I'm writing this on the fly and it's really just a stream of consciousness thing. I've been watching and reading the news blogs, which is my daily addiction, and I'm constantly blown away by the flippant nature of those who do not believe in God and love to persecute Christians and to call us feeble-minded. They would aver that believing in God is an opiate for stupid people; a crutch. Case in point is Bill Maher's movie, "Religulosity," a new release which makes fun of anyone who would dare to admit they believe in a higher intelligent being. Please don't go see it and give it the dignity of a rating or your hard-earned money. If you must go see something, go see "An American Carol" which spoofs the liberals. Hey, time about is fair play and we might as well have some fun at their expense and give them a dose of their own medicine.
The cult of celebrity plays a leading role in America's increased depravity. What passes for entertainment these days is such rubbish. Network mogul Ted Turner thinks people who believe in God are "bozos" (his exact words) and pulls no punches in what he thinks about those who seek to follow the tenets of Christianity. Such brain-damaged skanks as Tila Tequila and others have a devastating effect on our young women. Teen women are tomorrow's mothers, teachers, health care practitioners, and corporate leaders. Their education in character development is crucial. The same applies to young teen men as well. I call them "women" and "men" because they are young adults--old enough to start seeking a real direction in life.
That is why I've chosen the thought "every" for today. "Every" is a key word in Phillipians 2: 9-11 which reads in pertinent part: "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
This means Saddam Hussein. This means Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, et al. This means Bill Maher. This means Ted Turner. This means Tila Tequila, Lindsey Lohan, Paris, Brittney, and the legions of glamorous people in Hollywood. This means the extreme elitists at their swanky cocktail parties who look down on people like you and me who dare to cling to our Bibles and our personal moral convictions. This means the militant, butch, buzz cut wearing, Subaru driving, Indigo Girl listening lesbians and their tinkerbell male counterparts. (As an offside, I wish my gay male neighbors would break in and redecorate our house while we're not here.) This means every person, regardless of however evil they have chosen to live who's screamed at the top of their lungs that there is no God. On a more subdued level, this will also include regular, good everyday people who left God completely out of their life's plans. Sadly, and most tragic to me personally, this will also apply to those who were once Christians and have forsaken God. This is going to be a frightening experience for those people. For the Christian, it will be awesome day of extreme elation and expectation. I don't want my friends and family to every be awe-stricken out of fear in this manner. I want them to aim for Heaven so we can live together for all eternity.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Honey or Vinegar?
Tonight in our ladies class, the speaker told of an account of how she had a friend who was out walking track when he was approached by someone who told him he was going to Hell. Was he? Maybe. But that approach was not helpful at all to that person and what kept going through my mind was the old cliche', "you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar." I personally hate cliche's, but they are sometimes the only accurate way to illustrate a sentiment.
I only started attempting personal evangelism a few years ago. I have talked with people who have told me that they had sinned so grievously that they didn't believe God could possibly forgive them. There was a time when I identified with them because the concept of God's grace was so simple to me as to be confounding. Why would He want to let me off the hook? A girlfriend said to me, "Tammy, have you ever persecuted Christians to the point of death like Paul did?" I replied, "No." She said, "Well, if God forgave Paul, what makes you think He wouldn't forgive you?" It made perfect sense to me then. We limit God in our minds when we don't take full advantage of the resources He offers us. Ephesians 3:20 says, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...." Matthew 19:26 says, "...but with God all things are possible."
You are right if you quote Matthew 7:1-2 in saying, "judge not that you be not judged," for that is a true gospel concept to keep us from nit-picking each other to death. Later on in verses 15-23 of that same chapter, we're called to be "fruit inspectors." We obviously know who is saved and who is not. With that in mind, we have a mandate to go out and try to save those people (Mar. 16:15-16). However, we must do so in the spirit of love (Eph. 4:15) because but for the grace of God go you and I. Are you more inclined to give heed to someone you know loves you on a personal level? I am. People may or may not be turned by a hellfire and brimstone sermon, but you might be able to reach out and touch their heart with tenderness. Above all, be sincere. Nothing turns people off like a phony.
God loves us all so much that He doesn't want anyone to die in their sins. He's holy though, and as such, He cannot accept sin. He's more than willing to forgive for the askance. He's already illustrated His love for us in the gift of His only Son for our sins (Jno. 3:16). He wants us all to come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved (1 Tim. 2:4). Consider the following verses:
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promises as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Pet. 3:9); and my personal favorite,
"...as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." (Psa. 103:12).
