The immediate answer that came to my mind was, “No. Because how can someone be convicted by what they don’t believe in?”. I had what felt like a heavy handed conversation last week, not in the way that you might interpret. We were talking about this question and I was explaining the experience of my conviction… Burdened—is probably a more appropriate word—I think is the term my friend used as he understood my position as perfect as a therapist would. I’ve had several conversations with this brother previous to this specific one. Diversity couldn’t be defined better upon learning about our relationship. And he was actually a prayer request to understand our present issues from a different perspective, and it was specific. My friend is a black gay conservative Christian.
My friend asked a good question about my conviction which was whether I believed I could lose my salvation. To which I referred to Hebrews and Romans for insight and pondered about how to answer considering my lifestyle compared to his belief; because he believed that a person can be saved while holding onto a homosexual lifestyle, whereas I believed that a person who has chosen that lifestyle has yet to become saved. I felt heavily burdened by communicating that because of how it might be perceived. The fact that it was a very delicate issue didn’t help and the last thing I wanted to communicate is myself to be the determining factor of salvation, but rather that the meaning of salvation is being communicated effectively through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. If what I am speaking is true, then the matter is turned to the person listening and contending with the Word of God for themselves. Jesus is the One Who determines their salvation by knowing the heart of that person processing the information of salvation.
What is biblical conviction? (see video)
What is the outcome for biblical conviction? (see video)
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.
This is a personal decision and it might be that you have yet to experience what that decision means? I would say that I am still presently experiencing my decision to this ministry. Now… I’m going about this devotion a bit differently. You will see a video with this devotional.
The fear of the Lord convicts us of the consequence for sin, which is His wrath that remains on those who decide not to believe in Jesus Christ. But thank God our Father who has provided this ministry of reconciliation. That wrath is passed over because Jesus Christ the Son of the living God died on the cross to give you and I the blood transfusion of the Lamb. We are saved from the condemnation of sin through a work of faith in the Holy Spirit of God in us. Therefore we are reconciled to God.
And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”
The chosen are the apostles of Jesus the Nazarene. Jesus called these 12 chosen to follow Him personally during His ministry of the kingdom of His Father our God to His excruciating death on the cross. Notice that these people responded by accepting their call to follow and went, not that they chose Jesus, but are chosen by Jesus. However, one of these apostles who also went and shared in Jesus’ ministry as (our verse above describes) took his portion of that ministry and went to his own place. But what place was that? A place called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood (Act 1:19). Earlier in the chapter of Acts, the chosen apostles tell about 120 followers of Jesus that Judas was a personification of scripture fulfilled—“For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE, AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT’; and, ‘LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.’(Act 1, Psa 69, 109, Zec 5). So it was time to fill that office and the qualifications were men that accompanied Christ from His baptism to Him being taken up to the right hand of God after His resurrection from the dead (Acts 1:21-22, 2:32-33).
The chosen is a land and a people of Israel for the Kingdom of God that was taken from the hardened hearts of the chief priests and Pharisees in their office of the old covenant (Genesis 18:18-20, Matt 21:33-46, Roman 11). And that Kingdom was given to the apostles that share in our present ministry of the new covenant through the blood of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20). The Kingdom of God today is a ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:17-21) through the power and glory of God with the promise of the Holy Spirit. And it might be that you are wondering whether you are reconciled to God? If so, don’t worry, because every single one of the apostles wondered whether they were the one to betray Jesus saying, “Surely it is not I…?” (John 13:21-25, Mark 14:18-21 Matt 26:21-25, Luke 22:14-23). There was a time when I asked that question for myself, only a little differently. Let’s look at what sets the 11 Christians apart from Judas and the reason the lot fell to Matthais to fill his office .
It looks plausible that Judas was stealing enough money throughout his life including the course of their ministry to acquire a field before his betrayal (Acts 1:18). He had thrown the 30 pieces of silver back to the chief priests (Matt 26:15, 27:3-9, Zech 11:12-13), which indicates to me that he’d already acquired the field by his wickedness. The betrayal of Judas reminds me of the rogue angel (Eze 28:12-17) guised in the eyes of a woman to be a serpent trusted by what God said to be very good (Gen 1:31), but was actually an act of betrayal. Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the Lord God had made …(Gen 3:1). The consequential program of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is genius, because in it is the capacity for what is created to be good capable of evil (Gen 2:9, Isa 5:20, 41:23, Eze 28:12-17 ). We are not forced to be evil, all of creation is given life to share with God our Father in the program He wrote with the blood ink of His only Son, The Word of God (Rev 12:13, John 3:16, Acts 4:12).
The Lord knows the hearts of all men. If you are honest about your heart, what would the Lord know about it? We are all thieves on the cross, but are you the thief saying… “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!”(Luke 23:39-43)?
We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
You might have noticed a theme to these “What Is…” devotionals. I’ve stayed around the subject of Judas Iscariot because the relationship between Judas and Jesus reveals the love of God for His enemies; that’s paramount. But it also reveals the authority that is given the Son of Man to remove the restrainer that protects against the lawlessness of Satan (2 Thes 2:7).
God loves us as a Father that disciplines His children (Heb 12:7-11). We can see that happening as Judas exercises miracles, authority over demons, preaches the kingdom at hand (Mat 10:5-8) and even eats the morsel received from Jesus at the passover (Jhn 13:26). So if God loved Judas, why would Satan be permitted to enter into him? Let’s look at this from another angle. Remember when Jesus calls out Peter saying, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”(Luk 22:31-32). What was going on with Peter that Jesus would say this to him? My observation (and Peter please forgive me for where I might be wrong) is his desire to lead by acting on Christ’s behalf, his ambition manifests through insecurities wanting to prove himself. And it looks like Satan was eating that up inside Peter because it wasn’t that Peter wanted to deny Christ, but his zeal was clouding his judgment about what Christ meant regarding thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Luk 22:30); possibly felt an erratic jolt of emotions for such a position, not to mention what came next, and didn’t know how to react or respond other than to get ampt. Next thing you know he cuts off a dudes ear and starts cursing… can you relate?! Shoot, I feel like I can!
But what do we make of Satan? This issue of sin dates back to the seed of Adam and is written in our DNA because Adam was not deceived when eating that fruit (1 Tim 2:14, Gen 3:6). And so we were living in the lie of evil because we are of our father the devil (Jhn 8:44) choosing to believe in ourselves rather than the truth of the Word of God (Gen 3:7), which is what Peter was doing by cutting off the right ear of a chief priests’ slave at the arrest of Jesus (Luk 18:10) and then denying Jesus for fear of his own life because it was time for the hour of darkness (Luk 22:53) in fulfillment of scripture. Notice what Jesus said to Simon (Peter), …but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; …” Jesus said that He prayed for Peter. And why if Peter has no choice to his faith? After all, God is the one that hardens the heart, and Judas is the one to betray Jesus. So what glory is there to marvel at if God creates His vessels to do what they have no power over? We would be robotic in nature, without option but to marvel. Jesus prayed to His Father who gives us our faith that will either condemn or save us based on the condition of our hearts. And we are either using the faith of God to become hardened like Judas to an illegitimate father (Satan 1 Cor 5:5, 2 Thess 1:9)); or receiving salvation as promised like Peter through a relationship with the love of our heavenly Father (Jesus (Mat 18:14, 1 Tim 2)). Because faith is obeying by believing that Jesus did come in the flesh, and is Son of God, that grants us our promise into the kingdom of God (Jhn 14:6).
The last significant detail about these words of Jesus to Simon is, …and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” . There is an obvious mediation going on here by the data revealed about Simon’s heart. Jesus is confident that Simon will be turned again to Peter (Mat 16:18) for the responsibility of His office. But it’s through his portion of faith (Rom 12:3-6) to trust in the seal of the Holy Spirit (Jhn 3:33-36, 2 Tim 2:19-26).
Indeed… This gospel is being preached in the whole world! But why is it that this woman will be remembered for what she did? This devotional is something special to me because of what this woman did, and I hope it will prove the same for you. Because it might be that you are troubled by this idea of value; value as—your faith in Jesus Christ to be your personal Lord, and Savior, who took away your sin—wondering whether you are worthy of such an anointing of salvation (1 Jo 2:27) by thoughts and feelings of past issues and present sins? How value is weighed and measured from a human or carnal perspective is costly because it’s deceptive. God is patient toward the activity of sin in this world for you, right now, reading this, because even the most unworthy can hear and believe this good news if their willing to receive it. But put this memory of the woman in your heart and mind as we learn just how worthy you are to God through what Jesus Christ did.
When Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table.But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste?“For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me.“For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. “For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. Notice how all the disciples became indignant or angrily suspicious at this treatment because their focus was in the value of the perfume, instead of Jesus. And one disciple in particular became so twisted in the heart giving root to that emotion of indignation sought the opportunity to betray Jesus (Matt 26:14-16) through the temple priests already conspiring how to kill Jesus (Matt 26:1-5); Judas Iscariot became the how to for the priests already under the influence of evil; the invisible work of the devil uses the justice and love of God to manipulate the human perception, in this case, the minds of the temple priests and the heart of Judas Iscariot.
Justice is the law of God that Jesus Christ fulfilled and still proclaims today (Mat 5:17, Mat 12:18); which means the continued sacrifice of lambs, the temple building and priests, have no longer been necessary for the forgiveness of sins; the death and burial of Jesus Christ is the passing of the old covenant, while the new covenant is born in His bodily resurrection (a new body). And the reason this woman anointed Jesus with the costly perfume is because she perceived the significance of the burial. The perfume represents you and the fragrance of you is a soothing aroma to God. Your faith is that fragrance of Jesus Christ to God that produces salvation in you as your sin dies and is buried forever by believing that your sin was taken away to the cross of Jesus Christ. It is buried in history. You are free! Now that we believe with confidence that Jesus was raised from the dead, we too are raised from the dead by grace through faith, having a clean conscience before the throne of God (a new body). Your sin has no power over you. So turn from your sin, and have eternal life in Jesus Christ (the Son of Man).
The featured image is from The CHOSEN season 1 episode 8 and it turns out that this series is reaching the world with the gospel just as this verse with words in red indicate would happen. And no, this is not a paid mention for The Chosen or any favor. This is just information, and hope, for reaching the world with the gospel that preaches Jesus Christ.
Can you feel that question… “What is truth?…” If I may, please let me challenge you to ask that question for yourself without bias, don’t assume to know. Ask yourself, “What is truth?” For me that question causes thoughts about how I’ve come to know my truth. Questions immediately stir about my birth into this world (born into the Dooley family, Warrensburg Missouri—USA 1988, brought up in the Christian faith), but also… “How was it that I could comprehend two plus two equals four and why?” That question did actually come to mind, but more than that though, “…what does the value of truth mean and my relationship to that value?” This is quite the labor that will take some serious work to peel away the layers of life and indoctrination to discover what is truth. But when we do, it’s sooo worth it!
Pilate was in a position to crucify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And if he knew the truth of what he was doing, do you think that he would have crucified Jesus? Pilate thought that he had the power to release Jesus (Jhn 19:10), but what did Jesus say? “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” So who then delivered Jesus to Pilate? Jesus then *answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He *took and *gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus *said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”(Jhn 13:26-27). When Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me(Jhn 14:6)—Jesus answered our question to this devotional.
Truth is not determined by angels or people because the authority to determine what truth is, belongs to the Son of God—the Word of God through Jesus Christ. Notice what command Jesus gave to Judas after Satan had entered him, Jesus told the fallen angel that we know as Satan to follow through the desire of Judas’ heart. And the truth about the heart of Judas was to betray Jesus for money (Mat 26:14-16). And so this is why it is so unwise to act as though you believe in Jesus while yet holding onto the idea of disbelief for the sake of gain. Do not wait for the opportunity to sell your confidence in Jesus for “money” and Satan to possess your heart. Check yourself before you enter into your future. Don’t feel ashamed to wonder about the condition of your heart, trust in Jesus Christ.
I love this verse because it makes secure the salvation of your soul. In the first devotional you’ll read about the power of God through an instruction to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. In the second devotional you’ll read about how faith is our ability to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. In this devotional we have an intimate relationship between belief and faith that produces… The Perfect Promise!
If you’ve believed in the good news about the Son of God in the flesh of Jesus Christ—then you are perfect in that provision of love through faith, not fear, meaning that your confession of sin is forgiven (Luk 12:10). You might be experiencing a heavy load of guilt and shame for deep dark secrets that hold you captive to an environment of enslavement (Eph 5:1-21)? It’s like your soul is screaming for help because there is a consequence for the rejection of truth about your environment (2Pe 2:1-22). If that is the case…?
Please literally stop what you are thinking and doing and listen to this promise. God promised that He would provide salvation not just for a duration of time, but eternal salvation, meaning that Jesus Christ is the perfect promise of sacrifice to remove and remember your sin no more and to help you handle the deepest darkest issues of your life for complete restoration in the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1Tim 2:4-6, Jhn 16:7-15). By believing that truth is an act of faith you’ve decided to choose by trusting in this promise of God.
And so how to obey is that you trust in the name of Jesus Christ, and if you’ve decided to trust in the name of Jesus Christ… you are made perfect in love by the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. The darkness of your life will be converted to light through faith, believe in your faith (Eph 2:4-9), because you are loved with an eternal love. And Jesus Christ is your source of perpetual salvation! By really meditating on this promise, you will experience the providence of the Holy Spirit.
Don’t confuse the language of fear in this verse with the language of fear in the Lord, because the meaning of fear in this verse is very different than having the fear of the Lord (Pro 14:26). If you believe in Jesus Christ as the living Son of God that has come in the flesh (1Jo 4:2) then you have no reason to fear as described because our faith produces confidence in love that fills the place of fear (Heb 4:16) through conversion. God is love (1Jo 4:16)!
But you might be struggling with doubt or disbelief that God is love?
Or it might be that your belief is secure, but your faith is in question?
I pray this devotional will encompass you with perfect love. We need to establish the experience of faith to understand how love is perfected as the previous devotional incited. To do that, lets distinguish the difference between belief and faith because the relationship between the two reveals the invisible power of God for salvation to glorification. If you’re not a Christian, please consider following along our devotionals.
