Scriptures and Translations

Its not the scriptures that are corrupted. Its a man's heart that is corrupted. Intelligence, reason, and choice. As a Christian, we don't need intelligence to decide because we have the Holy Spirit that convicts us to listen rather than focusing on our own pride of reasonings. God gave me the brain but in my body, who am I using my brian for? My flesh or In Spirit? if a Christian is not careful and forget. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. In order to "revere" the Word of God (Bible), you submit to the Holy Spirit who is the Author of the Bible. Jesus said in John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. All translations (i.e. KJV, RSV, NIV and etc) themselves are not inspired. Only the originals are inspired. We are to trust the Holy Spirit more than we trust the translations simply because the Holy Spirit have been with the translators while they were translating.

Shepherd.....John 10:1-30

John 10:1-30

Jesus the True Shepherd
1 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.

Jesus the Good Shepherd
7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” 19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

The Shepherd Knows His Sheep
22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.[b] 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

Soil, heart and seed

Those who are in Christ Romans 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Galatians 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. We just need to be looking at our adequacy in the Holy Spirit, which will always be in us.

If we didn't feel the conviction and didn't have the motivation to change from "within", then we should be concerned whether we are truly saved or not. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:25. Any selfish motives toward the blessings of God can destroy God's blessings' purposes and usefulness.

There are 4 Parables of the Sower. Three parables of people who made a profession of faith but then fell away and only the last parable Jesus gave is of real saving faith:

Matthew 13
The Parable of the Sower
1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.

3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed.

4As he was scattering the seed,

#1
some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. (If a farmer threw the seed and some of it went beyond the furrow only to land on that hard surface, it would never grow. It could not penetrate the ground. This illustrate that people will hear the gospel and think nothing of it).

#2
5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. (The rocky ground in this parable represents the people who will reject the gospel. Also Luke explains that the seed that landed upon the stony soil "lacked moisture" (Luke 8:6). There wasn't any root to capture the moisture. This means people who will initially receive the gospel, but thorns or the sun will cause them to fall away.)

#3
7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. (After the seeds are sown and they begin to germinate, weeds also begin to grow from the fibrous weed roots hidden in the ground. The weeds then choke the life out of the grain.)

#4
8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear." (Some people will initially receive the gospel, and ultimately bring forth fruit.)

The parable shows how people will respond to the gospel. All the soils are basically the same--the only difference is whether the
1. dirt is hard,
2. has rock underneath it,
3. has weeds in it, or
4. is good.

The issue is not the soil; rather, it is the condition of the soil. That means that all people could receive the seed. All soil could receive the seed if it was broken up and cleaned of weeds. So, the key to the parable is that the response a person has to the gospel depends upon the condition of that person's heart.

Jesus explains further:
18"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

The condition of the heart determines how receptive a person is to the gospel. John 4:36 Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.

Our hearts are like a garden and must be kept free from weeds and insects. To expect the fruits and flowers bloom in an untended heart is to misunderstand completely the processes of Grace and God's will. 2 Timothy 3:10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is REALLY hard to do. Remember when Jesus asked, "Which is more difficult, to heal disease or forgive sin?" (Mk. 2:9). ? If its hard to forgive, then it is hard to love another because LOVE forgives. Love hopes all things (1 Corinth 13). Love refuses to take human failure as final. With Christ in me, my human failures are never final. Love never keeps a record of wrongs. Love forgives and love is unable to think about them anymore. Forget the past and move on. Focus on the future as I focus on Christ at the same time. Romans 4:8 (also Psalms 32:2) "Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him". In 1 Corinthians 13:5 says "Love does not act unbecomingly"; which means a Christian should demonstrate godly love and have real Christian credibility.

If we forgive those who sin against us, our heavenly Father will forgive us. But if we refuse to forgive others, our Father will not forgive our sins. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Live in Harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. Don't think we know it all. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see we are honorable. Christians are to act like Jesus, toward sinners and brethren in compassion, toward saints in warm affection, toward others in love. We are to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Jesus Christ has forgiven us.

No matter how much we claim to know........

No matter how much knowledge we have in the Mystery of God, we will never fully comprehend God until we get into heaven. Psalm 48:14 "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end." In Isaiah 55:8-9 God says, "My thoughts are completely different from yours, and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

Our minds could never fathom the awesomeness of God. He is described in the Bible as One with no beginning and no ending, the Alpha and Omega. God is omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience, meaning that He has unlimited powers, He is universally present, and knows all things. He is the Author, Creator and Sustainer of all things--animate and inanimate, He made the heaven and the earth by His great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:17). He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite (Psalm 147:4-5). God is above all gods in heaven above or earth beneath. Before Him, the nations are as a drop of a bucket and are counted as the small dust of the balance (Isaiah 40:15).

God is not the author of evil. If God created evil, then God would be both good and evil. And if God were both good and evil, there would be no hope for the ultimate triumph of good, which the Bible promises. Everything that God created and have done were "very good." Everything. Habakkuk 1:13 says: "God is of purer eyes than to" approve evil or "behold evil. He cannot look on wickedness." 1st Corinthians 14:33 says: "God is not the author of confusion." Confusion is a product of sin. 1st John 1:5 says: "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." James 1:13 says: "God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts He any man." 1st John 2:16 says: "All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life, is not of the Father." Psalm 5:4: "You are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness; neither will evil dwell with You."

At the same time, God will harden sinners' hearts. Evil became a reality only when creatures chose to disobey. God is ruling all things to work together for our good and His purpose. Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." There are people who believe that God is a God of love and grace, yet not of justice. If you do not receive Jesus Christ, God's justice can only condemn you. The choice is yours. God let's each man and woman chose whether they will be obedient to Him or not. "They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved." [2 Thessalonians 2:10] In a sense, they refused to love the truth and therefore were condemned,they did it all themselves in their own choice that explains 2 Thessalonians 2:11 "For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie." He created the Universe, and he knows how to govern it as well. Satan may not be aware that God is taking advantage of Satan's plans. God knows everything before Satan even think up a plan. Satan may be powerful but not all knowing as God. God is ruling all things to work together for our good and His purpose. Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 10:29: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. If God can control with those two sparrows, then He will do the same for His human creatures as well.

God will not lie but He will take advantage of any lies that His creatures have told to use according to His will. God's providence is always that we shouldn't be surprised to find this a mysterious paradox of what happens around the world for His purpose.

Book of Job

I have been studying "Job" for a long time and learned about my own sufferings and learned patience through them.

Job reads like history. It talks about a man named Job. He lived in the land of Uz. It relates details about his family, his life, and his suffering. It communicates to us his friends' interest in his suffering, and the spiritual struggling with which Job dealt. What's interesting is that other biblical writers refer to Job as a real person. Ezekiel refers to Job along with Noah and Daniel (Ezekiel 14:14,20). And James draws upon the example of Job to comfort the suffering, proving the point that God is merciful. He commends the endurance of Job (Jas. 5:11). From the Book of Job, we see that God is in complete control. Satan had neither the power nor the authority to do anything without the permission of God. It was consistent with God's nature and will for him to have allowed those things to happen to Job. The Lord's point to Job, at the end of the book, is that he is the all-powerful Creator. He is the loving Sustainer. And he is the perfect Ruler. He created the Universe, and he knows how to govern it as well.

