In continuation of my last post on “Being the New Testament Church” we are discussing Acts 2:41. After the new believers “believed in what Peter preached and then became baptized. The fact that the early New Testament (NT) believers were “baptized” can have many implications. According to which Christian discipline you are of the baptism mentioned could be “water baptism” or “the Baptism of the Holy Ghost”. Peter’s requirement for those asking “what they needed to do” mentions the “remission of sins” and “receiving the Holy Ghost”. This may be a little confusing so let’s take a look at the Biblical Baptism question.
In the NT we first see John the Baptist performing this service. I have see programs on the TV that suggest that John got the practice of baptism from an earlier Jewish sec like the Essenes. This is debatable. The first baptism we are introduced to is a baptism in water by submersion. This has been called all through the New Testament as John’s baptism or the baptism of repentance. In three of the gospels Jesus is pictured as coming to John and being baptized and in all three accounts the Heavens opened up, a voice spoke and the Holy Spirit came down. This is one of those moments when the total God was present. God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit all showed up for Jesus’ baptism. Now since this was a baptism of repentance why did Jesus need it unless He had sinned? In Matthew3:13 He answered this, “…it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” One Commentator said that He had to be baptized so that He could be identified with His people. This is true but in Galations 3:27 and Colossians 2:12, both show that baptism is a picture of us being buried with Christ and risen to new life with Him. We rise clean and we put on Christ. We forsake our nature and we take the nature and righteousness of Jesus. We no longer live but Christ lives in us (Galations 2:20). So there was a reason to for Him to submit to John’s baptism.
We see that as the Holy Spirit entered Him at this moment things began to change. Jesus was introducing a new baptism that would come into effect after He fulfilled His purpose. Acts 10:37 states that the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus at John’s baptism of Him. At this point some may say, “the Bible states there is One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism.” Some say that there are more than one according to Hebrews 6:2 where it states that “baptisms” plural, is one of the elementary doctrines of Christ. Which is right? As we look at Ephesians 4:5 in context we see that Paul is speaking of the Body of church believers, also called the Body of Christ. So this one Baptism of believers must be a baptism into the church, because there are other baptisms mentioned in the scripture. Jesus called His death on the cross as a baptism as recorded in Luke 12:50.
So, how do we know of which baptism Peter was speaking of I vs. 41? Let’s look at the Christian growth process as a whole. In Gen. 1:26 and 11;7. God reveals Himself as a plural Personage. By reading the revealed scriptures in the NT we see that God is in fact Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Now I do not agree with our brethren that say God was God the Father in the Old Testament times , God the Son in NT times and now is a God the Spirit at our present time. We have seen that all three were present at the baptism of Jesus the Man. Jesus said at least one time that he had to “go to the Father” and that He ascended to the right hand of the Father. And that He would send another comforter.
Back to Christian growth as concerning baptisms. We being created in the image of God, which is body, soul and spirit like He is Father, Son and Holy Ghost. At the fall of mankind the spirit part of man died. Giving future humanity a dead spirit nature. At our conversion, our being born again, we received a live spirit able to worship and commune again with God. In the Christian Growth Process we deal with the past, present and future. We have been saved, we are being saved and we will be saved. That is why the bible says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). When reading scripture we can see by reading the text within context if it is speaking of our past, present or future condition. I need to say here that the fallowing is my opinion and not to be taken as doctrine. I am an uneducated factory worker just trying to help you make some sense of this subject. I am not the final authority on the subject.
With that said, let’s move on.
John’s baptism was a baptism for repentance. It dealt with our past condition. An outward act reflecting an inward work. It shows that we are buried with Christ and risen with Him in life. That we are no longer subject to eternal death. I remember when I was a child baptized after walking the aisle and saying “the prayer”, it had no effect on my life. When I was converted as a teenager, I knew it was not right and that I needed to be baptized again. Nobody told me I needed to, I just knew. It was after this that I started to change. I started to understand the Bible. Christian principles were open to me. Concern for the lost became genuine.