THE TREASURE OF FAITH
If you are a Christian, then you know who Jesus Christ is because you’ve heard and believed in the good news of the gospel; God sent His only Son (Jesus Christ) to be that Person who took away the sin of the world (Jhn 1:29, Heb 9:26). That means every repentant believer—although experiencing the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life—is born again to salvation through the baptism of Jesus Christ (Mat 3:13-17, 1Jo 2:16, Rom 10:8-13, Mark 16:16, Act 2:38). When our Lord was baptized, the heavens opened and our heavenly Father said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”(Mat 3:17). Why was our heavenly Father well-pleased?
Justice for sin is the death of this world unless it passes over somehow for life to exist eternally. To be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect means to have faith in the love of God—For God so loved the world—that He gave us the example of faith (Jhn 3:16-21). So to believe in Jesus means we’ve experienced salvation from our sin by the transfer of our account, that’s right, money and all—the sin of our souls—onto the cross of Jesus Christ. That requires faith! We no longer fear death because our lives are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ who still lives (Act 2:33)! And that is how death passes over those who believe. So to have faith in Jesus means our future is established in heaven where He is right now (Rom 8:35-39)!
The relationship between belief and faith is a declaration of trust in the invisible work of God. The aim of our faith is what casts out fear because we look to Jesus Christ!
The two most difficult tasks of faith conversion:
(1)Dying to the idol worship of yourself (because when your faith is in sin—rejection of the truth—your belief remains in the evil one of this world Jhn 8:44). The other is (2)loving your enemy to the extent Jesus loves you (because it’s only natural to gravitate toward the comfort of your environment (Gal 2:11-13) and harbor animosity against your abusers — to not care for the life of your enemies Mat 5:43-48). But when your belief is united by faith in Jesus (Heb 4:2), you’ve overcome the evil one (1Jo 2:12-14) and have the power to love your enemy even to death; your life is converted by the aim of your faith because your belief rests where Jesus is now (Heb 4:3). And so you are converted from a lifestyle of condemnation to a lifestyle of freedom; that is the promise of God and work of the Holy Spirit (Jhn 3:36). Our mission is clear, tell the world, and hope they hear (Luk 2:10-11).
You know… this verse… if it doesn’t defeat you… it will have you feeling a lot like Jacob after he wrestled with God (Gen 32:24-32). Because to be perfectly honest (forgive the pun), it’s defeated me on multiple occasions and still does! But I will not give up! To strive with the Word of God (Rev 19:13) is sacred and powerful!
It might be that you are experiencing defeat upon wrestling with this verse of perfection?
Or it might have nothing to do with this verse at all, but that you are experiencing defeat at this time in your life?
Don’t be discouraged unless you’ve given up contending with God by setting the Bible aside to do as you please, and if that’s the case, let this devotional reignite that faith. To be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect means we have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jesus would not have this verse inserted by the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit in Matthew if it was unattainable for us here and now while on this earth. So we first need to believe in the promise this verse provides which is… to be perfect in love …that is what perfection is—love. And how this was exemplified was the event of Christs’ death on the cross. At this point you’re saying, “The only person who could live perfectly was Jesus Christ and therefore it’s impossible for me to be perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect.”
And you’d be correct, but it also leaves us discontent because that truth is insignificant if it proves only that Jesus Christ died for Himself to be perfect. But that was not the will of our heavenly Father. Let us be reminded that Jesus pleaded for the cup to be removed from Him (Luk 22:44) yet remaining obedient to the will of our heavenly Father. And so at that point the weight of our sin was so unbearable it could only be accomplished through the love of our heavenly Father as His only Son carried the weight of you and me… to death.
But see, it didn’t end there! As a matter of fact, our perfection began there when Christ breathed His last by committing His Spirit to God, our Father (Luk 23:46). Because it was in that transaction that the world became witness to salvation, and upon believing from the heart… a person is saved through the forgiveness of sin. So how then are we who believe—perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect—if we are still in sin? And the answer is… faith! Faith is the only treasure on this earth that enables our ability to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect (Heb 11:6, 1Jo 5:4).
I hope this devotional gives you the treasure of our heavenly Father. Let’s be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect, Amen.
The question is not a matter of *if* we sin, but when? for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,(Rom 3:23). If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us(1 Jn 1:10). Not one person of sound mind is ignorant of sin. Have you watched the conventions? We’ve nominated sinners up in this House! The heck is going on! Who do you think is going to rule the land for the next four years?
POWER OF SIN
Who’s it going to be?! Biden or Trump for 2020?! We’ll soon find out in a couple months. Oh yes, you’re right, I thought the same… “This ought to be interesting!”. It’s quite a choice deciding between the lesser of two evils; that idea should not be perceived as a slight against the character of Biden or Trump—because all of America’s citizens are on trial (myself included). Or… does the Voter not know that their vote is a portal to their identity? And so when the ‘lot’ falls on either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party, it will be due at the hand of your endorsement; we the people is more like we the demon possessing the condition of our White House or “home” to our governing administration. Or… perhaps you are an American citizen who has already voted due the immediately present media harbingers of power? If so… you’ve handed over the birthright of your soul long before there was even a choice you thought otherwise to consider.
Can you perceive the “call to arms”? Peoples defenses conjuring like it’s time for war! You’ve seen the riots lootings and shootings; that at the very least should cause pause, rampant emotions are the reason our country is in the face of civil war. And for radical change to happen we need to talk about the sin of our decisions, specifically—the decision to vote.
If you’re a Christian then your vote was cast at your conversion because we don’t serve two masters (Mat 6:24, Luk 16:13)! I believe the Christians in America that vote are actually voting for a prayer, the coming of Jesus Christ (Rev 22:20); because when a Christian wakes up to reality of His return, it shakes you to the core because only your faith remains intact when He does (1Jo 5:4). The people of God are born again to the purpose of serving the ministry of reconciliation (2Co 5:19), not to vote for Roman whoops—I mean the United States of America’s agenda into power. We the Christian people all throughout the continents, although divided, know the teaching of Christ and it’s time to wake up! The American dream for liberty means well, but does not deliver anyone from their sin because it’s to busy endorsing it… The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; (1 Co 15:56). Do we not fear God?
God our Father has disciplined us to understand the Word of God all the while we trample it underfoot by our allegiance to a government that does not teach true liberty in Jesus Christ (Heb 10:29). Sin is not the law governed by America nor of any other nation than that of Israel, until Christ in the flesh on the cross that gave us the power of deliverance made available to all the world (Jhn 3:16). but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ(1 Co 15:57).
RIGHT TO FREEDOM
Did you read that verse closely? but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ(1 Co 15:57). So who gives us the victory over the sting of death? God does! How does God give us the victory? but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ(1 Co 15:57). What does”…through our Lord…” mean? The Holy Spirit of God is given through your believing by taking part in eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Jesus Christ! That is your right to vote—your right to freedom! The old covenant of the old testament did not deliver anyone from their sin, meaning that no one can earn salvation by voting Biden or Trump! If any christian in their right mind is a true patriot of their Kingdom then they should live as an alien to this country because they’re free indeed. We don’t live as slaves to the misguided nature and condition of this world. We live as ambassadors sent from the Kingdom of God for Jesus Christ!
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.—(2Co 5:17-21)
So why not choose rather, not to vote? Or is it that we’ve placed our faith in this worldly government for the provision of our soul? Why would us Christians expect anything different from a people so desperate for their rights; to chase their sexual appetites, to decide their gender, to fight for their color, to kill for their pride, to steal for their pleasure, to lie for their lust, and to what end when the self-proclaiming “christians” are in a relationship with the devil that confuses the truth for a lie? Why expect… Is it because of what I wrote at the start of this post? Not one person of sound mind is ignorant of sin. So then that excuses the timidity of our christian military, does it? Like when king Saul was in the face of the philistine giant (1Sa 17:11)? Do we not have the same Spirit of king David (1 Sa 17:26)? Don’t tell me the church still needs to be trained on how to be a shepherd in the face of a lion when we’ve already been anointed as king to meet the face of Goliath. We are the rock in the sling, so ummm… let’s fly! Let’s go! Come on Church! What do you want from me?—no but seriously… It’s time.
Have you considered going to your local park and walking with no strings attached, just you and the air you share with others on the path? If you haven’t, you should. When you do, you won’t even realize you’ve entered the dreamlike state of your life. You might even start to give off this impression that you’re insane to fellow walkers or over achieving joggers—you know the kind—by expressing yourself to the air as though someone was listening, like a ghost perhaps. See that’s when people should know that you are having a good walk rather than assuming the worst like, “That woman is definitely plotting to kill her husband“.
Sometimes you just need the nature of fresh air to sooth your emotions and balance out your senses before waking up to the chaos of your reality. I’m telling you, you’ll feel much better after your walk!
What’s amazing about a walk is… you’re free to go any direction you choose and place you arrive—even if it’s nowhere—because believe it or not, nowhere is actually a place identified by you because well… you’re somewhere. The point is that you are someone of unique and important value that can be appreciated when on a good solid walk with the ghost of the air. There are a lot of things going on in your life and it can be stressful to manage, that’s not including the pressure of unpredictable people that add to the affect of your life.
We just don’t have all the information about what is going on all the time and that’s ok. We don’t have to have all the information all the time because otherwise the treasure of information devalues like the time you drove that new car off the lot, why not purchase a used car and learn how to take care of it. It will teach a great deal about responsibility and give experience that you can share with others who might could use your skills changing out the drum breaks.
Anyway… the point is… go for a walk and talk to the ghost of the air and then listen closely because you won’t even realize that the ghost is speaking to you until you start to listen as you process. You’re not alone.
When spending even a little time online nowadays, opens up doors to the nature of sin that so easily entices us. Everyone reading this knows what their vices are. But what does it mean when we’ve confessed Jesus as Lord with our mouths, yet sin with our hearts? Say there was a time when you were a general in the military of your country until found laying on the ground nearly dead. Imagine yourself dressed in a suit of armor. You don’t want to live, but in the process of time you find yourself on a bench in a cage, looking down at the ground. Your thinking about all that you had—land, family, and peace. You remember walking through your yellow field, the stocks of wheat grown to pass through your fingers as you passed through. But then you hear your name called and snap back into the present, that memory is your focus—all was taken from you; your land burned, family murdered, and peace… buried.
The dirt beneath your feet feels more like sand, you bend down to the ground and prepare. The dirt combined with the sweat of your hands makes for good grip. There is no fear, only confident hope. You say to yourself, “Do not die, you’ll meet them again, but not yet, not yet.” You start to hear the sound of roaring and the host welcome you to your death, fans are in the stands. The gates open to the arena of games, chained tigers foaming at the mouth to devour their prey awaiting you on the other side. After the dirt is drained from your hands you stand and advance from the cage of slavery to the hope of freedom. Sword and shield in hand, a steady heart, and a ready mind. The sound of your name begins to grow louder and louder…
“Maximus!”
“Maximus!”
“Maximus!”
“ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!?”
Has the movie come to mind yet? (comments below). Getting right to it… in confessing with my mouth that Jesus is Lord means, I’ve heard the truth. But in the darkness of my heart resides sin that pierces my soul with guilt and shame, it only takes a glance to see my desire on the screen and a moment to feel the seed of sin in my heart take root. My soul and flesh are in immediate conflict for right of claim to the content possessing my soul, it’s amazing what the mind can do when the heart is convinced. The online world seems much like entering an arena of entertainment that might cost you your freedom. The only difference is… this arena is dark and quiet, there is only the influence of desire and silence. No person other than you and God knows what happens between you, the screen, and the sound of silence.
“Silence like a cancer grows”. Listen to The Sound Of Silence by Disturbed. Sin is the cancer that grows to kill you without mercy. But the spiritual insight is found in what Jesus Christ did to kill that cancer of sin. Now as you’ve read so far I’ve not provided bible verses in this post and don’t plan to; but as God as my witness, rest assured, the verses are with me as I write this good news out. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, He didn’t stay dead as our parents’ parents have. It was foretold that God would deliver us from our sins and He has. I’m going to tell you about salvation as though every bible in the world has been taken, burned, and buried.
As I said at the beginning of this post, everyone knows what their vices are. But the vices are nothing more than objects used to influence the sin that you are. So the vices are not the issue, you are. The problem is that we blame the vices for causing us to sin rather than recognizing the vices as the objects they are. When we blame the content from the screen, we excuse our behavior of sin and our minds become deluded. The heart becomes convinced incapable of overcoming sin and what’s worse, invites it, giving right of pass—so to speak—to relieve ourselves behind closed doors, because after all… we’re sinners. There is a verse that says to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect—and while that might sound impossible because of the obvious condition, Jesus provided us that perfection. How?
Jesus was not of this realm when He was born into this world. He was not born by the seed of man, but the “seed” of God (the Holy Spirit). And when you hopefully recognize how you, me, we, are sin. You will then understand that sin was passed on to each and every living organism through the seed of our beginning like a cancer that seems impossible to kill because there is no cure. But there is a cure! There is a way to kill the sound of silence, that sin crouching at the door to devour your soul! The souls ability to discern the nature of sin was not knowledge that came from man. That is a very important clue to understand because when it is understood, so also is the mystery of Christ. Ask yourself, how is it possible for the human being to be convicted of the knowledge of good and evil? You might shutter in utter disagreement, but the answer is sin.
Let me be very clear. I am not saying that sin rewarded us the knowledge of good and evil. I am saying that this is the realm of the knowledge of good and evil, and we are captives to this realm as sinners unless we believe from the heart that Christ our Lord, the Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth came into the world in our likeness and image of sin to pay the penalty of sin by His death on the cross that we may live in the realm where He is RIGHT NOW. The knowledge of good and evil is the writing of the law of God on the hearts and minds of those written in the Lamb’s book of life. And how else is the law of God written in your heart and mind without the meaning of baptism, which is being submerged in water as dead yet raised up out of the water as alive in Jesus Christ! Examine yourself with a clear conscience by studying your behavior, if you know what is wrong and still do it then you need to be weighed in the balance.
Really think about this, when Jesus died on the cross His body was broken and His blood was drained for you. Let me put this another way, God in His Son was crucified on the cross because their was no other way for free thinking people to understand the function of a relationship unless Jesus did the will of His Father. God is Love. And unless you’ve died to the will of your life of sin, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven because you’ve made your choice to trample under foot the love of God which is Jesus Christ. See if you weigh yourself in the balance of justice, there is no amount of good you can do to attain salvation. But if you weigh Jesus Christ in the balance of Justice as your placement, you’ve accepted the salvation of God and are made perfect through faith by grace. You are forgiven, redeemed, and made alive in the Holy Spirit.
