Salvation for Everyone

Based on Romans 10 (New King James Version)

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, ‘The man who does those things shall live by them.’ But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, ‘Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’’ (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, ‘‘Who will descend into the abyss?’’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?’ So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: ‘Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’ But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: ‘I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.’ But Isaiah is very bold and says: ‘I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.’ But to Israel he says: ‘All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”

This passage covers many concepts that are vital and fundamental to our faith in Christ, to be able to have that which only God can give: eternal life or to be born again. The first concept consists of faith. Faith is vital to be able to access the fullness of the spiritual world that God offers. Salvation can only come through faith, by not just believing in God, but moreover, believing God, believing what He says. Because it’s clear, or at least, it should be clear, that we should believe what we are doing, or furthermore, we should believe wholeheartedly what God affirms through His Word. In all reality, faith is everything, which is the very thing that solely depends on us.

That’s why salvation is not through works. And blessed be God that salvation does not depend on our merits because we are incapable of perfection by ourselves. We cannot even come close to it. Therefore, it is written: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. The Bible also reaffirms this concept in another location as follows: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” Galatians 2:16. This was the mistake that was made, and it continues being made by many people: thinking that it is possible to fulfill the law or to be good enough on their own for a Holy God. It’s not possible!

Salvation is possible through a two-step process, through 1) repentance and conversion, and through 2) surrender and acceptance. Repentance and conversion is not just about asking for forgiveness, but also, by turning away from our sins, leaving them behind. We need to convert from our evil ways. This was the whole point of the ministry of John the Baptist. “As it is written in the Prophets: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’ ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’’ John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” Mark 1:2-4. It is also written: “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19. Without repentance and conversion, there is no salvation. A person needs to start from zero with God so that He can build something completely new and different in our lives. To use construction terms, if the foundation and the superstructure of a building was damaged because it was built on a surface that was not stable or secure, it is necessary to start a new construction on an adequate piece of land, over a new foundation, thereby constructing a new building. You must start again.

The second step, surrendering and accepting, consists of a person surrendering to God unconditionally, without reservations, and accepting Jesus as the Lord and owner of their life. And this should be obvious, but it eludes many people. How can you ever belong to God if you have never given Him your life? If you don’t belong to God, then you are not His, right? Jesus Christ is our Savior, but in order to save us, we need to belong to Him. So then, salvation goes beyond the need of a savior. Salvation consists of giving your life to God so that you can be legitimately His, out of your own free will. Human beings are not born being a child of God. A person can only become a child of God by receiving Christ in their life, for it is written: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12.

And finally, this passage talks to us about those that preach and share the gospel of God, and what a blessing they are. But, to be able to do that, we need to be convinced of what has happened in our lives, if something has really happened. Otherwise, what are we going to talk to people about if we don’t believe or are sure of all of this? At the same time, if a person does not feel the need to share this faith with others, they should then ask themselves this question, “what am I doing?” or “why am I following this?” When Christ truly comes into our lives, it should not be something common or unnoticeable. It’s the King of kings and the Lord of lords that has entered our lives; the Creator of heaven and earth.

So then, if you have not yet had this precious personal experience with God, what are you waiting for? And if you have had it, you need to share this with the whole world, because this salvation is for everyone! Lord bless! John

We Are Responsible for the Opportunity

Based on Romans 9 (New King James Version)

“I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen. But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called.’ That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. For this is the word of promise: ‘At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.’ And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), it was said to her, ‘The older shall serve the younger.’ As it is written, ‘Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.’ What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.’ So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.’ Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. You will say to me then, ‘Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?’ But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’ Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As He says also in Hosea: ‘I will call them My people, who were not My people, and her beloved, who was not beloved.’ ‘And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ there they shall be called sons of the living God.’ Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the remnant will be saved. For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.’ And as Isaiah said before: ‘Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom, and we would have been made like Gomorrah.’ What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’”

There are people that think that God is despotic or capricious, and that’s why they have a tough time believing. When reading this passage, it could give that idea. But, like all things in the Word of God, you need to go deeper. Not all the answers are on the surface. Many times, you need to investigate and study, and of course, with the help of the Holy Spirit. It’s not that God wants to make things difficult (because He said that we need to make ourselves like children so we can understand the kingdom of God), but rather, to see how much we want it. When you really want something, you fight to have it (because everything is revealed through that). The first thing that needs to be understood is that a Biblical principle cannot be solely based on a single passage, but rather, it must be seen in the context of the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation); not even in the context of the same chapter. That’s why it’s necessary to study the Word of God, from cover to cover, and many times. And of course, that requires devotion and effort. So then, divine knowledge is not for the unbelieving nor for the proud (and here is where we start getting into the explanation).

When a person believes something, they look for it, they follow it; they try to go as deep as possible to know what they need to know, or to get to where they feel they need to get to. This explains the issue with unbelief. When a person does not believe something, there is no interest, no attraction. Therefore, there is no incentive. There must be faith. The Bible teaches this: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1. Also, there is a problem when someone is proud, when they feel they know enough, or that they don’t need anything because they feel self-sufficient. It’s through both of these elements that what is in a person’s heart begins to be revealed. To be able to learn anything in life, even something very basic, humbleness is necessary. How necessary is humbleness with God! For it is written: “Though the Lord is on high, yet He regards the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.” Psalm 138:6.

Each human being has the capacity to be humble and have faith, because both depend on the decision of a person, which is related to reasoning (which is contained with the soul of a being). The issue is: with what do they decide to be humble with and on what do they decide to put their faith on? For example, the atheist decides to believe on themselves and in what they see (their faith), and does not care how things came to be, or why they are (pride). Taking things for granted is the highest level of pride that can ever exist, because in that type of feeling, there is no gratefulness. The Word of God teaches this: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:18-21. Pharaoh fell because he did not care to know God (although Pharaohs before him did respect and believe). Pharaoh believed he was a god. And of course, God used the hardness of his heart to turn him into an example. A similar thing unfortunately happened with the Jews. Many did not want to believe in Christ. But in that instance, God used their unbelief so that we can come in: the pagans and undesirables of the world. We owe Israel a great deal! That’s why we should feel as Paul felt for them. If you can see the creation, if you have enough reasoning to understand the most basic things in life, and the Word of God is reaching you in some way, God is giving you a very good opportunity. But, if you throw such an opportunity away of believing and following Christ, don’t you think He will hold you responsible for what you already know? God is love, but God is God, and He will be held eternally worthy. Lord bless! John

Love is Everything

Based on Romans 8:28-39 (New King James Version)

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This passage holds one of the deepest love messages, but also brings some confusion. We will try to explain a bit what causes confusion so that we can get to the highlight (because unfortunately, the enemy tries to disturb the things of God with controversy that divides and destroys). What does the word “predestination” mean? Translated from how the Real Academia Española defines it is as follows: something’s previous destination; ordering of the divine will where it has chosen those through its grace who will find glory. If we believe in the God of the Bible, then we understand that the Supreme Being is eternal. He always is; without a beginning and without an end (Revelations 1:8). Even more so, if we believe in the God of the Bible, we believe that He is composed of three people (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) (see 1 John 5:7 in King James or New King James versions because other more modern versions omit this, including other parts of the original Scriptures). Therefore, by definition that God is an eternal being (man is not eternal since we have a beginning), then He is the only one that could have been predestined since the beginning. God already knew that man was going to fall, so He prepared beforehand that Christ would die for His creation before the fall of man.    

Here is the other part of the explanation. God created man for good things, not so he would burn in hell. So, man’s “predestination” (before man fell in sin) was to practice righteousness. For it is written: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10. Therefore, the “predestination” or “something’s previous destination” was for good. Hell was not made for man. It was made for the devil and his angels. For it is written: “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’” Matthew 25:41. It was not God’s intention to send man to hell, but because of man’s obstinacy to sin and not subject themselves to the Lordship of God, man sends himself to the place God never predestined him for.

