True Faith in God.

True faith in God. Romans 15:22-33.

For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. Romans 15:22-26 (NKJV)

Paul was a man of great desire and left to his own, Paul would have had great adventures; yet the Spirit of God kept Paul bridled so that he might be an effective servant of God. This letter Paul wrote was only to appease his desire to see Rome and the Roman Christians in person. Yet Paul's desires were hindered by God for a greater work.

Paul had a great desire to see the grand city and speak to the great philosophers and thinkers of Roman. He could see himself speaking and teaching the way of Christ. Yet his desire went further, past the city of Rome, for Paul wanted to see Spain.

We all are people of imagination and desire. As Christians, we can have many great desires to serve God; yet, God's plan for our lives might be different. There are times when God will intervene into our lives and change our plans for a greater good and this was the case for Paul. Paul would make it to Rome, yet he would be in the custody of the authorities.

Paul had extensive journeys throughout Asia Minor and in these journeys, Paul encouraged Christians and helped develop churches. In person and through his writings, Paul kept in touch with these churches and to this they were very grateful to God. So thankful were they that they took up offerings for the church in Jerusalem and each church furnished a courier to go with Paul to deliver the money. Therefore, Paul writes that he must go to Jerusalem before he comes to Rome.

It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Romans 15:27-29 (NKJV)

It was good for these churches to show their gratitude towards the church at Jerusalem. Of all churches, the Jerusalem Christians were the bigger target for persecution. Not only did they have to watch out for the Romans, they had to watch out for the Jews.

The Church at Jerusalem formed on the day of Pentecost when Peter preached the gospel of Christ and pointed his finger accusing the crowd saying, "Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you killed" and "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved."

On that day 5,000 people gave themselves to know the Lord and through miracle and ministry the church continued to grow; yet, so did the persecution.

This church had to go underground and they used a hand signal, to make the sign of the fish, indicating to each other and identify themselves as people of the way. Therefore, the trip to Jerusalem was well needed to bring money to a people that were in peril losing their businesses, fellowship, family, and their own lives.

A trip to Jerusalem was not an easy one and Paul knew that God desired not only that he bring the offering, but that he teach and preach salvation to the unsaved. Paul had no idea what would happen on the trip and therefore, labored to bathe the trip in prayer.

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Romans 15:30-33 (NKJV)

Many people do not like to pray for they fear what they might hear. There are also many who do not want to hear the direction that God has for their lives and they fear the outcome. These are selfish and they give God a back seat to their desire.

This becomes evident when visiting the children's ministries at most churches. There are plenty of children, but few workers. Yet, it is not the case that God is not calling people, only that people refuse to listen and obey.

It is shameful for people not to follow the leading of God to get involved in service. The ignorance of serving is not "Christ like" and to call yourself a Christian and not give yourself to the service of God is contrary to the very name. On this one point many will fall short of their goal of being numbered with the faithful who will see eternal life.

Yet many do not serve because they fear what will happen to them. Fear is not of God and comes from the enemy. Like Paul, when facing a situation that may bring harm, the reaction should be to pray, not avoid God and the situation.

In the 80's, a friend of mine traveled with a group to China. Their suitcases were full of Bibles to be smuggled into the country, for Bibles were a banned substance in China. He had a fear that of all the people, he would be the one to end up in a Chinese jail and before going on the trip, he prayed for God's protection.

Arriving in China, the complete group was allowed to pass through customs and seeing this, the pastor eagerly stayed close to the others. Yet with a sharp command from an armed military guard, this pastor was stopped and motioned to open his bags for the awaiting customs official.

Placing the bag up onto the counter, the latch broke open and the contents of Bibles, Christian literature, coffee, gum, candy, spilled on to the table. The pastor knew that jail was imminent and the heat was on.

Yet the guard only saw one thing, the box of chewing gum. Motioning to the box of gum, the pastor offered it to the guard who looked side to side, then motioned to the customs officer to take it and close the bag.

Once closed the armed guard looked past the pastor and continued his work. The entry into China was complete, the pastor was safe, and the goods delivered to the church of China.

Like Paul, this pastor knew the danger and went. He laid down his own life for the lives of the Chinese Christians. Through he faced troubles; he continued to go forward in God's care. Paul would not be so lucky.

In Jerusalem, Paul's preaching would cause trouble inciting a mob to attack him. The Romans would have to take Paul into custody and because of his Roman citizenship, he would be transported to Rome to undergo trial.

Paul would latter write the church at Philippi, from Rome, and mention that his imprisonment was intended by God for the furthering of the gospel. From prison Paul would continue to write churches to strengthen and encourage them. His writings would make up much of the New Testament we read.

Though he was a man of great desire, He would die a martyr in custody of Rome. This leads us to conclude that in our life, no matter the desire that we have, our dreams must be subject to God's will. Paul did not complain about the change in his plans, he accepted it and counted it as gain.

This is true faith in God.

 

 

The Price of a Pearl.

The Price of a Pearl. Romans 15:14-21.

Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:14-16 (NKJV)

The book of Romans is a masterful book containing the plan of God for the Jews, the Gentiles, and the church. Paul speaks to the subject of sin, the law, sacrifice, forgiveness, and God's goodness; the question that we must ask is, "What more do we need to turn to God with our whole heart?"

A measure of our faith is seen in our works; not that we manufacture good works, but good works should be flowing from us like a river of water. "Full of goodness," say Paul. Our lives should be full of goodness.

We can also measure our faith by our ability to deal with tough problems and tough people. Admonishing or showing someone the right way should eliminate confrontations and peace in relationships should be occurring.

One last thing that Paul says we can measure our faith with is our ability to know the scriptures delivered to us; for they were delivered not for our casual reading but that we might know the will of God.

Faith is not blind, as some would accuse. Faith is based upon promise and hope in the dealings of God with men like Paul. Our faith is not summed up in the experience of those like Paul, but the experience of letting God's word into our hearts, transforming us in to the people of God. Lastly, faith is based upon the miracle power that raised Jesus from the grave and its presence in our life bringing to us answers to prayer and supernatural acts of the love from God.

Why would a person like Paul take on the daring role of becoming a minister of the Holy God to Gentiles if there were not a good reason? The task could get him killed and the rejection by his own people would inflict much sorrow. Why would Paul give up his years of training under Gamaliel and his prestige from service to the Jews to join Christians being hunted? The answers to these questions are found in the reality that Paul had found.

Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant seeking after pearls; who after finding a pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. This salvation Paul found for Gentiles is as the pearl of great price and Paul could see the value being greater than his own accomplishments, lifestyle, health, and life. Paul sold all to buy the Kingdom of Heaven.

Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient — in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Romans 15:17-19 (NKJV)

When reading Romans or the rest of scripture, a person could have many reactions; but if it is not the reaction of Paul to sell all to have the kingdom of Heaven, then what reaction could suffice the heart of God. God gave His own son to suffer humiliation, torture, and death so that we might have life and our response measures how much we believe in His sacrifice.

