Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friends, Brothers and sisters I believe this is a very familiar piece of scripture. Here I believe and as any true follower of Christ knows there is only one way to Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ. So I ask the question why is it with this text making it so clear with there being one way,why is it that people want to broaden or make alternative paths? Well, let me put it this way, men love darkness( John 3:19 ). With that said some may go well these other religions or other ways aren't dark they are enlightening. Let me ask you this what does the scriptures say? See so many times people want there answers in numerous places; the bottom of a bottle, the end of a needle, a 1-800 number, a self-help book, but honestly there is only one place for all the answers and that is the Bible.
Think about about what Jesus says here in the text," I am the way, the truth, and the life." Friends do you see something there ? There it is do you need truth? He is it. Anything we have questions on and need an honest and truthful answer go to the Word of God. Now the answer may not just pop out,but believe or not it is in there. The Bible covers a variety of topics and areas and best of all its truth. Friends I've found that in numerous areas of my life when I needed an answer that in His Word is where I find the truth I need. Are you going through a tough decision to make, guess what the Bible has an honest truth on that, after all it was inspired by truth itself.
What else does He say He is the way. He is the way to live. Friends our very lives should be molded on how Christ lived. This means everyday we seek to conform our very thoughts and actions to be like Him. Think about it, every thing you do, say and even think should seek to bring glory to God. When this mindset is put in place it is beautiful I do believe. Let me share with you something in my own life. I've noticed how I seek in everything I do to please God. This goes from doing chores,eating my meals, when I'm at work, and even doing school work. I seek to please God. Why? Cause my life is all about Him. To any fellow believer this should make perfect sense. Its living every single breathe giving His name praise and glory in all my activities. This has taken those activities which I don't find as much fun and made them more enjoyable as I see them as time to give His name glory. This is what it means to do all things with a whole heart to God( Colossians 3:23 ). We were created for Him and to give Him all praise and all glory.
Also Christ says is He is the life. How beautiful to hear that! This is that without Christ you are dead. Now at first glance someone would say what?! John I just don't understand nor get at what you mean. The scriptures are clear when they say that until we are born again( John 3:3 ), that we are dead in our trespasses( Ephesians 2:1,5, Colossians 2:13). To expresses this further; say you live a life where you haven't killed anyone, you haven't had premarital sex, don't do drugs, or much less any immoral thing. Still if you don't have Christ your still dead in your trespasses. Why you ask? Romans 5:12 answers it, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:". So we all are born spiritually dead and unless we are born again not by flesh,but of the spirit, we don't have eternal life to look forward to. So see how beautiful it is to hear Christ say He is the life. Christ is eternal life and no person has it apart from Him.
So friends be encouraged to know when someone asks you how do you get to Heaven. You can boldly respond with this there is only one way and that is through Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. We know this because the scriptures confirm it. We can stand firm on it for it is not our strength in which we stand ,but by His strength in which we stand. Like I emphasized last night with a very familiar verse, that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me( Philippians 4:13 ). Remember also what He also indicated in this verse He is the way, the truth ,and the life. Keep those words in mind that we need to continuously be molding our lives into being like Him; in thought, action and speech. Remembering that any truth we need can and most certainly be found in His Word. Lastly remember that there is no eternal life found outside of Him. I leave you with these two verses as encouragement from the Apostle Paul in his epistle to Rome.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. "
Romans 12:1-2
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
His Grace Is Sufficient ( 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 )
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I was at work tonight this text was on my mind and well I couldn't get it off my mind. I imagine to most of my brothers and sisters it is a quite familiar text to you. These two verses are encouragement to me and are usually some that usually come to mind in tough times. What amazes me is how often we read these two verses and probably go okay that sounds nice or think we have it, but do we grasp it, the depth of when Jesus responded to the Apostle Paul, " My grace is sufficient for the." Do we really let that soak in and really think just how sufficient His grace is. Sadly I don't think we do. Sure we may sing songs about it or even mention it from time to time,but if we really want to be honest not too often do many consider the rich depth of how sufficient His grace is.
So you ask how sufficient is it? Well, friends if you go up a couple of verses you see the Apostle was given some thorn in the flesh to deal with. What exactly that thorn was I'm not sure of,but obviously if he inquired of the Lord three times it must have been something tough. The beauty is when the Apostle Paul gets the response from the Lord, " My grace is sufficient. " He doesn't double check the answer or ask for a better answer, no he is content and trust in the sufficiency of grace of Christ. I believe honestly we can learn a lesson from this.
Another point I'd like to point out which touches my heart is what else Christ says to him. It goes, " My strength is made perfect in weakness." Wow! We can find true and perfect strength in weakness. What I've come to realize throughout my walk with God is I have weaknesses, but the beauty is in those weaknesses I've found my strength in Him. Remember what it says in the scriptures, " For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me( Philippians 4:13 ). " Beautiful to know He is our strength and we can do all things through Him. Notice also what Christ said that our strength is made perfect in weakness. This is realizing a total dependence on Him we find great strength in knowing we have a great helper and provider all the days of our lives. So yes our strength is made perfect in weakness.
