I John Review: What to Do, Part 1

March 30, 2016

What to Do... I am splitting this into segments to keep the posts shorter. At the end I will combine them for one cohesive posting.

Walk in the Light Purify Yourself Do Right Love, It's What We Do Grow up Listen to the Apostles Overcome the World Stop Sinning Test the Spirits Keep It Keep from Idols Love One Another Pray for Them Keep Yourself Safe

Take note of the order. It has been altered compared to the posting dates and has been rearranged to fit, as best as I could, to the life of a Christian. We need to first begin our walk with the Lord. Then we are to purify ourselves. This is not to be something we do at a later time, it is a necessity from the beginning. In fact the Scriptures say that we are "a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come." Way too many people practice and teach that as new Christians, we cannot not help but sin. We do new Christians a disservice when we expect them to fail. John says... no one is saved and continues to sin... Yikes, that is strong! but needs to be our drive and expectation.

K and A, are you walking in the Light? I believe you are. Make sure you follow through with the first steps of the faith: Do right and purify yourselves. If there is something in your life you know is sinful, you must stop sinning. If you want to do it anyway, then reconsider your relationship with Christ and make it real. I am always here for you, to pray for you and to help you. God helps those who ask. Do Right.

~Dad

I John Review: What Not to Do

March 29, 2016

What Not to Do...

• Don't Have to Sin
• Don't Love the World
• Don't Be Led Astray
• Don't Hate

These are crucial to know if we want to remain a Christian. So much talk in the church today that sinning is what a human does. After all, we aren't perfect. Of course, we know that John said that If we continue sinning we are not a follower of Christ; we are headed for the lake of fire.

So what are some ways to keep from sinning? The key is the other points of this post.

When we are led astray by those in the church who say we need to be like the world to win them, we are apt to be caught in sin. When we begin to hate those who we are trying to save from destruction, we are apt to sin. When we love the "freedoms" of the world and despise the restrictions of Christ's commands, we are certain to sin against God.

Daughters, John is straight forward. If you follow the ways of the world you will fall from the protections of Christ. He will not force you to follow him. If you love their ways more than his ways, you cease being a Christian. I am not saying that you will never sin. Nor am I saying that you can never be made whole again. K and A, Our walk is not just one decision, it is a lifetime of choices. Make your choice each day to follow Christ and not to be led astray by the world. True freedom is found in following his commands.

~Dad

I John Review: General Info

March 28, 2016

General Info...

• To Have Christ is to Have Life
• This is Love
• To Love is to Obey
• No Fear in Love
• Eternal Life is Real

These go well together. When we look at them, we see where it all starts, with Christ - God. In order for us to find life, we must have Christ. It is where it all begins. Christ is love and we receive love from him, and we are enabled to love him back. But love is not an empty saying or feeling. Sure it produces feelings, and we must confess it, but what it produces is obedience. It takes obedience to love our Savior, or we do not truly love him. This is a major theme of 1st John. People like to quote the phrase and truth that there is no fear in love. But they forget that if we are not rightly serving the Lord, being obedient to his commands, we do not love him and fear needs to be felt.

This is contrary to teachings in the liberal churches of today. There love is shallow, an acknowledgment that Jesus is who he is and this should produce good feelings and cause one to live a happy, content life. We must be wise to false teachings and live a life of service to the Lord.

What we do in this life matters for eternal life is real. John didn't say it, but sometimes I look at the end this way... Everyone gets eternal life, some in heaven, some in the lake of fire! I know that seems like an eternal death but in reality, it is a life of eternal suffering where each person hope it ends but never does. But those who love the Lord, those obedient to his way and commands, will find the eternal pleasure the others thought they found following the world.

A and K, chose wisely the path you walk. Take Christ and find life. Live life for him according to his way. Then, when you die, you will receive the reward for your love and devotion, that of eternal life.

~Dad

I John Review: Info on Satan and His Followers

March 27, 2016 on 03-28-16

Info on Satan and His Followers

• Satan Controls the World
• Antichrists Deny the Truth

There were just a couple titles attributed to Satan and his followers, but when we look at the magnitude of the truths spoken by John, these are major points which must not be overlooked!

It is imperative that we understand that the world we live in is controlled by Satan and his minions. In general, the things elevated as good are evil and the things this world despises are good. Satan, of course, is a liar. He is the great deceiver. His cunning tricked Eve and she began to desire to be God. When she partook of the Serpents ways, she became like him and so deceived her husband. Sin is a deception and a trick making us believe we can achieve something we otherwise could not.

The world today has many "desirable" ways and they deceive many Christians. Lets look at a few: 

Drinking - today's church is caught in this one. Check out the commercials, the people are smiling and are having a good time. Why don't they show mangled cars and the families destroyed by a loved one being killed by a drunk driver?

Music & Dancing - Again partying and having a good time. It is mostly about the sexual. Look at the moves, the beat that causes people to move in certain ways... usually the bottom is the desirable part people like to move and see moved. Listen to what the crowd enjoys. It is the moves that are sexual that get the greatest attention. I watched a talent night from Liberty University... the crowd mostly enjoyed the sexually themed ones, could tell by the whoops and hollers. I was sad at first, but it is not the least surprising anymore. Even though dancing was not allowed by students, the students went out dancing and even the president of the college was a spotted at a dance event complete with a picture.

Drugs - how can this be you may ask? I had someone who was interested in coming to our church say that light drug use was okay. It didn't affect his Christianity. Now that it is becoming legalized, that theme will only grow.