So then, the answer to predestination is this: God predestined Christ to save man from his sin, so those that would “choose” out of their own “free will” to submit themselves under the mighty hand of God, by making Jesus the Lord and owner of their lives, then they could form part yet again of that predestination, fulfilling the original purpose of God. For it is written: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” 1 Timothy 2:1-6. A person finally decides to be part of Christ, or not to be. God calls us to salvation, but it’s up to us to answer God’s call. If it were up to God, He would want everyone to be saved. As such, man was never predestined to be lost. He decides it under his own will.

Now, on to the highlight of this passage. God loves each one of us incredibly. There is nothing that can separate us from His love. He has provided an incredible salvation, removing the curse of sin forever through His Son Jesus Christ. But, there is something that we must understand. It is necessary to return God’s love. God loves us unconditionally, but He wishes for that love to be returned. For it is written: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words [those relating to loving Him] which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Remember that God’s promises are conditional. Everything will work together for good, to those that “love God.” If we do not love God, then there is nothing. That’s why we need to learn to love Him as He teaches us through His Word. Love for God is everything. And when you love God, everything is possible. Loving Him makes you obey Him, follow Him no matter what the circumstances, no matter what trials you might face, no matter if you are being despised or persecuted, etc. If you love Him, you will even come to give up your life for Him, like so many of the holy apostles, prophets, and many other believers did before us. True love has no limits. For it is written: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. God’s love is very different to the love of this world, or human love. It goes much deeper. And God’s love never justifies or accepts sin.

So then, do you know God’s love, the kind that does not compare to anything else in this world? Lord bless! John

Doing Away with Our Flesh

Based on Romans 8:1-27 (New King James Version)

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

Today’s passage is very clear. We need to leave the flesh aside, our flesh. We don’t gain anything by continuing to hang on to that which produced, or is still producing our fall. There are many folks that use this passage (many times illegitimately or for convenience): “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” And yes, it’s true that there is no condemnation for those that “are in Christ Jesus”. But, it is necessary to at least read the whole verse, because the promise is conditional (like many things in the Bible). There is no condemnation for those: “who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” But, if a person continues to persist in the things of the flesh, then, what happens? Well, any person that understands the language would say that, by walking according to the flesh, and not according to the Spirit, then the condition of “no condemnation” is nulled or canceled. And of course, that’s a big problem.

Many preachers, pastors, theologians, motivational speakers, etc. have come up with a doctrine that contradicts many parts of the Scriptures. Basically, and for the convenience of the masses, they have created, or more exact, the devil has inspired them to teach that sin does not matter in the believer, because God has forgiven all sins; past, present, and future. Therefore, they justify people that profess to have a relationship with God to continue following the flesh and its desires. In addition, many Christian denominations agree and put as an example God’s love by accepting homosexuality, adultery, and fornication. In other words, they say: “Don’t worry, God loves you and accepts you just as you are.” And that is very far away from what the Bible teaches.

The issue is that God does love you, and does call you to salvation, but with the goal to free you from that which produces death: the sin that is in your flesh. God intends to transform people, not for them to continue just as they are. God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross so that all sinners can obtain the forgiveness of their sins, and to be freed from the power of the flesh that still lives in their being. He sent His Son so that we can cease to be what we were when He found us, lost in our sins, following the evil desires of our flesh. In other words, if a person is a thief, for them to stop being one. If a murderer, to stop killing. If a fornicator or adulterer, to stop practicing such things. Just like the homosexual or lesbian, or folks that practice similar things, to stop doing those things that do not bring them any good. God loves the sinner, but desires for them to stop being that, to be free from those things, and to start doing those things that produce life; not to continue doing what produces death. He wants to break the cycle. That’s why it is necessary to do away with our flesh through Jesus Christ.

John the Baptist said this: “He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30. The Bible also teaches us this: “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Galatians 6:8. It also teaches us that we can change things in our life through His Spirit, through self-discipline. For it is also written: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7. If a person has truly been born again, they have the Holy Spirit in their life, and they can overcome all things, including the flesh that still forms part of their being. It doesn’t mean that we will be perfect right away (because no one is perfect), but what should happen in the believer is a process of transformation, step-by-step, by stopping to do those things that are part of the flesh, of sin. We should always move forward. Otherwise, we will lose if we continue persisting in that which destroys and brings pain, sooner or later. If we look to live in the Spirit, following what God teaches, then all conditions for blessing will become a reality. So then, are you doing away with the desires of your flesh, allowing God to continue changing your life? Lord bless! John

Dying to Sin

Based on Romans 7 (New King James Version)

“Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man. Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, ‘You shall not covet.’ But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.”

I know that this chapter may be a little confusing for some, or that it can lead to not so good things if it is not discerned carefully, seeing it through the context of the entire Bible (as all Scripture should be discerned). So then, we need to start with the main point to be able to understand: the origin of sin. Many may have asked, “Where does sin come from?” Sin comes because of genuine love. How can that be? God allows for sin to exist so that there can be an element that is almost as attractive as He is, but of course, completely opposite to Him. If He is the positive, then sin would be the negative. For a true decision to be possible, then there has to be something nearly as attractive and opposite to God so that there can be a competitive fight; feelings between God and evil.

What makes it possible to understand this is the concept that God is love; and love is a choice. True love is not like what Hollywood paints in its romantic pictures; that you feel butterflies, or that there is something that cannot be understood or controlled. True love, especially the type that God consists of (and the type that He desires to be corresponded with) the combination of the heart, the soul, the mind, and strength. And for that to happen, there has to be something that involves all the elements that compose a person, especially reason. Therefore, God’s love does not consist of mere feelings, but rather of very profound and extremely logical things. God does not want to be followed because of selfish interests, or manipulation, or because there is no other option. He wants what every human being desires: to have someone that loves Him through different and diverse circumstances. That can only originate from a completely conscious decision.

Therefore, since He desires a love that happens through a conscious decision, and against something that is almost as attractive (so that there can be true competition), every being with a soul and conscience, including angels, have the capacity to sin (not necessarily that angels are in sin, at least the ones that are with the Lord), and to be tempted. They have the capacity to decide to remain with God or to fall. For example, before Satan fell, he was an angel that was with the Lord called Lucifer. Being attracted by sin, he decided to let envy and pride take control of him. And with him, a third of the angels fell (those that are now known as demons). Man has sin interwoven in the very fiber of his being. For it is written: “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5. Sin lives in every human being.

So then, if we could condense what this whole chapter means, it would be like this: we cannot save ourselves (through the works of the law through our own strength). We need Christ in our lives. But once the Lord comes into our lives, then the fight starts within our being, the one that God wants to happen, to see if the love He so longs for to live in us through Him manifests itself. If we have Christ in our life, then we have the capacity to overcome. The Bible teaches that salvation is something conditional, for those that are able to overcome. For it is written: “…To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7b. “…He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” Revelation 2:11b. “...To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” Revelation 2:17b. “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star.” Revelation 2:26-28. “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” Revelation 3:5. “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” Revelation 3:12. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21. So then, are you dying to the sin that still lives within you? Lord bless! John

We Are Instruments of Service

Based on Romans 6 (New King James Version)

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This world gives the feeling of having many types of ways and options. With respect to trivial or temporary things, of course we have a choice. There are different colors and types of clothes. There are many types of shoes. There are many forms of transportation. A person can travel on a bicycle, a motorcycle, a car, a bus, a train, an airplane, etc. There are many types of foods (at least in developed and very fortunate countries). There are different people who you can be with. There are different churches. There are different types of religions. And well, the list is rather unlimited. But, in the grand scheme of things, do we really have a lot of options? The news is that everything is only an illusion, a deception.

