Journal for Christ

Monday, May 29, 2017

8 reasons we fail to follow God's way: Rebellion

September 11, 2016

Warrior"

I see the smoke on the horizon.
I feel my heart pounding in my chest.
I hear the war raging all around me.
And somehow I feel like I was born for this.
I can taste the fear, but I choose courage
As I raise my shield and lift my sword.

And I fall on my knees and I fight like a warrior
I am a warrior on my knees.
I call on the Name of the One Who is Conqueror
I'm more than a conqueror when I believe.
The enemy trembles every time
'Cause he knows the battle is no longer mine
When I fall on my knees and I fight like a warrior, like a warrior, oh, oh, oh

Daughters and sons, we can hear your calling
Broken and weak, we can hear your cry
And even though our enemy roars like a lion,
The Lion of Judah is on our side.
And He will go before us and behind us
Fighting on the left and on the right

So I fall on my knees and I fight like a warrior
I am a warrior on my knees
I call on the Name of the One Who is Conqueror
I'm more than a conqueror when I believe
The enemy trembles every time
'Cause he knows the battle is no longer mine
When I fall on my knees and I fight like a warrior, like a warrior, like a warrior

Our weapons are trust; our weapons are hope
In the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
He says, "I am with you so don't be afraid,
'Cause I've already won this war."
So fall on your knees and fight with me,
We are the Warriors when we are on our knees
The enemy trembles...

We will fall on our knees and fight like a warrior
We are the Warriors on our knees
We call on the Name of the One Who is Conqueror
We're more than conquerors when we believe
The enemy trembles every time
'Cause he knows the battle isn't yours or mine
When we fall on our knees and fight like a warrior, like a warrior
We are warriors on our knees
We are the warriors, we are Warriors, we are Warriors on our knees

Jesus!
Calling on the Name of Jesus!
Power in the Name of Jesus!
Calling on the Name of Jesus!
Power in the Name of Jesus!
Calling on the Name of Jesus!
Power in the Name of Jesus!
Calling on the Name of Jesus!
Power in the Name of Jesus!

1. A-Z Lyrics

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN Lyrics

https://youtu.be/d7NxvOmtDNw

Witness:

It has been 15 years since the tragedy in NYC when the twin towers came crashing down from a terrorist attack. For some reason, the crash of flight 93 and the jet that crashed into the Pentagon don’t get as much mention now these days as the towers do, yet for many, this day is still etched in their memory. The day when America stood united. Police and firemen were held in honor. Many questioned God, but many also turned to God in light of that day’s events. Fast forward to now, and many are still remembering, but America is anything but united. Racial divides have widened even with the first “African-American” president. Police are no longer held in honor by many on the left side of the political spectrum. Religious liberty is eroding at an ever-quickening pace, and political correctness rules the day.

Fear can creep into our souls as we see the nation turn against the values we as believers hold dear. But what if that happened? What would we do? This nation, with its religious freedom and heritage, has certainly been an anomaly when compared to the rest of Church history and the experience of many believers around the world today. I see a day coming when we will have to choose to stand or compromise with the spirit of the age in America. Many will decide to change their theology to fit the world's mold in direct disobedience to the command in Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. NIV

We see that happening even now in some circles of the Evangelical community. What will we do then? What can we do now? We can continue to do what we have always been told to do, but very often have not obeyed.

We can:

Run with Endurance –

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.Heb 12:1-4Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

Walk Worthy –

4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:1-4 ESV

Stand Firm –

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph 6:10-17 NIV

Kneel to – Become a Prayer Warrior

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Eph 6:18-20 NIV

Worship with Humility –

Come, let us bow down in worship,let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;for he is our Godand we are the people of his pasture,the flock under his care.Ps 95:6-7 NIV

Intercede for Our Government –

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men — the testimony given in its proper time.
1 Tim 2:1-7 NIV

Sit to Eat –

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:38-42 NIV

Lie Down –

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet watersPs 23:2 NIV

And how are we to respond to those who oppose us?

· "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 6:27-28 NIV

· Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Rom 12:17-21 NIV

· Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

1 Peter 2:13-16 NIV

Finally, when we are called to suffer for making a stand for doing what is right, let us:

Rejoice –

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Rom 5:3-5 NIV

Endure –

But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
"He committed no sin,and no deceit was found in his mouth."
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV

Prepare –

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:14-16 NIV

Commit –

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Peter 4:16-19 NIV

WORD:

Ps 25:8-10

Good and upright is the LORD;

therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

9 He guides the humble in what is right

and teaches them his way.

10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful

for those who keep the demands of his covenant. NIV (1984)

Ps 25:8-10

8 The LORD is good and does what is right;

he shows the proper path to those who go astray.

9 He leads the humble in doing right,

teaching them his way.

10 The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness

all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.

Ps 25:8-10

8 Good and upright is the LORD therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

KJV

Ps 25:8-10

8 Good and upright is the LORD;

therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

9 He leads the humble in what is right,

and teaches the humble his way.