How I learned about Job are as follows:

1. Job's example of Faith
God made a point to the devil and to the whole world of people who have ever read that account. And the point is this, that true saving faith is not dependent on positive circumstances. God is making a point with Satan and to make the point He uses Job and the point is to show the strength and the continuity and the unwavering character of true saving faith, true love for God. The person who really loves God is not the person who loves God because of what he gets, but the person who loves God because of who he is.

2. Job versus Elphazs, Bildads, and Zophars
In the beginning of the Book of Job, Job's innocence is established so that people won't interpret Job's friends opinions as judgemental. The very first verse explains that Job was blameless and a man of complete integrity. Job's faith was very strong and feared (loved) God. Job's friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, & Zophar) reminds me of some movements who believes that when Christians get sick, they blame on a Christian who have committed sin. There are many of those who believes such doctrines. There are so many Elphazs, Bildads, and Zophars. God allowed Satan to inflict Job (i.e. boil which is a skin disease). The fact of Job's story is that there are no answers when disaster strikes. We can't explain everything. Faith is to keep trusting God no matter what happens. Job had the strength, the continuity and the unwavering character of true saving faith, true love for God regardless what happened to him. Many of us have identified with him. Many of us also have identified some of our fellow Christians as Elphazs, Bildads, and Zophars. When when Christians face tribulations as Job did, what would their friends do?

3. Details of Job's friends treating Job during his trials
Some have the attitude, "I have the knowledge and how God have blessed me with that knowledge. One of these days you will also come to know and have the same knowledge and that is when you will know the TRUTH." Job's friends were obstacles to his relationship with God when they don't really know why things are happening to Job. Self-righteousness is terrible among Christian community because it is very naturally that we judge everyone by what/who we are because it is usually smug satisfaction with self. Self-righteousness also leads to self-satisfaction accompanied by unawareness of what is going on.

4. Job's friends persecuting Job.....
Job knew in his own heart that his friends were wrong. Finally, after listening to his friends for so long (20 plus chapters), in Job 21:27, Job said, "Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me." In other words, "You know, I've had it with you guys. All you do is think what I lacked against God." And that their comments just proved that they didn't love him. “Oh, Job. You’ve got a lot of sin in your life. We know, we’ve got a good theology. Our theology is that if you’ve got problems, you’ve got sin.” Job's friends ran through weeks of his personal inventory and they came up with nothing. Job 32:2 But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. Job 37:14 "Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders.

Verses regarding "Patience":
Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

Hebrews 12:1 [ God Disciplines His Sons ] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

James 1:2-5 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

James 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 5:11 As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Colossians 3:12-13 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Job made a mistake of listening to his friends and God reminded Job of His Character in Job Chapters 40 and 41. In Job 42. "And Job answered the Lord and said, O, I see, I get it, You can do everything and no thought can be withheld from You and who's ever going to hide counsel without knowledge, therefore have I uttered that which I understood not, things too wonderful for me which I knew not."

Job was saying in today's language: "God, I understand, You're God, You're sovereign, You can do anything. You know everything. You have all the privileges. I'm a fool for even opening my mouth, I apologize. I've been talking about things far beyond my understanding which I knew not."

Read Job 42:7-9 regarding God's rebuke to Eliphaz and his friends for judging Job wrongly

Ecclesiastes

Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes because he has learned the hard lesson from his pride. Solomon was the wisest man ever lived (other than Christ). Solomon was humbled by God and then he wrote from his experiences. Solomon explained to us the reality of life from God's point of view. If God is ALL good, then Solomon would not write the negative side of God in Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 7:14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future. In Ephesians 1:11, "He works all things according to the purpose of His own will."

This is my thoughts from reading Ecclesiastes
I arrived naked from the womb of my mother; I will leave in the same condition--with nothing. There's a right time and way for everything. It's true that no one knows what's going to happen, or when. Life leads to death that life, while it lasts, will soon be over. There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth. A right time for birth and another for death. A right time to plant and another to reap. A right time to get sick and another to heal. A right time to cry and another to laugh, A right time to lament and another to cheer. A right time to make love and another to abstain. A right time to embrace and another to part, A right time to search and another to count your losses. A right time to hold on and another to let go. A right time to rip out and another to mend. A right time to shut up and another to speak up. A right time to love and another to hate.

Reading Ecclesiastes helps alot. Hearing stories from my elders (old relatives and older Christians) reminded me that their experiences speaks the truth. As they say, "History repeats itself in every generation." Ecclesiastes 8:17 I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it. Reading Ecclesiastes have reminded me that people have been taking "life" for granted. There's a right time and way for everything. It's true that no one knows what's going to happen, or when. Life leads to death that life, while it lasts, will soon be over. There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth.

Church Governments

My younger days were mostly Independent Baptist churches. I attended Catholic school for 7 years. Other denominations I have visited over the years are Grace Brethren (Anabaptist), Missionary & Alliance, Mennonite, Methodist, Pentacostal, Congregational and many others. No matter what denomination I go to, God will direct me if I aware of it or not. I am learning that God will always lead me to His providential circumstances for my own good, in His will and for His glory. God knows me so well that He will do His providential actions at the very moment of my need according to His will.

In a denomination, democracy is good in terms of the government in general however, I believe democracy can only work in a local church along WITH the denomination's rules and policies that are biblical. The Presbyterian church derives its name form the Greek word, presbyters, which is translated elder. So a Presbyterian church is one that is governed by elders. the Presbyterian church is not a "democracy." Democracy is a form of government in which a body governs itself, with every member exercising an equal voice in decisions affecting the life of the whole body. Keep in mind, Presbyterian church is also NOT a "monarchy." The monarchical form of government is represented by those churches following the episcopal order, that of government by bishops. The Presbyterian church follows neither the "democratic" nor the "monarchical," form of government. The Presbyterian format accords with the New Testament pattern that elders are elected by the congregation (democracy) for the purpose of governing. Once ordained and installed, they assume full spiritual authority and democracy is no longer in affect. The only authority any pastor or elder has is the Word of God. When you step beyond the Word of God, you’ve overstepped the bounds of your authority.

God reveals Himself primarily through the pages of Scripture; that is why I believe the Bible as my absolute authority. 1 Peter 4:11 instructs me to handle biblical truth: "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God." If the Bible is true, then it is also authoritative. As divinely revealed truth, it carries the full weight of God's own authority. A church must understand that Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15) and that He mediates His rule in the church through godly elders (1 Thess. 5:13-14; Heb. 13:7, 17).

The elders have been recognized by the whole congregation as men of integrity and trustworthiness--men who have made commitment to themselves and to God that they are to serve the church by following as best they can the principles of God's Word and giving leadership and direction to the procedures of following that Word, no matter what the consequences or where it will lead. What I like about The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is that PCA is able to keep out false teachings.

I have been in many local churches and I have seen false teachings creep into them. We should all take a long hard look at what things we consider to be important. We need elders to PROTECT the Word of God and make sure there are no false teachings.