How does this happen? Satan puts within the church anitchrists. They say that it is not what you do that makes you or keeps you from being a Christian. They like to quote Paul and say that "all things are permissible." But Jesus said that in the end times the sheep and the goats would be separated by what they did or did not do! That will determine their end - glory or the fire!

Daughters, do not let Satan deceive you. He wants to use the pleasures of the world to suck you in. Whether it is popular music, rock or country, dancing, drugs and alcohol, clothing and fashion... he is aiming for you. A - I see it happening at Penn View with the clothing style, and some with music, Be careful not to be pulled into it. K - be careful not to participate in it. You flirt with the world, and it will ensnare you.

Girls, If you think this is not a problem, Satan has already started his work on you. I see it in my life, not just in the past but now as well. The Bible says, when you work helping others in spiritual matters, be careful not to get caught your self. I see my standards weakening, because I am  involved with some who flirt with or are caught in sin. Satan is real! Stand on the Word and reject him.

~Dad

I John Review: Attributes of God

March 26, 2016 on 03-28-16

Attributes of God in 1st John by post titles...

• God is Greater
• He First Loved Us
• His Great Love
• Jesus - God in Flesh
• Jesus Came to Eliminate Sin
• The Spirit Confirms

Daughters, some of the things learn about God are these; God is greater than the one who controls the world. You can count on him to be there for you. He loved you before you desired him and his great love has been given out for you.

Jesus was God in the flesh, and he came so you might stop sinning. God knew that we could not keep from sinning. Despite being perfect, Adam and Eve sinned against God. Jesus came and showed that it is possible. You need to be made pure, and then you must live in him, with his power in order to succeed against the draw of the world, the draw of Satan.

The Spirit will confirm what is to be. He will affirm your standing with God. But you can fake yourself out by lying to yourself. Satan, the father of lies, is there to draw you away, but you can stand against him if you remain close to the Lord. The Spirit is there to help you.

A and K, God expects you not to sin. In fact, you are not his, if you continue sinning. Run from those who teach otherwise. This is the truth given in the 1st letter of John. Show you love the Lord by fleeing temptation and living pure in his sight.

~Dad

I John Review Explained

March 25, 2016 on 03-26-16

I John Review...

I will take the titles of my blog to do a review the book of 1st John. I did not have time to spend categorizing these fully, but I believe we can see the heart of what John was telling his readers, what he was telling us.

There are five areas of content:
     Attributes of God
     General Information
     Info on Satan and Followers
     What Not to Do
     What We Are to Do

Over the next few days, I will list the five area discussing some in detail and highlighting themes in others. But for today grasp this thought... The biggest area of truth given by John was in reference to what we are to be doing. Another area of importance is the attributes of God. All three God-heads are mentioned.

Daughters,it is my prayer that you see the truth of the Word as the way to live your life. I John has been an encouragement to me in my devotion to him and know I am on the path up the narrow road on my way to see Jesus when he comes to take me home. Be ready, young ladies, for he will soon come and only those washed in the blood and who are following his commands will be saved! I want to see each of you in heaven.

~Dad

Keep From Idols, I John 5:21

March 24, 2016 on 03-25-16

I John 5:21... Dear children, keep yourselves from idols...

Idols, what are they? Webster says that it is something worshiped as God or an object of extreme devotion. In Bible times, and in areas around the world today, idols were something made of wood or gold or stone or other inanimate material. Today when we think if idols we think of sports players, or movie stars or musicians. But what we should consider is that it is anything that we devote more to than we do the Lord. It could be our job, our children, our spouse, our dog or cat. Anything can be a god to be served.

What do we spend our time and money on? These are areas in our lives that we make our gods. Most people have many of them. Most Americans don't believe they have any, but if they are honest with themselves, they do.

One thing is certain today, fabricated idols are becoming more common. People are setting things up in their homes and cars to pray to and to worship. Some people dangle things off their mirrors in their cars to keep safe. Others pray to idols that represent God. Not only are we not to make an image to worship - one of the "Ten", we are not to have any other gods than Him.

My dear children, A & K, do not make for yourself a god to serve.  A boyfriend or teacher or other person is to take place of God. He is the only one you are to be devoted to. Honor and worship him and give to him your whole being. Put no thing or person before him! Keep yourself from idols, no matter the form.

~Dad

Satan Controls This World, I John 5:19

March 23, 2016 on 03-25-16

I John 5:19... We know that we are children of God, and the whole world is under control of the evil one...

We can know we are children of God! His Spirit confirms with our spirit that we are his. This is only true if we are true to ourselves and lying not to ourselves and so deny the truth. The life we live we live to his glory, and we share in it as we share in his sufferings. We do not belong to the world nor do we belong to the evil one. God is our guide and leader, and we follow him.

Those of the world follow the evil one. In fact, the ruler of this world is the evil one. He controls the whole world and they follow his way. Those who share in the pleasures of the world are being controlled by him.

A and K, on what path do you walk? Who is your leader. When you follow the ways of the world and do as it does, you walk on its path. That path is wide and most people are on it. They think they are doing there own thing, but they are being controlled by the evil one. Daughters, walk on the narrow road. Know you are of God and walk on his path to eternal life!

~Dad

Keep Yourself Safe, I John 5:18

March 22, 2016 on 03-25-16

I John 5:18... We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; The one who was born of God keeps himself safe, and the evil one cannot harm him...

