is far from me (Mat 15:8). Do you not know that to whoever you present yourself to, that is who you belong to, whether to obedience leading to life or disobedience leading to death (Rom 6:16).           

Can a spring bring forth both fresh water and salt water from the same opening or can a fig tree bear olives or a grapevine bear figs (James 3)? Our Lord says that every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  Our Lord says if your eye is good then the whole body is full of light but if the eye is bad the whole body is full of darkness (Matthew 6). Is our Lord talking about physical light and darkness or a state of holiness verses a state of sin? Our Lord says in Revelation 3 to the Laodicean Church, I wish you were hot or cold, so because you are lukewarm, I will vomit you out of my mouth.

Current sin and positional salvation

My friends, there is no such thing as living in unforgiveness or sinning currently and somehow being saved positionally because of our past actions.  The message to most of the Revelation churches is I know your works and if you have fallen into sin, you must repent or I will remove your lampstand. Now will God give us time to repent before he removes our lampstand? Of course, because he gave the wicked Queen Jezebel time to repent (Rev 2:21). When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die because of it. But when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he shall live because of it (Eze 33:18-19). Our God is an eternal being and does not view us as jumping into and out of salvation daily.

Again, we cannot live in both states at the same time. Like the thief on the cross, when we stand in judgment before the Lord, we will be judged based on our final relationship with the Lord.  The thief lived his entire life in a wrong relationship with the Lord but got his relationship right before dying. In Ezekiel 3, 18 and 33, God clearly indicates that whatever state a man dies in, that is the condition he will be judged in. If the wicked turns to righteousness he will be considered righteous and if the righteous turns to wickedness he will be lost.

If you are reading this and currently in a state of sin then you are already dead. As Paul says about the widows in 1 Timothy, she who lives in pleasure is already dead. Let us therefore be zealous to enter in and not fall short as the children of Israel who were disobedient to the Lord (Hebrews 4:11). Our Lord says in Revelation 22 that he who is unjust or sinning, let him continue and he who is holy or righteous, let him continue. Now obviously, the Lord wants us to repent, but this statement is saying in whatever state we are in when he returns, this is how God will judge us. Our Lord made it very clear in Matthew 7 that many will say in that day did we not prophesy and do great things in your name and I will say depart from me you workers of iniquity or you who practice sin.

Walking in truth, not confusion

My friends, even if you believe we are in a constant state of sin and the Bible clearly says the saints are not, the Lord is not going to condemn us, unless we are actually sinning. Now this position is weak and God wants us to walk in victory. Also, this position can be tricky because if we actually begin to sin, it will allow us to excuse it by saying we are always sinning or it will convince us that we can never overcome sin. Imagine that my friends, Jesus tells us that when the Holy Spirit comes in, we will receive power (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4). Now, here comes guess who, and begins to tell us that even with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can never stop sinning.

Furthermore, if we believe we are always in a state of sin, we will have a hard time preaching the message of true repentance. Remember, Paul said shall we continue in sin so grace will abound (Romans 6) and John says he who sins is of the Devil (1 John). Now if the righteous are scarcely saved, where will the ungodly or sinner be found (1 Peter 4). To believe we can be living in both states at the same time is confusion and we know God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor 14:33).

Don’t run from this teaching my friends because it is definitely solid food and we need this to discern between good and evil, to understand when we are sinning or living holy (Heb 5:14).  Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Heb 12:1). Now to him who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and has made us kings and priest to His God be glory and dominion forever (Rev 1:5).

The Flesh vs The Spirit

My friends, when the Bible says those who are in the flesh cannot please God is it talking about those who are in the physical body? Is my physical body sinful? What is the difference between being in the flesh and being in the Spirit? Can I be in the flesh and in the Spirit at the same time? Can I be serving the flesh and serving the Spirit at the same time? What is the difference between the fruit of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit? Should I understand this the same way as being in the Kingdom of Satan verses being in the Kingdom of God? Is this the same as walking in the light or walking in darkness? Is this the same when the Lord says you cannot serve two masters?

When Paul said in Romans 7 that with the flesh he serves the law of sin but with the mind the law of God, was he saying that I am constantly sinning with my body and living holy with my mind? If this was the case, then in 1 Corinthians 9 where he says I beat my body and bring it under subjection less after preaching to you I become disqualified, would be a lie. When Paul says in Romans 8 that we are not in the flesh but in the Spirit is he saying we are not living in a physical body? When Paul says in Romans 12 to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, he definitely was not saying he was serving sin with his body.

My friends, Paul was saying that when he or anyone else, gives in to their selfish, fleshly desires, we are serving sin. Now when Paul says to the Philippian church in Chapter 1:22 that if he lives on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor, in the context here he is referring to living in the physical body. My friends, we must always be careful to interpret the Scripture in the context of the passage. What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:14)? This means we are in the physical universe or the physical body but not living in the flesh or our fallen, selfish desires. Remember, our Lord said to Pilate my Kingdom is not of this world. For all that is in the world is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

When Paul says in Galatians 5 that the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh, so that you do not do the things that you wish, is he saying your body is fighting against the Holy Spirit? My friends, anyone teaching you that your physical body is sinful is perverting the Bible. We must interpret the Bible in context, the passage in Romans 7 and here in Galatians 5 is clearly teaching that when we walk in the flesh, that is our sinful desires, the result is adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, etc. Paul goes on to say that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. My friends, regardless of how many times we quote John 3:16, Romans 10:9 or believe in the facts of the Bible, if we are living this way, we are lost.

Paul clearly articulates in all his letters that you are either in sin or holiness, the works of the flesh verses fruit of the spirit and cautions you not to live in the flesh (Gal 5:24). In 2 Timothy 2, Paul states let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity or sin. Let us not deceive ourselves, whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. He who sows to the flesh will reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will reap everlasting life (Gal 6:7-9). My friends, I pray that the Spirit will give you understanding to realize when you are in the flesh and when you are in the Spirit.