Church Authority

We are to submit to the Church's authority as long as they are following according to the Word of God, Tradition and Denomination's (or local Church's) membership rules. We must be careful not to disobey God's Word to any church reasoning. God's Holiness, Christians' Standards and Sin. If God was in a church meeting today to discuss a moral change within the local church, how would you react? Would God change His holiness in order to change the church's views on various sins? Why people leaving Churches that teaches God's holiness? Why some are moving to another church that don't really teach God's holiness? Some denominations have "relaxed" God's holiness without God's permission. Just as Luther did when he wrote 95 Theses regarding man's doctrines. I will disobey man's doctrines that may be taught within a local church or denomination. I would rather disobey the teachings of man rather than disobeying God. In Acts 5, Peter responded to Sanhedrin, the high priest that "We must obey God rather than men!"

Eldership qualifications

On the topic of "eldership". Can God use me despite my sinful past? I have found that God uses unqualified people to accomplish God’s spiritual purposes. Here are the following God’s CHOSEN/CALLED unqualified people to serve Him.
1. Lot got drunk and committed incest.
2. Abraham doubted God and committed adultery.
3. Jacob deceived his father.
4. Moses murdered.
5. David murdered and committed adultery.
6. Jonah got angry with God (in a sinful way)
7. Paul (Saul) murdered Christians
8. All 12 of Jesus disciples were not qualified to be the Apostles however Jesus called them.

God will use ordinary good people as well as ordinary very sinful people to accomplish great things. Through out the history (in the past 2,000 years), God uses people of limitless backgrounds who can minister “together” (unity) for Christ. God works all things together for His purposes.

For 3 years, Jesus taught His Disciples who became Apostles after His death. What kind of education did Jesus gave them? Reading all of the New Testament, I have come to conclusion that Jesus taught them Spiritual matters.

Teachers are to have good reputation. In the book of Titus, the requirements are: Show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose they may be ashamed because those have nothing bad to say about them. That teachers are to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. In 2 Corinthians 7:2 says that we "make room for others in our hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one." This is where "accountability" comes in. In 1 Timothy 3:1-3: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

In terms of "divorce", there is nothing in that scriptures that says "divorce" but rather "husband of one wife.".

What is the basic meaning of "husband of one wife." ? Can a man who lost a wife through death be qualified as an elder as "husband of one wife"?

Literally the Greek words are simply "one woman man" or "one wife man". One commentator translates as "one wife's husband." Whether this means one at a time or one during a lifetime depends completely on other considerations. Even the question on the meaning of "one at a time" depends on one's view of divorce as to whether a divorced man who has remarried is considered to be "one wife's husband."

There are mis-interpretations regarding this issue. Its really interesting (for me) to see how Reformed believers are divided on this. Not ALL Reformed believers agree on this matter.

In the concept of God's forgiveness, this also contradicts. God loves us very much and has forgiven our sin (i.e. adultery & divorce) when we confessed it from our heart. He not only forgives our sins but rebuilds our lives from where we are. Love hopes all things (1 Corinth 13). Love refuses to take human failure as final. With Christ in me, my human failures are never final. Love never keeps a record of wrongs. Love forgives and love is unable to think about them anymore. Forget the past and move on. Focus on the future as I focus on Christ at the same time. Romans 4:8 (also Psalms 32:2) "Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him". That if a local church forgive those who sinned (divorce), our heavenly Father will forgive us. But if we refuse to forgive others, our Father will not forgive our sins.

When I remarried, God acknowledges our new marriage as valid before Him and now holds me and my second wife accountable to be faithful to each other. The marriage covenant is very sacred that my wife and I understand this much more now because of the past. But as Paul says, we need to put the past behind us, accept the forgiveness of Christ and serve and praise Him in the days remaining on this earth.

"What I am great advocate of looking into the past, I could warn everybody against living in the past. The only justification for looking to the past is that we may learn great lessons from it and apply them" (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

By avoiding the mistakes of the past: "Those who fail to remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (George Santayana)

By repeating the victories of the past: "Those who fail to remember the past are condemned not to repeat it" (David B. Calhoun)

Something to ponder.

Dealing with TEMPTATIONS

We all must remember that without these temptations and circumstances, our self-discovery of spiritual maturity will not be learned. Our greatest teachers are those circumstances of temptations we are facing because they are reminders that we are still sinners and we are to be trained into spiritual growth. When we most aware of our weaknesses, we are more inclined to collapse into God's strength and experience His amazing grace. "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9).

In 1 Timothy 4 explains that Christians must choose their priorities carefully like an athlete as to have disciplined lives forgo some desires that may hinder doing God's will and please God as you are after God's own heart. "An athlete who aspires to win the coveted prize does not indulge himself" (J. Oswald Sanders).

Reading Hebrews helped me understood that I am to be aware of obstacles and hindrances I would meet during my life, to throw me off balance that hinders doing the Will of God that could entangle my life easily if I do not submit myself to God's power of grace. God's grace is more than sufficient in my life that I am to fix my eyes on Jesus who is my author and perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:2). Faith and Grace together is to "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV).

What should motivate me like an athlete who trains for the Olympics to win a gold medal such self-discipline and willing to face the endurance of the spiritual training as Hebrews 12 and other biblical passages describes?

I have learned that it is God's will to submit to the Holy Spirit and keep on filling me (Ephesians 5:18). Like an athlete when training, I should always keep drinking water so that I won't be dehydrated and feeling weak. With that thought in my mind, I should always keep filling the Holy Spirit in my life so that I am able to act and react any difficulties in my life with God's power (Grace). The power of Grace through the Holy Spirit is my strength that I am able to boast and win for Christ at all costs (see 2 Corinthians 12:1-12).

One thing I have learned regarding "Cost of Discipleship" when I was dealing with my own temptations and failings. Discipleship requires following Jesus on His terms. A person who looks back is not fit to be His disciple (Luke 9:62). Looking back is a struggle for me that I need to work on NOT looking back. Remember a story about Sodom and Gomorrah? The angels warned Lot and his family not to look back when they run from the cities or they will die (see Genesis 19). Lot's wife died when she looked back. Looking back means you are still holding on to sin or sins that you will miss.

That is one thing we can use to remember about when we are holding on to our sins because when we do, temptations will FAIL. We need to let go and move in with God's help.

My faith is not in my works. My faith is the generator of my works.

My faith is not in my works. My faith is the generator of my works. Faith produces works. Works reveal faith or the lack of it. Being is expressed in doing. Faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit, without the Holy Spirit, you can't have faith and without the Holy Spirit, you can't be spiritual. If you don't have faith, then you don't have the Holy Spirit. Faith don't come before the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit comes before Faith. Faith will express itself in faith deeds not just words alone. Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Faith comes as a result of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit-He quickens our hearts to believe. Apart from the new birth, there can be no true faith. Faith is NOT works: 1 Timothy 1:4 says nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.

Obviously, there is no real sense in which we are able to do spiritual work of any kind without the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, our faith and our works are NOTHING. Through the Holy Spirit, God's grace gave us the strength. Acts 15:8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. Jesus said, "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" (Matthew 13:23).

Christian, habitual sin and Holy Spirit

Jesus said in Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!