In Acts 19:3-4 we see another baptism. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost. This baptism is a baptism for the present condition of a believer. Just as John’s baptism was for the saving from the past, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for the saving of the present. Here I would like to say that the baptisms of and in themselves do nothing but (as said before) give outward show evidence of an inward work. John’s baptism was connected to the “saving of the Spirit”, the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is connected to the “saving of the soul”. Soul being the mind and emotions. It is a daily process with the Baptism as a starting point. Simply said, baptisms are just marks of a “new beginning” in a Christian’s growth in life with God. There is much debate as to the evidence of this baptism and when does a person receive it. Many believe that it comes when we are born again and some say it is a “second blessing” that comes separate. Whether separate or together, whether with out without evidence. No matter which way you swing, just get it. I know some who claim it and some who don’t that love the Lord and the same for ones that live worldly. One thing for sure, if you can argue about it, hold back fellowship or hate your brother over it, you do not have it.
John had had spoken of Jesus coming to baptize us with the Holy Spirit and Fire. What is this Fire Baptism? (Mat. 3:11 and Luke 3:16) Many have tried to answer this and here is my try. Fire in the Bible has mostly been a symbol of purging. In Luke 3:16 were John says that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and Fire, the next verse speaks of wheat being purged from the chaff. The useless part of the wheat. In a Christian’s life there will come times of testing. Times of “New Beginnings” that serve to purge us of useless things in our lives that hinder our spiritual growth. These are baptisms of fire. I may add that if a person has not had the Baptism of Repentance and the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, things might not turn out that good. I once had a job that I had been employed at for fourteen and a half years. At the time I was consumed with preaching in group homes, jails and prisons. Ministry in the streets and concert outreaches. And quit full of myself. Then I found myself jobless. Having to start all over again. At this time I started doing “Internet Evangelism”. I found out quite quick that I did not know as much as I thought. Looking back at my job loss, I saw mistakes that I had made which lead up to my loss. I was completely humbled. This was a baptism of fire. I look back now, at this time ten years ago, and see my spiritual growth much higher and my usefulness to the kingdom increased. I’ve learned to “humble myself” instead of letting the Lord do it for me.
This is the Baptism of Fire which will save us. (again, outward marks of an inward work) It is the daily dying of our flesh. Our ego. Anything that hinders our relationship to the Lord with the final climax as our bodily death. As Jesus pointed to His death as a baptism, so we will all enter into a baptism that will save our body. A baptism for the future. A new beginning with the Father.
In Acts 2:41 the baptism Peter spoke of is one or all of the baptisms. Some say that we are to baptize in Jesus’ name only because nowhere in the book of Acts does it show anyone doing it. Jesus gives us the commission to “Go and teach all nations and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”, in Mat. 28:19. Could Jesus be telling us to go and baptize for the saving of all the person? Body, Soul and Spirit? The Baptism of John or Repentance for the saving of the Spirit and for being added to the Church. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost for the saving of the Soul, in the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit teaching us of Jesus and renewing our mind. He Baptism of Fire for the salvation of our body. The Holy Spirit leading us through the fire baptisms of life. All the way to our bodily death and final union with God.
Again, this is just an idea and an attempt to put baptisms in perspective. I’m not pushing my formula or anything else. The point is, baptism is a new beginning. The new believers in Acts 2:41 had to start all over again before they could be added to the Church. Then they could understand the Apostle’s teaching with revelation. Fellowship in true Christ-Like love, take part in the Body of Christ and pray effectively. They became New Testament Christians.
Further Reading on baptisms:
Mat. 3:6; 21:25
Mark 1:4; 16:16
Luke 3:12, 21; 7:29
John 1:26; 3:5, 23
Acts 2:38; 8:12, 38; 9:18; 10:48; 13:2416:15, 33; 18:8; 22:16
Romans 6:3; 1 Cor. 12:13; 1 Peter 3:21
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Fwd: FW: ABC bans flag lapel pins
--- On Sat, 11/8/08, Bill Taylor wrote:
|
Monday, November 03, 2008
Just A Quick Word Before The Election Tomorrow.
We really need to pray for our nation. And put things in His hands. history has tought us that no one man can change this country (or ruin it. No matter who wins, we the praying people will bring change. If we do not pray, we will bring change also. But who wants that kind.
Pray about your vote before doing it.
Pray for True Spiritual revival in our nation.
Pray for our new leaders that they will allow the Lord to guide them.
Pray that His enimies will be shown and that He would deal justly with them.
Pray about your vote before doing it.
Pray for True Spiritual revival in our nation.
Pray for our new leaders that they will allow the Lord to guide them.
