A Plea for Unity and Clear Thinking in These Tense Times

As today unfolds—and in the days and weeks that follow—keep this in mind: something is likely to make you angry. Yes, real injustices may happen. And an army of voices—through social media, news reports, and videos on our TVs and feeds—will try to amplify that anger, stoking hatred and division.

Here’s a challenge: be smart. And you are indeed smart. Now is the time to see through the noise that’s often artificially created. Resist the cultural pull to fuel anger and division. Instead, love your neighbor. Jesus taught us that this is the greatest commandment after loving God Himself (Matthew 22:37–39). Don’t rush to share content that deepens division; instead, uphold this commandment by focusing on kindness and bridge-building.

Pause for a moment and step back from a reactionary response. Ask yourself, “Is this report, post, or headline designed to provoke? Is it building us up or tearing us down?” Instead of reacting to content designed as anger-bait, consider reaching out directly to your neighbor. Start conversations that build understanding. Real people—our neighbors, those we live and work alongside—are the ones who truly matter. Not the anonymous voices stirring up strife from behind screens, often from the other side of the world.

Do you love America? I do, too. Yes, this country has its issues, but there is nowhere else like it. We are a tapestry of many perspectives—that diversity is our strength. Out of many, one. E Pluribus Unum.

Let’s honor that unity in how we interact, what we share, and how we love our neighbors—even when it takes effort to do so.

Post inspired by Smarter Every Day

For out of the Overflow of the Heart ...

Imagine caring a cup of acid through a crowded room. Someone bumps into you and you spill acid on the person.

That person asks, “why did you spill acid on me?” 

You respond, “you bumped into me.” 

The real reason the acid spilled was that there was acid in the cup. Had there been no acid in the cup, then no acid would have come out.

 Jesus said in Luke 6:45, “... For out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks."

Image: Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

What has the pandemic done?

What has the pandemic done?

This pandemic has caused a cultural moment for forcing everyone to break through the denial of mortality. It has pulled back the rug and openly displayed how ill-equipped the world is at dealing with this type of an event. It has proven that the ground is level at the foot of the cross. 

Christians have even asked themselves, "should I feel wrong about fearing this pandemic?" Well, yes. However, we all have had fear of the pandemic if we are honest. After all, Christians are not perfect (1 John 1:8).  Let me say it another way. Martin Luther said (paraphrasing), you never break commandments two through ten without first breaking commandment one. You would never lie unless you are making a god out of the thing about which you are lying. If you make a million dollars by lying, then the love of money is your god. The real reason we break the first commandment is that the love of God is not as real to our hearts as the love of [insert your besetting sin here] (Hebrews 12:1 KJV). Yet, God continues to work with broken people, the same people who need grace every day, hour, minute, and second of the day. All of us.

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NKJV)

So, what about the future?

If Jesus Christ was raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:15 ), if He got up, was seen by hundreds of people (1 Corinthians 15:5-7), and talked with those people, then everything is going to be alright. As Christians, we know these events happened. Everything you are worrying about, what you are afraid of, is going to be okay.

Let’s remember that we are not just talking about a resurrected people; we are talking about a resurrected world (Luke 21:33; Romans 8:22; Mark 13:31; Revelation 21:5).

All other religions talk about an afterlife in a non-material world where you get some type of consolation prize for a world lost. Christianity not only says our bodies are being resurrected, but the world is going to be a material world that is cleansed of all suffering and sin (Isaiah 65:17-19; Psalm 102:25-27; 2 Peter 3:12-13).

We don’t know how it will all be ‘okay’, but it will be (Philippians 4:6-7). The fact remains while still on this Earth, we still cry. Sometimes the reality of the shortness of this life now just overwhelms us and we cry. That is ok. Then, by faith, you remind yourself that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, and because of that, everything is going to be okay. You can then wipe your tears. You don’t stop crying now, but you are under the shelter of his wings (Psalm 36:7; 91:4). It is like salt in a cut. It hurts, but it keeps the cut from going bad. But it doesn’t mean we don’t suffer different injuries in this life. Until we see Jesus (1 John 3:2), we have our cuts and brushes. However, His nail-scarred hands have ultimately taken ours away; His cuts have effectively healed ours.