Faith vs Works

When it comes to how God saves us, am I saved by my beliefs, which is the same as my faith or by my works? Can I earn my way to heaven or is it a free gift by the grace of God? Do I have a part to play in my salvation or is it all up to God? Does man have a continuing responsibility to God after his initial repentance? Does my faith in the facts of the Bible save me apart from my life changing? I heard a pastor say salvation is a free gift and you cannot add anything to your salvation. I thought about this and concluded that he was preaching a gospel which does not cost you anything but belief in some facts. My friends, these are all genuine, legitimate questions to wrestle with.

What are the works that do not save you?

When we examine this question we must understand that the works the Bible is referring to that do not save you are the works of the Old Covenant. Now the first church was wrestling with this dynamic in Acts 15 because the Old Covenant works demanded observance of the law of circumcision given to Abraham and all laws given under the Mosaic Covenant. This is true because in Exodus 4, the Lord meet Moses while returning to Egypt and was going to kill him for not circumcising his child. Therefore, at the Jerusalem Council, the first church members concluded that the works discussed referred to observance of the Old covenant rules. In their letter given to Paul to deliver to the gentiles in the Antioch region, they confirmed these works were not necessary. Now they added a few conduct rules or works to follow such as abstaining from blood, things strangled and sextual immorality.

Therefore, we conclude that observance of the Old covenant works does not save a person. So are there any type of works or actions God is requiring us to bring forth? Let me examine this question another way. In Acts 9 when the Lord told Paul go and I will show you how much you must suffer for my name, do you think he was asking him to believe some facts or lay down his life? When Paul says in Romans 12 that we must submit our lives as a living sacrifice are there works involved in this? When Paul tells the church in 2 Corinthians 12 what it has cost him to follow Jesus, do you think he was boasting about his faith or works? Now Paul does say that his boasting was probably not good.

What are the works that save you?

In Matthew 21, the Lord said there were two servants, one said I will go and work but never went and one said I will not go but later changed his mind and went. Now, the Lord said which one of these servants did his masters will? Both of the servants had faith in Jesus but only one obeyed him and went. When the Lord commands you to live a holy life do you think he is saying have faith in this statement or you must stop sinning? My friends, if you think faith means believing some facts about the Bible and not allowing the Holy Spirit to change your life then you are deceived. James says can faith save you apart from works? Hebrews 11 provides us a summary of what it cost the Old Testament saints to follow God and have true saving faith.

Old Testament saints faith was demonstrated by works

My friends, can you hear the Old Testament saints saying all we have to do is believe, but we do not have to practice holiness? Can you hear the Old Testament saints saying we can live how we want and just bring the sacrifices to the temple so the priest can intercede for our sins?

The Old Testament saints were saved by grace, and had faith or believed what God said. This belief was demonstrated in works or actions that caused them to circumcise and obey the law of Moses as best as they could (Heb 11). Now since they all sinned, as we have sinned in the past, we need the eternal priesthood of Jesus explained in Hebrews 7 and 8 to continuously intercede for us. As the Scripture says that our Lord is a priest forever. This means that even though we are living a holy life now, which means not sinning, our past sins must always be accounted for. As 2 Corinthians 5 says God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself not counting our sins against us. Also, Paul tells us in Romans 5 that while we were sinners Christ died for us. It should be obvious to anyone confessing the name of Christ that God is not going to save us if we continue to disobey him.

New Testament saints faith was demonstrated by works

My friends, can you hear the New Testament saints saying all we have to do is just confess with our mouth and believe in our heart Jesus is Lord but we do not actually have to practice holiness? Can you hear the New Testament saints saying let’s just continue to sin because the blood of Jesus is always covering us?

Us New Testament saints are saved by grace and have faith or belief in what Jesus has said. This belief or faith is demonstrated through our actions as best as we can (Jam 2:14-26). When we read in the Revelation, Jesus says to the 7 churches I know your works and they must be holy. My friends, a faith which only requires you to believe in some facts of the Bible and does not cause you to live a holy life cannot save you. A faith which does not require you to read your Bible, spend time in prayer and direct your resources and direction in life to obey the Lord will not save you.

The question my friend is not am I saved by works but what are the type of works I am saved by? Think about it from this perspective, what is the type of fruit the Lord is looking for from my life? For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned (Heb 6: 7,8). In this example, God is examining our lives to determine whether we are producing useful herbs or worthless thorns. My friends, are we brining forth thorns or herbs?

Have the gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased?

This topic has come up on several different outreaches so I am going to address it. Like all statements, we compare them with Scripture, while considering our anecdotal or personal experiences. The individuals I encountered were saying the gifts, signs and wonders or miracles ceased after Pentecost. Now we know they did not cease after Pentecost because the book of Acts records the Lord worked unusual miracles through Paul, years after Pentecost (Acts 19:11). Pentecost occurred 50 days after the resurrection. So let’s say their position is that signs and wonders performed by the church ceased after the original apostles. Let’s review this passage in the Old Testament which I believe supports the promise of miracles after Pentecost.

Old Testament evidence

I interpret Daniel 11:31 through the end of the book dealing with the time after the resurrection of Christ up to the second coming. I believe the verse in Daniel 11:32 translated as those who know their God shall “do exploits” refers to the saints being empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform actions beyond our natural abilities, during that time. Any action you perform beyond your natural ability is using supernatural power. I believe this passage refers to actions we will perform through the power of the Holy Spirit. This includes your ability to resist evil and walk in holiness as the enemies power is being fully unleased against us. Naturally, the biggest miracle is conversion of a sinner to a saint, also known as the born again process (Luke 15:7). Now, let’s examine a few passages in the New Testament.

