4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. 5 It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, 6 it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 it [b]keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails I Corinthians 13
Back in 2016, I wrote a series on love. In the midst of that, I wrote this post. But as I was reading I Corinthians 13, I remembered this poem. This time it took on even a deeper meaning as I tried to navigate the explosive mine fields of I Corinthians 13. That morning her question was, are you dead? Then today I realized that when it comes to loving like Jesus loves, my heart has areas of scars reminding me that I was dead. Spiritually dead, until Jesus reached forth and awakened my heart to see His Glory, Love and Grace. Only through Jesus Christ am I made alive. My heart is being sanctified and transformed every day.
Perhaps today we can just take a moment to look within our own hearts. As I pointed out, God is always at work to transform this heart of mine. The years that Mom lived under my care were at times challenging; but, oh so revealing. For a long time I remembered the hurt. I wanted to blame her for my mistakes, but the truth is she loved me with a true love. While I believed all I did was loving sacrifice; the truth was very different. And as I remember this poem today, I wonder how much of my heart was truly dead.
A Daughter’s Surprise
Twas a quarter til six
Before the sunrise
Came a tap at my door
Awoke by surprise
I pretended to snore
With sleep my disguise
She banged even louder
Then called out my name
As “Yes Mom,” I said
She then did proclaim
Quite loud “Are you dead?”
Now how do I answer?
I thought for a while
Oh what do I say
And then with a smile
I answered this way
“Yes mom, I’m dead, but
Don’t call the police
For an hour or two
Or three at the least
Until I say for you to”
She paused for a moment
“I wanted to eat
I don’t want oatmeal
Or some cream of wheat
I really do feel
I want to have eggs
And toast so you see
You need to get up
And cook them for me
With maybe a cup
Of fresh coffee to drink”
That really is what I
Would like! I think?
She said with a sigh
Oh what can I do!
So needless to say
There would be no hope
To sleep in today
Although I could MOPE!
I tried then to smile
As her breakfast I cooked
She stared rather cold
Then declared as she looked,
“Oh, My You are old!”
After breakfast, please can
You go to the store
My diapers are low
And I really need more
Two hundred or so
I must not run out
I use ten every day
Down to five hundred
Well there is no way!!
Such worry and dread!”
As she wrung her hands,
“Oh, me oh my, dear
What should I now do?
This worry and fear
My mind all askew”
“Where was I? Oh Yeah!”
“Then when you get back
My Laundry needs done
But please leave my lunch
With a sweet roll or bun
I love you a bunch”
“Thank you for breakfast
It really was nice
For dinner perhaps
Some chicken and rice
For snack then some wraps”
“Oh, my now I’m tired
I must go to sleep”
And off mom did go
To sound slumber deep
The sun now aglow
I went to get dressed
And to my surprise
There in the mirror
I saw my mom’s eyes
Then it was clearer
That she had been right
I am getting old
The thought did occur
As life does unfold
One day I’ll be her
So today I must laugh
Today I will sing
And dance through this day
As though it were spring
No time to delay
I pray Holy Spirit, there’s
No time to waste
No time to be sad
Or bitterness taste
No time to be mad
The time doth fly by
So please God I need
Your heart of love
For this I do plead
Your hope from above
Renew my heart
Take all that is dead
In my spirit today
Take all that I dread
And show me Your way
Only You have the Power
To Transform my heart
To look like my King
Each day a new start
To Your Love I’ll cling
Effie Darlene Barba
To Love Like Jesus Loves
When we really read I Corinthians 13, we realize how far from love our hearts really are.
4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. 5 It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, 6 it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails
Yet, every day I fail. I lose my patience, act unkind. So often concerned about me that pride and arrogance push way to jealousy. Do I seek the gain of others over me? Or do I hold that grudge forever for the wrongs I have suffered? Do I ever wish bad for another? Could I say I only rejoice in truth, casting aside all entertainment that may dabble in unrighteousness? How am I at keeping secrets? Do I always believe in the good within others? Hoping for their success and enduring hardship so they might shine? Can I say my love never fails? No! Indeed how often I failed Mom and now as time goes by, I realize how much I am her. She always loved me so unconditionally and unselfishly. How did I not see it then, as I do now.
But there is Hope, One Day I Will Love Like Jesus Loves
For you see this is His promise to us. He will transform our hearts, one glory by glory through the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Of all the things I desire of heaven, I must say first it is to see Him. And second, it is to know my heart is finally transformed and I will know how to love like Jesus loves. To be fully transformed to be like Him. That will be the greatest gift. Then I can tell Mom how much I really love her like Jesus loves her.