Please read Tim Keller's article  from where this was adapted.  He also has a book "Hope in Times of Fear: The Resurrection and the Meaning of Easter".  The article struck me as poignant considering the nation's situation in the covid-19 pandemic. I wanted to journal this on here in my words, mainly for me to remember.

Grace is Greater

God’s grace is compelling when explained but irresistible when experienced.

• Grace is powerful and enough to erase your guilt.
• Grace is big enough to heal your shame.
• Grace is real enough to heal your relationships.
• Grace is strong enough to hold you up when you’re weak.
• Grace is sweet enough to cure your bitterness.
• Grace is satisfying enough to deal with your disappointment.
• Grace is beautiful enough to redeem your brokenness.

Grace explained is necessary but grace experienced is essential.

Hebrews 12:15

Such a Time as This

Here we are in this point in history and we need to be reminded as Christians that we have been called for such a time as this.

In ancient Persia, Haman was busy doing the devil's work. Enter Esther (who Xerxes selected as queen) to counter and with the encouragement of Mordecai who told her she was called "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). God set the chess board and He moved His queen to checkmate the enemy. Brothers and Sisters, “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others” (Daniel 2:21). God will use us in "such as time as this."

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Discernment at the Table: Seeking God’s Wisdom Over Worldly Deception

Wisdom’s Invitation in a Culture of Deception

Today’s culture faces many challenges, but one of the greatest is the constant deception that draws people away from God's truth. This deception is not a man-made conspiracy but a spiritual one. As Hebrews 3:12-13 (NKJV) warns, we must guard our hearts against becoming hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Scripture calls us to be alert and watchful (1 Peter 5:8 NKJV), because only by walking in the wisdom of God can we navigate these times faithfully.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10 NKJV).

In Proverbs 9, we see wisdom and folly personified, each inviting us to sit at their tables. Both hosts call out to the simple, to those in need of guidance. One invitation leads to life, the other to destruction. Our task, then, is to recognize which invitation we are responding to and choose carefully whose table we join.

The concluding section of Proverbs 9 mirrors its opening, highlighting the contrast between these two tables. Wisdom sets a feast, offering understanding and life. Meanwhile, folly, in her loud and enticing way, calls to whoever will listen, drawing people to a table of emptiness and ruin. When we accept folly’s invitation, we join in darkness without even realizing it. We must be careful when we sit at tables in our lives—if we lack wisdom in the "topic on the table," we should first seek the wisdom of God's Word.

"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7 NKJV).

What About Sitting at the Table of Social Media?

One table that many are drawn to today is that of social media. While it promises connection, it often thrives on division and disconnection, encouraging people to respond to negativity instead of fostering genuine relationships. This is not true connection.

Because Satan’s weapon is deceit, we must outfit ourselves against it. As Hebrews reminds us, it’s easy to become hardened by sin if we are not careful. To counter this, we should encourage one another, worship together, and be prepared to lovingly warn each other against deception’s pull. Most importantly, we must show the benefits of faithfully following Christ, keeping our eyes on Him and reaching out to those nearest to us.

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21 NKJV).

"Rocks" by The Isaacs
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Consider putting down your preferred form of social media, at least temporarily. Go talk to someone nearby and see if they need anything—maybe a gallon of milk, a carton of eggs, or something warm to wear. God meets us where we are, providing for our needs so we can, in turn, provide for others. Working within our areas of influence—family, friends, community—is how we build connections that reflect Christ’s love.

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NKJV).

The Qualities of a Godly Life

In 2 Peter 1:3-8, we’re reminded that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. This passage encourages us to build our faith daily by adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. If we pursue these qualities and increase in them, we avoid becoming ineffective or unfruitful in our knowledge of Christ.

However, if we lack these qualities, the Bible says we are blind, forgetting that we have been cleansed from our former sins (2 Peter 1:9 NKJV). This message is particularly relevant to Christians; we are called to live purposefully, loving our neighbors as ourselves.

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31 NKJV).