New Testament evidence

Mark 16:15-18 states the great commission to the disciples and reads, “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. These are the signs which will follow those who believe, in my name they will cast out demons, speak with new tongues, take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick and they will recover. Now, this passage refers to those who believe, not just the original apostles. However, I would caution you not to pick up a deadly snake or drink some position deliberately. I have heard of people testing the Spirit and unfortunately dying. Any sign we perform must be under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Other passages in the New Testament confirm that gifts, signs, miracles, and other actions have been given to the church. The most comprehensive teaching on the gifts given to the church is discussed in 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14. These chapters state that supernatural gifts such as healings, tongues, prophecy and others are clearly given to the entire church without any indication they have ceased. Furthermore, it is not even logical to think that miraculous signs and wonders were only in operation at the beginning of the church’s formation.

Now, a person might confuse the gift of the Holy Spirit with these other specific gifts. Every believer receives the Holy Spirit upon true repentance and the Holy Spirit gives gifts to equip the saints for the work of ministry and growth of the body (Eph 4:11-16). However, like Paul said everyone will not perform all the gifts (1 Cor 12:29-31).

Miracles do not save you, practicing holiness does

Remember, John the Baptist did not performs signs but everything he prophesied about the Messiah was true (John 10:41). The Holy Spirit has used me to perform many signs and wonders including casting out demons, healing and speaking in tongues. However, in the final analysis, a sign or wonder is not going to save you because as the Lord said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons and done many wonders, then I will say to them, I never knew you, depart from me, you who practice lawlessness or sin (Mat 7:22-23)”! My friends, just as the beginning of the church was formed by a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the culmination of the church will be the same (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17).  

Did Jesus resurrect himself? The empty tomb

The foundation of the Christian faith rest on whether Jesus brought himself back to life, thus proving he had power over death. Given all the teachings, miracles and sinless life Jesus accomplished, if he did not bring himself back to life then those things did not matter. At the end of the day, the only thing that matter for Jesus or us, is whether we have power over death. If we are not believing in a Jesus who lived, died and came back to life physically, then we are not believing in the Jesus of the Bible. Let’s examine the options available to determine the most reasonable position.

There is no life after death

First, we examine some prominent passages in Scripture which support the resurrection from the dead. In Matthew 22, some religious leaders, known as the Sadducees, who say their is no resurrection came to the Lord with a question regarding whose wife shall she be in the resurrection. Essentially, this group believed there is no consciousness after death or in modern terms, they believed what atheist believe, which is we simply go out of existence. Also, this is similar to the doctrine of annihilation. However, annihilation has an element of punishment before the soul is completely extinguished.

Jesus responds by saying have you never read how God responded to Moses from the burning bush. I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob , thus God is the God of the living not the dead. Now the patriarchs had been dead for over 500 years but God was referring to them as living which supports life after death. Also, this doctrine had plagued the Corinthian church because some where saying their is no resurrection of the dead (1 Cor 15:12). Paul confirms there is a bodily resurrection because if not, then Christ has not raised. Later in the letter, 1 Cor 15, he described several types of flesh and God determines the type of body you receive after death.

My personal belief is we will receive a body similar to the Lords after resurrection. However, our body will be less glorified because we can never be as holy as Jesus. Acts 1:3 states Jesus confirmed he was alive over a period of 40 days through many convincing proofs. This meant eating and drinking but I am unsure if he had to go to the bathroom or sleep. Furthermore, every letter in the New Testament, from Corinthians to the Revelation attest to a risen Jesus Christ. Now, let’s examine other possibilities.

The swoon theory

Jesus did not really die but kind of swoon, fainted, lost consciousness and later revived himself once in the tomb. This position must overcome the severe flogging the Lord took causing massive blood loss, crown of thorns place on his head, physically weakened to a state where he could not carry his own cross and ultimate spear in the side. The question them becomes, are you going to follow a savior that stumbles out of the tomb, appears before you bloody, wounded and barely breathing? You then nurse him back to health over a period of months and began to say he rose from the dead. Would this position stand up in the face of severe physical harm or death?

The wrong tomb

Did the disciples go to the wrong tomb? The Scripture says that Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Joseph, a Councilmember, under the permission of Pilate, took the body and laid it in Joseph’s new tomb. Given all the miracles the Lord did while he was living and impact he had on the disciples lives, is it reasonable to think they did not know where he was laid to rest? Remember, Joseph was a well known public figure and his tomb would have been clearly marked. Think of someone who has died and had a significant impact on your life. If you attended their funeral, do you know where they are buried? Finally, this position could have been easily corrected because they would have just searched until they found the right tomb. Remember, the man Jesus was the most significant person in their life.

The body was stolen

Did the disciples steal the body? This position has been around since the beginning. In Matthew 28, the pharisees said to the guards, tell everyone that while you slept, his disciples came and stole the body. Now it was a death sentence for a Roman soldier to fall asleep on duty. Therefore, the pharisees paid the solders lots of money and told them they would appease Pilate if necessary. The amount of money given to the soldiers had to be a lot in case they had to disappear. Also, if the disciples stole the body and later agreed to say he rose from the dead, could this position stand up in the face of tremendous persecution and ultimate death.

The body was taken by force

Did the disciples overpower the guard and take the body? Here you have untrained disciples in warfare, remember Peter cut the guards ear off but undoubtedly was going for a kill (John 18:10). They had to overtake a Roman guard, anywhere from 4 to 16 highly, trained soldiers as well as the Jewish temple guards. Remember, the tomb was sealed by Rome and anyone breaking the seal had to face the penalty (Mat 27:66). Also, given the brutal death they just witnessed Jesus experienced, who is signing up for this at this point. You recall that even while the Lord was alive, the fear of this type of death caused Peter to deny him three times. Also, this position has to overcome future persecution because now the entire Roman army is aware that you broke the seal, overpowered the soldiers and took the body.

