Complete…

Complete…

For in Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority.~ Colossians 2:9-10

As believers who abide in Christ Jesus, you and I are made complete in Him! We have received all the necessary requisites to inherit everlasting life! We have been filled with His fullness to the greatest extent possible! We have been made whole; even made perfect in Him. When Jesus spoke His last words on the cross, He said, “It is finished.” And with that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. (John 19:30) His atoning sacrifice was complete. It was total and absolute!

But I wonder, do we truly understand what it means to be complete? First of all, we need to turn our eyes upon Jesus … for He is the author (originator) and finisher (perfecter) of our faith! (Hebrews 12:2) Indeed, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word about Christ. (Romans 10:17) He is the confidence of what we hope for and the assurance of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1) Yes, and I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you and me will complete it! (Philippians 1:6)

This is our confidence in Christ … in Him we are complete! Imperfection has been made perfect through the unblemished Lamb of God. Think about that a moment…. Think about the perspective Paul shared in this regard:

Ephesians 1:3-8a (NIV)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him (Jesus) before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will— to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him (Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us.

Yes, in Christ we are complete because He has made us holy and blameless through His own perfect righteousness. He is the One who is able to keep us from falling and to present us before the glorious presence of God without fault. (Jude 1:24) Jesus will present to Himself a radiant Church without spot or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:26-27)

Can we truly fathom the depth or certitude of our redemption and salvation in Christ? Indeed, “May God Himself, the God of Peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

My friends, we might live in the brokenness of this fallen world, but we will be made whole as new creations in Christ. The old order of things will pass away! (Revelation 21:4) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:53) We may experience profound emptiness in life, be we will be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God through Christ. (Ephesians 3:19) Yes, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

Indeed, the journey of faith is life-long. We have not yet arrived at the finish line nor have we yet been perfected; but we must press on and lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of us. Let us press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus! (Philippians 3:12-14) For in Him we are complete!

Have a Blessed Day!

Abide…

Abide…

I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ~ John 15:5

The word ABIDE has several descriptive definitions – none of which is without significance within the context of our verse. Consider these thoughts as you contemplate what it means to abide:

To remain stable or fixed in a state
To continue in a place
To conform to
To accept without objection
To wait for
To endure without yielding
To bear patiently

Jesus affords us a great metaphor on what it means to abide in Him … to remain in closest relationship with Him. Our search for the deepest meaning of life is satisfied in this one word: ABIDE. For when we abide in Jesus … when we come forth as an extension (branch) of His life-giving being (vine) … we will have a meaningful life that bears fruit in the likeness of Him. Apart from Jesus, we will become lifeless and dead. He said, “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4)

Jesus began His teaching with this: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:1-2) So, we understand that the work of God is to promote the growth of each branch in the vine. The Father desires fruit that will bring Him glory! As Paul expounded: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

The question arises: “How do we abide in Jesus? How do we continue to remain in His presence? Well, Jesus Himself provides the answer:

John 14:15-18 (NKJV)

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter), that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:23-24 (NKJV)

If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

Notice there are branches (plural) in the Vine. All the branches are interconnected to the same life-giving source. Yes, all are dependent upon Jesus to give them true life in Him and with one another. Indeed, we see John reinforcing this truth:

1 John 3:23-24 (NKJV)

And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

My friends, to have a meaningful, purposeful life, we must abide in Jesus. And the grace of abiding in Him requires obedience to His commandment – to love one another as He has loved us. I will leave us with this thought: Abiding Through Love

1 John 4:12-16 (NKJV)

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in Him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

It is my prayer this mediation will encourage you … in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Have a Blessed Day!

