Intro:
1) We resume our study in 1 John as we continue to talk about the evidences that a true believer will manifest. Two week ago, we discussed the importance of understanding our situation in life, perceiving and understanding the need of a brother, and purposefully choosing to help as opposed to purposefully shutting our bowels of compassion toward him.
2) This is an act of love that needs to be evidenced. Many people will say that they are willing to help but then a barrage of excuses will follow any attempt to ask them to act upon their words. As believers, we cannot live as people with split tongues or hypocritical acts.
I. In Deed and In Truth
1 John 3:18- “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
1) Again the apostle John begins a verse addressing the churches in Asia Minor as “little children.” As we remind ourselves, this designation emphasized the maturity level of their faith. John considered them new in their faith and needed to be reminded of the fundamental basic truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and what it means to be a follower of Him.
2) In this case, John remains on the topic of love and how to evidence oneself as a believer in Jesus Christ by the love that we show. John clearly points out to us not to love in word or in tongue. There are two separate Greek terms. The Greek term for “word” is logos. Logos “is the articulate utterance of human language.”[1] It is what we speak, the words that come from our mouths, originating from our mind, that form a coherent sentence. This is logos
3) The Greek word for “tongue” is glossa. This refers to the “tongue of man” or a language.[2] Therefore, the difference between the two is that one refers to the words that we’ve spoken from the conviction in our hearts that are formulate in our minds and the other is the language that we speak it in. The apostle John urges us not to love purposefully or exclusively in either one.
4) One interesting side note before we go on to the next part of this verse refers to the term logos. This is the term used to describe Jesus Christ in John 1:1- “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The fact that Christ was described as the Word, ho logos, indicates that “He is the first immaterial intelligence. His incarnation is the expression of that intelligence in speech that humans could understand.”[3]
5) Continuing on, we should not love exclusively in words or in the language that we speak, but in deed and in truth. The Greek word for “deed” is ergon. It normally refers to “work, performance, the result or the object of employment.”[4] It speaks of an undertaking. Mainly, when John spoke to us telling us to love in deed, it was meant to love by displaying actions. “Claiming to love is not enough. Love is not sentiment but deeds.”[5] It is not enough to only speak words of love. “Words of compassion must be demonstrated through specific deeds of help.”[6]
6) Interestingly enough, the purpose of this part of the letter is for John to remind the believers in Asia Minor how a true Christian portrays themselves and if we do a word study on the Greek word ergon we can see that the emphasis of the word reaches to a deeper understanding of what it means to act like a Christian and evidence it through our actions. The verbal form erga is used in James where erga denotes acts by which someone proves his genuineness and his faith. James 2:14- “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?”
7) Faith is proven by works. James 2:22, 25- “Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?... Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?” Rahab “demonstrated the reality of her saving faith when at great personal risk, she protected the messengers of God.”[7]
8) James, in speaking about Abraham and Rahab used these examples as a “demonstration of the genuineness of their faith and the reality of their justification before God.”[8] Let us not be mistaken. “Salvation is determined by faith alone and demonstrated by faithfulness to obey God’s will alone.”[9]
9) And this demonstration of faithfulness to obey God’s will, especially in regards to love must be done, not only in deed, but also in truth, emphasizing the sincerity and genuineness of the act. The demonstration of specific deeds to help must come from a true intent to help, in truth.[10] “Compliments and flatteries become not Christians but the sincere expressions of sacred affection and the services or labors of love do.”[11]
Conclusion:
1) We must remember that it is not works that justifies us before God, but rather it is faith alone that imputes righteousness upon an unworthy soul. The works and deeds that we do simply justify and demonstrate our genuine and sincere faith.
2) In order to demonstrate our sincere faith, we must act upon in obedience to God’s will. By displaying acts and deeds of love we can evidence that we are truly children of God, if only we show it in truth. Our acts must be sincere, not out of obligation, responsibility or lack of understanding. And it must be constant and progressive, finding ways to display love in the form of deeds not flattery.
3) If that is then the case, then there must be more to just telling someone “God bless you” or speaking in order to show compassion. True compassion, true love, sincere faith will go above and beyond, understanding the importance of the Gospel. Witnessing and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others as an act of love must be done in deed and in truth.
[1] Zodhiates Key Word Study Bible 1734
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid
[4] Ibid
[5] MacArthur Study Bible 1971
[6] IANT 478
[7] MacArthur Study Bible 1930
[8] Ibid
[9] Ibid
[10] IANT 478
[11] Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Assure Our Hearts- 1 John 3:19
Intro:
1) For the past few weeks, we’ve been discussing the evidence that we can show to others that we are truly believers in Jesus Christ. A defining evidence of belief and faith in Christ is to display love, volitional, purposeful, in deed, and in truth. This shows to others that we are truly a child of God.