9 For we know in part and prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away with. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20: 24 (NASB)
As we live life in this broken world awaiting our Saviors return, how do we effectively spread the joyous gospel message with a heart wide open? Our hearts break with the sorrows of this world. Trials press in from every side. Sometimes our hearts crush with the weight of this world. So much useless pain, sorrow, and suffering. Humanity seeking everything that is not God plunging the world farther away from any hope of true peace or joy. We who know him, are looking and longing for His return. Our hearts break as we watch evil appearing to win. At times it looks so hopeless. Were it not for the faith He so freely gives us, we would fall in despair.
Yet, as we study His word, we are shown His steadfast love and faithfulness. So many prophecies have been fulfilled. We can trust in His Sovereignty and Power to finish all He has planned. Furthermore, we see the life of Christ. His love reached out with humility. So much so, He willingly paid the full price for our salvation.
Then there are the miracles within our own lives, when He has reached out to us in our darkest hours, so we might see His providential hand cradling and protecting us. Sermons, friends, and songs touch us, enwrapping us at just the right moment or hour. Magically, He holds us up in His loving arms. He loves us so much that He would never leave us here one moment more, except He has a purpose yet to fulfill in our lives. Preparing us for an eternity of overwhelming joy, we are being sanctified. Also, He shares bits of His Glory in us each time He allows us to share the gospel with someone in need of Him.
Spread the Joyous Gospel with Heart Wide Open
So, in a world with so much sorrow and heartaches, how do we with heart wide open still proclaim and spread the Joyous Gospel? Will they not think we are hypocrites? We proclaim the good news, covered with battle scars and tear-stained faces. Will they believe us? Paul the Apostle shows us how to speak truth with a heart wide open, honestly, and passionately telling our story. Is that not also the example first given to us by our precious Savior?
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; 7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are partners in our sufferings, so also you are in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7 NASB
We learn through affliction how to minister to others who are afflicted. It is amid the sorrows we learn to trust and lean into the arms of Jesus. Then we can tell others of our wondrous hope because of Him. Ours is not a frivolous joy, but rather an abiding and steadfast joy that carries us through the darkest hours. Steady as we go, pressing forward and trusting in Him.
2 Corinthians, Paul’s letter with Heart Wide Open
Throughout this letter to the Corinthian church, Paul writes with his heart wide open. He recalls the previous letter. In I Corinthians he told them to stop allowing and applauding open sin within the church. Which is true. We cannot applaud sin in our midst. Never are we called to compromise the truth or to water down the Christian life. Neither, however, are we to continue with unforgiveness either. Apparently, the one that was expelled from the church repented, left his sin, and was now overwhelmed with sorrow. He felt all alone. Therefore, Paul writes this:
2 Corinthians 2: 3-11 (NKJV).
3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. 6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. 10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Heart Wide Open—Humility
Paul reminded us here that we all have sinned. Jesus forgave us. When we fail to forgive others, we are in danger of pride. After all, I would never do that? Whatever that is. And there Satan takes what began as righteous becomes consuming to our own heart.
14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 17 For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 2: 14-17 (NASB)
But you, like I may say, how do I do that? It is the vicious cycle we so easily fall into.
4 Such is the confidence we have toward God through Christ. 5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves so as to consider anything as having come from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, 6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 2: 4-6 (NASB).
Heart Wide Open—because the veil is pulled back by Christ
When Moses went before God, he returned with a veil over his face. The Glory from God’s presence was so bright that the people could not look up Moses’ face. Many still cannot see God. They remain blinded to the truth with the veil obscuring God’s glory.
16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NASB).
Glory to glory, tiny glories to tiny glories we are being transformed in the image of Jesus Christ. How amazing is that? I, who have nothing of my own to give, am being changed little by little. But what about all those around us that hurt us?
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart…. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4: 1,3-6 (NKJV)
Clay Vessels Filled with God’s Glory by Grace
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 2 Corinthians 4 (NKJV).
The power to spread the joyous Gospel with heart wide open is given to us by Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. Clay pots break easily. Yet through those broken spots light shines forth from the light within.
It is through the broken cracks that the Glory of God may shine forth to a world in need of hope.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4 (NKJV).