The disciples hallucinated

The disciples believed Jesus rose from the dead because of an hallucination or vision. I concede that visions, premonitions, or hypnotic states are real to the person experiencing them. However, under extreme risk to a persons physical life, will the hallucination stand up? Given continuous treats to the disciples and church throughout time, Christians have proven that they are willing to die. This is strong evidence that the disciples as well as subsequent church, is not operating under an illusion. Now the Lord has spoken to my mind on numerous occasions and I am experiencing the physical presence of the Holy Spirit. However, without a firm belief that Jesus resurrected from the dead, I am on shaky ground concerning who is interacting with me and whether I am coming back from the dead.

The disciples conspired to lie together

The disciples did not see the risen Lord and conspired to say that he rose from the dead. Now Scripture and history demonstrates most of the disciples gave their life for a risen Jesus. Therefore, the question becomes would you die for something you knew or believed to be a lie? It is true that many religious people have been martyred for their faith. However, in that context, we believe these people were dying for something they believed to be true. Read the manifesto of any religious person and you will become convinced they believe their cause was righteous. I remember the Columbine High killings where some of the students were asked to denounce their fate in Christ. These students chose to die rather than denounce their faith in Christ. Finally, like Paul said, if the resurrection is not true, then we, speaking of Christians, are to be pitted above all people (1 Cor 15).

The Priesthoods of God

Since God is a perfect, holy being, once mankind disobeyed, extreme punishment was enacted as evidenced by God’s curse upon the serpent, the woman, the man and earth (Gen 3:14). Once the curse was declared, it is reasonable to assume the effects are eternal which means an eternal priesthood must always be in operation (Heb 7:16). This section examines the various priesthoods and their implications for mankind as well as God.

Heavenly Priesthoods: From Melchizedek to Jesus

The Bible says that Melchizedek, King of Salem, came out to meet Abram after rescuing Lot and he was Priest of the Most High God (Gen 14:18, Heb 7). There is no indication in the Bible where God established this priesthood, yet it was in operation. Why did Abram pay a tithe to Melchizedek? Abram understood this was a legitimate priest of God and his tithe represented an offering to the Lord for granting him the victory (Gen 14:20). Hebrews let’s us know that Melchizedek is without father or mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but make like the Son of God, remains a priest continually (Heb 7:3). My understanding is similar to how the Father has determined that Jesus blood now intercedes for us forever, Melchizedek was somehow interceding for us from the first sin until the cross.

The Bible tells us that Christ came as High Priest of the good thinks to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle (Heb 9:11). This means that the blood of Christ, being continually offered on the mercy seat in heaven is quenching the wrath of God for all those in him (Heb 9:14). Now, the blood of Christ is not operating alone to remove the wrath of God from us. I see the mystery of holiness as Christ blood, mingled with our holy lifestyle interacting on the mercy seat or altar of God. This process is a sweet smelling aroma to God (2 Cor 2:15), releasing the Holy Spirit and preventing the wrath of God from coming upon that soul. The Bible tells us we are being sanctified by the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkled with the blood of Jesus (1 Peter 2).

While this is occurring in heaven, the soul is being tested by God and tempted by Satan on earth, so the balancing act between the wrath of God and grace of God continues on the soul. Now at the end of our trial, we want to say as Paul did, I have finished the race, fought the good fight and kept the faith (2 Tim 6). Jesus’ blood is always available to intercede for us and we must continue to cooperate with the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30) to keep the wrath of God off us (John 3:35). My understanding is the blood of Christ, love of God and wrath of God will continue to flow throughout eternity.

Earthly Priesthoods: Under Old and New Covenant

Until the elaborate sacrificial system under Moses and Aaron was in place, did God provide instructions to Adam, Able, Cain, Noah, Job, Abraham, Isaac, Job and other Old Testament saints on how to approach him for forgiveness of sins (Gen 8:20, Job 42:8)? Without a doubt! Now, until the promise of the Messiah, God’s ultimate sacrificial lamb was given (Rev 5), Moses and Aaron where instructed to establish the earthly priesthood. This priesthood had divine services including a tabernacle system with operations outside the temple, within the first part of the temple and within the inner part or the holy of holies (Heb 9:1-10). This system was patterned after the things occurring in heaven (Heb 8:5). On one occasion God killed two of Aaron’s son’s for not approaching him correctly, while in their role.

The Bible says this old priesthood, requiring the sacrifice of bulls and goats is no longer necessary because Christ blood has been offered (9:12). However, remember the role of Aaron and subsequent priest was to offer sacrifices on the altar. Since Paul tells us that our bodies are now the temple of the living God, is God going to require us to offer something? 1 Peter tells us that you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, his own special people to proclaim or offer his praises. Paul says that we must present or offer our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and blameless, which is our reasonable service (Rom 12:1). My friends, are you operating as a priest and offering God what he requires from your life?

Once we are in heaven, the heavenly and earthly priesthood operations become one and have reached God’s intended purpose. The City, new Jerusalem, which I believe is the Church, does not need a temple because God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (Rev 21:22).

The Covenants or Promises of God

Are the covenants or promises of God conditional or unconditional? Is God’s promise to love and care for us conditional or unconditional? I remember hearing people say God’s love is unconditional. Now I agree there is a certain level of God’s love expressed toward the unjust, because the Bible says he makes the sun rise on the evil and the good (Mat 5:45).

Is God’s promise to judge after we die and allow us entry into paradise or resign us to hell conditional or unconditional? Is God’s promise to create a new heaven and earth conditional or unconditional? Has God obligated himself to forgive us unconditionally or are there conditions to this promise? Is God obligated to hear our prayers and if so, is he obligated to respond? Our experiences tells us that God is never obligated to answer our prayers in a manner that is not consistent with his will. Remember when Job had his trials, he desperately wanted God to answer him and explain what was happening in his life.

