Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Spiritual Battles

 Note - Mouse Over Bible Verse To Read

Faith development comes from spending time with God, the Apostle Paul suggests we renew our minds, or our way of thinking Rom 12:2.  Considering we live in a hard and fast world full of commercialism and distractions this can be quite a task.  By spending more time seeking Godly pleasures e.g. reading Gods Word, time in prayer and meditation, we can restructure our minds and the way we think.  Yes as Christians we can meditate on Gods on word (Psalm 145:5), we can contemplate on God's creation, his Holiness and our Salvation.  1 Tim 4:13-15 The apostle Paul is telling Timothy to cling onto his Spiritual gifts and Prophetic Words, Timothy is advised by Paul to be "absorbed" in them.  

The Bible teaches us that we are in a Spiritual War! Eph 6:18, full of deceptions that can lead us astray.  Put on the Armor of God, Eph 6:11, in the Amplified Bible it states "which God supplies".  He does this through his Holy Spirit and his word, therefore we need to be entrenched in his word (the Bible) as this is our sword,  meditate diligently on the word of God and spend time in prayer (converse with God) or how can you stand in troubled times.  

We are saved by Grace through faith 1 John 1:9, however faith without works is dead, Jas 2:20-23.  God looks for a repentant heart, thus as seen in Eph 6.14 we need to "walk in righteousness".  Does this mean we will sin no more?  No, however if we confess our sins we are forgiven and we need to repent at that same time.  

Sharing our faith with the "Gospel of Peace" (Eph 6:15) helps us to grow and become more confident.  Jesus said when we confess him before men, he will confess us before the father Math 10:32, it is at these times we feel Gods peace within our Spirit John 7:37-38. Here Jesus tells us we need to believe in him as the "Scriptures say", then we will experience the Joy of Salvation and the Holy Spirit which brings our Peace and Joy will flourish within our lives. 

Listen to Gospel music, Christian rock, hymns, contemporary music, put the worldly music behind you.  It is okay to occasionally listen to music that is non Christian, however to renew ones mind and train yourself to be Godly focused; it is far better to listen to Gospel music.  There is free music within our resource links, free bible software and so on.  We are not affiliated with the providers, consider giving a donation at least if you can afford to (to the providers), if not, that's okay I am sure the owner will receive even a bigger gift in heaven.   This site has Links to Free Bible Study Click Here many free studies which I am enjoying myself.  When you visit a web site always search for their statement of Faith, as it is important not to become mixed up in a sect etc.  

Fellowship with other Christians, love one another as Christ loves you.  Be forgiving, patient and kind, let Gods Spirit work through your life, Jesus is our example, follow in his footsteps and you will not go wrong. 
Blessings in Jesus Name 

 

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Finding Life in Jesus

 Note - Mouse Over Bible Verse To Read

There was a Religious Leader (Pharisee) in Jesus time by the name of Nicodemus,  in our day I guess he would be a Minister, Pastor or maybe even a Pope. This guy came to Jesus at night John 3:2, my guess is he came at night as he did not want to be seen talking to Jesus due to his stature as a Pharisees.  Nicodemus acknowledged that Jesus was a Teacher from God due to the miracles that Jesus had performed also found in John 3:2

Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be Born Again John 3:3, this spun old Nic out a little and his response was how can this be?  Jesus was referring Spiritually and Nicodemus was thinking in the natural so again Nicodemus challenged this by saying how can this be John 3:9?; Jesus then reiterate's what was said that unless a man be born again he cannot enter the Kingdom of God John 3:5-8

Jesus died on the Cross and rose again on the 3rd day so that we could be saved from our sin, Jesus was and is perfect and without sin Heb 4:15. God our Heavenly Father sent his own son Jesus John 3:16, to take the penalty for the sin you and I have committed.  Heaven is a perfect place where God dwells and he detests sin thus as a just God he requires punishment to death for sin.

In God's eye looking at a woman in lust is the same as going the whole way with her Mat 5:28.  Jesus said if we are angry with our brother is guilty of sin, he tells his followers before going to the alter to go back and make peace Mat 5:24.  Jesus left us with two commandment 1st to love God with all your heart mind and soul Mat 22:37; the 2nd "is like it" to love your neighbour as yourself Mat 22:39. Take a good look at these words "all your heart, mind and soul" no wonder we are called sinners.  In Mat 5:43-44, we are even called to love our enemies and bless those that curse us, 1Cor 13:3-13 God is love.

Ok I would say by now if you have taken this in; it would have to be agreed that we have all sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. As mentioned earlier Jesus was without blemish and paid the penalty (fine) for our sins by dying on the cross.

By Jesus death and Resurrection we can be "Born Again", this calls us to die to ourselves (old nature) and be reborn into Gods Spirit.  By asking for forgiveness of our sins with intent to repent (turn around, make change) we are forgiven, by Grace we are saved Eph 2:5-8 not through works so that no one can boast plus our works would fall short e.g. not good enough

Grace and Peace be with you Wayne