Executive Order 13942 will attempt to protect U.S. citizens and government from attempts by the Chinese government to collect data from Americans by making all transactions with ByteDance Ltd. (owner of TikTok) illegal effective September 21st, 2020, unless you apply for a license that would grant an exception.
For more one – two sentence summaries of Donald Trump’s executive orders as described above visit our Donald Trump Executive Order Page.
Commentary
China is a communist country and one of the tenants of communism is that all businesses belong to the government. However, it does appear that in the late 20th century China did start to allow the privatization of some businesses. ByteDance Ltd. is a privately held company; however, “The company has an internal committee of the Chinese Communist Party as well as strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Public Security and Chinese Communist Party-supported ventures in Beijing and Shanghai.[11][12][13][14] “
It is foolish to think that other countries do not and have not (at least) attempted to meddle in U.S. elections or politics. In fact, it is only fair considering the United States’ history of doing the same in other countries across the globe. That being said, any country that allows other governments to influence their citizens with no penalty would not be a government acting in good faith to its citizens.
I do not pretend to understand the Chinese government, but I think it is safe to say that they are at least a little more dishonest with the world than most other governments; they did a wonderful job at keeping their treatment of the Uyghur Muslims a secret, they lied about the coronavirus. China admitted their Three Gorges Dam was showing signs of weakness, finally.
In economics it appears China does not play the game of intellectual property in accordance with Western rules. I say this because of the 60 Minutes report and the cars they “design.” I’m sure those who are more educated on the issue could find more theft of Western companies. Maybe they do not prescribe to the idea of intellectual property. However, if you’re going to be a part of the global market I think you have to play by its rules and the rules are if you take someone else’s intellectual property, it is stealing.
I think all executive orders should be prohibited or at least heavily limited. However, this executive order appears to be fine. If another government is stealing information from Americans to do U.S. citizens harm then I think the U.S. government must take action.
As internet users we must get it into our head that websites are not free, apps are not free, social media is not free. No business can sustain itself by giving things away for free. So yes TikTok is taking your data, but so is Facebook, Google, CNN, etc… The only difference is TikTok may provide data to a country that is borderline hostile (at this point) toward the U.S.
Rating – Meh Importance – Probably very important or not important at all… who knows.
If any website is free it is because you are the product. Otherwise, expect to be asked for money….. sooo…..
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The link provided above is a quote from Nasa Science—an article about Dark Energy, Dark Matter. And what we are learning about Dark Energy and Dark Matter is… it’s dark. Alright. That’s not fair. We’ve learned a lot from what we don’t know; even though we don’t know, we can at least identify the unknown as “dark”, and that is a start. But I’m curious about something, and it stems from a few bible verses. See I believe that in order to discover the unknown one must believe it is possible, which is the very act of faith, but I’m convinced that our hearts are in a difficult place of acceptance because of unbelief.
Help My Unbelief
Did you notice at the end of that statement from the quote is we need more data, better data. Well, at least, according to Nasa Science, they know that there is data that will enlighten us with knowledge about dark energy and dark matter. That is important to believe because of Who I know that data belongs to. That sounds very arrogant, but it’s not intended to be because actually, everyone knows Who the data belongs to even though they might struggle to accept it unless they just outright reject it. There is an event that occurs in our history recorded for our study and help when struggling to believe.
The scene of this event dates back to Jesus after revealing the Kingdom of God to Peter, James, and John on this mountain. They were on their way back to the disciples when they saw this large crowd about them, some scribes were arguing with the disciples there until Jesus asked, “What are you discussing with them?”. Then there was this one guy that yelled out from the crowd, “Teacher, I brought You my son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute; and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and stiffens out. I told Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it.”. Gaw, that’s rough. I mean, can you imagine seeing your child being tortured in this way? And maybe you have experienced something like this? But to know the doctors that had the ability to help could not is not only painful to accept, but embarrassing when the teacher of such power arrives on the scene!
Now while Jesus was disappointed and expressed it, He then asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And the father said, “From childhood. It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” So here we get some context, this is no ordinary ailment with fits of rage. This is a possession of an extraordinary kind, one that requires much discipline to cast out. We can see from this data that the son is thrown into extreme elements that should kill a person and yet this boy lives. Now it could be that the father was around to save the boy from burning or drowning to death, but there is emphasis in the detail of these extremes by the meaning of destroy. In this scenario we can see spiritual forces at work. Jesus represents the force of good (positive) energy [order] and the spirit possessing the boy represents the force of evil (negative) energy [chaos].
It appears that the father of the boy had lost confidence in Jesus when had said, “…if You can do anything“. And Jesus was like, “ ‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” BOOM! Finally we reach the climax of this event because we so quickly resort to unbelief for fear itself, limited by our cause to exist because of not what we understand, but because of WHO we don’t understand until this next moment! Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”! BOOM! If you haven’t realized it by now, God is in the language of the data given for us to believe and have a relationship with. What that means is… the dark energy and dark matter are an energy that is spoken out from the mouth of God for our present questions to be answered in respect of the relationship between God and man. Scientists! What do you think happened after the father cried out, I do believe; help my unbelief? To find out, check out a bible from your local virtual library or of course right here. God exists in the energy of existence!
A place where God is the limit. A place where you know me.
It will feel like a dream, but it is a reality.
A place where language is a garden of spirituality.
This place is untainted by the world in which you know. The world you wake up in day after day and adapt to compromise for the excuses and lies. Here you’ll discover the version of yourself suppressed in darkness for fear of the light in everyone’s eyes.
There is a sound of music that speaks not what you’d expect. It’s a song that sings every genre, there is nothing quite like it. It will play without ceasing, we do not cease to exist.
A language of complete expression, there is no void, only the reality of your personality.
What is your mood?
Are you glad or sad?
There is a reason, there is a cause, but only for a season because there is a God.
See, in this language, we are a living symphony.
The decisions we have are not choices we make, but are a rhythm to the beat of loves’ sake.
It doesn’t take hearing to experience the wave of vibrations from the sound of listening.
Are you listening?
Can you hear?
There are tears… but not fear!
Listen…
Listen…
God is near.
When you think of the Garden of Eden, I ask that you don’t only think of it as a place that once existed in the past. But think of it as a spiritual language that has been passed on from generation to generation for all to hear and know the language of life found in Jesus Christ.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Revelation 1:1-3
Number your days!
I think on what the Psalmist said and—I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands(Psalm 143:5). The Psalmist could see and experience the journey of God and understand it in such a way that the future was seen. Moses prayed and requested; teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom(Psalm 90:12). I’ve calculated the number of my days up to today and I’ve lived 11,781 days today (08/04/2020); well… that’s if I make it through today, Lord willing. My wife has lived 11,203 days. According to the CDC the average life expectancy is 28,689 days (78.6 years). Why is this important?As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away(Psalm 90:10). The truth is… we don’t have years to live, but days. And my question is… have you read the word of God and heard the testimony of truth?
What is truth?
This question is appropriate considering the time when Jesus was summoned before Pilate. Only it didn’t seem like a question then, but rather, mockery. Pilate *said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and *said to them, “I find no guilt in Him(John 18:38). Pilate didn’t seem to understand that he was being manipulated by the power of his position given to him through the grace of God our Father to crucify the Son of God by an authority he thought he had (John 19:11). Pilate was a misguided “President” of his time because of what evil existed in the world through the hearts of men and women captivated by sin. Pilate was dictated by fear for his life whereas Jesus was dictated by the love of God, His Father; Jesus testified to the truth, and “Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”(John 18:37).
The truth is that we have a condition, and that condition is sin. Sin becomes manifest in death. Death is the last enemy to be abolished (1 Corinthians 15:26). We will either regard our lives to be without sin or we will regard our lives as dead in sin. If we regard our lives without sin we make Jesus out to be a liar: If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8). If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us(1 John 1:10). But if we regard ourselves as dead in sin… we are baptized in Jesus Christ. We, like the Psalmist, are looking ahead to the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay(Acts 2:31). You might think that I’m confused because David was looking ahead from the past to Christ whereas we are now looking back to Christ.
But I’m not confused because we are not looking back to Christ. We are looking ahead to the return of Christ. Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only,“If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”(John 21:23). The apostle John is the one who heard and saw the book of this prophecy (Revelation 22:8). And I hope you are reading and listening with me because…“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done(Revelation 22:12).
Seeing the future!
When the people of God, Israel—at Pentecost heard the word of God preached—their hearts were pierced and asked the perfect question. “Brethren, what shall we do?”(Acts 2:37). And the apostle Peter said, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”(Acts 2:38-39).
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[a]? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.Luke 12:22-32 NIV
I love verse 32. There is so much good news packed into this little verse.
Do not be afraid – In the teaching preceding verse 32 Jesus is instructing his disciples (so us) not to worry by showing how he provides for things far less valuable than us. Then He sums the lesson up by instructing them not to be afraid, because He knows that fear is the engine of worry. Finally he makes a promise; seek his kingdom and what you need will be given to you.
Little flock – There are many sermons/illustrations by people more knowledgeable than me on how sheep exemplify man by being dumb, helpless creatures. This may be spot on, however this feels different to me. It seems like a term of endearment to me, and terms of endearment belong to people you love or who love you. Therefore, this is Jesus getting intimate with us – maybe so he can tell us something about his love for us. I do this with my wife too – “Hey Love, I love you.” (Term of endearment, message I want loved one to hear)
Your father has been pleased to give you the kingdom – Just on surface this is already really good news: God has given us the kingdom. The part that is amazing, the part that makes me feel so loved is that He was pleased to do it. It wasn’t begrudgingly given, nor flippantly given. It was given because God was happy to give us something good. A good gift from a good Father.
Prayer
Thank you Lord that we are not just some forgotten, unattended to creation, but that you pursue us and seek us out in your love for us and then show your love for us. You rock. I love you. Amen
I’ve been thinking A LOT about the significance of “value” for a few weeks now… “what does it mean?How is it defined?“ When I wake up and decide to drink some water, take in sustenance; I don’t naturally think to myself… “why am I doing this?”. I just do it. But thinking about it now, it feels as though I’m a slave to this…“value system”. Things just don’t add up. “Is this our purpose in life?” Wake up and use the restroom, drink water, eat food, calculate your contribution to life and go to work. “Where is the value?”, I wonder. I’ve decided to detach myself from what I think the meaning of value is in the world and take on a different approach. “What if I choose to go to work without earning money?” The idea is to work as though I wasn’t going to receive a paycheck, that may sound stupid but in principle, it’s not. Money is not God, it is a necessary tool of prerogative for not offending the world governed by such a value system (as though it is God). Let me explain.
In the gospel according to Matthew 17:24-27; my understanding from research is that the temple tax collectors came to Capernaum and confronted Peter about Jesus paying the temple tax (that apart from the priests every Jew 20 years and above was required to pay) which is basically contributing to the upkeep of the temple (where God dwells). And seeing how Jesus and the apostles were not considered priests of the temple, they too were required to pay this tax according to the custom of old testament law. However, let’s investigate what Jesus says and does about this temple tax collection considering how Jesus is actually, the ultimate Priest. The power of the priest is found in virtue, not money. Observe…
24 When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?” 25 He *said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?”26 When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. 27 However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”
Now according to google and the coinmill converter, a shekel today is worth 0.29 cents of the United States Dollar. There is so much I want to dive into with this idea of currency, but what fascinates me presently is the measure of value exchange between the Israelite’s and their temple priests collecting this two-drachma tax at that time. According to my research—specifically amazing discoveries—in Exodus 30 and Numbers 3 we find the reason for this contribution to the temple.
“11 The LORD also spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “When you take a census of the sons of Israel to number them, then each one of them shall give a ransom for himself to the LORD, when you number them, so that there will be no plague among them when you number them. 13 This is what everyone who is numbered shall give: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs), half a shekel as a contribution to the LORD. 14 Everyone who is numbered, from twenty years old and over, shall give the contribution to the LORD.” (Exodus 30:11-14)
44 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 45 “Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel and the cattle of the Levites. And the Levites shall be Mine; I am the LORD. 46 For the ransom of the 273 of the firstborn of the sons of Israel who are in excess beyond the Levites, 47 you shall take five shekels apiece, per head; you shall take them in terms of the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs), 48 and give the money, the ransom of those who are in excess among them, to Aaron and to his sons.”(Numbers 3:44-48)
But why did Jesus make a point to question Peter about the collection of customs? Who are the kings of the earth? And why did Jesus say that the …sons are exempt? It sounds to me like Jesus is clarifying a point for Peter to recall later. Are all Israelites exempt from such customs? The answer is yes, but it was not time for that answer to come into fruition yet. The next phrase from Jesus is of most importance because it gives revelation to the meaning of value. “However, so that we do not offend them…“, but why? Why not offend these collectors with the truth about the pointlessness of this contribution?
Click the link above and discover The Unheard where my friend Dallas Fluegel brings a mixture of flavors from the musical world to your ears. Below is a taste of Dallas’s’ work and I pray it moves you as it has moved me. For The Addicts. Enjoy!
Breathe Again by Swingin Hammers
Nashville Tennessee’s Swingin Hammers is Benjamin Rupe, father, husband, and a shockingly authentic human being. Ben describes himself as a fighter by nature and his mission is to “challenge unto life.” What does that mean!? I’m sure we can find out. Swingin Hammers currently sits at 6,473 monthly Spotify listeners making him a prime candidate for our artists spotlight.
Swingin Hammers released his self titled album in 2017 and Quite, Vol 1 in 2020. The song that really got my attention was Breathe Again from the Album Swingin Hammers. It is a raw, heartfelt ballad expressing deep, emotional truths. The song is simple, but stunning. It can have me nearly in tears and smiling in the same 4 minutes. There is so much I can say about it, but Benjamin was kind enough to tell me about the song and I will share that with you after you give the song a listen. Lyrics, Meaning, & Commentary below.