2) But now we take an introspective look and consider if showcasing these external outward evidences help prove to ourselves that we are truly children of God. How can we remind and prove to ourselves that we are saved and are believers in Jesus Christ? Is this even important?
I. Assure Our Hearts
1 John 3:19- “And by this we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before Him.”
1) Believe it or not, there are many people in this world who sincerely believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and God, but question their eternal security. There are many who believe that one can gain and lose their salvation. Because of this, their life is lived in anxiety and fear, wondering if anything was done to merit the loss of eternal life.
2) The issue of the eternal security of the believer is one topic that we will not discuss today. But, as a simple reminder, when one has salvation, when was has entered into eternal life at the moment of faith in Jesus Christ, that can never be taken away. Because of this, it should motivate us to live sacrificial for God because of this display of love. It is a display of grace to give us the salvation that we DON’T deserve and a display of mercy not to give us the judgment that we DO deserve.
3) Nevertheless, there may be times that we do question the sincerity of our faith and the security of our salvation. We discussed ways to provide external evidence when others doubt. But what happens when WE doubt? “The believer wrestles with himself in relation to being in the truth. This is due to the presence of our sinful nature and to our acts of sin committed while in this world. When we commit sin, we are forced to question our salvation. So we need to convince ourselves that we are in the truth despite our failures.”[1]
4) We remind ourselves that works does not justify one before God. Works does not give one salvation. Instead, works is simply a demonstration of the sincerity of our faith. Within the category of works is the concept of love. And by how we love, we can then know that we are of the truth. We can be certain of our salvation if we simply love as God has asked us to love.
5) By loving with a self-sacrificial volitional love we can know that we are truly saved. An additional blessing is it then gives us assurance and confidence in our salvation that we can manifest what is in us by displaying love. “A lifestyle of love is the demonstrable proof of salvation.”[2] We can prove to others and prove to ourselves that we are truly a child of God if we can live self-sacrificially and choose to love others when they are still undeserving of it.
6) “One of the greatest arguments strengthening our assurance of salvation si the love for the brothers, not only in deed but in truth.” It then brings us to the question, why is the assurance of our salvation so important? Without the assurance of salvation or the thought that one can lose it, there is a lack of peace and a heavy feeling of anxiety and paranoia that one can potentially lose their salvation. That anxiety and fear increases when someone realizes that they could potentially die before ever redeeming themselves and re-attaining their salvation.
7) The assurance of salvation provides a sense of peace and serenity in one’s life, able to continue to live and serve God without fear of committing a sin that would then relegate someone to an unrighteous position and therefore deserving and condemned to hell.
8) Additionally, the assurance of salvation allows for a sense of freedom to approach God in manner of someone who is redeemed and redeemed permanently, as opposed to someone who is afraid to approach Him for fear of losing redemption. “It is a great happiness to be assured of our integrity in religion. Those that are so assured may have holy boldness or confidence towards God; they may appeal to him from the censures and condemnation of the world.”[3]
9) Of course, this assurance is demonstrated through love. This assurance is again another benefit of simply loving our brethren. “John gives 3 benefits of love for the true Christian. The first benefit is assurance of salvation since love in action is the test of Christian profession.”[4]
10) To love someone who is undeserving of love is not only beneficial to the other person nor asked for by God, but it is necessary, not because it is commanded to us by Christ and urged to us by the apostle John, but because for our sakes it gives us a sense of security and peace. “The way to arrive at the knowledge of our own truth and uprightness in Christianity, and to secure our inward peace, is to abound in love and in the works of love towards the Christian brethren.”[5]
Conclusion:
1) We are assured of our salvation because the Word of God promises us that when we are saved we are saved for eternity and we are saved from the moment of belief. This assurance of salvation is a God given gift, one that He didn’t necessarily have to give. God could have made it so that we would have to regain our salvation every time we committed a sin. But His grace is wonderful in that He didn’t choose that route.
2) We should love because it proves to others that we are believers in Christ but it assures us that we are truly born again believers. Our transition to a character and person of love, growth, maturity and development helps solidify the fact that we truly children of God and erases any doubt that we do not nor could have lost our salvation.
3) The assurance of salvation and the peace, comfort and security that comes with it should be another reason why we should share the Gospel with a world full of insecurities, fear, anxiety, and depression. It brings us hope and victory.