10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,

for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. ESV

Question: Why would we fail to follow the way that God points out to us?

8 reasons:

1. fear

2. Pride

3. doubt (towards God)

4. ignoring

5. rebellion

6. distractions

7. presumption (of His forgiveness)

8. doubtfulness (in yourself)

Rebellion, where shall I go with this? This may be the most blatant and overt way of not following God’s instruction. This is the history of humanity. From the Garden to the consummation of the ages, humanity apart from Christ, will be in rebellion against God, whether openly or ignorantly. Lest we think we are safe, scripture and an examination of ourselves will show that we are not immune to rebellion’s pull on our lives, for rebellion is just another name for sin. Rebellion is the essence of sin, is it not? When we rebel, are we not saying no to God and yes to our fleshly desires? Was not rebellion at the center of the Fall in the Garden? And did not those who rebelled against God at the Holy Mountain meet with death? Is not the history of God’s chosen people marred with continual rebellion? Was not Jonah a rebellious prophet when he disobeyed God when He told him to go to Nineveh to preach? Was not rebellion in the hearts of those who crucified our Savior? And how are the last Days which we are in now described?

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power.2 Tim 3:1-5a NIV

Is this not a picture of humanity in rebellion? They appear religious but deny or reject the one from which the source of true godliness flows from. What is God’s instruction concerning these people?

Have nothing to do with them.
2 Tim 3:5b NIV

Not in the sense of never talking to them, but not fellowshipping with them and preferring their company to the people of God. So, if we are not to associate with the rebellious and if we want to keep from being defiant, what does scripture say we are to do?

It says we are to –

Walk:

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.Gal 5:16 ESV

Work:

... work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Phil 2:12-13 NIV

Worship:

Individually:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Rom 12:1-2 NIV

Corporately:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Heb 10:24-25 NIV

Thus we do not deny the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We refuse to fellowship with darkness but work and worship in fellowship with other believers. And lest you think I have left out something crucial let me conclude with that which informs and feeds our souls on an individual and corporate level.

WORD:

I have hidden your word in my heartthat I might not sin against you.Ps 119:11b NIV

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Col 3:16-17 NIV

http://biblepic.com/53/19332.jpg

The Bible text designated (NIV) is from

HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®

Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

8 reasons we fail to follow God's way: Ignoring

September 5, 2016

Worship: Every Promise of Your Word by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

1. From the breaking of the dawn to the setting of the sun
I will stand on every promise of Your Word
Words of power strong to save that will never pass away
I will stand on every promise of Your Word
For Your covenant is sure
And on this I am secure
I can stand on ev’ry promise of Your Word

2. When I stumble, and I sin condemnation pressing in
I will stand on ev’ry promise of Your Word
You are faithful to forgive that in freedom I might live
So I stand on ev’ry promise of Your Word
Guilt to innocence restored
You remember sins no more
So I’ll stand on ev’ry promise of your Word

3. When I’m faced with anguished choice, I will listen for Your voice
And I’ll stand on every promise of Your Word
Through this dark and troubled land
You will guide me with Your hand
As I stand on ev’ry promise of Your Word
And You’ve promised to complete
Ev’ry work begun in me
So I’ll stand on ev’ry promise of Your Word

4. Hope that lifts me from despair, love that casts out ev’ry fear
As I stand on every promise of Your Word
Not forsaken not alone for the Comforter has come
And I stand on ev’ry promise of Your Word
Grace sufficient grace for me
Grace for all who will believe
We will stand on ev’ry promise of Your Word

Words and Music by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music

Lyrics: http://www.chongsworship.com/2013/06/08/i-will-stand-on-every-promise-of-your-word/

Video: https://youtu.be/0DpSIIiWkEM

Witness:

My journal entries are now spanning several days and even up to a week now. I will begin an entry and work on it for the rest of the week. I am often tired, and I have to rest more lately. Another reason is that of the format I have chosen for the verses I am studying at this moment. I have branched out, and instead of looking just at the meaning of the verses, I am discussing a question that arises from the text. Why we might fail to follow God’s instruction and guidance. I have listed eight reasons and am expounding on each one. It may take me several days to discuss each reason. Finding worship songs that seem applicable has been enjoyable and a blessing. I have discovered new songs I’ve never heard before, and in joy, I worship my God with a new song.

This song is of particular blessing as it points out the ubiquitous nature of God’s promises. They are found in all of Scripture, available to us at all times of the day, and applicable in every area of our lives. They are the guardrails that line the path of life and the signposts along the way that guide our journey. They are the fueling stations that keep us going, and they are the food that sustains us on our journey to heaven.

Sadly, and I include myself in this camp, most do not know many promises of God and the ones we do know we often forget about in our daily struggles with the world that seeks to throw up roadblocks and detours on our way.