Stepping out into the light Look around you say it’s alright It hurts to peel the bandage off But I see now just what it costs
It’s like I can breathe again It’s like I’ve got a heart within It’s like I can feel again Just learning to breathe you in
When I was clear, oh so honest About the doubts and confusions in my mind You did not, no, cast me down to hell You just looked at me and you kindly smiled
It’s like I can breathe again It’s like I’ve got a heart within It’s like I can feel again Just learning to breathe you in
Oh cause I been runnin’ Away from confession I been lookin’ for healing Where it’s not mine to find Without the pain of a strong love That loves enough to wound
It’s like I can breathe again It’s like I’ve got a heart within It’s like I can feel again Just learning to breathe you in
It’s like I can breathe again It’s like I’ve got a heart within It’s like I can feel again Gotta learn to, gotta learn to breathe you in
Meaning (according the author)
“Breathe Again is a song about how excruciatingly painful and how unbelievably freeing confession is. It was written with my porn addiction in mind mostly, but also my previous life in alcoholism as well. At least those are the two most tangible ones that I think of. I remember having to confess that sin of porn over and over again and how every single time it felt like a bandage that just needed [to be] ripped off. It was exhausting and TERRIFYING every time, but it would free me of my sin. All of that’s based off of 1 John 1:7-8. Here: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. All that to say, Jesus is incredibly kind to us.”
Commentary
When the Church is done right it is a breathtakingly beautiful institution. I remember my first taste of confession. I remember being afraid to say what I was going through. I remember being scared of being kicked out of the group. And then I remember my friends responding with a smile and some of the most powerful words in the world, “Me too.”
You did not, no, cast me down to hell You just looked at me and you kindly smiled
Wow. What a moment. To know that I wasn’t alone in my brokenness meant so much to me. Overtime I have become fully known and fully loved. Being fully known means my church group knows my past and they know my thought life, past and current. They have heard the darkest, most vile thoughts of mine and have welcomed me into their home. It’s crazy. It’s wonderful. It is powerful.
Benjamin says Swingin Hammer’s mission is to ‘challenge unto life.’ I think this means he wants encourage people to not live a life of mediocrity. The life he is imploring us to is one of authenticity and meaning where we can be fully known and fully loved, then fully know and fully love others.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” ~ Jesus in John 10:10
If you want to hear Benjamin’s additional commentary on the song you can find it below.
You can find Swingin Hammers on their website or follow them on Facebook, Youtube, or Spotify. You can get a free copy of Swingin Hammers most recent album here. You can buy the self titled album, Swingin Hammers on iTunes or Amazon.
As always feel free to share the music, the website, or maybe even both with your fellow music lovers.
This article from Dallas speaks so much to me because addiction is real, a real problem, and whatever addiction it is… will suffocate the life out of us if we let it. Benjamin is singing to the heart of multitudes that are drowning in addiction, suffocated by the waterlog torture of false satisfaction and pleasure. But when you encounter the truth of Christ! You can, BREATHE AGAIN!
Faith means that people function as subjective truth to the God of objective truth. People are subject to their function, and I don’t mean personal ambitions, but quite literally sitting on the toilet to obey the necessary functions of the digestive system. You might not want to take a poo, but that poos’ coming whether you like it or not. So we are required to live in relationship with the objective truth that designed our bodies to function in that truth, subjectively. We didn’t design our parents to subject themselves to their reproductive systems for our birth into this world, yet the information is written into the male and female genetic code.
Faith is the evidence that proves we didn’t write the language of our existence, yet we exist for a genetic function of sustainable truth, but what’s more is our profound ability to know that science. We’ve come to the age of technology where truth is discoverable at the quantum level. You’d think by stepping on the scale of our intellectual capacity today in caparison to millenniums ago we’d figure out the significance of faith by now—not to insult—but to enlighten us about the meaning of life. That understanding should bring us to an experience of hope. There will hopefully come a time millenniums in the future where our kids will experience truth in the twinkling of an eye, in a moments’ time. Why not hope for such transformation?
Until then though… we have each other right now to make sense of our faith by the truth we have available to us today. Apart from the fact we can think for ourselves, what are we exactly? Are we no more than a species of biological organisms called “human beings”? If we apply the concept of choice and choose not to think beyond what limits us biologically, what is a human being without the consciousness of our knowledge that governs our convictions to educate? Are we not anything more than a species of animal that plays with “fancy” rocks? Or is that the test of our faith? To not give into the experimentation that tempts us beyond the natural responsibility of care for this ecosystem? What is the correct interpretation of the language that preaches the fear of the Lord through faith?
How do we interpret the meaning of faith?
We interpret it by an admittance of the unknown. We are not an objective species in the sense that we created ourselves and breathed life into our lungs for the purpose of being God our Father. We are a species of creature that understands two independent truths that I mentioned before—subjective truth and objective truth—and function in respect to the nature of such truths’ for a purpose. That purpose is to transform from the creature we are into the creature we become. What creature will you become? Will you be an evil devil or a godly person? The relationship you have between the objective and subjective truth will determine the creature you become in the future.
Did you wake up lying to yourself and everyone else around you because of unanswered questions to the meaning of your life? Do you eat whatever you want without care for consequence? Do you think your heart beats and your mind thinks because you formed yourself in your mother’s womb? Can you go without coffee or tea, sugar or cream, whatever that desire is that is impulsive to your creature? Do you abuse the creature you are because you deny the truth about what you are consuming? Is what you consume the interpretation of what you will become unless you accept the help from the objective truth that gives you life and wisdom? The Holy Spirit of God.
It might be that you are raised in a country where your religion is your god? It might be that you refuse to accept the power of God because you are not Jesus Christ, the Son of God? It might be that your desire for “numbers” is to feel valuable by an objectively calculating value system? It might be that you desire to be king, ruler, leader, and administrator of changing peoples lives for the “right” cause? It may be that you want to be worshiped for saving peoples lives as to replace the God who gave you life? It may be that you don’t feel worthy of life and are giving up on the reason to live?
Why we are going to transform?
We are going to transform because it is written in the language of objective truth. Objective truth sets the standard for eternal life and gives inspiration to the creatures willing to subject themselves to that standard. When creatures that live in sin are aligned with the standard of objective truth they are accepting the help of the Holy Spirit for personal transformation. The process is not easy nor simple, but development is not meant for false faith—don’t give into the enticement of your addictions—when you know how strong the Lord of your salvation is! Keep the faith! Don’t be afraid!
The creature that you are now is a body of flesh and blood susceptible to deceit and delusion unless you gear up and accept the necessary discipline for change. Stop looking at pornography and read a book. Stop fantasizing about pleasure and build a table for your office. Stop taking advantage of the innocent and teach wisdom. Stop condemning the sinner and hope for their salvation. Stop lying to yourself and live out the language of objective truth that will save your soul. Look at your metaphorical compass and see what direction your facing, then ask yourself, “Where am I going and why?”.
You have a responsibility to yourself, your family, and those involved on the path you are on. (2 Corinthians 5:16-18) The apostle Paul said, 16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,. Faith is your God given ability to be aware of good and evil for the reason of accepting love through the blood given on the cross of objective truth, life eternal in the kingdom of heaven. Since death is defeated in Christ, what more is there than to behave as ready for the time to live again as the new creature you are in faith?
Silence… can you hear the language of your heart? …I for long time wondered whether someone could hear and understand the heart of my thoughts to interpret and explain their meaning? This month that wonder came into fruition and manifested when some friends of mine in a group text shared these two videos that were not directed at me specifically, but turned out meant for me inevitably:
Jordan Peterson has exemplified my title, a proverb, the heart speaks before the mouth opens because he’s contended with God or Being, and become successful. I’ve been greatly encouraged as I investigate the counsel from this man. I’m soaking up his material online, already bought his books. Jordan is a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology that is completely unaware of how his teachings are presently enlightening me to a different way of learning; in general yes, but about myself specifically, and everyone else especially.
I’ve been fascinated about the science of behavior, philosophy and psychology, especially between the ages of 14 to 24 because of the essay to understand the reason for traumatic events that brought about enough confusion in my life to pursue unanswerable questions, or at least, what appeared to be unanswerable. But this professor guy is like a prescription drug, your very own amphetamine to get focused about the meaning of life.
INTERESTING BEHAVIOR
Something I’ve found most interesting about Jordan is his behavior when asked about the figure of Christ during his interview with Susan Blackmore on the YouTube channel “Unbelievable?”, the question title of conversation was… “Do we need God to make sense of life?”. Jordan answers that question profoundly in my opinion considering the scriptures, “33 The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Has it not been written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? 35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken),” (John 10:33-35 and Isaiah 41:23).
In the clip above you’ll see how Jordan is tested about the figure of Christ, but answers in an extraordinary way, “…render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s…”. I feel like Jordan is perceiving their test rightly by that answer, because the personal relation between the person and God is an area of intimacy that no one has right to determine the truth of, and the claim they are seeking out of Jordan is a truth they already know and understand for themselves but ignorant of the significance in my opinion.
LEARNING SPEECH
I’ve been learning about the significance of believing how Jesus is the Word of God before proclaiming what that truth means. Anyone can say they’ve accepted Jesus as Lord; but is that someone truly understanding the power, weight and depth, gravity of what that actually means? Let’s take a look at that, because if you think that words of faith live separate from actionable belief then you are in need of self examination.
I suspect, the person who speaks belief without living it out is not enlightened about what truth means, and is either looking for it or is possessed by an evil ideology and is convinced it’s “truth”. For anyone looking for truth should feel excited for that adventure whereas anyone possessed of false ideologies should feel warned. To be convinced of an evil ideology as truth means to construct an evolutionary heart of hell. Let’s not do that. We need to deconstruct from those ideologies.
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. (Romans 10:8-10)
TALK IT OUT
How to learn the meaning of life is of an eternal value, but it will always come short of glory when not trusting the Person of God for salvation from sin. That is what it means to have a PERSONAL relationship with God through the name of His Son… so if you don’t, lets talk it out, aye?
“”Can you hear me say, “I love you” from across the sea?””
Much like my friend Dallas Fluegel, I contain no musical talent but love how Dallas is contributing to the musical world by his website “The Unheard“! And through his vision am inspired to share in that contribution spreading the word to those unheard; ha, that rhymed! But in all seriousness… everyone, because the unheard need be heard much more!
I’ve been listening to the song Oslo by De Joie (Kaley Rutledge) and meditating on the question given by Dallas at the end of his article…
This song is beautiful! And you can read about it with the lyrics by clicking the link above in that question (“what does home mean?”)!
MY TAKE
As I listen to the song, I experience a mental simulation of myself walking along this shore of a sea or ocean. And as I’m walking along… I peer out across this vast expanse of water, incapable of seeing where the water meets the shore on the other side. I wonder to myself, “”can she hear me say, “I love you””.
I especially resonate with this idea of hope for home to know, “I love you”, while in the same verse communicating, “I’m wild and free”. Funny, because essentially that’s saying, “I’ll miss you, but don’t worry, trust me, I’m in good company.” I think there is this sense of security we have from home that gives us this ability to roam as though wild and free. And as you can see, Norway is a long way away from home.
I’ve never been to Norway, but have been to Germany. My grandma saw me off with a prayer and there I went, far from home on a mission trip to Weimar with my church at the time. I’m so impressed with how this song fits the description of feelings experienced at a particular stage in my life far from home, wild and free. But when I was there did my grandma hear me say, “I love you”, from across the sea? And, “don’t worry, trust me, I’m in good company.”
The meaning of home, for me, at that time, was my grandma. I was at a crossroads—a very difficult time in my life in my early to mid twenties. I was in a very broken place, vulnerable, but through unexpected events and immense amount of love and care from the God in my grandma… I found the meaning of home. I can hear God say from across the sea, “I love you”. And because I can hear it, my home is complete.
So now here I am away from home, not too far off from my twenties at 32, married to my beautiful wife, Laura. Saying from across the sea, “I love you”. And wonder… “can she hear me?”
To think on that causes me to feel something special. A metaphor with the potential to penetrate every soul with the sound of God. Because just like we tell home from across the sea (metaphorically), “I love you”. So too does God from across the other side of life because death will eventually be abolished. We can hear Him say, “I love you”. And we don’t have to worry, we can trust Him, because we are in good company.
You can know that you are in good company because of the seal of the Holy Spirit given by God through believing in Jesus Christ. When we make the personal decision to accept the Word of God as the truth that it is, we are claiming the gift of the Holy Spirit to seal our salvation from death and resurrect to life eternal by faith in the work of God. We are incapable of salvation apart from this help of the Holy Spirit to sanctify our souls from living amongst the enemy of God, that enemy is the dust of death.
That is why I believe we can feel a sense of security here on this side of eternity, wild and free in good company, because God is where our home is. Can you hear God say, “I love you”, from across the sea?
Has there ever been a time in your life where you had food prepared and ready to go for work but woke up late? You just left it thinking by some hope of providence, you’ll get fed. And it just so happened the boss brought donuts just for you to have an excuse to break that diet and get through the work day!
Or perhaps there was a time in your life where food was expected, but not given? Your friends invite you over for steak, you get there… no steak. What the heck! Turns out no one really cared about your appetite, and the lack of consideration is quite discouraging so you plot to kill em all.
Not really. But still! Not only is that plot idea relevant to this post, It’s time for some new friends, don’t you think? because true friends will treat you like a king or queen. And this post is about to become your friend.
BECAUSE YOU ARE A KING QUEEN!
Alright friend, let me take you back in time! lets hit the rewind from A.D. 2020 to peer into the time of A.D. 27 through A.D. 34! Who and what are you thinking about when this history comes to mind? For me… it’s about Jesus and what he did!
There was a time in history that maybe you’ve heard of? An event where 5,000 people went hungry for food after watching and following a man capable of doing miraculous signs. They of course knew this man as Jesus of Nazareth, until this event nearly changed everything!
They didn’t have vehicles back then so Jesus walked to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias)up on this mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. See now… Jesus knew these people needed to eat and had a plan to feed them, but how in the world was he about to feed 5,000?
Even his disciple Philip was like, yo, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them” to even receive a little. But the point of all this was to concern themselves for the people, to feel and have compassion for these people traveling to see and experience these miraculous signs that Jesus is doing.
The reason for these signs is much more than just proof that Jesus is the Messiah, but an expectation for the King of the Jews.
Now that the hearts of the disciples were focused on compassion for these people in response to Jesus’s’ prompting question, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?”. Thankfully one of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, *said to Him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” That’s like me asking…
What is this post for so many people?
Jesus knew what he was about to do and how it was going to reveal to compel their idea to make Jesus the King of the Jews, but not for the reason the Jews anticipated… which was to deliver them from the oppression of Roman governance.
So as you can see, this “lad”… had a significant role to play in bringing the 5 loaves and 2 fish because it is through this selfless act of provision that the miracle of feeding 5,000 persuades the crowd to force Jesus into becoming the King that delivers them. But that is not the reason Jesus was to become King, do you know what that reason was?
