Month: September 2024

Forgiven Much

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JESUS SPEAKING

Upon arriving at a Pharisees house for dinner, Jesus was treated quite poorly. No one greeted Him with a kiss or anointed His head with oil. Nor did they provide Him with any water to wash his feet (all common forms of ancient Jewish hospitality.) And yet, as they reclined at the table, a sinful woman wept near Him. She kissed His feet and washed them with her tears. She also anointed them with expensive fragrant oil. We read, “Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” (Luke 7: 39 – 43)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Those who understand the depths of their own depravity are also the most desperate for God’s forgiveness. And thus, many of the worst sinners are drawn to the Gospel because it contains the promise of a new life. By means of faith, through repentance and salvation, anyone can be reborn and become a new creation; disconnected from the sinful lives that once enslaved them. Genuine believers who comprehend the value of this forgiveness will inherently display an affection for God and all those He loves.

One of the worst sinners recorded in the New Testament was a man named Saul; a Jew who relentlessly persecuted and attempted to destroy the early Christian Church. One day however, while traveling along the road to Damascus, Jesus appeared to him and said, “Sual, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” After this miraculous encounter, Saul repented and became a Christian. In recognition of his rebirth he changed his name from Saul to Paul, and became one of the greatest proponents of the gospel who has ever lived. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1: 15, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” Paul’s recognition of the value of his own forgiveness enabled him to show a supernatural affection for God and others.

Like Paul, many of us were once enemies of God. We were engaged in the practice of sinful things, and showed little love for the Lord, or those He has created. But now we have been reborn; we no longer walk in the sins of our flesh, but instead proclaim the good news of the Gospel. And this is the gospel, that anyone, no matter how sinful can have a new life in Christ Jesus. They can become a new creation. May we never stop spreading God’s message of salvation to those who desperately need to hear it.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your wisdom, Your glory, and Your grace. Use us Lord to reach out to even the worst sinners, knowing that many of them are desperate to hear the message of repentance and rebirth. As we continue our Christian mission, may we encounter many who need to hear the gospel. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Causing Others to Stumble

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JESUS SPEAKING

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell.” (Mark 9: 42 – 43)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Causing others who believe in Jesus to stumble, or to fall into sin, is a very serious offense. In fact, the Lord urges His followers to abandon any activities that could potentially lead them to commit sin. Those who represent themselves as Christians have a higher obligation to avoid associating with evil things. In so doing, they can ensure that other, more ignorant souls, aren’t drawn into transgression.

One day while driving, I heard a Pastor on the radio explaining why he believes that Christians should attend same-sex weddings if they are invited. Needless to say, I was horrified. Without any ambiguity, the bible teaches that such relationships are unnatural and unholy. And yet today many organizations calling themselves Churches have abandoned biblical doctrine and are now embracing this heretical belief. If Christians attend same-sex weddings they are guilty of endorsing this evil practice. Additionally, such behavior has the potential to influence weaker believers who may be seeking further direction concerning the biblical doctrine of marriage.

As Christians our behaviors and relationships can influence other believers. To avoid stumbling our fellows, we must abstain from sinful activities and avoid associating with those who are practicing unholy doctrines (Note: Keep in mind that we must still interact with and love those in the world as we continue to spread the gospel message.) Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we live Godly lives, and guide others into a closer fellowship with the Lord. May God bless us in this endeavor.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength and the courage to live our lives in a manner that is Holy and adheres to Your word. May we never cause others to stumble, but instead, help them to commit their lives to You. Give us the desire to abandon any associations that might cause another believer to stumble. We love you Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Heretical Leaders

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JESUS SPEAKING

“But Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in […] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” (Matthew 23: 13, 15)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Many of the religious leaders were placing themselves between God and His followers; as intermediaries, they sought to receive honor, glory, and riches for themselves. Not only were they corrupt, but they were using the temple as a tool to force others to obey and honor them. They had hijacked the gateway to fellowship with God and weren’t allowing others to “go in.” They were also proselytizing new converts and instilling in them a devotion to this same tainted hierarchy.

Shortly before Jesus began His public ministry, a man named John the Baptist began preaching in the wilderness; far away from the temple and its corrupt religious leaders. Although the temple was glorious and the accommodations of the city were lavish and comfortable, people began wandering out into the wilderness to hear the gospel truth and to be baptized in preparation for Christ’s arrival. In turn, the religious leaders despised John and his message. When a religious institution becomes too corrupt, God will accomplish His works in unexpected ways.

Today, there are numerous so-called Christian Churches that have been infected with false doctrine. Many progressive leaders are concealing the message of repentance entirely (to fill their seats.) And yet, as it was in the days of John the Baptist, many are fleeing these emergent churches in search of the truth. Indeed, the genuine gospel is difficult to accept, and the Christian life is not easy; but eternal life is a precious treasure. God’s message will never remain hidden from those who genuinely seek it.

“Lord Heavenly, may we spread Your gospel to everyone who yearns to hear the truth. May those who are trapped in churches that have abandoned sound doctrine come to embrace the message of repentance and salvation. We also pray for those who are leading others astray, that they as well might repent and commit themselves to following the one true faith. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!