But he who is joined to the Lord
is one spirit with Him.
Flee sexual immorality.
Every sin that a man does is
outside the body, but he who
commits sexual immorality
sins against his own body.
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?
For you were bought with a price;
therefore glorify God in your body
and in your spirit, which are God's.
1Corinthians 6:17-20
Before I write this blog I must apologize for not writing yesterday. I was injured Sunday night as I tried to catch a dog and slipped on wet grass, injuring my left thigh, the back muscles and could not sit down in a chair. In fact, I am sitting now but it is not easy. Life is full of frustrating things, and I could blame Satan for this injury, this event, but he did not cause it, it was me, my desire to catch this dog not realizing that my dress shoes, slick soles and the wet grass were not compatible. But having said this, and complaining (ha!) I do know this that even though things happen, God is providential and can use even this injury to aid me in my growth in faith. This too will pass, if not, well glory is all that is ahead of me, and any of God's children.
Let us all face facts: we are fallen souls, and we have the same fight; sin. It is not going away until Jesus Christ returns, but we do have a say in how we operate in this world. We can live for Jesus Christ realizing that He bought us with a price, His death upon the cross. Who did He buy? Not everyone, for not everyone is going to heaven, some will be thrown into Gehenna. He came for the elect, and the elect are not their own for their sins are paid, it is done, and we are now not our own, we are His. Furthermore, it is God who instills into each of His children not only the faith that is needed to choose Him, we by that faith can live for Him. We are joined to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Among those elected by God and are being sanctified by growing in faith possess the same denominator, that is, Authentic Biblical Faith, and they (you and me) become determined, that is intentional, to be devoted to Him and in our service to God. On top of this we have the understanding that we are inadequate to achieve this goal without grace and empowerment. Scripture is not devoid of truth, and the truth is stated in such terms that this truth is intended for all Christians. No one is exempt. The motivating principle in an Authentic Biblical Christian that will give them a joyful obedience are the same principles for all of God's children and the only logical response is universal as well. All Christians are to be servants and children of God. To begin with a person must be "born again" and not just make a "decision" for Jesus Christ as so many Churches push as the way to be saved. Yes, we do decide to follow Jesus, that is true, but if only a decision then in time it is possible for that decision maker to make another decision. Jesus said: "Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again'" (John 3:5-7). All Christians are to serve Him and submit to Him with the attitude and actions that belong to such relationships.
The commandments from God and delivered to us by our Savior Jesus Christ is: "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. This is the first commandment" (Mark 12:30). These words have meaning and validate all that I have been writing about: we must change from the inside out, for the love of God is the basic requirement for Authentic Biblical Faith. Heavenly treasure should be our primary pursuit. Even the love of our family is to take second place for our love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A lukewarm faith is an affront to all we affirm about Him.
Yes, it is hard to live a Christian life for we are affronted on all sides, and Satan and his demons are busy at work to destroy the Gospel, to put to shame those who are God's children. Don't try to fight this fight on your own; you can't win! You don't have enough strength to overcome the devil, or his demons, you are still, even though growing in faith, fallen, and susceptible to sin. Therefore, pray for guidance, strength by means of the Holy Spirit to lead you, be in His word, apply His word, and ask for forgiveness when you have failed either by commission or omission. God is merciful, God is our hope, our Savior and He will not leave His children unattended, and is our help in times of trouble. The Psalmist writes these words of comfort: "He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver hi and honor him. with long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation" (Psalm 91:15-16).
Oh, sing to the LORD a new
Song! Sing to the LORD,
all the earth. Sing to the LORD,
Bless His name; proclaim the
good news of His salvation from
day to day. Declare His glory
among the nations. His wonders
among all peoples. For the LORD
is great and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods...
Psalm 96:1-4
True humbleness is a sign of sanctification
Richard L. Crumb
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