The Bible says that God does not change and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Mal 3:6, Heb 13:8). The Bible says God cannot lie so when he makes a covenant or promise, he is obligating himself to fulfill it (Num 23:19, Tit 1:2). Now our understanding of how a promise is fulfilled might not be consistent with God’s intent. Remember when God made a promise to Abraham that through him, all nations would be blessed and Abraham said may Ishmael live forever. God said yes, Ishmael will become a mighty prince but my promise is through Isaac, your unborn son.

My friends, we are safe when God gives an unconditional promise but when he gives a conditional promise, we want to ensure we understand what God expects from us. Let’s examine the primary covenants or promises given by God in Scripture to determine if they are unconditional or are there strings attached.

The Covenant to Adam

When God placed our first parents in the garden and told them not to eat of the wrong tree, was this a promise that if they obeyed, they would never experience death? Yes, this was a promise of continual paradise and we have no indication in Scripture that the covenant would have ceased. However, we can see that this promise was conditioned upon them not eating from the wrong tree. Therefore, we conclude that the first covenant or promise given by God to us was conditional.

The Promise of the Seed of the Woman

After our first parents disobeyed God, he pronounced a curse on the serpent, woman, man and the earth. However my friends, can you also see that God pronounced a promise of blessing through the Seed of the Woman, who would bruise the head of the Serpent (Gen 3:14)? Is there anything in this covenant or promise required from the woman? No my friends, there is nothing required from the woman or mankind for this promise to be fulfilled. Therefore, the promise that God would send the Seed of the Woman, which we know is a reference to the virgin birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, was unconditional (Luke 1:26,27).

The Covenant to Noah

After God destroyed the world through water, he said behold I establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature. God said never again will I cut off all flesh by water and he gave them the sign of the rainbow (Gen 9:13). Just a few days ago, I captured a beautiful picture of a rainbow after some afternoon showers. Was their anything required from Noah and his family within this promise? No, regardless of how wicked mankind will become, God has obligated himself never to destroy the earth again with water. Therefore, we conclude this covenant or promise was unconditional.

The Covenants given to Abraham

When God said to Abraham, Go get out of your country and take your family to a land that I will show you and I will make you a great nation. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you and through you all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Was there something for Abraham to do to receive this blessing (Gen 12:1)? Yes, even within this general statement, we can see that Abram was required to leave his family and follow God’s instructions to receive the blessing. Also, this same prophecy is repeated by Isaac when he blessed Jacob, even though he thought he was blessing Esau (Gen27:29).

When God changed the name of Abram to Abraham and said I have already made you a father of many nations, he also gave Abraham the requirement to circumcise himself and all males within his home (Gen 17:14). My understanding is this promise of being a father of many nations was fulfilled through the Seed of the Woman, Christ (Gal 3:16). Paul tells us that the true Israel or sons of Abraham are not the children of the flesh, but the children of the promise are counted as the seed (Rom 9:6). In other words, the ultimate promise is not to a specific race of people but a people with a specific faith.

Paul tells us that this promise is conditional and based upon Israel or the Jews not continuing in unbelief (Rom 11:23). My friends, what does God mean in the verse which says, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense and whoever (Jew or Gentile) believes on Him will not be put to shame (Rom 9:33)? My friends, the covenant and promises given to Abraham referring to personal blessing were conditional to the generation receiving them as well as conditional in its ultimate fulfillment. However, the part of the covenant regarding the Seed of the Woman or giving of the Messiah remains unconditional.

The Covenant given to Moses

After Moses received the 10 commandments and all the laws in the wilderness, he gave a farewell address to all the people. For this commandment which I command you today is not mysterious or far off but the word is very near you in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it (Deut. 30:12). Paul paraphrased this section for us by saying if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, then you will be saved (Rom 10:9). Moses was commanding the people to obey the laws given at that time and Paul was telling the Jews and us, to obey the teaching of Jesus. Neither Moses nor Paul was saying all you have to do is quote some facts and you are saved, while continuing in disobedience or sin.

Moses said, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways and keep his commandments, his statutes, and his judgments. But if your heart turns away so that you do not fear and worship other gods and serve them, I pronounce to you that you shall surely perish. I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, therefore choose life (Deut. 30:17). Therefore, we can see all the covenants given through Moses was conditional.

The Promise to send the Holy Spirit

God said to the house of Israel after the Old Covenant was broken, I will put my Spirit into them and write my commandments on their hearts and their lawless deeds I will remember no more (Jer. 31:33, Heb 8:10). Now it appears this promise is unconditional, however now we know the fulfillment of this promise as the giving of the Holy Spirit, not just to the Jews but also to the Gentiles and requires repentance and belief in Christ as the Messiah (Acts 2:38). Now the giving of the Holy Spirit and his function of convicting the world of sin, righteousness and judgment is definitely unconditional (John 16:8). However, the act of allowing the Spirit to write God’s laws and forgive our lawless deed and sins is the born again process and definitely conditional.

The mystery of being born again was illustrated as the wind blowing and we do not know where it comes from or where it goes (John 3:8). There is a mystery as to why Peter repented and Judas hung himself. There is a mystery as to why a person can quote Scripture and put themselves out as a Christian and peddle the word of God for money, while hating others and violating little children. My friends, our cooperation with the Holy Spirit for the redemption of our soul is definitely conditional, so we must use every tool to our disposal to win this fight (Eph 6:13, Heb 4:11, Mat 7:24, Jam 2:17, 2 Pet 2:5, Rev 12:11).

The Promise to enter Eternal Life

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Now we have examined the promise of the Seed of the Woman and determined that the giving of God’s Son Jesus was an unconditional part of this promise. Can you see in this verse the promise that God will give eternal life as well as the promise that if you do not believe, God will allow us to perish?