Now the following just, I'm not sure I have the right words,but are awesome to me is this the Apostle says he will gladly rejoice in infirmities so that the power of Christ may rest upon him. Friends that is powerful. This is rejoicing through your struggles. Friends when we rejoice even through our worst times and through as the Apostle wrote our infirmities it stands as testimony and His name be glorified.
I love the next verse as the Apostle goes to great lengths by explaining in all these things infirmities,reproaches,necessities, persecutions, and distresses at which he takes pleasure in. Then note why he takes pleasure in them, not for self glory or because he needs them. No he does it for Christ's sake. See right there and I know I mention it often, but I don't think I can stress it enough. This life is not about us. It is quite obvious by reading the Apostle's letters that he served the Lord with all heart, all his strength and all his soul. It is obvious he preached Christ, not Paul( 2 Corinthians 4:5 ).
Last in closing as he finished verse 10, when I am weak I am strong. Going back to what I stated earlier. When we come to an understanding of dependency on Christ and see our short comings we see we are weak yet strong. I know that may sound weird, but to the Christian it makes perfect sense. Despite I may be quite a shy person I've found that boldness comes not in me, but through me from the strength of Him. See friends when I'm weak I am strong begins to make sense when we look at it in light of what the scripture says. I know I have weaknesses, but I look to the very one who saved me and in Him I can say I am strong. Not based on my own ability or talent, but based on my identity and Him working through me.
Brothers and sisters be encouraged in areas where you are weak. Remember when you are weak through Him you can say your strong. This I do believe should encourage us when sharing our faith whether at school, work or anywhere. Be encouraged in that when you inquire of something and that "My grace is sufficient" is His response have the attitude of the Apostle and understand the depths of His grace is sufficient.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I was at work tonight this text was on my mind and well I couldn't get it off my mind. I imagine to most of my brothers and sisters it is a quite familiar text to you. These two verses are encouragement to me and are usually some that usually come to mind in tough times. What amazes me is how often we read these two verses and probably go okay that sounds nice or think we have it, but do we grasp it, the depth of when Jesus responded to the Apostle Paul, " My grace is sufficient for the." Do we really let that soak in and really think just how sufficient His grace is. Sadly I don't think we do. Sure we may sing songs about it or even mention it from time to time,but if we really want to be honest not too often do many consider the rich depth of how sufficient His grace is.
So you ask how sufficient is it? Well, friends if you go up a couple of verses you see the Apostle was given some thorn in the flesh to deal with. What exactly that thorn was I'm not sure of,but obviously if he inquired of the Lord three times it must have been something tough. The beauty is when the Apostle Paul gets the response from the Lord, " My grace is sufficient. " He doesn't double check the answer or ask for a better answer, no he is content and trust in the sufficiency of grace of Christ. I believe honestly we can learn a lesson from this.
Another point I'd like to point out which touches my heart is what else Christ says to him. It goes, " My strength is made perfect in weakness." Wow! We can find true and perfect strength in weakness. What I've come to realize throughout my walk with God is I have weaknesses, but the beauty is in those weaknesses I've found my strength in Him. Remember what it says in the scriptures, " For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me( Philippians 4:13 ). " Beautiful to know He is our strength and we can do all things through Him. Notice also what Christ said that our strength is made perfect in weakness. This is realizing a total dependence on Him we find great strength in knowing we have a great helper and provider all the days of our lives. So yes our strength is made perfect in weakness.
Now the following just, I'm not sure I have the right words,but are awesome to me is this the Apostle says he will gladly rejoice in infirmities so that the power of Christ may rest upon him. Friends that is powerful. This is rejoicing through your struggles. Friends when we rejoice even through our worst times and through as the Apostle wrote our infirmities it stands as testimony and His name be glorified.
I love the next verse as the Apostle goes to great lengths by explaining in all these things infirmities,reproaches,necessities, persecutions, and distresses at which he takes pleasure in. Then note why he takes pleasure in them, not for self glory or because he needs them. No he does it for Christ's sake. See right there and I know I mention it often, but I don't think I can stress it enough. This life is not about us. It is quite obvious by reading the Apostle's letters that he served the Lord with all heart, all his strength and all his soul. It is obvious he preached Christ, not Paul( 2 Corinthians 4:5 ).
Last in closing as he finished verse 10, when I am weak I am strong. Going back to what I stated earlier. When we come to an understanding of dependency on Christ and see our short comings we see we are weak yet strong. I know that may sound weird, but to the Christian it makes perfect sense. Despite I may be quite a shy person I've found that boldness comes not in me, but through me from the strength of Him. See friends when I'm weak I am strong begins to make sense when we look at it in light of what the scripture says. I know I have weaknesses, but I look to the very one who saved me and in Him I can say I am strong. Not based on my own ability or talent, but based on my identity and Him working through me.
