"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." John 3:36
The path to heaven is very simple........or is it? Jesus even said himself that the only way to the Father is through his Son. But let's dissect this verse.
"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life;" There is no doubt in my mind that this is a true statement. We MUST believe that Jesus died for our sins and rose again on the third day or our faith is baseless and God is not at all powerful.
Now for the second part of this verse: "......whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." Faith is the first and foremost requirement, but obedience to God goes hand in hand with believing. There is no faith without obedience because our obedience to God's calling means we are listening and obeying. When we pick and choose what we are going to do for God, instead of truly listening and obeying, then we are making a grave mistake in our eternal life.
Obedience means belief. Faith without obedience is not faith. Just believing that Christ is the one and only Son of God who died for our sins and rose back to life is the easy way out. I can believe I am a pilot and can fly all day long, but if I don't go fly, then I'm not really a pilot.
Think about it.
Freak
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
The Center of the Universe
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” Luke 6:24
There it is, black and white right? Rich people are not going to heaven. Discussion over.
If you believe this and are reading it on the Internet, then it must be true right? Because everything on the Internet is true? Wrong, this is just a joke.
This portion of Luke comes from Jesus’ sermon on the mount. God was not referring to the rich in just money, although so of them were not going to make it into heaven. If we look back on the history of the time, who were the richest people in those days? The governmental leaders and the Pharisees and church leaders. Jesus was trying to tell the self-righteous church leaders that they already had their gifts here on earth and were not going to make it into heaven.
If we apply that to today’s society, let’s really look at who the rich can be. Money is not the only thing someone may be rich in. Would the self-indulged, self-centered person be rich in something? Say, EGO or PRIDE. What about the person who walks around looking for the attention of others at the detriment to anyone in their way? What about the pastor who is so absorbed with his own ambitions for money and power that he loses sight of his mission for Christ? What about the politician abusing his richness in power to manipulate the masses for more power?
When we think of rich, our first inclination is to money. But power, vane conceit, self-centeredness, and so many other qualities can lead to a life void of a relationship with Christ and others. And we will find our consolation already in those qualities we choose to chase, instead of the mission God has set before us.
Looking to dethrone myself,
Freak
There it is, black and white right? Rich people are not going to heaven. Discussion over.
If you believe this and are reading it on the Internet, then it must be true right? Because everything on the Internet is true? Wrong, this is just a joke.
This portion of Luke comes from Jesus’ sermon on the mount. God was not referring to the rich in just money, although so of them were not going to make it into heaven. If we look back on the history of the time, who were the richest people in those days? The governmental leaders and the Pharisees and church leaders. Jesus was trying to tell the self-righteous church leaders that they already had their gifts here on earth and were not going to make it into heaven.
If we apply that to today’s society, let’s really look at who the rich can be. Money is not the only thing someone may be rich in. Would the self-indulged, self-centered person be rich in something? Say, EGO or PRIDE. What about the person who walks around looking for the attention of others at the detriment to anyone in their way? What about the pastor who is so absorbed with his own ambitions for money and power that he loses sight of his mission for Christ? What about the politician abusing his richness in power to manipulate the masses for more power?
When we think of rich, our first inclination is to money. But power, vane conceit, self-centeredness, and so many other qualities can lead to a life void of a relationship with Christ and others. And we will find our consolation already in those qualities we choose to chase, instead of the mission God has set before us.
Looking to dethrone myself,
Freak
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Live Sent
“But Jesus said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns too, for that is what I was sent to do.” Luke 4:43 ESV
For so many Christ-followers, living the life that God laid out for us, even before we were born, is harder to do than learning to fly an airplane or build a skyscraper. Why is that?
Why do we struggle to do the right thing and not the wrong thing?
Why do we struggle to spend time with Christ everyday, trying to fit him into OUR busy schedule?
Why do we struggle to simply stop on the side of the road and ask if someone needs help with their car?
Why do we struggle to give just the few dollars in our pockets away to someone who may be asking for it?
Pride is one reason. We think WE have the answer and God should be on board with our plan and schedule. Or we ACT like a little god, thinking we know that the person asking for money is just going to spend it on alcohol.
Another reason might be fear. We are afraid that if we let God into our lives, everything we are comfortable with will go away. Or maybe we are afraid of all the news stories we hear about people being hurt trying to just help someone out.
Whatever is keeping us from acting, is also keeping us from connecting with God. God has made things real simple for us: love Him with all we are (Mark 12:30), love others despite ourselves (Luke 10:27), and finally live the life God sent you to live (Matthew 28:19).