[1] IANT 478
[2] MacArthur Study Bible 1970
[3] Matthew Henry Commentary http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=4&contentID=1850&commInfo=5&topic=1%20John&ar=1Jo_3_19
[4] MacArthur Study Bible 1970
[5] Matthew Henry Commentary http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=4&contentID=1850&commInfo=5&topic=1%20John&ar=1Jo_3_19
1) For the past few weeks, we’ve been discussing the evidence that we can show to others that we are truly believers in Jesus Christ. A defining evidence of belief and faith in Christ is to display love, volitional, purposeful, in deed, and in truth. This shows to others that we are truly a child of God.
2) But now we take an introspective look and consider if showcasing these external outward evidences help prove to ourselves that we are truly children of God. How can we remind and prove to ourselves that we are saved and are believers in Jesus Christ? Is this even important?
I. Assure Our Hearts
1 John 3:19- “And by this we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before Him.”
1) Believe it or not, there are many people in this world who sincerely believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and God, but question their eternal security. There are many who believe that one can gain and lose their salvation. Because of this, their life is lived in anxiety and fear, wondering if anything was done to merit the loss of eternal life.
2) The issue of the eternal security of the believer is one topic that we will not discuss today. But, as a simple reminder, when one has salvation, when was has entered into eternal life at the moment of faith in Jesus Christ, that can never be taken away. Because of this, it should motivate us to live sacrificial for God because of this display of love. It is a display of grace to give us the salvation that we DON’T deserve and a display of mercy not to give us the judgment that we DO deserve.
3) Nevertheless, there may be times that we do question the sincerity of our faith and the security of our salvation. We discussed ways to provide external evidence when others doubt. But what happens when WE doubt? “The believer wrestles with himself in relation to being in the truth. This is due to the presence of our sinful nature and to our acts of sin committed while in this world. When we commit sin, we are forced to question our salvation. So we need to convince ourselves that we are in the truth despite our failures.”[1]
4) We remind ourselves that works does not justify one before God. Works does not give one salvation. Instead, works is simply a demonstration of the sincerity of our faith. Within the category of works is the concept of love. And by how we love, we can then know that we are of the truth. We can be certain of our salvation if we simply love as God has asked us to love.
5) By loving with a self-sacrificial volitional love we can know that we are truly saved. An additional blessing is it then gives us assurance and confidence in our salvation that we can manifest what is in us by displaying love. “A lifestyle of love is the demonstrable proof of salvation.”[2] We can prove to others and prove to ourselves that we are truly a child of God if we can live self-sacrificially and choose to love others when they are still undeserving of it.
6) “One of the greatest arguments strengthening our assurance of salvation si the love for the brothers, not only in deed but in truth.” It then brings us to the question, why is the assurance of our salvation so important? Without the assurance of salvation or the thought that one can lose it, there is a lack of peace and a heavy feeling of anxiety and paranoia that one can potentially lose their salvation. That anxiety and fear increases when someone realizes that they could potentially die before ever redeeming themselves and re-attaining their salvation.
7) The assurance of salvation provides a sense of peace and serenity in one’s life, able to continue to live and serve God without fear of committing a sin that would then relegate someone to an unrighteous position and therefore deserving and condemned to hell.
8) Additionally, the assurance of salvation allows for a sense of freedom to approach God in manner of someone who is redeemed and redeemed permanently, as opposed to someone who is afraid to approach Him for fear of losing redemption. “It is a great happiness to be assured of our integrity in religion. Those that are so assured may have holy boldness or confidence towards God; they may appeal to him from the censures and condemnation of the world.”[3]
9) Of course, this assurance is demonstrated through love. This assurance is again another benefit of simply loving our brethren. “John gives 3 benefits of love for the true Christian. The first benefit is assurance of salvation since love in action is the test of Christian profession.”[4]
10) To love someone who is undeserving of love is not only beneficial to the other person nor asked for by God, but it is necessary, not because it is commanded to us by Christ and urged to us by the apostle John, but because for our sakes it gives us a sense of security and peace. “The way to arrive at the knowledge of our own truth and uprightness in Christianity, and to secure our inward peace, is to abound in love and in the works of love towards the Christian brethren.”[5]
Conclusion:
1) We are assured of our salvation because the Word of God promises us that when we are saved we are saved for eternity and we are saved from the moment of belief. This assurance of salvation is a God given gift, one that He didn’t necessarily have to give. God could have made it so that we would have to regain our salvation every time we committed a sin. But His grace is wonderful in that He didn’t choose that route.
2) We should love because it proves to others that we are believers in Christ but it assures us that we are truly born again believers. Our transition to a character and person of love, growth, maturity and development helps solidify the fact that we truly children of God and erases any doubt that we do not nor could have lost our salvation.
3) The assurance of salvation and the peace, comfort and security that comes with it should be another reason why we should share the Gospel with a world full of insecurities, fear, anxiety, and depression. It brings us hope and victory.
