While going to and from one of my assignments today God showed me some things that I'm going to put more thought into.
1) on living on faith, look at Noah when God told him to build an ark. Noah had never seen rain, didn't know what a flood was nor an ark. Yet Noah trusted God and His word because he was a friend of God. it took him 100 years to build the ark to take on every animal on the earth plus his family. 100 years of ridicule from friends and neighbors yet Noah kept to the task because God told him to do it.
2) This world is not our home. In biblical times the jewish people, God's chosen, knew that better then anyone when they were held captive in Babylon and their city was destroyed and the government was no more. They longed to go home, to where they knew that once they rebuild Jerusalem would be home to them. It was their city.
Heaven is our city, we are not home yet. We are still as the God's chosen people in Babylon, if you know Christ you are God's chosen people here on earth. God has protected us as He protected Noah in the flood. We are safe in His arms. As those who did still believe in God while in captivity had Jeremiah, Isaiah and other prophets as well as faithful ones like Daniel and his friends and like Niemiah and Ezra who longed to bring God's people home and waited for the day to do so, so do we. We gave the promise of Christ at His word that He would return and take us home with Him.
Christ is waiting for God's word to bring us home. In the mean time we can still live in God's Kingdom on earth. We do that by living by faith. By listening to God speak to us through His Word as events begin to unfold that are out of our realm of possiblities to solve. Every situation that we face we can solve it by reading His word. Even though this is not our home, we can still live like we are in the Kingdom already.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
I'll be studying on the four levels of sin:
Sin
Tresspass
Transgress
Iniquity
Here's a preview from Perry Stone's video.
http://www.voe.org/component/youtube/?v=1JCvPSbRRcQ
Sin
Tresspass
Transgress
Iniquity
Here's a preview from Perry Stone's video.
http://www.voe.org/component/youtube/?v=1JCvPSbRRcQ
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Online Bible study on Sin- 2
Here's a thought to ponder.
While in the wilderness for 40 years and having to do animal sacrifices for sin, using the best that are without blemish, First of all, not having much in livestock to sacrifice would put someone in a right mood and act real quick. Secondly, knowing that there is more value in an animal without blemish why would you lead yourself to sin? (just a thought).
We talk about what God hates, and He hates sin. He hates when we do things that are not in line with scripture.
Here is a guideline to what God truly hates:
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things which the Lord hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,
A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.
Granted in that list are not the things that the world says that He hates or that we should hate. However, look at them broken down.
Haughty eyes. How are you looking at those around you who do not live by what you see as God's standard?
A lying tongue. If you are a believer are you lying about another believer in Christ to prove your point?
Hands that shed innocent blood. Are you planning to murder physically to make your point known?
A heart that devises wicked plans. Are you planning to destroy a person or an event that is in line with God's word?
Feet that run rapidly to evil. Are we anxious to see evil unfold for us to be right in our views?
Do you know what an abomination is? Its loathing. He loathes when His people try to make decisions to hurt one another And God loves His people, but when we no matter where we are believers or not but especially when we are believers it tears at His heart when we do any of these seven things.
We talk about how we need to repent. Here is what we need to repent from first of all is the six, no seven things that the Lord hates.
I know I've done several of these things on this list over the years, I am truly sorry for hurting those that God truly loves that He gave His own Son to die for their sins and for mine. That is true mercy. Something we need to strive for.
A false witness who utters lies. Are we lying to ourselves when God's word specifically tells the truth?
And one who spread strife among brothers. Are you planning or being involved in events to cause a war with other believers to prove your point?
While in the wilderness for 40 years and having to do animal sacrifices for sin, using the best that are without blemish, First of all, not having much in livestock to sacrifice would put someone in a right mood and act real quick. Secondly, knowing that there is more value in an animal without blemish why would you lead yourself to sin? (just a thought).
We talk about what God hates, and He hates sin. He hates when we do things that are not in line with scripture.
Here is a guideline to what God truly hates:
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things which the Lord hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,
A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.
Granted in that list are not the things that the world says that He hates or that we should hate. However, look at them broken down.
Haughty eyes. How are you looking at those around you who do not live by what you see as God's standard?
A lying tongue. If you are a believer are you lying about another believer in Christ to prove your point?
Hands that shed innocent blood. Are you planning to murder physically to make your point known?
A heart that devises wicked plans. Are you planning to destroy a person or an event that is in line with God's word?
Feet that run rapidly to evil. Are we anxious to see evil unfold for us to be right in our views?
Do you know what an abomination is? Its loathing. He loathes when His people try to make decisions to hurt one another And God loves His people, but when we no matter where we are believers or not but especially when we are believers it tears at His heart when we do any of these seven things.
We talk about how we need to repent. Here is what we need to repent from first of all is the six, no seven things that the Lord hates.