Please visit other areas of my teaching to understand the word believe only starts with us believing the facts of the Bible. The type of belief God requires of us will cause us to obey the rules in the Bible and run from our sin (Heb 4). Therefore, until we die, the promise or covenant of eternal life is conditional. However, once we have entered heaven, the promise or covenant of eternal life becomes unconditional because the Bible says we can never die again (Rev 21:4).

The Promise of the Second Coming and Judgment Day

The angels said you men of Galilee why do you stand here gazing into the sky, this same Jesus will return in the same way you have seen him leave (Act 1:11). The Lord said you shall see the son of man coming in the clouds and standing at the right hand of power (Mat 24:30, Mark 14:62). Paul said the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a loud shout and the trumpet of God and the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thess. 4:16). James said do not grumble brothers less you be destroyed, behold the judge is at the door (Jam 5:9)! Peter said their will be scoffers in the last days saying where is the promise of his coming for all things have remained the same (2 Pet 3:3). Jude said now Enoch, the seventh from Adam prophesied saying, Behold I see the Lord coming with ten thousand of his saints to execute judgment (Jude 1:14). John said behold, he is coming quickly, every eye will see him and his rewards are in his hand to render to everyone according to their works. (Rev 21:22).

My friends, the promise of the first and second coming of Jesus are taught throughout the Bible. Now along with our Lord’s coming are the promise of individual judgment resulting in heaven or hell, paradise or condemnation, eternal joy or eternal suffering, eternal life or eternal death and these outcomes are inescapable. This event or the promise of his coming is definitely unconditional and our individual outcomes are definitely conditional.

Is the Bible against me judging others?

The subject of judging requires us to determine if someone or something is right or wrong. No doubt, this exercise requires wisdom. On many occasions, I have heard people saying you should not judge. Also, does the Bible also say there is only one judge, so who are we to judge our brother? Is the Bible telling me not to help others discern between right and wrong or what’s good for them or bad for them? Is there a difference between judging motives and judging actions? Is there a difference between judging and condemning? Is there a difference between judging laws and the people creating those laws? If I make a judgment in my mind, does that mean I have to assign an action? Like all other subjects, we look to the Bible for guidance. Let’s explore this topic from some Biblical passages.

Judging in the Old Testament

Lot said to the people, brothers do not behave so wickedly. Their response was who made you a ruler and judge over us (Gen 19:7)? Based on Lot’s understanding of God’s commands, he determined that the actions of the people were wicked and he warned them to stop it. Did Lot need to know the motives of the people to determine their actions were wrong? Based on God’s laws, Moses, Aaron and appointed elders judged the children of Israel for 40 years in the wilderness and assigned actions for every offense (Exodus 18:20). Did they need to know the motives of the people to determine if their actions were wrong? After Israel settled in the promise land, God used judges, the Levitical priesthood, kings and prophets to instruct people into the way of righteousness. Based on God’s laws and commands, these leadership roles determined what actions were right and wrong, regardless of the individual’s motives. Therefore, we can see God required extensive judgment in the Old Testament.

Judging in the New Testament

When Jesus said, “Thou shall not judge”, he was not telling us to stop discerning between good and evil for our brother, but be careful how we proceed when pointing out others faults. Why do you notice the speck in your brothers eye but do not see the plank in your own eye? This is a call for us to examine ourselves first before pointing out others sin. You hypocrite, first remove the plank from your own eye, then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye (Mat 7:3-5). Paul says I have already judged the one who has done this deed. In the name of our Lord and my spirit deliver this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so the spirit will be saved in the Lord’s day (1 Cor 5:3). My friends, Paul is saying, regardless of the guys motives, this deed is wicked so please execute judgment so the guy can be saved. Notice, that Paul’s motives in judging the person is that his soul would be saved.

Paul says brothers, if you see a person fall into sin, then you who are spiritual restore such a person in the spirit of meekness and gentleness (Gal 6:1). James gives us the same advice regarding helping a brother who has fallen into sin (Jam 5:20). My friends, how would you be able to help your brother if you do not render a right or wrong judgment on their actions? Remember, Paul says brothers is there not even a man among you who cannot judge between his brothers (1 Cor 6:5).

How we judge

The Bible says “The word of God is sharper than any double edged sword, that pierces deep into the human soul, spirit, and heart to discern thoughts and intentions, revealing truth (Heb 4:12). What this tells us is that when we judge, let’s please use the Scripture to support our determination of what is right or wrong. Next, let’s remember to examine our lives and motives, next we must remember to mingle grace within the judgment and our goal is always to desire that soul finds repentance. On this side of heaven, we never judge with a condemning spirit and must believe that each soul can change.

How is God revealed in the Bible?

There are many philosophies in life that masquerade as Truth, or the true God and suggest the way to bring peace or self-fulfillment that appears right to mankind, but God assures us the end of them all is death (Proverbs 14:12).  My friends, if we believe the Bible comes from God, we must accept the way God has revealed himself in Scripture. 

If you told an individual, my name is John, I am a man, I have a wife, three kids, a dog and work as a fireman.  Later, you discover that individual has reported you are a woman, married to a man, do not have kids, hate dogs and have never worked a day in your life!  How would your feelings toward that individual change?  My friends, let us examine how God has revealed himself and be careful to approach and present Him in this manner.   For the reminder of this teaching, we will explore the nature of God and the revelation of God in the Bible.  Then we will examine why we need Him, and finally why or what is the purpose of life.  Obviously, unless one discovers this, life is meaningless.

God the Father

There is God the Father as evidenced by Christ’s reliance upon Him while Jesus was on the earth (John 8:29).  Jesus also verifies that He was in the beginning with the Father and wanted to return to that state (John 16:27-28).  The Father or God the Father also calls Jesus God in this passage (Hebrews 1:8-10).  At Jesus’ baptism, the Father spoke, Jesus came out of the water and the Holy Spirit presents himself as a dove (Mat 3:16).  The Lamb takes the scroll from the hand of him who sat on the throne (Rev 4). This is evident that there are two beings involved in this transaction. Therefore, we conclude that God has revealed himself as the Father.