Ambassadors of Christ with Heart Wide Open
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5 (NKJV)
It is best to always be with a heart wide open, quick to stand for Christ and quick to forgive. In sorrow, we grow. When I accept the truth, sometimes that is painful. Yet, it leads to edification or growth in Christ. I do not always want to hear the truth. But it is the truth I need always. The same is true that we sometimes must speak the truth in love.
8 For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it—for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while— 9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. 10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7 (NASB).
Be encouraged by this.
Heart Wide Open Strengthened by God Himself who Provides our Weapons
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10 (NKJV)
It is God Himself who wins each battle for us. He casts down every argument against us and ascertains that we will grow in our knowledge of Him. Only He can bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. As we gaze upon Him, He transforms us into the likeness of Jesus. However dimly we see Him now, the veil is pulled back so that we might see Him clearer each day. And one day, I will see Him face to face.
Until then, I must not fall back in fear of what anyone will think, but boldly with heart wide open I proclaim the Joyous Gospel to all who will listen. Though that may mean they see all my blemishes, I must proclaim Him as the only hope, joy, peace and means of salvation.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth II Timothy 2:15
No where in scripture is the gospel message more clearly outlined than in the letter Paul wrote to the church in Rome. It was Paul’s desire to go to Rome. The church in Rome began after the preaching on the day of Pentecost, where Roman Jews were also present in Jerusalem. They heard the gospel message preached by Peter and had accepted Christ as Savior. However, they did not have a lot of training thereafter. Hence, they had blended some ideas of legalism, misconceptions regarding the Jewish nation, and other rituals. For that reason, Paul wrote to them the greatest exegesis of the gospel message found in scripture. Exegesis means a critical or rather detailed explanation of an idea or text.
Paul breaks it down into 4 major categories. The Righteous Wrath of God is outlined in Romans 1 through 3:20. This is followed by displaying the Grace of God from Romans 3:21 through chapter 8. Romans 9-11 are about the Sovereign Plan of God. And finally, the book of Romans ends with an exquisite exegesis concerning the Will of God.
The Greatest Exegesis of the Gospel Message Led to the Reformation Movement
It was the book of Romans that lead to Martin Luther leading the reformation movement. As a very devout German monk, he felt that he could never measure up to obtaining perfect righteousness on his own doing. He did everything and even spent hours in confession for every thought that entered his head. Indeed, he was miserable and depressed because of this. He spent hours studying his Bible. He went to Rome to seek guidance but found they had created another round of “indulgences” whereby people could purchase their way to heaven. Then one day as he read Romans, he suddenly really read this:
; 20 because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.
Justification by Faith
21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in God’s merciful restraint He let the sins previously committed go unpunished; 26 for the demonstration, that is, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Where then is boasting? It has been excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.
The Greatest Exegesis of the Gospel
This was the answer! Saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Our righteousness is not our own, but His. He imputes to us His righteousness, purchased by Him at the cross. Jesus Christ pays the price for us so that all who believe might be saved from the chains of sin. Purchased to never be enslaved again. God can justly justify us because the penalty was paid. The word propitiation is the same word used in the Old Testament to refer to the lid of the Ark of the Covenant where the blood was poured upon. The blood of Christ was poured out for us so that we might be declared righteous.
Chapters 1 to 3:20 spoke of a world that justly deserved only God’s wrath; but now, through grace we are saved. Martin Luther for the first time believed that Jesus Christ was the only way of salvation. That changed everything for him. He then began to stand up to the religious order of his day and proclaimed their heresies at risk of being himself killed.
The book of Romans so majestically declares the details of the gospel. Paul even raising and answering the objections which might be brought against his words. This was a style of writing that also helped to make this the greatest exegesis of the Gospel Message. It is one of the greatest expositions to guide us along the way.
Grace Explained
From 3:21 through to the end of chapter 8, Paul tells us of both the grace which saves us, and the Holy Spirits work in Sanctification. We are immediately declared as Saints in Christ, but at the same time we are being sanctified every day. One day our outside will look like the new creature we are in Christ. My heart will love like His and I will understand it all.
The Greatest Exegesis of Security in Salvation
In the 8th Chapter of Romans, the Holy Spirit is mentioned 15 times. He is the one to secure us, indwell us, transform us, and strengthen us. Also, He intervenes for us when we do not know what to pray. Pretty amazing!
