Words Of Encouragement

Think About These Things

2010-03-17T08:38:00.001-06:00

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil 4.8).

This is not a difficult passage to understand, so it will not require a lot of comments. Paul simply tells us to think on things that are beneficial to our spiritual journey. What goes unsaid in this passage is just as important as what is mentioned. If you are thinking on true things, you can’t be draw in by that which is false. If your focus is on things that are lovely and commendable, you cannot be thinking about things that are ugly and shameful. The same goes for each item listed.

It may help us to regularly read Paul’s list of things to think about. We can always consult Phil 4.8 to see if our thoughts are headed in the right direction.

Rejoice In The Lord Always

2010-03-16T13:32:00.001-06:00

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4.4-7).

It is difficult to rejoice in the Lord when those “In the Lord” are fighting with one another. Our fellowship in Christ should not be marked by quarreling, but by our rejoicing together, whether in good times or bad. The qualities that often lead us to divisions and fights are impatience, illogical thinking, and over-reacting. The word translated “reasonableness” in verse 5 speaks to the antithesis of these qualities. The Greek word επειεκεσ means “to be mild, moderate, and patient.” One who reveals these qualities “To everyone” will often find little time to quarrel. Rejoicing will be the nature consequence of such an attitude.

Our anxieties are caused by an over-emphasis on the material coupled with a lack of trust in God. Therefore, if we will cast our cares upon God, rather than attempt to bear them alone, we will experience a peace that can only come from God. When we place it in His hands two things happen: 1. Our request has reached the highest power. Therefore, we realize there is nothing more we can can do. Worrying has no benefit. 2. Along with that, we learn to find contentment with God operating according to His will, and in His time.

Agree In The Lord

2010-03-15T21:16:00.004-06:00

“Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life” (Phil 4.1-3).

There are many parallels between this passage and the one found in chapter 2.1-4. In chapter 2 Paul encourages them all to be of the same mind and spirit. He desires that they be in full accord. Chapter 4 may reveal why he emphasized these issues so much in the letter. Two women are at odds with one another, and their personal issues are affecting the work of the church.

Sometimes personal issues can influence our spiritual fellowship in Christ. Whatever disagreement these women had, it was causing them to not “agree in the Lord” as well. It is a terrible thing when we allow personal issues to influence things that are so much more important. When we follow Paul’s instructions in chapter 2 personal feelings and opinions will not become the center of disputes: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2.3-4). Rather than create problems over petty issues, we must save moments of contention for the times that really matter; for example, disagreements on the doctrine of Christ. Studying these issues will make us stronger. Fighting over opinions and feelings will devour us (Gal 5.13-15).

Our Citizenship Is In Heaven

2010-03-09T15:49:00.001-06:00

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Phil 3.20-21).

We are surrounded by political discussions on a daily basis. Friends at work, new reports, and signs all have something to say about what is happening in our country. These matters are important to a certain degree. We all enjoy the benefits and blessings that come from living in the United States. But this verse tells us there is something much more important than earthly things. Those who have no relationship with God put a lot of stock in this life. They want to be rich, live a luxurious lives, get plastic surgery to try to stay young and beautiful. This life is all they have, so it means a great deal to them.

On the other hand, God’s people are focused on “storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold on that which is truly life” (1Tim 6.19). God’s people realize this body is going to decay, but will one day, by faith, be transformed “to be like his glorious body.” The faithful know it is much more important to life a holy life, than a luxurious one. Although we may care about things in this world, because we live in this world, we understand that, ultimately, we belong up there, not down here.

Walking According To The Example

2010-03-06T14:59:00.002-06:00

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things” (Phil 3.17-19 ESV).

In the preceding verses Paul described the mindset by which he lived his life. He intended on reaching the goal, and was willing to suffer to acquire the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Those who are mature have an attitude like Paul’s.

Verse 17 focuses on the importance of choosing the correct people to emulate. There are many who do not live according to the commandments given by God. Paul calls them “enemies of the cross.” These individuals set out to please themselves and do things their way. But the very thing they glory in will be their shame. The wicked focus on earthly matters rather than spiritual. But all that matters in the end is our relationship with God. Rather than imitating the materialistically minded people of the world, our examples should be those who set their minds on things above(Col 3.1-2).