Brothers and sisters be encouraged in areas where you are weak. Remember when you are weak through Him you can say your strong. This I do believe should encourage us when sharing our faith whether at school, work or anywhere. Be encouraged in that when you inquire of something and that "My grace is sufficient" is His response have the attitude of the Apostle and understand the depths of His grace is sufficient.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Are You Nourished Up In His Word ? ( 1 Timothy 4:6-8 )
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
1 Timothy 4:6-8
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brothers and sisters one word that catches my eye in verse six is nourished. It takes me back in the Word to as it is written man can not live by bread alone,but by every word that proceeds from God's mouth( Deuteronomy 8:3 ). Friends the very Word of God is food for our very soul and we need it more, more than we need bread and water. Some would say I may be taking that a bit far, but is bread or water going to save your very soul from hell? No!, but the very Word of God will. Remember the Word became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ( John 1:14 ). So yes the Word will and it has a name and that name is Jesus Christ, the name which is above all names( Philippians 2:9,Ephesians 1:21 ).
Now I know the context here is the Apostle Paul addressing Timothy on being a good minister(pastor), but friends this advice is just as ample and needed for us believers today. We need to be nourished up in the Word of God daily. We need to feast on His Word daily to make it. Think about what the Apostle wrote to the church in Ephesus about spiritual warfare ( Ephesians 6:10-18 ). Do you think this only happens on the weekends or only certain days? No, this is a daily battle and to make it daily we must be renewed daily by the Word. Friends, brothers and sisters we don't just manage to wake up in morning on our own and gumption the ability to fight these battle on our own. No, this is a daily practiced living in which through as it says being nourished in the Word.
Think about the very familiar verse we all know, study to show thyself approved unto God( 2 Timothy 2:15 ). Well, does that sound like someone who is nourished up or lacking ? This my friends does really burn me to some degree when you seek to wanna sit down and talk about the Lord and honestly the depth with some people is about as deep as a small puddle after it rains. Now maybe I shouldn't get this way,but if you call yourself a Christian and love the Lord your God with all your heart then spend time getting to know Him. Why is it people know more about what movie is coming out next week or the line up for a sports team,but their lack of knowledge of God is so off balance ? The worst part is I'm not talking about people who don't attend church, I'm talking about people who attend church. My encouragement in this is have this desire for God as David wrote in Psalm 42 in the first verse, " As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. "
Moving on in verse 7 the Apostle Paul is stating steer from anything irrelevant or false. This would I do believe falls under spiritual discernment. Too often people when wanting to understand things in Christianity they will read any book and as long as they find it in the Christian book store they will say okay it must be fine. That kind of reasoning is quite stupid and not well thought through. Like I've stated recently and other times before we need to prove all things( 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ) and that includes Christian literature. Brothers and sisters I'm not trying to scare you, but just make you aware. Like I shared with a youth group before we must hold all things to the standard which is the Word of God. This doesn't mean twist the scripture to make the item fit with the scripture, but instead test it and see if it lines up with the scriptures and if so then hold fast to what is good.
Last I'd like to comment on verse 8, it says for bodily exercise profit little. The Apostle isn't here endorsing become lazy and not take care of our bodies. Instead what he is saying is that do not become so focused on your body and taking care of it that you forget what as he mentions in verse six to nourish your soul by reading the Word. You know I've seen these health junkies who get so worked on how they look and care all about physical appearance. The problem is that is in itself is very vain. It is pointless in what they don't understand is this body we have is temporary and one day shall be no more. Now as I stated this gives us no cause to be lazy,but instead be balanced. You can take care of your body in a healthy way, but at the same time not neglect your soul. I know personally I can miss a few push ups or a sit up, but to miss time in God's Word that, that is crazy. For in the Word I find the very things I need to get me day by day. I can't get those in all the workouts in all the world.
Brothers and sisters I encourage you get in His Word and be thoroughly nourished daily. Please I urge you to not take this lightly. Know this and this comes from a brother in the faith, that I make it daily by His strength. That I'm encouraged through His Word. My very heart and mind are lead by the Word of God. Friends we can not and must not think that our emotions( Jeremiah 17:9 ) or very thoughts( Proverbs 14:12 ) can be the best judge.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
1 Timothy 4:6-8
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brothers and sisters one word that catches my eye in verse six is nourished. It takes me back in the Word to as it is written man can not live by bread alone,but by every word that proceeds from God's mouth( Deuteronomy 8:3 ). Friends the very Word of God is food for our very soul and we need it more, more than we need bread and water. Some would say I may be taking that a bit far, but is bread or water going to save your very soul from hell? No!, but the very Word of God will. Remember the Word became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ( John 1:14 ). So yes the Word will and it has a name and that name is Jesus Christ, the name which is above all names( Philippians 2:9,Ephesians 1:21 ).
Now I know the context here is the Apostle Paul addressing Timothy on being a good minister(pastor), but friends this advice is just as ample and needed for us believers today. We need to be nourished up in the Word of God daily. We need to feast on His Word daily to make it. Think about what the Apostle wrote to the church in Ephesus about spiritual warfare ( Ephesians 6:10-18 ). Do you think this only happens on the weekends or only certain days? No, this is a daily battle and to make it daily we must be renewed daily by the Word. Friends, brothers and sisters we don't just manage to wake up in morning on our own and gumption the ability to fight these battle on our own. No, this is a daily practiced living in which through as it says being nourished in the Word.
