"So great salvation;" You really think you will get away with ANY sin?

1.  "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, LEST AT ANY TIME WE SHOULD LET SLIP."
2. "For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and EVERY transgression AND disobedience received a just recompense (penalty) of reward."
3. "How shall WE (believers) escape, IF WE NEGLECT so great salvation...?"

If the life of the flesh is in the blood , and the blood that maketh atonement (is) for the soul (Lev 17.1, 14), how callous must a soul be to think so little of the life of the Lord Jesus that had to die for sin? His death (and resurrection, of course) was the ONLY way our souls and body's could get back to God. Thus the picture all thru the old testament of animal sacrifice. Hebrews 9.12-14 and 22 explains the necessity of blood atonement for sin(s). Then, do you understand, dear believer, how precious was the blood shed for you and for me? Rom 5.9, I Pet 1.19

A picture really is worth 1,000 words

Imagine, if you will the horror of a loved one injured and life-giving blood seeping from their body. Then watch as careless individuals walk thru that precious blood and leave a trail of bloody footprints in their wake.  

As difficult as this image is, that's exactly what happens when we "Neglect" scripture regarding sin and godly behavior!

Do you fully understand "without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin" and it's cost to the Lord?  (Rom 5.9)

If you walk in His shed blood (which is exactly what your willful disobedience is) without remorse or repentance regarding your sin(s), "there remaineth no more sacrifice." (Heb 10.26)

There are those who love to highlight "free will" as a right of mankind.  So be it, the penalty is severe. "The wages of sin is death....." (Rom 6.23) 

If you operate in the truth that "will died in the garden," then you will also want His will, not yours! "The heart is deceitful wicked." (Jer 17.9) But God's will is always right! (Rom 12.2, I Thes, 5.18, Jer 29.11-13 Jn 6.38) 

Do you want others to walk thru the blood of a dear loved one as they lay dying from injury inflicted by someone else or tragedy?  How must God feel from His high, lofty, Divine, HOLY throne when He sees this exact thing of His Son?  It's been stated, "God is not sentimental, He is Holy."  A difficult subject is this bloody thought but worthy of contemplation in aiding believers to walk as upright and holily as possible. (I Pet 1.16, Ps 84.11, Ps 119.1-3)

There will come a final day of judgment.  (II Cor 5.10, Rom 2.16)  God also judges believers here to set them walking "straight and narrow way." (Mt 7.13, 14).  I would rather pillow my head at night and know that "bad things" are His way of helping me instead of judging sin. (Job 42.12, Ps 84.11)

The purpose of this entry, dear reader/believer, is to prayerfully encourage each reader/believer to keep an "upright" heart and way. (Ps 11.7, Prov 21.29)

"the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ 'our' Lord."  (Rom 6.23)  

One does not go to heaven by anything they do or don't do, it's ALL of Him!  However, the way may be sweeter when you walk in HIS way!

Prayerfully submitted...

Does your preacher/pastor qualify?

 It's not given to me to judge others but to know you are in the right place of worship you must be a fruit inspector (Mt 7.16) regarding the "overseer" also known as "bishop" or your pastor.

Paul tells Titus (Titus 1.5-9) that a 

• "bishop must be blameless, - "above suspicion" would be another way to phrase this directive - while he may have his private life, his public life must be above reproach.  It is a given there will be naysayers and false accusers but in the end he will live the virtuous, untarnished life to any who would accuse him.
  