Hold True To What We Have Attained

2010-03-05T12:29:00.003-06:00

“Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, Join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Phil 3.16-18)

There will be more to say about this section in connection with the final verses of Philippians 3, but let’s focus on the first line for now. Since my job involves a lot of study time, it is common for me to come across arguments against the gospel message. I’m sure many of you find these things during your study as well. When coming across these writings I would encourage your first instinct to be to hold true to what you have attained by way of your faith, which comes by hearing the word of God. Unfortunately, it seems many first question their faith, rather than the highly deceptive document they are reading, written by a Bible critic (and yes, many of them are totally inaccurate, and meaningless). Give it time, and criticize the writing as carefully as they criticize the Bible, and you will see that their claims are often completely bogus. There are a few things I commonly notice in such material:

They make themselves the authority on the subject. For example, critical scholars will say things like, “we know that Daniel was written in 165 BC, not hundreds of years earlier, because his prophecies begin to lose accuracy at that point.” It is my estimation that they are completely wrong about the meaning of Daniel’s prophecies, as many are the prophecies in Revelation. Since the very basis on which they decide 165BC must be the date is not valid, neither is their belief that it was written hundreds of years later than the book claims internally (not to mention they are questioning the integrity of Scripture). They have a huge burden of proof. But rather than bear the burden, they just speak as if they know the facts already. Daniel’s dating is just one example. The same goes for Paul’s authorship for some of his epistles. Their assumptions are inaccurate, and therefore so are their conclusions. These leads to the next common flaw I notice.
You know the Bible better than they do. I must admit that there are brilliant Bible scholars with whom I have huge disagreements. In many ways these men are far above my level of expertise in Scripture. But it seems they sometimes miss the simplicity of Scripture. But I’m not talking about these individuals so much as I am the skeptic. Skeptics often try to make arguments from Scripture, as if they really understand it. With a few minutes of study it becomes clear that they have no understanding of the passage in question, or its context. Do not be fooled by poor use of Scripture. Many times, they will selectively leave out significant parts of a passage they are using counting on the fact that people will only look at their quotation. Most, if not all, documents I read questioning the integrity of Scripture, or the character of God, abuse the Bible text. This leads to the final thing I notice about most of these writings.
They masterfully craft their documents to deceive. Unfortunately, those who are good at creating doubt in the minds of others are able to spin their ideas into what seems to be an air-tight argument, at least on the surface. I do not always think these individuals are setting out to deceive others. Many of them are self-deceived. They have reason to doubt there being a God, or Christ being the answer to sin, etc. They don’t want to be told what to do, or how to live. Few of us really do. The power of prejudice is unmeasurable. Peter said of such people, “they promise you freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption” (2Pet 219). Speaking of the skeptic, Peter says, “they deliberately overlook this fact...” he goes on to discuss the actions of God in the history of man (2Pet 3.3-7).

Although I am first to admit the need to challenge our faith- we might need to change our views in certain areas-- we must also remember to hold true to it until the evidence truly denies it. If anything should be doubted, let it first be the claims of men, often based in false assumptions, not the integrity of Scripture.

Press On Toward The Goal

2010-03-05T12:27:00.002-06:00

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way...” (Phil 3.13-15)

Paul realized that he had not reached full maturity yet. He was still striving for the kind of relationship with Christ that he described in Philippians 3.8-11. But he made it his aim in life to press on toward the the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
There is a wonderful prize waiting for those who reach the goal. As long as we are in this life, we must be straining forward to attain the resurrection from the dead (v. 11). The only way to move forward is to keep the past behind us. Many people struggle in this area. Many want to drag the past back into the present. There is nothing wrong with learning lessons from the past, but dwelling on doesn’t allow us to press forward.
“Those...who are mature think this way...” As our spiritual life grows stronger, we learn to keep our eyes on the goal, rather than on the path behind us. The mature learn to exhort others in the same way they encourage themselves. Although it may be necessary to discuss past mistakes at times, often the best words we can offer are “Press on, brother.”