What is God asking you to do that you are not doing? Where has He told you to go that you have not gone? Who has he told you to talk to that you have not talked with? We must follow Jesus' example and live a life sent by the Father.
Freak
For so many Christ-followers, living the life that God laid out for us, even before we were born, is harder to do than learning to fly an airplane or build a skyscraper. Why is that?
Why do we struggle to do the right thing and not the wrong thing?
Why do we struggle to spend time with Christ everyday, trying to fit him into OUR busy schedule?
Why do we struggle to simply stop on the side of the road and ask if someone needs help with their car?
Why do we struggle to give just the few dollars in our pockets away to someone who may be asking for it?
Pride is one reason. We think WE have the answer and God should be on board with our plan and schedule. Or we ACT like a little god, thinking we know that the person asking for money is just going to spend it on alcohol.
Another reason might be fear. We are afraid that if we let God into our lives, everything we are comfortable with will go away. Or maybe we are afraid of all the news stories we hear about people being hurt trying to just help someone out.
Whatever is keeping us from acting, is also keeping us from connecting with God. God has made things real simple for us: love Him with all we are (Mark 12:30), love others despite ourselves (Luke 10:27), and finally live the life God sent you to live (Matthew 28:19).
What is God asking you to do that you are not doing? Where has He told you to go that you have not gone? Who has he told you to talk to that you have not talked with? We must follow Jesus' example and live a life sent by the Father.
Freak
Monday, July 23, 2012
Let It Go
"....And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations......." Mark 13:5-13 ESV
Television and the Internet have unleashed on the world a revolution in information. If we really think about life a mere 60 years ago, TV was barely around. Kids played outside, news was still found in the newspaper a day after it happened, and even then it was mostly local in nature. Today, we hear about almost every little thing going on in the world and our country: shootings, stabbings, fires, murders, uprisings, coups.......and the list goes on and on.
In a world that lives on a 24 hour news clock, we hear about almost everything wrong and distorted about our fallen reality. But what we don't realize, is that this is just the beginning. The earth is just in the beginning stages of its own end. The biggest thing to think about is the whole prophecy thats here in these passages from the gospel of Mark: it really won't start until the gospel has been "proclaimed to all nations." Has that happened? I don't know and really it doesn't matter.
What really matters is that we just go, and proclaim His word.......that we don't focus on when the end is going to come, but be ready for it to come when God says so. There is a lot more to cover in these passages. More to come.
Praying the Mayans did get it right so I can go home!
Freak
Television and the Internet have unleashed on the world a revolution in information. If we really think about life a mere 60 years ago, TV was barely around. Kids played outside, news was still found in the newspaper a day after it happened, and even then it was mostly local in nature. Today, we hear about almost every little thing going on in the world and our country: shootings, stabbings, fires, murders, uprisings, coups.......and the list goes on and on.
In a world that lives on a 24 hour news clock, we hear about almost everything wrong and distorted about our fallen reality. But what we don't realize, is that this is just the beginning. The earth is just in the beginning stages of its own end. The biggest thing to think about is the whole prophecy thats here in these passages from the gospel of Mark: it really won't start until the gospel has been "proclaimed to all nations." Has that happened? I don't know and really it doesn't matter.
What really matters is that we just go, and proclaim His word.......that we don't focus on when the end is going to come, but be ready for it to come when God says so. There is a lot more to cover in these passages. More to come.
Praying the Mayans did get it right so I can go home!
Freak
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The Same Thing
"A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out." Prov 25:28 MSG
Epiphanies can really hurt sometimes. Self evaluation after those epiphanies makes me want to crawl in a hole and never come out. Why? Because when we have an epiphany, a realization, an Ah-Ha moment in life, most likely that means God is prompting us to change something in our lives. That has been happening to me for a long time now, but one of the most painful of all realizations came to me this morning.
First off, I am dead tired. Soddy Daisy, Chattanooga, Jasper, Hixson, Chattanooga, Dalton, Augusta, Dalton, Soddy Daisy. I spent 18 and a half hours yesterday on a whirlwind flying/driving extravaganza. I literally rolled into my house at 2:30 this morning only to have to get back up at 7:30. That's when the pain started, not from any headache or hangover, nor sleepless night or cold. No, no, it came from God, his Holy Spirit.