For some, knowing God's sacrifice will cause them to buy a Bible, go to church on some Sundays, and pray when they eat, but that is it. Because of their attitude towards this, they produce a measure of little faith.

Then again, there are those who knowing the sacrifice of God, will do a little more. They will get involved in church events and listen to Christian music, tithe some of their money and associate in Christians groups. Because of their belief, they will create a Christian environment in hopes that one day they will join the larger Christian environment in heaven.

Though we would never turn away people like these we have mentioned, God will be the final judge and on that day, when He separates the sheep from the goats, their response will be measured. Which draws us to ask, why would Jesus tell the story of the pearl of great price if there was not a measurement of our faith?

And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation, but as it is written: "To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand." Romans 15:20-21 (NKJV)

There is so much that God intends us to understand, that to live a nominal Christian life might not measure up to the standards God has set for men. God did not stop at a sacrifice of His son; God intervened into the lives of many individuals to produce written experiences that we can learn from.

These experienced pain, suffering, poverty, wrath, persecution, as God gathered their stories into a book that can be found in every city around the world. We can read the depths of their pain and the height of their glories, finding truths about God that can mold us to be men and women of God with great impact in our community and the world.

It was this that motivated Paul and clearly he explains his reasons to us in this book of Romans. Yet, it will do us no good unless we study to understand the magnitude of the truth assembled here. Yet, it is only one book of many that God has assembled for us.

To close we must ask, if God would go through such great lengths to bring to us these scriptures, how great is the price of the pearl and will the measure of our faith be enough to purchase it? We have been given so much that we must consider that much is expected from us.

Tolerance Quiz.

Tolerance Quiz. Romans 15:7-14.

Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. Romans 15:7 (NKJV)

Tolerance is probably the number one problem we face as people. From the early ages of childhood, the opinions we form about people are shaped and therefore as adults, our attitudes become deeply ingrained. This feature of our personalities is a deficit that we must work on and is a direction that God eagerly wants us to pursue to be more like Him. Tolerance is a first step in being holy.

It is easy to be on the other end of tolerance, longing for acceptance; however, even those who long to be accepted have trouble accepting others. No one knew this better than Paul; he struggled on every side.

Paul, who original name was Saul, was a very troublesome guy for Christians. Luke describes Saul's person in the Acts of the Apostles as being a hated criminal and feared by his own people. Saul loathed Christians and was able to manipulate fellow Jews to pursue Christians and even kill them.

His craftiness was so that, at his consent, others would do the dirty work as Saul looked on. In Acts chapter eight, we are told that a "great persecution" was happening and had spread throughout Judea and Samaria and as for Saul, he was spearheading the movement, entering homes and condemning people, bringing convictions and imprisonment. Saul had no tolerance for Christians; he thought that the only good Christians were dead Christians.

Saul struggled with tolerance on two different levels; he was a proud Jew and to gain acceptance from his peers, he felt he had to study harder, work harder, and do those things that promoted his authority.

Saul was a climber, a man pleaser, and eagerly looked to be an authority figure. He wanted to be accepted so bad that he was consumed with his work. Though he wanted to be accepted, he could not extend that to others. He was self centered, arrogant, and proud.

One day, as he was delivering mail and prisoners to Jerusalem, he drew near to Damascus where the Lord appeared unto Him in a blinding light and there on that road, Saul would come to the understanding that he was fighting against God by his lack of tolerance for people.

The encounter left him blind and the words echoed in his mind as the Lord shouted "Saul, why are you persecuting me?" Being led by the hand to Damascus, Paul would sit in blindness and remorse not even taking food, for he realized that he persecuted people who God loved.

For years Saul only thought of himself; he was blind to his own sin and he treated everyone else with little to no respect. In doing so, he was exhibiting no respect towards God. Now sitting in the darkness, the years of no tolerance were ever present and Saul could feel his true self.

This encounter changed the life of Saul and after the Lord restored his sight, he was a new man and began to preach Jesus in the synagogues.

Now tolerance took on a whole new meaning for Saul. Those who he tolerated could no longer tolerate him; the Jews wanted to kill him. Then the Christians that Saul could not tolerate, had a problem accepting him also. Saul was an enemy and their trust he would now have to gain. Saul literally went from one problem to another, all because of the lack of tolerance in his life.

In our passage, Paul says we should accept others the same way God accepts us. This should be practiced daily, for in our lives there are those that we like and those we dislike. We have favorites and least favorites and we have people that we respect and those we disrespect. All in all, we are not much different from Saul and in tolerance we have room for growth.

What if God were to bring to you a vile criminal that did horrible acts, but they repented while in jail? Now they wanted your acceptance. What would you do?

Those who received Paul did so with skepticism and being there became so tough for Saul that they had to sneak him out of the city and send him to Jerusalem. How the disciples received him is recorded in Acts chapter nine so that we might be able to answer the question of what would we should do when people like Saul repent.

They brought him into their congregation with skepticism; for even Jesus said to beware of wolfs dressed in sheep's clothing.

They let him declare his testimony and then, over time, they listened to him and watched him as the days went by. Jesus taught that you should evaluate the fruit that comes from their life and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit; so Saul was monitored and the proof of his conversion evaluated.

Saul's conversion was true and he would go on to be a different man. From killer to saint, yet not over night; Saul was allowed to yield himself and prove the position of his heart.

There are many people who profess themselves Christians, but their works indicate that they do not attain to the love of God for all men. It is easy for them to love the lovable, but the unlovable is a different story.

Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: "For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name." And again he says: "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!" And again: "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!" And again, Isaiah says: "There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope." Romans 15:7-12 (NKJV)

Paul's goal in saying these things is to get the Christians Jews to accept the Christian Gentiles and for the Christians Gentiles to accept the Christian Jews. Quoting Isaiah, Paul reinforces the validity of God's acceptance of Gentiles in hopes that each will see that their acceptance of each other is a part of God's plan and worth sending His own Son to die on the cross.

The problem of tolerance is not isolated to this time that Paul spoke to and much of the church still holds prejudice against other Christians from other churches. Churches will not participate together or accept other churches because their ways are different; yet we are all one under Christ.

The questions we must ask are, "If we lack tolerance towards our own, how can we be tolerant of people repenting of great sin?" "If we cannot unite as one, how can we do the work of God to reach the world?" Lastly we must ask, "What will it take to change us; blindness?"

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NKJV)

Does he have tolerance for others? Has he truly changed his ways and can God use him to a greater work? Can he love as Christ loved us and gave his life for us? These are the questions the disciples had when observing Saul; these are the questions we should be asking about ourselves.

Thinking better about People.

Thinking better about people. Romans 15:1-7.

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1 (NKJV)

In a plea to stop the bickering, Paul cautions Christians to not stumble others with the liberties that they experience as Christians. Religious people have things that they do or do not do, in an attempt to be godly; but Christians are saved not by what they do, but by grace for believing in Jesus.