[1] IANT 478
[2] MacArthur Study Bible 1970
[3] Matthew Henry Commentary http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=4&contentID=1850&commInfo=5&topic=1%20John&ar=1Jo_3_19
[4] MacArthur Study Bible 1970
[5] Matthew Henry Commentary http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=4&contentID=1850&commInfo=5&topic=1%20John&ar=1Jo_3_19
Monday, February 9, 2009
Reply- Some Questions...
http://exchristian.net/letters/2009/02/some-questions.html
"I haven't read the bible. I have seen MANY people who claim to be Christian, doing terrible things - almost like they've been given a license to be cruel, because they will be forgiven."
It is unfortunate that many people turn away from Christ upon an interaction with someone who is a self-proclaimed Christian, but presents themself otherwise. The hypocritical nature that many of us show as believers can truly push someone away from the Gospel.
I was approached by a youth asking how they should behave during a school function (winter formal.) I informed him to think about his testimony. Would his actions affect his testimony either positively or negatively? Then think about the possibility of someone who is on the fence about believing in Jesus Christ. If someone were to witness him doing something, would it push them toward faith or away from God?
Bottom line: you just never know who is watching. And if we proclaim ourselves as children of God, we will want to do the desires of our Father.
Additionally, there was an encounter with a "reverend," who shared with this person the need to repent of our sins and turn our faith toward Jesus Christ. There is nothing theologically or Biblically wrong with this. In fact, it's important that we share this with others. Where many of us may be at fault is the delivery of this truth. We must maintain a spirit of gentleness and love. Often times we come across as condemning and judgmental. If we do any sort of judging it should always be onto correction, never condemnation.
This is not to say that the "reverend" proceeded to act in like manner. It is simply an observation that I see from my time around.
It still feels as if she's unable to make up her mind regarding what to believe. If all that she's received is the feedback from ExChristian.net, then she'll believe that Christ never existed, that God is a fallacy, and that Christianity is all about brainwashing. To be honest, the constant comments regarding the "farce that is Christianity" and the regular badgering of God and Christ seem more like brainwashing to me. As much as they accuse Christians of imposing our beliefs on others, they seem to do a great job doing the same.
They reach out, pleading to everyone to free their thinking and seek the truth on their own, apart from Christ and God.
As Christians, I plead them to do the same.
Eventually we'll find out who was right or wrong. The question then becomes, what does everybody have to lose if they're wrong?
As Christians, as Muslims, as Catholics, as Mormons, as atheists, as agnostics. Who has the most to lose?
Lastly:
"Am I this sinner who needs to be saved? Or am I this normal person, trying to lead a good life, but getting caught up in a bad situation? I've never been perfect, but I don't know anyone who has."
One response:
Mriana- "No, you are not a sinner, just a human being who has made a few mistakes just like everyone else..."
The Biblical response:
Romans 3:23
Again... upon what authority do we base our beliefs? The Bible or our own? Let's establish this common ground first.
"I haven't read the bible. I have seen MANY people who claim to be Christian, doing terrible things - almost like they've been given a license to be cruel, because they will be forgiven."
It is unfortunate that many people turn away from Christ upon an interaction with someone who is a self-proclaimed Christian, but presents themself otherwise. The hypocritical nature that many of us show as believers can truly push someone away from the Gospel.
I was approached by a youth asking how they should behave during a school function (winter formal.) I informed him to think about his testimony. Would his actions affect his testimony either positively or negatively? Then think about the possibility of someone who is on the fence about believing in Jesus Christ. If someone were to witness him doing something, would it push them toward faith or away from God?
Bottom line: you just never know who is watching. And if we proclaim ourselves as children of God, we will want to do the desires of our Father.
Additionally, there was an encounter with a "reverend," who shared with this person the need to repent of our sins and turn our faith toward Jesus Christ. There is nothing theologically or Biblically wrong with this. In fact, it's important that we share this with others. Where many of us may be at fault is the delivery of this truth. We must maintain a spirit of gentleness and love. Often times we come across as condemning and judgmental. If we do any sort of judging it should always be onto correction, never condemnation.
This is not to say that the "reverend" proceeded to act in like manner. It is simply an observation that I see from my time around.
It still feels as if she's unable to make up her mind regarding what to believe. If all that she's received is the feedback from ExChristian.net, then she'll believe that Christ never existed, that God is a fallacy, and that Christianity is all about brainwashing. To be honest, the constant comments regarding the "farce that is Christianity" and the regular badgering of God and Christ seem more like brainwashing to me. As much as they accuse Christians of imposing our beliefs on others, they seem to do a great job doing the same.