Today versions changed the meaning of this verse. Years past the thought was that we have a responsibility to "keep" ourselves from wrongdoings. Today, the teaching is that Christ does all the work, and we have nor are we able to have an influence on our salvation. This is more of a Calvinist teaching that has infiltrated the evangelical churches. Certainly it is not a Armenian teaching.

Here is Adam Clarke's and Wesley's commentary on this verse respectively:

Clarke - Keepeth himself - That is, in the love of God, Jde 1:21, by building up himself on his most holy faith, and praying in the Holy Ghost; and that wicked one - the devil, toucheth him not - finds nothing of his own nature in him on which he can work, Christ dwelling in his heart by faith.

Wesley - 5:18 Yet this gives us no encouragement to sin: on the contrary, it is an indisputable truth, he that is born of God - That sees and loves God. Sinneth not - So long as that loving faith abides in him, he neither speaks nor does anything which God hath forbidden. He keepeth himself - Watching unto prayer. And, while he does this, the wicked one toucheth him not - So as to hurt him.

Basically, we have a responsibility to live in Christ and follow his commands. We are expected to stop sinning and live his way. When we do so, we keep Satan from convincing us to leave God and follow him, like he did to Eve. When we sin, we are weakened in our spirit and our flesh takes over and Satan can "get a foothold" and we eventually fall into temptation. We must stand, and when we are tired, stay true and stand on.

Daughters, committing sin, even a sin that does not lead to death, weakens you and you will fall when temptation comes. Keep yourselves safe from sin by following the way of Christ and by doing his will. Learn and meditate on his Word and the evil one will not be able to harm you. Keep yourself safe.

~Dad

Pray for Them, I John 5:16

March 21, 2016

I John 5:16... If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying he should pray about that...

This is an odd verse if you never heard it before, and maybe still a bit odd of you have. First let me say what I think it means. "I think" because John did not specify.

There are sins listed in the scriptures that state that you will  go to hell if you commit them; better said... you will punished eternally in the lake of fire if you are that type of person. If you are a liar, an adulterer, an idolater, a homosexual, a hater, a murderer, a person who covets, a Sabbath breaker, flippantly using God's name, don't have faith in Jesus, and many more. If you are like any of these, you are in danger of the fires of hell. That should frighten you, because it's forever.

There are other sins that we never know we commit or fall under what John says are wrong doing. Here are some examples...this is my wisdom, not specific scripture... I should have smiled at that person, I could have spoken a uplifting word to her, why didn't I stop and help that lady, I insulted my spouse, I called that person a name and it hurt them, I didn't brush my teeth or put on deodorant and I am a nuisance to my co-worker. I didn't know when to stop picking on him and he became irritated. I can play or sing for the Lord, but I was to afraid to be in front of others. There are so many things we might see in others when they are wrong and they never see it.. We may have a responsibility to inform them to help them see their error. But, we have a greater responsibility to pray for them about their sin! God will forgive them and give life to them, otherwise it is a downhill slide until the commit evil.

K and A, I pray for you to do right. when I hear someone use minced oaths, I pray for them. Some don't understand how it hurts God. (when we know... we become responsible for its use. Please never use words like go_h, he_k, frick_n, ge_ze, sho_t (you taught me that one K), OM_ - the biggest misuse of God's name today! And there are so many more... If you commit any of the evils above (murder etc..), my prayers are worthless. You  must repent before God and man, but I will pray for your other wrongs, and as your dad, I also am given the responsibility before God to tell you as well. That is getting harder to do. So don't despise my correction, take it in and learn from it. Know that God is making you two into the beautiful women he created you to be!

~Dad

To Have Christ is to Have Life, I John 5:12

March 20, 2016

I John 5:12... He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life...

People of the world want to live the good life. Eudaimonia was a term that Aristotle used to refer to the "highest human good," the good life. People want to "go for the gusto." They want to attain the "high life." They believe that it comes in the form of alcohol, or partying and clubbing, music and dancing, large property and luxurious home, fancy cars or trucks... or so many other things... there it is... things. Many strive to have pleasure with doing things or having things. But life, abundant life is true fulfillment and the possession of life itself - eternal life, never ending.

 As Christians, we forgo the pleasures of this world, which bring temporary happiness, for the hardships of serving Christ. But, this is not what we hear today. We are told that serving Christ should be fun; we should enjoy serving him. "Come lets party with the Lord, " they say. Or as one sing says, "come alive on God's great dance floor." As they portray on the video... Saturday nights are meant for dancing... how sad. They miss the purpose of salvation. It is not the "high life" scene we are to strive for. No, it is the down and grimy scene ridding our lives of sin and reaching others caught in it. Then in a short time, as God views shortness, we will enter eternal life when our work here is done.

A and K, true life comes from the author of truth. The author of lies took away our access to eternal life in the Garden and death became the order of things. Therefore, all who follow Satan will never have access to the kingdom or to eternal life. This is why all liars will be thrown into the lake of fire... they are the followers of the Author of Lies. Christ, the Redeemer, purchased you back from Satan, so you can have access to the tree of life again. Now, as his slave, you must be diligently working in his fields which are "ripe and ready for harvest."

Daughters, you are certainly not called to misery... as it says in verse 3, his commands are not burdensome, but they are commands. And his command is to GO. Forgo the pleasures of the world and live in the truth of God's Word and Jesus will bring you life "to the full."