In this life, there are not that many options for a human being, even though many think that there are many paths. The reality is that, according to the Bible, there are only two ways: following the Lord in obedience or follow sin and Satan. There is not much to choose from. Even though there are many religions, and supposedly, many gods; in the end, there is not much variety. According to the Bible, there is only one true God. For it is written: “Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you who have escaped from the nations. They have no knowledge, who carry the wood of their carved image, and pray to a god that cannot save. Tell and bring forth your case; yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:20-22. There is only one way of salvation to get to God; and that is only through Jesus Christ. For it is written: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6. And the Scriptures also say: “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5.

What is necessary to understand as a human being is that we were beings created for service. We do not have another function, no matter how much people try to rebel, o desire to think that they are free. When something is created, it’s made with a purpose. The item (or person) does not have the capacity of changing its nature (even though they even try to change their sex). All creation has a use, or moreover, it was made with a utility in mind. Man was created by God to serve and worship Him. For it is written: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10. The only decision that a human has is: to serve God or something else. And, what is that something else?

When we are not submitted to God in obedience by not doing those things that agree with God Himself, then, since we are articles of service, we come to serve sin (and Satan). And this unfortunately can happen while even being within the saving grace of God. That is why it is critical to learn God’s counsel through the Scriptures, and apply them to our life, submitting everything we are to God’s service through Jesus Christ. The Lord made it possible to fulfill the law through us as we die to ourselves and live through Him. And this is the essence of the law: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5. It’s necessary to submit everything we are to God. If we don’t obey God, then we are obeying the evil that still lives within us (sin). And by serving sin, we are serving Satan, and we then invite yet again sin into our life. We see this example in the following passage: “From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’” The Lord rebuked Peter because he was thinking carnally (with what is sinful); not because the enemy had possessed Peter at that moment.

So then, think carefully, who are you serving today? Lord bless! John

Amazing Grace Through An Amazing Person

Based on Romans 5:12-21 (New King James Version)

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—(For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

What is the most destructive force in this world? Could it be disease where hundreds or even thousands of people have died in a short period of time, affecting entire cities and countries? Could it be hunger where hundreds or even thousands wait for death, sitting on the ground, holding their loved ones, seeing that life is leaving a person ever so slowly? Could it be war where even nuclear weapons could be used, with the capacity to blow up and burn thousands of lives in a matter of seconds (like what North Korea would like to do with the United States, testing the reach of their missiles regularly)? All of these things are horrible and devastating, but, there is something far more destructive and horrible than these things: sin.

What is amazing is that sin is related to all of the things mentioned before; like war, disease, and hunger. The destructive forces that exist in this planet are a product of sin. Sin is what makes these horrible things with the ability to end many human lives possible. But what makes sin even more horrible with more devastating results is that it not only has the power to end human and carnal life, but even worse, it can end a person’s eternity. If a person dies in their sin, they lose both their physical and eternal life. This is what makes sin such a serious matter, that it should not be taken so lightly, or for people to pretend that it’s only a fable, a myth, or that it does not exist. That’s what the devil would like for you to believe. Why is that his goal?

Well, there is something fundamental that needs to be understood so that other more complex things can be comprehended, or rather, to be able to discover those hidden or covered things. Someone once said: “When you understand the nature of something, you understand what it is capable of.” Since the beginning of man, the devil wanted to destroy man. That’s why he tempted him, and unfortunately, made him fall. And with that, we were all affected. The Bible teaches this about the devil: “…he (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. John 8:44b. It was not God’s will for man to fall. The enemy (our enemy) involved himself when man, Adam and Eve, moved away from God’s presence. This is what many people still need to understand: God will not force anyone; everything is based on free will, even now during the dispensation of God’s grace. And even though God knows everything, He still allows for every human being to choose their way, for better or worse. That’s why there will be a judgement.

But, as the Apostle Paul explains, to be able to undo man’s evil work, God had to intercede. And the only way for such a bad deed to be undone could not have come about through a mere mortal, but rather, through God Himself: Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. It had to be Someone more powerful than death itself that could be able to destroy the work of Satan and the fall of man. And to able to undo this terrible deed, God had to triumph through the very product that produced the evil: through the flesh. By the Lord triumphing over all of the devil’s temptation, taking all of our sin upon Himself, dying and burying that sin, and conquering over death at the third day, we now can have the hope of being freed from the penalty of sin, escaping the horror of hell. It was truly an impossible work that only God could fulfill. For with God nothing is impossible.

But, to be able to value what was done, there must be an understanding of the horror of sin, the power of death, and what hell is. Hell is a real place that is reserved for those who refuse to obey God. The Bible describes hell as a place of constant and eternal suffering and torment. And the worse part of hell is that it’s a place where God’s present is absent. Without God, there can be no peace, no joy, or any other of those things that are a part of God. Each person that refuses to believe, belong to, and obey God through Jesus Christ unfortunately are sending themselves to that place. God would like for everyone to avoid that punishment. For it is written: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” 1 Timothy 2:1-6. The grace of God extends to every person!

So then, do you understand who God is and the amazing grace that He offers through the amazing person of Jesus? Lord bless! John

A Great Salvation for a Great Purpose

Based on Romans 5:1-11 (New King James Version)

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

The greatest miracle that can ever happen in this world does not involve physical or material things. The greatest miracle that can happen to a human being does not involve eliminating all kinds of economic or financial worries. The greatest miracle does not consist of someone being healed from a deadly disease. The greatest miracle does not even consist of resurrecting a person that has died physically. The greatest miracle is that a human being receives the forgiveness of their sins and eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. Why?

Everything described at the beginning consists of solving things that pass. Money only helps while someone is alive, if it relates to a financial problem, because there are also people that die from incurable diseases and they were very rich (like Steve Jobs). Being healed from a deadly disease is great, but also, it is temporary. Even though someone is healed from a deadly sickness, some day they will have to die because there is nothing that can stop physical death. The same thing happens with someone that is resurrected (and there have been cases, like Lazarus). The Lord Himself raised Lazarus from the dead, but Lazarus one day died yet again. Almost everything a human being looks to receive or acknowledge as a miracle is related to the material or temporary world that one day will pass. So then, in comparison to eternity, what many consider as important or miracles are not very noticeable when compared to eternity. Apart from the eternal value that salvation has, what else gives it its immeasurable value?

What makes salvation so valuable (as it should be seen) is that it solves something that no human being can resolve. Science does not understand it, nor can it ever come to resolve the problem of sin or eternal death. How can scientific knowledge that is based on the physical and calculable deal with something that is neither physical or calculable, and that is outside of any contemplated law? Can physics deal with a man’s sin? Does an algorithm exist that can deal with the eternal life of a person? Is there a tablet or a medical treatment that can heal the soul of a person? I think not. So then, what an incredible miracle should God’s salvation be considered that He gives us through the Lord, and considering even more that it is a gift that is received through faith in Him! Now, does salvation have a purpose, aside from just saving a man’s soul? And the answer is, of course it does!

Even though salvation is a free miracle, we can see in different parts of the Scriptures that it has a purpose. It is not a gift that is received and life just goes on, or without any changes. On the contrary, something should happen in a human being when God’s salvation is manifested in someone’s life. In today’s passage, we see a process that is identified, and it is a difficult process that consists of changes and transformation that can only come through trial and tribulation. Like gold, we are renewed and transformed only through the fire.

The Bible explains that we must first take care of this salvation, that it should not be neglected. For it is written: “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” Hebrews 2:1-4.