You might want to sit down for this… considering that was the instruction of Jesus at that time for all these people,“Have the people sit down.”. Gaw… I love this, because in it we can recognizing the work of God! This act of communion bears so much meaning and symbolism to the body of Jesus being broken on the cross… but we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
Jesus is already the King, but desires these people, his inheritance, the chosen of God to share in His Kingship. Behold Israel! For salvation is from the Jews! But because these chosen people so strongly desired deliverance from Roman oppression, missed the reality of their own sin.
And so this Prophet who is to come into the world withdrew himself from these people to be alone on this mountain. He was like, “yo Pops, I need some new friends up in this house, these people aren’t cuttin-it”. No… of course he didn’t say that, it was more like, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”
So now here comes the question, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?”! Can you imagine eating your favorite donut without the side affects forever free, or how about a nice juicy steak for free whenever your appetite calls for it? I think that’s what these people had in mind, like yo…
FREE FOOD FOREVER!
But that wasn’t what Jesus was communicating and to their defense, they didn’t have a personal relationship with God through the seal of the Holy Spirit at that time to understand God intimately. That is what it meant to follow and believe in Jesus, to understand the heart and mind of God. But they just wanted the ability to have free food.
So then what is the answer to that question, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” Well… it’s this,“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” It’s quite simple really, believe in Jesus Christ. If you do believe, you’ll find that breaking open your Bible to John chapter 6 is where your spiritual meal is waiting.
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1
Always pray. Don’t give up praying. That is the meaning of the parable Jesus is about to tell us. We don’t even need to read it to find the meaning. It’s clear.
When we do read it we find the parable of the unjust judge who provides justice for the widow because she is a persistent (maybe even annoying) person. Jesus is saying to us, if that is what an unjust, powerful official does for their subjects, God will surely bring justice to his chosen ones.
He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ 4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18: 2-8
A little while after this parable we come to the story of the rich young ruler. A man who would not give up his great wealth and follow Jesus to earn his salvation.
18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’[a]” 21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said. 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Luke 18:18-26
I feel for the rich young ruler. Immediately after I read this I hesitated to pray, ‘Lord take my riches if that’s what it takes for me to be a true follower of you.’ Clearly – there is still room for sanctification to happen in my heart. But Jesus tells us, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27), so there’s hope for me yet.
In fact Jesus goes on to promise us that those who leave everything to follow him will get more than that in this age… and in the age to come. That means in this life and the next! What a promise!? It just takes some trust.
29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.” Luke 18:29-30
At the end of this chapter we see a little bit of a call back to the parable of the unjust judge. A blind man yells at Jesus as he is walking by and continues to call out to him despite others telling him to stop and to be quiet. The blind man is persistent. Jesus hears him. Asks him how he can help. And then gives him sight.
35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. 42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. Luke 18:35-43
Conclusion
Always pray. Don’t give up praying. Our just God will hear you.
This post is following my previous post; traveling through the snake of our reality to the beginning, before sin influenced the human heart and mind, to the time when God spoke and our existence began.
So here we are before the Big Bang. The place of everlasting! Or at least… a place where the human heart ‘without God’ is challenged to believe Ecclesiastes 3(AMP): “11He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God]—yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end.“
At first I felt discouraged when reading that passage because my heart wanted to know the beginning from the end—like Jeremiah describes in chapter 17(AMP) : “9 The heart is deceitful above all things And it is extremely sick; Who can understand it fully and know its secret motives? “. My heart and mind wants to know the beginning from the end because it desires control over my environment and also to possess every piece of knowledge that is learned as though to claim it as as my own.
Like claiming my vehicle once it’s paid off, it’s all mine as though I caused the material to emerge and exist just for me…and all I needed to do was hire the appropriate resources to form and fashion it into a vehicle so I can own it like a god.
But thankfully in the next verse, I see who knows the secret motives of my heart and understands me intimately: “10 I, the Lord, search and examine the mind, I test the heart, To give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.“. And so with that understanding, by the grace of God, I’m humbled at this realization that the pride and lust produced in the human heart is given mercy for change and grace for salvation.
Because as you can see, my heart, without mercy, is unwilling to be changed from the arrogant state of thinking that “I own the elemental properties of components that forms and fashions me into tomorrow”. And whats worse but to reject the grace of God extended through His Word as the source and resource of and for the salvation of my existence.
As I think about the next passage of scripture, I smirk at the thought of us talking about God as though He weren’t present right here and now to be spoken to, Himself.
If indeed this passage means what I think it does, then, Yes… it is quite nonsensical ‘not to’ ask God directly about the “birth” of our beginning just like we would our own human parents about the time of our human births. And so by asking God that question, I’m taken to…
(John 1:1-5 NASB)1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
For what it’s worth at my birth… HA! That rhymed! My mom tried to kill me by rapping the umbilical cord around my neck… twice! But because I have the neck of Aquaman, it was too strong and nearly killed my mom by the amount of blood loss.
That’s the most epic, nearly true, human birth story ever to be told. But it doesn’t end there. See, it was at my birth that the meaning of ‘jealousy’ became an experience for the rest of humankind… (because everyone all the sudden felt how inadequate their necks are compared to mine) …I’m not sorry.
Yah… You right! I’ll go back and re-read those proverbs before I continue…
…Okay, good to go.
Now… where was I?…
Ahh… that’s right, John 1:1-5…
1 In the beginning…
Now while the Big Bang Theory is a sitcom full of entertainment, it’s also a vital theory of our time in the 21st century attempting to explain how the universe began 13.8 billion years ago by a singularity, or from “phasing” into view made possible through the advanced knowledge and resources of today. However, where I think this theory misses the mark is leaving out the spiritual component.
The language that declares the birth of creation is a spiritual language.
A relatable example to this spiritual language spoken is like when you hear people speak in tongues, and while it may sound like gibberish (that I myself quite frankly don’t make sense of) is still understood as prayer that is reflecting the intimate language and culture of everlasting life through the Holy Spirit.
And that is what I believe to think John is doing here in his literature through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God.
He’s writing in a spiritual language that can only be interpreted through the anointing of the Word of God upon the believing person hearing this gospel, because just as the prophet Jeremiah had said, only the Lord knows the secret motives of the human heart. So with honest self examination of your heart, do you really believe in Jesus Christ?
That might be a question to reflect on as we continue on together, but I hope you’ll find the confidence in your own heart to be open for believing as we move through the semantics of spiritual language.
The interpretation of this passage is that Jesus Christ is the living Word of God, and is in fact, God, and nothing can exist apart from Jesus Christ.
And I think an efficient way to enlighten a skeptics perspective is to workout the verses backward. The reason being is because, well… when reading: 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. The meaning is that if you’re a skeptic hearing the gospel with a heart closed off to God will not understand to comprehend the truth of: 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. And so because you’re already convinced about the darkness your in, you see no need for light.
To understand how Jesus Christ is the Light of men is to willingly change the condition of your heart. Because Jesus is not going to force the darkness in which you choose to accept for yourself out of you. You must have a heart receptive to: 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. Or you’re choosing to live in darkness for the sake of your own pride and lust, unwilling to be subject to the truth of which means to save you out from our present age of darkness and death.
3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
In verse 3 we can see how even darkness came into being throughHim (Jesus Christ), not for evil as you might suppose, but for good. However, the darkness did not comprehend the Light because darkness has no function other than to be dark, until of course, the darkness is exposed by the Light and is receptive to a new purpose. And therefore is converted to be transformed and function in light of that purpose. No longer to be darkness.
But lets say the darkness representing the skeptic is not receptive to the Light representing Jesus Christ, what then? Well then what more is there for you to function as than darkness possessed by the dark, seeing how Jesus is the life and light of men giving us a new purpose? You instead choose darkness.
And for what, for the sake of objecting the truth about the Light for personal preference? Did you program the chemical and biological nature of which caused your parents to produce you?
To object the Light is to reject the nature of it, which means to reject the life and love of God in which gives you existence.
When you speak the word, “Love!” out loud. What do you think it means? It could mean an infinite number of things. But what if we exercise our ability to think of a person or even an animal that we love, to say out loud, “I love you.” What do you think happens, do you think that the phrase spoken goes out from you without having an effect to affect that person or pet?
Now what if we apply that concept to when God spoke?
When God opened His mouth to speak for existence to come into being, do you think that His Word spoken did not effect to affect all of existence? What scientific term do you think God spoke for the fundamental properties of elements that make up our cosmos to exist?
If you’re thinking man-made terminology you’ll get the answer wrong every time. However, if we consider the meaning of naming a child or a pet. I think we’ll begin to realize just how important it was for God to give the name “Emmanuel” when Jesus Christ was born. Because the name means, “God with us”. And so in spiritual terms, that Name, the name of Jesus Christ is the very program of which gives function to our existence.
And you should know what function that is by now, but in case you don’t, it’s… LOVE! And so love is His language in which programmed our “beginning” as it were, for existence to be experienced as a true reality. And not just a dream world.
Imagine this…
Just like when you opened your mouth to speak, “I love you”, to a loved one. You already had the motive and intention in your heart programmed before opening your mouth to speak and give that phrase an effective affection to that loved one.
Well in the same way, before God opened His mouth to speak our existence into being, His Word was first produced from within His heart and mind. And once the programming to the nature of His Word was fulfilled, He spoke, and therefore we are. Because God is the I AM, therefore, WE ARE.
Jesus Christ is the very Word of God spoken out of the Mouth of God to carry out the Gospel of God for the Salvation of God to all willing to accept the Revelation of God because…“1 In the beginning was Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ was with God, and Jesus Christ was God. 2 Jesus was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Jesus, and apart from Jesus nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Jesus was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
So now before we move into the “epoch” or phase to our existence, please know with confidence that you have access to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ (the heart and mind of God)!
Until next time…
Examine the secret motives of your heart and be honest about the nature of your intentions.
Ask yourself, “What does it mean to believe in Jesus Christ?”
Ask yourself, “Am I willing to accept available access to a relationship with God through the Word of Jesus Christ?”
The other day I was reading the last chapter in Luke and a verse struck me. It is a quote from one of the angels talking to the women looking for Jesus in the empty tomb.
“Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Luke 24:5b
I think it’s a particular stunning verse, and in the context of the Luke’s narrative it is the turning point. Preceding this moment we have a close friend’s betrayal, unjust trials, torture, and the crucifixion of an innocent man. Let us sit in that for a second. Imagine yourself a witness to these moments:
A friend’s betrayal
Unfair, unorthodox, & unjust trials
Torture – flogging and mockery
Crucifixion, a humiliating and painful execution of state sponsered asphyxiation
Death of an innocent man
Then BAM! These ten words nearly jump off the page and bring a sudden stop to the terror.
Why do you look for the living among the dead?
Jesus is alive!
Can you feel the power in this verse? Do you see how the whole world pivots from this moment? Can you put yourself in the shoes of the women that day? Can we have the humility to put ourselves under the same scrutiny?
Why do I look for life among the dead?
I have sought to find life and salvation in relationships with women. I have looked for pleasure in the grave of porn sites. I have fought and sought to be approved and impressive to others who themselves are seeking life in the cemeteries of this world.
Even now I search for comfort among the cushions of the couch instead of in the God of the universe. I search for appreciation and value for the deeds I do in my house, at work, and in my friend group instead of doing great things out of the confidence that God has already declared my value infinite. I search for happiness and joy within my life without going to the source of happiness and joy. I search for comfort, appreciation, approval, happiness, & joy in a world that has no idea how to acquire them while the Creator of these blessings offers them in abundance.
Why do I look for life among dead?
I do this because I have not convinced myself of the full goodness of God.
A Prayer
Father, please change my heart. Make me into a new being. Inspire me to be a man who seeks after You. Win my heart over. Convince me of Your love and goodness. You are so kind, so gracious, so loving. Help me believe that you are the source of life and not this world. I love you. Your will be done. Amen.
Right now I’m currently studying through Genesis for myself, but also with my wife and some friends. The idea is to philosophize about the deep things of God together and understand our relationship with God for salvation.
We live in some very confusing times, but my God is not an author of confusion. Now while that is fact, it does not negate the reality of our condition because obviously confusion is prevalent in our society.
However, I think by exploring the genesis of our condition (death) will bring enlightening evidence to a very important spiritual truth that calibrates our understanding.
So let’s begin.
In…(Genesis 3:1-5)…it says:
Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die. ’“The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.””
NASB
So this serpent made some pretty serious accusations and claims of which are lies and false because it turned out God was right, eating that fruit was the wage of death and is why God warned us not to eat it.
Now… the information from that passage presents a thought that need be taken as a grain of salt, because it’s just a thought, but it seems to me that God may have had a plan for the fruit to be eaten in due course, just not prematurely.
However, it also seems the serpent saw an opportunity to become evil incarnate by giving premature information that betrayed the trust of God for political gain, to remove God from His throne and be in that place itself.
Anyway those thoughts seemed to be reasonable, but of course don’t take anything of what I say as gospel, listen to God and learn from His Word for yourself. Apart from that…
Lets imagine a scientific concept!
A concept that resembles ‘the makeup and movement of a serpent that slithers’, a snake!
Now direct that concept to the night sky and see the stars, imagine how the fabric or our universe is like the scales of a serpent that slithers on the service of the ground. Only this serpent described is not moving on the surface of the ground, but rather is the very makeup and movement of our realm.
How?
Lets travel from the ‘here and now’ of our crazy year in 2020 (or whenever) to the edge of the cosmos where our universe started. We’ve theorized this concept as, “The Big Bang!”. And that is where we reach the head and tongue of this snake, our cosmic serpent that is slithering to it’s demise, “For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss” (Matt.7:13).
As we put the science together, atheists will not deny the evidence that declares the glory of God throughout our cosmic reality. It’s stupid to think that the void of our expanse is without intelligent design. But the concern shouldn’t be about the evidence.
Rather, the more important concern should be about the relationship in which the evidence describes.
To reject the relationship in which sustains our existence is to be subject to a different relationship by accepting the voice that speaks out of turn, out of place, and receive it as gospel. The voice of our reality, a serpent.
That is what happened at the beginning when a sinful language came out from the mouth of a serpent to influence innocent ears with ideas about God that were untrue.
And so here we are at the beginning, right where the bible describes our diverge from the truth we once lived into our present state of death and destruction.