When you do eventually decide to obey the gospel, guess what? You don't automatically quit sinning forever and ever, amen. There are no sinlessly perfect people--only redeemed ones. You may not sin purposefully, but you will still sin. Although Christians do still sin, we have the avenue of prayer open to us where we can go to the Father acknowledging our sin and repenting of it. The blood of Christ continually cleanses us (Eph. 1:7). We become justified, which means "just-as-if-I'd-never sinned." God has a big ole' eraser (Rom. 5:6-11). We who have accepted Christ and put him on in baptism still sin, but we can repent to God and we are reconciled to Him through Christ's blood continually.
Whatever might be standing in the path between you and God, push it away. Don't let it hinder you from owning the hope of eternal life and the peace that passes all understanding.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
I only started attempting personal evangelism a few years ago. I have talked with people who have told me that they had sinned so grievously that they didn't believe God could possibly forgive them. There was a time when I identified with them because the concept of God's grace was so simple to me as to be confounding. Why would He want to let me off the hook? A girlfriend said to me, "Tammy, have you ever persecuted Christians to the point of death like Paul did?" I replied, "No." She said, "Well, if God forgave Paul, what makes you think He wouldn't forgive you?" It made perfect sense to me then. We limit God in our minds when we don't take full advantage of the resources He offers us. Ephesians 3:20 says, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...." Matthew 19:26 says, "...but with God all things are possible."
You are right if you quote Matthew 7:1-2 in saying, "judge not that you be not judged," for that is a true gospel concept to keep us from nit-picking each other to death. Later on in verses 15-23 of that same chapter, we're called to be "fruit inspectors." We obviously know who is saved and who is not. With that in mind, we have a mandate to go out and try to save those people (Mar. 16:15-16). However, we must do so in the spirit of love (Eph. 4:15) because but for the grace of God go you and I. Are you more inclined to give heed to someone you know loves you on a personal level? I am. People may or may not be turned by a hellfire and brimstone sermon, but you might be able to reach out and touch their heart with tenderness. Above all, be sincere. Nothing turns people off like a phony.
God loves us all so much that He doesn't want anyone to die in their sins. He's holy though, and as such, He cannot accept sin. He's more than willing to forgive for the askance. He's already illustrated His love for us in the gift of His only Son for our sins (Jno. 3:16). He wants us all to come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved (1 Tim. 2:4). Consider the following verses:
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promises as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Pet. 3:9); and my personal favorite,
"...as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." (Psa. 103:12).
When you do eventually decide to obey the gospel, guess what? You don't automatically quit sinning forever and ever, amen. There are no sinlessly perfect people--only redeemed ones. You may not sin purposefully, but you will still sin. Although Christians do still sin, we have the avenue of prayer open to us where we can go to the Father acknowledging our sin and repenting of it. The blood of Christ continually cleanses us (Eph. 1:7). We become justified, which means "just-as-if-I'd-never sinned." God has a big ole' eraser (Rom. 5:6-11). We who have accepted Christ and put him on in baptism still sin, but we can repent to God and we are reconciled to Him through Christ's blood continually.
Whatever might be standing in the path between you and God, push it away. Don't let it hinder you from owning the hope of eternal life and the peace that passes all understanding.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
How Do I Know I Am Saved?
While our faith builds as we study the Bible on a daily basis, I think that at some point in time just about everyone has had a question about their own salvation. I know I went through just such a period of inner turmoil. It was unsettlling for me, as I'm sure it is for others, but God would not want us to live that way (At the time the simplicity of God's grace was so simple a subject that I couldn't fully grasp it. I thought I was surely missing some point). So how do you know you're saved for real? My addressing this question is certainly not original and I would direct you to the excellent book, "How Do I Know I'm Saved" by Norman Bales, from which I stole the title to this post. For those of you who know me personally, if you but ask I will lend you my copy to read.
From what I have studied on the subject, I would lead you to study the following points which answer the question:
1. You must be "in Christ" in order to be saved.
A. 1 Jno. 5:11 - Eternal life is found in Christ the Son;
B. 2 Cor. 5: 17 - When we obey the gospel, we become a "new creature;"
C. Eph. 1: 3-14 - God intended to adopt us as His own all along through His Son. He freely gives us His grace;
D. Col. 1: 12-14 - In Christ, we have redemption of our sins.
2. You must obey Christ.
A. 1 Jno. 2:3-6 - If we say we know him, yet do not do what he says, we're liars;
B. Heb. 5: 8-9 - Jesus, even though he was sinless and deity (God in the flesh), obeyed God the Father;
C. 1 Pet. 1:13-14 - Be pro-active in getting yourself under control. Strive to lead a holy life.
3. You must follow Jesus' example.
A. 1 Jno. 2:6 - Our "walk" (way of life) is evident of our claim to live in him;
B. Jno. 13: 13-17 - Jesus was humble enough to serve others and so should we be. No servant is greater than his master;
C. Jno. 8: 12 - He is light and if we follow him we will stop walking in a state of worldliness.
4. We must let God's Word dwell in us.
A. 1 Jno. 2: 14 - You can overcome evil when his word dwells in you;
B. Col. 3: 16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...."
5. You must love God.
A. 1 Jno. 2:15-17 - We're not to fall in love with the world because it is not of God;
B. 1 Jno. 4: 10 - He loved us enough to sacrifice His only child for our sins. We should love Him because He loved us that much (v. 19);
C. Matt. 22: 37 - We are to love Him with our whole being;
D. 1 Jno. 5: 1-2 - We prove our love for God and that we're His children when we follow through on His commandments.
6. You must practice doing right (righteousness).
A. 1 Jno. 3: 8-10 - If we persist in doing what is evil, we are of the devil. Jesus was sent to destroy the devil's work. Once we are "born of God," we will not continually and willfully sin.
B. 1 Jno. 2: 28-29 - Everyone who is born of Him does what is right.
I am not saying we are, or ever will be sinlessly perfect. That's where Christ's blood comes in--to cover our sins because we've obeyed the gospel and we continually acknowledge when we've wronged God and ask his forgiveness. However, we also don't need to live in constant fear that God's just up there waiting for us to mess up so He can take a big swipe at us. I believe He knows when you're trying to live right and He will reward you for it. Keep on keepin' on.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
From what I have studied on the subject, I would lead you to study the following points which answer the question:
1. You must be "in Christ" in order to be saved.
A. 1 Jno. 5:11 - Eternal life is found in Christ the Son;
B. 2 Cor. 5: 17 - When we obey the gospel, we become a "new creature;"
C. Eph. 1: 3-14 - God intended to adopt us as His own all along through His Son. He freely gives us His grace;
D. Col. 1: 12-14 - In Christ, we have redemption of our sins.
2. You must obey Christ.
A. 1 Jno. 2:3-6 - If we say we know him, yet do not do what he says, we're liars;
B. Heb. 5: 8-9 - Jesus, even though he was sinless and deity (God in the flesh), obeyed God the Father;
C. 1 Pet. 1:13-14 - Be pro-active in getting yourself under control. Strive to lead a holy life.
3. You must follow Jesus' example.
A. 1 Jno. 2:6 - Our "walk" (way of life) is evident of our claim to live in him;
B. Jno. 13: 13-17 - Jesus was humble enough to serve others and so should we be. No servant is greater than his master;
C. Jno. 8: 12 - He is light and if we follow him we will stop walking in a state of worldliness.
4. We must let God's Word dwell in us.
A. 1 Jno. 2: 14 - You can overcome evil when his word dwells in you;
B. Col. 3: 16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...."
5. You must love God.
A. 1 Jno. 2:15-17 - We're not to fall in love with the world because it is not of God;
B. 1 Jno. 4: 10 - He loved us enough to sacrifice His only child for our sins. We should love Him because He loved us that much (v. 19);
C. Matt. 22: 37 - We are to love Him with our whole being;
D. 1 Jno. 5: 1-2 - We prove our love for God and that we're His children when we follow through on His commandments.
6. You must practice doing right (righteousness).
A. 1 Jno. 3: 8-10 - If we persist in doing what is evil, we are of the devil. Jesus was sent to destroy the devil's work. Once we are "born of God," we will not continually and willfully sin.
B. 1 Jno. 2: 28-29 - Everyone who is born of Him does what is right.
I am not saying we are, or ever will be sinlessly perfect. That's where Christ's blood comes in--to cover our sins because we've obeyed the gospel and we continually acknowledge when we've wronged God and ask his forgiveness. However, we also don't need to live in constant fear that God's just up there waiting for us to mess up so He can take a big swipe at us. I believe He knows when you're trying to live right and He will reward you for it. Keep on keepin' on.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Just So Happy To Be Here!
Hi, y'all! Sorry I've been away. It was a long journey back from the "crash." In the words of the late Minnie Pearl, "I'm just so happy to be here!" I couldn't even remember what my last post was about and had to get on here to see. I'll get busy now...
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Monday, August 25, 2008
I'M HERE!
I'm recovering from a Windows Vista crash which happened Tuesday of last week. Y'all bear with me. I'll be back on here blogging hopefully by end of this week. I've missed you!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Proper Love For Each Other
I understand that some people have a natural inclination towards being given to affection, but yet others do not. I also realize that just because one may not seem affectionate towards others does not necessarily mean that they are uncaring or unfeeling. What I cannot understand, however, is a person who is stone-cold and doesn't feel any compassion for anyone else whatsoever.