Think about the very familiar verse we all know, study to show thyself approved unto God( 2 Timothy 2:15 ). Well, does that sound like someone who is nourished up or lacking ? This my friends does really burn me to some degree when you seek to wanna sit down and talk about the Lord and honestly the depth with some people is about as deep as a small puddle after it rains. Now maybe I shouldn't get this way,but if you call yourself a Christian and love the Lord your God with all your heart then spend time getting to know Him. Why is it people know more about what movie is coming out next week or the line up for a sports team,but their lack of knowledge of God is so off balance ? The worst part is I'm not talking about people who don't attend church, I'm talking about people who attend church. My encouragement in this is have this desire for God as David wrote in Psalm 42 in the first verse, " As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. "
Moving on in verse 7 the Apostle Paul is stating steer from anything irrelevant or false. This would I do believe falls under spiritual discernment. Too often people when wanting to understand things in Christianity they will read any book and as long as they find it in the Christian book store they will say okay it must be fine. That kind of reasoning is quite stupid and not well thought through. Like I've stated recently and other times before we need to prove all things( 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ) and that includes Christian literature. Brothers and sisters I'm not trying to scare you, but just make you aware. Like I shared with a youth group before we must hold all things to the standard which is the Word of God. This doesn't mean twist the scripture to make the item fit with the scripture, but instead test it and see if it lines up with the scriptures and if so then hold fast to what is good.
Last I'd like to comment on verse 8, it says for bodily exercise profit little. The Apostle isn't here endorsing become lazy and not take care of our bodies. Instead what he is saying is that do not become so focused on your body and taking care of it that you forget what as he mentions in verse six to nourish your soul by reading the Word. You know I've seen these health junkies who get so worked on how they look and care all about physical appearance. The problem is that is in itself is very vain. It is pointless in what they don't understand is this body we have is temporary and one day shall be no more. Now as I stated this gives us no cause to be lazy,but instead be balanced. You can take care of your body in a healthy way, but at the same time not neglect your soul. I know personally I can miss a few push ups or a sit up, but to miss time in God's Word that, that is crazy. For in the Word I find the very things I need to get me day by day. I can't get those in all the workouts in all the world.
Brothers and sisters I encourage you get in His Word and be thoroughly nourished daily. Please I urge you to not take this lightly. Know this and this comes from a brother in the faith, that I make it daily by His strength. That I'm encouraged through His Word. My very heart and mind are lead by the Word of God. Friends we can not and must not think that our emotions( Jeremiah 17:9 ) or very thoughts( Proverbs 14:12 ) can be the best judge.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Friday, June 26, 2009
Persecution Isn't Limited To Certain Saints ( 2 Timothy 3:12 )
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know it amazes that people and I've mentioned it before that people somehow think being a "modern" Christian will somehow get them out of persecution. Friends anyone believing has got some serious fog in the way or maybe their definition or thought of persecution is very limited. See I think too often when we hear persecution we think Foxe's Book of Martyrs or reading in the scriptures about being afflicted and think pain and torment as in physical pain. Friends persecution is not limited to the physical realm. No my friends persecution can be mentally as well. How many times have we thought about being mocked or taunted as being persecuted? Whether we realize it or not it is a form of persecution.
What I'd like to go ahead and say is this, notice it says that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Do you notice what it says "all"? This doesn't mean some or a few, but this means all who live godly shall suffer persecution. This doesn't mean they might or could, but they shall. Remember what our Lord and Savior said, " If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.(John 15:18-20 ) "
You know to me reading this is encouragement and I'm sure a lot of people would say John that sounds nuts. Here is why I know one these things shall come to pass as my Lord said they will. In addition I know I serve a faithful God who will give me the strength( Philippians 4:13,Isaiah 41:10 ) to endure and that they hate me, because I am not of this world, but hate me for His name sake. Brothers and sisters to look at life and circumstances with this perspective is beautiful. I'll be honest I do have rough days and I know we can all relate, but I do not let people,circumstances, or even my feelings dictate who or where I'm headed much less my identity. Instead I go to the scriptures and am reminded of who I am in Him and what He did for me.It is this knowledge I do believe when we as believers go through persecution in all its forms that helps us endure.
Be encouraged that even as persecution shall come that He is faithful whom saved you and preserves you daily. Remember He will never leave you nor forsake you( Hebrews 13:5 ). Do not fear persecution instead look on in courage and seek His strength when it comes. You don't have to put on a facade as it may be scary and even painful, but instead stand firm in Christ alone.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
2 Timothy 3:12
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know it amazes that people and I've mentioned it before that people somehow think being a "modern" Christian will somehow get them out of persecution. Friends anyone believing has got some serious fog in the way or maybe their definition or thought of persecution is very limited. See I think too often when we hear persecution we think Foxe's Book of Martyrs or reading in the scriptures about being afflicted and think pain and torment as in physical pain. Friends persecution is not limited to the physical realm. No my friends persecution can be mentally as well. How many times have we thought about being mocked or taunted as being persecuted? Whether we realize it or not it is a form of persecution.