Winning Souls with Integrity

Paul models a Christ-centered approach to reaching others. In 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NKJV), he says, "I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." This isn’t a free pass to compromise our beliefs (Romans 6:2; 6:15 NKJV), but rather a call to meet people where they are to win them to Christ. Our words and actions should be consistent, reflecting our faith honestly.

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV).

Paul understood the importance of maintaining consistency in his communication. In 2 Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV), he emphasized that his letters, written when he was absent, held the same message and intent as his actions when he was present. For us, especially in today’s world of instant comments and social media posts, this example reminds us to ensure our online interactions align with our in-person integrity.

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9 NKJV).

Conclusion: Choosing the Table of Wisdom

Our lives are filled with choices between wisdom and folly. Proverbs teaches us that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. Let’s make it our daily goal to sit at wisdom’s table, seeking God’s guidance and letting our actions, both online and offline, reflect His truth. Only by pursuing wisdom and avoiding deception can we be effective witnesses in this world. May we have the courage and discernment to choose wisely, drawing others toward the light of Christ.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10 NKJV).

Post rewritten on 11/09/2024 

The just man, firm of purpose

After World War Two, General Sir Brian Robertson who was the Deputy Military Governor of the British Zone of Occupation wrote the following in January 1946, quoting Horace (Odes, III.3):

‘Justum et tenacem propositi virum’ (The just man, firm of purpose)

"If you want to know what I think should be our attitude in Germany then I recommend to you to read those lines yourselves.”

Here is what Sir Robertson wanted them to read - translated Latin quotation from Horace:

“The just man, firm of purpose cannot be shaken in his rock-like soul, by the heat of fellow citizens clamoring for what is wrong, nor by the presence of a threatening tyrant.”

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America must make a choice in what we are going to achieve. The just person who is firm on purpose will know because they have asked for wisdom (James 1:5). Our fellow citizens are clamoring for what is wrong and trying to shake anyone who has built on the Rock (Matthew 7:24) along with our media, all media, being critics that is offering nothing but manufactured panic (Proverbs 15:4). The tyrant IS BOTH sides of our party system! (Deuteronomy 16:18-20; Proverbs 19:21).  I made a post back in 2008 about the party system and my thoughts are the same today. As George Washington stated in his farewell address, "[the party system] agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms."

So, who is "right". It will forever and always be one answer. God. (Acts 5:29)

If you have read this far and want to know more about Jesus and The Kingdom of God, go and read https://www.gospelproject.com/jesus-kingdom-god/

Yes, as Christians our citizenship is in two nations - earthly and Heavenly (Eph 2:6-7; John 18:36).  I would never nullify my earthly over the heavenly.  The apostle Paul claimed his Roman citizenship (Acts 16:37-39; 22:22-29).  However, all the while maintaining his heavenly citizenship (Phil. 3:20).  Paul also gave the words, "We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29)  Again, as Americans we must make of choice of purpose.  

The danger in asking, "What does this verse mean to you?"

The following quote isn't mine. I saw it from Twitter, but I still wanted to share. Mainly because I'm concerned when I read in recent Bible study guides/resources a question that asks, "What does this verse mean to you?" So here's the quote:

No, God didn’t reopen the canon just to speak “a word” to you.

Instead, He gave us 66 books, 1,189 chapters, and 31,000 verses to study and steward.

— Justin Bullington (@JustnBullington) September 12, 2019

The danger in this type of question is that verses could mean anything we wanted them to mean. With no absolutes, then we start to abandon the truth of God’s word.

• Better questions to ask:
• What, in context to God's Word, does this verse tell me? 
• What does it tell me about God? 
• What does it tell me that God is doing? 
• How is God telling to live my life and make daily choices?

Here it is, how do I subject myself to what God is telling me? Not the other way around.

Let our devotion to God be in subjection to His Word.

The Weaver

My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me,
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily.

Oftimes He weaveth sorrow,
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I, the underside.

Not till the loom in silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

- Author Unknown

1 Peter 1:6-7
You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Thought about Moses and the Parting of the Waters

Exodus 14: 15-16 The LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.

You know, Moses didn't need faith to part the water. He needed faith to lift up his staff. The LORD parted the waters:

(verses 21-22) Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.

Sometimes, it takes all night.  But in the morning's light, we find that the LORD provides.