• the husband of one wife,(not one wife at a time!) - too many verses to count regarding remarriage when one has a living mate. It is enough to say he is not a wife swapper! He will remain as true and faithful to one woman as he is to his Lord.
• having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly... - he is expected to "Train up a child in the way he 'should' go..." (Pro 22.6) - same as any other believer with children should do.  This does not mean his children won't stray but he will have the peace of knowing he "raised them toward the Lord."
• must be a (good) steward of God, - A steward is one who oversees the needs of others, according to Webster's 1838 dictionary.  Your "bishops" primary focus should be to see that his congregants have all the spiritual food he can give.  He may also oversee physical needs as brought to his attention.  Has your pastor ever paid specific attention to the details of your life?  How are you? Then, listened, patiently, as you expounded your woes.  Be mindful of his time, he has burdens too!
• not self-willed, - He will put his personal comfort aside when studying the Word to give to you each time he is in the pulpit.
• not soon angry, - He should react angrily to sin but never the sinner and the trouble they are in because of living "loose."  More often, his heart will break because of the trouble a believer is in due to "unruly, disobedient" behavior.
• not given to wine, - Pretty clear here, he doesn't drink any form of liquor! This includes wine.
• no striker, - He doesn't present as an angry man, except when sin has ruined ones life.
• not given to filthy lucre;... A real, godly Pastor/Bishop, IS NOT in it for the money and it shows.  Others may afford him suits, new car even but he has never sought these things out. 
• a lover of hospitality, - He will always say, "call me if you need me."
• lover of good men, - His hero's and personal mentors will be godly men.  The godly men will be the influences in his life
• sober, -  this isn't just referring to not drinking. This blogger also believes it applies to his behavior.  He may tell a funny thing from time to time but he understand the seriousness of living right before God in himself as well as those he oversees.
• just, -  One will never feel accused at his Holy Ghost filled preaching but convicted which is the far better conclusion.
• holy, - He will never be found in the places of the world for personal pleasure.  He might take his young family or grands to a park for recreation but will not spend time in pleasure filled days.
• temperate; - He is very balanced in his judgments.  He may not always be right, according to those he must discipline but will exercise control when dealing with adverse believers or unbelievers.
• holding fast the faithful Word...that he may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and to convince the gainsayers - He will NEVER compromise the truth of scripture to fit a personal agenda.

This list is not conclusive but thorough enough to use when deciding and praying whether
you are sitting under sound preaching.

God bless is my prayer.  Ps 57.7

What can you live without?

 Of course, money is needed for food and water. One could also theorize we need wheels to get around to get to the job that pays for the things we need.  But all the other?  Let's listen to Bro. Pauls words to Timothy. "(Bring) the cloak...the books...but especially the parchments." (2 Tim 4.13)  Then he explains why God's Word is so important to him.  "Alexander...did me much evil...all forsook me...but the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me....that all Gentiles might hear..." (2 Tim 4.14, 16, 17)  A side note before going on would be to remind you dear reader, anyone not a Jew is a Gentile!  That's you and me!  God preserved His Word that you and I might know truth and be "set free!" (Jn 8.32)

So,  "What can you live without?"

• "Forever, O Lord, they Word is settled in heaven." Ps 119.89 - Let there be no mistake of reasoning.  The Words penned down in Holy Writ come from His mouth.  They are eternal and need no defense.  Once again, "What can you live without?"
• "Heaven and earth SHALL pass away, but My Words shall NOT pass away." Mt 24.35 - The Psalmist knew from the heart of God the truth in Ps 119.89.  The Lord Jesus, when He walked this earth as a man, spoke the truth to His hearers.  "What can you live without?"
• "In the beginning was THE WORD, and THE WORD was with God, and THE WORD WAS GOD." I Jn 1.1 - Let there be no doubt WHERE "The WORD" originates. -  "What can you live without?"
• "ALL scripture is GIVEN by inspiration of God...profitable for doctrine... reproof ...correction ...instruction in righteousness." 2 Tim 3.16.  So, you think you know best in everything?  You think you have all the answers?  You have so much wisdom you can walk thru life without any other helps?  "What can you live without?"
• "And having food and raiment let us therewith be content." I Tim 6.8 - are you content with food and clothes?  Has He graciously provided shelter also?  The old preacher said, "all these things (beyond food and clothes) are 'added' benefits."  "What can you live without?"
• In this bloggers mind, the key verse regarding His Word; "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps 119.105.  Isaiah reminded us that everything else, "withereth." Isa 40.8
• Jesus warned; "He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My Words, hath One that judgeth him:..." Jn 12.48   "What can you live without?"
• Let us add, "For the Word of God is quick, AND powerful, AND sharper than ANY twoedged sword, piercing even...dividing...(the) soul and spirit...AND is a discerner of the thoughts AND INTENTS of the heart." Heb 4.12.  Will you be judged on the other side or judge yourself here according to His Word?  "What can you live without?"
• More could be said but encouraging words abide; "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart TO THE LORD." Col 3.16   "What can you live without?"