Live…

Live…

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” ~ John 11:25-26

I often wonder if we truly understand what it means to live … to be alive. Do we consider that man was formed of the dust of ground and that God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and became a living being? (Genesis 2:7) Can we truly comprehend how God fashioned and formed us in the womb? (Ecclesiastes 11:5) Do we embrace that humans are fearfully and wonderfully made? (Psalm 139:14)

We live because God is sovereign over the work of His hands! He created and ordained for living creatures to fill the earth … and for man to have dominion over them. These truths have not changed since the beginning of creation. But it is apparent that when sin entered the world through man, we lost intimate communion with our Creator and source of life. We lost our breath … so to speak. And God has been calling out to us ever since: “Seek Me and Live!” (Amos 5:4)

Moses exhorted the children of Israel to follow the commandments of God. They were tested in the wilderness and taught that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Deuteronomy 8:3) Jesus affirmed this scripture during His own wilderness temptation; and He would use the metaphor to reveal His identity to those who believe:

John 5:48-51 (NIV)

I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

My friends, to believe in Jesus is to abide in Him … to be united with Him forever! He declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” Truly, Jesus is our breath of life! Think about these words Jesus shared with His disciples: “Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19)

In Galatians 2:19-20, Paul shared some profound insight for us to ponder: “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Indeed, let us live a life worthy of the calling we have received. (Ephesians 4:1) For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. (1 Thessalonians 4:7) Yes, whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:6) And I pray we will live in this light…. Amen!

Have a Blessed Day!

Fasting…

Fasting…

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18)

Fasting has been a spiritual discipline for people of faith for millennia. It was a common practice during the time when Jesus lived among the people of God; and when He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for a period of temptation, He fasted for forty days and nights. (Matthew 4:1-11) And I think this experience might have prompted His observation of those who made a ritual of fasting to demonstrate their religious piety rather than their sincere desire to draw closer to the Father in spirit and in truth….

We can read of instances in the New Testament where fasting and prayer were disciplines used before making important decisions for evangelism in the early church; but I think this stems as a continuation of the tradition well established in Old Testament during the life of the Prophet Samuel. Fasting continues to this day as a spiritual discipline to show submission to God and His sovereignty; however, I think we should consider what God spoke through the Prophet Isaiah:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to remove the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I. (Isaiah 58:6-9)

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity. (Joel 2:12-13)

My friends, I pray we will always desire to do those things that will draw our hearts ever closer to God. Let us always hold fast to Jesus – our first love! But let us be mindful of His heart and what Father God defines as true acts of fasting. Remember, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Cf. Matthew 25:31-40) Indeed, in view of God’s mercy, let us offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— for this is our true and proper worship. (Cf. Romans 12:1)

Have a Blessed Day!

Weary…

Weary…

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)

Weary is a word that describes our human condition far too often. We get caught up in the snares of over engagement. We labor at great length. We carry emotional and spiritual burdens far too heavy for us. The loads of life itself just bring us to sheer exhaustion. We are worn out … fatigued … drained as a result of excessive exertion and lack of sleep. Is it any wonder why we have become distressed and disheartened in this world?

Looking at these realities, I have found great comfort in the words of Jesus. I want to find rest … rest for my soul. Indeed, Jesus invites us each of us to come to Him and to learn from Him. For the Lord will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him … all whose thoughts are fixed on Him. (Cf. Isaiah 26:3) He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29) And Jesus said to His disciples: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

King David was a man who often faced the dangers of war and the burdens of governing the people of Israel. Yet, he advised: “Cast your cares of the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22) Likewise, the Apostle Peter drew upon this scripture and urged: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7) And Paul gave us this encouragement: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

My friends, Father God has provided us wise counsel in His Word to lean upon Jesus and to trust Him in all circumstances. Let us remember the purpose of all our labors in life is to bear fruit to the glory of God. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9) Yes, consider Jesus who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3) But most of all, take some time to rest at the feet of Jesus. Like Mary, we can still choose what is best! (Luke 10:38-42)

Have a Blessed Day!

Body…

Body…

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the Body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles (Greeks), some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit; and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14 NLT)

The Apostle Paul was quite eloquent with the metaphors he used to teach us about the relationship of believers with our Lord Jesus Christ. In Ephesians, he presented the covenant of marriage as a representation of the intimacy between Christ and His Church. Wives are to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord Jesus. And husbands are to love and care for their wives as Christ loves and cares for His Church. Paul will even describe the Church as the Body of Christ and asserts that we are members of His Body. (Ephesians 5:21-33) In this context, we are to submit to another out of reverence for Christ.

Romans 12:3-8 (NIV)

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Indeed, Paul desired to bring order and unity to the community of believers in Corinth; and he assured them that God has placed each member in the Body (Church) just as HE wanted them to be. Further, Paul taught that God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it,so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have equal concern for each other. He wrote: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you ARE the Body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18-27)

It is my prayer that the Body of Christ will endeavor to reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God; becoming mature and attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Have a Blessed Day!