God the Son

Who is Jesus Christ?  Is Jesus Christ God, The Son of God, a prophet or a good teacher?  Remember, Jesus said who do men say that I am (Mat 16:13-20). The Bible tells us that there was no God before the God of the Bible and none after Him (Isaiah 43:10), (Isaiah 46:9-10).  Scripture tells us that in the beginning, I understand this means before creation, was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).  This Word created everything and became flesh (was born a human) and lived among us (John 1:1-14).  This passage tells us that Jesus Christ is the Word of God (Matthew 1:18).  Jesus is described here as the Word of God or Wisdom of God (Revelation 19:13), (Proverbs 8:22-36).  It also tells us that God’s Word is God.  You and I are not capable of causing our words to become flesh or manifested into a living organism however God is.  Jesus also states, He and the Father are One (John 10:30). 

The 10 commandments and all other direction given to Israel in the Old Testament was only to worship the true God. In fact, the worship of false Gods was ultimately the main reason God eventually sent other nations to conquer them. Now here comes the man Jesus receiving worship as a child and all during His lifetime, yet never once told anyone not to worship Him. We know that Jesus told Satan during His temptation that you should only worship God (Matthew 4:10). Obviously, if Jesus were not God, he and God would have a problem.  Therefore, we conclude that God has revealed himself as the Son.

God the Holy Spirit

There has also been a third person revealed in Scripture that occupies the position of God and His name is the Holy Spirit, referred to here as the Comforter (John 15:26, 14:26).  Christ promises to send this Person after His escape back to the Father, in order that He may lead us into all Truth (John 16:13).  Jesus also says that anyone who blasphemes against the Son of Man will be forgiven but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven in this age or the age to come (Mat 12: 22-32).

We conclude this Person (Holy Spirit) is leading us into Christ, through a study of His teachings, which are the Bible (John 16:13).  The Holy Spirit is a distinct person, who can be lied to (Acts 5:3, 4) and can be grieved (Eph 4). The Holy Spirit or Spirit of God was also involved in creation.  The Spirit of God moved upon the waters (Genesis 1:1, 2).  At the end of each letter to the seven churches in the Revelation, the Lord says let anyone with ears hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.  Therefore, we conclude that God has revealed himself as the Holy Spirit.

Final thoughts on God’s Nature

Jesus’s final command to the disciples was to baptize individuals in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).  In the Revelation, we see the greeting is from Him who is, who was and who is to come (Father), from the seven Spirits before His throne (Holy Spirit) and from Jesus Christ (Son).  In the beginning, God refers to Himself as Us, this is prior to creating humanity (Genesis 11:7).  Again, He refers to Himself as Us (Genesis 1:26), prior to destruction of the tower of Babel.  1 John 5:7 says there are three which bear witness in heaven, the Father, Word, and Spirit and these three are one.  We cannot know the Father or Spirit apart from knowing Christ (John 1:18).  Is there a way for you to know the details of God apart from the revelation of God in the Bible? 

Paul tells us that certain mysteries of God were hidden in the Old Testament but now have been revealed. One was the nature of the Trinity, which includes God creating all things through Jesus Christ (Eph 3:9). Now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (Son), the love of God (Father), and communion of the Holy Spirit be with us (2 Cor 13:14). Trust me, without Scripture, we will invent our own God.  Any other doctrine, philosophy, or teaching regarding the essence, make-up, or substance of God, we reject.

Why do we need Jesus?

We need Jesus’ death and sacrificial blood to pay for our sin (Hebrews 6), provide strength in times of weakness (Hebrews 4) and escape eternal separation from God in the lake of fire (Revelation 22). Jesus death on the cross provides an opportunity for us to clear our account and receive eternal life (John 3:16).  Man was separated from God and became the object of His wrath (John 3:36) due to disobedience or transgression in the garden (Genesis 2:17). Now, I am not saying that God is going to send us to hell because of Adam’s sin but rather because of our sin.  God gave mankind one law or rule not to violate in the garden.  Do not eat the fruit (Genesis 2:17).  Later, He gave us more laws and rules (Exodus 20:3) (entire book of Leviticus is mostly laws and rules.), Sermon on Mount (Mat 5-7) has promises but mostly rules and behavior laws. 

If this treatment of creation appears to be a bit harsh for this one simple act, we are failing to comprehend the holiness of God.  Just think of a beautiful, priceless painting of extremely light colors.  Now imagine someone comes along and places a drop of black ink in the center.  The painting is worthless and good for the trash, if this were your painting, what decree is for this individual! Now God’s creation is the painting and we placed the black spot on it, which is our sin.  Given the fact that God Himself separated man from the relationship, which is observed by God sending man out of the garden and killing him (Genesis 5:5). Can man ever unite or justify himself through his own acts? 

Prior to this separation, Adam enjoyed relating to God in a wonderful, non-hostile manner.  (Genesis 3:8).  Can man ever find or justify or unite himself to God through his own religious, self-righteous efforts?  The obvious answer is no, we need God to reconcile or join us again to His glorious Body (Philippians 3:21), which is exactly what Christ has accomplished (Colossians 1:20). This reconciliation is accomplished by the blood of the lamb, word of our testimony, and we remain faithful until our death (Rev 12:11). My friends, let us continue in Christ and not draw back (Hebrews 10:39).