That I May Gain Christ

2010-03-03T11:44:00.002-06:00

“...That I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Phil 3.8-11)

Paul packed so much power into one sentence that it is hard to know where to begin, or how to explain the totality of his thoughts. But we will consider at least some of what he said in context with verse 8. He discussed counting all things as loss that he may gain Christ. Gaining Christ was not contingent upon keeping Moses’ law, or the traditions of his fathers. Paul explained this as being “a righteousness of my own that comes from law.” Declaring ourselves righteous or justified has little value. Imagine the defendant who stands up to leave the court room upon declaring himself innocent to the court. We know that is ridiculous. He is only deemed righteous when the judge proclaims it so. This is the idea of “the righteousness from God that comes by faith.” Upon receiving the blood of Christ, God declares us innocent of all charges. It has nothing to do with God transferring his righteousness to us, or any such thing. These concepts are not found in scripture. Being righteous before God has to do with our status before him. We are not considered guilty, because God proclaims us blameless through faith in Christ Jesus.

Paul continued his thought by relating his desire to become one with Christ. He wanted his life to be in complete harmony with Christ’s: He yearned to know Christ, to fully grasp the implications of resurrection, to share in the reproach and shame --even death-- that Christ faced due to his obedience to God, and ultimately to experience the joy of resurrection by the glory of the Father. What he faced in this life was of no concern as long as he gained Christ. We must pray for that same attitude.

I Count Everything As Loss

2010-03-03T11:20:00.002-06:00

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ...” (Phil 3.7-8).

After his experience on the road to Damascus, Paul gladly gave up all the benefits and privileges that came from being who he was. King Manasseh may be the only other biblical figure who turned his life around as completely as Paul; however, there is no doubt that Paul had a much greater influence. If you feel like you are too far gone to receive God's grace, remember Manasseh and Paul.

Greek scholars like to point out the vulgarity of the word translated “rubbish” in our text. Paul uses a word most of us would not dare say in our own language (it has been tamed in translation for that very reason) to describe how worthless his past life was compared to the life he found in Christ. Whatever it is we think we are gaining in the world, it is not worth sacrificing “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.” Many earthly endeavors are fine, and do not stand in the way of service to God. But those that do must be “counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” There are some things we just need to count as "rubbish" if we want to gain Christ.

We Are The Circumcision

2010-03-03T11:18:00.002-06:00

“For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” (Phil 3.3).

In this passage Paul offered helpful words to the Philippian brethren who faced ridicule at hands of Jewish Christians demanding the keeping of Old Law practices. These Jews claimed to be the covenant people of God, and taught that all who wished to have this relationship must follow the Judaic system as well as Christ. In a short statement Paul puts this idea to rest. He said, “We are the circumcision...put no confidence in the flesh.”
The new covenant was not focused on fleshly marks, but on the circumcision made without hands within the heart. Paul connects this circumcision of the heart to baptism in Col 2.11-15. Those who subjected themselves to this covenant practice could rightfully be considered God’s covenant people. They need not feel intimidated by the empty claims of others. As long as we have fulfilled the teachings of Scripture we must not feel intimidated by those who demand more of us today either. They are simply modern day Judaizers, attempting undermine our faith. Such individuals are the “dogs” Paul referred to in Philippians 3.2. Keep moving forward glorying “in Christ Jesus,” and nothing else.

Look Out For Dogs

2010-03-02T16:10:00.002-06:00

“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord, to write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh” (Phil 3.1-2).

Sadly, there are always people who stand in the way of kingdom progress. In Paul’s day, the Judaizing teachers had a substantial influence on both Jewish and Gentile converts. The destruction caused by their doctrine was enough to cause Paul to write about them on numerous occasions, this passage being one example. These men tried to destroy Paul’s reputation and the work he was accomplishing for the Lord. If we want growth to continue we must look out for individuals who share similar traits with the “dogs” Paul referred to. These individuals are more interested in ruining reputations, than finding and teaching truth. To borrow the words of Jesus, They will “travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte” (Mt 23.15). They want to win people to their side so they can, “boast in [their] flesh” (Gal 6.13). They believe the ends justify the means. Therefore, they will falsely accuse (as they did Jesus, and Stephen), judge motives, and speak evil of another without full knowledge of the situation. Paul dealt with these problems often during his ministry.

