Are you an enemy of God?

I want you to take a look at this question seriously and look at the bible to see if you are an enemy of God.  When we first open our bibles up to the first book, our question is answered rather quickly. This is a serious question.  It is also one of the most important questions you will ever be asked.  In Genesis 3:6 we read "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate."  This is speaking of the original sin.  This disobedience lead to the corruption of all humanity as well as nature as we read in Romans 5:12" Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned".  Sin spread throughout humanity and so did death. In Romans 6:23a we see why "for the wages of sin is death,"

If we continue reading in the Old Testament we see a man with the name of Moses.  He is who God gave His 10 commandments to.  Some of you might say that we are no longer under the law.  In a way that is correct. So far as that we don't have to live it out perfectly without once infringing on the law-James 2:10- "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in point has become accountable for all of it."  We also must understand that the Law or 10 commandments we never meant to save us.  We are suposto look at it and say "God I can’t do this on my own".  These laws that are given are a glimpse of Gods character.  Let’s go over a couple of them to see how you compare. Let’s try the 8th commandment. It says "You shall not steal", have you ever stolen anything no matter what the value?  Or how about the 3rd which says “You shall not take the name of the lord your God in vain", have you used the name of God lightly or as a curse word? Or, how about the 7th which says "You shall not commit adultery", this one ties into the New Testament because Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-28"You have heard it was said," You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Have you ever looked with lust?

You may look at this and so "ok what do I do about my sin?” Well, there was a sacrifice that was paid for you and your sin.  The reason for the sacrifice is explained in Hebrews 9:22 "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”  It also had to be a perfect sacrifice.  That's why Jesus was born, was to be a "lamb led to the slaughter" Isaiah 53:7. In John 1:29 it says "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!". He takes away our sin. He doesn't cover them up but takes them away. When He was on that bloody roman cross, there was much more going on than you think.  God’s wrath was being poured out on Him to pay for our sin. In Isaiah 53:10a it says "Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; an offering for guilt,” This sacrifice was so that you can have forgiveness of sin.  In Acts 13:38 it says "Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” this "man" that is mentioned is Jesus. Not only did He die on the cross paying for our sins and taking on the full measure of God’s wrath but He also rose on the third day!

At this point you may be asking “ok, so what do I do now?” Now that you have seen your sin for what it is. The very thing that Jesus “laid down His life” for 1 John 3:16a.  I want you now to look at the very words of Jesus Himself in Mark 1:15” and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”  So let’s look at this repentance. I’m sure you may look at that and figure that it’s just us saying we are sorry for what we have done.  It is however much more than that.  It’s a complete turning from our sin.  It’s hating what we once loved and loving the things of God.  Putting your faith in Christ and in His work done on the cross as well as Him rising on the third day, proving that His sacrifice was worthy and has truly paid for our sins.  Trusting or putting your faith that its by His sacrifice that we are justified (made right) with God.  We become redeemed or also known as born again.  Which is what Jesus was talking about in John 3:3 “Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  I pray that you take a look at this seriously and think on this.  Think about it like your life depends on it, because it does. 

Counting the cost

When we look back at the martyrs of the church, we see that they were willing to die for there faith in Jesus. They would not bow to other gods and they would not stop preaching. We see that they weren't just willing to die but live as well. 

They lived holy and set apart life's. They believed the gospel and and they couldn't help but share it with everyone they meet. They knew that Jesus was the way, the truth and the life. They knew that no one comes to the Father but by Jesus. 

It's by repentance and faith in Christ alone that we are saved. Jesus said to count the cost. Have you counted the cost of your faith? Are we willing as a church today to live the same way? Are we ready and willing to spread the gospel at any cost? No matter the situation? 

As Spurgeon wrote "If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for." It's about time we start living out our faith.

I cling!

Do we need to build a relationship with someone to Evangelize them? No. No where did Jesus say " Go and make relationships and then preach the gospel". Rather He said in Matthew 28:19-20" 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.". Where did this teaching of friendship evangelism come from. Should we preach the gospel to those we know? Of course but also those we don't know. Irregardless of the culture or the situation. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:22" To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." And he explains more in verse 23"I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.". He doesn't say he becomes their friend and slowly over time try's to share the gospel because as it says in Proverbs 27:1"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. ". We are not guaranteed another day, or another minute for that matter. The point is, is that we should be doing what it says in 2 Timothy 4:2"preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.". We should care about the lost and pray for them. Most of all, we should share the gospel with them in love and kindness but not altering it in anyway. It's our job to preach and the Holy Spirits job to change hearts. John 16:8-9 says "8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;". Lets remember what our role is and what His is. "Nothing to the cross I bring, ONLY to the CROSS I ClING".

Cliques in Church?!

Cliques aren't Biblical and they have no place in the church. 1 Corinthians 1:10"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.".  When we look at what the word of God says so clearly, we can't help but ask, "why the ignorance and abandonment of the clear direction of the word of God?". 2 Timothy 3:16 says "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,". We must take our direction from the word of God. Popularity has no place in the church. Jesus said in Matthew 20:26"It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,". Far to many people in the church place to much emphasis on themselves or on the pastor. They exude all sorts and kinds of pride for no reason. We read in Proverbs 16:5"Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished. ".  Pride has no place in the church either. It's one of the things that God hates. We read in Proverbs 6:16-17 "16 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: 
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,". We must be willing to do as Jesus says in Matthew 16:24 "Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.". We have to remember that we are all guilty and "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"Romans 3:23. We must live out the gospel in all our relationships and in all situations. As well as do what 2 Corinthians 10:5b says" and take every thought captive to obey Christ,".  Leonard Ravenhill said"One of these days a simple soul will pick up the Word of God, read it, believe it and live it. Then the rest of us will be embarrassed.". Lets not let that be us.