'The Holy Spirit is SEALS my heart because when Jesus said that the Comforter is coming, He was saying: "The Comforter will not come to stand on His own, to speak on His own authority. He will guide you into all truth-He will speak and act on the authority of the divine Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is spirit and faith is required to know Christ and then, the Holy Spirit will reveal who God really is.

This is where we should have a serious responsibility in this matter to search in our hearts about our motives when we try to glorify God. Paul said, "But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment" (1 Corinthians 11:31). We can escape the critical judgment of God by doing our own exercising of critical self-judgment. Even Jesus spoke the issues of a person's heart. One great example is this verse: Matthew 5:28 "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." We are to "Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."--Matt. 26:41. Biblically, Christians are no longer "in the flesh": "You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him" (Rom 8:9). "If Christ is in us, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness" (Romans 8:10). Through the Sword of the Spirit, we have the power to overcome any temptations and evil that we face in this world. The key to holiness is submitting to the Spirit's control in daily life that will enable us to overcome the human nature and live through grace's sufficiency.

Christians are no longer "in the flesh": "You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him" (Rom 8:9). The Greek word for "dwells" is okv (oike), which means "I inhabit." "If Christ is in us, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness" (Romans 8:10).

This is God's design, and it pleases Him to do so that we can rely on the Holy Spirit that is INSIDE you as a NEW CREATURE. Not on yourself as your OLD NATURE. A Christian to have the peace of conscience, not war within because if I rely on "self", or "self-will", I am grieving the Holy Spirit; "not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30).

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

When a Christian who is saved by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, this Christian is living in a new Creature with holy conscience rather than sinful conscience. As a Christian, I still can have sinful desires, foolish desires, proud desires and at the same time, have godly desires.

Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

1 Timothy 1:5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).

The Word of God is tuned to speak to our inner conscience and demonstrates with spiritual convictions. I want to have the peace of conscience, not war within when I sinned. When I sinned, I am grieving the Holy Spirit; "not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30).

Romans 12:9 "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."

Ephesians 4:24 "and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

2 Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.

1. God's Grace and Gift: Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

2. Holy Spirit: 1 Thessalonians 1:5 "because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake."

3. Holy Spirit: John 6:29 Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

4. Heart with the Help from the Holy Spirit: Romans 10:9-10 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

5. Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Proverbs 20:9 says, "Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?" Matthew 5:8 says that those who are pure in heart "shall see God." When my heart is purified by Christ that I will see God. And the purer my heart is the more of God I will see. If I don’t have a regenerate heart, my heart is not worth keeping, and it’s impossible for such a heart to produce any true righteousness.

Blasphemes against the Holy Spirit Luke 12:10 “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven."

A spiritually dead person cannot will himself to live anymore than a physically dead person can will himself to come back to life. If the dead person (spiritually or physically) is to come back to life he/she will have to be resurrected by God. In the spiritual realm this means he/she must be born from above. A spiritually dead person is without the Holy Spirit, therefore we do not have the "ability" to get saved on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to prick and quicken us to be alive. Without the Holy Spirit is TOTAL DEPRAVITY". The Holy Spirit is the only person that can quicken people to be saved. Through the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of life and light and love. Faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit, without the Holy Spirit, you can't have faith and without the Holy Spirit, you can't be spiritual. If you don't have faith, then you don't have the Holy Spirit. Faith don't come before the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit comes before Faith. Faith will express itself in faith deeds not just words alone. Acts 7:51 "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 1 Corinthians 2:14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Thessalonians 4:8 Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. 2 Corinthians 3:6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

More about GRIEVE:Reading Ephesians, we can ‘grieve' the Spirit by living like the pagans (4:17-19), by yielding to our sin nature (2:22-24), by lying (4:25), by anger (4:26-27), by stealing (4:28), by cursing (4:29), by bitterness (4:31), by being unforgiving (4:32), by sexual immorality (5:3-5). To "grieve" the Spirit is to act out in a sinful manner, whether it is in thought and deed, or in thought.

More about "blasphemy of the Holy Spirit": Matthew 12:30-32"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Being Religious verses Being in Christ

Being ReligiousIn Galatians 6:3 says "If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself." And in James 1:26 says, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."

BEING IN CHRIST
Becoming a disciple, following Jesus Christ requires personal cost, giving up your selfish "me" and become like Christ. In God's grace through Jesus Christ, I am free from bondage of sin. The Book of Hebrews explains that Jesus is the mediator, the executor, of The New Covenant (The New Testament). The word mediator comes from the verb "to mediate" which means a mediator is one who stands between two parties or two factions needing to be reconciled eternally. Christ through His death and resurrection, every legal hindrance has been met and satisfied. The only way to get in is to believe Him with my heart which is sealed by the Holy Spirit. Because of Christ, I am a Christian. My life as a Christian takes work and requires the commitment of my heart, mind and body. Christ is not outside of me but He is inside me. Since Christ is within me, I must listen to His Word and walk in His steps (2 Corinthians 4:10). God looks in my heart and I must express my whole heart otherwise, God is not impressed with my outward works—my acts of worship, my spiritual works and my spiritual giving. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10 that I am "God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do." The Holy Spirit (through Jesus Christ) is the final authority. When Jesus said that the Comforter is coming, He was saying: "The Comforter will not come to stand on His own, to speak on His own authority. He will guide you into all truth-He will speak and act on the authority of the divine Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is spirit and faith is required to know Christ and then, the Holy Spirit will reveal who God really is. The Holy Spirit manifests Christ into our human spirit, not to our physical eyes. The Holy Spirit gave me assurance of my faith and doctrines I follow. No Church, No Denomination, No pastors or anyone can do this for me. Holy Spirit is the ONLY person who can do this through the Word of God.

Civil Government

Civil government should recognize the sovereignty of other God-ordained institutions (Church, Family) because civil government is necessary and divinely ordained by God (Rom. 13:1–7). We are called to render service and obedience as to submit to civil authority (1 Pet. 2:13–17 ; Matt. 22:21). Even though the Government is God-ordained but human (sinners). Government is not the problem. Its PEOPLE. I do believe very much in being a responsible Christian citizen. As good testimony to outsiders, Christians can work with non-Christians (& government) in attempting to promote justice and civic peace because it is good for all people, not just Christians (Galatians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:15).

Whoever is against the Government, is against God. When it comes to marriage, we are required by God to submit to the Government authorities to have a marriage certified, recognized or licensed so that couples don't end up getting together and then breaking up without accountability. Accountability is the issue when it comes to marriage.

When to disobey Church and Government Authorities?

Church: The only authority any pastor or elder has is the Word of God. When you step beyond the Word of God, you’ve overstepped the bounds of your authority. God reveals Himself primarily through the pages of Scripture; that is why I believe the Bible as my absolute authority. 1 Peter 4:11 instructs me to handle biblical truth: "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God." If the Bible is true, then it is also authoritative. As divinely revealed truth, it carries the full weight of God's own authority.

Government: On example is in Acts 5, Peter responded to Sanhedrin, the high priest that "We must obey God rather than men!" The only time Christians can violate God's government is when a Christian is asked to disobey God. You can read many Bible characters including Daniel disobey the Government out of principle rather than simple disobience.