Now zoom in just before the woman eats the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, remember this woman is also the wife of the man that God created and warned also not to eat from that fruit.
From that point, hit the rewind; the woman does not eat the fruit, puts the fruit back on the tree; the woman is back inside the rib of her man; the man is alone without a woman to help him in the garden; the man is taken out of the garden to where he was first created.
We are now at the beginning of where God first thought to form man from out of the dust of the ground.
In…Genesis 2:4-8…it says:
This is the history of [the origin of] the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day [that is, days of creation] that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens— no shrub or plant of the field was yet in the earth, and no herb of the field had yet sprouted, for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground, but a mist (fog, dew, vapor) used to rise from the land and water the entire surface of the ground— 7 then the Lord God formed [that is, created the body of] man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being [an individual complete in body and spirit]. 8 And the Lord God planted a garden (oasis) in the east, in Eden (delight, land of happiness); and He put the man whom He had formed (created) there.
AMP
Think about what has happened before our wage of death that claims every soul in this reality!?
Think about how the man and woman live in a place of eternity without experiencing death!?
Think about what happened before God put the man in the garden of Eden!?
I’m excited to explore with you! Hope to see evidence of your reading this! And until next time…
Whether it was on the mind or wasn’t, even now you may be asking yourself whether it’s relevant. I think it is… especially after reviewing why, because at the very least you’ll walk away with a foundational peace that surpasses all understanding.
However… while I can assure you that every person is living with some form or fashion of grief, you will not find peace without first acknowledging that you need to grieve by accepting the answer as “yes” for yourself.
I get it though—if this question was presented previous to the most recent difficult news in my life would’ve moved on as disinterested; it wouldn’t have been because I didn’t care, but that I didn’t understand the significance of grieving until the experience of pain became more than years could bear.
YES
Yes the traumatic experiences of life hurts, whatever that looks like for you—it could be that you’ve been through what feels like Hell, things I couldn’t possibly describe without knowing you intimately although can imagine because of how pain is all too familiar even though distinct.
It might be that someone you completely trusted lied?
It might be that circumstances made you handicap?
It might be that you’ve been abused?
It might be because you’ve lost a loved one?
It might be you can’t give birth to a loved one?
It might be that you just found out… cancer?
it might injustice due to bigotry and racism?
It might be the question itself?
I’ve learned that the significance of grieving is found when accounting for what’s been lost. “What’s been lost?” Feels more like a question of: What’s been taken? The answer is quite simple really, innocence.
LOST
Everyone handles grief in their own way, I get that. But how it’s handled is very important. it’s only been a couple weeks since losing my sister and the weight of waiting to lay her to rest is heavy laden on my soul.
And just as a friend of mine has graciously warned how grief will spontaneously sprout over the course of time when birthdays, holidays, and other days come round and my sister isn’t there will hit in ways unexpected. My wise friend said this…
Do me a favor. When the grief comes, when the pain comes— lean into it. As hard and as painful as it may feel, lean into the pain in order to live through it to reach the other side where the moments you remember are more of the ones you want to remember and not the pain you are currently feeling. What I did NOT say was to lean into it ALONE. You have a wife, other family and friends that you can lean on with all of your weight and we will hold you up until you can stand again. I am here for you just as I always have been. Whenever you need or want to talk or just have someone listen, I’m here. There is no such thing as too early or too late.
~ Draoun
And he’s right. You may not see me, but spiritually, you’re not alone. So whatever that pain looks like for you, get ready to take a few moments in the quietness of your soul and environment. But like my friend said, I didn’t say to do it alone. You can experience this with God, family and friends. Don’t be shy.
Don’t give into the pride of being perceived as tough. Lets get to a place where we are living with peace through that which is causing pain. If you were sitting across from me right now and I asked what your pain is…what would come to mind for you?
PAIN
Identifying your pain—is where you start not being lost in whats been taken, because whats been taken is what is causing your pain and influencing your life choices to consequences. Hence lost.
Like for me right now, I’m doing a balancing act by resisting the urge to react to the pain and suffering of the world learned through social media about stocks, coronavirus, injustices, politics, relationships, religion, while covertly getting through work day after day dealing with my responsibilities as a husband, uncle, brother, and friend.
Notice how I said “covertly getting through”. That means somethings wrong. The emotions that encompass the aforementioned reveals unspoken pain of which needs addressed because its’ influencing how I perform in all aspects of my life. So let the healing begin!
HEALING
Whether you’re reading this on your phone or on a computer, it is at this point you set it aside and think about what ails you. What causes you pain?
Don’t avoid that question as you would a confrontation, rather…confront that question headlong. Be real, raw, and authentic! Think of it as being in a place somewhere free, a cabin in the mountains maybe, or even a coffee shop that you feel like you own (even if you actually do) and journal what causes you pain and why.
Shoot! Even this post can become your journal place, that’s what the comments are for.
But as you do this, and take it seriously with time, you’ll start noticing periodic elevations in energy with a proactive desire to accomplish peace and live life to its’ fullest potential. Now here is where it gets difficult because a part of accomplishing peace is approaching demons you’ve avoided for however long in your life and these demons represent the emotions of hate to the extent of suppression, indifference, or even murder for the people or circumstances that hurt you to the core.
You need to remove these demons by releasing that energy or you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.
GRIEVE
God can handle the most worst possible pain you’ve experienced or even can imagine to experience. Let it out… share it… cry…
Don’t hold anything back, use your God given language to speak what is in your heart and listen… and I mean really listen …because God is handling it with you by making the choice at your own will to acknowledge that God can actually help you.
That doesn’t mean it will be easy or even simple, but the point is that you’re free…not bound by what laws you’ve created for yourself to be enslaved to. YOU ARE FREE! NOW GO AND LIVE IN FREEDOM!
Robbed Mercedes… When I got the call from our sister (Kelsie) about the news, didn’t know how to respond other than contact police departments to try and scrabble information. I didn’t want to believe what I heard, “NOO!…”. The feeling to describe the state of loss was…ROBBED…because you and I are designed to live holding … Continue reading Mercedes→
In light of my previous post this title seems most appropriate considering what troubles me. The sun is setting, darkness is fast approaching; light is dim, yet glistening off the stream of water. I think I see closure on the other side! But the surface is wet and bedded with algae. And the thing about … Continue reading The Thing About Stepping Stones→
In light of my previous post this title seems most appropriate considering what troubles me. The sun is setting, darkness is fast approaching; light is dim, yet glistening off the stream of water. I think I see closure on the other side! But the surface is wet and bedded with algae. And the thing about stepping stones… is that they cause pause to ponder about ideas.
CROSS?
The stream has a peaceful sound, it’s gentle, feels safe… The algae? Yah, it’s true…I could fall; It’s a pretty green, slick to the touch. How about the stones? What is their condition? You’re right, “type of sandstone”…they’re brittle; but they seem reliable, sturdy enough and positioned in a way for every step of crossing
I try to bring it up in small doses or when problems arise for them to know that every stone is a stepping one.
~Mercedes “Sadie” Fulton
I won’t lie, I’ve doubted my calling to ministry for lack of academic credentials and experience. But the doubt that’s gnawing me presently is the philosophy of ‘doubt’ itself… it’s a problem you see …because as soon as doubt becomes effective it compromises confidence that would’ve otherwise prevented hesitation and thereby consequence.
The ideas of, “what if I said this or that—could it-have changed this or that… …am I somehow guilty…” weighs on the conscience.
While people in their good nature and mean no ill intent, might attempt to appease or fix these concerning thought patterns with words coated in flattery; they will not bring closure, and it does not bring healing to the parts of the conscience that need not healed because the wounds are already scars.
The closure that I see across the stream is not fixed on what I cannot control, nor any longer on the doubt that I CAN control. But my closure is fixed on what Jesus Christ is doing in my soul. I’m learning a valuable understanding about life of which each take part in their own way, but the understanding is this:
Every problem that is a stone is a stepping one. I will choose to have faith in Jesus Christ as I trust in the timing of God’s reasons to life and death that are beyond my compass of closure. I’m thankful to have a will to choose. And I’m thankful to have hope of which defines the character or my soul.
But what about you, reader?
How will you cross the stream of your life as the weight of your conscience is heavy burdened with sin? Do you see the problems of your life as stones for stepping or as algae for identity?
Robbed Mercedes… When I got the call from our sister (Kelsie) about the news, didn’t know how to respond other than contact police departments to try and scrabble information. I didn’t want to believe what I heard, “NOO!…”. The feeling to describe the state of loss was…ROBBED…because you and I are designed to live holding … Continue reading Mercedes→
Whether it was on the mind or wasn’t, even now you may be asking yourself whether it’s relevant. I think it is… especially after reviewing why, because at the very least you’ll walk away with a foundational peace that surpasses all understanding. However… while I can assure you that every person is living with some … Continue reading Are You Living With Grief?→
When I got the call from our sister (Kelsie) about the news, didn’t know how to respond other than contact police departments to try and scrabble information. I didn’t want to believe what I heard, “NOO!…”.
The feeling to describe the state of loss was…ROBBED…because you and I are designed to live holding our grandparents and parents hands as they come of age to meet our Lord. I felt robbed of the many more years to experience life with you. And it was actually some friends (Daniel included) of mine that “coined” this feeling because of how they could relate to what I was presently experiencing—”feeling of being… robbed”.
And so here I am, robbed. Because when I go to message you now, there is no response, only…silence. Which is nothing like you at all. I think you might be one of the most obnoxious people I know apart from me. I mean, not that it was a competition or anything. Ha. That’s a laugh. Everything is a competition when you’re a free spirit; that’s what makes life interesting, reckless, and fun! Anyway… I can think of a few others in our family that are just as crazy as us and yet… still alive, go figure.
And for the record, Sadie, you cheated. I’m older, and it’s only fair that the elder goes first. Yes, you’re a lady and all. And myself, a gentlemen. But rules are rules. I get that ladies go first, but that’s cheating…sis!
Even though the feeling was a feeling of being robbed. After mourning and depression…have come to be at peace by the comfort of friends and family encouragement. But not only that, also in processing these moments I shared with you in our salvational engineering group discussion on facebook.
But I also feel the strength to not give up and to be around as much as possible to show the person the happiness and light I live in daily. I believe he made me for these types of people. Relatable to all types and strong in faith
I believe He (God) did too, Sadie. And I pray any friend and family that reflects on memories of you, they are comforted as I am by the motive of your heart.
I hate seeing beautiful souls get lost in thoughts of helplessness in their dark times … Now I just need them to want to ask questions and be ready and educated in my faith when it comes to those questions.
Me and you both, Sadie! I hope any person that ever comes to know you by testimonies about you, they will ask questions about that contentment and light, that hope, and us be ready and educated in faith to answer the hard questions. And while I’m not a judge to determine justice for any soul can only hope that every soul of which knows us will know Christ Jesus to be their salvation as He is ours.
Robbed
Speaking of answers to hard questions. The questions that surrounded the feelings of being robbed are put rest by answers that aren’t governed by my bias ideas of where you might be now, spiritually speaking. I can only hope to see you again in the clouds with Jesus Christ; while my dependency of that hope does not rest necessarily upon the sight of seeing you again, rather, that our sights together are focused on seeing Him because of the truth that Jesus Christ is the author and perfecter of our faith.
I love you Sadie! And don’t worry about Titan, the boy is in trustworthy hands.
Titan, BIG MAN TITAN…
You’re not quite old enough to read this yet, but one day, you will be. And I want you to know that your mom loved and still loves you sooooo sooo much. Don’t ever loose sight of that truth because it will be a compass for your soul. Don’t suppress the emotions of your heart, let the world know who you are. But understand this from your uncle Nathan, life is a mystery of proverbs that are worth discovering to learn from the Good Book.
Let the Bible be your compass in guiding you to life, truth, and love.
Here’s a quick story to remember your mom by: It was when we (me and your mom) were kids, just a few years older than you but can’t remember exactly what it was we were doing. I think it was either a game of tag or hide-n-go-seek. It’s a vague memory.
But that’s beside the point.
What I think I remember your mom running full speed away from was—getting tagged. She was always extremely competitive and quite fearless! Anytime there was a challenge, your mom was up for the task of proving her abilities. So as she was running full speed, focused and determined, nothing could stop her until… WHAM!
There was this horizontal steel pole that came out of no where, leveled her, knocking the air out of her as she hit the ground. But you know what… she got back up, she didn’t give up. Your mom was tough, just like you! And did you take notice of how focused and determined? She was, unstoppable.
And so even when obstacles come out of nowhere to stop you, Titan. Get back up, and don’t give up….
A good God can allow suffering because He is merciful. Let me explain.
IT GETS HARDER
The sixth and final question asked of the group brings up the problem of evil, but the original query that was asked was even tougher because it removed a core argument from the debate – freewill. So here is the full question that I will answer.
How can a good God allow suffering? Freewill seems just like an excuse.
I found this question to be quite difficult. I think the removal of freewill is the cause of my challenge in finding a complete answer. Freewill is not just an excuse. It is an essential piece to the human story. It is an essential piece to any love story. How can one love without choice? Does a wife love her husband because she can do nothing but love him? The question doesn’t even make sense. Love falls apart without freewill.
I digress.
Below are 7 statements backed by scripture to help understand the problem of suffering, doing my best not to harp on freewill. I prayed this would be God breathed and I pray now that this would be helpful to you.
1. Justice for all means extinction
If God were to end all suffering right now by bringing justice to the guilty everyone would be dead (Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:23, Romans 6;23). Suffering is the result of sin. Sin is done by sinners. We are all sinners. Therefore in order to get rid of suffering you must get rid of the sinner, and that would mean no one could be allowed to exist. The problem isn’t just some evil force working to do harm to all people. The problem is us.
2. God is merciful
God does not bring swift judgement to end all humanity (and all suffering) immediately because He loves us and is merciful (Psalm 86:5, Luke 6:36). 2 Peter 3:9 says “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God has not judged us yet because he wants everyone to be saved.
3. God did not design a world with suffering.
In the beginning God created good. We see that over and over again in Chapter 1 of Genesis (Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). In Chapter 2 we even see that the relationship between man and woman is in good standing (Genesis 2:25). God did not design a world of suffering. This planet and its current affairs are not what He wanted for us.