Christians have a restored relationship with God and there are no legalistic rules to follow; they only live by the conviction of the Spirit to be holy as God is holy. Therefore, Christians may do things that others might not do; yet not if it will cause another to stubble and miss an opportunity to know the Messiah Jesus.

Now even though Christians have freedom from religious rituals, they have a higher calling to live holy. Being willing to be led by the Holy Spirit, will direct a person to a righteousness that exceeds that of the religious Jew and Paul wants to ensure that Christians do not look down on non-Christians who do not act holy or should they criticize younger Christians who still feel obligated to the Jewish customs that they grew up to know God by. Paul says to bear their short comings.

The reaction to separate from other people is a characteristic of religious people. The Jew was taught to avoid unclean people and not be caught in their presence. They were to avoid things like foods that were considered unclean and like Christ told the religious leaders they cleaned the outside but inside they had treachery in their heart; a treachery that could take the life of a person who proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah.

You must remember that without the Spirit of God and a true relationship with God; all other religions are forcing lifestyles that resemble holiness, yet they have nothing to save them from sin. Because of this, you can find inconstancies that are so obvious.

Many religious groups, like the Jehovah Witnesses, claim to be the only church that follows God correctly; yet they have a history of prophesies that never came true. If judged by the Old Testament, the Watch Tower Bible and Track society is a false prophet.

In studying other religions, you find an underlying trend that they all are self centered. They look to an inner light, an inner goodness, and a center of divine nature inside of a person. They hold people in high honor; they consider religious leaders to having achieved a higher consciousness and their fame transcends generations. They erect men as their figureheads of their religion and worship the creation and not the creator.

Other religions focus on how to be a better person, how to live in harmony with nature, and how to become spiritually enlightened. Yet Christianity does none of that. As a Christian you are told that your sin has separated you from your God and the punishment for sin is death. Yet God took on himself the responsibility for our fallen nature and came, Himself, to die; to suffer the punishment that we deserved.

As Christians we know that inside our hearts there is nothing good; but when God enters and grace is received, a person will be transformed by a renewing of their mind. The external force of God enters our bodies, our minds, and our soul making us into people that will live forever.

Christianity above all other religion becomes unique in that Christ died and was raised from the dead; all other religious leaders are in their grave. To this Paul says, Christians should not look down on them for their weaknesses, their inconstancies, and their failures; but look to people as those who Christ chose to die for.

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me." Romans 15:2-3 (NKJV)

This is what Jesus taught His disciples; this is what they gleaned from His presence. Paul also wrote to the church at Philippi saying, Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)

A Christian must remember that Christ came as a servant and put up with twelve bumbling, brawling, filthy mouth fishermen that had no etiquette or social graces. He lived with them, taught them, and became a mentor with the intent of leaving the care of the church in their hands.

These men who had so many ungodly behaviors where His choice and where in God's plan. Therefore, Christians are to look on all people with hope; looking past their infirmities and labor to elevate them to know God as their Father, be filed with the Holy Spirit, and be transformed by a renewing of their mind in Christ Jesus.

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NKJV)

Now the thing to remember is that Jesus Christ never said to throw out the law, He came to fulfill the law and that Christians might fulfill the law. Therefore, the Old Testament is not to be forgotten and the teachings, prophesies, and examples are for the Christian church to digest as their own.

God did not stop an old religion and create a new religion. God continued to build a relationship with Israel that He spread to the entire population of the earth. He included Gentile nations and all of His works of old are to be remembered, taught, and contemplated when studying the newer works of God. In this, in these two testaments, there is harmony that we must use each to understand the other.

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6 (NKJV)

Do you want to be a godly person? Then forgive those who wrong you and forgive those who wrong others. Be as Jesus who said on the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

When Faith turns into Religion.

When Faith turns into Religion. Romans 14:14-23.

I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Romans 14:14 (NKJV)

The church must concentrate to not let a church experience turn into a religion. You may ask, "What is the difference between going to church and religion?" and to that this study is devoted to.

In our modern society, the word religion has morphed into a very broad term and can best be defined by saying that a religion is a set of beliefs and practices generally held by a human community, involving adherence to codified beliefs and rituals and study of ancestral or cultural traditions, writings, history, and mythology, as well as personal faith and mystic experience.

Christianity is often lumped into all religions, it was never meant to be a religion. Christianity was not to be a practice of cultural traditions, or practices of ritual; yet many have turned it in to just that. The first church never intended for their practices to become formalized and doctrines created from them. They were a group of believers who were waiting on the return of the Lord and their teachings were to seek to find a restored relationship with God, establishing a difference between religion and relationship.

Jesus taught these that God was their Father and that believers were to seek Him with their spirit and in truth. The very word Father signifies a type of relationship that children share, where children never have to earn their status by keeping rituals and rules. Children, regardless of keeping the rules or not keeping the rules, are still children and a parent's love should not be contingent on whether the child is obedient or disobedient; however, every parent wants a relationship of respect and children who willingly obey.

Paul's Christianity was interpreted as a religion right from the beginning. Judaism had become a ritualistic observance of historical scripture; an organized religion that people were accepted into if they followed the ways of Judaism in honor to the church hierarchy.

Paul had to answer the inquiries about the way Christians acted and why they did not observe customary beliefs. Christians were eating foods considered unclean to Jews and doing things that Jews were not allowed to do. The religious Jew would criticize any person getting close to Christians for they kept their distance from people they considered unclean.

In addition, Paul had to urge Christians to seek a relationship with God and not to form a religion. The Jewish converts were used to a way of life and Paul was teaching them to worship God with honor and not by doing things that earned honor, but through having a relationship.

So there was a great buzz about the lawless Christians and it was being met with the talk of self righteousness; each side accusing the others. The contention was great and at times caused trouble for Christians, so Paul thought it best to avoid confrontations completely.

Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Romans 14:15-18 (NKJV)

To the Corinthian church Paul wrote, But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 (NKJV)

What Paul never intended was for people to debate on things they could do and things they could not do; however, throughout the history of the church, many church leaders have debated what the conduct of Christians should be.

Counsels have banned activities to make the church separate from the world in an attempt to do good; yet, in their attempts they have created church divisions. Today the Christians church is divided into so many groups that on lookers question, "Who holds the truth?" Yet what Paul was trying to do is make every person responsible for their own actions and he never intended to declare church dogmas.

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14:19-23 (NKJV)

In this study, one last observation must be shared. In the mix of church leadership that debates appropriate conduct, the ones who become most offended are people who consider themselves pious Christians who look down on new generations of people.

The world is every changing and our youth is going to develop lifestyles of their own; their music will be different and they will be attracted to new technologies. Trying to fit people into a mold created by a stuffy church counsel is not mentioned in scriptures at all.

Instead of focusing on traditions, we need to teach them a relationship with God, who is holy, and let His spirit convict them of their sins. The mistake is made when people try to play to big of a role when entering leadership. A leader should model traditional values, not enforce them. A leader should teach the word as it is written and pray for others as Christ prayed for us.