On the other hand, those who facilitate growth are “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” not destroy it. Of course, this doesn’t mean division will never occur. Certainly some will depart, and we must be careful to handle these situations properly, but we shouldn’t actively seek out division as if we want it to happen. “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way...” (Eph 4.15). The truth will offend some, even when it is spoken in love, because people love “the darkness rather than the light” (Jn 3.19). The truth does not need to be barked, it is actually more powerful when spoken in love.

Work Out Your Own Salvation

2010-03-01T14:32:00.002-06:00

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil 2.12-13)

It is not too surprising to us when our children follow our rules when we are looking directly at them. They have learned that disobedience in the presence of mom and dad is a bad idea. A better way to measure a child’s loyalty to their parents is to observe their behavior when they are not around. Even better, how do they respect their parent’s rule when they think no one else is watching? Paul’s exhortation to the brethren in Philippi is to be obedient whether he or others are watching or not. Salvation is a personal endeavor. Working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, means we have a personal respect for the power of God, and faith that he can deliver us from our sins. It means that I am willing to follow God’s plan whether someone is watching or not. It is a commitment to allow God’s will to work in my life “for his good pleasure.”

Do All Things Without Grumbling

2010-02-26T09:56:00.004-06:00

“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life...” (Phil 2.14-16).

These are the kinds of verses that many of us would prefer to skip over. It is natural for us to begin self-justification as soon as we read words like these. Sometimes this is because statements such as these have been misapplied. In context, pursuing the commandments of God is under consideration. I don’t suggest you complain about your boss’ managing style, or your teacher’s difficult tests (poor attitudes are never good), but I also believe it has little to do with Phil 2.14-15.

Keep in mind the preceding verses (Vs 12-13), which discuss obedience to God, and seeking to please him. In our obedience to God’s will we should “do all things without grumbling or questioning...” The reason I feel so sure about explaining the passages in this way has much to do with the concluding phrase in the quote above. Rather than complaining and grumbling, we are to shine as lights to the world, “holding fast the word of life.” Paul says that in the day of Christ he will be proud of the Philippian brethren who accomplish this. My guess is that he will be proud of everyone else who holds fast to God’s word, without complaining.

Taking A Back Seat

2010-02-24T10:55:00.001-06:00

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also the interests of others. Having this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus...” (Phil 2.3-5).

Most people in the world are taught or conditioned to look out for number one. Even acts that appear selfless are sometimes just a means to an end for one's personal gain. But when we die to ourselves and put on Christ (Rom 6.3-4), number one changes from myself to Christ. When our focus is on Christ, we will be more focused on what is best for one another. “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “the reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me” (Rom 15.2-3). One of the aspects of the peace of God centers around the fellowship his people share. There is nothing the world can offer which equals the relationships found between Christians living with the Spirit of Christ within them.