So then, as part of taking care of this salvation, comes a process of not just taking care of it, but also, using the gift to get to the next greater level in our life. For it is written: “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-11. To be able to retain this salvation, it is very clear that a process must continue in the life of every believer. There cannot be any stagnation. Even though salvation is free and only by faith, God is looking for a lot of fruit and product from this great gift He has given us, for our own good.

And finally, the Lord taught us this: “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.’” Luke 9:23-24. If one does not walk with the Lord, leaving behind sin and temporal things, they will never get to what God wants to do in their life (and God has great plans). So then, do you understand that God has given you such a great salvation to make something greater out of you? Lord bless! John

A Living Faith

Based on Romans 4 (New King James Version)

“What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.’ Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised. For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, ‘I have made you a father of many nations’) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore ‘it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.”

 For how many things do we fight for today? We fight for many things; certain things are good, certain things are neutral, and certain things are not so good. But, for all these things that are fought for, do we weigh or evaluate them somehow, to see if they are worth fighting for? Is it worth sacrificing yourself for them?

Let’s start with those things that are not good, at least before the eyes of God (if we say that God matters to us). How many folks fight to keep a bad habit, working for and spending their money on things that harm them instead of being good for them? At least here in the United States, vices are not cheap. A pack of cigarettes is more expensive than a gallon (3.75 liters) of milk. Beer or an alcoholic beverage is more expensive than a bottle of water or even soda pop. And well, why even talk about drugs and how expensive they can be? Or, what is sacrificed by keeping a bad or toxic relationship, whether it be a romantic one or a friendship? What is sacrificed when having vices that are involved with illegal games and/or gambling? And like these things, there are many others that God does not approve, because in the end, they harm people and everything that surrounds them. Is it worth it?

Now, let’s continue with things that are not bad. How much does a person sacrifice for a career, or for a business, that one day it’s here, but in the end, maybe it’s there or maybe it isn’t, or it cannot be worked on or practiced? How much is sacrificed for children that may or may not appreciate the hard work and effort dedicated to them? How much does a person sacrifice to have and keep a relationship, that today maybe things are ok, but tomorrow, that other person may change their mind and can destroy the other person’s heart, and even break a home in a wild and/or selfish moment? Is it worth it?

The issue is that good and bad things are fought for, and everything has a price. And in the end, maybe people wind up completely empty-handed, losing everything they have fought for. They lose what they sacrificed, and they lose what they fought for. Things can end up being very empty and incomplete. And, even though everything may turn out fine, death ends everything. We can’t take anything with us, neither money, nor degrees, or a marriage, etc. We leave the same way we arrived: with absolutely nothing. This is what faith in God is about, as what we read in today’s passage. When we put our faith in God, completely, without reservations, like Abraham did (the father of faith), you fight for that faith that will not leave you empty-handed. On the contrary, you will obtain the forgiveness of your sins, eternal life, and probably many other things; things that neither this world, nor anyone or anything in it can give you. Everything that you see with your eyes will one day pass, but God remains forever, and all who faithfully put their faith in God will also remain forever. Faith in Christ is worth fighting for! For it is written: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. When you truly believe God, His promises, and what He teaches in His Word; you fight for Him, just as Abraham did. Abraham was not cold or lukewarm in his faith (as many Christians are today, that allow themselves to be deceived, manipulated, turning into the puppets of their own lust, including Satan). Abraham lived with his eyes set more on the Invisible One than on what was here. It is all for God’s glory, but we would not have any hope if it wasn’t for Abraham’s determined faith, the one God called “friend”.

The end is this: If you say you believe in God, then follow Him faithfully (not just in words, or letting yourself be manipulated by this world, by their opinions, and delights). Because: “…without faith it is impossible to please Him…” Faith is not spoken; it’s lived, and it should be lived fully in every area of our lives. So then, do you have a living faith? Lord bless! John

Living By Faith

Based on Romans 3:21-31 (New King James Version)

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.”

In today’s passage, there are very basic things to be learned, and they are fundamental in being able to understand God completely, His Word, and our existence. The first point to understand (that is not mentioned here, but is fundamental so the rest can make sense) is that we are nothing without God. For our existence to have meaning, we need to understand that a Creator exists and that we need Him. The creation is nothing without its Creator. We are an incomplete work if the Creator does not form part of the center of our lives. Human beings cannot complete themselves, and the creation cannot complete itself. We can try to look for our fullness in money, in power, in fame, in material things, but nothing can fill the void that only God can fill. If you don’t understand this, you will live an incomplete life, without real meaning, and of course, you will lose the opportunity for eternal life that God does want to give you.

The other thing that is related to the beginning is that you cannot save yourself. There are no works that you can do on your own that can take you to a place only God can. Sin makes it impossible for man to save himself. And, how can we reach something that we have no dominion or control over? You can’t deal with sin on your own (which does exist because it’s real, affecting your present and your eternity). You can never be good enough on your own. Like we mentioned last week, sin created the destiny of hell for every human being, and no human being can break with their own destiny. The physical world cannot affect or challenge spiritual things, things that are beyond our reach. The only thing that can break something like destiny is an element (or a person) that is stronger than the spiritual environment (only God). So then, because of our sin, each human being falls short of the glory of God, completely excluded from God’s kingdom; unless God Himself interferes with what was established, breaking universal laws. So, if you have no power over sin, which is what determines that you go to hell, then logic would dictate that you need to depend on something greater than sin, greater than destiny, and hell itself—God. And here is where today’s passage comes into focus.

God through Jesus Christ broke all of the established laws to change our destiny in its entirety, breaking the cycle, being able to change the course of your existence. But what is necessary is that you truly establish your life on something more than just a religion—instead; on a Person, on the person of God. Christ Jesus is the only one that can give you eternal life. Faith in Christ, believing in Christ, is what begins to open the door to salvation. For it is written: “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:17. “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for ‘the just shall live by faith.’” Galatians 3:11. We are also taught the following: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. If you don’t put your faith in God, really believing in Him, in what He can do for you, you will never attain the eternal life He wants to give you. You must believe in Him, and believe what He tells you through His Word. So then, there is nothing without faith. Everything else is useless.

Faith is necessary for something critical, so that you are able to truly fulfill the Law. Faith cannot just take you to know and believe what God has done for you, but also, it must take you to believe in such a way that love for God can be born. This is what allows for the law to be fulfilled through faith: by loving God. For it is written: “Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you—‘a land flowing with milk and honey.’ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:1-9. What has always been, ever since the beginning, is that we must love God with everything we are, with our whole being. Love towards God is what should produce all the other things that should happen in our lives. Love towards Him must be the root of our lives and the reason for why we do what we do. Without loving God, we will never fulfill the law of God in us through Jesus Christ. This is what the Word teaches us: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:3-4. Loving God produces obedience towards God, the desire to do those things that please Him, and at the same time, are of blessing to our lives. When you love God, everything else starts falling into place.

So then, are you living by faith, learning to love God? Lord bless! John

Understanding God's Grace

Based on Romans 3:1-20 (New King James Version)

“What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: ‘That You may be justified in Your words, and may overcome when You are judged.’ But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world? For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? And why not say, ‘Let us do evil that good may come’?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just. What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one.’ ‘Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they have practiced deceit’; ‘The poison of asps is under their lips’; ‘Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.’ ‘Their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known.’ ‘There is no fear of God before their eyes.’ Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

I have some bad news, and some good news. The bad news is: that today’s message will be difficult for egos and pride. The good news is: if you can triumph over your ego and deal with your pride, and are able to understand what God has given you through Jesus Christ, this can open doors for you to a much greater and different view.