We are not to be like Paul, or any other great Christians; we are to be ourselves and be a God loving Christian where God directs us.

Many great works of God were not immediately accepted by others. When the Holy Spirit told Philip to leave his job in the growing church of Jerusalem and head to the dessert for no apparent reason, Philip obeyed; yet if he were to announce his plans to others, they would not understand why he was leaving when the obvious work of God needed workers like Philip. Yet Philip had a relationship with God where He could be directed.

In our relationship with God, God will direct us personally and individually. So when dealing with others, we do not have to tell them how to be like us, God will do that as they too come close to Him. Trying to mold Christians in to Godly men by creating rules of how to live life moves a person further from relationship. Yet be careful not to stumble others as you live according to God's leading for God will defy logic and move you into places others will not go. Be assured, if you are lead by His spirit, you have received Christ indeed.

Good Friday.

Good Friday.

Why is the Friday before Easter called "Good Friday" and what does it mean to us? If we were to be truthful, what happened on the day Jesus was Crucified had only one good thing occur and that was God held back His judgment in a most terrible time.

In German, it is called "Sorrowful Friday" and of all terms used to describe the day, sorrowful is the correct one. For the events that occurred, surrounding the death of Christ, showed the depravity of people and if thinking correctly about Good Friday, people should do as James said and weep and morn their sin.

Today's Christians are taught to be happy, peppy, which is our interpretation of being a light unto the word. Light brightens and so Christian people go about their day to brighten the hopes of others in an attempt to win people to Christ.

Though Christ told us that He came that we might have abundant joy, the scriptures do not tell us that we should be joyful all the time. James writes, Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:9-10 (NKJV)

The story of Good Friday, as told in the gospels paints a picture of humankind at its worst. It is because we are double minded, weak sinners that we should at times become humble before the Lord and consider what our sin produces. When doing this, we can as James writes morn in the gloom of our sin.

If it is only one time a year, we should look deep into our hearts and expose ourselves for what we are. We are sinners and our sin sent Christ to the cross. Because we did not resist the Devil, Christ had to die. Because we acted without restraint, God had to watch His only son die on this day we call Good Friday.

Luke's account of this day tells us that though His disciples were told what would happen, they did not hear Him and the events that occurred caught them off guard; they were not ready. Luke writes, Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again." Luke 18:31-33 (NKJV)

Though it could not have been spoken any plainer these men did not give the word of God much thought. It passed them by and they acted without applying it to their life. This is a reason to morn, for at times, we too do not apply God's words to our life and because of this we become narrow minded and foolish; for this Christ had to die on this day that we call good. There is nothing good about a man or woman that does not apply God's word to their life.

Matthew tells us that just prior to being taken by the temple police, Jesus could not get His disciples to pray, instead of standing with Him in prayer, they slept only to awake to their Lord being taken captive.

Perhaps it was best that they did sleep; for when they were awake, Peter took a sword and cut off a servant of the High Priest's ear. Then later as Jesus was being tortured and tried, Peter would claim that he did not know Jesus.

This too paints a picture of humankind that is not good. We all have a tendency not to pray, but are many times caught napping and when situations occur we are not ready to handle them. We lash out in bitterness, say things we should not, and are well known for deigning the Lord. Many of us never stop to recall those times, for they are the times we are at our worst, and because we are this way, Jesus was killed on the day we call good.

On this day Jesus stood before the High Priest and was condemned to death. The greatest figure head of the church did not know the Son of God. His presence and dignity, overshadowed the Son of God and people followed by joining in the chant, "Crucify Him."

On this day we call good, let it be known that the same is happening today. Pastors are preaching and commanding respect because of the honor they project, but their heart is far from God. They want the financial gain that church administration brings, and do not recognize God's Son, who comes to them as a lowly figure, poor, rejected, and despised.

On this day Jesus stood before the legal courts and though recognized for His goodness, the governor feared men more than God. Pilate saw Jesus for who He was and knew that an innocent man was being framed.

Trying a political angle to free Jesus, the people chose Barabbas instead; this caused Pilate to wash his hands of the matter. Trying to put distance between the situation and himself, Pilate reacted like our modern day governments who try to please everyone in fear of making anyone side mad.

Because of the actions of a few, Jesus is being pushed out of the courts, out of the classrooms, an out of our civic centers. This is another reason to mourn on this day we call good.

As if the events of this day were not condemning enough, one of Jesus own people committed suicide instead of seeking forgiveness. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and in remorse hung himself on this day that we call good.

Terrible sins, that we would not expect Christians to do, happened this day. We all like to think of ourselves as good, peaceable, pleasant individuals who attend church; we do good things, and love God. Let the truth be known, our hearts are quick to sin and the confusion caused from the distance that sin brings to our relationship with God, clouds our thinking.

This is why James would have us reconsider our ways, morn, and weep for our sin. Your sin killed the savior. Each hammer stroke that connected to the head of the nails that pierced his flesh had a sound and that sound should echo through our heads; for it is the sound of our sin killing God's only son.

He was beaten because He allowed it, but beaten because we deserved it and He took our punishment. The Father held back His anger towards the sin of man, because His Son gave up his life to suffer the death that we deserved.

On this day called good, whips of leather, layered with glass, hooks, and nails, dug into his back and flesh was torn exposing bones.

On this day that we call good, He was pummeled, spit on, and called names as the demons of Lucifer's brigade flew in and out of the hearts of men, freely inciting more torture with devilish imaginations.

The same Lucifer that Eve listened to in the garden, now had the ear and control of merciless men, who would do as they were told. When men do not resist the devil, all holiness is gone and evil inspired actions can seem right. On this day called good the leaders of the faith of the Jews stood by and watched as the light of God was snuffed out, in hopes that He would never bother them again.

In anger, God could have rained fire and brimstone as did He on Sodom and Gomorrah, but He withheld His wrath and directed it towards His own son. All because this son could die in our place; for God looks at evil hearted men and sees value. Our creator sees the good that can come from our life when we lower ourselves to serve others like He served the church.

He gave His life that we might have life eternal. He became poor that we might become rich. He chose those who were alienated from God and brought them to His Father as adopted children. He shares His resources with us as heirs to the Kingdom of God. Yet on this day, that we call good; we should morn and lament, repent, and think on the things that sent Him to the cross.

Each of us has a job in the Kingdom of God and gifts that we have been given to serve the Lord and with gladness we should take those gifts, giving of ourselves as our reasonable service. Yet if we do not spend time in remorse for our sin, we can never serve God with the fervor that He desires.

Though we do not seek to change the name of "Good Friday" we must acknowledge that the only good is God and we are sinners who are worthy to suffer death; yet, because of the work of the cross, we are forgiven.

Jesus Christ came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. He came that our joy may be full and He came because He loves all men. No matter the sin they have committed, we are instructed to go to them and preach the gospel. Then once they have opened the door of their heart, we are to encourage them to baptism; for baptism is significant that we die to our sinful life as it goes into the grave to bury with Christ. And if buried with Christ, our bodies raise a new with Christ; able to resist sin and open the kingdom to others.