They reach out, pleading to everyone to free their thinking and seek the truth on their own, apart from Christ and God.
As Christians, I plead them to do the same.
Eventually we'll find out who was right or wrong. The question then becomes, what does everybody have to lose if they're wrong?
As Christians, as Muslims, as Catholics, as Mormons, as atheists, as agnostics. Who has the most to lose?
Lastly:
"Am I this sinner who needs to be saved? Or am I this normal person, trying to lead a good life, but getting caught up in a bad situation? I've never been perfect, but I don't know anyone who has."
One response:
Mriana- "No, you are not a sinner, just a human being who has made a few mistakes just like everyone else..."
The Biblical response:
Romans 3:23
Again... upon what authority do we base our beliefs? The Bible or our own? Let's establish this common ground first.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Reply -Work in Progress
http://exchristian.net/letters/2009/01/i-am-work-in-progress-but-it-is-really.html
I've come across questions and situations of a believer who begins to yearn and fall in love with an unbeliever. It's a sensitive subject and it's probably well known by almost all church goers that one is not supposed to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever (2 Corin. 6:14)
The danger is that it is far easier to be influence to stray from the will of God rather than get your significant other to abide by the law of God. A lot of people go into this relationship with the hope that they will be more influential. Unfortunately, the opposite normally prevails.
It's not impossible however. For with God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). One must simply be careful and cautious. As the apostle Paul reminds us, let us consider ourselves lest we also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
The guilt and shame felt by this individual is fairly extreme. I've never known anybody to endure such an emotion. And as men and women we will always deal and struggle with sin. It's whether or not we allow it to consume ourselves. Are we living a habitual life of sin or a habitual life of righteousness? When we sin, do we feel shameful? When we sin, do we ask for forgiveness and immediately repent of our sin?
This nervous breakdown spoken of is a mental hurdle that one needs to deal with. As Christians we have the wonderful blessing of being able to come before God through the mediator Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness. When given, the slate is wiped clean. Because of Christ, we have been imputed righteousness. We are forgiven and loved by the God of this universe, despite our sin. Christ paid the price for it.
With that said, there should be no extreme nervous breakdown. The guilt and shame, though initial and may linger, the overriding truth that God always forgives those who are His children if they come to Him in sincerity should calm our nerves and give us a sense of hope.
Of course, this does not justify the opportunity to constantly commit sin. As we recall, true believers will want to live a life of habitual righteousness not sin.
The true issue of this testimony is this:
"The essence of the matter is that I started seeing life from a completely different perspective and I nearly lost my mind because of it!! I started seeing that people are just people - there should not be any Christians, or Jews, or Muslims... just people. I realised that sex is a wonderful thing to be shared by two lovers, not some sick sin. I realised that just because something is written in some "sacred" book, does not mean that it is actually true! I see so many things in movies and read so many books that show me that we should strive to be free of intolerance, superstition and worthless tradition."
If you continue reading, there is the eurekian affirmation and revelation of "It's all about ME!" This follows the ecumenical revelation that there shouldn't be any difference in people. As you read, you can see where he begins to justify his actions and where the affirmation is given to him that others believe the same thing. "Sex is a wonderful thing to be shared by two lovers, not some sick sin." Based on who's standards? Man's? "I realised that just because something is written in some "sacred" book, does not mean it is actually true!" Again, upon who's authority? Yours?
When we make the standard a perfect God, we fall short. Therefore, sex should be sacred between a man and a woman who are married. When we base the authority upon the inspired Word of God, not just a "sacred" book, then the truth is clear, rather than simply a scapegoat. Absolute truth is absolute whether you believe it or not. I am breathing air. You may not believe it, but it does not negate it's truth. The Bible is the same way.
My last insight is with the following statement:
"I really loved God too and I fear going to hell sometimes, but it is getting better as I meet new people who are not Christians and realise that they can be so wonderful and loving - why would they be sent to hell, it just makes no sense! "
Again, the view of many people who declare themselves atheists because they cannot wrap their minds around a loving God who will punish others to hell. There are good people! They should not go to hell!
Hell, in essence, is the absence of God. If God is love, if God is grace, if God is love and light, heaven will be filled with it. Remove God from a location entirely, you have then removed to the full extent, love, grace, love and light. And any and all things that God is.
Hell is simply a place where God is not present. God is loving enough to allow us free will. If we do not want to be with Him, He will not force us. Therefore if people do not want to be with God after this life, He will not force them to stay in His dwelling place for eternity, Heaven. Hell is a place for those who choose not to be with God.
Again it's our choice. He gives us a way to eternal life. Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If I do, I deal with the consequences. If you don't you deal with yours. In the end, when we stand before God, we can only be accountable for our actions.