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4 (NKJV)
So, what if I cannot walk according to the Spirit? Am I doomed? But that is the beauty of our Savior, we cannot, so He does.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:9-11
Our Hope in Him
For our hope is found in nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. (written by Edward Mote)
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8 (NKJV)
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession [g]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (NKJV)
The Greatest Exegesis of Our Security of Sanctification
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8 (NKJV)
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ….37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Greatest Exegesis of the Plan of God
Paul then in the next three chapters details how the plan of God allowed for the rejection by the Jews of His son without destroying His plan for them. It merely has allowed a time for the Gentiles to be brought in and grafted into the vine. We have not taken the place of the Jews—they remain His chosen nation and one day He will complete all His promises to them as well. That will be during the millennial reign of Christ. That will be at the end of the completion of the 70 weeks of years Daniel wrote of that are necessary “to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.” Daniel 9:24.
Paul further describes how the failures of the Jewish nation opened to doors for the Gentile nation and the current church age. But we did not replace the Jews. We are the bride of Christ—they remain God the Father’s chosen nation to whom He made a covenant long ago with Abraham and He will complete that covenant.
He ends this section with:
33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?” 35 “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?”
36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11 (NKJV)
The Greatest Exegesis of the Will of God for our lives
The remainder of the book of Romans is an explanation of what is the will of God for our lives.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12 (NKJV)
He then goes on to say:
Serve God with Your Spiritual Gifts
Let Your Behavior Reflect Who You Are as a Christian (Do not be a hypocrite)
Submit to the Government by Obeying the Laws
Love Your Neighbor
Be an Example of Christ to the World
Be Kind and empathetic to each other- not offending those who are weaker in the faith
Love One another
Glorify God Together
Then it was years later, God gave Paul the chance to go to Rome. Albeit when he went it was because the Jews had accused him and wanted him killed. He appealed to Cesar and went via a boat which shipwrecked, got bitten by a snake, and went to Rome as a prisoner. There he was later beheaded by the Roman Government under Nero—it is believed.
Paul before setting out on this journey had said:
22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20
Oh that we too would have that mindset.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
You (Lord) hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5 (ESV)
Abduction means to be seized and carried away by force. So often in the Christian circles we are told Satan and his demons draw us away from the faith. Like a demon abduction, we are forced away. Many churches try to go this route, like “the devil made me do it.” We often put so much emphasis on Satan luring us away, we never deal with the heart of the problem. Willingly, we choose to follow the course of this world and the desires of our own flesh. We are hedged in from all sides while on this earth. Our desires by nature are not to follow God. We are caught up in pride, self-indulgence, self-pity and doing everything “my way.” It is seen in the heart of every baby and child, me-me-me and only me.
Unfortunately, despite clever cover ups and shrouds of humility, pride rears its ugly head as sin enemy number 1. Our sin nature cannot change without a heart transplant. We need a transformation from a Master Surgeon. And that kind of transformation of the heart can only come from Jesus Christ. But how do we then live the Christian life when surrounded by so much evil both outside and within us. Jesus has washed us with His Blood to pay the price for our sin. He clothed us in His righteousness. Furthermore, He gave us the Holy Spirit to assist and guide us. Jesus declared He has never lost and will never lose even one of those given to Him by the Father.
Never Forget This Truth
We, who know Him as Lord and Savior were chosen before the creation of the world. Chosen to be a love gift to the Son from the Father. Purchased by the blood of the Son out of Love. And sealed by the Holy Spirit for eternity. The perfect Triune God has eternally dwelt in a perfect relationship of love-Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is why it is so unimaginable yet beautiful that the Son went to the cross. There for a moment in time He was separated from that love while enduring the wrath that we deserved.
Beware of Demon Abduction in our midst.
1 Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Jude (NASB)
Before we go further, I want to point out Jude was Jesus’ half-brother. However, humbled by his own humanity did not say that. Instead, now he considered Jesus to be Lord and Savior of him. He referred to himself as a bondservant to Jesus Christ. Then, notice to whom he addressed his letter. To those who are called (the work of the Spirit), beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ.
But then comes the warning in Jude:
3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation. I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed. Those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation. Ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into indecent behavior and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude
Some might think this more of a demon abduction; because it is disguised as religion and creeps into our midst. That is what surrounds us today. Demon possession with all the violence may still exist. But, if so, today it can only be dealt with by the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the only hope that men and women can be pulled from demon possession is by prayer and preaching. Jesus could cast out demons. He gave that power to the apostles. Today, it is the Holy Spirit who can convict and open the eyes of the blind. We can preach the uncompromising gospel. We can pray. Then only those whose eyes are opened can be pulled from demon possession. They are also unchained from their own fleshly desires of sin. Demon abduction is then impossible once the Holy Spirit indwells them as true believers of Christ.