Pray that His enimies will be shown and that He would deal justly with them.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Being The New Testament Church Part 1: Intro & Belief
Our pastor has been teaching lately on , "Being A New Testament Church". Many groups have used this title in their Church name and I will not sit in judgement as to whether they are or are not a NTC. One thing we have seen is that you can not have a NTC with out New Testament people. We have been studying in Acts 2:41-47
After Peter had preached and many decided to follow Jesus, they followed a certain pattern for growth.
1. They believed
2. They Baptized
3. They devoted time to learning the Apostles teachings
4. They had close fellowship together
5. They ate together daily and had communion
6. They prayed together.
I will discuss these as I can in different post.
First they believed after hearing Peter's preaching.
They had heard that Jesus rose from the dead. No one questioned the fact of the matter. Some chose not to believe, but many chose to do so. Belief starts from Heaven, comes down to man and then goes out. To really believe, one must have a revelation from the Lord. Just like when Jesus asked the disciples who they thought He was, Peter answered correctly and Jesus told him that man did not teach him this but it came from God the Father. We will only get truth from the Bible or Preaching when the Lord reveals it to us. Then, like the early believers, we will not deny our faith for nothing. Not even to save our lives.
I will do baptisms next, after I have studied and prayed about it.
Note: The Main points in this post were made by my pastor, Robert Grice of Grace Harvest Church in Dothan, Al. USA
After Peter had preached and many decided to follow Jesus, they followed a certain pattern for growth.
1. They believed
2. They Baptized
3. They devoted time to learning the Apostles teachings
4. They had close fellowship together
5. They ate together daily and had communion
6. They prayed together.
I will discuss these as I can in different post.
First they believed after hearing Peter's preaching.
They had heard that Jesus rose from the dead. No one questioned the fact of the matter. Some chose not to believe, but many chose to do so. Belief starts from Heaven, comes down to man and then goes out. To really believe, one must have a revelation from the Lord. Just like when Jesus asked the disciples who they thought He was, Peter answered correctly and Jesus told him that man did not teach him this but it came from God the Father. We will only get truth from the Bible or Preaching when the Lord reveals it to us. Then, like the early believers, we will not deny our faith for nothing. Not even to save our lives.
I will do baptisms next, after I have studied and prayed about it.
Note: The Main points in this post were made by my pastor, Robert Grice of Grace Harvest Church in Dothan, Al. USA
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
The Preacher and the Atheistic Barber
|
Friday, June 13, 2008
Used Book Review: Chapter and Verse by Mike Bryan
I found this book (Chapter and Verse: A Skeptic Revists Christianity by Mike Bryan C.1991 Random House) in a used book store and thought it would be another book about an atheist that found Christ through studing the works of the New Testament. Like Josh McDowell, C.S. Lewis and others. But as I read it I found the narrative exciting. The Author was a skeptic and he let out at the being that he did not convert, but wrote a honest work on what a "Real" Christ is and what they believe. He also added the skeptic views along side of the Christian and it was enlightening. Sort of a peek into the atheist mind. All the atheist retorts and insults were not used. It was very refreshing and informational. For those Christians and their Pastors that just want people to "just read the Bible" this would be a good book. It would make a good text book for a apologetics class.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Being Salt in the Workplace
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
Matthew 5:13 Geneva Bible 1599
I have read and heard this verse for years and saw it as a verse to compel us to share our faith. On further looking it also speaks to me of striving to make our surroundings better because of Christ in us. Like our workplace. Many of us go to work, get by with doing an O'Right job, and go home:
Think about what our calling in life is.
Wonder when will God use us?
Collapse on the couch and fall asleep to TV reruns.
When in fact we are "salt", not "we are to be salt" If we are born again and therefor a new creation in Christ, we are salt by New Creation Nature. We can not stop from being salt no more than salt can lose its flavor. Because if indeed it could lose its flavor it would be "not salt" and good for nothing but to be cast out in the street.
I had an atheist who was trying to show Jesus as a liar and not perfect use the fact that salt does not lose it's flavor ability. When in fact he did not understand how the eastern train of thought worked and how they said things in a way that gave a mental picture of facts by saying the opposite. Salt does not lose it's salty-ness like no one who lights a candle and covers it, if they wish to see. And a city on a hill cannot help but being seen. A Christian will change his environment just because that's the way Christ made him or her after the New Birth.