Quote of the day

Are we spending more time with, "the Bible tells me so?" While good and true, and we should continue, let's spend more time with "Jesus loves me, this I know."

A Long Way Off

I knowed very well I had done wrong, and I see it warn’t no use for me to try to learn to do right; a body that can’t get started right when he’s little, ain’t got no show — when the pinch comes there ain’t nothing to back him up and keep him to his work, and so he gets beat . . . then says I, what’s the use you learning to do right, when it’s troublesome to do right and ain’t no trouble to do wrong, and the wages is just the same? I was stuck. I couldn’t answer that. So I reckoned I wouldn’t bother no more about it, but after this always do whichever come handiest at the time. (Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885; repr., Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1958), 78.)

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When we struggle within about the choices to make in life, sometimes we don't even understand ourselves (Romans 7:15) and just choose what "comes handiest at the time." Without a lighthouse, ships at sea have no way to navigate into a safe harbor. Without the truth of God's word, some people come to the same conclusion as Mark Twain's character Huck Finn. Jesus told a story in Luke 15 about one such person who realized the end of his conclusion to, "What does one do about the internal struggle with good versus bad?" and, frankly, choose poorly as we all have in times past (1 Corinthians 6:11). Thinking that his wayward choice would divide him from his father, Luke 15:20 records, "And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him." The son received forgiveness and was welcomed home as his father rejoiced over him (Isaiah 62:5). Oh, to know that you are welcomed to the party, it's at home, in case you've forgotten. The important part for those waiting at home is to remember to be looking "a long way off." Ready to respond with love and compassion.

Please read Marilyn Meberg's book "constantly craving: How to Make Sense of Always Wanting More" from where this was adapted; the words in her book struck me as poignant considering the nation's obsession with division. I wanted to journal this on this blog in my words, mainly for me to remember.

"born this way" VS "born again"

So, when someone says, "I was born this way.", it almost always leads to a conversation that ends in disagreement.  Even so, I would like to look past the genesis of that argument and look at what Jesus said about the being born and where Jesus places emphasis within His statements.  

Jesus said you must be born again (John 3:3) when talking to Nicodemus. Jesus goes on to explain that one is “born of water and the Spirit.”  One could go down either of two paths - some might say "born of water" is the natural birth where others say it is a spiritual cleansing of the past and victory in the future (Eph 5:26; Titus 3:5). Still, in either interpretation, the emphasis is on being 'born again' or 'born from above'.  That is the true need.  That need is only fulfilled through Christ (Romans 5:8).

The prophet Joel declared the judgement of the Day of the Lord. God's offer, “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord” Joel 2:32, is open to all.

• In Isaiah 1:18, God offers the invitation to come, though your sins are as scarlet, and He will make them white as snow.
• Revelation 22:17 is an open invitation: “Come! Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

The clear implication is, even though we are sinners, God desires us to come to Him as we are, in order that He can cleanse us.

In the New Testament, sin was never excused or ignored, and in addition, forgiveness was offered to anyone who recognized his/her sin and was willing to confess and forsake it. Should we leave our sin?  Yes, God expects that. But, that comes as part of our salvation, and not as a prerequisite to salvation in Christ. We simply are not able to clean ourselves up without God and His help.

While some may teach this as a type of grace abounding; grace does abound (Romans 5:20), but not to serve as a means to sin freely or be lawless (Romans 6:15; Romans 3:8). We must never lead anyone to believe that the Bible says or condones that it makes no difference how a person lives, as long as he/she believes (licentiousness, Jude 1:4).  Rather:

• Romans 13:13 encourages us to walk honestly (decently) not participating in the licentious lifestyle of the world.
• Galatians 5:13 says that we are called to be free from sin, but that we cannot use freedom “for an occasion to the flesh,” somehow excusing our continued sins.
• Another example: 1 Peter 4:3-4

As Christians, our actions matter. They serve as a reflection of Christ within us to those around us. By being obedient to God’s Word, to the point of actively pursuing obedience, we learn it is a process not just a destination.  With reverence or respect we work to be more Christlike in our walk (process) with Christ (Philippians 2:12-13).  We use the Word of God to work out our Salvation where we renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2).  Understanding that salvation is a gift of Grace (Ephesians 2:8), we then understand the “our” in “our Salvation” is the Salvation God gave us through his Son, Jesus.  Psalm 2:11 helps us to understand serving that leads to rejoicing,  “Serve the LORD with fear (reverence) and rejoice with trembling.”