Does this day find you lacking as a man or woman of God? Is your relationship suffering because your sin has been glossed over? If we nonchalantly go through our day, the actions of others often become our own. The trends of society are invited to our lifestyles and though we are called to come out from them and be separate, we merge as one.

IF so, then this day is truly good for today you can set straight your relationship with God. You can come to the foot of His cross and lay your sin at His feet. It is here at the cross that you can find forgives and at the fool of the cross you will find grace.

However, at the foot of the cross the blood of Christ will drip on you and you will wear it for all to see. They will wonder why you did not distance yourself and remember that you are the one who knelt at His feet. They will reject you and persecute you as they did Him. He was despised and you will be to if you come to the cross.

Yet the good that this day becomes will be truly apparent on judgment day as people are allowed to enter the gates of heaven and those who distanced themselves from God and their own sin will find a road that leads to further distance, outer darkness, and that day, remorse is too late.

This day, Good Friday, can it be a truly good day to you?

 

 

 

 

Cultural Differences.

Cultural differences. Romans 14:6-13.

He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Romans 14:6-10 (NKJV)

What if you went to a foreign land was asked to sit at a separate table because you were male or female; would that upset you? Cultural differences exist and as Christians we must acknowledge people's differences with leniency. What some may find offensive, in other cultures it is common. Therefore, Paul introduces to the church this doctrine of leniency.

Looking at the surface, we can find many differences in cultural practices; however, no matter the custom, Paul says that we should not judge a brother by their customs in regards to food, and observances towards God. If a person professes Jesus Christ as Lord, then we should support him and never become their judge; for there is only one judge and that is God.

So what if a people have a social practice that is displeasing to God? Paul tells us that there is grace for sin, if committed ignorantly. This leaves us with some very good thinking that we can adapt to the way we live life.

There is one judge and that is Jesus Christ. That is His rightful position and if we were to overstep His judgment, we would be doing what is wrong, for we are not judges.

In addition, our position in Christ is not to be the Lord. He leads us, we follow; we are followers not Lords. If we were to start telling people what they should do then we could overstep our boundaries in this area to.

Keeping within your boundaries is key. If you are a worship leader, you are not qualified to lead the church as the pastor; you are the worship leader. If you are gifted in financial administration, then you should stay in your area of expertise being careful not to cross over into another person's area of ministry. By doing this, we all become harmonious in our service to God; that is if we can keep from being critical about how people conduct their administration of their gifts.

Now people are drawn to criticism like a magnate and when breaching the boundaries of others to offer criticism, you can expect adverse results. From this come fighting, emulations, and wrath.

First thing to remember is, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to convict people of sin. Now should you think that God does not act quick enough to suit your likings, you will soon realize that the Holy Spirit's calling is unique; for to approach another about sin, you may find they are not ready to hear it from you.

When a person that is gifted to do a certain ministry does it, then it adds unity to the body. Yet when people try to do things they are not called to, then we find nothing but trouble, hardship, confusion, and separation.

For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:11-12 (NKJV)

How you handle your gifts and relate to the gifts of others is a sign of Christian maturity. When you finally realize that you need a worship leader in your life, a pastor to deliver the word of God, a teacher to teach you the depths of the scriptures, and all the others who God has distributed gifts to, then your life will become better and you will find peace that brings joy.

No person is an Island. God did not intend us to be self sufficient and therefore, we need to bring others into our life. Yet going back to those who do things a bit different than the way we think they should be done, if we act to confront the person we must first be sure God has called us to that and then we must bathe it in prayer.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)

Paul told Timothy to use scripture to teach, reprove, and correct people. In Timothy's church, it was needed and that was Timothy's ministry to the church. Now if we are to apply this verse, we must first understand if this is what God has called us to do; for Paul also wrote, There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 1 Corinthians 12:4-8 (NKJV)

If you are to reprove or convict, then your ministry is specific that not all have been called to and the fruit you bare will prove your gift.

Returning back to Paul's intended subject, people had become very critical of the Gentile Christians and the Gentile Christians had become critical of the Jewish Christians. There were debates that led to arguments and divisions, splitting the church into factions. Paul only wanted to see it all come together.

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. Romans 14:13 (NKJV)

This seems to be very good advice to be practiced in the church today. If we would lay down our differences that exist between denominations, cognations, age, race, and culture, then the church could be the force God intended for it.

Here is a measuring stick that we can apply to our effectiveness; it is simple, but it is true. If God took twelve men and rocked the world creating the Christian Church, how much more effective should the church be with millions of men of today? Now ask yourself, what's getting in the way?

Annoying Christians.

Annoying Christians. Romans 14:1-13.

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. Romans 14:1 (NKJV)

A great lesson for Christians is their own history of un-righteousness. How long were you a lost sinner before you came to know the Lord? I say lesson, for many need to calm themselves when dealing with the unsaved. Just as God was faithful to get the message to you, He is faithful to get the message to others; so to you, who are overzealous, I say, learn to calm down in your approach.

It needs to be said, but there is nothing worse than a Christians whose every motive is to drive people to a decision in Christ. This type of person interjects Christ into every conversation and at every opportunity they push Christianity like an eager car salesman.

It becomes so bad that people notice that the motive is not about having love for them and that the sale is the driving factor. This type of Christian is motivated by the conversion and not the spiritual wellbeing of the person they talk to. Even though they believe what they do is right, Jesus did not act this way.

Jesus would feed peoples hunger before offering spiritual food. Jesus would go to their dwellings and eat with them. Though He was criticized for being friends with tax collectors and harlots, Jesus became a friend before people would accept him as Lord.

A second type of annoying Christian sounds like a walking Bible verse and though it is good to know scripture, application is the key. The first application is to know that scripture is spiritually discerned and only by God's spirit can one understand what God intended by the scripture. For the most part, people they come into contact with, usually do not admire the knowledge of scripture, they only perceive the person as proud and arrogant speaking about confusing concepts.

Though there are many more ways to be annoying to the unsaved, the last one is the Christian who argues; this is the one Paul is speaking to in our passage.

For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Romans 14:2-3 (NKJV)

Some Christians have a model in their minds of what a Christian is and the annoying Christian goes about trying to convince people to live according to their model. The problem begins when the person is not patient to let others have their own relationship with God and they try to become the instructor.

You know that you are this type of Christian if your question or your comment turns into a strong conversation or graduates to a debate. In Paul's day, people concerned themselves with what people were eating and judging a person's spirituality by their dietary choices.

The Jew that clung to the Law would not eat pork, shellfish, and any type of food mentioned on the "un-clean" list. This diet became a source of pride and those who maintained it considered themselves as godly, judging those who did not attain to it.