There, many people have one last chance to say to God's face "It's all about ME!"
I've come across questions and situations of a believer who begins to yearn and fall in love with an unbeliever. It's a sensitive subject and it's probably well known by almost all church goers that one is not supposed to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever (2 Corin. 6:14)
The danger is that it is far easier to be influence to stray from the will of God rather than get your significant other to abide by the law of God. A lot of people go into this relationship with the hope that they will be more influential. Unfortunately, the opposite normally prevails.
It's not impossible however. For with God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). One must simply be careful and cautious. As the apostle Paul reminds us, let us consider ourselves lest we also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
The guilt and shame felt by this individual is fairly extreme. I've never known anybody to endure such an emotion. And as men and women we will always deal and struggle with sin. It's whether or not we allow it to consume ourselves. Are we living a habitual life of sin or a habitual life of righteousness? When we sin, do we feel shameful? When we sin, do we ask for forgiveness and immediately repent of our sin?
This nervous breakdown spoken of is a mental hurdle that one needs to deal with. As Christians we have the wonderful blessing of being able to come before God through the mediator Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness. When given, the slate is wiped clean. Because of Christ, we have been imputed righteousness. We are forgiven and loved by the God of this universe, despite our sin. Christ paid the price for it.
With that said, there should be no extreme nervous breakdown. The guilt and shame, though initial and may linger, the overriding truth that God always forgives those who are His children if they come to Him in sincerity should calm our nerves and give us a sense of hope.
Of course, this does not justify the opportunity to constantly commit sin. As we recall, true believers will want to live a life of habitual righteousness not sin.
The true issue of this testimony is this:
"The essence of the matter is that I started seeing life from a completely different perspective and I nearly lost my mind because of it!! I started seeing that people are just people - there should not be any Christians, or Jews, or Muslims... just people. I realised that sex is a wonderful thing to be shared by two lovers, not some sick sin. I realised that just because something is written in some "sacred" book, does not mean that it is actually true! I see so many things in movies and read so many books that show me that we should strive to be free of intolerance, superstition and worthless tradition."
If you continue reading, there is the eurekian affirmation and revelation of "It's all about ME!" This follows the ecumenical revelation that there shouldn't be any difference in people. As you read, you can see where he begins to justify his actions and where the affirmation is given to him that others believe the same thing. "Sex is a wonderful thing to be shared by two lovers, not some sick sin." Based on who's standards? Man's? "I realised that just because something is written in some "sacred" book, does not mean it is actually true!" Again, upon who's authority? Yours?
When we make the standard a perfect God, we fall short. Therefore, sex should be sacred between a man and a woman who are married. When we base the authority upon the inspired Word of God, not just a "sacred" book, then the truth is clear, rather than simply a scapegoat. Absolute truth is absolute whether you believe it or not. I am breathing air. You may not believe it, but it does not negate it's truth. The Bible is the same way.
My last insight is with the following statement:
"I really loved God too and I fear going to hell sometimes, but it is getting better as I meet new people who are not Christians and realise that they can be so wonderful and loving - why would they be sent to hell, it just makes no sense! "
Again, the view of many people who declare themselves atheists because they cannot wrap their minds around a loving God who will punish others to hell. There are good people! They should not go to hell!
Hell, in essence, is the absence of God. If God is love, if God is grace, if God is love and light, heaven will be filled with it. Remove God from a location entirely, you have then removed to the full extent, love, grace, love and light. And any and all things that God is.
Hell is simply a place where God is not present. God is loving enough to allow us free will. If we do not want to be with Him, He will not force us. Therefore if people do not want to be with God after this life, He will not force them to stay in His dwelling place for eternity, Heaven. Hell is a place for those who choose not to be with God.
Again it's our choice. He gives us a way to eternal life. Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If I do, I deal with the consequences. If you don't you deal with yours. In the end, when we stand before God, we can only be accountable for our actions.
There, many people have one last chance to say to God's face "It's all about ME!"
ExChristian.net
Over the last few weeks, I've been reading on a consistent basis the testimonies of people on this website called ExChristian.net. The description of this site is as follows:
"This site is designed with the intention of encouraging ex-Christians, former Christians, de-converting Christians and other non-believers in the decision to live life based on rational thought rather than religious mythology."
It's quite intriguing and enlightening to read firsthand some of these stories and viewpoints of those who discredit anything religion. It helps me get a more well rounded view of the peoples of this earth. Too often many churches stay within the confines of their building walls. It's a safe haven. It's important to go out to those that may not see things the way that we do. Christ did and it is our calling to emulate Him.