I am seeing various denominations' relationship with the Government. Some embraces the Government (prefering Government and Church united), Others rebels against the Government (they believer sinners should not hold government positions and the government are NO LONGER "ordained" by God").

There is NOTHING in the Bible that we can get around the Government in our lives except "disobience" against His Ordained Governments.

In the United States, we are in a "democratic country" which means the Government will follow what the people want. United States are NOT a "Theocracy Government". How many countries today have "Theocracy" type of Government? Theocracy is a form of government in which a religion and the government are allied. America was created with the influence of Christian people as well as non-christians. The world who are without Christ also have their own views. More often than not, the secular world view is in conflict with the bible. To Christians, this should NOT be a surprise. To the world who are without Christ, this conflict is not a surprise either. My question is this, regardless whether the Government is godless or not, are we denying that one form of Government is NOT ordained by God even though the Bible said "ALL Governments"?

Doctrines, Translations and KJVOnly

God always unites and the devil always divides. Christians' conclusions are either ignorance or loyalty to a specific denomination, cause or person. I have had personal experiences with KJVOnly and when I run into some threads, I noticed "pharisee like attitude" regarding how those who compares themselves from other Christians based on what translation they read. In my opinion, God's Word should be in the "language of the people" which means the everyday language, and not the English of 500 A.D. or 1000 A.D. or 1611 A.D. or 1800 A.D. or 1900 A.D. We are living in the 2007 A.D language. People to say that we should stay with an Old English Bible or KJV or whatever, when we need to focus on the "language of the people," in today's time. By putting pressure on people to focus on KJV or whatever would do a disservice to the TRUE message of the Bible. We need to communicate God's Word in the clearest possible manner. Each of us have our OWN preference of any translations without feeling guilty nor feeling pressure to read that we are not comfortable with. The only perfect Bible was those original manuscripts which are not currently available. God has preserved the translation of His truths over the years and we can trust our Bibles by relying on the Holy Spirit.

Jesus didn't say: "Love KJV Bibles with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love those who are KJVOnly as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Its not the scriptures that are corrupted. Its a man's heart that is corrupted. Intelligence, reason, and choice. As a Christian, we don't need intelligence to decide because we have the Holy Spirit that convicts us to listen rather than focusing on our own pride of reasonings. God gave me the brain but in my body, who am I using my brian for? My flesh or In Spirit? if a Christian is not careful and forget. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. In order to "revere" the Word of God (Bible), you submit to the Holy Spirit who is the Author of the Bible. Jesus said in John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. All translations (i.e. KJV, RSV, NIV and etc) themselves are not inspired. Only the originals are inspired. We are to trust the Holy Spirit more than we trust the translations simply because the Holy Spirit have been with the translators while they were translating.

As I posted in the past, I will say again..... I can and do have certain beliefs, but I will not emphasize them to OTHERS so much that can create barriers between brethren.

Christians who are obsessed with issues zealously and spending more time talking about those issues more than they do talking about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Its that simple. I have learned the hard way when I was the "KJVOnly" years ago. I am glad that God woke me up and said "Jim, you need to understand the true meaning of the Great Commission".

Everyone is different

Everyone is different. Some may consider one extreme and the other is not while another person is the opposite. We are not to persuade people to follow certain extremist views of doctrines because only God can take care of that based on each individual as the Holy Spirit convicts their hearts. Practicing charity (love) is a toughie depending on someone's view from where they are sitting/experiencing. That if we have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make our joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. (Philippians 2:1-2).

Christians are accountable to God because they will not understand their spiritual character deeply unless they subject themselves to the spiritual discipline of the Holy Spirit. The real issue that a Christian may have been learning recently is that the real hindrance to their spiritual progress is not fully submitting to the Holy Spirit. Nothing Holy and genuine will be done in their life until their will is surrendered in active obedience to the Holy Spirit. God wants us to grow according to HIS WILL, to know the whole truth and tell it in love--like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. Truth wounds through life's experiences as well as from the Word of God. When truth speaks, there is not burdens but rather "The truth shall make you free"; that is, free from the woes, the yokes, the burdens. To avoid causing others to stumble is itself strong incentive to walk by the Spirit. Biblically, Christians are no longer "in the flesh": "You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him" (Rom 8:9). "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:25.

When we study the Bible... we are to live in God's word because in John 1:1-2 says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." Our faith is in God, not in faith. In our relations with the world we seek to bring the truth of Christ to bear upon every issue facing our culture (Mt. 5:13-16). In our relations with one another, we seek to build friendships that make a difference (John 13:34). And in our relations at home, at work, and in the community, we strive to do all that we do for the glory of God and benefit of others (1 Cor. 10:31). In the Christian life, thinking is crucial, emotions are crucial and service is crucial. God is not honored by an unfeeling, joyless, loveless intellectualism, by unthinking, uncritical emotionalism, or by well-intentioned but fruitless claims to love. All three are needed-minds that are gripped by the truth of God acquired through the serious study of Scripture, our hearts that are on fire with intense emotions of love for God and His glory, and real commitments to make a difference for the Kingdom through our life and ministry. It is through the truth of Scripture that we become transformed people through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). This truth comes through practicing the discipline of careful reading of the Bible, seeking to find the author's intended meaning (Ephesians 3:4) and its implications for the issues we are facing today. The role of the Holy Spirit is not to add anything to the text but to make the readers' heart humble so that we will welcome and embrace the truth and act upon it (1 Corinthians 2:14). Jesus touches our lives (inward) and enables us to touch others (outward). And since the Gospel so transforms us with the power of the Word, we can demonstrate God's grace power with the reality of our lives.

So, what is LOVE? In 1 Corinthians 13:5 says "Love does not act unbecomingly". Through the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of life and light and love. Act like Jesus toward brethren in compassion, toward saints in warm affection, toward others in love without conditions (or doctrines). Love should be in priority. Without Christ, we are nothing. Along with love and under the control of the Holy Spirit, the power of love and Holy Spirit flows through us. The only way the spiritual gifts are going to operate is love. Love is the key. God is love. He gave us two commandments. We are to love God and others. 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. With love, the Holy Spirit will work with each person without our help. All God wants from us is "love".

One of my frustations in CF is the lack of love around here

Honor the Word

We are to Honor the Word (not the Bible). Studying the scriptures requires the Holy Spirit which is inward, not outward. The Holy Spirit is within us believers, Christ dwells in our hearts, and "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27) is the burning core of the Christian faith. When placing a big claim on the Bible, there is a danger of idolatry. Idolatry is an excessive devotion or reverence to an object or objects (i.e. Bible).

My Bible is my authority but at the same time, I will never put my Bible ahead of God, the Author. Spiritual growth requires us to understand the Scriptures and get to know our God the Father, our Savior the Son, and our comforter the Holy Spirit. “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 (NLT)

Philippians 2- Imitating Christ's Humility

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

With that Scripture in mind, we can read more verses:
Colossians 3:12 instructs us to put on humility.
First Peter 5:5 tells us to be clothed with humility.
Ephesians 4:1-2 says we are to walk in humility.