~Dad

Eternal Life is Real, I John 5:11

March 19, 2016

I John 5:11... And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son...

The Spirit's testimony is true. He cannot lie. All that he says can be relied on. And he testifies to fact that God has given us, those that believe and put their trust in the Son of God, eternal life!

We need not fear that he will renege on his promise. Eternal life will come to those that remain faithful to the end. Contrary to what some church-goers think, it is not us who never change our minds, it is God. He is always faithful, and when he makes a promise, he will carry it through. Man, on the other hand, is wishy washy, ever fluid in what he says and does. God explains the situation this way; God is not man, that he should lie, not the son of  man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill (Numbers 23:19). We may fail, but God fulfills! He will carry out his Word.

Daughters, you can count on God. Believe his promises and follow through with your side of the agreement and when this life is over you can be assured that life is just beginning! Eternal life will be yours. Today your mother and I and Grandpa and Grandma went to visit Aunt Thelma. She will soon die and this life will be over. Or said a different way... soon this life will be over and she will begin to live. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and this testimony will be yours as well.

~Dad

How Can We Overcome, I John 5:5

March 18, 2016 on 03-19-16

I John 5:5... Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God...

What does it mean to believe? To have faith in the Lord is to believe that he is who he says he is and will do what he says he will do. But, this cannot just be a feeling. It must be accompanied by an action. Hebrews 11 is called the faith chapter. In it we find examples of those who believed in God, they took God at his word. We know they believed because every example is accompanied by an action...  By faith Able offered, By faith Enoch.. pleased, By faith Noah... built, By faith Abraham obeyed and went, By faith Isaac blessed, By faith Jacob... blessed, By faith Joseph... spoke, By faith Moses' parents hid, By faith Moses refused, By faith the Israelites passed through, By faith the Israelites walked, By faith Rahab welcomed;  then many others names are mentioned of those who believed God.

If we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, it will be accompanied by an action. When God asks something of us, we will follow through and do it. When we read in the Bible that following him pays, and it does, then we will follow through on his commands found there. Grace begets belief, belief begets love, love begets obedience, obedience begets reward and reward is the overcoming of the world and sin.

A and K, when you find yourself having problems overcoming a sin or find yourself hugging the ways and pleasures of the world, go back to the beginning and live in the grace of the Lord. Desire him, for the more you draw close to God and his Word the more he will draw close to you (James 4:8). Then, you will find that you will love him and obey him and will live a life free from the draw of the world. Then you can say, "I believe in Jesus, the Son of the Living God!"

~Dad

Overcome the World, I John 5:4

March 17, 2016

I John 5:4... for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith...

We have been talking about how those who love God are obedient to him. But we cannot forget about faith! Faith is how we overcome the world as well. Not just a faith that says God is real, but a faith, or belief that God is who he says he and in whom we place our confidence. We must not forget that we can work as hard as we want, but we will fail and fall in keeping his commands if we forget that our strength and power comes through him. Remembering that Adam was perfect yet failed, we too will fail, even if we have received salvation. Only Christ was sinless. If we do not live in his power we cannot keep from falling. We must believe this... we must place your faith in him. It is where the victory lies.

K and A, I am bent on having you know that you cannot live like the world and think you are a Christian. It is my main theme, and one of the major themes of the Bible. Know that you will fall into sin if you snuggle up to the things the world loves. But how do you over come the world? By what method is victory over the world possible? It is by faith; believing in the power of Christ. If you truly love him, you will obey him. If you let him reign in you, you can obey him. Desire him and draw close to him and get to know the one who makes victory possible!

~Dad

Here is a link to the song you may be thinking of... It is a good one!

Faith is the Victory

To Love is to Obey, I John 5:3

March 16, 2016

I John 5:3... This is love for God: to obey his commands, and his commands are not burdensome...

We have discussed before that we cannot be a Christian and not be obedient to Christ and his word. Many say that Paul speaks of the law as burdensome and that it weighs us down, making us a slave to it by not allowing us to freely serve the Lord. It is true that we can never attain salvation by just obeying the law, and it can become a burden if it is our focus. But, here John says that the Lord's commands are not burdensome and we will follow and do them if we truly love God. In fact, we do not love God, if we are not following them!

We must consider the alternative to not following his commands. What are the consequences? And if we compare those consequences to the effort we would have put into serving Christ, which is the true burden? When we compare the alternative to serving God his ways are no burden at all. In fact they end up being a blessing instead.

 I love technology, but often it leads me to sin and is not worth the time spent. 4K Smart TV's, wow they are great... but what is so great to watch on them? I love movies at the theater, large screens and awesome sound systems... but full of garbage, they are. There are other examples to list, but each has its pull away from the Lord. Always watching what I say, being careful to use words that can't be confused with bad words. Trying to watch where I am looking when a speak with a female, especially when improperly dressed, what am I drinking, what does the container look like, what I laugh at when co-workers tell stories, what music I listen to, and so much more... It can seem like a burden. But if we are to find the freedom that is in Christ, we flee the ties with the world. Because once their ways become our ways, the consequences we reap are much worse than the restraints we put on ourselves to serve the Lord!

Daughters, I have sometimes found it a pain to serve God. That is when I don't look at the consequences of the alternative. The world makes it seem so carefree, yet in the long run it leaps out and bites you. K, I warned you on dancing and country music, and even on contemporary church music... I do so because they weaken or even turn you away from the Lord and his commands. Movies, TV shows, how you dress all affect how you end up following God. A and K, you think my ways are tough, wait until you start to live the consequences of bad choices. That is when you will understand why the world ways are a burden and the rules on the high, narrow road becomes a joy to follow. So prove you love to God by living out his commands.