It's interesting that a lot of their arguments is against Christianity, God, and Jesus Christ. Often times all denominations of Christianity are lumped together. A lot of these individuals had a very unfortunate experience with radical conservatives. It's just interesting because it's simply aimed at Christianity rather than religion as a whole. I'm just wondering if there's an ExMuslim.net site out there or ExJehovahWitness.net. I guess that's why it's called ExChristian not ExReligion.
In any case, as I continue to read these articles and blog testimonies, whenver I come across one that is interesting, I will post a reply here on this website. I will link the testimony so that you can read what I'm replying to.
I suggest you take a look and browse the site. It has in no way made me question my faith. In fact, it's strengthened it even more. It helps in uncovering respective answers to questions about Christ and God. It simply builds my thirst and hunger for the Word. How can I answer these allegations and interpretations?
Stay tuned for the first of many reasons for the hope that I have in Christ.
"This site is designed with the intention of encouraging ex-Christians, former Christians, de-converting Christians and other non-believers in the decision to live life based on rational thought rather than religious mythology."
It's quite intriguing and enlightening to read firsthand some of these stories and viewpoints of those who discredit anything religion. It helps me get a more well rounded view of the peoples of this earth. Too often many churches stay within the confines of their building walls. It's a safe haven. It's important to go out to those that may not see things the way that we do. Christ did and it is our calling to emulate Him.
It's interesting that a lot of their arguments is against Christianity, God, and Jesus Christ. Often times all denominations of Christianity are lumped together. A lot of these individuals had a very unfortunate experience with radical conservatives. It's just interesting because it's simply aimed at Christianity rather than religion as a whole. I'm just wondering if there's an ExMuslim.net site out there or ExJehovahWitness.net. I guess that's why it's called ExChristian not ExReligion.
In any case, as I continue to read these articles and blog testimonies, whenver I come across one that is interesting, I will post a reply here on this website. I will link the testimony so that you can read what I'm replying to.
I suggest you take a look and browse the site. It has in no way made me question my faith. In fact, it's strengthened it even more. It helps in uncovering respective answers to questions about Christ and God. It simply builds my thirst and hunger for the Word. How can I answer these allegations and interpretations?
Stay tuned for the first of many reasons for the hope that I have in Christ.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Ordination
In less than two months, Lord willing, after defending my thesis on church restoration and bombarded with questions during my review, I will be standing in front of a congregation in Cebu City Philippines ordained into a life of ministerial work. 5 years in the making, but you can argue it's been closer to 13. It's been hard work, and at 10:30pm Sunday evening, January 18th, 2009, I submitted my final draft for my thesis.
But this post isn't about me. It's about another ordination.
Pastor Jason Ricafranca.
At Cornerstone International Christian Church in La Puente, CA, Jason was ordained into full time ministry by his pastor and my grand uncle, Ptr. Paul Lacanilao.
I have but known Jason only for a few months, but he has left an undeniable impact in my life. As I sat, listening to the responsibilities befall upon him, I witnessed him sitting in front of his congregation, eye closed, hands in his lap, deep in meditation and prayer. He understood the magnitude and importance of this day. He understood how critical of an undertaking this position was.
And this is why he is the perfect, God-ordained person for this job.
He exudes passion. He exudes fervor. He spills over in desire, commitment, and love for his youth and fellow believers. He instructs and lead kids into a life of selflessness, humility, desire to serve the Lord. He made them focus on others, not just themselves, evidenced by the entire theme of summer 2008: Missions.
Attending Skid Row in LA on a monthly, if not a weekly basis. Providing and witnessing to those less fortunate. Jason made these kids realize that there is a world outside of Ipods and Wii's, shoes, clothes, and other nonsense.
Jason came into this position with an uphill battle. Confused and mislead, his group was unsure of authority, unsure of theology, unsure of what was the truth. Jason comforted them, embraced them, set up damage control and earned their trust.
All while speaking the truth of God's Word.
He inspires, not only those who are directly under him, whom he leads, but those who share his vision, his ministry, his burden from afar. I am encouraged by his strength, not in his own ability, but in the strength of his humility to let God use him. Above all else, my admiration for Jason is his unwavering position to compromise the Word of God.
Jason, you have affected lives more than you know. I walk this journey with you. I fight the battle at the front lines by your side. Not to challenge you, but because I am pushed, encouraged, and incited by you to fight, not in flesh in blood, but in the spiritual realm, in principalities and powers.
By your side because I am honored and blessed to be taking this journey, running this race, and fighting this war with you.
Congratulations my friend. The excitement is only beginning. My patience runs thin waiting to see how God will use you.
But this post isn't about me. It's about another ordination.
Pastor Jason Ricafranca.