If you desire honor and glory from God, you must display humility first. That is contrary to our earthly philosophy, which exalts pride. Jesus emphasized humility in Matthew 18:3-4 when He said that anyone who would come into His Kingdom must humble himself as a little child. They needed to learn to deny themselves. That's a mark of a true follower of Jesus Christ James wrote it clear that God's grace is amply sufficient to enable us to live a godly life and to keep ourselves "from being polluted by the world" (Jas 1:27). But ONLY God gives his grace only to the humble, who admit their dependence on it. If, therefore, we hope for his grace to lift us up to holiness, we must "humble (ourselves) before the Lord" (Jas 4:10). The Greek word alazoneia refers to being proud when you really have nothing to be proud about. We live in a proud and egotistical generation. "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (Jas 4:6, quoting Pr 3:34). God's grace is amply sufficient to enable us to live a godly life that God gives his grace only to the humble, who admit their dependence on it. If, therefore, we hope for his grace to lift us up to holiness, we must "humble before the Lord" in faith.

Through God's grace, I am reminded that Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Christ's humility should be IN US.

James 5:16................Confess to and Pray for one another
Colossians 3:13...........Forgive one another
Colossians 3:16.......... Counsel one another
Galatians 6:2..............Bear one another's burdens
Titus 1:13.................Rebuke one another (with love)
1 Thessalonians 4:18....Comfort one another
Hebrews 10:25...........Exhort one another
Romans 14:19............Edify one another
Romans 15:14............Counsel one another
Galatians 5:13............Love one another
Ephesians 4:12...........Love one another
1 Peter 1:22..............Love one another

A spiritual Christian wants to see other Christians above self and is happy when others are promoted and a spiritual Christian with humility is overlooked. Romans 15:1-7 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Harmony

Extremists will ignore the most necessary that God desires and break God's spiritual harmony. If you look back that Jesus rebuked religious leaders who had extreme doctrines that intimindated others who don't follow their rules. Christian faith is not to manipulate and intimidate people with doctrines but rather allow the Holy Spirit to do the work in convicting people's hearts. We are not to persuade people to follow certain extremist views of doctrines (that each of us hold) because only God can take care of that based on each individual as the Holy Spirit convicts their hearts.

What?

It is never okay to tell a lie. God does not need our deception to accomplish His purpose. Faith is to trust Him.

However, we are living in a sinner's (forgiven) body, we will still deal with our self-will flesh to lie. There may be some circumstances, and we don't know what circumstances they might be, but there may be some circumstances where we do not necessarily have to say everything that could be said.

We will have to consider the following:
When reading Joshua 2: about Rahab's lying.

During the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's, Christians were smuggling Bibles and books into Eastern Europe (Russia and Romania) and when a person got to the border with a load of books and Bibles and was asked point-blank, "Do you have any Bibles?" What would be our ethical answer to that?

If any of you saw Hiding Place, Corry Ten Boom’s story about hiding the Jews and lie to the Nazi soldiers.

We all should be aware of our weaknesses. We all need to understand that we all have weaknesses. Often the problem is that when we face our weaknesses, we often rely on self more than God's Grace.

Obedience

Obedience is one of the "evidences" of true salvation. Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. The key is: Does Christ rule your heart or does sin rule your heart? Our source is in the core which is the heart. Do we really obey God from our hearts? Do we make every efforts to obey God from our hearts? Or, do we really obey our sin without even trying to obey God? Are we saved by Grace or by Works of deeds? In measure of faith with works are listed in 2 Peter, Chapter 1, verses 5 through 9: "make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 "because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake."

Is God's grace cheap?

God HATES sin. He is very concerned. God's honliness is important. He does not tolerate our sins no matter how SMALL (even a wink). Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Grace abounds continously as John explains in 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If a Christian thinks that God is not concerned about our sins as we do, then people don't really know God's holiness. 1 Corinthians 6:19, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?"

I sin because I am a sinner. God looks into my heart for my spiritual obedience rather than perfection. I will never be perfect as long as I live in my body which is why God's grace is more than sufficient. In order for me to understand God's grace, I need to understand God's holiness. A person without having the Holy Spirit in the heart will not understand God's holiness therefore a person will define God's definition of sin in a human point of view (rather than spirit).

Is God's grace cheap?

Spiritual Conscience

If you keep sinning and not feeling guilty, not remorsing that you are not willing to repent and change your ways, it is a "sign" that you may not be saved. You are saved for Eternity because you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit. That we should "not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30). You are saved when the Holy Spirit convicting YOU to repent and help you change your ways. If you didn't feel the conviction and didn't have the motivation to change from "within", then you will know that you are not saved. Repent is NOT an addition to salvation but PART of salvation along with Grace. This is a CONTINUIOUS sanctification process of repenting throughout your Christian life.

A disciple must understand that God is both holy and loving; that I am a sinner, are made in the image of God; that Christ's death was the substitute payment for my sin; and that because of Jesus' payment, I am granted access to the heart of God.

The issue is this: After we sinned, did we repent and ask God to help us to change and learn to live in a Holy life?

Ephesians 4:24 "and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

1 Thessalonians 3:13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

1 Thessalonians 4:4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.

Hebrews 10:14 because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

1 Peter 1:13-16 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

2 Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.

Many will proclaim to be a Christian but only few are really Christians.

Many will proclaim to be a Christian but only few are really Christians. There are millions of professing Christians who think they have been justified, who think their sins are forgiven and that they are on their way to heaven, who show no evidence of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Many Christians are unthinkably horrified when a real sinner is suddenly discovered among the righteous. So we remain alone with our sin, living in lies and hypocrisy. There are many who profess to follow Christ seem to be unyielding to God's Word because they prefer to be surrounded by teachers who will tell them exactly what they want to hear. In 2 Timothy 4:3, "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."

In Matthew 22:14 "For many are invited, but few are chosen." in John 6:44, Jesus said "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." Again, Jesus said in verse 65 "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."

Two kinds of Sinnings

We are no longer sinners? Not true, we are still sinners but forgiven sinners when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. 1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. God is very holy and very powerful that I am a forgiven sinner. We are to worship God from our hearts because we are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16), that God will search us and try us, and know our thoughts.(Psalm 139:23).

There are two kinds of sinning:

1. Sin on purpose (with a will) Those who were unwilling to pick up the Cross and unwilling to put away their sins as Christ commanded. (Those who proclaimed to be a Christian will probably remain "unsaved" falls in this category).

2. Sin by accident as part of our sinful nature: Those who are in Christ Romans 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Galatians 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

We just need to be looking at our adequacy in the Holy Spirit, which will always be in us. This is God's design, and this pleases Him to do so that we can rely on the Holy Spirit. "Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."--Matt. 26:41.

Biblically, Christians are no longer "in the flesh": "You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him" (Rom 8:9). The Greek word for "dwells" is okv (oike), which means "I inhabit." "If Christ is in us, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness" (Romans 8:10).