Christianity: Money Matters

2007-09-18T11:18:00.000-06:00

Debt is a significant problem in the United States. The average credit card balance per household in 2001 was $7,500. By all implications things have been getting worse over the last five years. The “buy now and pay later” concept can be valuable if used wisely; however, too many people let their debt get out of control. Unfortunately, too many Christians let their debt get out of control.
Although it may be necessary to occasionally take on debt, it is not a good habit. The Bible talks about problems associated with accumulating too much debt. Solomon said, “The rich ruleth over the poor; And the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7 ASV). The Bible does not lack in financial advice. In fact, finances come up repeatedly throughout scripture. Jesus himself often dealt with such issues, or included them in his parables (Matthew 6:19-21; 18:21ff; Luke 12:13-21; 18:18-30). Paul reveals that money issues are a problem for Christians too. He told Timothy that many had been lead astray from the faith because of their attitude toward earthly wealth (1Tim 6:6-10, 17-19)
Debt, if we allow it, will rule our lives. There are people in our country that work hours of overtime to pay for their oversized homes, fancy new cars, and dream vacations. As a result, little time is left for family, friends, and most importantly– God. Jesus predicted that this would happen. Remember the parable of the sower? Some seed is sown among the thorns, it grows up, and is choked out by the cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches, and desires for other things (Mark 4:18-19). This may be the biggest problem among Christians today.
Please do not misunderstand my point. There is nothing wrong with buying a home, a car, and or saving for a nice vacation. I hope to do all of these things at some point in my life, must of us do. The problem is, too many people, Christians included, are forced to give all of their servitude to their lenders because of the poor financial decisions made on a daily basis. Solomon’s words of wisdom, “the borrower is servant to the lender,” must be considered before we begin indiscriminately swiping plastic to meet our hearts’ desires. Consider Paul’s words in Romans 13:7-8:
Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:7-8 ASV)
We better be careful about debt, because Christians have the responsibility to pay what is owed. Whether it is paying taxes to our country or paying respect to our nation’s leader, Christians must not hold back what is owed to another. Christians should avoid bad debt, and certainly bankruptcy, at all cost. The first step, of course, is enacting responsible spending habits. We are ambassadors for Christ, and as such we must do our best to prove that we are trustworthy and honorable.
Second, we need to stop worrying about how rich we look. The desire to appear affluent has contributed to the debt troubles of countless individuals. Sadly, this longing to radiate a wealthy aura pervades our society. In truth, such people are slaves to their “wealthy” behavior. Solomon strongly addressed this issue:
There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” (Proverbs 13:7 NKJV), and “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich” (Proverbs 21:17 ASV).
Christians need to avoid this want for a moneyed appearance. It shows an overemphasis on the temporal and a lack of concern for the eternal. Paul is clear that the love of money is the basis of all sorts of evil. Greed often enslaves people to their debts and alleviates their sense of spiritual obligation. It is sad when we feel compelled to place our material duties above our spiritual duties. Do not let debt put you in that position.
For most of us, debt is incurred when we purchase the “wants,” rather than the “needs” of life. Giving up a few wants is a small price to pay to help ensure undivided devotion to the Lord. Would you not agree? We need to live within our means, and discard the tendency to “put it on the card.” Not only does bad debt leave us in spiritual poverty, it often results in physical privation. Proverbs states, “Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread” (Proverbs 12:9 ASV). What’s the point? People that look rich rarely are.
The devil works in various ways to distract us from our spiritual service.
Those who enslave themselves to their monthly bills grant the devil success in his mission to cark God’s people with worldly diversions. It is impossible for us to be a living sacrifice to God when we are working ourselves to death to pay off outrageous debts (Romans 12:1).
I like what Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D. wrote in his book The Millionaire Mind, “I taught my sons and daughters that money is not their god. You control it...not let it control you.” We cannot afford to become slaves to debt, because we owe our service to God. We must be slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18). Remember, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). If you let debt become your master, it will cost you eternal life– that is a debt you can never repay.

How Does Grace Work?

2007-01-29T16:03:00.000-06:00

The religious world today does an injustice to God’s plan of salvation. With their “Faith Only” doctrine many are being deceived into believing that they have received the blood of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins, when in actuality they have only completed half of Jesus’ instructions regarding salvation. He told his disciples, before he ascended to the father, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). Many of these religious leaders couple “faith only” doctrine with “once saved always saved” doctrine, or “the impossibility of apostasy.”

This teaching negates any need for someone to conform their life to Christ’s. They just “get saved,” and then go on their way doing as they please, paying no attention to the commands of God. Why wouldn’t they? According to their church it is impossible for them to be lost, so they might as well do as they please. They claim to be “created in Christ Jesus for good works,” but then they do not do the work they have been created in Christ Jesus to do.