Here is where the difficult part starts. Most of us are not special. We do not come from a sensational spiritual background, per se. I think most of my readers are not Jewish (as far as I know). And for those that cling on to messianic teachings, that they are part of a distant Jewish lineage, I should tell you that you have the same pagan background as the rest of the gentiles (those of us that are not Jews). Even further, to those that try to glory in or feel special because of having certain distant Jewish roots, I should unfortunately tell you that you are part of the Jews that abandoned Judaism and their God, and that joined pagans, being absorbed by the pagan religions and practices of different nations; possibly even Satan worship and demon worship. So then, this puts us most us with ancestors that were not that good. And well, as pagans and gentiles, and according to the Scriptures, we were foreign to the things of God before Christ, completely separated from the plans of God and most Biblical promises. During Old Testament times, we the gentiles had no hope, because our true destiny was hell (that’s why as Christians, we should not believe or follow things related to destiny). Whether we like it or not, the Jewish people were God’s elect; not the gentiles (even though they were not perfect either). Have a little more patience, please.

Why was it like this? Because if we are honest, and even now, during the dispensation of God’s grace through Jesus Christ, we still continue being very hard and sinful. The Word teaches us this: “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5. Sin forms part of our very fiber, our being. There is no avoiding it. That’s why sicknesses, physical imperfections, death, etc. exist. We live with this evil in our being. And as such, the hardness and rebellion of our heart manifests itself. For example: “Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20. God starts looking for us since we came out of our mother’s womb. Our breath of life came from God, not from science or from ourselves. God started talking to us since we opened our eyes and started seeing the light of day, the heavens, the sun, the moon, all of creation. God went looking for us each dawn, each instant our lungs fill with air. Our heart beats “involuntarily” because God allows it and sustains it. All of creation, starting with ourselves, speaks to us about God and His power and love. However, each of us have been, or maybe, still are so hard that we don’t perceive Him, His presence, and we even question His existence, His goodness, and power. Maybe you got to the Lord when everything you trusted was destroyed or fell apart. Like Paul, who was persecuting the Lord through the Christians he would jail, punish, and even forced to blaspheme against their faith in God, until he arrived at that moment when God encountered him suddenly, throwing him off his horse, leaving him blind and fragile, destroying his human power, his security, and his pride. With me personally, the Lord allowed for my family to be dissolved, taking my stability, and affecting my health so I would be able to listen and lift my eyes up to heaven, while still being a child. Sincerely speaking, I would not have listened if it were otherwise. And well, there are many, even though they may think themselves as being good people, that still don’t see the light, hardened in their flesh, in their sin, in their human pride, etc. We are hard people! And, no one is good!

But, here comes the good stuff. Despite our past, and our sinful reality, God did give us the grace of being saved from our sins through Jesus Christ, breaking our destiny completely, giving us eternal life. For it is written: “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10. So then, neither Jew or gentile matters anymore. What matters is that we appreciate what God has done for us, by looking for Him because He is truly good. For it is written: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10. In Christ Jesus, we become a new creation for good works, if we repent from our sins, making Jesus the Lord and King of our lives, following Him faithfully until He comes again for us.

When you truly understand God’s grace, you will value what has been given to you and the opportunity you have. So then, do you really understand who you are, and what God’s grace truly is? Lord bless! John

God Hates Hypocrisy

Based on Romans 2:17-29 (New King James Version)

“Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,’ as it is written. For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.”

 Today’s message is simple, but certainly the most challenging. This deals with a person’s most intimate side, and we all have this capacity (some more than others): to be a hypocrite. Because unfortunately, we all have a certain type or measure of hypocrisy. What makes this type of message very difficult is that it is very hard to admit something like this. If you call someone a hypocrite, I don’t think they will take it too well. The good news is that we can all change this, little by little. And, God is the most interested of all to end this evil, because he hates it. He will try through all means necessary to remove this issue little by little, through His Word, and through circumstances. This is one of the main goals of the process of sanctification: eliminating hypocrisy.

The first point: We all have it. Hypocrisy is synonymous, or directly related to lying and deceit; to help provide some clarity. The Bible says: …let God be true but every man a liar… Romans 3:4, and, “‘…All men are liars.’” Psalm 116:11. It is also written: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9. So then, unfortunately, that sums it up well for all of us.

With every evil, it is necessary to know how to identify it and define it, particularly in our own life. And this is what makes it very difficult. No one likes to admit that they have a problem, and especially something that sounds this bad. Many things can happen. Either the person tries to justify themselves by saying: “maybe I have some, but not that much,” or someone starts changing their focus from themselves to someone else, seeing that other people have this problem, but not them. Or simply, they avoid it. They think that by just leaving things alone without resolving them, that somehow, things will get fixed on their own; or by blinding themselves to the truth that the wrong will disappear somehow. It’s like the liar that brainwashes himself with: “It’s not a lie if I believe it”. The issue is that justifying ourselves does not fix anything, nor focusing on other people does it make it better, nor avoiding the problem. And finally, the only one you deceive when you brainwash yourself with your own lie is you.

Now, let’s see the different ways that possibly this very evasive problem can reveal itself. There are people that exaggerate smaller problems, thereby demanding more perfection without them demanding the same from themselves, o committing bigger wrongs then what they are accusing other people of. The Bible gives this example: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Lucas 7:1-5.

There are other folks that accuse others to hide their own problems, or they make like they care about something, but they are more focused on their own interests. The Bible gives this example: “Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.” John 12:3-6.

There are people that try to give an appearance of holiness and perfection that does not exist, but instead, there are hidden things that only God can see. The Lord confronted them in this manner: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:27-28.

And well, there are those that say or desire to do something, but when the time comes, they do something completely different. And the Scriptures give us this example: “Peter answered and said to Him, ‘Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!’ And so said all the disciples.” Matthew 26:33-35. And if we remember the story, all of them, except John, abandoned Him.

There can be more examples, but I think you get the general problem and how it shows itself. If you have a problem visualizing, I would suggest that you take an event in your life and see it like if you were a spectator, like if you were watching a movie where you are the main character. Do you like what you see? God doesn’t like any of it, and desires for each person to change through His Son Jesus, because He knows that each person can change and be transformed, if they legitimately make Him the Lord of their life. The Lord makes treasures out of things that are not so valuable. Do you want to change and be different? Lord bless! John

The Works of the Heart

Based on Romans 2:1-16 (New King James Version)

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,  who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds’: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”

I heard this once in a movie I saw some years ago and it was well engraved in me (obviously), “Why is the only real source of power—without it you are powerless.” There are many things that people do out of custom.  They are people that just react.  Others think, but only up to a certain point.  And there is a select group of people that do things with premeditated intentions, for better or for worse.  However, what God cares about the most is the “why” they do or do not do things.  And moreover, God bases everything on the why or the intention.

One of the things that is most commonly applied today to understand the why or the intention of people is psychology.  Psychology, as a field of study related to the self-conscience started in 1879, when Wilhelm Wundt founded the first laboratory dedicated exclusively for the study of psychology in Leipzig, Germany. Wundt was the first to refer to himself as a psychologist.  This so-called science is relatively new, but many, even professing Christians, so called experts in the Scriptures, and theologians not only study psychology, but they have intimately intertwined it with the things of God.  Having studied some psychology myself as a basic studies requirement in college, I was able to understand certain aspects that do not agree with Biblical principles.  And this mainly involved free will and the responsibility for our actions.

Yes, it is true that our environment can influence our decisions together with our experiences, but it is not entirely the reason why a person does or does not do something; what defines the “why” or the “intention” of a person.  There is a big Biblical problem with something that takes away the responsibility for someone’s actions.  In the majority of times, it is very convenient to blame someone or something so that there is no feeling of remorse or guilt, for starters.  Many excuses can be made.  In the fall of man at the garden of Eden, we can see the first example: Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, and the serpent had no one else left to blame.  It is possible for there to be mental problems, but in the majority of cases, the majority of people can exercise their free will to do or not to do something, even those atrocities that are attributed to mental problems.  People today should assume the reality of their responsibility, and should not blame Satan so much, others, etc.