Bro. Peter said to the Lord Jesus, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou has the Words of eternal life." Jn 6.68.

If the rough, old fisherman who once spewed curses and denied the Lord before repenting and turning back to Him could have a heart so changed as to utter these words, we would ask again.  "What can you live without?"

Judged and Charged

 "I charge thee (Timothy) therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom;" (2 Tim 4.1)

First, who are the 'quick'? Quite simply, those that are alive.

Second, who are the 'dead'? Obviously, those that are no longer living and breathing.

Third, who escapes judgement?  Do you really need this answered? NO ONE!

Now, what is the job or business of the Pastor or Evangelist?

• to reprove - means to blame or censure
• rebuke - chasten, punish or afflict for correction
• exhort - use words or arguments to incite good deeds
• doctrinal training - truths of the gospel

So, the next time you get all puffed up at the preacher or evangelist for "doing what he is called to do," remember, he is suppose to "preach."  

According to Webster's 1828 dictionary this means a "pastor or evangelist" is to:

...discourse on the gospel way of salvation and exhort to repentance; to discourse on evangelical truths and exhort to a belief of them and acceptance of the terms of salvation. This was the extemporaneous manner of preaching pursued by Christ and His apostles. (Mt 4.17, 9.35, 10.27, 11.1, 24.14)

Why is a man of God so passionate when "preaching?" Because he knows "the time will come when they WILL NOT endure sound doctrine..." "How SHALL they hear without a preacher?" (Rom 10.14)

Of course, there are "false teachers and preachers" (Mt 7.14) but IF God has called on you to seek "while He is near" (Isa 55.6), in light of "judgement and condemnation" to eternal damnation, it is my hope that you will heed the warning.

NO ONE escapes judgement!

Much more could be said on the subject but the warning has gone out if you are reading these words.

Believer, pray for those in your realm of influence that are clearly "lost as a ball in high weeds."

Unbeliever,

.

Teaching others

It has been a recent prayer to have a kinder, gentler spirit.  The inclination of this believer is impatience to others who simply are ignorant and unlearned in things of the Lord. 

    The following is what the Spirit gave me this morning from II Tim 2.19-26.  

    {The child seen in the photos at right should be how you see EVERY one you feel is put in          your path for spiritual or practical instruction.}

   

The Lord knoweth them that are His. AND, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (vs 19)

• Sanctified...for the Master's use, (thus) prepared unto every good work. (vs 21)
• Avoiding foolish and unlearned questions (that help no one) (vs 23) - learned from another believer is the tact that if one does not accept the premise of the question, then "avoid" it! No need to answer comments or statements that have no truthful or factual basis.  This is not arrogant, it is wise.
• Very clearly, the servant of the Lord MUST NOT strive (have a quarrelsome, "I'm right, your wrong" spirit; but be gentle unto all, (have a teaching attitude),  patient (vs 24)
• (Meekly) instructing those that oppose themselves (unbelievers, basically) (vs 25)

The question(s) to ask oneself when reaching for this kinder, gentler spirit would be:

1. Am I gentle in dealing with others who are younger or just blind to truth?
2. When instructing do I use a "teachable" attitude rather than "I'm right and your wrong?" 
3. Do I indicate there was a time I didn't understand such truth and meekly explain as the Lord leads?
4. Is patience or impatience exercised that would guide "why can't you see this truth?"

The larger principle to utilizing the instructions above, in my mind at least, is realizing unbelievers, young or old, ARE blind to such truths.  If I am to be "a servant" to Him, the first order of business is to remain "clean and unspotted" (Jms 1.27) as much as possible from this world. (v 19, 21) However, IF patience, meekness and humbleness are in evidence when explaining a truth the Lord has impressed, I believe at some point, the seed is planted and will take root.  How often am I reminded of things other believers, saints, preachers, friends have said in days gone by, that encourage and help me go "farther on?"  

Patience is key.

Thank you, Lord for answering this prayer.  Amen  Ps 57.7