I know I've done several of these things on this list over the years, I am truly sorry for hurting those that God truly loves that He gave His own Son to die for their sins and for mine. That is true mercy. Something we need to strive for.
A false witness who utters lies. Are we lying to ourselves when God's word specifically tells the truth?
And one who spread strife among brothers. Are you planning or being involved in events to cause a war with other believers to prove your point?
Sunday, July 29, 2012
What is sin? online bible study
I was given a task to write about what sin is.
I've heard a lot of questions about why God accepted Abel's offering and not Cain's. Some say that his offeing of his first fruits were not acceptable and others say it was a heart condition. As I was thinking about this this morning, I see it as both. His heart was not inline with what he was giving to God. God wanted a offering of blood, as what Abel gave, as that offering was an offering for the atonement of sin. Fruit offerings were not used for sin offerings as no blood was shed.
Taking it further back, even the shedding of blood to create the animal covering for Adam and Eve were also in line with an atonment for sin. This was the first killing in the bible, to create something for Adam and Eve to wear to cover up their nakedness.
There is a connection in all of this. God was the one to first kill the animals for the coverings for them (Gen 3:21). The first animal sacrifice for sin. .For many centuries after this, the best of the animals were given up for man's sins. Some sacrifices took place several times a day. Later God would allow His own Son to die on the Cross for our sins, every single one of them, for a one time resolution to bring back the relationship He lost with man with Adam and Eve sinned.
As I begin to write this study over the next few weeks, months or perhaps years, I'll try to come back to this first part to bring about a connection of what the blood represents for that of sin and that of healing the body.
I've heard a lot of questions about why God accepted Abel's offering and not Cain's. Some say that his offeing of his first fruits were not acceptable and others say it was a heart condition. As I was thinking about this this morning, I see it as both. His heart was not inline with what he was giving to God. God wanted a offering of blood, as what Abel gave, as that offering was an offering for the atonement of sin. Fruit offerings were not used for sin offerings as no blood was shed.
Taking it further back, even the shedding of blood to create the animal covering for Adam and Eve were also in line with an atonment for sin. This was the first killing in the bible, to create something for Adam and Eve to wear to cover up their nakedness.
There is a connection in all of this. God was the one to first kill the animals for the coverings for them (Gen 3:21). The first animal sacrifice for sin. .For many centuries after this, the best of the animals were given up for man's sins. Some sacrifices took place several times a day. Later God would allow His own Son to die on the Cross for our sins, every single one of them, for a one time resolution to bring back the relationship He lost with man with Adam and Eve sinned.
As I begin to write this study over the next few weeks, months or perhaps years, I'll try to come back to this first part to bring about a connection of what the blood represents for that of sin and that of healing the body.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
In sharing His love.....
Over the last few weeks God has been forming some thoughts that I've had over the years but not able to fully put into words. It wasn't so much about offending someone but more of trying to clarify it so its more understandable. If I offend you with the Gospel, tough, but don't lie about what the Gospel says. I've seen it so distorted by the world in conversations such as the recent announcement of Dan Cathy of Chick-fil-a with comments that were taken out of context to God's word and who He is.
God is a God of love. God has not shut his doors on the people He created. There have never been a closed door to the gay community in the church of God. But God's word does not change, and it will not change. When you walk in the doors of a church, trust me when I say that by the Bible you will not be the only one in sin walking in the front door, you will be in the company of a congregation who struggles with sin every day of their lives. God's word doesn't change for the person, The person changes to God's word.
God's word says we have to repent of our sins to be in His presence. That's why He sent His Son. The only way to the Father is through His Son Jesus Christ.
There are churches that need to wake up and see that one sin does not outweigh another. These churches have a pride in them that hinders the love of God with their agenda when they choose to go and picket areas where tragedy has occurred, or those that want to prophecy doom and gloom at a time of tragedy when right now the victims need comfort.
So I challenge you this Sunday to go to church and see if its about love or an agenda. The difference is how they treat the Word of God. If they change it to suit you or use it to condemn you, its an agenda because His word does say in Romans 8:1 " There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." A church that loves you and guides you to repentance is the one you want because that is the Will of God. He wants your heartbeat to beat with His. Becasue as it states in Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God."
God is a God of love. God has not shut his doors on the people He created. There have never been a closed door to the gay community in the church of God. But God's word does not change, and it will not change. When you walk in the doors of a church, trust me when I say that by the Bible you will not be the only one in sin walking in the front door, you will be in the company of a congregation who struggles with sin every day of their lives. God's word doesn't change for the person, The person changes to God's word.
God's word says we have to repent of our sins to be in His presence. That's why He sent His Son. The only way to the Father is through His Son Jesus Christ.