Now, what does this have to do with today’s passage?  Paul teaches regarding judgment relating to what the Lord said: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5. It’s important to see if there is hypocrisy, and judgment with condemning, but even beyond that, what is the reason they are doing it, or not doing it?  For example, there are people that say that they don’t like to judge anyone, not necessarily because they’re good people, or because they have a high level of forgiveness, but rather, they hypocritically don’t do it so their own evil does not come into the light.  Most of the time, there is always a very different reason to the act itself.  The Lord says this regarding deceit: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9-10.

One of the things that each person should do is study themselves, study the reason for why they do things (the why). The Lord warns in this manner: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:21-23. The Word also says this: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. So, even though someone may do incredible things, they don’t always do them for the right reasons, or, they don’t do the good God desires; when a good intention is joined to a good action. And the only way the two can meet is when God is really loved (first), and when a neighbor is loved (second). Otherwise, a true good intention cannot exist, and the why is just a wrong covered by an apparent good action. Whatever a person does, what matters the most is the intent of the heart, if that intention is focused on God. So then, is the work of your heart good or evil? If it is evil and you wish to change it, you can choose to change it in Christ. Lord bless! John

The Risk of Refusing to Believe

Based on Romans 1:16-32 (New King James Version)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ.” Bonhoeffer was a German Christian preacher with incredible convictions. After Hitler rose to power, and while he lived comfortably in the United States, he decided to leave both his position at Union Theological Seminary in New York and his fiancée, to return to Nazi Germany. He was imprisoned for two years because he was accused of plotting to assassinate Hitler. When he returned to Germany, he said, “I have come to the conclusion that I made a mistake in coming to America. I must live through this difficult period in our national history with the people of Germany. I will have no right to participate in the reconstruction of Christian life in Germany after the war if I do not share the trials of this time with my people.” He was killed just two weeks before the United States freed the camp where he was imprisoned. What would drive a person like Bonhoeffer to do something so drastic for his faith in Christ?

Bonhoeffer was of a similar mind as the Apostle Paul. Neither man was ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and neither of them had any issue challenging world powers because of it. Paul preached the Gospel during a time when Caesar (the supreme leader of the Roman Empire) thought of himself as god, and it was law to proclaim him as lord. Bonhoeffer did not have a problem to leave the comfort of the United States and his beloved fiancée to face head on Adolf Hitler and his war machine because of his love for God and for the Gospel in Germany. And both men died for their faith in the Lord.

The faith that God teaches us through His Word is something that should shake our very existence. It has the power to change any human, any group of people, and even, a world empire, if they allow for it to work in their lives. It is the most liberating power known to mankind; God’s awesome grace which allows for the sins of man to be forgiven forever. Yet, despite the eternal love and liberating power God has for mankind through His Son Jesus Christ, it is not valued as such. As so-called Christians, many teach a “cheap grace” as Bonhoeffer mentioned. God’s grace is taken incredibly lightly, and the responsibility and implications that come with the Truth of God. People are taught commonly (and of course, many cling on to it because it is convenient) not to worry about repentance; not to worry about following and obeying God. These things are taken as optional or not necessary. There is no regard for discipleship (which means to follow Christ, in obedience and lifestyle). The theology that is preached today involves ease and human love (which evades the Truth of God).

And in conjunction with this, there are those that hear the Gospel, but harden their hearts to it, dismissing God and His teachings. They would rather cling on to so-called science and human knowledge then understanding who God is and what He wants to share with them (which is nothing less than pure good). It is becoming quite common today to see God as something of the past, like a superstition or ancient belief that belongs to the weak-minded, the intellectually incapable, and to poor and underdeveloped groups of people. We are living in times where the majority of people don’t take God seriously; both professing believers and unbelieving people. There is a problem that arises with all of this.

For both groups, there is something that needs to be made clear, for your own good (since this is what God truly wants for you). There is a truth in the Bible that is misunderstood: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” Psalm 103:8. God is in fact very merciful and gracious, but “slow to anger” does not mean that His anger will never come. God patiently waits, giving people the opportunity to understand and to convert. But, there is a limit to his mercy and grace. There is a breaking point; even for Him. And here is where the balance of our passage today comes in. In short, if you refuse to see God for who He is, and acknowledge Him and His ways, He will give you up to what you want. He will give you up to everything that is contrary to Him. After all, if you refuse to believe in Him, and follow life (eternal life), then that is the only fair thing to do. That’s ultimately what a rebellious person desires—to do what they want. But the problem with that is that there is no life outside of God. There is no true intelligence. There is no wisdom. There is no love. Outside of God, there is only death and destruction; sooner or later. “For the wages of sin is death…” Romans 6:23a. And, even if you don’t do those things that displease God, but yet, support the people that do them, then you are just as guilty. What’s wrong is wrong, no matter who does it and/or who supports it, and the reasons they might brainwash themselves with for doing either. There is truly a risk for refusing to believe as we should. So, are you really believing and following the Truth of God, no matter what? Lord bless! John

God's Desire to See Fruit

Based on Romans 1:8-15 (New King James Version)

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.”

Michael Jordan once said, “In any investment, you expect to have fun and make money.” Not only is Michael Jordan one of the greatest basketball players the game has ever seen, but he is also a pretty savvy businessman. His natural athletic talent gave him the ability to make a large amount of money as an athlete, but his business making decisions is what has made him one of the wealthiest super star athletes; currently worth approximately about $1.2 billion. Not bad for a Brooklyn-born, North Carolina-raised middle class young man, right? I guess it is fair to say that he knows a little bit about business, despite other challenges he may have had.

I would think it is pretty safe to say that everyone wants to see some sort of yield from things they invest in (and maybe have some fun along the way). I don’t think anyone wants to lose on anything. If a couple buys a house, I think they would like for the value of that property to grow over time. Just like the person that decides to invest in stocks. There are folks that make different investments, not just in money. People invest time and energy into relationships such as marriage. Parents invest into their children, for many years; and yes, quite a lot of money as well (especially if it involved a university education). Good companies invest in their employees, especially on those employees they would like to keep for the long time. Professional sports teams invest in players, sometimes incredible sums of money, with the idea that those players will help their team grow, perform, and of course, win championships. Every single investor, no matter who they are and in what they invest, even if it is a personal love relationship, they would hope that something good comes out of what they are investing in. Do you like to lose?

Believe it or not, God has expectations as well. Even though He has given us so many things out of pure love, including the life of His only begotten Son, Jesus, so that we could be saved, He does desire to see something in return; not out of obligation, but nonetheless, something good. The Lord gave us the following example: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” Matthew 25:14-30.

And here is where today’s passage comes in. Paul starts this passage with very strong feelings of admiration and joy towards the folks he is writing to. And because of these strong feelings, a great love has developed for them. These folks bring him joy. And not only that, he would also like to invest in them, so that they can grow even more, bearing more fruit. Fruit is imperative in the life of every believer. God’s grace through Jesus Christ is free, but He does desire for fruit to come forth from each of our lives. For it is written: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:1-2. “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:8. “Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.” Romans 7:4.

Not bearing fruit is a big a problem. Jesus gave us this example: “Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.’ Immediately the fig tree withered away.” Matthew 21:18-19. So, something good should be produced in our lives, and it should be for Him.

