People Do Good Things

People Do Good Things

May 27, 2024

Where are we?

Even the most malevolent individuals are capable of performing virtuous acts. One’s belief in the existence of a singular deity is commendable, yet the malevolent spirits also hold such belief — albeit quivering in fear. These demons persist in their defiance, toying recklessly with danger, acknowledging the presence of God while adamantly rejecting submission. They have aligned their fates with the Deceiver, but ultimately remain answerable to the God of Truth.
Others may acquire what you desire through prayer, manifesting a faith that lies dormant. While professing belief, their actions fail to reflect such convictions, lacking the demonstration of love towards God and fellow beings in their daily interactions.

What is the value of claiming faith if one’s deeds do not align with it? Can such faith rescue one’s soul? If a person lacks clothing and sustenance, and you merely offer well-wishes without providing tangible assistance, what benefit does that hold? Such devoid faith, devoid of corresponding deeds, is bereft of utility and vitality.

Should one solely profess faith, they are susceptible to challenge by those who prioritize benevolent actions. To those who believe faith alone suffices, I am compelled to assert, “You acknowledge the existence of a singular God? Admirable. Yet, so do the demons of hell, trembling in dread!”
Can you not perceive that faith without corresponding actions is futile and lifeless? Ponder upon our forebearer, Abraham. Was it not his actions that truly justified him in the eyes of God when his faith prompted him to sacrifice his son Isaac at the altar?

Do you not discern the partnership between his faith and actions, where his faith found realization through his deeds?

Such is the essence of the scripture proclaiming: ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. And he was deemed a friend of God.’

James the half-brother of Jesus is widely believed to be the author of the book of James. (James 1:1) Although he was not a follower of Jesus during His earthly ministry, (Mark 3:21–35; John 7:5) James later became an apostle after seeing the Lord post-resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19) ,(Acts 12:17). (15:13–22). He played a significant leadership role in the early church in Jerusalem, as mentioned in various biblical accounts. Peter and Paul both recognized James as a key figure in the development of the early Christian community (Galatians 2:9).

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”

James insists that our faith in God should keep us from showing favoritism to the rich and powerful on earth and should provoke us to love our poor neighbors as ourselves.

In the context of James 2:19, faith without works is deemed dead. It is not enough to simply believe in God; true faith is demonstrated through actions and deeds. Just as Abraham showed his faith through his obedience, we are called to live out our beliefs through our actions towards others. Let us not just speak words of peace and comfort, but let our deeds truly reflect the love and compassion that God has shown us. Let our faith be made perfect through our works, shining brightly for all to see.

Encouraging Gods' people to act like Gods' people

1 Corinthians 10:33
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

In a world focused on self-gain, let us strive to please all and seek the profit of many. Let our actions be a beacon of light, leading others towards salvation. Let us be selfless in our pursuits, putting the needs of others above our own. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of many.

Those who have been genuinely saved through the gospel must demonstrate that salvation through practical manifestations in their daily lives. Experiencing God’s love should lead to a transformed life marked by love for others.

Why James Matters

The writings of James are filled with direct exhortations to pursue a life of holiness, leaving no room for those who fall short. According to this early church leader, true Christians demonstrate their faith through their actions, not just their words. In James’s view, a faith devoid of tangible life transformation is ultimately worthless (James 2:17).

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES

In his letter, James identifies as a bond-servant of God, reflecting the servant-oriented focus of his message. Throughout the book, James emphasizes that true faith is evidenced by authentic deeds. He challenges believers to live out their faith through actions, not just words, echoing the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. James condemns hypocrisy in those who claim faith but fail to demonstrate it in their lives.

TAKE ACTION NOW

Dive deep into the teachings of James and discover the true connection between faith and action. Let his words inspire you to live out your beliefs in meaningful ways, whether it be through your response to trials, your generosity towards others, your words of kindness, or your stewardship of resources.
Embrace the challenge to align your actions with your faith, and watch as your life reflects the love and grace of God in tangible ways.