~Dad

He Loved Us First, I John 4:19

March 15, 2016 on 03-16-16

I John 4:19... We love, because he first loved us...

I love you. These are words spoken by many. They convey a message of deep felt appreciation for another person or group of people. Could you imagine a courtship or marriage without love. How sad of a relationship that would be. How about between parents and their children. We pity a child who is not loved. But where does our love come from?

In an earlier post we talked about how God is love. So if we are to love, we get it from God himself. If you are made complete in love, then we will be able to love properly. Back in 1980 my brother and I were canvasing the area by Orrs Bridge Road for the West Shore Bic church. My brother, being his outgoing self, got into a dialog with a man. He wasn't willing to turn his life over to God, because he would have to love him more than his wife, and he wasn't willing to do that. What he didn't understand was that he would love his wife more than ever, because he would be filled with the love of God.

K and A, do you want to love people more. K do you want to love your fiance more. Learning how to love better comes by learning to love God. When you become like him, you will love like him. Then those close to you will sense the true love you have for them. Even enemies will see the love you have. Because he loved us first, we can know how to love others.

~Dad

No Fear in Love, I John 4:18

March 14, 2016 on 03-16-16

I John 4:18... There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love...

We need not fear the Lord, when we are like him (vs 17). We only need to fear when we aren't. Many use this verse to say that we shouldn't fear the Lord when we sin, but that would be a polluting of the Scriptures. They say if we do fear, we must not understand the love of God, because he doesn't punish those who are his. But this is a bad theology! There are sins that lead to death. They are the ones that we as Christians knowingly commit and will not repent of. We must fear the consequences of not living like him. To be complete in love means to be fully like God.

A sad story here... Our niece went to a church weekend camp of another church. When I saw her I asked what she learned. One of the things she discussed was a object lesson that she heard. It went something like this...  The leader (a youth pastor) did a demonstration. He took a container of liquid. he added another dark liquid and the container turned dark. Then he added a white liquid and it turned white. Then each time he added more of the dark, it would not change, it stayed white. So I asked her what it meant. Here is what she said. In your life you sin and your life is dark with sin, but when you ask Jesus into your life, he makes you clean. Then in your life, as you sin and sin, not matter how many times or how much you sin, it makes no difference. It cannot turn your life dark again because Jesus is there. I was flabbergasted! How blatantly false. How sad that many children were taught to sin and feel guiltless, because God loves you anyway. It make no difference!? I am still amazed at this...

A and K, it is crucial you listen to sound doctrine. It must align with the Word of God. God will punish those who are evil with an eternal fire! Even tough you once were saved, the soul that sins is the one that dies. Just because you say "Lord, Lord", or " didn't we caste out demons in your name" doesn't mean his love is made complete in you. His love is complete and you need not fear when you become like him in word and deed. You can trick yourself into not feeling guilt and fear, but you will only be lying to yourself, thinking you are right with God. But you are being deceived by Satan. Fear chasing after the world. Love being like God.

~Dad

This is Love, I John 4:10

March 13, 2016

I John 4:13... This is love: not that we love God, but that he loved us and gave his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins...

Who do we think we are? Mankind is a loser. It's not just one person, its all of us. Since the creation of man, we have failed to be worthy of anything. Adam and Eve were created perfect and yet failed at keeping only one command, one! Then, in the next generation, their son, Cain, murdered his only brother. Over time, it got so bad that God said man could not think of anything good, "every inclination of his heart was evil, all the time " (Ge 6:5). When we read through the Bible, we continue to see this trait following man through every generation.

We all know evil people. Really, if we are honest with ourselves, each of us can see evil in our own lives. As God said after Noah came out of the ark, man heart is inclined to do evil from childhood. This is true unless God forgives our sin, purifies our heart, and we allow the Spirit to direct our lives. But, why would he do that? We are evil and worthless.

Why, because of love! God is love, and we know what love is when we realize that the only reason he would allow his Son to be humiliated, beaten, and killed, is so we might be forgiven and made pure. That is love!

Daughters, It is my prayer that you never forget what God has done for you. Don't leave him and run to the world for fulfillment. That would be the same defiance that Eve had... and who would you take down with you? You never go down alone. Instead, keep his love precious and serve him with all your heart, mind, body, and soul. And take others with you, especially those in your family. Now that you know what love is, love others like Christ loved you.

~Dad

Love One Another, I John 4:7

March 12, 2016 on 03-13-16

I John 4:7... Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God...

How will they know we are Christians? Because of our love for one another. This is what Jesus said as John recorded in his book on the gospel. As Christ's disciples, we are called to love each other. Despite how goofy, ugly, annoying, or how right they may be, we are called to love them. This we all know, but are we willing to do it, and what does it mean to love?

In 1 Corinthians, Paul said that love is more than feelings, it is treating people right. Having patience, being kind, not desiring what others have, all these are signs of love. How can we say we love if others, who belong to the Lord, easily anger us. If they wrong us,do we hold it against them to control them. We must live like Christ who loved us while we were still against him. He loved us while we we still sinners. Surely, we should love our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

A and K, you must love those who are part of the family of God, that is unquestionable. But, that means you must live for their good. They are not perfect... yet. It is true that they are to be holy and pure, but at times they are inconsiderate, obstinate and insatiate. You are to love them anyway and work to help them become more like Christ. Love each Christian as Christ loves you.