What I'd like to go ahead and say is this, notice it says that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Do you notice what it says "all"? This doesn't mean some or a few, but this means all who live godly shall suffer persecution. This doesn't mean they might or could, but they shall. Remember what our Lord and Savior said, " If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.(John 15:18-20 ) "
You know to me reading this is encouragement and I'm sure a lot of people would say John that sounds nuts. Here is why I know one these things shall come to pass as my Lord said they will. In addition I know I serve a faithful God who will give me the strength( Philippians 4:13,Isaiah 41:10 ) to endure and that they hate me, because I am not of this world, but hate me for His name sake. Brothers and sisters to look at life and circumstances with this perspective is beautiful. I'll be honest I do have rough days and I know we can all relate, but I do not let people,circumstances, or even my feelings dictate who or where I'm headed much less my identity. Instead I go to the scriptures and am reminded of who I am in Him and what He did for me.It is this knowledge I do believe when we as believers go through persecution in all its forms that helps us endure.
Be encouraged that even as persecution shall come that He is faithful whom saved you and preserves you daily. Remember He will never leave you nor forsake you( Hebrews 13:5 ). Do not fear persecution instead look on in courage and seek His strength when it comes. You don't have to put on a facade as it may be scary and even painful, but instead stand firm in Christ alone.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Be Not Deceived By Vain Words! ( Ephesians 5:6-8 )
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Ephesians 5:6-8
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'd like first off to point something out which I think people don't think of. That is there is distinction between people. Well, some would say yes I know that. There are some who are tall and short, there are those who are male and female and other such distinctions, but friends there is a distinction I'd like to point out as scripture shows us here and other places there are children of light, those whom follow the true Light( John 1:9 ), which we as believers know is Jesus Christ. The other children are children of disobedience or as another place in scripture calls them children of wrath( Ephesians 2:3 ). These are those who do not follow Christ. Instead their lives are contrary to Word of God. I've heard people say and I actually use to agree with this statement that everyone is God's children. Friends that statement is false and let me briefly if I can explain why. We all are God's creation, but only those who are born again can truly be called His children. Think about Romans 8:1, does this sound like a promise for children of wrath or children of disobedience? Think of what I said do children of disobedience sound like those who walk after the spirit or do you think they walk after the flesh?
Continuing on notice first the Apostle Paul here states let no man deceive you with vain words. As I stated last night we must be discerning. This means we prove all things( 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ) and this means everything. It does frustrate me to some degree for people to go to church and not even carry a bible. They don't even check the pastor. Now granted I'm not saying we must be critical man pastor you didn't pronounce that name or how come your not using KJV, but friends we must even hold them to the Word of God. No man is above the scriptures. Like I stated last night any good bible teacher or pastor will appreciate this and more than likely encourage this.
Of course we can gather from the context of passage that the Apostle Paul is warning the members of this church as well as us believers to be weary of false teachers as well. See there are those who sound Christian and may look Christian,but a discerning spirit will make them stick out and should send red flags. Remember the words of our Lord, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."( Matthew 7:20 )
Notice what verse 7 clearly states do not be partakers with them. Friends this is no way states we just go off in our own little world and don't care about anybody, but as I've stressed before our quality time is with believers. I ask you this what fellowship does light with darkness( 2 Corinthians 6:14 )? Notice I used the word fellowship. Once again I will stress fellowship and the word quality time. Ensure that your quality time is with those who share with you in the faith. Here is something I keep in mind and I hope this is encouraging to you. We share our faith with those who are lost hoping they too would come to the knowledge of Christ and they would be saved from the wrath to come. I try to spend as much time in the Word as I can to renew and protect my mind. I realize friends that from the heart are the issues of life( Proverbs 4:23 ). In addition I long for time at church to praise and worship God and learn as well. Then I am encouraged through bible studies both at church and with other believers. As I firmly believe you fill yourself with good stuff and out comes good stuff. We can't be around junk and expect roses to bloom.
Last I will address what the Apostle Paul was clearly pointing out in verse 8, now that you children of light who once were in darkness should walk in the light. This is a reminder saying live the life. How much clearer does he have to be. I believe we have all heard this saying, I hear you talking the talk, but are you walking the walk. I ask you that question, are you walking in the light? Are you walking the walk? Friends it is more than saying I'm a Christian. This is a life of perseverance, even when all hell breaks loose. Are you willing to loose everything? Are you willing to be abandoned, mocked, scourged, and hated for His name sake? To endure this we must be filled with His strength and renewed daily in His Word. We can not make it on our own. We can not make it on an acceptable or watered down gospel, but instead the only gospel. We must live by the gospel which as the Apostle Paul put so well, not of man, but revealed by Christ( Galatians 1:12 ).