Father of Mercies

May 27, 2024

2 Corinthians 1:3
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Peter Chapter one 15-21

May 14, 2024

15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Peter writes this letter to encourage Christians to pursue spiritual maturity through the Word of God, as a remedy for false teaching and a right response to heretics in light of Christ’s promised second coming. He gives persecuted Christians a powerful reminder that they have hope in the midst of their suffering, just like God’s people from the time of Abraham who were a misunderstood minority and faced hostility because they live under King Jesus’ rule.

Peter warns readers to beware of teachers who claim to be believers but present a false version of Christianity. He calls on all Christians to eagerly watch and wait for the return of the Lord. Through his words, Peter emphasizes that Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God. He also encourages fervent love for one another, as love covers a multitude of sins.

Additionally, Peter explains that the word “fruit” refers to the product or result from something, such as what comes from a tree or plant. In the case of Paul, it refers to what comes from a person, specifically the fruit of the Spirit, which comes from the Spirit of God. Moreover, Peter acknowledges that Jesus affirmed him as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and Jesus promised to build his church upon Peter, giving him authority.

However, Jesus warned them not to disclose that he was the Christ.

Talk or Listen

Talk or Listen

May 14, 2024

Walk in All Humility

How does the Holy Spirit reveal things to you?
He reveals them by unveiling God’s word to you through the Bible which truth aligns with your heart, knowing a thing. The Bible itself is a comprehensive and reliable source, but its understanding is impossible without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

All Scripture is divinely inspired and functions as a guide for discerning truth and identifying areas where you may fall short. Through the Bible, you are able to recognize your faults and imperfections, leading to correction and growth. The human authors of the Bible were directed by God Himself to convey His message to humanity through their original writings.

Pray;
Bless you God the Father In Christs’ name we ask,
Breathe new life into me, Holy Spirit, as I open my heart to your divine presence. Come, Holy Spirit, and empower me with your abundant blessings. Kindle within me the flame of your goodness, Holy Spirit, igniting a fervent desire to serve and love others. In the depths of my being, I invite you, Holy Spirit, to make your dwelling place and guide my every thought and action. Grant me the strength to be patient and understanding, Holy Spirit, as I navigate life’s challenges.
Amen

This living God made his entrance into the realm of human existence through the embodiment of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:11-13
It is a faithful saying:
For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him:
If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us:
If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny himself.

Jesus, who experienced death and subsequently rose from it, has bestowed salvation upon the world. He has since ascended to heaven, where he now reigns in glorious splendor and receives ceaseless adoration. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness. God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

2 Timothy 3:16 gives us the phrase breathed out, which is where the word inspired comes from. In Greek (Gk) the word translated “inspired” is theopneustos and it only appears once in the entire English translation of scripture.

Paul speaks of the divine gift and power bestowed upon individuals through priesthood ordination. He reminds us that fear does not come from God and encourages us to boldly embrace our testimony of Jesus Christ. Paul personally experienced the call of Jesus Christ himself to proclaim the gospel. It is vital to remember that God blesses us with power, love, and discernment, rather than instilling fear within us. Through His divine calling and grace, we are saved and invited to partake in His eternal purpose, established before the beginning of time.
Pray; Be with us in the name of Christ Jesus;
God, we humbly seek your guidance in righteousness, inviting your divine training to shape our lives according to your word. May you equip us perfectly, leading us to fully embrace the abundant experiences you have prepared for us.
Amen
Why is Second Timothy so significant?
The second letter to Timothy provides a poignant glimpse into Paul’s final moments during his ministry, right before his passing.
Notably, this letter reveals personal intricacies as Paul reconciles his affairs and readies himself for the inevitable.
The core message of Timothy revolves around Christ-centered godliness for the sake of sharing the gospel. The infusion of godliness in one’s personal life is not only crucial for remaining faithful but also plays an absolutely vital role in proclaiming the gospel to a world that is lost. This gospel theme shines through explicitly in 1 Tim. Trust in the power of Christ-infused godliness as you persevere in faithfulness and spread the transformative message of the gospel.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. Trust in the power of Christ-infused godliness as you persevere in faithfulness and spread the transformative message of the gospel. All Scripture is given by divine inspiration. This refers to all holy Scripture, encompassing both the Old and New Testaments. The apostle emphasizes that the Scriptures are not the words of men, but the breath and word of God. They are written by the Spirit, as reflected in various versions.