Great Peace!

Psalm 119:165 (NIV)

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

Our Verse of the Day brings to light the great impact of having a state of peace within our lives; and it awaits those who obey the righteous instruction of God. Those who love God and obey Him will experience “great peace” in their lives. Indeed, I think all of us want to have this depth of peace with God … and to attain peace in our relationships with one another. Because God has created us as relational creatures, I believe seeking and finding peace is an inner desire within each of us. Peace is defined as a state of tranquility or quiet; a state of security or order; harmony in personal relations; an agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity; and freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. Can you personally relate to any of these definitions? But in order to have peace in our lives, I believe the first state of peace we must find and embrace is peace with God Himself … for He is the source of all peace. (Cf. Romans 15:33; Cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:16) If we follow His commands, we will not stumble in this experience of life. Having the Law of God, the revealed will of our Creator, gives us knowledge and assurance; and therefore, confidence and great peace. If we want peace in our lives, we need to set our affection on the Word of God … its wisdom and counsel … because it reveals the heart of our Creator.

Psalm 119:161-168 (NIV)

ש Sin and Shin

¹⁶¹Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.
¹⁶²I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.
¹⁶³I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law.
¹⁶⁴Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.
¹⁶⁵Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
¹⁶⁶I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands.
¹⁶⁷I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.
¹⁶⁸I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.

Just as God provides us peace through His Word, God has granted us the capacity to experience true peace with Him through His Son, our Lord Jesus! Through His atoning sacrifice for our sin upon the cross, Jesus reconciled us to the Father and brought us peace. As the Prophet Isaiah foretold of the Messiah: “Surely, He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (Cf. Isaiah 53:4-6) So Paul, when writing to the Colossians, expounded on this grace imparted peace through the life and death of Christ Jesus:

Colossians 1:15-23 (NIV)

¹⁵The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. ¹⁸And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. ¹⁹For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, ²⁰and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. ²¹Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. ²²But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation— ²³if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

So here is the connection: Jesus fulfilled the Law of God! He is the ever living, everlasting Word of God! Yes, in Jesus we receive the great peace of God! Indeed, Jesus is our only source of true peace! I am convinced that none of us will experience peace with God except that we receive the reconciliation He has afforded us through Jesus. Once a person enters into a personal, relationship with God through Christ, the love and peace of God will guard their hearts and minds. (Cf. Philippians 4:7) As Paul assured the Thessalonians, “May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:13) And, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” (Cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:16) Jesus is the Prince of Peace who will fill you with His peace … a peace that surpasses all understanding. He is the Gospel of Peace embodied. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (Cf. Romans 5:1-2)

As a reminder, let us not lose sight of the purpose for which the Father has granted us peace through His Son. This is our calling in Christ: to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord our of a pure heart. (Cf. 2 Timothy 2:22) We are to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. (Cf. Titus 3:2). Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Cf. Romans 14:19) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Cf. Romans 12:18) It is clear that peace is requisite for healthy relationships … without which we cannot experience true fellowship, friendship, companionship, or intimacy. Knowing God. Knowing His Law (His Word). Knowing His love for us through His Son, Jesus. These will produce “great peace” in our hearts … a deep, inner peace that empowers us to extend His grace and peace to those around us!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Peace … I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~ John 14:27

Whoever Has The Son…

1 John 5:12 (NIV)

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Our Verse of the Day essentially distills the Gospel message down to a single sentence! It is the conclusion of what it means to embrace the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We are to believe in Him. We are to abide in Him. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. To reject Jesus is to reject life itself … for our lives came from Him in the first place. “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (Cf. John 1:4) Everyone who believes in Jesus will have eternal life in Him. (Cf. John 3:15-16) Jesus said, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (Cf. John 6:39-41) These passages bring full meaning to His promise: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (abundantly).” (Cf. John 10:10)

You and I as believers already have abundant life now in Jesus Christ! “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Cf. 2 Peter 1:3-11)