Christians will still sin but how we respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit when we sin. The new creature in Spirit within us as for example Jesus likened the religious Pharisees to a group of dishwashers who clean the outside of a cup while leaving the inside dirty. He said, "Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also?" (Luke 11:39-40). Jesus knew that a person can change his image without changing his act (Matthew 23:1-3). The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.1 Corinthians 2:10-12

As Christians, with the help from the Holy Spirit, we have the understanding of what pleases God; our thoughts, our desires, our affections that are transformed in over time. Christianity is radical because we change from old nature to the new nature, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of God that created us. From our old creature, we learned worldly desires and causing us to think more worldly. Our selfish desire for happiness and getting what we WANT are really more worldly than spiritually. It is interesting that people talks of faith in relation to "getting what you want".

Without Christ, Without Holy Spirit

A spiritually dead person cannot will himself to live anymore than a physically dead person can will himself to come back to life. If the dead person (spiritually or physically) is to come back to life he/she will have to be resurrected by God. In the spiritual realm this means he/she must be born from above. A spiritually dead person is without the Holy Spirit, therefore we do not have the "ability" to get saved on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to prick and quicken us to be alive. Without the Holy Spirit is TOTAL DEPRAVITY". The Holy Spirit is the only person that can quicken people to be saved. 1 Corinthians 2:14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. Acts 7:51 "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 1 Thessalonians 4:8 Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. 2 Corinthians 3:6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. Romans 7:8 But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from law, sin is dead. Romans 8:7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 1 Corinthians 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

Without Christ through the Holy Spirit... we ARE NOTHING except worthy of going through the WIDE GATE of hell. Ungenerated people have no capacity to understand God's spiritual truth; instead they created God in their own image that they are calling God's truth foolishness (1 Cor. 2:14). They are spiritually blind (2 Cor. 4:4), spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1) and spiritually ignorant (Eph. 4:18).

Transforming Disciples

We must remember that we are still in the flesh even though we have Christ in us. Its the matter of submitting and practicing. If we get busy serving God, we will be too busy to sin. Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross have provided the solution for my salvation and the foundation for me to pursue a life that reflects Christ. I believe that the truth of God’s Word have already set me FREE from the bondage of sin. (John 8:32) I believe that Jesus and the Word of God are SUFFICIENT for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3-9) and the Holy Spirit provided me the principles and guidelines to live a life of godliness. It is the Holy Spirit's conviction that God’s design for me is to be radically TRANSFORMED by the renewing of my mind. (Romans 12:2) My hope for this radical transformation is by the POWER of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13).

1 Corinthians 6:19, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?" MY body is "good" and wonderful gift from God. Paul said, "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection ..." (1Corinthians 9:27). The key word here is "discipline." Paul wrote, "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1Tim 4:8). In his Philippian epistle Paul declares his own determination to advance against all obstacles. He says in effect that while he is not yet perfect and has not yet attained unto the goal set before him, he is putting the past behind him psychologically as well as chronologically that he may go on to find in Christ his all in all. "I press on toward the goal," he says, "to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

The real question is, will a Christian be a true disciple? Becoming a disciple, following Jesus Christ requires personal cost, giving up your selfish "me" and become like Christ. Luke 14:27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

Spiritual liberty means the freedom to be all that we were designed to be, but this is not a freedom that is without restrictions or responsibilities. Grace is we live in the Spirit AND also walk in the Spirit.

Flesh versus Spirit

When it comes to "fornication" or other "gray area sins", this is where the conscience of unbelievers is insensitive to sin and carnal Christians are not sure. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). Can we trust the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, to reveal Christ, to open our minds to understand spiritual truth? When a Christian who is saved by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, this Christian is living in a new Creature with holy conscience rather than sinful conscience. Every Christian must decide whether they will us their liberty to decide on their moral decisions. We are free, but our freedom must prove a source of real temptation of this world. We are free from the chains of sin because by grace we are saved by Christ that we are forgiven. Spiritual liberty means the freedom to be all that we were designed to be, but this is not a freedom that is without restrictions or responsibilities.

Fornication refers to any kind of sexual vice. It is one of the things that the flesh produces when left to itself. The Christian is to run from all forms of sexual sin, many of which have become commonplace in our society. Carnal Christians are EVERYWHERE. Carnal person is a Christian who still has self on the throne (selfishness). Christ is still in there somewhere, running around, but He is not in charge, and the life is still in chaos. There's no Lordship. For a Spiritual Christian, Self is off the throne (self-less), Christ is on it, and the life is all in order.

So what is "Fruit"? Flesh or Spirit?

Flesh: Galatians 5:19-21 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:
sexual immorality
impurity
debauchery

idolatry (People's hearts longs for something from God and that is idolatry.)

witchcraft
hatred

discord (lack of agreement or harmony as between persons, things, or ideas)

jealousy
fits of rage

selfish ambition (Ephesians 5:5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.)

dissensions (partisan and contentious quarreling)

(Proverbs 28:25 A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.)
factions (party spirit especially when marked by dissension)
envy
drunkenness
orgies
and the like (more list elsewhere in the Bible).
Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:
sexual immorality
impurity
lust
evil desires
greed, which is idolatry.
Titus 3:3 At one time we too were
foolish
disobedient
deceived
and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.
We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

Proverbs 6:16-20 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
1. haughty eyes,

2. a lying tongue,

3. hands that shed innocent blood,

4. a heart that devises wicked schemes,

5. feet that are quick to rush into evil,

6. a false witness who pours out lies

7. and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

SPIRIT:
Galatians 5:21-23 The VERY FIRST Fruit of the Spirit is:

1. LOVE (John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.) and then followed by:

2. joy (1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always) James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.

3. peace (1 Thessalonians 5:13 Live in peace with each other.)

4. patience (Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.)

5. kindness (2 Peter 1:7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.)

6. goodness (2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness)

7. faithfulness (Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.)

8. gentleness Philippians 4:5 ("Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.")

9. self-control.1 Peter 5:8 (Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.)

Youth Ministires

Youth Ministries in churches has failed in the last 30 years. When we are dealing with "young people", Youth Ministry is probably one of the toughest ministry of all ministries in a local church. When it comes to teenagers, we are to know their culture and their interests in order to spread the Word so the Holy Spirit can convict their hearts to know Christ.

Young people is our future and they will lead for Christ in the future. Our job is to reach out to them. The ministry's objective is to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of the afflicted people in practical ways while at the same time, Glorify God. God has a plan. God has a will. His main goal is to save souls.

We cannot close our minds to everything that is happening around us because if we do that, others are grieved by burdensome legalism. In our Christian fellowship (not individual), we must recognize that the Holy Spirit desires to take us and control us, and use us as instruments through which He can express Himself in the Christian community. Ministry for Young People is different, special and unique.

I have looked in many youth ministries in many denominations and I have seen only FEW good ones. Now that IS SAD.

Parables, Trials and Salvation

Hebrews 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Sure....Let me start by going back to the Book of John where Jesus discusses "pruning". John 15 is an interesting chapter and I believe this chapter have strong ties to Romans 12:1-2 and Hebrews 12. "The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a child." (Hebrews 12:6). Are we allowing God's will in pruning us so we will bear more fruit? As a Christian, we still can have sinful desires, foolish desires, proud desires and at the same time, have godly desires. Our human heart is very selfish. Our heart is the source of our emotions, thoughts and motives. Our heart is the place of conscience. Our heart is the part of our being where we desire, deliberate, and decide. Our self-interest motives conduct even though it is part of our fallen nature, the cross is a symbol of the selfless, others-centered life of Christ. Without sufferings (disciplines), pride will always gets in the way of God's glory. We suffer to keep down pride (2 Cor. 12:7). Suffering (discipline) is a Process “We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, proven character; and . . .” (Rom. 5:3-4). “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete, lacking in nothing” (Jam. 1:3-4).