4. Suffering is the result of human decision(s)
Genesis 3 lays out how what humans did to bring suffering into the world. They desired to be God, and they took action to achieve that goal in direct disobedience to God’s rule. Adam and Eve started a terrible tradition where men continue to try and replace God. This is the beginning of suffering. Elevating our thoughts, ideas, or desires above other’s wants and needs produces suffering. Our decision to lie at work hurts our employer and our customer. Having sex with a previous lover introduces possible insecurities in our next partner. Our rude, flippant remark at someone’s elementary mistake can scar an individual for a lifetime. We are the vicim and perpetrator of suffering.
5. God suffers with us
We are not alone in our suffering. God has done something really, really profound. He has chosen to suffer with us. In Mark 14:31 – 15:41 we witness God in human form (Jesus) experience dread, close friends unable to be there for Him in his time of need, betrayal, injustice, false accusations, disownment by a close friend, being mocked, torture, disgrace, public shame, and asphyxiation. Our God knows our suffering. He knows it intimately.
I’m not sure we understand the complete absurdity of this. God actually has experienced our suffering. It would be like if we were to go and experience the troubles of a worm. The individual worm’s suffering has no bearing on our life. There is no need for it. It makes no sense.
Unless there is love.
6. Suffering is not without purpose
A lot of us ask the question ‘why there is suffering in the world,’ but I think a more relevant and impactful question is ‘why do I suffer?’ The Bible tells us that our suffering has purpose (John 9:1-3, 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10; Luke 14:13-14; Acts 20:35).
This too is also quite profound. There must be suffering in this world because sin exists, but there does’t have to be purpose behind it. The purpose of suffering is a grace God has given to us in the midst of pain. He has found a way to make evil result in good.
7. God has taken action
When people say God has done nothing to combat evil and suffering that is a lie. God has done something and will do more.
He has always been a God of mercy and action. Even after the first sin God made clothes for Adam and Eve to help them cover their shame. He sent his only son to take our punishment for our sins so we can have peace and eternal life (John 3:16).
Finally, Jesus is coming back and His new kingdom is going to be epic. There will be no tears, pain, or death (Revelation 21:4). This world and its ways will pass away, and thank God!
Conclusion
The problem of evil and suffering is a very culturally relevant issue. I heard Neil DeGrasse Tyson give suffering and evil as the reason he does not believe in a good, all powerful God. He did not say because there was a lack of evidence. He didn’t say it was impossible. He said because there is evil and suffering. That reason does not stand, and we have an answer for it.
Please remember that just because we are people of faith does not mean that we are people without reason. Our God made the rules of this universe and any honest science will not disprove Him.
How can a good God allow suffering? Freewill seems just like an excuse.
I found this question to be quite difficult and I still don’t think I am satisfied with the answer I prepared below. I think the removal of freewill is the cause of my difficulty in this. It is not just an excuse. It is an essential piece to the human story. It is an essential piece to any love story. How can one love without choice? Does a wife love her husband because she can do nothing, but love him? The question doesn’t even make sense. Love falls apart without freewill. Anyways below is 7 statements backed by scripture to help understand the problem of suffering, doing my best not to harp on freewill. I prayed this would be God breathed and I pray now that this would be helpful to you.
If God were to end all suffering right now by bringing justice to the guilty everyone would be dead. Romans 3:23; Isaiah 64:5-6; Romans 6:23
God does not do this (point 1) because he loves us and is full of mercy. 2 Peter 3:9; Luke 6:36; Psalm 86:5
Our God did not design a world with suffering. Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31; 2:25
Suffering is the result of human decision(s). Genesis 3
Our God did not leave us to suffer alone; he experienced it too. In Mark 14:32 – 15:41 we see God go through dread, close fries unable to be there for Him in his time of need, betrayal, injustice, false accusations, disownment by a close friend, being mocked, torture, disgrace, public shaming, asphyxiation
Suffering is not without purpose. John 9:1-3; 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10; Luke 14:13-14; Acts 20:35
Our God does not just sit back and allow suffering. God DID/WILL DO something to eliminate suffering. John 3:16; Revelation 21:4
Read Under Pressure #7 first! —No, Jim did not kill everyone. That part was a joke for those who’ve actually seen the movie.
THE INFLUENCE
Can you imagine though… being a passenger on a Starship spacecraft at the age of _whatever_, woken up by providence, to live the remainder of your days alone because everyone else is in suspended animation sleep until you’re dead? Well, sort of… I mean it’s not like they’re waiting or even wanting for you to be dead.
But what if you realized you didn’t have to be alone and found a way to give your life meaning by taking the meaning out of someone else’s life? “Say you’re stranded on a desert island with an ability to whisk someone there with you, would you?” (paraphrased from the movie).
That’s definitely not an emotional artificial intelligent robot type question, because robots don’t have a conscience bearing them responsible for an incalculable decision. So how does a person cope with that type of decision, once made?
THEY LIE
That’s right. They lie! But why? …pause…
You have to really think about that question for yourself. I’m bias to the belief that everyone assumes they know their reasons justified until the hypothetical becomes a reality for them personally, it’s only then, that anyone could truly understand the decision of another in this scenario.
And so if you were asking me that question. My reasons would be because of the ingrained nature to experience life to the fullest of its limited capacity. We are wired to live with each other, not separate. Therefore, it’s only natural that the inevitable will happen.
But the ability to cope, comes by way of motive. The chemical reaction of love, an impulse so powerful that the lie seems worth it all. Motive is what gives love meaning; which cultivates in a person’s character the ability to cope with difficult decisions, acquiring necessary mechanism to accept the consequence of their fate.
CHARACTER
I’m curious as to how these words typed affect you, reader. It’s therapeutic for me, quite literally affecting myself. Is that weird? I think, “yah”, that’s weird. Anyway, back to impacting our character.
Once the motive is established, the character falls in line and conforms into the ‘how to’ cope with the aforethought decision of whisking someone stranded on a desert island with you. And therefore we have, Jim. Our subject matter. Because in the movie you’ll find these mysterious qualities about the character of Jim as you watch to observe his personality.
So many questions come to mind through the progression of time Jim is alone on the ship until finally waking up the love of his life, Aurora. The hardest decision for him or, I think… anyone really …to make. And he copes with it by collusion with his bartender robot, Arthur. Yah, I know. And for awhile, I might add…(why is that even said “I might add” it’s an oxymoron).
Anyway, it’s the secret made with his emotional A.I. robot bartender that leaves the viewer and, well, now us, suspended with anticipation because of such an event. What do we make of this? It’s at this point in our story two motives emerge. Which, one: being that of inevitable love, and two: collusion for the inevitable love to happen. “So what do we make of this?” Do tell….
Stay tuned for Under Pressure #9 to continue in our journey with the passengers, consider following our blog and smashing that like button!
In the movie “Passengers” a mechanic (Chris Pratt) and journalist (Jennifer Lawrence) are aboard a starship (and one of the best animated in my opinion) set out on routine course through space at 50% lightspeed to another planet-like Earth called Homestead II. While in transit the starships’ shield takes on some serious pressure upon encountering … Continue reading Under Pressure | #7→
Yes. Your deceased, unbelieving loved one is in hell, but I wouldn’t lead with that. Let me explain.
A Reminder
When these six questions were brought to my group they were all challenges we were scared to have someone ask us as a believer. Can you imagine your new friend bringing this loaded question to you? How do you respond to it without losing a soul, but also with gentleness and tact?
How To Respond
Each situation is unique and I would not approach every person the same way, but I think you could combine the truths listed below in a number of different ways and maintain integrity, gentleness, & truthfulness.
1. Speak Truth
It is important to speak truthfully and lovingly into this piercing, heartfelt question. This query is one of heartbreak. Please be gentle with this person, but don’t misrepresent the truth. A well timed word can comfort the heart and a lie can lose souls.
2. Read The Room
Before you bring your sword of truth to bear, remember this -> We do not know with 100% certainty the final state of a person’s heart; only God knows and sees that. We do know that God is good, just, and a God of mercy. We can trust Him to do the right thing, and He is the one that makes the final judgement, not us. So before you declare the truth to your friend see if you need to tend to their heart. Sometimes a hug and a ‘I don’t know” may be all that is needed.
3. A Message From The Grave
We may not know where their loved one is with 100% certainty, but we do know, whether in heaven or hell, they have a desire for your friend. The parable in Luke 16:19-31 tells of a rich man sentenced to hell. There he is starved of the goodness of God and is filled with agony. He begs that his family would be told the right way to get to heaven… No matter where our deceased loved ones are, they want us to know Jesus.
4. Heaven On Earth
The after life will always contain some mystery, but there are certain things we can thank God for now. In this life their loved one got to experience the goodness of God in what is known as common grace: food to enjoy, satisfying work, good friends, rain and sunshine, the beauty of the night sky, etc… The world is full of wonder and we all get to live in it, no matter what we believe.
Conclusion
If this question was brought to you with heartfelt sincerity I think you could use these four pointers to help plant or water the seed of faith in their life. However, if you are approached with hostility I think the best way to respond is through point 2, then show them you care by following up at a different time. In the words of Frederick William Faber “Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning.”
It is important to speak truth and love into this piercing, heartfelt question without misrepresenting the truth.
Sometimes a hug and a ‘I don’t know’ may be all that is needed to be done.
We do not know the final state of a person’s heart; only God knows and sees that and He is the one that makes the final judgement
We do know that God is good and just and we can trust him to do the right things. Plus He is a God of mercy. Exodus 34:6-7
Luke 16:19-31; we may not know where the loved one is, but we do know your loved one’s desire for you. The rich man, starved of the goodness of God, begged that his family would be told of the right way to get to God/heaven.
We do not know where your loved one is now, but in this life they got to experience the goodness of God in the common grace He set forth on earth (Matthew 5:45). Food to enjoy, satisfying work, good friends, rain and sunshine, the beauty of the night sky, etc…
In the movie “Passengers” a mechanic (Chris Pratt) and journalist (Jennifer Lawrence) are aboard a starship (and one of the best animated in my opinion) set out on routine course through space at 50% lightspeed to another planet-like Earth called Homestead II.
While in transit the starships’ shield takes on some serious pressure upon encountering what appeared to be a comet cloud.
The spacer you see above is an indicator of time intervals between segments of writing.
If you haven’t watched the movie between now (2020) and 2016, then I’m about to give you a unique perspective as you watch it for the first time. And if you have seen it, well… as you read what is typed jogs the memory and entices you to watch it again, you’ll also get a unique perspective as this post will come to mind.
5000 passengers are in their hibernation pods experiencing 120 years worth of animated dream-like state while traveling across space in an artificial intelligent and dare I say emotionally intelligent spacecraft. But upon a comet puncturing through the shield causing significant damage, of which the impossible happens, a “failsafe” hibernation pod’s ‘time chip’ fries…and wakes Jim (a mechanic) 90 years too early.
Imagine the concept. How is it any different than living aboard earth, the spacecraft you’re on right now? Onlyyyy… you share a dream with about 8 billion other passengers. And in this dream you wake up before 8 billion other people, realizing that… you’re alone. Everyone is as good as dead and there’s nothing you can do about it. Or is there?
After a year Jim is alone on this starship the pressure is weighing and desperation is calling. An idea emerges. Jim begins to investigate a hope and possibility of making the rest of his life meaningful, but at the risk of taking the meaning out of someone else’s life. So Jim kills everyone. Okay you got me, that was a joke. Just making sure you’re paying attention.
If you like what you’re reading, consider following our blog and I’ll see you in the next “Under Pressure” post where I’ll continue this life riveting concept.
4 The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.
Proverbs 16
Do your motives reveal Jesus Christ?
To continue from my insight #16. The elements that make up our reality communicate options to possibilities. They also communicate our limitations. But what do the motives of our conclusions reveal about us? I wonder.
Ahhhhh… this aught to be interesting!
Right now I’m at work typing up this post. Let’s get right to the meat of it. Each of us are capable of judging to discern the nature of what is good and what is evil. So you be the judge and determine whether the motive of my decision to work on this post while on the clock, is justified.
Every moment spent typing this up is paid for: how do you feel and what do you think about that?
Lets investigate!
“Zero justification” may be the immediate response to the feeling of some. And if you’re my wife, then chances are you’re bias to the risk of what might happen upon the action found out and the discipline expected. “What if you’re fired?”. Which is a very logical and wise position. It goes to show genuine respect for the occupation at hand in honor of personal conviction by the Holy Spirit for that individual.
However, I’m of the belief that ones personal conviction about a given situation may differ than that of another’s in that same situation. And while they may differ, the consequence solely falls on the one taking the risk. Judge wisely. It is important to take into account what a person does with such information if their conviction is strong enough to act on by presenting the issue to necessary personnel (listen to wisdom).
[“Unless you’re a religious political risk-taking genius (or a lawyer)” then you’ll eat this up like steak and tators (considering what the news is reporting about our meat). Alright… now while you may excuse it for confidence and admittedly, it even felt good to write. It’s an unhealthy perspective, totally prideful and arrogant—don’t chalk that up to anything more than humor; motives like that consequence’ a fall so hard, you don’t wake up in freedom.]
My position also, is a bias one. The risk of someone’s eternal salvation; spiritual birth, growth, accountability and responsibility. Therefore, I’m motivated to the knowledge of the gospel by what little time is counting my days to write and do videography with this ministry.
This spiritual insight is about purpose.
I know what my job requires of me. So let me reassure the reader, I’m doing my duty. While my general orders may be confidential and proprietary, they are being accomplished. But did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?
The real job of any believer is the salvation of souls by the power in the gospel of Jesus Christ preached.
Just as Jesus willfully took the risk of death by crucifixion I too will take the risk of losing my life to serve His Kingdom come. And I’ll do it with wisdom taught by His Spirit active in me presently. But will you hear the motive of His Name? Do you see Jesus Christ revealed in the motive of the cross in your own life… and mine?
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the Lord weighs the motives. Proverbs 16 Have you ever woke up feeling… weird? Like… spiritually weird? I did, and can’t figure out why, or what is going on. SO! Thought it appropriate to write about and see what we find out. At first I … Continue reading Spiritual Insight | #16→
3 Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established. Proverbs 16 I love thunderstorms! I hear its sound and see its magnificence approaching through the window and must leave my typing to go outside and experience it… I appreciate how a thunderstorm displays the majesty of God. Not that I woke up to, … Continue reading Spiritual Insight | 15→
I’ve been on a ‘social media fast’ from my phone. So I’m choosing to wait until I’m actually at the computer to discover notifications from new friends, friends, and family. The pressure is real when trying to manage time faithfully when the enticement of social media is beckoning.