That is, all holy Scripture; for of that only the apostle is speaking; and he means the whole of it; not only the books of the Old Testament, but of the New, the greatest part of which was now written; for this second epistle to Timothy is by some thought to be the last of Paul’s epistles; and this also will hold good of what was to be written; for all is inspired by God, or breathed by him: the Scriptures are the breath of God, the word of God and not men; they are “written by the Spirit”, as the Syriac version renders it; or “by the Spirit of God”, as the Ethiopic version.

The Scripture, encompassing the holy books of the Old and the New Testament, is divinely inspired and serves as the breath of God. Its complete majesty and loftiness in style, coupled with its profound content surpassing human understanding, make it a remarkable testament to the trinity of persons in the Godhead, the incarnation of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and all the more.

The purity, harmony, and agreement within its pages exemplify its divine nature, and any seeming inconsistencies can be resolved with diligent study and asking the assistance of God. Furthermore, the Scriptures’ accurate predictions of future events, including the lives of Josiah, Cyrus, and especially Jesus Christ, attest to their origin from the omniscient God.

The impartiality of the writers, who openly disclose both their own sins and the failings of others, strengthens the case for their divine authority.

Additionally, the remarkable preservation of these writings despite various challenges, such as attempts by heathen persecutors and the apostasy of the church of Rome, further highlights their uniqueness and reliability. The Scriptures, through their outward and internal testimony, have proven transformative in countless lives, providing salvation, conversion, comfort, and edification to multitudes.

Scriptures are an invaluable required tool with their comprehensive wisdom, they offer profitable guidance for doctrine, refuting errors and the heresies of the demonic. Moreover, they expose the evil nature, consequences, and effects of vice, while instructing individuals in righteousness and every duty towards God and fellow humans. Serving as a perfect rule of faith and practice, the Scriptures undoubtedly deserve recognition for their immense usefulness and profitability to all good works.

Made Righteous

Made Righteous

May 12, 2024

In Galatians 3, Paul passionately emphasizes that faith in Christ alone is the key to being justified and made righteous in God’s eyes. This message holds deep significance for him, as he urgently urges the Galatian Christians to fully embrace their freedom in Christ. It is clear that no one can be justified before God by adhering to the law; instead, righteousness is attained through faith. We are saved by grace, not by our works. This letter stands as a timeless expression of the Reformation’s core emphasis on justification through faith in Christ alone. Paul’s heartfelt plea resonates with the Galatian Christians, urging them not to squander the freedom they have received through faith in Christ by reverting to a life enslaved by legalistic practices.
Paul’s unwavering conviction centers on the sufficiency of faith in Christ alone for God’s declaration of righteousness. This urgent message resonates throughout his writings, notably addressing the Galatian Christians who initially embraced Jesus and experienced newfound liberation. Yet, Paul passionately urges caution, urging them to safeguard their freedom by refraining from entangling themselves in the law and legalistic rituals. The invaluable liberty they possess stems from their unwavering trust in Christ – a treasure that demands cherishing and preservation above all else.
The book of Galatians emphatically directs and compels the devoted followers of Jesus to firmly embrace the resolute Gospel message of the crucified Messiah. This extraordinary message justifies all individuals through their unwavering faith and concurrently empowers them to lead a life that emulates the exemplary conduct of Jesus himself.
Paul’s letter to the Galatians consists of three primary sections. The first two chapters focus on Paul’s personal experiences and his ministry, highlighting his divine authority as an apostle. Moving further, the subsequent two chapters delve into the core theological arguments. Here, Paul emphasizes the significance of Abraham, the Law, Faith, and the concept of being sons and daughters of God in Christ.

The central theme of the book of Galatians revolves around the relationship between Christians, with a primary focus on Gentile Christians, and the law of Moses. Paul penned this letter to the people of Galatia in order to clarify that they were not bound by the law, despite assertions from Jewish Christians suggesting otherwise. His intention was to convey that adherence to the law was not a prerequisite for their faith and salvation.

We witness the unchanging nature of God’s promise and covenant to Abraham. In verse 14, it becomes evident that the promise of the Spirit is synonymous with salvation. Through his letter, Paul aims to remind his Jewish brethren and sisters of their divine mission bestowed upon them by God.