The Apostles have made this message clear for us and all who will believe in Jesus. And this is the message we need to share with prodigals and unbelievers. There is no life outside of an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. (Cf. John 15:5-6) “This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.” (Cf. 1 John 4:13-15)“Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about His Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (Cf. 1 John 5:10-12)

It is my prayer these words will encourage you today! I hope they will bring clarity to why the Gospel is so important to live and to share! This is straightforward truth, and I pray that those who hear it will be changed by it, repent, and come to a full knowledge of God and His great love … which He has lavished on us through His Son.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. ~ John 3:36

Holiness – Reverence for God

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

In our Verse of the Day, Paul gives us a great and timely message regarding our pursuit of holiness out of reverence for God. To me, the point being made is that our motivation for obedience is to be based in reverence and not merely obligation or duty. Let’s look at our passage in the larger context. Since 2 Corinthians 7 begins with the word “therefore,” we need to understand what it is there for. Thus, we will need to go back to 2 Corinthians 6 to get a better idea:

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NIV)

¹⁴Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? ¹⁵What harmony is there between Christ and Belial (Satan)? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Citing Leviticus 26:12; Jeremiah 32:38; Ezekiel 37:27)

¹⁷Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” (Citing Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34, 41)

¹⁸And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (Citing 2 Samuel 7:14; 7:8)

Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

As we look at the larger context, we see Paul admonish us regarding the nature of our walk with God. His concern is about our pursuit of holiness as temples of the living God. And from this perspective, we need to look at how to keep our lives clean and righteous. To that end, Paul stresses that believers should NOT seek a “yoked” relationship with unbelievers because there is an inherent spiritual incompatibility that ensues from the relationship. He is saying we should not “bind” ourselves in such arrangements where spiritual conflict is inevitable. He asks what does righteousness and wickedness have in common? What fellowship can light have with darkness? What agreement is there between the worship of God and the worship of idols? The answer, of course, is there can be no harmony between two such opposite or opposing forces. There is a natural separation in this realm. And so, Paul takes us to the higher reality that we (the Church) are the temple of the living God. We are the Body of Christ through His indwelling/abiding Spirit within each of us….

With this view in mind, Paul sets out to address the scriptural promises that God has made with His people; believers whom He has called “out of the world” and who represent His temple. God says, “I will live WITH them and walk among them. I will be their God and they will be my people.” God calls us out of the world and says to be separate … sanctified (holy) and set apart for service to God. And in another place, God says, “I will be a Father to you. You will be my sons and daughters.” How wonderful are His thoughts toward us! How miraculous is it that the Creator of the universe expresses such a passionate desire to have intimate relationship with His people … those who have consecrated themselves to Him?

Although we live IN the world, we are not OF the world. We are the Church … the CALLED-OUT ones. Jesus said, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (Cf. John 15:19) I think this is the very thing Paul is concerned about in his appeal to the Corinthian Church. We cannot pursue holiness if we continue to pursue the things of this world. Righteousness and wickedness cannot coexist. Light and darkness are separate. What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? We cannot serve both God and the idols of our affections. We cannot have an intimate relationship with the Father if we do not consecrate ourselves to Him through Christ Jesus. But when we separate ourselves from the things of the world and commit ourselves unto the Father, we prepare ourselves for Him to enter into relationship with us. For it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (Cf. Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16) Thus, Paul urges us to purify ourselves from everything that defiles our bodies and our spirits.

The Word of God is clear that the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ desire to have intimate relationship with us. The question is: “Do we want to have an intimate relationship with God?” If so, then we need to do those things with separate us from the world. The Apostle John taught: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17) These are the three primary avenues of temptation for us, and so we need to consider our spiritual strategies for separation from the world. Our greatest tool (spiritual weapon) is the Word of God! We need to read it, understand it, and put it into practice! I believe the more we engage the Word of God in our lives, the more we will find, feel, and express reverence for God.