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8) and made it possible for us to receive forgiveness. He requires us to confess and forsake our sins (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9) when we come to Him.  Christ receives us just as we are, then begins to change us as we submit to Him in obedience. He begins a new work in us as his followers (Philippians 1:6)

The new work God begins in us when we accept salvation through and identify with His son Jesus Christ requires not that we must be born, but that we must be born again.  It replaces any idea that we may have that a natural birth into this world has any merit because we have to become entirely new creatures in Christ through rebirth (2 Corinthians 5:17).  To study His Word and begin to walk in His ways helps us to leave behind any state we were in when we came to Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).

I encourage you to not think of yourself as being born “that way”, but instead being born “again”.  

It is all about location, location, location

... if MY people that are called by MY name intervene (intercede), humble themselves, seek the face of God ... return (turn back), stop traveling any distance down a evil path ... and HEAR heaven ... God will accept and forgive and heal their land ... (from NASB Lexicon for 2 Chron. 7:14) (emphasis and ellipses are mine)



The people who do (perform the action talked about in 2 Chronicles 7:14) are those who have the blood applied. Not the nation (a country with defined boarders). God called HIS people, HIS flock (Israel; today because Jesus reconciled them, Jew and Gentile), to humble, seek the face of God, repent, and intercede.

We are seeing today what happens when a people travel down a path that is evil. Non-believers will never turn on their own. No man seeks God. It is the role of the church to present the Gospel to a lost and dying world.

The 'prince of the power of the air' wants everyone to believe it is about race, guns, life-styles, republicans, democrats, 'haves and the have-nots'. And wow, a lot of people do. I mean they must - just look at the news. It isn't about any of that. It is about eternity and where you will spend that eternity. John 3:18 needs to be understood today, "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."

Eternity is real. Every one WILL live forever. So, I guess it is true - "It's all about location, location, location."

John 14:3 "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." Well folks, he did go. Don't worry about the "if" in that verse. But then again, that's exactly the question ... belief.

We believe it for ourselves, let's also believe it for others.

© Slippy Sue Designs

As believers, if we believe there is no condemnation for us in Christ Jesus, then also believe it for others.  Romans 8:1 does say, "to them which are in Christ Jesus".  As Christians, if we offer condemnation to unbelievers, then we offer nothing but the curse of the law.  Paul, in Galatians, tells us that all who do not keep the law perfectly [Matthew 5:17-20] is cursed by it [Galatians 3:10].  No one has the ability [Romans 3:10 and 23] to obey the law perfectly for the breaking of even one puts a person under condemnation.  The Good News is that Jesus has rescued us from that curse [Galatians 3:13].  Read Romans 3:25-26 where Paul tells how.

Romans 8:1 (emphasis mine) There is therefore now [referring to the 7th chapter] NO CONDEMNATION [Compare John 3:18; 5:24; Romans 5:18, 19] to them [2 Corinthians 5:21] which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Does Hebrews 6:4-6 text mean Christians can lose our salvation?"

In light of the many scriptures that make it abundantly clear that salvation is eternal (John 10:27-29; Romans 8:35, 38-39; Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:4-5), Hebrews 6:4-6 also confirms that doctrine.

The first method I use to aid in understanding any book of the Bible is determining both the writer's intended audience and the purpose of the author's message.  ask, "To whom was the book written?" and, "For what purpose was the book written?". 

Concerning the book of Hebrews, most Bible commentaries agree with the following:

• The book of Hebrews was written by an Apostle and mainly written to Hebrew believers. 
• The audience, Jewish Christians, needed to read this message to understand how the Lord Jesus Christ, in comparison to Judaism, was much better than anything the old covenant had to offer. 
•  These believers were under persecution, and as a result, some were thinking about returning to Judaism. The message was written to warn them not to turn away from their only hope (assurance) of salvation.