~Dad

Listen to the Apostles, I John 4:6

March 11, 2016 on 03-13-16

I John 4:6... We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever who is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth, and the spirit of falsehood...

We are from God... who is the we? Is it you and I? Yes and no. John appears to be saying that he and the other apostles are from God. They knew him and learned from him and were anointed by him to teach the new believers the way to live out their salvation. What is the truth, how are we to live, were some of the thoughts and questions of the early truth. Some people, the antichrists, were going out among the churches to deceive Christ's followers, and they were successful.

People began to follow an alternate path of life. They involved themselves in sexual sins; sexual relations before marriage, divorce and remarriage, adultery, and even in homosexual acts. They sought to worship other gods, worshiping idols and rulers as their gods. They were covetous and jealous, prideful and also perverted justice. They drank and caroused, seeking the pleasures around them, and set the world as their guide for living. They did not live according to the Spirit but according to what satisfied their natural desire without restraint.

They listened to false teachers who said that following the culture was what was right and following the teachings of the apostles was not necessary. They became opposed to the truth, and John said they were not from God.

A and K, you must listen to the apostles. How do you know what the apostle taught? It is written in the New Testament. It is their words to us, inspired by the Spirit of God, for you to know what God desires of you. It is the truth and does not change over time. A woman told me lately that she believes the Bible is too black and white, and there are so many grays in life today that it can't be applied to those situations. As a "christian" she believes homosexuality is good if the people are happy. She doesn't believe that we should love everyone if they are evil and harm us. She thinks that sometimes you just shouldn't turn the other cheek, that command would be foolish. She has been taught by the "antichrists", those opposed to the truth of Christ as taught by the apostles, to walk a different way.

Daughters, are you being duped by the worldly church? If you do not follow the truths written in the New Testament, you are! We can recognize those who follow God by how they live. God's people listen to and do as the apostles taught. Follow them.

~Dad

God is Greater, I John 4:4

March 10, 2016

I John 4:4... You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world...

King of kings and Lord of lords, God surpasses everybody and anything that exists or that ever existed. There is no one who can compare to his greatness. He stands outside the universe, watching our comings and goings. He knows when we hurt and knows when are having a good day. He is there for us. We just need to be there for him.

The devil is alive and well, but knows that God is in control. Satan also knows that he has a limited time to work to get people on his side. Yet, for some reason, He believes that if he can get enough people on his side, he can defeat God (some conjecture on my part). So, he fights against us to pull us away from God. He tempts us to defeat us. He makes us feel worthless, even though to God we are worth the life of his son. He tells us there is no hope, we cannot stop sinning. We are caught in a life of failure.

But he is a liar! God is greater than Satan. The one in the world is defeated already. He will never win the final battle, and he can be defeated today in you life and in mine!

K and A, will you let the devil defeat you. "You are from God." Do not be overcome by the world around you. You do not have to be like them, not even to win them. Be like Christ who reached out to the world around him without becoming like them. You too can have people seek you out to be"healed", if you live like and have overcome sin. You can do it. God is greater than Satan. Be an overcomer.

~Dad

Jesus, God in Flesh, I John 4:2

March 09, 2016 on 03-09-10

I John 4:2... This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God...

We must know how to recognize those who are not from God. Remembering that truth is not complete in one verse, we cannot say that just because a leader, or any other person for that matter, acknowledges Jesus as Lord, doesn't mean they are from God. The "goats" which the Son of Man sent to eternal punishment were not his despite saying Lord, Lord and casting out demons in his name. (Matthew 25:31 - 46) Instead, those claiming to be his must believe and state that Jesus is God in the flesh. If they only believe he is a good teacher or that he is a spiritual leader, or if they believe he is just an eternal being but not God, they do not speak the truth and must not be trusted even if they say many good things. They are from the antichrist! We must not listen to them.

A and K, Jesus is God. He came in the flesh, born of a woman, grew and lived like you and I. He taught you truth on how God wants you to live, then died as an atonement or payment for your sin. He rose from the dead so that you might live pure lives free some sin. He told you to let others know who he is, both through tongue and deeds. First believe it yourself, then let others know that Jesus is God in the flesh. If you do, you will be one of the sheep that Jesus will send to his right giving you you eternal life with him.

~Dad

Test the Spirit, I John 4:1

March 08, 2016 on 03-09-16

I John 4:1... Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world...

We have to be on guard against the wiles of Satan. Wiles is a good word, look it up. It fits so well for Satan. He loves to trick us into thinking we are following God, but he is taking us away from him and his way. He tries to get us to think we are receiving something that God would really want us to have for surely God would not withhold anything good from us! But, he is tricking us with one of his schemes. We are not enlightened. No, we have been conned by a false spirit!

Today, there is a big push for the movement of the Spirit. It happened before in the late 1800's and early 1900's. We are being schemed into thinking that we can do differently than the scriptures say because the "spirit" has told us everything is fine. Butl have we tested the spirit? Do we size up the permissible act with against the Word? Or, because it feels pleasurable, do we partake in the sin, because the spirit hasn't rebuffed us?

A and K, I know of people who say that everything they do is okay unless the Spirit convicts them that it is wrong. That might be okay if they would seriously seek the Spirit's will. But, they never look into the Word to test the act they are doing. Nor, do they seem to care if what they do is wrong, for they believe that Jesus' blood cover any wrong they do.