Proponents of such false doctrines will accuse those who believe that baptism is necessary for salvation, and who believe one can, in fact, fall away once they have been saved, as believing in “works salvation.” They think we teach that one must work to earn their salvation. These men often appeal to passages like Eph 2:8-9 to make their point. Paul says here, “by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

As our religious friends teach, we are saved by grace. When they quote Eph 2:8-9 I agree 100% with what they say; however, being saved by God’s grace does not mean there is no work for us to do. You might be thinking, “If being saved requires work, what’s grace got to do with it?” The answer seems rather simple to me. We just have to find the balance between grace and works. As Paul says, we are saved by grace. Therefore, there is absolutely no way for us to earn our salvation by works. When Paul speaks of not being saved by works, he is refering to works of the jewish law. Perfect law keeping, or salvation by works, would make God's grace unnecessary. Sin separates us from God. If one kept the law perfectly, they would still be in a good relationship with God, and wouldn't need his grace to forgive their sins (they are sinless). In fact, if one recognizes the need to be baptized for the remission of their sins, they are, by this realization admitting the fact that they cannot be saved by works. If they could be saved by their works, they wouldn't need to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, because they would have no sins to forgive. Do you see the problem with arguing that baptism is "salvation through works." Baptism is simply a work of obedience, by which we receive God's grace. Works of obedience are merely the actions through which we carry out God’s commands, not the direct means by which we are saved.

Let me explain: Some one decides that they want to give you a new car. When they hand you the keys they say “all you have to do to have this car is get in and turn the key in the ignition,” which you happily do. Then you quickly drive off before they change their mind.

Let me ask you, why do you have that car? Did you earn it by turning the key in the ignition? Of course not! No one would suggest such a thing. How can turning the key in the ignition earn you a $20,000 car? Obviously you received the car by the grace of your friend. It was not because of anything you did, but simply a gift from them.

Being saved by grace is that same idea. How could baptism and living faithfully ever earn our salvation? It cannot, and that is not the point at all. We do those things because God, who has saved us by His grace, requires us to act in faith to receive this priceless gift. That is why Paul says, “For by grace you have been saved, through faith…” If you never turn the key, you cannot drive away with the car, right?

Where much of the religious world falls short is by omitting the end of Paul’s thought in Eph 2:8-10. They typically end with Eph 2:9, or at least fail to explain Eph 2:10. Let’s look at the entire passage:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:8-10).

Paul tell us we are saved by grace, through faith. We are not saved solely by works, which means no one can boast about their salvation because of their own good deeds. Why? “For we are His workmanship.” We are workers for the Lord, not for ourselves. More than that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.”

When are we “created in Christ Jesus?” Consider these few passages written by Paul: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17), and “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27), and “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).

Anyone in Christ is a new creation. We are in Christ when we are baptized into Christ, which means we are “created in Christ Jesus” when we are baptized into Him. When this happens we have been “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” These good works were prepared by God “that we should walk in them.” This is a statement that implies action. We do not work to earn our salvation. We work because we have been created in Christ Jesus for that purpose (Eph. 2:10). We do not baptize believers because we think baptism earns salvation. We baptize believers because God’s word tells us to do so. The Bible clearly states that baptism is necessary for salvation (Mt. 28:19, Mk. 16:16, Acts 2:38, Rom 6:3-8, Gal 3:27, Col 2:11-14, 1 Pet 3:21).

Besides that, I would like for some one to explain to me how saying the “sinners’ prayer” is any less of a “work” than is baptism. Faith only doctrine is contradictory to the core. Its proponents teach that one cannot be saved by works, but then they turn around and require people to say the “sinners’ prayer” to be saved. Prayer is just as much a work or an action as being submerged in water. But when it comes to salvation there is a difference between these two actions, and it is rather important. God’s word says, “‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…’” (Acts 2:38). On the other hand, God's word never mentions the “sinners’ prayer.”

Did God Create Evil?

2006-12-12T12:17:00.000-06:00

Did God create everything that exists? Does evil exist? Did God
create evil? A University professor at a well-known institution of
higher learning challenged his students with this question. "Did God
create everything that exists?" A student bravely replied, "Yes he
did!" "God created everything?" The professor asked.
"Yes sir, he certainly did," the student replied. The professor answered, "If God created everything; then God created evil. And, since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then we can assume God is evil." The student became quiet and did not answer the professor's
hypothetical definition. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the
students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.