Chapter 6 begins with the word, "Therefore" in the King James Version. Most of the time, this word indicates that the modern-day reader needs to search further, usually in the prior chapter(s), to determine the context in which the text exists and to better provide a framework within which the reader can use the text in the sense of Christian application. In Chapter 5, the writer speaks about the office and duty of the high priest and how that job is abundantly filled in Christ (Hebrews 9:11-14 and others). This text was written to the Jewish Christians of that day because they wanted to return to the familiar activities of The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) provided by the old covenant - the learning framework within which their entire life existed prior to conversion.

Chapter 6 urges these new converts to make forward progress - to grow in their faith. They had already learned of the first lessons of the Christian Message. With that foundation established, they were not to simply remain in that knowledge and work solely on what has already been completed in their lives; they were to instead move forward just as a young baby progresses from drinking only milk to eating more complex foods as supported in context by Chapter 5, in verses 11-14. The writer rebukes these new Christians regarding the minimal progress they have made in the knowledge and application of the gospel.

In verse 6 (of Chapter 6) we are introduced to a hypothetical statement, "IF they shall ..." (or in the NASB in verse 4, "For in the case of ... "). This text introduces the reader to the idea that this type of argument, that a true Christian can fall away, is a false premise. John 10:28 specifically states, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." No one, including myself, can snatch me out of the had of God. The conclusion of this idea, that Jesus would somehow need to be sacrificed again and again, is senseless. Simply put, it's crazy talk. We know this isn't true as we can read in Hebrews 9:28. The text points out the impossibility of this happening. When looking up Strong's word number 102, we get the idea of "things that are impossible". The author writes in such a way that demonstrates a false statement by showing an unattainable result follows if one accepts the argument. The writer even goes on to say in verse 9 that even though they speak in such a way (".. though we thus speak."), they are, "... persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation."

We may not speak today in the vernacular of the following commentary, but I feel that it offers the Christian an understanding response to the question of losing one's salvation:

The humbled sinner who pleads guilty, and cries for mercy, can have no ground from this passage to be discouraged, whatever his conscience may accuse him of. Nor does it prove that any one who is made a new creature in Christ, ever becomes a final apostate from him. The apostle is not speaking of the falling away of mere professors, never convinced or influenced by the gospel. Such have nothing to fall away from, but an empty name, or hypocritical profession. Neither is he speaking of partial declinings or backslidings. Nor are such sins meant, as Christians fall into through the strength of temptations, or the power of some worldly or fleshly lust. But the falling away here mentioned, is an open and avowed renouncing of Christ, from enmity of heart against him, his cause, and people, by men approving in their minds the deeds of his murderers, and all this after they have received the knowledge of the truth, and tasted some of its comforts. (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary for Hebrews 6:1-8)

While many interpretations can be found on these verses, I believe the Bible only supports two regarding salvation: (1) unbelievers rejecting Christ have no salvation, and (2) that it isn't possible for a believer to lose his/her salvation. After all, Ephesians 2:8, emphasizes that "...by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" Salvation isn't ours anyway; it's God's gift to us through the selfless crucifixion death of His son Jesus Christ.

A few final and critical points from verses 4-6:

1. This is about hypothetical "enlightened" people - so this is not about any Christian ever.
2. If it even were possible, this person's position would be absurd (being enlightened) after denying the truth of the crucifixion. (continued unbelief)
3. This enlightened one never truly accepted the work of the cross after hearing and then falling away.
4. To sin = to fall way.  In order to maintain a relationship (think about David when he said the "joy of thy salvation" Psalms 51:12), with God = to repent from sin.  Repenting is only possible if a person recognizes (believes) the truth of the crucifixion.
5. The point of these verses is NOT about a Christian losing his/her salvation. Instead, the focus of the verses is to highlight the impossibility of a person denying the truth of Christ's birth, death, and resurrection (substitutionary atonement) and still, somehow, coming to repentance in spite of that very denial. Re = to do again. In order to repent, you must have already asked for forgiveness at least once. 

• While I didn't reference the following book for this blog post, I do recommend, "Eternal Security", By: Charles F. Stanley.
• Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary, Strong's Bible Concordance, NASB Lexican via Bible Hub

How about we just love ...