So, back to work. In many settings when persons have been at their job for a long time they become bored and uncaring. The company suffers and quality goes down hill. A Christian should have a trunk load of new ideas and improvement options.
In Japanese work culture there is a phase used called "Kaizen" (Ky'zen). 1 Meaning "gradual, unending improvement, doing little things better; setting and achieving ever higher standards". And this goes deeper than just the workplace in Japan. It flows over into daily life. The push to do better in every area of our lives. This is being salt. Making improvements to our work and daily life. A good pinch of salt does wonders for some dishes. It can totally change the meal for the good.
At this point I could produce a formula for achieving this seasoning but as stated it should become natural. We only have to look around and think, "What if I had the power to change the things at work or put policies in place to make it better", and then do something about it. Don't get bogged down with those who have lost there way and live only for the weekends of short relief from work pressures.
Find out the procedure in making suggestions and do it. Stuff the box or email them in.
And work in a way that sets up the person after you in the production line that will make their job easier and more productive. As long as it doesn't slow down your production.
And one word of advice (well, one more), when you don't get the results or recognition that you wanted, remember who you really work for and expect the currency of the Kingdom of God. Which are Righteousness, Peace and Joy. Romans 14:17 And if you do get a at-a-boy, pass the glory to the Lord, therefore is your witness.
If you are not a Christian and wish for something better in life. Give it a try and Receive power from Christ to make a difference in your life and others.
Mark 9:50
Luke 14:34-35
1- Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success by Masaaki Imai
Matthew 5:13 Geneva Bible 1599
I have read and heard this verse for years and saw it as a verse to compel us to share our faith. On further looking it also speaks to me of striving to make our surroundings better because of Christ in us. Like our workplace. Many of us go to work, get by with doing an O'Right job, and go home:
Think about what our calling in life is.
Wonder when will God use us?
Collapse on the couch and fall asleep to TV reruns.
When in fact we are "salt", not "we are to be salt" If we are born again and therefor a new creation in Christ, we are salt by New Creation Nature. We can not stop from being salt no more than salt can lose its flavor. Because if indeed it could lose its flavor it would be "not salt" and good for nothing but to be cast out in the street.
I had an atheist who was trying to show Jesus as a liar and not perfect use the fact that salt does not lose it's flavor ability. When in fact he did not understand how the eastern train of thought worked and how they said things in a way that gave a mental picture of facts by saying the opposite. Salt does not lose it's salty-ness like no one who lights a candle and covers it, if they wish to see. And a city on a hill cannot help but being seen. A Christian will change his environment just because that's the way Christ made him or her after the New Birth.
So, back to work. In many settings when persons have been at their job for a long time they become bored and uncaring. The company suffers and quality goes down hill. A Christian should have a trunk load of new ideas and improvement options.
In Japanese work culture there is a phase used called "Kaizen" (Ky'zen). 1 Meaning "gradual, unending improvement, doing little things better; setting and achieving ever higher standards". And this goes deeper than just the workplace in Japan. It flows over into daily life. The push to do better in every area of our lives. This is being salt. Making improvements to our work and daily life. A good pinch of salt does wonders for some dishes. It can totally change the meal for the good.
At this point I could produce a formula for achieving this seasoning but as stated it should become natural. We only have to look around and think, "What if I had the power to change the things at work or put policies in place to make it better", and then do something about it. Don't get bogged down with those who have lost there way and live only for the weekends of short relief from work pressures.
Find out the procedure in making suggestions and do it. Stuff the box or email them in.
And work in a way that sets up the person after you in the production line that will make their job easier and more productive. As long as it doesn't slow down your production.
And one word of advice (well, one more), when you don't get the results or recognition that you wanted, remember who you really work for and expect the currency of the Kingdom of God. Which are Righteousness, Peace and Joy. Romans 14:17 And if you do get a at-a-boy, pass the glory to the Lord, therefore is your witness.
If you are not a Christian and wish for something better in life. Give it a try and Receive power from Christ to make a difference in your life and others.
Mark 9:50
Luke 14:34-35
1- Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success by Masaaki Imai
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Currently Offline at Home
Sorry guys, I'm currently offline at home but will try to post when I can make it to the library or Troy State Dothan's libaray where my daughter goes to school.
I've been reading up on English history and have been finding it very interesting.