My friends, I think the application for our Verse of the Day is self-evident. Our mission is to perfect (or complete) holiness in our lives out of respect … out of reverence … out of love for God. We have been chosen “out of the world” by Jesus Christ to serve in His Kingdom … which is not of this world either. (Cf. John 18:36) Think about the great honor and privilege believers have received to enter into His sanctifying work through the Spirit in order to be separated from the world and enter the Kingdom of Light! And the promise is that God will receive us if we are IN Christ Jesus. God Himself will love us and be a father unto us, and He will dwell among us. (Cf. John 14:23) He will be our God and we will be His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light! (Cf. 1 Peter 2:9) This is why we pursue holiness and righteousness in our lives. Consecration is the expression of our sincere reverence for Father God – the One who sent His Beloved Son to rescue us from darkness … to redeem us from sin … to release us from captivity … to reconcile us to Himself and to grant us everlasting life. Let these promises be our meditation with all thanksgiving for the great mercy shown to us … that we would be CHOSEN to be separated and to have intimate relationship with our Creator. Yes! Let our hearts be stirred up with these thoughts today … with fresh anointing … with fresh fire!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I Stand at the Door…

Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Our Verse of the Day encourages us as the Church … the Body of Christ … to take an action that would seem so obvious for believers; and yet, Jesus had to confront the Church at Laodicea to self-examine what they had become as a local body. I believe the modern church needs to do the same in these latter days….

Revelation 3:14-22 (NIV)

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on His throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

In review of this passage, we find in the list of “attributes” that afford a clear description of the Lord Jesus Christ as the author of the words being communicated through the Apostle John to the Seven Churches – and specifically to the church at Laodicea. He is the Truth … He is the Faithful Witness … and He has power and authority over all creation! We discern the omniscience of Christ … “I know your deeds.” And Jesus describes their state of ministry as neither cold nor hot … but lukewarm. It is clear that Jesus is referring to their works … their ministry; and His displeasure with them is quite evident from the tone. The language used is that Jesus would “vomit” them out of His mouth. The metaphor indicates that lukewarm, apathetic, indifferent followers make Jesus sick to His stomach. If you and I are not “on fire” for Christ and being witnesses of the Gospel in both word and deed, this warning of “rejection” should catch our attention for sure….

Still, Jesus declares His affection for the Church. He has rebuked them in righteousness and judgment. He has spiritually disciplined them. So, Jesus is expectant of prompt repentance from the people! The members of His Body there need to receive what Jesus revealed about them and give full consideration to what Jesus has exposed regarding the condition of their hearts. While this message was for the Church in Laodicea, I think it could be directed at the modern church of our generation … especially the Western Church … the American Church … which has said, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But we do not fully realize how this spiritual attitude has rendered us wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked…. Indeed, in this present hour, we are being called to humble ourselves and to repent … to turn from our wicked ways and to seek His face … and then Jesus would restore and heal us.

Then Jesus said to the Church: “Here I am!” I am available to you … even standing at the door of your sanctuary … at the doors of your hearts and knocking. I sense there is a plea in His voice … “Let me in!” The implication is potential but not certain action. The person or the church must respond! So, we need to hear His voice … as the voice of a Shepherd. We need to open our hearts to His rebuke and receive His correction. Jesus does so because He loves us and wants us to stay the course of faith and to do the good works which God prepared for us in advance to do. (Cf. Ephesians 2:10) If we open our hearts to Him, He will enter and initiate fellowship with us. Eating a meal together has long been a sign of covenant, friendship, and fellowship. Yes, we will experience the intimate relationship with Jesus that He desires for us to have with Him but we must respond to His invitation….

My friends, I believe in some ways the lukewarm church in Laodicea reflects the modern church of our generation. We need to heed the rebukes Jesus spoke to this church and to repent if we individually and corporately want to be effective witnesses in these latter days. I hope this review will prompt us to dive deeper into the Word of God and allow it to penetrate and to judge the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. (Cf. Hebrews 4:12) We should not be deceived, but be reminded that God will not be mocked. A person will reap what they sow. (Cf. Galatians 6:7) Because as we have seen, there is nothing in all creation hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Cf. Hebrews 4:13) And as Paul wrote: “Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 4:5)

It is my prayer that each of us be earnest and repent! Let us get on fire and make a difference in these days that God has granted us to live! Let us each complete the works God prepared in advance for us to do! Let us be faithful and true witnesses ourselves! Let us open the doors of our hearts and invite Him into the intimate place of our souls. Let us persevere and be victorious in our confession and practice of faith! Indeed, let us hear what the Spirit says to the churches!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of Him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. ~ Revelation 3:7-8