What is this fruit He wants? The Bible teaches us this: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23. God ultimately wants to see Himself in us in some sort of way, which is the miracle that occurs when we are regenerated through the work of the Holy Spirit in us; transformed to have God’s characteristics so we can be light in this dark and lost world. For our own good, we should inspect ourselves with the Word of God, so we can understand what is really happening in our lives. So, is God’s fruit being produced in your life? Lord bless! John

Transformation Through Obedience

Based on Romans 1:1-7 (New King James Version)

“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”

Watchman Nee once said, “Attempting to follow Him without denying the self is the root of all failures.” To be able to understand even better the book of Romans, we need to understand the writer (although all Scripture was inspired by God). The Apostle Paul was not always, the Apostle Paul. As a matter of fact, before converting to the Lord, he used to be Saul of Tarsus. As Saul, he was probably the worst enemy Christianity had at that moment. Paul shared a little bit of how he was in the following passage: “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” Acts 26:9-11. He didn’t do out of evil what he had done with the Church. Instead, he thought we was serving the God of his fathers by persecuting something that was seen as pagan and blasphemous; something that was going against his God.

The Bible gives an account of Paul’s conversion in this manner: “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do?’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’ And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” Acts 9:1-9.

What happened? Paul had an encounter with God. But not only that, something happening in Paul’s heart that changed completely the course of his life. He knew how to recognize and respect the One that he encountered. He was able to recognize God, as God should be acknowledged; as Lord. And not only did he call him Lord, but he obeyed Him as such. There were no questions. No discussion. Paul did not express his opinion at any moment. There wasn’t a, “Let me think about what you are asking me to do, and if it makes sense to me, then I’ll do it.” Even though he was a greatly reverenced man in his society, a political and religious authority, a man of power, and possibly, even of certain wealth, he had the capacity to respect the vision and to know that it was Someone of supreme authority. That it was not just some radiant light, but rather, it was Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. And this was enough to change the complete course of his life. At a key moment, he surrendered completely to the lordship of the Lord.

This is one of the main problems that Christianity has today, at least, the Christianity in developed countries. So-called Christians do not see God as God. A phenomenon has occurred that has minimized God in many people’s view. The Lord is seen as a savior, as a servant, or like a being that is almost like us. He is not seen as Lord, as God, as the one that is seated at the Righthand of God’s Throne, as His real title: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. The Lord is not respected. What is being preached commonly is a God that is subject to people’s spoiled ways, that He is subject to our opinions, that obeying Him is an option, and that His Word is a book of suggestions. I have heard so-called believers personally say when being a Biblical truth was being shared, “I don’t accept that!” And well, maybe many people don’t say it like that, but they yell it out with their actions; and even worse, they yell it to God. But, to most people’s detriment, obstinacy and human opinion do not dictate the course of the universe, and even less, they cannot turn God to their servant.

Jesus is our Savior. That’s why He came to the world. But, for there to be salvation, He cannot be recognized as Savior alone. He must be acknowledged and accepted as Lord. For it is written: “In fact, it says, ‘The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.’ And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:8-9. When you accept Him as the Lord of your life, He is the one that must take the reign and the authority in your life. You must surrender Him, 100%, so that you can belong to Him. Otherwise, you are only following a sad and poorly structured religion that will take you nowhere, no matter how much you brainwash yourself. God is nobody’s slave! And, God’s immense mercy cannot be confused for tolerance, o least of all, for approval.

The other truth is that surrendering your life to Christ is an obedience (because acknowledging Him as Lord is simply a reality, not a favor). For it is written: “You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth…” 1 Peter 1:22a. Obedience to God without reservation is fundamental and essential so that God can work in our lives. As it is also written: “So Samuel said: ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23a. And finally, the best advice that Mary, the Lord’s carnal mother left embedded in the Scriptures when referring to the Lord: “His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.’” John 2:5.

A person’s transformation can only occur through total obedience to the Lord. Without obedience, there is no salvation, no transformation, no promises; basically, there is nothing. So then, are you obeying God, being transformed daily? Lord bless! John

Promises Through the Process

Based on Micah 4 (New King James Version)

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it. Many nations shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and rebuke strong nations afar off; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. For all people walk each in the name of his god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever. ‘In that day,’ says the Lord, ‘I will assemble the lame, I will gather the outcast and those whom I have afflicted; I will make the lame a remnant, and the outcast a strong nation; so the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on, even forever. And you, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.’ Now why do you cry aloud? Is there no king in your midst? Has your counselor perished? For pangs have seized you like a woman in labor. Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, o daughter of Zion, like a woman in birth pangs. For now you shall go forth from the city, you shall dwell in the field, and to Babylon you shall go. There you shall be delivered; there the Lord will redeem you from the hand of your enemies. Now also many nations have gathered against you, who say, ‘Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.’ But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord, nor do they understand His counsel; for He will gather them like sheaves to the threshing floor. ‘Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion; for I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hooves bronze; you shall beat in pieces many peoples; I will consecrate their gain to the Lord, and their substance to the Lord of the whole earth.’”

Rick Warren once said: “Transformation is a process, and as life happens there are tons of ups and downs. It's a journey of discovery - there are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys of despair.” I think everyone likes to receive promises of blessings, of good things, and of future triumphs. Promises feed our hope, especially when we are going through difficult moments. We always want the promise of a better tomorrow, where everything will be resolved, and where the bad and ugly is left behind, forever. There are also promises of love, of feelings, and of care; when a couple promise each other eternal love when uniting in marriage. In a similar manner, when a new mother and father receive with love a new baby that enters the world; small, fragile, and defenseless; by promising to take care of and raise to the best of their abilities. Promises can give a lot of inspiration to continue moving forward. But, what is it that gives a promise some sort of credibility or validity that a person can put their trust in it? For a promise to have some sort of value to someone, the person that is making the promise must be considered; the factors that validate the person and the promise itself.

For example, in the bond of matrimony, what should be considered so someone can take seriously the promise of love the other person is giving? One of the first things that a person should consider of the person that makes the promise should be their character. What kind of a person are they? Are they a person that truly loves them, and if they know how to love? Is the person responsible, capable, well-intentioned, loyal, faithful, etc.? Are they trustworthy? There are many elements that are truly critical in the character of a person, especially to be able to put some sort of trust in them. And those qualities are not seen right away, but only through the passing of time. This is why many relationships fail, because trust is put on someone that does not have good character, or at minimum, they don’t possess the characteristics that are essential to having a good marriage. I don’t want to sound mechanical or cold, but the butterflies in the stomach don’t help very much, nor physical attraction, nor emotions that come and go depending on the circumstances. Together with love (the most important ingredient), there are other ingredients or essential characteristics that should be a part of the person so that some sort of trust can be put on them, so that a marriage can at least have a chance for survival.

The second thing that should be taken into account is the capacity of the person, or in other words, if they can truly fulfill what they are promising. Even though there may be the best intentions and characteristics in the other person, there are promises that cannot be fulfilled physically. For example, there are people that promise that they will always be there for the other person. This is actually impossible to do. There are times that the person can and will fail because they cannot always be at your side at every moment. There are moments where life gets complicated and people are left alone, per se, in a given moment and emotionally. Daily concerns many times create such a distraction that there is no time to talk, or to vent, etc. There are couples that are so absorbed by this life and its activities, that, as the years go by, people wind up being two strangers sleeping in the same bed. And quite possibly, there may have been good intentions, but that’s all they remain as; good intentions. We are very limited and in different aspects. The process of this life many times chokes out even the best intentions and feelings. Many things are dissolved with time. It’s like the sea that hits land; year after year, wave after wave, it continually erodes even the firmest of land masses.