At Cornerstone International Christian Church in La Puente, CA, Jason was ordained into full time ministry by his pastor and my grand uncle, Ptr. Paul Lacanilao.
I have but known Jason only for a few months, but he has left an undeniable impact in my life. As I sat, listening to the responsibilities befall upon him, I witnessed him sitting in front of his congregation, eye closed, hands in his lap, deep in meditation and prayer. He understood the magnitude and importance of this day. He understood how critical of an undertaking this position was.
And this is why he is the perfect, God-ordained person for this job.
He exudes passion. He exudes fervor. He spills over in desire, commitment, and love for his youth and fellow believers. He instructs and lead kids into a life of selflessness, humility, desire to serve the Lord. He made them focus on others, not just themselves, evidenced by the entire theme of summer 2008: Missions.
Attending Skid Row in LA on a monthly, if not a weekly basis. Providing and witnessing to those less fortunate. Jason made these kids realize that there is a world outside of Ipods and Wii's, shoes, clothes, and other nonsense.
Jason came into this position with an uphill battle. Confused and mislead, his group was unsure of authority, unsure of theology, unsure of what was the truth. Jason comforted them, embraced them, set up damage control and earned their trust.
All while speaking the truth of God's Word.
He inspires, not only those who are directly under him, whom he leads, but those who share his vision, his ministry, his burden from afar. I am encouraged by his strength, not in his own ability, but in the strength of his humility to let God use him. Above all else, my admiration for Jason is his unwavering position to compromise the Word of God.
Jason, you have affected lives more than you know. I walk this journey with you. I fight the battle at the front lines by your side. Not to challenge you, but because I am pushed, encouraged, and incited by you to fight, not in flesh in blood, but in the spiritual realm, in principalities and powers.
By your side because I am honored and blessed to be taking this journey, running this race, and fighting this war with you.
Congratulations my friend. The excitement is only beginning. My patience runs thin waiting to see how God will use you.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Teen Speaking
I forget how difficult it may be for teenagers today to really stand up and speak in front of a crowd, especially about something that's controversial and convicting. I've been speaking for probably over a decade so it's become old hat, but for someone who doesn't have that experience, it's difficult and I lose touch with that reality.
Standing before peers, making convictions, standing firm, and presenting challenges to a group of starry eyed, I'm here-only-because-I'm-supposed-to-be-here, when do we get out of this class, high school students can be pretty daunting. When asked, the speaker replied "I'm not really worried about the people in this classroom. I know that God brought the people that He wanted to be here listening." Growth... Maturity... Faith... all rolled into one.
I sat, listening as the passion and commitment she made, not only to her message, but her decision, her convictions, her desire to lead a life obedient to God's will, came out through her petite voice, louder and louder as she challenged the entire classroom. "What are WE going to do about it?" she boomed. "Can it change? Will it change?"
As it ended, as people brushed past her to scurry their way to the next class, a handful of those listening stopped and surrounded her, a few passed by, waiting to catch her attention before they left the classroom simply to say "thanks." There were hugs and smiles, compliments strewed about.
But what was inside her head? Was she relieved? Happy? Even more driven?
Or did she resent this mission, this ministry that was placed in her lap?
At the end of her testimony, she had a line: "Take it in or get pulled in." No more applicable to the time at hand.
Either way, it was a success. Not because she got an applaud from the class or approval from the teacher. It was because she was obedient to God's will and voiced her decision to do so.
Thank you Princess. For what it's worth, you pulled us in...
Standing before peers, making convictions, standing firm, and presenting challenges to a group of starry eyed, I'm here-only-because-I'm-supposed-to-be-here, when do we get out of this class, high school students can be pretty daunting. When asked, the speaker replied "I'm not really worried about the people in this classroom. I know that God brought the people that He wanted to be here listening." Growth... Maturity... Faith... all rolled into one.
I sat, listening as the passion and commitment she made, not only to her message, but her decision, her convictions, her desire to lead a life obedient to God's will, came out through her petite voice, louder and louder as she challenged the entire classroom. "What are WE going to do about it?" she boomed. "Can it change? Will it change?"
As it ended, as people brushed past her to scurry their way to the next class, a handful of those listening stopped and surrounded her, a few passed by, waiting to catch her attention before they left the classroom simply to say "thanks." There were hugs and smiles, compliments strewed about.
But what was inside her head? Was she relieved? Happy? Even more driven?
Or did she resent this mission, this ministry that was placed in her lap?
At the end of her testimony, she had a line: "Take it in or get pulled in." No more applicable to the time at hand.
Either way, it was a success. Not because she got an applaud from the class or approval from the teacher. It was because she was obedient to God's will and voiced her decision to do so.
Thank you Princess. For what it's worth, you pulled us in...
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