Daughters, be careful if you are asked to participate in something contrary to what I have taught you. It is not that I can do no wrong or that everything I believe is absolute truth. No, it is that things contrary to what I have taught you as truth needs to be proved worthy by the Word and the Spirit to be okay to do. Also, one thing I believe is worthy is to ask a "saint of God" to agree with you doing it. If they are a "saint" they will help with scriptural discernment. They won't just tell you how they feel but will show you scripture of why they believe it. And don't be like Rehoboam who went out ask his buddies what to do in an important situation and was duped and lost most of his kingdom. 

Girls, choose wisely your the "deeds done on the body" for that is how God will judge you, "whether good or bad." (2 Cor 5:10) Choose to do good things by testing the spirits.

~Dad

To Receive Anything - Please Him, I John 3:22

March 07, 16 on 03-09-16

I John 3:22... and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him...

We all have heard the scripture, "ask and you shall receive" or another similar verse. (Matthew 7:7, 11:24, 21:22) Do we really believe that? "Really, ask for anything in my name and you will receive it? I know most people do not believe that, but it is true! But wait, there are qualifiers. Here in this verse we see one of them... we receive anything, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. Wow, that's big! It is not just as simple as asking for something and getting it. That would make us spoiled brats.

Of course, that would fit today's society. The rebellious kids of the 60's and 70's who wanted to do what they felt like doing raised the spoiled kids of the 80's and 90's who were allowed to do anything they wanted, and look where we are. The spoiled kids are now spoiled adults saying I doesn't matter what I do, God will still love me, and the rebellious ones, still trying to appease them, join in and increase the spiritual melee they have created.

But the truth is that a fulfillment on the promise requires an obedience to the Word of God. His commands are everlasting and his will does not waver. He is the same God "today, yesterday and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Therefore, as God's people, we must obey what he says if we are expect to receive what we ask for. It would be foolish for a parent to give a disobedient child a special snack when they have been bad. So it is with God. He is not foolish. As our father, he will not spoil us by giving in to a disobedient, whiny, disrespectful, child. No, he will discipline him instead.

K and A, I tried not to spoil you. I have not been as tough on you as needed, but you do know what I expect. You are to the age where physical discipline is over (probably). But that does not mean I would withhold correction or at least blessings (the special snack) when needed. Think of my desire for you to be obedient. Not only was that for mother's and my sanity, it was for your spiritual good. It was/is to teach you to be obedient to God, to not be that spoiled christian. Rather, it was to teach to be the Christian who listens to and obeys the Word of God. When you are obedient and please him... you can expect to receive good things from the Lord when you ask.

~Dad

Love, More Than Just Talk, I John 3:18

March 06, 2016

I John 3:18... Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth...

How easy it is to say I love you, and never mean it. We are told to love everyone, and that is not always easy to do, but it easy to say. Words do not cut it. They sound real, and I do believe they need said, but if they are not accompanied by action, they are nothing. That is the theme of I Cor 13, your word are just a noisy clanging cymbal if not accompanied by good deeds.

But it is more just doing things. If works of kindness are done to others and not for them, there is still a problem. Just as love needs to be accompanied with action, actions must be done with the motivation of love. So, love, like faith, must be joined by works and vice versa. They are complimentary in nature and in the Christian walk, cannot be separated.

K and A, do you ever say I love you and do not really mean it? Do you ever love and never tell the person? Do you ever love and never show it? Girls, God has called you to love. This means that you will go out of our way to love all people. Live a life that exemplifies the life of Christ to others. Share his love with those around you by living out your faith.

~Dad

Love, It's What We Do, I John 3:11

March 05, 2016

I John 3:11... This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another...

God is love (I John 4:8). If we belong to God we will love. The evil one hates. If we hate we belong to him. We must, therefor, love our brother and sisters in the Lord. In fact, Jesus said that we must love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Look at the last word there; it says we will not only have an enemy, but we will have multiple people who do not like us. We are to love them anyway.

Why would they hate us if we love them? The same reason Cain hated his brother Able, he was doing wrong and his brother was doing right. When Cain felt the guilt and conviction that comes with disobedience he thought he should get rid of the one who was making him look bad. So, he killed his brother, his hatred turned into murder.

John says that hatred is equivalent to murder. He reminds us that a murderer will not receive eternal life, so don't be confused, neither will you if you hate those around you.

Daughters, do you despise others who are different than you? How about people that offend you. How about those who have violated you in some way. There was a time in my life that someone violated me in a terrible way and I hated them. In fact, there were two people who treated me wrong. I wished them dead many times. But, God dealt with my sin and taught me how to forgive and to love instead. A and K, when we live with the love of God in our hearts, we will love others. Remember, we once hated God too, "yet while we were  yet sinners, Christ died for us"(Romans 5:8). If you hate, the love of the Father is not in you. Love everyone and forgive what wrongs they do to you before they even ask. Like I found out, it will free your soul.

~Dad

Jesus Came to Eliminate Sin, I John 3:8

March 04, 2016 on 03-05-16

I John 3:8... He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work...

Jesus came that we "may have life and have it to the full." This is what is recorded in the Gospel of John. Here, John says that He came so the devil's work of sin may be stopped. It would appear that when we put these two thoughts together that a full life is not one that the world desires. The world chases after pleasure and enjoys delving into sinful practices. These include but are not limited to drinking, carousing, and sexually deviant behavior. It also includes swearing, hatred, and envy. Look these up in Galatians and Corinthians, its there.