Paul Warned the Church of Galatia
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, 7 which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! Galatians 1
Pride was a big part of the false doctrines in Galatia as they taught that works were a part of salvation. Although work should be the fruit of salvation, it is not by our own efforts that this can be accomplished. Only through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit working in us can we accomplish any righteousness; all the glory can only go to Him.
Everywhere that the gospel was taught, there was infiltration of false doctrine. There were those who persecuted Paul and the true believers. They drove him out of Thessalonica. Yet, in the brief time he was there he had laid the foundation not only of the truth of salvation, but also of the kingdom of God. It is in knowing the truth that we have hope.
DEMON Possession and Exorcism
While Jesus walked on the earth, He cast out demons. This power, He also gave to His apostles. The gospel message was not yet spread and written. Therefore, these kinds of miracles were necessary to demonstrate to a skeptical world that Jesus was truly the long-awaited Messiah. The power to was part of the apostle’s ministry on earth. Of course, there were those who wanted to gain a profit by imitating the apostles.
11 God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them, and the evil spirits went out. 13 But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to use the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had the evil spirits, saying, “I order you in the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches!” 14 Now there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, doing this. 15 But the evil spirit responded and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know of Paul, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit, pounced on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. ACTS 19 (NASB)
But God Used It to Spread the Gospel
17 This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified. 18 Also many of those who had believed kept coming, confessing, and disclosing their practices. 19 And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone; and they added up the prices of the books and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord was growing and prevailing mightily. ACTS 19 (NASB)
So, I am not certain how I believe concerning demon possession in our time; however, I do know that they cannot possess a believer because we have the Holy Spirit in us. He is the restrainer of this age. The only one with the power of exorcism is Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit can call someone out of darkness into a saving knowledge of Christ. So, our place in exorcism is just to proclaim the truth of the gospel everywhere we go. But what about us? Can a demon abduction occur? No, as our first verse said, “we are hemmed in on every side” by God. The demons bowed at the feet of Jesus, frightened of being cast into the pit where some demons already reside since the time of Noah.
So, Is It Always Demon Abduction When Humanity Fails?
Absolutely not. Look at these verses in Ephesians (NASB)
And you were dead in your offenses and sins, 2 in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the rest.
What were you? DEAD. Not just sick, not partially dead, not drowning and going down for the last count. You were dead. Because of the course of this world, your own lusts, and desires of the flesh. What changed that? But God!
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
So where are we seated? Already seated and why?
7 so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2 (NASB)
What are we made for?
What are we to do?
17 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Jude (NASB)
Furthermore, We Have Our Armor to Protect Against any Demon Abduction
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints, 19 and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6
Beyond all that remember:
37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8 (NASB)
24 Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude (NASB)
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:33-34. (KJV)
Jesus taught a lot about the Kingdom of God. They highly anticipated this occurring in their lifetime. After all, they have seen Jesus. They saw Him heal the lame, raise the dead, teach righteousness, and they believed the Kingdom of God was imminent. They had heard of this their whole life from the Old Testament Prophets. The Kingdom was referred to from the beginning and alluded to throughout history. This was true from the moment God told the serpent, the seed of the woman would crush His head. It has weaved its way through the days of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and every generation as time marched on.
Furthermore, the Kingdom was spoken of in 2 Samuel 7, Psalm 2, Isaiah 2, 11, 30, 35, and 65. Also in Jeremiah 23, 31, and 33; Ezekiel 34 and 40-48. Plus the Kingdom of God is mentioned in Daniel 2 and 7. As well as in Hosea 3, Joel 3, Zephaniah 3, and Zechariah 14. That is only to mention a few.
This mystery they did not understand. Jesus, born of a virgin, would die to pay the penalty for our sin. Then He would be raised again, conquering death. Without this there was no redemption for sin. Although, this was also all foretold in scripture. But they did not want to hear that.
Jesus Taught Often and Much About the Kingdom of God
He taught them of the Kingdom of God in many parables in Matthew 13. Also, He taught them to pray, “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done.” I want to dissect these a little here in this section. When Jesus spoke in a parable about the Sower and the seeds, the apostles asked Him why did He spoke in parables? He Answered,
“To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. 12 For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,
‘You shall keep on listening, but shall not understand; And you shall keep on looking, but shall not perceive; 15 For the heart of this people has become dull, With their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their heart, and return, And I would heal them.’
16 But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
Matthew 13 (NASB)
Their hearts were dulled. They did not want to truly hear or see. Their only desire was to experience miracles and gain the comforts of life. They desired the gifts, not the giver of gifts.