But it’s worth it. Because if we’re not diligent, we can get sucked right into the vortex of time wasted by the convenience of social attention at our finger tips. It’s a difficult psychological adjustment because, the chemical effect by each expectant ‘buzz‘ or a ‘ding‘ is addictive.
It’s okay to be honest with ourselves when calculating how much time is spent where, and why, because healthy accountability is gold in our day and age of technology and connection. Don’t lose yourself amidst the chaos. No one owes anyone time. Don’t worry, the pressure is good.
Have you ever woke up feeling… weird? Like… spiritually weird? I did, and can’t figure out why, or what is going on. SO! Thought it appropriate to write about and see what we find out.
At first I had this nagging question in my mind, “Was it the wine?…”. And although the ‘fruit of the vine’ does play some affect, it doesn’t satisfy to answer.
I work days and nights to which my sleep schedule is a little “loopy” (crazy) at times. And that also plays a role in this weird spiritual feeling, but again, it doesn’t satisfy.
I didn’t intend to write a blog post this early morning because my MOTIVE was to sleep through the night to be ready for work today, but it appears my Lord has weighed that motive and so here I am.
When I wrote my previous insight, I told myself that I’d “continue in the proverbs”. But was it me that told myself that, or…. was it instructed to and for, me? I wonder. The above paragraph is in bold because it communicates a direction to an answer that satisfies.
Time for some music, and I’d like some coffee but don’t want to get up… because… I’m naked. ….huhhhh…. Whatever, I’m getting some coffee. (Don’t worry, I got dressed).
I’ve been meditating on the procedure of mercy, grace, and faith as elements of God given to humankind for understanding salvation communicated by the gospel, and…. let me tell you, the experience is extraordinarily awesome!
My heart feels for the people unbelieving the gospel preached to all creation. Not because I don’t share in the sins of this world, but because the unbelievers would prefer to identify themselves with the sin of their choosing over their trust in Christ.
My soul experiences the same consequence of condemnation as the person in a jail cell for life. I pray the wisdom of conviction within is heard and understood by the unbelieving, because we’re forgiven by what Jesus did on the cross.
My mind perceives the inspiration of scripture written in my flesh by the reality of its’ decaying. There is no excuse for what I’m incapable of changing, be it sin. Therefore it’s only logical to express the need for HELP, unbeliever.
My strength calls out in weakness because you, unbeliever, are Christ’s mission. If the gospel does not speak to me then T4P means nothing and sin is my cure, but because the gospel does in fact speak. I will help build with eager preaching, your tent.
I’ve questioned how, exactly, does salvation work in the conversion of some but not others? I feel like that question is important to an extreme, so let me make it special.
How does salvation work in the conversion of some but not others?
As I study about the temptations of Christ (which I’m anxious to get finished and posted), learn about spiritual consultation between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Jesus, although not born of the seed of man, is still very much a man being tested by the sin of man. That is what and who I believe the devil is representing (sin of man) when tempting the qualifications of the Son of God. Because mankind is on a course of complete unrighteousness under the governance of spiritual evil, ergo the ‘devil of time’ is suspect.
However, because Jesus is completely righteous, mankind is left without excuse to the truth of who governs good. Jesus represents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the sin cursed flesh of man. This is why no person is capable of conversion apart from the faith of Christ Jesus. And no I don’t mean faith of myself, or you, reader, but faith of Jesus.
Jesus is the Person of God revealed. God is a Person that qualifies as the sources of elements which convert a sin cursed devil (mankind) to a righteous holy saint (mankind). This is possible by the faith of Jesus given as a gift of good news (gospel) for all creation to hear. But this begs the question. Is the Person of God bound to convert a person that does not truly believe in Jesus? Although professing to be christian.
What choice do we have?
For me, the most effective way of answering this question is observing the person of Judas Iscariot (one of Jesus’ chosen apostles). I believe the gospel is revealing the desire of God for all to be saved, but that not all will accept it for reasons entrusted to a Holy God for judgement.> Please investigate the scriptures for yourself if you disagree with me and share your concerns.
I do not believe God’s desire is for repentant robots, meaning to control the elements of a people He created against their will because of His power to do so. Rather… I believe God’s desire is for you to choose to trust Him, because if you don’t, the reality is unrighteousness doomed by the choosing of elements sinister by nature.
In other words I believe there is a scientific explanation of convertible energy that defines information which holds a person accountable to their will (choice), and is ultimately judged by the truth manifest and revealed by our motives before a Holy God.
4 The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. Proverbs 16 Do your motives reveal Jesus Christ? To continue from my insight #16. The elements that make up our reality communicate options to possibilities. They also communicate our limitations. But what do the motives of our conclusions … Continue reading Spiritual Insight | #17→
3 Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established. Proverbs 16 I love thunderstorms! I hear its sound and see its magnificence approaching through the window and must leave my typing to go outside and experience it… I appreciate how a thunderstorm displays the majesty of God. Not that I woke up to, … Continue reading Spiritual Insight | 15→
If you think you’re incapable of becoming known to the world for making a difference, you’re wrong.
You are capable!
But… question is…
What will you be known for?
You didn’t click onto this post to be flattered. But to be encouraged!
LISTEN
If you think living out on the street, hotel, or luxury home by what you’ve become in this life is hidden from the radar of making a difference?> Ummm… shut up!
Check this out! Hear this little story!
You and two strangers unexpectedly meet up at the street corner of ‘under’ and ‘pressure’. You all three awkwardly look at one another like, “why are we here?”, and begin to dialogue. After you get through the same old routine of “Hi! Hi! Hi!”, the conversation turns to what?
I love thunderstorms! I hear its sound and see its magnificence approaching through the window and must leave my typing to go outside and experience it… I appreciate how a thunderstorm displays the majesty of God. Not that I woke up to, but it’s a pleasant feeling when waking up to a subtle thunder and flashes of lightning, grace filled rain fall. …Awww… think of the smell of rain, love that smell!
During work at (T4P) this morning I’ve come to realize my project on ‘The Temptation‘ is taking much more time than I’d like to commit to, honestly, but the spiritual journey due to the commitment is so very rewarding.
The proverbs ring true at this insight, I’ve committed my work to the Lord and plan to have published work for my readers to read this morning. Imagine coffee in hand, bible at my side and in my heart, journal before me to record this process, and finally, ear buds in my ears to hear scripture rapped by Shai Linne.
There is a divine experience when the work of the Heavenly Kingdom is in the work of my fingers to type each word signifying the gospel manifest in the saving work of the Holy Spirit in my life to hope for my readers salvation in Christ. That is the spiritual insight of this post—that the word of the Kingdom of God is evident in this work of my commitment to Jesus Christ, and the work is also available to you.
How do you use your time to commit to Jesus Christ?
I would genuinely like to know how you apply that proverb in your life. You can tell me in a comment or maybe I’ll watch and read about it sometime somewhere, Lord willing.
I’m deeply encouraged by my bothers and sisters in Christ (in my life personally) already applying this principle to their life. It’s so AWESOME!
I so strongly desire to spend time with many of my fellow brothers and sisters in the faith while struggle in that same desire by the cost of time; it’s possible I’ve failed to communicate my priorities to several of my friends that desire time, there is no excuse but to continue in my work of the cross by this (T4P) site.
But I pray that any friend reading the above paragraph does not think that all my time goes into isolating myself behind a screen to do this work. It’s doesn’t. Let me explain. I’ve committed myself to a select few in life under the stewardship of Watermark Community Church to help govern my life in the counsel of scripture by God through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit.
I’m on active mission with these select few in honor of the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ to cultivate the birth of salvation in those lost by our world of sin, yet hopefully found by the hearts behind this site pointing to His MERCY, GRACE, and FORGIVENESS.
The sacrifice is real!
I think the most difficult aspect of my faith is navigating time with my fellow believers appropriately. But not only them.
Biological family is also demanding when it comes to desired time spent, not a bad thing, it’s only natural because of endearment. But here come why it’s difficult.
Expectations!
I expect, you expect, they expect, we all expect! Expectations have such potential to cause unnecessary consequence, pain and hurt due to the sin of idolatry. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Lord willing… We’ll have eternity together! I love you!
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the Lord weighs the motives. Proverbs 16 Have you ever woke up feeling… weird? Like… spiritually weird? I did, and can’t figure out why, or what is going on. SO! Thought it appropriate to write about and see what we find out. At first I … Continue reading Spiritual Insight | #16→
4 The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. Proverbs 16 Do your motives reveal Jesus Christ? To continue from my insight #16. The elements that make up our reality communicate options to possibilities. They also communicate our limitations. But what do the motives of our conclusions … Continue reading Spiritual Insight | #17→
I know this is a tough topic. There are a lot of emotions tied up in this subject. Some of us likely have gay friends or family. Some of us may even identify as LBGTQIAP ourselves.
Before we go any further I have to tell you something very important. God loves everyone. He loves the Lesbian the same as he loves the straight dude the same as he loves the asian little person. These labels are ours, not His. He loves you for you just as you are.
Also there are people who can do this message so much better than me. Check out this talk by Jonathan Pokluda or this one by David Marvin.
My Answer
I decided to breakdown this question in order to get a more unbiased look at it. As a result my two new questions will put the spotlight on all people not conforming to the standard of the bible, in other words… everyone.
This is tough so I’m going to start with a prayer.
Father, let the words that I’m typing be true and if they are not true would you encourage the readers to overlook them or to challenge me with scripture so that I may be sharpened in my understanding of you. Please help our defenses to go down and let your word cut its way into our life. Help me to yield Your Word with grace and mercy and please forgive me where/if I have misused it. I need you! Amen
A Breakdown
The question ‘can someone embrace homosexuality and still be saved’ can be split into two more generalized questions: 1) What does it take to be saved? 2) Can someone embracing sin still be saved?
What Does It Take To Be Saved?
There are several scriptures that lay out what is required in order to be saved. John 3:16 is world famous, but the another good verse is Romans 10:9 NIV: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
You might ask, “don’t you need to repent and be saved?”
The interesting part about these verses is the absence of the term repentance. However, when we study the book of Acts particularly focusing on the narratives regarding people coming to salvation we start to notice a trend. Acts 2:38, 3:19, 11:18, 17:30; 20:21; 26:20. Do you see it? Where there was salvation there was repentance!
Therefore, I have come to conclusion that salvation and repentance are two side of the same coin. In order to get salvation you must have repentance. Thus, one is saved when they declare Jesus as Lord and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead and as a result of that salvation we should see some level, even a tiny amount, of repentances as evidence of one’s new faith.
Can Someone Embracing Sin Still Be Saved?
To embrace an idea is to believe something is true or make the concept one with us. For example, if we say Bryan has really embraced vulnerability we would mean that Bryan has taken the concept of vulnerability and applied it to his life. If Bryan did this well we would be able to say, “Bryan is a vulnerable person.” The embraced concept becomes a part of who he is, so to embrace sin is to make it part of our identity.
As stated at the beginning of this post I wanted to remove the focus on homosexuality and focus on how this question affects all people. When we generalize the original question we can turn it into a fill in the blank.
Can someone embracing (___INSERT SIN___) still be saved?
We need to really think about this question. How does this apply to us? Can I really keep embracing my disrespectful attitude toward my boss and still be saved? Can I continue pursuing these lustful fantasies and still be saved? Your questions could also look like the following?
Can someone embrace gossiping and still be saved?
Can someone embrace stealing time at work and still be saved?
Can someone embrace sex before marriage and still be saved?
Can someone embrace homosexuality and still be saved?
Can someone embrace coveting others possessions and still be saved?
However, if one can be ignorant to God’s teaching then maybe they can be saved while embracing their sin. However, I have deep concern for anyone’s salvation who knows they are sinning and chooses to keep sinning anyways. That reaction to Jesus seems like the response of a person who is choosing a life of what they want rather than surrendering to God’s wants for their life. In essence they believe in God, but they declare themselves as Lord.
John 3:16, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9 – If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
What about repentance?
Whenever I was looking through Acts on how people got saved I saw a trend – where there was salvation there was often repentance. Acts 2:38, 3:19, 11:18, 17:30; 20:21; 26:20.
We also see that bible warns against unrepentance and the result of unrepentance. It also says that we are suppose to cut sin from our lives. Romans 6:1,12,15; 8:2; 1 Corinthians 6:18, 15:32; 2 Corinthians 12:21; 1 Timothy 3:20; Hebrews 10:26, 12:4
Considering a and b together I have come to the conclusion that salvation and repentance are two sides of the same coin. In order to get salvation you must have repentance.
Therefore one is saved when they declare Jesus as Lord and believe in their heart that God raised him from the dead and as a result of that salvation we should see some level, even a tiny amount, of repentance as evidence of their new faith.
Can someone embrace sin and still be saved?
I have now generalized the question so that we can apply this to everyone. So the new question might read as such
Can someone embrace gossiping and still be saved?
Can someone embrace stealing time at work and still be saved?
Can someone embrace sex before marriage and still be saved?
Can someone embrace coveting others possessions and still be saved?
Can someone embrace homosexuality and still be saved?
Can someone embrace _____sin______ and still be saved?
I’m not including addictions on this list on purpose because at the point when someone is addicted I don’t know if that person is capable of choosing what is right and what is wrong.
To embrace an idea is to believe something is true or to make the concept one with us (for example if we were to say Bryan has really embraced vulnerability, we would mean that Bryan has taken the concept of vulnerability and applied it to his life so that one could easily say, “Bryan is such a vulnerable person” – the embraced concept becomes a part of who he is) so to embrace sin is to make it part of our identity.
When we believe in Jesus resurrection from the dead and declare Him as Lord we are instantly saved. We are made completely new in the eyes of God, but we still have many if not all of our flaws. We don’t just stop sinning the moment we are saved. We are continually convicted and shown our old and new sin in a process of sanctification. We are saved, but we continue to sin through moments of weakness/ignorance/disobedience. We live our lives and then when we are confronted with our sin we confess it (sometimes over and over again) and find healing. We should not see our sin, justify its existence, then accept it as who we are. When we embrace sin we are declaring our desires as Lord rather than Jesus. However, if one can be ignorant to God’s teaching then maybe they can be saved while embracing their sin. I would have deep concern for someone’s salvation if they know they are sinning and choose to sin anyways. That response to Jesus seems like the response of a person who is choosing a life of what they want rather than surrendering to God. In essence they believe in God but they declare themselves as Lord.