This section of the Bible is tough... if you keep on sinning you are not a Christian... never were! That is tough. We all know people who do sin and call themselves Christians! One thing we can know for sure, God does not take sin lightly. Many people today never consider their actions, "If it feels good, do it." Others sin figuring that God is patient and kind, and they can just ask forgiveness after they are done, "enjoying" themselves. Some are caught and hurt inside but cannot seem to stop and don't know what to do. And there are those working, striving, and "beating their bodies, daily", as Paul said, to keep serving God in purity.

A and K, in which group are you. Do you care how you live? Do you do what you know is wrong thinking God understands your weakness and will always look the other way and forgive you? Maybe you are caught and not sure what to do. It is my intent in writing this that you join with the last group. Be part of those who are not satisfied unless they sense the smile of God on their lives. Daughters, love the Lord with all your heart. Never seek the pleasures of the world or party with them. Don't listen to or desire their music, the words of which show their heart. Jesus came so you would not sin. Live for Jesus not Satan. What you do, shows whose you are.

~Dad

Don't Be Led Astray, I John 3:7

March 03, 2016 on 03-04-16

I John 3:7... Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what its right is righteous...

What makes a person righteous? What made Abraham righteous? If we use today's verse, we see that a person is righteous, because they do what was right. But is that different than what is declared about Abraham? Romans, Galatians, and James all say that Abraham believed, and it was credited to him a righteousness. This verse appears to say that we need to work to be righteous, and the other verses say that we just need to believe. Isn't that different?

Let me first say that I do believe that we as Christians must be "doing" to have a secure place in the kingdom. Salvation mandates we "work out our salvation." It says that "faith without works is dead." That said, what I want to stress is the congruence of the today's verse and the verses stating righteousness being by faith. They go hand in hand. Abraham, like us, needed to have his sin removed. Sin cannot be removed from our lives by doing good or even by always doing right. Jesus is the only way that our lives can be made "right", and only if we believe that he is the only way to salvation. This verse says that if we have been made right, we will do what is right.

Daughters, don't be led astray. There are those out there who say that doing good works is not necessary for salvation and then they use that as an excuse that for doing wrong. That is heresy! If you learn anything from John's letter, learn this; as Christian, we are to live clean lives, free from wrong doing. There have always been people in churches that are there to lead us away from the truth. Today, they push stronger than ever. Stand firm, defend the truth, and do what is right.

~Dad

Stop Sinning, I John 3:6

March 02, 2013

I John 3:6... No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him...

Stop! Why do "christians" continue to sin after they have been saved? If I John 1:9 and I Cor 5:17 are correct, how could we think that sinning is a natural part of life? Is the old really gone? Have we allowed the new to come? Have we truly been purified?

There are a few reasons for why Christians sinning has no consequences. One of the biggest is the teaching that once we are saved we can never lose our salvation, that our sins that we commit will not be held against us. For the people who really do not want to leave their sin, this teaching serves them well. They can continue in sin, "knowing" everything is good with God. The sad reality is that God is hurt. His son had to die, and it was for nothing. Jesus came to give life. He gave his life, so we might gain life, eternal life. Adam and Eve lost the access to the Tree of Life when they sinned. What make us think that we won't loose our access to eternal life when we sin. The scripture says the soul that sins is the one that dies! Another reason is ignorance. Some people just don't understand, No one has ever shown them and they haven't read it yet. In either case it comes down to a poor understanding of the Word.

A and K, the Word shows you more than the way to live. It gives you hope for life, encouragement for your daily walk. It shows you God's heart and what his plan is for salvation. It not only tells you things that have happened, but it tells of future events. It shows you where you have been and where you are going. Ladies, the Word is so necessary if you expect to please God. God wants you to live a life free from sin. He has made it possible! If you don't care what sin is or if you sin and don't care, this verse questions the validity of your relationship to God. I believe that you both want God's ways. Maybe there is area in your life that does not align with his Word and you know it. Ask for forgiveness, forsake the sin, live a victorious life free from it. Just feeling the smile of approval from God is worth it!

~Dad

Purify Yourself, I John 3:3

March 01, 2016

I John 3:3... Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure...

What is the hope we have? The verse before this tells us that when Jesus returns to gather his people, they will be changed to become like him. We will be like Jesus! Now that is special.

So, what do we do with that knowledge. Do we say, "When he comes back, I'll be done with sinning. I can't help it now, but then I'll be able to stop." No! We are to say that now. This verse says that we work to purify ourselves. We want to make our clothes spotless. Revelation 19:8 says that the clothes we wear in heaven will be fine, bright, and clean. Most versions say white in place of clean. They represent "the righteous acts of the saints." We are not to wait until we get to heaven to become clean. Jesus died so that we may be purified now.(I Jn 1:9). Since Christ is pure, we desire purity and work to be purified.

Daughters, The white wedding dress is a joke for most weddings today. It was meant to be a sign that the bride kept herself pure.Too many couples have become one with many. See to it that you can wear a white dress the day of your wedding!

There is little difference in the church. We are to present ourselves to Christ on the wedding day dressed with purity. Too many want to join their lives with Jesus and with the world. Some believe they cannot be pure so why try. Others love the world's ways too much to give it up... they don't really love Jesus. They just want the benefits that come from being his. A and K, If you truly love Jesus, you will flee the world and cling only to him. He is to be your one and only.

~Dad