Another student raised his hand and said, "May I ask you a question, professor?"
"Of course", replied the professor. The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?" "What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?" The other students snickered at the young man's question.
The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to
the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of
heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-460 F) is the total absence of heat; and all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to
describe how we feel if we have no heat."

The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?" The professor responded, "Of course it does." The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can
study, but not darkness. In fact, we can use Newton's prism to break
white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each
color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break
into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a
certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this
correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when
there is no light present."

Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?"
Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as I have already
said. We see it everyday. It is in the daily examples of man's
inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence
everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else butevil.
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist, sir, or at least it
does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is
just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the
absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what
happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's
like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that
comes when there is no light." --The professor sat down.

The young man's name -- Albert Einstein

Source unknown- interesting email I received recently.

Led By The Spirit?

2006-12-08T13:48:00.000-06:00

New Testament writers did not shy away from discussing the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Actually, they speak rather comfortably about it. When you read through the New Testament notice how often the authors mention that God has poured out His Spirit on those who believe. John the Baptist told the multitudes that Jesus was greater than he was, and that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. The apostle John records these words of Jesus, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John then said: “but this He Spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:37-39).

Romans 8 and Galatians 5:16-6:8 speak unreservedly about the Spirit. Paul told the Galatian brethren, that those who are led by the Spirit are not under law. The law is to restrict those who are led by the flesh, because their desire is to do evil. That is why Paul could say in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” The flesh and the Spirit are “contrary to one another” (Gal 5: 17). If we live in the Spirit, or allow the Spirit to live in us, we are Christ’s. “Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal 5:24). When the Spirit dwells in us, it is a purifying agent. It rids us of all the putridity caused by the flesh. The lusts of the flesh and the fruits of the spirit cancel each other out. If one is faithful, they do not commit adultery, and they are not idolatrous. If one is peaceful and loving they do not hate or act selfishly. In other words, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings life, and results in the purging out of the flesh, which causes death. Consider these two statements:

1. “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace...So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” (Romans 8:6,8-9).
2. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:13-14)

The New Testament writers wrote frequently and openly about the Spirit because Old Testament writers such as Isaiah also spoke frequently about the working of the Spirit. One of the central themes of Isaiah message was to warn the people of God about their impending judgment. Conversely, he also foretold of the restoration of Jacob, the people of God. It is clear in his prophecies that the Holy Spirit would play a major part in the restoration of these cleansed people. The Spirit of God is promised to all of his faithful followers. God's Spirit, said Isaiah, would replenish a land that had been destroyed because of the wickedness of the Jews. The waste land would flow with rivers of water. The dry fields would produce plentifully. Why? "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring" (Is 44:3). Those who receive the Spirit of God have one heart and one mind, they fear God and keep his commandments (Ezekiel 11:19; Jeremiah 32:37-41). Joel prophesied concerning the initiation of the era of the Holy Spirit. As a sign that the Spirit was being poured out on the people of God (Rom 5:5), for a time some men and women were blessed with spiritual gifts. Certainly, not every Christian in the first century had spiritual gifts. We know the Christians in Rome did not have these special gifts when Paul wrote them (Romans 1:11), but all faithful followers of Christ today are definitely led by the Spirit. God promises that. Do not mix up the two concepts or just assume they are basically the same thing. The Bible is clear that they are not.

We could continue in greater detail on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, but I’ll let you continue the study on your own. Notice in these few scriptures, and the suggested readings below, that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit has to do with how we live. Those who are filled with the Spirit of God, are led by the Spirit of God. Those who are filled with the Spirit of the world (desires of the flesh), are led by the Spirit of the World. As Paul says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Gal 5:25). Those who live in the Spirit are cleansed and made new. That is how the Spirit changes the lives of believers (Titus 3:5).

Scriptures to Read About The Holy Spirit:

1. The Book of Isaiah. Pay special attention to imagery regarding the renewal of the promised land, and the restoration of God's people. This mostly occurs from chapters 29-66, the first 24 chapters mainly focus on the destruction of wicked nations, including the "People of God," who failed to obey God.
2. Romans 5:5 & 8:1-30
3. Galatians 5:16-6:8
4. 2Cor 1:21-22

B.A.M. 12.8.06