The Parable of the Sower Explained
18 “Listen then to the parable of the Sower. 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one sown with seed beside the road. 20 The one sown with seed on the rocky places, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution occurs because of the word, immediately he falls away.
22 And the one sown with seed among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word, and the anxiety of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23 But the one sown with seed on the good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces Matthew 13 (NASB)
Through this Jesus was already telling his disciples, their labor of spreading the word would be hard. There would be many obstacles and they must not be discharged if it appears the harvest is few.
Parable of the Wheat as It Pertains to the Kingdom of God
24 Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and left. 26 And when the wheat sprouted and produced grain, then the weeds also became evident. 27 And the slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’
28 And he said to them, an enemy has done this!’ The slaves *said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he *said, ‘No; while you are gathering up the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and at the time of the harvest, I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” Matthew 13
Jesus Explains:
36 Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 And He said, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 38 and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the weeds are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.
40 So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, 42 and they will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The one who has ears, let him hear. Matthew 13 (NASB)
When the shoots are little, it is hard to distinguish the wheat from the weeds. They sometimes look the same. That is true of our churches today. The chaff hidden among the true wheat.
Further Parables Regarding the Kingdom of God
The Mustard Seed
31 He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a person took and sowed in his field; 32 and this is smaller than all the other seeds, but when it is fully grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13
One might say “Wow, a seed of truth grows into a magnificent tree.” We misinterpret this as the church spreading good everywhere. After all the first Universities and Hospitals came because of Christian influence. Also, the abolishment of slavery began among the Christians. Then the emancipation spread both in England and the United States. Much good has come from the followers of Jesus and the church He established. But note the warning hidden as well. Birds were considered unclean. Scripture spoke of the birds snatching away the seeds. Therefore, as the church grows, there will be evil influences also that light within her branches.
The same would be true of the leaven. The same would be true of the leaven. Elsewhere in scripture refers to an evil influence. It could slip in and destroy.
The Leaven
33 He spoke another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three Sata of flour until it was all leavened.” Matthew 13
Then in Matthew 19: Jesus Speaks of the Kingdom of God
When speaking of the rich, young ruler came to Jesus asking how to be saved. He had done all the law requires. Or so he thought. But Jesus saw his heart and knew that his wealth was of greater importance than God. Therefore, he had failed to keep the first commandment—to love the Lord Your God above everything else. When he had gone away Jesus commented that it is harder for a rich man to be saved than a camel going through the eye of a needle.
When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?” 26 And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19 (NASB)
27 Then Peter responded and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” 28 And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms on account of My name, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last; and the last, first. Matthew 19 (NASB)
The Kingdom of God on Earth
Did you get that? They did. “The regeneration when the son of Man sits on his throne of glory.” The Kingdom of God on earth will be during the millennial reign of Christ. The apostles all understood that.
To Clear up One Confusing Point
Jesus at one point did say to the Pharisees, the Kingdom of God is in your midst. Here and now. Or some even translated these Greek words as in you—but that is not accurate. The truth is the while Jesus was on earth, to that degree it was already in their midst. He was healing the sick, enacting justice and righteousness—albeit to a smaller degree as to when He takes His throne.
20 Now He was questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, and He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs that can be observed; 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17: (NASB).
Empowered to Do Kingdom Work—until the Kingdom of God Arrives
Now that I have finished the introduction, let us jump into the lesson for today.
1 The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. 3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of things regarding the kingdom of God. 4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6 So, when they had come together, they began asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 But He said to them, “It is not for you to know periods of time or appointed times which the Father has set by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.”
We Are to Tell Everyone of the Kingdom of God
Not only are we to tell everyone of the Kingdom of God, but we are also to live a life reflecting the glimpses of Glory we have been given. We are for the moment dual citizens who have not yet seen our true home. Born in a foreign land, anticipating and longing to go to our home. We are given glimpses of that home. As to our security it is as though we are there. The Holy Spirit indwells us, guiding us always forward.
Since Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us within His Father’s house, we are to be the beacon of light into this darkened world. Our task is to show the world His love, His joy, and His glory that they by some slim chance might desire Him.
And we, like Paul should be able to say,
9 For you recall, brothers and sisters, our labor and hardship: it was by working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, that we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly and rightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; 11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12 so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of mere men, but as what it really is, the word of God, which also is at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers, and sisters, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 15 who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. I Thessalonians 10
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
