PURITY REQUIRED AND PROVIDED...

MARCH 3

PURITY REQUIRED AND PROVIDED...

Do not be robbed of true PURITY of heart and life, just because there is a false form of purity. After all, you would not trash a true treasure just because it has been counterfeited.

PURE HEART
There is a Purity of heart that God provides to those who trust Christ. In fact it is a purity of heart that is required if we want to spend eternity with God. I will share a few verses from the Bible that address this subject.

But first let me mention that there are people who try to enter into a relationship with God through following a path of futility. Some people trust in a personal purity that is not based on the redemptive work of Christ. This false purity is the product of a vain philosophy (which views the human condition to be inherently good), or the notion that works of self righteousness can make a person pure. The fact that there is a false purity of heart does not mean there is not a true purity of heart.

False Purity

Men claim that they can make themselves pure by their own human effort. This is called by various names, "self righteousness," "works righteousness," "works of the flesh." However, man cannot redeem himself from his spiritual bankruptcy by drawing from his empty coffers; he cannot cleanse himself by washing in his own filth.

Men cannot make themselves pure, simply by declaring themselves to be pure. God does not even declare us to be righteous when we are actually unrighteous. Instead, God changes unrighteous men into righteous men, by counting their faith as righteousness, and then God calls them righteous.

Men are born with sinful nature, they are born with polluted nature, and claiming to be without sin does not change the fact of man's need for forgiveness and purification from all sin.

Proverbs 20:9
(9) Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

Proverbs 30:12
(12) There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

1 John 1:8
(8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Redemptive Purity
However, there is a purity (holiness, righteousness, perfection) that God provides for those who trust Christ for deliverance from all sin. God has spoken of this atonement purity in several places. Notice that these verses address the question of, "Purity." There are other verses that address, Holiness, Righteousness, Perfection.

Old Testament
Psalms 18:26
(26) With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.

Psalms 24:3-5
(3) Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
(4) He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
(5) He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psalms 73:1
(1) ...Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
(Same Hebrew word as found in Ps. 24:4).

Proverbs 15:26
(26) The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

New Testament
Matthew 5:8
(8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

John 15:2
(2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

1 Timothy 1:5
(5) Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

2 Timothy 2:22
(22) Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Titus 2:14
(14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

James 4:8
(8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

1 Peter 1:22
(22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1 John 3:3
(3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

I realize there are renowned Christian teachers that deny personal purity for believers. They offer long explanations on why these verses do not mean what they say. I have not taken the time to explain God's word. Honest reading and simple faith makes it clear that God provides purity for those who hunger for it.

If you have questions on this issue, I will be glad to share with you why God meant what He said.

DON'T FORGET THE WORD

MARCH 2, 2012

DON'T FORGET THE WORD

Contrary to popular beliefs, there are no Lost Books of the Bible. The Bible was not lost, but the Church lost touch with the  Bible during the rise and reign of the Roman religion. From the time of the Reformation, eternal truths have been rediscovered through Bible study and submission to the Holy Spirit, including subjects such as; Justification, Faith, Sanctification, Revelation/Inspiration/Enlightenment, Christology, Theology, Pneumatology, Missiology, Ecclesiology, Eschatology.

A missing part of most churches today is a Biblical understanding of God's View of Church/State Relations and the Divine Origin of Human Government's Authority and Limitations. This is playing a major part in the Western/Modern Church selling its Birthright and losing its Light.

Pastors and parishioners should explore and master the great truths of the Bible and make them known to each succeeding generation.

I have included select verses from Psalm 119, which reflects a believer's need and desire for the word of God. I hope you take the time to meditate on the truths found in these verses. Though similar, each one has its own peculiar facet of truth.

Psalms 119:9

(9)  BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Psalms 119:11

(11)  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalms 119:18

(18)  Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Psalms 119:24

(24)  Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

Psalms 119:28

(28)  My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

Psalms 119:45

(45)  And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

Psalms 119:71

(71)  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

Psalms 119:98

(98)  Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

Psalms 119:99

(99)  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

Psalms 119:100

(100)  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

Psalms 119:101

(101)  I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

Psalms 119:104

(104)  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

Psalms 119:133

(133)  Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Psalms 119:143

(143)  Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.