Be encouraged brothers and sisters daily as you grow in the faith. Get to know God daily through His Word and in communion with Him in prayer. Friends think about what it means to pray without ceasing
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Ephesians 5:6-8
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'd like first off to point something out which I think people don't think of. That is there is distinction between people. Well, some would say yes I know that. There are some who are tall and short, there are those who are male and female and other such distinctions, but friends there is a distinction I'd like to point out as scripture shows us here and other places there are children of light, those whom follow the true Light( John 1:9 ), which we as believers know is Jesus Christ. The other children are children of disobedience or as another place in scripture calls them children of wrath( Ephesians 2:3 ). These are those who do not follow Christ. Instead their lives are contrary to Word of God. I've heard people say and I actually use to agree with this statement that everyone is God's children. Friends that statement is false and let me briefly if I can explain why. We all are God's creation, but only those who are born again can truly be called His children. Think about Romans 8:1, does this sound like a promise for children of wrath or children of disobedience? Think of what I said do children of disobedience sound like those who walk after the spirit or do you think they walk after the flesh?
Continuing on notice first the Apostle Paul here states let no man deceive you with vain words. As I stated last night we must be discerning. This means we prove all things( 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ) and this means everything. It does frustrate me to some degree for people to go to church and not even carry a bible. They don't even check the pastor. Now granted I'm not saying we must be critical man pastor you didn't pronounce that name or how come your not using KJV, but friends we must even hold them to the Word of God. No man is above the scriptures. Like I stated last night any good bible teacher or pastor will appreciate this and more than likely encourage this.
Of course we can gather from the context of passage that the Apostle Paul is warning the members of this church as well as us believers to be weary of false teachers as well. See there are those who sound Christian and may look Christian,but a discerning spirit will make them stick out and should send red flags. Remember the words of our Lord, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."( Matthew 7:20 )
Notice what verse 7 clearly states do not be partakers with them. Friends this is no way states we just go off in our own little world and don't care about anybody, but as I've stressed before our quality time is with believers. I ask you this what fellowship does light with darkness( 2 Corinthians 6:14 )? Notice I used the word fellowship. Once again I will stress fellowship and the word quality time. Ensure that your quality time is with those who share with you in the faith. Here is something I keep in mind and I hope this is encouraging to you. We share our faith with those who are lost hoping they too would come to the knowledge of Christ and they would be saved from the wrath to come. I try to spend as much time in the Word as I can to renew and protect my mind. I realize friends that from the heart are the issues of life( Proverbs 4:23 ). In addition I long for time at church to praise and worship God and learn as well. Then I am encouraged through bible studies both at church and with other believers. As I firmly believe you fill yourself with good stuff and out comes good stuff. We can't be around junk and expect roses to bloom.
Last I will address what the Apostle Paul was clearly pointing out in verse 8, now that you children of light who once were in darkness should walk in the light. This is a reminder saying live the life. How much clearer does he have to be. I believe we have all heard this saying, I hear you talking the talk, but are you walking the walk. I ask you that question, are you walking in the light? Are you walking the walk? Friends it is more than saying I'm a Christian. This is a life of perseverance, even when all hell breaks loose. Are you willing to loose everything? Are you willing to be abandoned, mocked, scourged, and hated for His name sake? To endure this we must be filled with His strength and renewed daily in His Word. We can not make it on our own. We can not make it on an acceptable or watered down gospel, but instead the only gospel. We must live by the gospel which as the Apostle Paul put so well, not of man, but revealed by Christ( Galatians 1:12 ).
Be encouraged brothers and sisters daily as you grow in the faith. Get to know God daily through His Word and in communion with Him in prayer. Friends think about what it means to pray without ceasing
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Who Are You Seeking Approval Of ? ( Galatians 1:10-12 )
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:10-12
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brothers and sisters who are we seeking to please men or God? This question the Apostle Paul placed in this in some sense to use I believe as a test. This first and foremost shows us the heart of a true believer versus someone who just pins on the badge of Christianity and that is about the depth of their walk. For truly my friends we as Christians seek not the approval of man, but of God alone. For everything we do is for His glory. I often think of this verse when I go throughout my day am I seeking to please Him? Is my daily actions pleasing the One whom gave me life and is the very reason I make it day to day. I do believe my friends when we let the scriptures penetrate us to a depth where they are on our minds constantly it is a beauty which is beyond beauty. This I've come to describe as being consumed by God. I find that laying down I think of Him, when I get ready for work I think of Him, as I'm at work I think of Him. There is not a time that God is not on my mind. Friends with Him being constantly on my mind I do so whole heartily try to please Him in all I do. Granted I may not be perfect, but that by no means gives me excuse or discourages me. It in fact only encourages me to press forward. Though the outward man may and does parish, the inward man is renewed daily( 2 Corinthians 4:16 ) and for that I am grateful.