I literaly had a conversation (one way mind you) with God this morning on the way to the airport, and you know what I heard: looks like someone needs to re-wire a little bit of themselves. I'm not talking a full on overhaul, I'm talking just a small little re-route. I pleaded with God, arguing that this was the way he had made me. I thought I heard a laugh but wasn't sure. What I heard was confirmation that I really was being moved by the spirit. Time to act.
Remember these words: self-control and self-discipline are the same thing. Anyone who tries to split hairs is either an English major, or someone who doesn't want to face the fact that they lack both. That's what I realized this morning: I kind of lack a little bit of the same thing these 2 contractions represent. I'm not talking full on no self control, can't keep my brain mouth filter in check, let my thoughts always get the best of me type of self control. I'm talking, get your but in gear, stop procrastinating and get something done for your God, family and friends kind of self control.
Picture this.....................(and I will paint that picture over the next few posts)
Freak
Epiphanies can really hurt sometimes. Self evaluation after those epiphanies makes me want to crawl in a hole and never come out. Why? Because when we have an epiphany, a realization, an Ah-Ha moment in life, most likely that means God is prompting us to change something in our lives. That has been happening to me for a long time now, but one of the most painful of all realizations came to me this morning.
First off, I am dead tired. Soddy Daisy, Chattanooga, Jasper, Hixson, Chattanooga, Dalton, Augusta, Dalton, Soddy Daisy. I spent 18 and a half hours yesterday on a whirlwind flying/driving extravaganza. I literally rolled into my house at 2:30 this morning only to have to get back up at 7:30. That's when the pain started, not from any headache or hangover, nor sleepless night or cold. No, no, it came from God, his Holy Spirit.
I literaly had a conversation (one way mind you) with God this morning on the way to the airport, and you know what I heard: looks like someone needs to re-wire a little bit of themselves. I'm not talking a full on overhaul, I'm talking just a small little re-route. I pleaded with God, arguing that this was the way he had made me. I thought I heard a laugh but wasn't sure. What I heard was confirmation that I really was being moved by the spirit. Time to act.
Remember these words: self-control and self-discipline are the same thing. Anyone who tries to split hairs is either an English major, or someone who doesn't want to face the fact that they lack both. That's what I realized this morning: I kind of lack a little bit of the same thing these 2 contractions represent. I'm not talking full on no self control, can't keep my brain mouth filter in check, let my thoughts always get the best of me type of self control. I'm talking, get your but in gear, stop procrastinating and get something done for your God, family and friends kind of self control.
Picture this.....................(and I will paint that picture over the next few posts)
Freak
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I Love You Uncle Steve
"........The man went back and began to preach in the Ten Towns area about what Jesus had done for him....." Mark 5:18-20 MSG
Dear Uncle Steve,
I saw you a while back. You were in the hospital, bed ridden and eating ice chips because you had some stomach problems. I'm not sure the doctors ever figured out what caused you to have such problems, but they assume it was the new chemo drugs you went on.
Chemo-therapy- what a familiar word, yet so foreign to those of us blessed enough not to have to go through it. We don't know the pain, the suffering, or the shear will it takes to finish the day as strong as possible after completing a round with this stuff. Even now, you fight with the new stem cell treatment. You are an inspiration to your family Uncle Steve.
When we were growing up, all 10 nieces and nephews were the targets of your constant sarcasm and quick wit. As much as we hated the "2 Steves" and what it meant to endure a family gathering under the constant barrage of comments, antics, and jeers, I wouldn't trade a single minute of that time with you, for anything in the world. I'm not sure you know the impact you have had on my life. If I have never told you before, I am going to tell you now.
Uncle Steve, you are an inspiration to me. Your ability to fight this cancer, to wake up everyday and fight the good fight against this disease has brought life into perspective for me. As I get older, time really begins to speed up and I look back with fondness on the times we spent together at many a family gathering. I have not been the best nephew the past few years. There are times we have gone months withouth speaking to one another, but for some reason, now, now that this nasty disease has taken hold of you, I feel compelled to reach out and say emphatically, I love you. I love you more than ever because now I see a man who needs to know what his nephew never told him.
As I close this letter Uncle Steve, I want you to know the 2 things I pray most for you: that this disease will leave you like the demon possessed man in the Bible verse above and that you will be able to go out and tell everyone about the miracle of how your disease was healed, but most of all, I pray that you have come into a relationship with Christ. I pray for you Uncle Steve because I love you. I love you now more than ever, and I hope I am not too late in telling you this.
This family does not need to miss you yet so please fight hard everyday. If you agree to fight hard, I will agree to pray everyday until the doctors tell us about the miracle you are.