Defend God, he knows your heart:

a declaration of liberation for all who have been weighed down with their sin and failure and suffering
1) Freedom is found through unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
2) In Christ, unity surpasses all social divisions, bringing people together as one.
3) Embrace the abundant fruit of the Spirit, rather than being entangled in worldly desires and actions.
4) Love triumphs over rigid adherence to the law, fostering compassion and grace.
5) Let us bear one another’s burdens, showing empathy and support in times of need.
6) By sowing seeds of the spirit, we cultivate a life of eternal significance, guided by God’s presence within us.

This encompasses the kind of life led by those filled with the Spirit of God, which starkly contrasts with the desires of the flesh.

Following the New Birth, the Spirit works within believers, shaping their character, and after baptism in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit empowers Christians for purposeful service.

Through faith, Scripture reveals that God’s blessings flow, while the curse is tied to the law, a curse that Jesus paid the ultimate price for on the cross.

Galatians 5:16 instructs us to live by the Spirit, rejecting the gratification of fleshly desires, as Galatians 5:22-23a reveals the beautiful fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Paul warns the Gentile Christians against ignorance and arrogance, addressing both their minds and hearts.
Have you already received the Holy Spirit?

When we embraced the Gospel and placed our trust in Jesus for salvation, that is when we were sealed with the Holy Spirit. As Believers, the Bible declares us to be God’s temples, with His Spirit dwelling within us.

Our old selves have been crucified with Christ, ushering in a transformative life where it is no longer us who live, but Christ who lives within us. Hence, we navigate this earthly existence by placing our unwavering trust in the Son of God, who loved us and sacrificed Himself for us.

The story of Pentecost in Acts 2 vividly portrays two symbols: wind and fire. The Spirit’s overwhelming presence enters the house of fear where the apostles were gathered, igniting them to become a beacon of light to the world.

In Galatians 3, Paul emphasizes that faith in Christ is the key to righteousness in God’s eyes. The urgency behind his words reflects how deeply he cares about this matter. The Galatian Christians, who had embraced Jesus and experienced newfound freedom in Him, are at the heart of his message. Furthermore, Paul questions the purpose of the law, stating that it was added due to transgressions and intended to stand until the arrival of the promised seed. The book of Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul (see Galatians 1:1).
Wisdom, the first and greatest gift, exerts its influence over both the intellect and the will. While the righteous are encouraged to live by faith, the Law centers around performance, emphasizing human effort and outward conduct. However, salvation is bestowed through grace and faith in Jesus’ redemptive work. The observance of the Law cannot earn us God’s favor; on the contrary, it may bring forth a curse, as we all inevitably fall short.
Colossians A Summary

Colossians A Summary

Apr 29, 2024

If you have been united with Christ, direct your focus towards heavenly matters, where Christ reigns at the right hand of God. Set your heart on things above, rather than earthly desires.

Through your union with Christ, your life is now hidden with Him in God. When Christ, who is the essence of our existence, is revealed, you too will share in His glory. Consequently, eliminate the worldly aspects of your being: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desires, and greed, which is tantamount to idolatry. Due to such behavior, the wrath of God is imminent upon the disobedient. You were once accustomed to living in the same manner, but now you must rid yourselves of all such things: anger, rage, malice, blasphemy, and coarse language.

Do not deceive one another, as you have discarded your old self and its sinful practices, and have clothed yourselves with the new self, being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator. In this renewed state, there are no divisions between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, for Christ is all and in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen and cherished ones, embody compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive each other if anyone has a grievance against another, just as the Lord forgave you. Above all these virtues, let love be the binding force that unifies them perfectly. Allow the peace of Christ to govern your hearts, since you are called to live in harmony as one body, and always express gratitude.

Let the message of Christ dwell richly among you, as you instruct and encourage one another with wisdom through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, avoid provoking your children, lest they become disheartened. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not merely to please them while being watched, but with sincerity of heart, respecting and loving Christ Jesus.

Whatever you do, wholeheartedly work at it, as if you are serving Christ and not human masters, recognizing that you will receive the inheritance from God as your reward. It is Christ whom you serve. However, whoever does wrong will face consequences for their actions, as there is no partiality excepting those whom live in Jesus.