Oh to know

In order to grow

In order to go

In order to sow

In order to show

In order to know

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge (know) of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life(grow) worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way(go): bearing fruit(sow) in every good work(show), growing in the knowledge of God(know), being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Col 1:9-14 NIV For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
2 Cor 1:20 NIV

WORD:

Ps 25:8-10

Good and upright is the LORD;

therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

9 He guides the humble in what is right

and teaches them his way.

10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful

for those who keep the demands of his covenant. NIV (1984)

Ps 25:8-10

8 The LORD is good and does what is right;

he shows the proper path to those who go astray.

9 He leads the humble in doing right,

teaching them his way.

10 The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness

all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.

Ps 25:8-10

8 Good and upright is the LORD therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

KJV

Ps 25:8-10

8 Good and upright is the LORD;

therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

9 He leads the humble in what is right,

and teaches the humble his way.

10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,

for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. ESV

Question: Why would we fail to follow the way that God points out to us?

8 reasons:

1. fear

2. Pride

3. doubt (towards God)

4. ignoring

5. rebellion

6. distractions

7. presumption (of His forgiveness)

8. doubtfulness (in yourself)

What is a verb doing in a sea of nouns? Why not use the word ignorance? Well, for one thing, if God is instructing the humble sinner, then one cannot be ignorant of His ways. In order to fail to follow God’s way, this person must not be humble or even recognize they are a sinner. This person willfully ignores the revealed truth of God. This is a truth that has plagued this world since the Garden of Eden. Fallen humanity has denied the truth revealed in creation and the Word of God.

Paul speaks of that willful ignorance of God’s revelation in nature in his epistle to the Romans.

But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.
Rom 1:18-23Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

Scripture and our experiences are replete with examples of people ignoring the revealed will of God.

The Apostle Peter writes concerning those who live as no judgment was coming says:

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
2 Peter 3:3-7 NIV

This phrase “deliberately forget” by the NIV can be translated, according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon as:

escapes them of their own will, i. e. they are purposely, willfully, ignorant, 2 Peter 3:5(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The Puritan Richard Sibbes, writing back in the late 1500s and early 1600s, said this concerning the willful ignorance of the worldly person:

This is the difference betwixt a godly wise man and a deluded worldling; that which the one doth now judge to be vain, the other shall hereafter feel to be so when it is too late. But this is the vanity of our natures, that though we shun above all things to be deceived and mistaken in present things, yet in the greatest matters of all we are willingly ignorant and misled.

Sibbes, R., (1862). The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes. (A. B. Grosart, Ed.) (Vol. 1, p. 93). Edinburgh; London; Dublin: James Nichol; James Nisbet and Co.; W. Robertson.

There are two types of ignorance as I see it. Active ignorance in which we try to suppress the revealed truth of God with substitutes in the form of idols or ideas that explain away the truth. There is also a passive ignorance as well. This person is too lazy to seek God’s instruction or too complacent to see the need.

This second type of ignorance, unfortunately, is the lot of many professing Christians today. They are too lazy or complacent to seek the instruction of God. They would rather get their truth from the radio talk show host or Twitter than the Omnisapient (All-Wise) God of the universe. They rely solely on the preacher rather than investing time in checking out God’s truth for themselves.

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.Acts 17:11 NIV

They have all kinds of lame excuses: I’m too busy, I don’t understand what I am reading, I don’t like to read, I know enough because I hear it in church and Sunday school and that great preacher I see on TV or the internet. These resources we rely on are not bad things. They can be useful things (though the last two can be questionable at times), but they cannot take the place of reading and studying the Word of God as well as researching what God says about various issues that confront us daily. Such excuses reveal a lazy and complacent heart unwilling to seek the instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 1:5-7 says:

Let the wise listen and add to their learning,and let the discerning get guidance —
for understanding proverbs and parables,the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,but fools despise wisdom and disciplineNIV

Proverbs 9:9-10 says:

Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
NIV

So through all these ways, including most importantly, personal Bible study, we are to seek the instruction of God. We do not just sit passively in the pew (or chair), but actively engage with what is taught and diligently search the Scripture for truth for our lives. We must heed the command given Timothy by Paul.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Tim 2:15 NIV

That is not to say there is no willful ignorance in a believer’s life. Many do not look for answers nor seek counsel because they are afraid of what they may find or in reality, they know already what God does say about a behavior or lifestyle they have chosen. The one who drinks excessively, or commits fornication, or is addicted to drugs or porn, whose language is foul and a dirty joke is a delight to their ears may not seek the instruction of the Lord. This person needs to ask themselves two critical life-changing questions.

1. How deep is my love for the Lord?

2. Am I really a Christian?

The Apostle Paul exhorts us to:

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test?
2 Cor 13:5-6 NIV

One way we know is if we hunger for the Word and seek God’s guidance.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation1 Peter 2:2 NIV

You cannot grow if you do not know and you cannot know unless you go- go to the source of truth, the Word of God

Monday, May 29, 2017

8 reasons we fail to follow God's way: Rebellion

Thursday, May 25, 2017

8 reasons we fail to follow God's way: Ignoring

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