With Love,
Jeremiah
Dear Uncle Steve,
I saw you a while back. You were in the hospital, bed ridden and eating ice chips because you had some stomach problems. I'm not sure the doctors ever figured out what caused you to have such problems, but they assume it was the new chemo drugs you went on.
Chemo-therapy- what a familiar word, yet so foreign to those of us blessed enough not to have to go through it. We don't know the pain, the suffering, or the shear will it takes to finish the day as strong as possible after completing a round with this stuff. Even now, you fight with the new stem cell treatment. You are an inspiration to your family Uncle Steve.
When we were growing up, all 10 nieces and nephews were the targets of your constant sarcasm and quick wit. As much as we hated the "2 Steves" and what it meant to endure a family gathering under the constant barrage of comments, antics, and jeers, I wouldn't trade a single minute of that time with you, for anything in the world. I'm not sure you know the impact you have had on my life. If I have never told you before, I am going to tell you now.
Uncle Steve, you are an inspiration to me. Your ability to fight this cancer, to wake up everyday and fight the good fight against this disease has brought life into perspective for me. As I get older, time really begins to speed up and I look back with fondness on the times we spent together at many a family gathering. I have not been the best nephew the past few years. There are times we have gone months withouth speaking to one another, but for some reason, now, now that this nasty disease has taken hold of you, I feel compelled to reach out and say emphatically, I love you. I love you more than ever because now I see a man who needs to know what his nephew never told him.
As I close this letter Uncle Steve, I want you to know the 2 things I pray most for you: that this disease will leave you like the demon possessed man in the Bible verse above and that you will be able to go out and tell everyone about the miracle of how your disease was healed, but most of all, I pray that you have come into a relationship with Christ. I pray for you Uncle Steve because I love you. I love you now more than ever, and I hope I am not too late in telling you this.
This family does not need to miss you yet so please fight hard everyday. If you agree to fight hard, I will agree to pray everyday until the doctors tell us about the miracle you are.
With Love,
Jeremiah
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Be Wary Who You Listen To
"Judges sell verdicts to the highest bidder, priests mass-market their teaching, prophets teach for high fees, all the while posturing and pretending dependence on God: "We've got God on our side. He'll protect us from disaster." Micah 3:11 MSG
In my life, there have been many people I once considered close who I now consider far away because of the things I let them try and put into my head. Some were friends, others were family, but all taught me one invaluable lesson in life: be careful who I let influence my heart and mind, especially when it comes to my walk with Christ.
I can remember one person who constantly tried to justify to me that chasing after the finer things in life was great when we made sure we used it for the work of God. And he was right, but what didn't line up with my conscience (a.k.a. the Holy Spirit), was that this person's chasing after God was not really used for the good of the kingdom. It was used for self benefit, self promotion, and was really just a way to justify the love of money, versus love of God's people.
We have to be careful who we trust and listen to. Know and study them and carefully look at their motives: who is out for money and fame, or who is truly out to serve God? Do they tell you how to conduct your life, or do they merely give you advice based on Biblical truth?
Those who cared most about what God was doing in my life never tried to tell me what I need to do in life and then start pounding me over the head with Bible verses. What they did do for me was ask that I go seek and search for the answers myself.
Is it time to solely stop listening to others and begin finding the answer God intended for us to find. Begin to read and allow God into your life. Be authentic, and He will reveal the world to you.
Freak
In my life, there have been many people I once considered close who I now consider far away because of the things I let them try and put into my head. Some were friends, others were family, but all taught me one invaluable lesson in life: be careful who I let influence my heart and mind, especially when it comes to my walk with Christ.
I can remember one person who constantly tried to justify to me that chasing after the finer things in life was great when we made sure we used it for the work of God. And he was right, but what didn't line up with my conscience (a.k.a. the Holy Spirit), was that this person's chasing after God was not really used for the good of the kingdom. It was used for self benefit, self promotion, and was really just a way to justify the love of money, versus love of God's people.
We have to be careful who we trust and listen to. Know and study them and carefully look at their motives: who is out for money and fame, or who is truly out to serve God? Do they tell you how to conduct your life, or do they merely give you advice based on Biblical truth?
Those who cared most about what God was doing in my life never tried to tell me what I need to do in life and then start pounding me over the head with Bible verses. What they did do for me was ask that I go seek and search for the answers myself.
Is it time to solely stop listening to others and begin finding the answer God intended for us to find. Begin to read and allow God into your life. Be authentic, and He will reveal the world to you.
Freak
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