Something I'd like to address is notice how the Apostle Paul clearly points out what he preaches is not of men. This we should take to heart. When listening to pastors and those who share the gospel be discerning. Remember the Word says prove all things( 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ). Note also that Jesus clearly said, " Take Heed that no man deceive you( Matthew 24:4 ). Friends I'm not saying go around and be critical, but I am saying be spiritually discerning. Don't just take everything for fact just because they stand in a pulpit, be as the Bereans( Acts 17:11 ). Any good bible teacher, pastor, or believer won't be insulted. In fact I believe they would encourage you to do so and encourage you to get in the Word to grow in your relationship with God.
Be encouraged brothers and sisters to grow daily in discipleship( Luke 9:23 ). You can see it in these passages of scripture. Think about denial of self is evident as the Apostle Paul is showing he preaches Christ and not himself. This life is no longer about him, but all about Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. As you read in the Apostle's letters and even in verse 10 he continues to take up his cross daily and of course he is following Christ. I'd venture to say as by reading in the Word that the Apostle Paul had a love and desire for Christ. He abandoned who he was and committed his entire life for the gospel.
So I ask the question again do you please men or do you please God? Remember as the Apostle wrote in verse ten following this if you seek to please men, then your not the servants of Christ. For truly a servant of Christ, a true believer will seek to please God in all that he or she does. In that others will sometimes be made happy,but remember it isn't about them. I think often that is where we can get off center we seek to make everyone else happy and forget about pleasing God. Friends I am in no way saying become irresponsible or make others lives terrible. No, but remember we are not to be people pleasers fulfilling everything they need. Trust me you can't nor will you meet their every need. There is only one way to fill every need and that is in God. I've found only He completes me. As I shared with someone, I do desire marriage, but not that I need someone to complete me for only Christ can do that,but someone who will compliment me. Be encouraged to seek to please Him. Seek to please the one who made you.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:10-12
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brothers and sisters who are we seeking to please men or God? This question the Apostle Paul placed in this in some sense to use I believe as a test. This first and foremost shows us the heart of a true believer versus someone who just pins on the badge of Christianity and that is about the depth of their walk. For truly my friends we as Christians seek not the approval of man, but of God alone. For everything we do is for His glory. I often think of this verse when I go throughout my day am I seeking to please Him? Is my daily actions pleasing the One whom gave me life and is the very reason I make it day to day. I do believe my friends when we let the scriptures penetrate us to a depth where they are on our minds constantly it is a beauty which is beyond beauty. This I've come to describe as being consumed by God. I find that laying down I think of Him, when I get ready for work I think of Him, as I'm at work I think of Him. There is not a time that God is not on my mind. Friends with Him being constantly on my mind I do so whole heartily try to please Him in all I do. Granted I may not be perfect, but that by no means gives me excuse or discourages me. It in fact only encourages me to press forward. Though the outward man may and does parish, the inward man is renewed daily( 2 Corinthians 4:16 ) and for that I am grateful.
Something I'd like to address is notice how the Apostle Paul clearly points out what he preaches is not of men. This we should take to heart. When listening to pastors and those who share the gospel be discerning. Remember the Word says prove all things( 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ). Note also that Jesus clearly said, " Take Heed that no man deceive you( Matthew 24:4 ). Friends I'm not saying go around and be critical, but I am saying be spiritually discerning. Don't just take everything for fact just because they stand in a pulpit, be as the Bereans( Acts 17:11 ). Any good bible teacher, pastor, or believer won't be insulted. In fact I believe they would encourage you to do so and encourage you to get in the Word to grow in your relationship with God.
Be encouraged brothers and sisters to grow daily in discipleship( Luke 9:23 ). You can see it in these passages of scripture. Think about denial of self is evident as the Apostle Paul is showing he preaches Christ and not himself. This life is no longer about him, but all about Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. As you read in the Apostle's letters and even in verse 10 he continues to take up his cross daily and of course he is following Christ. I'd venture to say as by reading in the Word that the Apostle Paul had a love and desire for Christ. He abandoned who he was and committed his entire life for the gospel.
So I ask the question again do you please men or do you please God? Remember as the Apostle wrote in verse ten following this if you seek to please men, then your not the servants of Christ. For truly a servant of Christ, a true believer will seek to please God in all that he or she does. In that others will sometimes be made happy,but remember it isn't about them. I think often that is where we can get off center we seek to make everyone else happy and forget about pleasing God. Friends I am in no way saying become irresponsible or make others lives terrible. No, but remember we are not to be people pleasers fulfilling everything they need. Trust me you can't nor will you meet their every need. There is only one way to fill every need and that is in God. I've found only He completes me. As I shared with someone, I do desire marriage, but not that I need someone to complete me for only Christ can do that,but someone who will compliment me. Be encouraged to seek to please Him. Seek to please the one who made you.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Monday, June 22, 2009
Grow In HIM I Pray! ( Colossians 1:9-10 )
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Colossians 1:9-10
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Apostle Paul here in this part of his letter is addressing to the church at Colosse is praying for the believers at the church that they would grow in their relationship to God. I mean it is very obvious when he indicates this in verse 10 by stating increasing in the knowledge of God. Sadly today people go to church on Sunday maybe even on Wednesday too and that is about all of the knowledge of God they get. Now friends, brothers and sisters, my prayer is quite similar to some degree maybe not the same words,but I pray that my brothers and sisters would continue to grow in knowledge and their relationship with God.