Learning from great faiths in the Bible, I saw that circumstances did not control them; it is their reaction to circumstances that determined what kind of people they were and most importantly, how faithful they were. They UNDERSTOOD God's grace. They made decisions they felt it is God's will however, circumstances made them change directions. Many people forget and often try to do their own ways circumstances happens that they never stop and think. Their human minds often see doors closing when ignoring another door opening. This is the concept of Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

HOWEVER, we must remember the true meaning of salvation and God's promise of eternal security.

Parable of the Sower
There are 4 Parables of the Sower.

Three parables of people who made a profession of faith but then fell away and only the last parable Jesus gave is of real saving faith:

Matthew 13
The Parable of the Sower
1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.

3Then He (Jesus) told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed.

4As he was scattering the seed,

#1
some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. (If a farmer threw the seed and some of it went beyond the furrow only to land on that hard surface, it would never grow. It could not penetrate the ground. This illustrate that people will hear the gospel and think nothing of it).

#2
5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. (The rocky ground in this parable represents the people who will reject the gospel. Also Luke explains that the seed that landed upon the stony soil "lacked moisture" (Luke 8:6). There wasn't any root to capture the moisture. This means people who will initially receive the gospel, but thorns or the sun will cause them to fall away.)

#3
7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. (After the seeds are sown and they begin to germinate, weeds also begin to grow from the fibrous weed roots hidden in the ground. The weeds then choke the life out of the grain.)

#4
8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear." (Some people will initially receive the gospel, and ultimately bring forth fruit.)

The parable shows how people will respond to the gospel of God's GRACE. All the soils are basically the same--the only difference is whether the
1. dirt is hard,
2. has rock underneath it,
3. has weeds in it, or
4. is good. The issue is not the soil; rather, it is the condition of the soil.

That means that all people could receive the seed. All soil could receive the seed if it was broken up and cleaned of weeds. So, the key to the parable is that the response a person has to the gospel depends upon the condition of that person's heart (only if they really understood what GRACE really means).

Jesus explains further:
18"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

The condition of the heart determines how receptive a person is to the gospel. John 4:36 Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Our hearts are like a garden and must be kept free from weeds and insects. To expect the fruits and flowers bloom in an untended heart is to misunderstand completely the processes of Grace and God's will. 2 Timothy 3:10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance.

In my OWN life, I have learned TRUE happiness with the help from the Holy Spirit. To forget my own will because God's will is BETTER. I realized that when I allow Him, my life is more peaceful and more enjoyable. I noticed that. Even though God will not take away my problems but He always been there for me when I am facing problems. I am still having problems but very very peaceful because of God's GRACE. When we most aware of our problems, we are more inclined to collapse into God's strength and experience His amazing grace. "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9).

Pondering about "Professed Christians"

I do have some concerns with some who are "professed Christians" in this world. With the Holy Spirit and love, We CAN and WILL walk in the Spirit because Christ produces the fruit in us through His GRACE. Today people who are quite easily taken in by any new "Christian" fad, and we know others who are not. The primary work of Christ in redemption is to justify and sanctify believers. Christians fail by formalizing faith in measure (works) because true Christian life means sanctifying effects of cross carrying and practical obedience. During the sanctification process, Christians need spiritual training which is forming spiritual fruits that we need to arm themselves spiritually to wrestle against the world, the devil and the flesh. God does not desire to destroy my will, but to sanctify “my will into His will”.

In an example of Paul's thorn, this is a tough problem for us believers; but if we do not know what it means we may at least know what it does not mean. It does not mean that in refusing to remove the thorn in answer to prayer God became guilty of a breach of promise. Christian spiritual training is this: "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me,'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me". (Second Corinthians 12:8-9). Paul wanted the thorn removed but God wanted to teach Paul that "the sufficiency of His grace" in the worst of human circumstances is that when a person is weak in a temporal sense while the person is strong spiritually by God's Grace in eternal sense.

Those who are NOT "in Christ" will not understand His Grace. That is the area people are to ponder.

Purposes of Trials

The bad events are circumscribed by a loving providence and God promises to use them all for His ultimate good for HIS GLORY. There is a verse in the Bible that God promises that there won’t be anything so bad happen to me that I am not able to bear it. God does everything--He governs everything. Faith is accepting God's Will. There is confusion between the determined Will of God and a Christian's responsibility as a Christian. In Isaiah 55:8-9 God says, "My thoughts are completely different from yours, and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." God is adjusting our history to His purposes. He knows what He's doing. I have to learn to trust His will, His power to do His will, and His timing to do it when the time is right--and not until then. That's the essence of real faith. God carries out His will in His perfect power and timing. People forget the Story of Job (or they refused to believe). From the Book of Job, we see that God is in complete control. Satan had neither the power nor the authority to do anything without the permission of God. It was consistent with God's nature and will for him to have allowed those things to happen to Job. The point of the story of Job is about God's Sovereign. Not really about Job. People always focus on Job more than God's sovereign. Jesus said clearly about a penny's worth of sparrows compare to us. Matthew 10:29: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. If God can control with those two sparrows, then He will do the same for His children as well. In reality, the blessings are from God, the Holy Spirit-and using that person as an instrument to do God's will and plan.

God's divine intervention BOTH WAYS. All circumstances can turn people to God. Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 9:18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden

Satan sought to kill Christ in the slaughter of the babies by Herod but God had Mary & Joseph moved elsewhere. Satan tried to stop Christ from growing up. If he could kill that baby while He was still a baby, Christ could never proclaim his Messiahship. God allowed other babies to die except for ONE.

Satan tried to have Peter try to keep Jesus from the cross but God determined that Jesus is to die on the Cross. In Matthew 16, Peter says, “Lord, don’t you do that! Don’t go to the cross!” and Jesus knew the source and said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” Satan knew the power of the Cross and the Death Penalty by the Government which was established by God. "The authorities that exist have been established by God" (see Romans 13). How did God know that the Roman Government will use the "Cross" for their death penalty?

Satan used Judas and the Jewish leaders to kill Jesus. Satan was hoping that the Jewish people would STONE Jesus to death based on the Jewish Law and Custom. But the Jewish leaders were smart enough not to take the law into their hands and asked the Roman Government to crucify Christ.

Another good example is Pharaoh. Satan have been using Pharaoh to persecute Jewish people for years. In Exodus 9:16 "But I (God) have raised you (Pharaoh) up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Paul confirmed this in Romans 9:17 "For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.' "

God will take advantage of Satan's evil desires and motives to accomplish His will. The Bible clearly teaches that God knows beforehand what we will need and He will provide beforehand according to His will. God is absolutely powerful, that God is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, that God is immutable, never changes, that God is all wise, perfectly just, holy, righteous. God is ruling all things to work together for our good and His purpose.