Many people blame the Bible and Christians for the "dark ages" but while making myself informed I have found that the Huns and the fall of Rome caused the DA and the "church" was the only light in the arts and literature that there was. I'm reading about Alfred the Great right now and he is fascinating as a leader. You know, "driving off the Danes", thing.
I will expound on this later, but wanted to give you all something to read while you were here.
Second piece of news. DishNetwork stole over $400 from my bank account. Without letting me know. We had trouble getting them to down size our package so we canceled the service. A month without service they took out one month's payment for services we did not have and $400 for the box they did not tell us to return and did not ask for. Needless to say there goes our house payment and gas for a week to get back and forth to work on. More on this later.
Just celebrated my wife's and my 25 wedding anniversary. Also more on this later.
And I hope to see,"Exspelled" soon with Ben Steins. Guess what? More on that later, too.
I've been reading up on English history and have been finding it very interesting.
Many people blame the Bible and Christians for the "dark ages" but while making myself informed I have found that the Huns and the fall of Rome caused the DA and the "church" was the only light in the arts and literature that there was. I'm reading about Alfred the Great right now and he is fascinating as a leader. You know, "driving off the Danes", thing.
I will expound on this later, but wanted to give you all something to read while you were here.
Second piece of news. DishNetwork stole over $400 from my bank account. Without letting me know. We had trouble getting them to down size our package so we canceled the service. A month without service they took out one month's payment for services we did not have and $400 for the box they did not tell us to return and did not ask for. Needless to say there goes our house payment and gas for a week to get back and forth to work on. More on this later.
Just celebrated my wife's and my 25 wedding anniversary. Also more on this later.
And I hope to see,"Exspelled" soon with Ben Steins. Guess what? More on that later, too.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
How toUnderstand a Christians
To understand Christians and why do they act the way they do
and how did they get that way. First you must understand that just because
people call themselves a Christian does not make them one. Gandhi called
himself a Christian, Muslim and Hindu. As great a man as he was he was neither
of the three. No amount of claiming could make it true. Each belief system is
opposite the other.
To understand what makes a Christian we must go back to the very beginning. In the book of Genesis 1:26, God said, "Let Us make man (kind) in Our image, according to Our likeness." God is a three in one being, so we are created a trinity (body, soul, and spirit), Deuteronomy 6:5. In the garden God commanded Adam not to eat of the "Tree of Knowledge" or he would die that day. {Genesis chapter 2} Adam did eat of the fruit. Did he die? No! Did God lie? No! The spirit-part of man died therefore killing the part of man that God fellowships with. Man's soul (the mind) becomes cursed and corrupt therefore corrupting the body causing physical death and an eternity separated from the God that loves him.
To this day all mankind is born with a dead spirit that is unable to have "real" fellowship with God. But God knew this and had a plan. He came down as His Son Jesus, who was all God and all man, to become a sacrifice for all mankind. One man (Adam) brought death. One man would bring life. Through this sacrifice a person's spirit could be "Born Again" (John 3) and be made right before God.
This event of being born again is the process by which God draws a person to
Himself. The Holy Spirit convicts the person of his need for God and Christ' sacrifice on the cross-purchasing redemption for the convert. All three of the "ONE" is involved. All the person has to do is to repent (change his way of thinking about his condition) and have an open heart for God to work and ask the Lord to complete the process.
Now that you see how the person became a Christian, why does he act the way he does? The person now being perfected in spirit now spends his life on the salvation of the soul and body. The soul, which is mankind's mind and emotions, is in constant need of "renewing". It is in never-ending conflict between the spirit's desiring to please God and worldly influences that separate him from spiritual growth in his relationship with God.
The Lord knew this and therefore made a way for mankind to overcome this conflict. He created a way for the Holy Spirit to "fill" the believer, giving them the power to renew the mind and to overcome desires. (Read Acts Chapter 2 for more details) Now if a Christian is not tending to the renewing of his mind, he starts occupying his time with other pursuits. Sports, TV and other-things that are not bad in them-selves but when overdone can hinder the spiritual growth of a Christian. When a Christian reads the TV Guide (Backslider's Bible) more than his Bible or memorizes sport stats more than Bible verses, he has a problem. When a Christian lives by the desires of the natural soul, they are known as being "soulish".