Friends as a family, the body of Christ there is absolutely nothing wrong with praying this for our brothers and sisters. Remember we believers need prayers as well. I think it is completely ridiculous to think that ok I'm a Christian now I have it all figured out and I don't need prayers. That kind of attitude is plain arrogant and to me is very unbecoming of a true believer. Can the flesh rise up and our pride try and war with us to make us resist asking for prayer? I do say so, cause we know we war with it as we will till the day we die and receive our glorified bodies. Until that day friends I would encourage you to be humble and do ask for prayer from your brothers and sisters.
So how can we grow in the knowledge of God. Well, I know this may sound simple, but the scriptures are very clear, study to show thyself approved unto God( 2 Timothy 2:15 ). If you want to know Him there is no better place to read than the very book which shares His very attributes and very nature.Not to mention He inspired this Word( 2 Timothy 3:16 ) Himself and since He is truth, we know we are getting 100% fact. In fact if you seek Him with all that you are, you will find Him( Deuteronomy 4:29 ). Another beautiful picture of growing in knowledge is having the desire which is usually the first step. This beautiful picture is painted in Psalm 42:1, "As hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. "
Friends, Brothers and sisters I pray you all have this continuing panting for Him, the one and living God. I pray that even in the deserts of your life you seek His face waiting on Him, knowing He is your hope( Psalm 71:5 ) and portion( Psalm 73:26 ). I'd venture to say I have yet to see the most difficult times of my life, but have had some challenges already in my Christian walk. I know this the very reason I am who I am is because of Him and I've made it every step because of His strength. One of the greatest joys I have is looking forward to time in His Word. Think on these words of encouragement from the psalmist and be encouraged to grow deeper and closer to God, " My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me."( Psalms 63:8 ). Is your soul following hard after Him? Do desire Him with everything that you are? Friends, please know I say this these things as encouragement and pray without ceasing( 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ) for you, just as I pray for myself to grow as well and do ask your prayers as well. Remember as I've stated before we never get to the "I've made it" stage and stop needing prayers. No instead we continue growing day by day learning from Him, being lead by Him and all for His glory.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Colossians 1:9-10
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Apostle Paul here in this part of his letter is addressing to the church at Colosse is praying for the believers at the church that they would grow in their relationship to God. I mean it is very obvious when he indicates this in verse 10 by stating increasing in the knowledge of God. Sadly today people go to church on Sunday maybe even on Wednesday too and that is about all of the knowledge of God they get. Now friends, brothers and sisters, my prayer is quite similar to some degree maybe not the same words,but I pray that my brothers and sisters would continue to grow in knowledge and their relationship with God.
Friends as a family, the body of Christ there is absolutely nothing wrong with praying this for our brothers and sisters. Remember we believers need prayers as well. I think it is completely ridiculous to think that ok I'm a Christian now I have it all figured out and I don't need prayers. That kind of attitude is plain arrogant and to me is very unbecoming of a true believer. Can the flesh rise up and our pride try and war with us to make us resist asking for prayer? I do say so, cause we know we war with it as we will till the day we die and receive our glorified bodies. Until that day friends I would encourage you to be humble and do ask for prayer from your brothers and sisters.
So how can we grow in the knowledge of God. Well, I know this may sound simple, but the scriptures are very clear, study to show thyself approved unto God( 2 Timothy 2:15 ). If you want to know Him there is no better place to read than the very book which shares His very attributes and very nature.Not to mention He inspired this Word( 2 Timothy 3:16 ) Himself and since He is truth, we know we are getting 100% fact. In fact if you seek Him with all that you are, you will find Him( Deuteronomy 4:29 ). Another beautiful picture of growing in knowledge is having the desire which is usually the first step. This beautiful picture is painted in Psalm 42:1, "As hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. "
Friends, Brothers and sisters I pray you all have this continuing panting for Him, the one and living God. I pray that even in the deserts of your life you seek His face waiting on Him, knowing He is your hope( Psalm 71:5 ) and portion( Psalm 73:26 ). I'd venture to say I have yet to see the most difficult times of my life, but have had some challenges already in my Christian walk. I know this the very reason I am who I am is because of Him and I've made it every step because of His strength. One of the greatest joys I have is looking forward to time in His Word. Think on these words of encouragement from the psalmist and be encouraged to grow deeper and closer to God, " My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me."( Psalms 63:8 ). Is your soul following hard after Him? Do desire Him with everything that you are? Friends, please know I say this these things as encouragement and pray without ceasing( 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ) for you, just as I pray for myself to grow as well and do ask your prayers as well. Remember as I've stated before we never get to the "I've made it" stage and stop needing prayers. No instead we continue growing day by day learning from Him, being lead by Him and all for His glory.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