In the societies the first church, much of the food in sold in the market was food left over from the feast surrounding the worship of idols and therefore, labeled by many as "un-clean". Yet it was cheap and to buy this food was an economic survival necessity to many people. For this they were looked down on to the extent that it caused arguments. Eating the food offered to idols was a big issue that has nothing to do with salvation or godliness.

Whatever the subject old or new, arguments never produce good results. Some argue food, others music, and the list is lengthy that led to divisions within the church. In our day, there is a large problem with unity of churches and caused from the way each church behaves. We must ask, is this what Christ wanted for the church?

Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. Romans 14:4 (NKJV)

Taking a stance on a certain subject is good, but that is good for you; applying your convictions to others is arrogant unless the scriptures teach a definitive doctrine. Yet even with definitive doctrines a Christians become annoying when they overstep their bounds, pushing people to conform. For the most part they do not realize that they are often are stepping on God's turf.

God's spirit convicts the world of sin and for a Christian to point at another Christian to declare their shortcomings is being critical of God's ability. In the same sentence that points out their flaws, is an underlying criticism that God was not able to clearly get through to the person.

A pastor once taught me that when you point your finger at another, you have three fingers pointing back at yourself. This is where arguments come from when thinking others wrong; the spirit of criticalness being the worst wrong.

One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. Romans 14:5-6 (NKJV)

Each person will have certain convictions and some more than others. Realizing this and keeping your own convictions to yourself is honoring God.

Myself, I would never pierce or tattoo my body; yet around the world there are Christians that do. Some go to the extent that may look very strange to me, yet the feel that it is all right to do so and though many will condemn them and argue that it is not godly, some of these are Christians and convert others, like themselves, to salvation.

This difference in social behavior is magnified when going to other parts of the world; every culture has different behaviors acquired from many influences. This is where Christians must tread light for losing a culture over differences is a lot to be responsible for.

A rule to always remember is that God's hand is not so short that it cannot save. He is reaching to others and everyone will respond even if it is in rejection. There is no need to argue or is there need to push; there is only the need to get out of God's way to allow Him to reach people. Worry about your own godliness, preach the whole message of God, and God will change the ways of people. We must only live our lives as a light and lights do not make a noise.

All you needs is Love.

All you need is Love. Romans 13:8-14.

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:8-1 (NKJV)

Love is a force that enables people to change who they are. If you practice love, you will be transformed and you will find yourself doing things that you never imagined you would do. The problem is that people sit love on the back seat, while they drive their life in a different direction. Yet Love in the driver's seat is what God wants.

It is funny that Paul starts with the word, "Owe." When applied to the opposite of love and joined with breaking God's law, it tells us that when we do something to others we are in debt for our trespass. The concept is deeply rooted in the struggle of evil against God.

The earth and all of the creation belong to God and evil is in a constant battle to destroy everything that God created. Every time a person does something to break a natural or a physical law of God they are sinning against God. Literally they are taking away what God intended for His creation and now that person owes God.

In addition, God has granted dominion to people; they can own, inherit, select, and choose with freedom. When another takes away their opportunity without first consent, there is a dept owed. Therefore, when transgressing your boundaries it is easy to become in dept to others.

Paul wants us to stop owing people by using love as a tool to fix the reason we transgress towards others. Spouses, friends, acquaintances, and people you work with are people that we offend and these are the ones Paul has in mind; for to our shame, we have done some pretty bad things.

The Beatle's song, All you need is Love, was spot on when telling about the effectiveness of love as a tool; yet though they wrote about it, I do not think they knew much about it. The Bible, however, is an authority on love and in its 361 uses of the word, creates a definition of what love is.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NKJV)

We are told that we are to love our neighbor as our self and walk in love as Christ loved us. It is so contrary to the way most people live that the entire concept of love is growing cold in our world. Christ said, "Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24:12-13 (NKJV )

Love is a transforming tool, changing the way we live; making a person unrecognizable to others who are not present to see the process.

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12 (NKJV)

Jesus commanded love from all Christians saying, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37 (NKJV) Then He went on to lay down His life for us, a choice decision, that James wrote about saying, that we all should follow His example and lay down our lives also. With Christ's same logic, we should become living sacrifices to which Paul says in our passage, "WAKE UP!"

Christian people often act as if they are a sleep when it comes to loving others. When you are a sleep, to snore is forgivable, yet it is annoying to those who must listen and many Christians sleep so sound that they do not realize they are annoying those around them.

Some Christians sleep during the message being preached at church; some with their eyes open and others literally are sawing logs, head bobbing and jerking. In this important time, where God is speaking through their pastor, they slumber or daydream missing God's desire for the way to live.

This slumber causes a large problem in the ethics of Christians. When doing business with some Christians, they do not apply Biblical principles. Some rather not apply Biblical principles to their work; others do not know what they are. When they should be doing what is best, they see only the things best for themselves or their company.

Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13:13-14 (NKJV)

Paul again uses a great term for the way people act towards others, they act drunken; they have no inhibitions and behave badly. They are drunk with their own conceit and continue to drink up; intoxicating themselves by the way they live.

Yet in all that is written, Paul warns that our salvation is at hand and our actions prove our beliefs. Though our actions cannot save us, they are proof to if we truly love God.

Today, if you were to start loving others before yourself and helping where you are needed, you would find that your whole life will be transformed. It is this transformation that Christ died for and though many call themselves Christians and refuse to be transformed, their belief is being judged on their love.

It will be interesting to see if God can call those, who do not let love transform them, His people; yet why would you even entertain the idea of staying the same way and putting your salvation at risk?

Now consider this, if God were to ask those who you owe dept, stemming from the sins that you committed towards them, what would their verdict be? Would they send you to heaven or hell?

Honor God, Honor Government.

Honor God, Honor Government. Romans 13:1-7.

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Romans 13:1 (NKJV)

Civil disobedience of any type should not be spoken about a Christians. In every aspect of our life we honor our God and this honor is a light unto the world. Yet the word hypocrite is a common term when speaking about Christians. The world sees hypocrisy and if finding the slightest trace of it they will reject Christianity as a whole. Therefore, we are not to disobey the law and certainly we are not to be boisterous critics of the law.

Paul was intending his message to a people who were hunted for being Christians. The persecution of Christians was being carried out by civil authorities and you have to ask, was Paul actually telling them to be obedient to turn themselves in for sure torture? We will answer this as we go on.

Our form of Government has descended history, not passed from generation to generation but as coming from within each generation. We were made in the image of God and that image has a definite attribute of being able to judge what to do. Therefore, justice systems around the world reflect much of the same characteristics; thus we can say they are from God.

In addition to being made in the image of God, Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the conscious began to point at the wrong and humankind began to know what to do. Therefore, this knowledge of judgment came from God and when people are selected to enforce the rules, we are to respect their authority.

Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:2 (NKJV)

Another very important truth is that even when we become critical of those who are magistrates, we have an obligation to what is right and if we only talk about the terrible job a person is doing, then we do nothing to better the situation and that is walking away from our responsibility.