Has the church failed in teaching people about hating sin and loving the sinner? Does it just end up being, hate the sinner, once out the front door? "Hate the sin, love the sinner." If you have been in church for any amount of time or lived in the Bible belt as I have, you no doubt have heard that saying. I don't think it makes sense. I mean, if we say that to a sinner, couldn't the sinner say in return, "I love Christians but hate Christianity?"

First we should cover the fact that this saying, "Hate the sin, love the sinner." isn't found in the Bible. The nearest idea could be found in Jude 1:22-23. According to these verses we are to live in such a way that mercy be our character towards the sinner, then a healthy hatred of the results of sin. The following is from the Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the New Testament on these verses.

We can be kept in the perpetual consciousness of God’s love only as we depend upon the mercy of the Lord Jesus—that is—His mercy, not our merit being our constant plea. He has merited for us what we could never, otherwise, lay claim to. The only way to stand before Him flawless is to rest in His merits and walk in His love. (Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the New Testament)

So, as Mark Lowry said in his quote, "hate your own sin!" Resting in Jesus' merits and walking in his love will be the only way I will ever stand before him flawless. Yes, Mr. Lowry, hating my sin is indeed a full-time job.

I know for myself, that when I finally decide that Jesus is more important than my sin, then only can I start to see the "new man" (Ephesians 4:22-24).  From the most devout believer to the most virulent atheist, we all have the same need - Christ. While we may all take different roads in life, we all still end up at the same place at some point. Needing Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:2 "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." "Christ and Him crucified," is the substance of the Gospel. For me to display that banner of the cross and to invite people to rest in the shadow of the cross should be my message. For if Jesus is lifted up, he will draw all people to Him (John 12:22).   I want people to see Christ as their main identity and when they acknowledge him as such, then there is room in their heart for a discussion of holy living.

Pray (1 Timothy 2:1) for people, respect (1 Peter 2:17) people, and love them for God is love (1 John 4:8-9) and he has gifted us with grace. James 1:15 tells us that sin leads to death. It is not hateful to want to help someone become free from sin - in fact, speaking the truth to them IS loving them (Ephesians 4:15). Don't buy into the lie of today's culture by thinking it is wrong, hateful, or bigoted if we don't condone a life style, ignore, or excuse it. Don't be afraid to stand under The banner, for the Lord is my Jehova-nissi, banner. (Exodus 17:15)

The Key

It has always amazed me when I hear a comment that starts like the following, "Well, prayer is the least...."  No, it is not the least but the greatest!  Consider this quote.

"Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work."  -Oswald Chambers

Follow this link to read more about this as only Oswald Chambers could literate.

Plug into the 220 power of the Bible

Wrong way 'round

"Hey! It's the wrong way 'round."

If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.  Genesis 4:7 (KJV)

source

Have you ever been assembling something from the store? You know, anything that has the words "assembly required" somewhere on the box? Working through the some times linguistically challenged instructions you discover you have one part on backwards. The frustration of that moment, the lost hope of the end result, just seems to melt away at that moment when you turn the part the right way around. All just fits, works, and you stand back and admire the thing that, more-or-less, resembles the picture on the box. Even with a few parts left over, the frustration of the past moment is gone and soon forgotten.

In Genesis chapter four, God warns Cain about the destructive power of sin. How sin lies at the door waiting to devour. But then God says something else, something that hit me like a unsuspecting "This is your Life" contestant of the late 40's to early 50's. (The show also had a small revival during the early 70's as well.) God said that the desire of sin is a thing that shouldn't rule us, but us rule over it. Wait! What? All this time we have had the idea of reacting to sin as a helpless Christian that leaves us wondering what part of the "Whole Armor" we forgot to dress in today?

"Shall you not, if you do well, be accepted? And if not you do well, at the door sin lies. But, unto its [sin] desire you must rule over." (humbly adapted from the Hebrew text analysis page at the Bible Hub web-site.)

So, we should think about the desire of sin as something we rule over, not the other way around. And the "Whole Armor" is the 'how to' assistance from a loving God and His Word. Very awesome.

Lord, I pray that I use your strength and power to do this task and that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." In Jesus' name, Amen.