Then we have the saving of the body. That's why most Christians do not drink or smoke. They are taught to see their bodies as the Temple of the Holy Spirit and should protect it as such. The body is also in conflict with the spirit. Most of the body's desires are formed in the mind. That's why it is important to renew it as much as possible. A Christian living to fill his bodily desires is known as being "fleshly" or "carnal". This is confusing to most non-believers, but the hope that we have is that when death comes, we have nothing to fear. We will have everlasting Joy in Body, Soul and Spirit. No other religion promises this.
You may wonder where all this so-called JOY is and why you do not see much of it in that Christian you work with. The answer is simple. While you, the non-believer, goes through life without a care for your soul or eternal destination, the Christian has an uncontrollable desire to share with you how you may have this relationship with the Lord. He has a desire to see you restored to Christ and at the same time has a fear of being rejected by you or even worst, offend you.
The only way to control these desires is to either share with you and risk being rejected and offending you or talk to you only about sports and TV shows, anything to keep his mind off your eternal destination.
When you make comments about "all the hypocrites at church", you do not realize the battle that goes on in that Christian for your happiness. Most Christians care very deeply about you, their co-worker, and grieve when you grieve. They know what you're looking for in life. He has it and may not know how to share it with you. When they became "Born Again" they made an enemy of a dangerous foe that watches over you and would do anything to keep you theirs. I speak of evil spirits doomed to hell that are trying to keep you from God so you can join them. They live to plague the Christian and keep him beat down so that he really believes that it would be better to let you slip into Hell than to risk offending you or face rejection. Most do not know they have the power from the Holy Spirit to overcome the Evil One and share with you; the greatest of gifts.
I hope this explains why Christians act totally out of this world. It's because they are. Next time a Christian sticks a tract in your face, flashes you with the latest Christian T-shirt or quotes a Bible verse to you. Look at him the way God sees them. A lost child of His that was found. That is trying to show you the best way he can that you are loved and there is joy in serving the Lord. They are like the butterfly, a totally new creature from what they were. In their awkward way they are trying to show you God's love and lead you to Him.
To better understand that Christian you work with, spend some time with them and ask them why he or she is a Christian. Only then will you truly understand where they come from.
If you would like to experience this new life that I have found, just find a spot that you can get alone with Jesus (restroom, bedroom or closet) and confess to Him that you are sinful and ask His forgiveness. Believing that He died to pay for your sins and that He heard you and that He has forgiven you. Then, turn from your sins and follow Him. You follow Him by staying in constant prayer with Him and learning His will through the reading of the Bible. Also, join a local church that He leads you to and become active in that community of believers. A sheep separated from the flock (the Church) is the best target for the enemy (Satan).
Here is an outline with Bible verses that my help:
1. Repenting from your sins. Mark 1: 15: for without turning from your sins there is no Salvation.
2. Receiving forgiveness of sins by faith Ephesians 1: 7
Like any free gift, you must receive it for it to be yours.
3. Confessing with mouth and believing with your heart that the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9:
for it is your heart you must believe with and not just your mind. And with your mouth you confess your salvation.
You may use the prayer in Psalms 51 to pray to God with. King David prayed it to ask forgiveness of adultery and murder and God heard him and forgave him.
To understand what makes a Christian we must go back to the very beginning. In the book of Genesis 1:26, God said, "Let Us make man (kind) in Our image, according to Our likeness." God is a three in one being, so we are created a trinity (body, soul, and spirit), Deuteronomy 6:5. In the garden God commanded Adam not to eat of the "Tree of Knowledge" or he would die that day. {Genesis chapter 2} Adam did eat of the fruit. Did he die? No! Did God lie? No! The spirit-part of man died therefore killing the part of man that God fellowships with. Man's soul (the mind) becomes cursed and corrupt therefore corrupting the body causing physical death and an eternity separated from the God that loves him.
To this day all mankind is born with a dead spirit that is unable to have "real" fellowship with God. But God knew this and had a plan. He came down as His Son Jesus, who was all God and all man, to become a sacrifice for all mankind. One man (Adam) brought death. One man would bring life. Through this sacrifice a person's spirit could be "Born Again" (John 3) and be made right before God.
This event of being born again is the process by which God draws a person to
Himself. The Holy Spirit convicts the person of his need for God and Christ' sacrifice on the cross-purchasing redemption for the convert. All three of the "ONE" is involved. All the person has to do is to repent (change his way of thinking about his condition) and have an open heart for God to work and ask the Lord to complete the process.