The very fact you see that there is a deficit means you have been made aware and with that awareness you need to react appropriately. At the very least you should pray for those who need change.

Let us put this to work in an example. John was given a ticket for speeding, but he was actually not speeding and the officer was wrong. John can curse the officer, he can fail to pay the ticket, or he can go to court and fight the ticket. Yet if it was true that John was not speeding he is obligated to point the matter out in the proper way. Yet if he decides to pay the fine, John concedes and needs to keep his mouth shut. There is nothing wrong with working from within the civil system; yet trying to circumvent the system is not honoring God.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. Romans 13:3-5 (NKJV)

Yes, there are many crooked and perverse civil servants; however, if we want to live at peace, we better pray for them and keep peace with them. If we go against them, we can expect the same; they may abuse their power to go against us.

We must remember that they have taken a position of authority and therefore, God will hold them accountable for their actions. No civil disobedience, resistance, or ill speaking, will every match the feedback that God will give them on Judgment Day. They will be held responsible for what they do and each of their decisions will be brought into accountability.

Did you know that the Bible warns people about taking responsibilities? From civil magistrates to Sunday school teachers, every person that stands as a figure head will be judged according to their performance of their duties. Their belief in God will be told in the way they conduct their affairs. Therefore, God would have you tolerate their decisions and allow God to correct them in hopes that they will respond favorably.

Now what about the Christians that that were being hunted, should they submit to their captures thus showing obedience to the authorities? Also, should a person obey a government that is committing crimes against people? This is also addressed by Paul in this passage.

"Rulers are not a terror to good works" is a statement that Paul emphasizes that directs this complete discourse to the type of ruler Paul speaks of. In addition Paul says,"For he is God's minister to you for good." It would be against Biblical principles to join, allow, or support a government that was commenting genocide; for genocide is not of God. Therefore, they type of governments Paul speaks of are Governments enforcing good on those who do evil. That is the opposite of those who do badly for selfish gain.

For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Romans 13:6-7 (NKJV)

If it were not for righteous formal government, the world would not survive. Rome would still be in power and Christianity dead. Hitler would have exterminated the Jews, but we resisted this type of evil empire and thus you can see the difference when speaking about rulers. The terms evil empire is not a government, it is a dictatorship. There is no democracy when people are lead in terror.

Lastly we must speak of good Governments and our submission to them. Though we may not agree with every legislation, we must support the government and work from within the system to bring the change we feel necessary.

As Christians, we must be models of godliness and never lower ourselves to breaking the law, not paying taxes, or speaking badly of those in authority. As Christians we have a responsibility to react to what we see and become the answer.

There are many people reading this that should be looking to join the government by taking office. God has given you the capabilities, through Spiritual gifts, needed to bring the change that God desires. It pleases God when people will step up into authority as Joseph did when taking on the Pharaoh's business.

Daniel was also a person who ran government affairs and of these two men God made examples and models for us to follow. God is about civil justice and government control. He wants people who will listen to authority and honor Him as God.

How to be Godly.

How to be Godly. Romans 12:9-21.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 (NKJV)

Paul, trying to win those Jews who rejected Christ, has extensively covered the subjects of grace, sin, Israel's history, and Israel's rejection of the gospel of the Messiah. In an attempt to gain them, his appeal has been perfectly laid out; yet Paul now turns that appeal to what it is to be a godly person. There is no greater judgment than our own actions and deep inside we know if we do good or we do bad; so Paul emphasizes what it is to be good.

If you call yourself a Christian, you take on the name that means "to be Christ like." Anything short of acting like a Christian is hypocrisy and inside we know when we have not represented well.

The same applies if you call yourself a Jew. The name Jew means, "A praise unto God." Anything short of acting in a way that praises God is also hypocrisy. Therefore, Paul takes us down the road of judgment in hopes that we look into our lives and see if our belief is in vain or if it is producing in us godly results.

There were great emulations between Jew and Christians. Christians had to be counseled continuously to have a good attitudes towards those Jews who sought to cause them harm. Christians also suffered at the hands of the Romans and between the two; it was easy to develop bitterness and hatred when being pursued for trying to do good.

Yet no matter what side of the table you were on, if both sides would look inside themselves to abhor what is evil and to cling to what is good, each would be at peace.

This applies to all situation where striving exists. The husband and wife who argue would stop if they sought what was good for themselves and others. Yet because of bias opinions, people declare their rights to be treated fairly and strife begins as each side interprets what is a right action based on selfish desires. No matter you situation, where strife replaces long suffering there is no godliness.

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Romans 12:10-13 (NKJV)

Those of the Sanhedrin and of the Pharisees who pursued to find fault in Jesus definitely did not pursue him with brotherly love. They did not want to find good in Him, they only looked to discredit, accuse, and find fault to promote others to turn against Him.

All these things that Paul mentioned were lacking from the ways of those who killed Christ and the same can be said about those who sought to harm the Christians of the first church that Paul so dearly loved.

Again, this does not apply only to those outside of the faith of Christianity; it applies directly to those who lead the church, worshiped in the church, and all those who called themselves Christians.

If you were to take Paul's list of characteristic, mentioned in these verses, and hold yourself accountable in every relationship, good or bad, could you say to yourself that you meet all the criteria mentioned? Do you give honor to those you encounter and are you serving God by helping them to know God too?

Are you patient with those who oppose you and do you pray for them? These things that Paul mentions are the core attributes of what it is to be like Christ and they equally were commanded by God of the Jews. How can you be praise to God and have strife with others?

The greatest test that a person can apply to their life, to see if they are living godly, is the last two things mentioned, distributing your resources to others in need and being hospitable to everyone. Money, time, and possessions are hard enough to earn and enjoy yourself, let alone giving them away. Giving to others is the only way to experience what it is to be godly.

Weather you give your time, your money, your advice, or your affection, a person that gives must give without the desire to receive or the gift is in vain.

The same applies to hospitality; if you must force yourself to be inviting to others, then your actions are vain. God's hospitality welcomes all, no matter what they believe or what they have done. All are invited to know Him and none rejected.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14 (NKJV)

Christians never sought to take away from the Jew; they found the savior and wanted to share the wealth they gained with their countrymen and for that they were persecuted and cursed. The opposite of Godliness, treating people badly, is a self inflicted wound and the person who does this needs to be pitied.

Godliness finds good in all people; though the good may not be visible, it is very easy to find things that people could do that would be good for others and themselves. You might see a thief, but God could see a future security expert.

God looked at Saul, our writer who persecuted Christians, but had so much knowledge of the Jewish scriptures, manors, and customs that if he could be turned in the right direction, he could affect the world for righteousness.