COME PREPARED

MARCH 1, 2012

COME PREPARED

Sometimes we cannot attend worship, study or fellowship, therefore, when we are able to attend, we should make every effort to gather together with an eager, submissive, loving spirit. We must align our week, to make worship, study and fellowship a major priority, since God has arranged this as a time for us to praise, learn and grow. God is planning on our presence, and He offers presents to those who come. So come with open hearts, heads and hands. (He. 10:25).

A friend recently was singing the praises of TV evangelists and the service they provide to shut-ins. What a shame, what an indictment, that a church would neglect or abandon its own people, who are incapacitated, and give them into the hands of strangers.

Hebrews 10:22-25

(22)  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

(23)  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

(24)  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

(25)  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

THE HIGHER LAW

FEBRUARY 29, 2012

THE HIGHER LAW

How strange, people say we should not base our laws on religious tenets. So where do they think, "Thou shalt not kill... steal... bear false witness," came from? Man made laws may change, but the moral code of God is authoritative. The further our society moves from the God of the Bible, the less respect it will have for the Bible, and the more God's people will be oppressed and persecuted for following the Bible. (see 2 Tm. 3:12 & Ti. 2:12).

PASSAGES...
2 Timothy 3:12-17
(12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
(13) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
(14) But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
(15) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Titus 2:11-15
(11) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
(12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
(13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
(14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
(15) These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

A TELLING CHOICE

FEBRUARY 27, 2012

A TELLING CHOICE

So, would you rather have God actually deliver you from all sin in this present world or would you rather God unilaterally elect you unconditionally to salvation?

Your preference will not influence God's way of salvation, but it will tell something about your own heart.

If you would rather be delivered from all sin than be unconditionally elect, then God has Good News for you.

NEGLECTED TREASURE

FEBRUARY 27, 2012

NEGLECTED TREASURE

The majority of people have been given a treasure, greater than pleasure and beyond measure.

Though it demands great Care, Time and Sacrifice, the return is of Infinite Value.

God gives children to parents, 1- to raise them for Him, 2- to teach them about Him, 3- to lead them to Him. 

Sadly, very few children get the needed investment from their parents. Children are often left to blaze their own trail, but they usually follow other young people who are confused and lost. When parents do offer guidance, it is usually away from a life that is consistent with Biblical godliness. How sad to throw away such a treasure. Eternally sad.

REVIVAL: BENEFITS FROM; STEPS TO.

FEBRUARY 27, 2012

REVIVAL BENEFITS AND STEPS

BENEFITS

Aside from evangelism, revival services produce various blessings for those who have been saved, including:
1- Backsliders are restored to a right relationship with God and others:
2- Believers make total commitment and become entirely sanctified;
3- Vision is renewed and enlarged;
4- People are called to the ministry (domestic and foreign).

True revival comes when parishioners focus on God in an exceptional way. Remember, "revival" implies a need to re-focus and re-commit. These 4 things should be happening during regular services. But in any case, "Keep On Keeping On."

STEPS

Here are three easy to remember steps to Revival (renewal, restoration). These three steps are found in Christ's words to the churches in Revelation (chapters 2-3).

1- Remember what God has done. Remember where you were with God.

2- Repent, change your direction, you mind. Quit looking to sin, Satan and self, instead, look unto Jesus, the Author and finisher of faith. Whatever is good, think on those things.

3- Repeat your commitment, believe, surrender, obey, praise.

ALL THINGS NEW

FEBRUARY 26, 2012

ALL THINGS NEW

Recently, while I was teaching about the coming conflagration, I was asked, "Why will the world be destroyed by fire?" One of the thoughts that has come to my mind is the problem of vermin and pestilence. God will cleanse the universe with fire, so that the New Heaven and New Earth will be without any creatures that thrive on, and contribute to death and decay, along with all bacteria, viral infection and all other effects of sin. Take a few moments to read the following passage. God will make all things new, and the corruption of sin will all be gone. Praise the Lord.

Revelation 21:1-8

(1)  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

(2)  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

(3)  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

(4)  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

(5)  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

(6)  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

(7)  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

(8)  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.