Now that you see how the person became a Christian, why does he act the way he does? The person now being perfected in spirit now spends his life on the salvation of the soul and body. The soul, which is mankind's mind and emotions, is in constant need of "renewing". It is in never-ending conflict between the spirit's desiring to please God and worldly influences that separate him from spiritual growth in his relationship with God.
The Lord knew this and therefore made a way for mankind to overcome this conflict. He created a way for the Holy Spirit to "fill" the believer, giving them the power to renew the mind and to overcome desires. (Read Acts Chapter 2 for more details) Now if a Christian is not tending to the renewing of his mind, he starts occupying his time with other pursuits. Sports, TV and other-things that are not bad in them-selves but when overdone can hinder the spiritual growth of a Christian. When a Christian reads the TV Guide (Backslider's Bible) more than his Bible or memorizes sport stats more than Bible verses, he has a problem. When a Christian lives by the desires of the natural soul, they are known as being "soulish".
Then we have the saving of the body. That's why most Christians do not drink or smoke. They are taught to see their bodies as the Temple of the Holy Spirit and should protect it as such. The body is also in conflict with the spirit. Most of the body's desires are formed in the mind. That's why it is important to renew it as much as possible. A Christian living to fill his bodily desires is known as being "fleshly" or "carnal". This is confusing to most non-believers, but the hope that we have is that when death comes, we have nothing to fear. We will have everlasting Joy in Body, Soul and Spirit. No other religion promises this.
You may wonder where all this so-called JOY is and why you do not see much of it in that Christian you work with. The answer is simple. While you, the non-believer, goes through life without a care for your soul or eternal destination, the Christian has an uncontrollable desire to share with you how you may have this relationship with the Lord. He has a desire to see you restored to Christ and at the same time has a fear of being rejected by you or even worst, offend you.
The only way to control these desires is to either share with you and risk being rejected and offending you or talk to you only about sports and TV shows, anything to keep his mind off your eternal destination.
When you make comments about "all the hypocrites at church", you do not realize the battle that goes on in that Christian for your happiness. Most Christians care very deeply about you, their co-worker, and grieve when you grieve. They know what you're looking for in life. He has it and may not know how to share it with you. When they became "Born Again" they made an enemy of a dangerous foe that watches over you and would do anything to keep you theirs. I speak of evil spirits doomed to hell that are trying to keep you from God so you can join them. They live to plague the Christian and keep him beat down so that he really believes that it would be better to let you slip into Hell than to risk offending you or face rejection. Most do not know they have the power from the Holy Spirit to overcome the Evil One and share with you; the greatest of gifts.
I hope this explains why Christians act totally out of this world. It's because they are. Next time a Christian sticks a tract in your face, flashes you with the latest Christian T-shirt or quotes a Bible verse to you. Look at him the way God sees them. A lost child of His that was found. That is trying to show you the best way he can that you are loved and there is joy in serving the Lord. They are like the butterfly, a totally new creature from what they were. In their awkward way they are trying to show you God's love and lead you to Him.
To better understand that Christian you work with, spend some time with them and ask them why he or she is a Christian. Only then will you truly understand where they come from.
If you would like to experience this new life that I have found, just find a spot that you can get alone with Jesus (restroom, bedroom or closet) and confess to Him that you are sinful and ask His forgiveness. Believing that He died to pay for your sins and that He heard you and that He has forgiven you. Then, turn from your sins and follow Him. You follow Him by staying in constant prayer with Him and learning His will through the reading of the Bible. Also, join a local church that He leads you to and become active in that community of believers. A sheep separated from the flock (the Church) is the best target for the enemy (Satan).
Here is an outline with Bible verses that my help:
1. Repenting from your sins. Mark 1: 15: for without turning from your sins there is no Salvation.
2. Receiving forgiveness of sins by faith Ephesians 1: 7
Like any free gift, you must receive it for it to be yours.
3. Confessing with mouth and believing with your heart that the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9:
for it is your heart you must believe with and not just your mind. And with your mouth you confess your salvation.
You may use the prayer in Psalms 51 to pray to God with. King David prayed it to ask forgiveness of adultery and murder and God heard him and forgave him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)