There are churches that need to wake up and see that one sin does not outweigh another. These churches have a pride in them that hinders the love of God with their agenda when they choose to go and picket areas where tragedy has occurred, or those that want to prophecy doom and gloom at a time of tragedy when right now the victims need comfort.
So I challenge you this Sunday to go to church and see if its about love or an agenda. The difference is how they treat the Word of God. If they change it to suit you or use it to condemn you, its an agenda because His word does say in Romans 8:1 " There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." A church that loves you and guides you to repentance is the one you want because that is the Will of God. He wants your heartbeat to beat with His. Becasue as it states in Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God."
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Names of God video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5-6gwssX0Y&feature=youtu.be
Love this song as it fits the study I've been on.
Love this song as it fits the study I've been on.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Stop Changing His Word
God's word is simple. In the 66 books of the Bible, He says the same thing over and over. We just need to learn to start reading it with these three words in mind. "I LOVE YOU".
God does not change, He is the same as He was when He created the world, when He gave us His Son and He is the same today. Nothing has changed.
He loves you. He love you. He love you.
Why then do you see hate in His word? The hate isn't towards us, or towards His people its towards the sin that we participate in that causes us to be separated from Him.
But He is not the one separating Himself from us. We are doing it when we sin. We are the one moving away from His Glory when we sin because our sin can not be in His Glory. It simply isn't allowed. But when we confess our sins as it is in 1 john 1:9, we are welcome back into His presence where He resides in His Glory.
Its so simple!
So why do we change His Word when it has been the same since the begiining of time? When we sin, we twist God's word to fit our agenda for our sin. Is began back in the begining with Eve. The serpent lied to Eve and Eve then corrected him which the serpent expected her to do.
God has shown us clearly what will and will not be allowed in Heaven. The devil knows it too. He's the one changing what God has always said in His Word. God never changes. Never. Never. Never.
From the Begining of time He has loved you. He created you. Who creates something they don't love?
A couple of weeks ago I was making a window sill planter and I was very pleased with how it was coming along. However when problems were arising I was losing my pride in it and getting discouraged with it as things weren't going the way I wanted them to go. Finally after much thought I was able to come up with a way to make it more secure like I wanted and my feelings excitment and pride in my work returned.
I believe God showed me what He feels when He is creating us. He's so proud and pleased with what He created. However when we sin, we walk away from what He was planning for us and things don't go the way they should. When we repent and return, He is ready for us and takes us back and rejoices in His creation. He never leaves us during the time that we are walking away, He just isn't that close until we have turned and repented.
We need to stop changing His word. We need to stop telling people that God hates them for what they are doing to their lives. We need to stop shutting the church doors on them and making them feel unwelcomed because they don't fit our agenda.
God isn't about an agenda. He is about the heart of the person, and He will never hate that heart that He created. He only wants to exchange it so it will beat with His. That is all He wants. And its in His Word.
God does not change, He is the same as He was when He created the world, when He gave us His Son and He is the same today. Nothing has changed.
He loves you. He love you. He love you.
Why then do you see hate in His word? The hate isn't towards us, or towards His people its towards the sin that we participate in that causes us to be separated from Him.
But He is not the one separating Himself from us. We are doing it when we sin. We are the one moving away from His Glory when we sin because our sin can not be in His Glory. It simply isn't allowed. But when we confess our sins as it is in 1 john 1:9, we are welcome back into His presence where He resides in His Glory.
Its so simple!
So why do we change His Word when it has been the same since the begiining of time? When we sin, we twist God's word to fit our agenda for our sin. Is began back in the begining with Eve. The serpent lied to Eve and Eve then corrected him which the serpent expected her to do.
God has shown us clearly what will and will not be allowed in Heaven. The devil knows it too. He's the one changing what God has always said in His Word. God never changes. Never. Never. Never.
From the Begining of time He has loved you. He created you. Who creates something they don't love?
A couple of weeks ago I was making a window sill planter and I was very pleased with how it was coming along. However when problems were arising I was losing my pride in it and getting discouraged with it as things weren't going the way I wanted them to go. Finally after much thought I was able to come up with a way to make it more secure like I wanted and my feelings excitment and pride in my work returned.
I believe God showed me what He feels when He is creating us. He's so proud and pleased with what He created. However when we sin, we walk away from what He was planning for us and things don't go the way they should. When we repent and return, He is ready for us and takes us back and rejoices in His creation. He never leaves us during the time that we are walking away, He just isn't that close until we have turned and repented.
We need to stop changing His word. We need to stop telling people that God hates them for what they are doing to their lives. We need to stop shutting the church doors on them and making them feel unwelcomed because they don't fit our agenda.
God isn't about an agenda. He is about the heart of the person, and He will never hate that heart that He created. He only wants to exchange it so it will beat with His. That is all He wants. And its in His Word.
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