Upon his conversion, God gave to Saul compassion, and forgiveness. Then changing his name to Paul, God sent Him on a mission to strengthen the church with the knowledge that he possessed. The man who cursed Christians became a leader of godliness.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Romans 12:15-16 (NKJV)

The Jews who pursued Christians would easily see their error if they would be kindly affectionate towards their countrymen who took the name Christian. Stopping the violence and sitting down to understand each other is a passionate gesture. It does not mean that you have to agree, but you can agree to disagree agreeably.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Romans 12:15-20 (NKJV)

Yet God wants more than people to disagree agreeably; He wants men and women to live at peace by finding the truth of salvation from sin. To the Jew, He started with sacrifice and a person would have to consider their actions, find their own faults, and bring them with the sacrifice in repentance.

Now He has sent His own Son to be a single sacrifice that will cover the sin of all men when they see their own faults and come to Him in repentance. Not much has changed and to understand this does not take intellectual people. Every person is able to understand the ways of peace, which is the way of God.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 (NKJV)

Leaving retribution and judgment in the hands of the Lord is the safest position for us to be in. No matter if your good is treated with disrespect, our good is ours to keep and judgment is Gods. It makes no sense for us to seek vengeance when all it does is tarnish our godliness, even if what we believe in is right.

From Killer to Saint.

From Killer to Saint. Romans 12:1-8.

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. Romans 12:1 (NKJV)

Paul has discussed the plan of God for a Messiah, the need for salvation, and Israel's rejection of the Messiah, yet now is no longer going to try to persuade a person to come to Christ; for there is only so much that you can say to a person without moving on.

With one last urge, Paul beseeches his brother Jews to present themselves unto God and do what is right before God. Knowing that if they would seek God faithfully, then they would see the truth about the message he preaches.

A person, no matter if they are Jew or Christian, is to present themselves unto God as trying to escape the corruption of this life and live as purely as they can. It is reasonable that if our God is holy, we too should seek holiness and refrain from impure thoughts and actions.

Proof of God can be seen in nature and no person is excused from answering His call. Throughout our life the Spirit of God is calling us to come to God; especially those of Israel who have a history of deliverance and leadership by God. It is inexcusable to resist, reject, or ignore God's work in our lives.

The Jews who rejected Jesus, worked through the Roman law to have Jesus crucified. He was a man, who healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the hungry, and taught with compassion and authority. What could bring people to such depravity that could commit such actions against a person of such a divine nature?

Let us stop for a moment and consider what would make people act the way they did towards Jesus; for we too are people capable of actions against God. What was it that made them think to have Him killed?

Somewhere they developed a resistant attitude. Though they saw Him extend a helping hand to the poor, the sick, and having compassion towards children, they turned their attention towards Him in rivalry. This attitude continued towards the first church and Christians were beaten, stoned to death, and commanded to stop preaching.

Paul was one of those who led the chase against the church and there is no one better to explain to us how this attitude transpires.

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 12:2 (NKJV)

First Paul asks them to present themselves to God. A person who daily presents themselves to God in prayer and in His scriptures has a reference to compare themselves against. God is good, what we are and how we have acted comes to the forefront of such a meeting. Like Adam and Eve, our sin will cause a distance and desire to hide from God. Therefore if we present ourselves, we have an opportunity see and correct the problems.

Secondly Paul tells them to not be conformed to the world; the world would be those they live and socialize with. Public opinion should never guide us or be allowed to shape our attitudes;p for attitudes turn into action. It was an attitude that the leaders of the temple had towards Jesus that incited others to join them in killing Christ.

Yet we should be seeking to transform our thoughts into pure thoughts and sound actions that help, restore, and better those we live, work, and socialize with. In doing this we can prove what is good and acceptable to God for our measuring stick is not public opinion but acceptance by God as felt in our daily meetings with God.

Evil possesses the hearts of many persons. People run towards darkness and they hate the light and huddled in masses, they take on the characteristics of each other. Bad company corrupts good morals and this must be applied to our lives every day and with every person that we associate with.

There will be those we cannot escape, as we are thrust together in work, school, and social environments; however, if we are daily seeking God and measuring against His standard of holiness we will see ourselves and can change what the worlds influence will do to us.

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:3-7 (NKJV)

Many will say that they are above the influence of the world and that it does not affect them. To them Paul says, "do not think more highly of yourself, but think soberly." The truth is we are all subject to having a fallen sinful nature and given the right circumstance and opportunity, we all are capable of being persuaded to actions we never thought ourselves to do.

In addition, we should never look down on others for their sin. A pastor once preached that the only difference from a killer and us is the circumstance and the opportunity to act inappropriately. We are all the same and though we could never see ourselves becoming a killer, circumstance can drive anyone to an action and an action will have psychological effects that can change us for the worst.

Passion, heat, rage, anger, and outburst are all driven from with our hearts as we react to circumstance and evil pressures us. Therefore we should never consider ourselves better or beyond temptation, but recognize that we need God in our life and in faith seek Him daily.

Third Paul directs the reader to faith. In faith we are to seek God and when we do we will see that inside us God has made a person with talent, ability, and goodness. Just as we have the capacity to allow temptation to drive us to sin, faith can drive us to many wonderful works.

When pursuing faith, our lives react in ways that produces a product that serves God. All the things that Christ did came from within Him and He reached out to serve, help, forgive, and bring others to know God as their Father.

When doing well, it has a psychological its own and produces joy, love, fellowship, friendship, and creates an environment of peace. Now when you couple this within a group of believers, the effects leach out into the surrounding lives.

If we present our bodies to God and die to our old self, our sacrifice produces a new life, a new person, and a new direction that serves God. You become pleasing to God.

Mystery Revealed.

Mystery Revealed. Romans 11:25-36.

For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Romans 11:25 (NKJV)

The concepts that God uses in His work transcends our logic; for if we were God, I do not think that we would do things the same way. Where people love to say "God works in mysterious ways," often times I hear a person saying that indirectly declaring that they do not want to try to understand. Yet God had His work scribed in detail for us to understand. So in our scriptures, where there are shadows of mystery, God would have us try to understand and not give up so easily.

The mystery we look at today is very important; for from it, we must shift our attitudes away from becoming upset with God's ways and with Jewish manors.

God put Jesus into a time in history that would get His only son killed. His death became a perfect sacrifice for the sins of mankind. If that concept is not hard enough to understand, the rest of our subject is.

Not only was He sent to die, Jesus was sent to God's people who would reject Him. In the first chapter of John we are told they rejected Him because the light He brought revealed the sin in their lives. Never the less, God's plan was to use the Jewish rejection of saving grace as the reason to offer salvation to the Gentiles. God was provoking His people to jealousy.

Jesus caused them to stumble and as Paul wants us to understand, God blinded their eyes so that the fullness of the gentiles can be accomplished.

What is the fullness of the Gentiles? It is the dispensation of grace; a time offered for people to find salvation from their sin. This is a time that all can be forgiven and any sin committed can be placed upon the His Son, whose death will suffice the penalty for sin.

Living in this time of grace, many people still step on holiness, crushing the opportunity that is offered by God. The fullness of the Gentiles is a reference to that very last second of God's offer to forgive sin and tells us that it will one day end.

Once this time of grace is over, no longer can people be saved from sin and each