Have you ever felt lonely and unloved? I have. I generally feel that way when people withhold their companionship and/or fellowship from me. I hate to be cliche', but "no one is an island" fits here. We Christians are each others' support group and we shouldn't desert each other. Some people, for reasons that are a mystery to me, do not want the companionship and fellowship of their fellow Christians. I really don't understand that. Why wouldn't you want someone around who obviously cares for you? My only theory, and it's only that, is that they're being secretive about something that's bothering them. Okay. You don't have to tell all, but spending time with people of like faith will only strengthen you and help you overcome whatever is holding your heart and mind prisoner.
1 John 3:10 says that anyone who does not love his brother is not a child of God. Verses 11-24 of that same chapter go on to illustrate what loving and not loving entail. Verse 15 says that if we hate our brethren we're the same as a murderer and not eligible for eternal life. In fact, verse 16 goes on to state that we ought to lay down our lives for each other. For example, let's say I see that you're about to be hit by a speeding truck. You can't hear me yell and there's no time to spare. I run and shove you towards the curb and the speeding truck hits me instead and I die. That's love in action.
1 John 4:7 says, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God, because God is love." Here's they why and how of Christian love:
1. We're commanded to love each other. It is mandatory (1 Jno. 2:7-11; 3:23; 4:7-11, 16-23; Jno. 13:34-35; 15:12; Heb. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:17). This is not talking about a "touchy, feely" love, but rather, one that has others' best interests at heart. Honestly, I can love someone and still not like a lot of things about them.
2. Loving our brethren is important because it binds us together (1 Jno. 3:1-3, 10-24; 4:20-5:3; 2 Jno. 4-6).
3. We show our love for each other by:
a. actions and not words (1 Jno. 3:11-18);
b. our unflagging labors (3 Jno. 5-8);
c. wanting what's best for others (3 Jno. 2,9-11); and
d. the show of a pure, genuine, impartial heart (1 Pet. 1:22-23).
Lastly, sometimes love is hard. Sometimes it means you have to say something truthful for an individual's own good rather than allow them to keep feeling good about something they shouldn't. Remember, the devil is the father of all lies (Jno. 8:44-47). While Christians should temper our confrontations with each other with tact, we should also respect each other enough to be truthful with each other. Proverbs 27:6 states, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."
Go out and show your love for your brothers and sisters by your actions.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Have you ever felt lonely and unloved? I have. I generally feel that way when people withhold their companionship and/or fellowship from me. I hate to be cliche', but "no one is an island" fits here. We Christians are each others' support group and we shouldn't desert each other. Some people, for reasons that are a mystery to me, do not want the companionship and fellowship of their fellow Christians. I really don't understand that. Why wouldn't you want someone around who obviously cares for you? My only theory, and it's only that, is that they're being secretive about something that's bothering them. Okay. You don't have to tell all, but spending time with people of like faith will only strengthen you and help you overcome whatever is holding your heart and mind prisoner.
1 John 3:10 says that anyone who does not love his brother is not a child of God. Verses 11-24 of that same chapter go on to illustrate what loving and not loving entail. Verse 15 says that if we hate our brethren we're the same as a murderer and not eligible for eternal life. In fact, verse 16 goes on to state that we ought to lay down our lives for each other. For example, let's say I see that you're about to be hit by a speeding truck. You can't hear me yell and there's no time to spare. I run and shove you towards the curb and the speeding truck hits me instead and I die. That's love in action.
1 John 4:7 says, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God, because God is love." Here's they why and how of Christian love:
1. We're commanded to love each other. It is mandatory (1 Jno. 2:7-11; 3:23; 4:7-11, 16-23; Jno. 13:34-35; 15:12; Heb. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:17). This is not talking about a "touchy, feely" love, but rather, one that has others' best interests at heart. Honestly, I can love someone and still not like a lot of things about them.
2. Loving our brethren is important because it binds us together (1 Jno. 3:1-3, 10-24; 4:20-5:3; 2 Jno. 4-6).
3. We show our love for each other by:
a. actions and not words (1 Jno. 3:11-18);
b. our unflagging labors (3 Jno. 5-8);
c. wanting what's best for others (3 Jno. 2,9-11); and
d. the show of a pure, genuine, impartial heart (1 Pet. 1:22-23).
Lastly, sometimes love is hard. Sometimes it means you have to say something truthful for an individual's own good rather than allow them to keep feeling good about something they shouldn't. Remember, the devil is the father of all lies (Jno. 8:44-47). While Christians should temper our confrontations with each other with tact, we should also respect each other enough to be truthful with each other. Proverbs 27:6 states, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."
Go out and show your love for your brothers and sisters by your actions.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
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