A little humor

The Bible says that we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of what was done in the body.  Friends, at the judgment (Revelation 20:12), the Father will say through the Son, “Marvin, I evaluated your life and compared it to my standard of holiness to determine if you earned heaven.”  Did I earn heaven on my own or what have I earned?  Will He accept my righteous acts as payment for this sin debt?  Unfortunately, the father is inexorable and unchanging.  He states, “Marvin you have sinned (Romans 3:23) and the wage you earned is death (Romans 6:23) in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14), no pleading on my part will do.” You see my friends, without Christ as my mediator, this is how it will go for me before the judgment throne (Matthew 12:36). 

But I would reply, “I remember what the Son has done, Father, the Son paid on my behalf at the cross, according to your Words, you punished Him for my sins (Isaiah 53:5).” Imagine if I said, “Lord, I went to church, I tried to love my brother and be a good moral person. Wasn’t I better than Jack the Ripper or Hitler?” He will say, “You were not good enough, you need to be as good as Jesus (Acts 4:12).  This is the world’s church playing, self-righteousness. The Father sends them to the lake of fire after judging their deeds (Revelation 20:12-15).  Now friends, I am not saying that we will not have works or fruit of righteousness, which demonstrates we are living for Jesus (Mat 3:8, Jam 1:20). What I am saying is as we live holy, the Lord’s blood must still pay for our past sins.  Hey friend, you are next in line! 

Let’s examine one final question, which is perhaps the most difficult.  I pray that you allow this truth into your heart and the Holy Spirit will produce fruit (Galatians 5:22) throughout your life.  More important, the Holy Spirit cannot produce this attitude or fruit without you walking with God in your thought pattern on a consistent basis (John 15:5).

What is the meaning of life or why are we here?

Perhaps the most contemplated, scrutinized, examined, and pondered question since the beginning of time is, “What is the meaning of life?” or “Why are we here?”.  Ultimately, without the answer, life is incomplete.  The correct answer cannot come from any other source except the Creator. Similarly, if we want to know the purpose of an automobile, watch or computer, we must inquire of the designer, engineer or manufacturer.  So my friends, in order to understand the meaning of life, we must seek the answer through communion with the Creator. 

Just open up the Designer’s Manual, the Scripture. The Bible is complete with instructions on getting to know him, how to live a holy life, warnings to avoid unnecessary injury, behavior that may violate the warranty, and a life-time guarantee with an extended warranty. He has laid this all out in the pages of Scripture.  Without understanding the meaning of life, we can never experience that eternal, inward joy which transcends all human understanding (Philippians 4:7).  Without this answer, we will continue to fulfill the desires of the flesh (Romans 7:18). 

The meaning of life

• God created us for relationship with himself (Gen 3:8). Through this relationship, we obey, fear, sacrifice, love and worship him. From this union, the Lord receives pleasure and is glorified (Isaiah 43:7, Rev 4:11).

• God created us for relationship with each other (Gen 2:18). Through this relationship, we are to be fruitful, help each other, take care of the earth, take dominion over the demonic realm and our sin. (Gen 1:28, Gen 4:7).

• God requires this testing period and has given us freedom of choice. God’s desire is for us to pass the test and dwell with him throughout eternity. (Gen 1:17, Rev 21:3).

We are not to live for our own self-fulfilling desires by obeying our every want and thereby disobeying God (Ephesians 2:3).  Can we please God or bring glory to Him by not seeking after Him according to the Truth He has revealed in His Bible?  My friends, do not be deceived, God did not dictate and preserve the integrity of this book over thousands of years for us not to live it out daily. The question we must ask ourselves is whether or not God is getting glory out of our life. Now if we are practicing sin, what is the obvious answer to that question? 

No one has the power to live the Christian life, display God’s love (1 Corinthians 13), and become a disciple of Christ, without abiding in Christ and living out his word.  Let us ask ourselves whether we have an eternal perspective that believes God loves us and is leading us daily into holiness for his good pleasure (Romans 8:23).  If we believe this, our trust should rest in the promises of God’s Word. 

Our focus in life

How should we approach life’s challenges and problems (John 16:33)?  Are we going to be nervous, experience anxiety, depression, sadness, or anger, all because something did not go our way or we did not get something or someone’s attention?  These are the things unbelievers are deeply concerned or seek after (Matthew 6:32).  Instead, our Savior says come unto me for salvation of soul, strength to overcome sin and rest from life’s circumstances (Matthew 6:33). As times get more and more difficult, we must rely on Christ for our happiness, pleasure, and joy rather than seek these thing from other people, experiences, or careers, etc.

My friends, the key to obtaining eternal life cannot be found without spending time with God or abiding in Christ. Our God is an eternal being and not a microwave oven or vending machine being. It takes time to cultivate a deep relationship with him. Please examine the parable in Matthew 13 to see what type of soil you are.

Some Concluding Thoughts

It is my hope this teaching will inspire you to search the Scriptures and God will build you up into that Godly person for His glory.  Remember, we stand in Christ not by our own self-righteousness, but by His grace and mercy through faith (John 6:29).  Only, let’s not use our freedom in Christ to serve our sinful desires or flesh.  God gives us talents, gifts and physical abilities (1 Corinthians 12) for a reason, which is to establish a relationship with Christ, while serving our fellow man and this will bring Him much pleasure.  Help someone else discover this truth that they may be set free from the guilt of sin and fear of death, which has entered the world through lust (1 John 2:16).

My friends, Satan (Gen 3:1), (Job 1:6), (Luke 10:18), (Acts26:18), (Luke 22:3), (Isiah 14:12) (Rev 12) wants to control our thoughts and mind, for he knows if he can control what we think, he will be able to control us (Romans 2:15).  This is true, because whatever our body is doing right now, it is a result of our thoughts.  Therefore, we must dwell in God’s Word and ask Him to occupy our thought life (Philippians 4:7).

Now unto Him who is able to keep us from falling and present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.  To the only Wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, power and dominion, both now and forever (Jude 1:24)!  Your brother and laborer in the patient waiting of the appearing of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).