Now, how does all of this work with today’s passage? Well, God’s promises can be taken very seriously by basing ourselves on the first point we saw: the character of God. God’s virtues are incomparable. God is love. God is faithful. God is merciful. God does not lie. God has given us many things without deserving them; among them, the most important: eternal salvation through His Son Jesus. God does not change; He has been, He is, and will always be the same. He is eternal. And well, God has an endless list of other qualities as the being He is that gives us many reasons to trust His promises. God also infinitely surpasses the other aspect: His capacity. He is God. He is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. In other words, He can be everywhere at the same time, He knows everything, and He can do anything. Basically, He has no limitations.

And the last point, while in route to receiving the promises that God has for those that love Him and look for Him, God desires to carry out a process of transformation in each human being. And this process means that we will go through difficult times, moments that will shake the very foundations of our lives, but with the goal to get rid of what does not have value, and create a treasure out of our lives. Fire is the only thing that cleans gold. So then, the process is part of the way to get to the promises, if we remain in Him, letting Him complete His work in us. So, are you willing to follow through with the process to be able to receive the eternal promises that only God can give and fulfill? Lord bless! John

The Consequences of Idolatry

Based on Ezekiel 23:1-30 (New King James Version)

“The word of the Lord came again to me, saying: ‘Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother. They committed harlotry in Egypt, they committed harlotry in their youth; their breasts were there embraced, their virgin bosom was there pressed. Their names: Oholah the elder and Oholibah her sister; they were Mine, and they bore sons and daughters. As for their names, Samaria is Oholah, and Jerusalem is Oholibah. Oholah played the harlot even though she was Mine; and she lusted for her lovers, the neighboring Assyrians, who were clothed in purple, captains and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding on horses. Thus she committed her harlotry with them, all of them choice men of Assyria; and with all for whom she lusted, with all their idols, she defiled herself. She has never given up her harlotry brought from Egypt, for in her youth they had lain with her, pressed her virgin bosom, and poured out their immorality upon her. Therefore I have delivered her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, for whom she lusted. They uncovered her nakedness, took away her sons and daughters, and slew her with the sword; she became a byword among women, for they had executed judgment on her. Now although her sister Oholibah saw this, she became more corrupt in her lust than she, and in her harlotry more corrupt than her sister’s harlotry. She lusted for the neighboring Assyrians, captains and rulers, clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding on horses, all of them desirable young men. Then I saw that she was defiled; both took the same way. But she increased her harlotry; she looked at men portrayed on the wall, images of Chaldeans portrayed in vermilion, girded with belts around their waists, flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like captains, in the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity. As soon as her eyes saw them, she lusted for them and sent messengers to them in Chaldea. Then the Babylonians came to her, into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their immorality; so she was defiled by them, and alienated herself from them. She revealed her harlotry and uncovered her nakedness. Then I alienated Myself from her, as I had alienated Myself from her sister. Yet she multiplied her harlotry in calling to remembrance the days of her youth, when she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt. For she lusted for her paramours, whose flesh is like the flesh of donkeys, and whose issue is like the issue of horses. Thus you called to remembrance the lewdness of your youth, when the Egyptians pressed your bosom because of your youthful breasts. Therefore, Oholibah, thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I will stir up your lovers against you, from whom you have alienated yourself, and I will bring them against you from every side: The Babylonians, all the Chaldeans, Pekod, Shoa, Koa, all the Assyrians with them, all of them desirable young men, governors and rulers, captains and men of renown, all of them riding on horses. And they shall come against you with chariots, wagons, and war-horses, with a horde of people. They shall array against you buckler, shield, and helmet all around. I will delegate judgment to them, and they shall judge you according to their judgments. I will set My jealousy against you, and they shall deal furiously with you; they shall remove your nose and your ears, and your remnant shall fall by the sword; they shall take your sons and your daughters, and your remnant shall be devoured by fire. They shall also strip you of your clothes and take away your beautiful jewelry. Thus I will make you cease your lewdness and your harlotry brought from the land of Egypt, so that you will not lift your eyes to them, nor remember Egypt anymore. For thus says the Lord God: ‘Surely I will deliver you into the hand of those you hate, into the hand of those from whom you alienated yourself. They will deal hatefully with you, take away all you have worked for, and leave you naked and bare. The nakedness of your harlotry shall be uncovered, both your lewdness and your harlotry. I will do these things to you because you have gone as a harlot after the Gentiles, because you have become defiled by their idols.’’”

John MacArthur once said: “A gospel that does not confront sin is not the gospel of Jesus Christ.” This is one of the greatest problems the Christian world has today: not confronting sin. This has been happening for a while where many Christian churches and leaders have been evading the calling out of sin, and acting against sin as they should. And well, many like what they are hearing also. The devil has been able to infiltrate very subtly his own gospel, guiding people to sin (because he cannot make you sin), or to miss the mark.

There is something we must be very clear on. Many times, we associate sin with things that appear to be terrible, such as killing someone. But the truth is that sin means “to miss the mark”. It means to not be exact. There is a precise point to get to, not a general area or place. This implies a certain perfection. For example, there are not many perfections of something. Perfection refers to something singular, unique, without comparison, exact. It’s the same as the truth. There are not many truths about something; either something is truth or a lie. And, both the exactness of perfection and truth do not depend on a perspective, but rather, perfection and truth are what they are in any place in the universe. In other words, God is perfect and the truth here on earth, on the planet Neptune, in other galaxies, in the spiritual world, other dimensions, etc. Therefore, Satan’s work is relatively simple: just to deviate things a little bit so he can persuade you to sin. So, if the perfection of the Gospel of Jesus Christ always confronts sin, in one way or another, how can something so important be discarded? For example, without repentance and conversion from sin, there can be no salvation. One of the greatest errors that have been preached from many pulpits and places is: to be saved, you just have to believe in Christ. That is not entirely true. There must be repentance and conversion from sins, or else, the entire ministry of John the Baptist was completely unnecessary, because John the Baptist was preparing the way for the Lord; John’s baptism or the baptism of repentance. If John would have not existed, then it would have not been time for the manifestation of the Messiah on earth for the salvation of men.

So, what does this have to do with today’s passage? We read of the fall of the people of God and the punishment that God would bring upon them (which did occur) because of their unfaithfulness to Him. Even though He had rescued them from Egypt, they went back and worsened their sin before God, putting their eyes and trust in things they shouldn’t, making idolatry of temporary things instead of always appreciating what He did for them, and keeping their eyes set on their God. When we forget God’s goodness, and we start to trust in other things, sooner or later, we will fall because of our own sin. Nothing should take the place of God in our lives! Neither family or loved ones, nor things of the world, etc. He always should have first place in our lives. Sinning is very simple; it’s simply losing focus on God and on what His Word teaches. It doesn’t mean that we will be perfect here, but for your own good, let God continue changing your life instead of accepting your current condition and excusing the sin that still dwells in your life. Never justify sin; neither your sin, nor being an accomplice to other people’s sin. Conquer in Christ, because you can and you must, by leaving any kind of idol (that which disturbs your walk in God). Are you trying to avoid the consequences of idolatry by confronting the sin in your life? Lord bless! John

Revival Comes with a Change in Heart

Based on Psalm 85 (New King James Version)

“Lord, You have been favorable to Your land; You have brought back the captivity of Jacob. You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin. Selah. You have taken away all Your wrath; You have turned from the fierceness of Your anger. Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your anger toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation. I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the Lord will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway.”

Do you feel quite troubled by your problems? Do you feel like there is no point to this life? Do you feel alone, even though you may be surrounded by people? You can’t enjoy life like you would like to? Do you feel empty inside? Do you feel like when you pray that your prayers are not going where they are supposed to? You don’t feel like praying or reading God’s Word very much? God doesn’t mean much to you these days? Well, this is common, and something can be done about it.

To start, one of the things that you must understand is that life should not be like that. There are many that ignore these problems thinking that this life cannot be perfect, and that this is normal. And of course, life here is not perfect, and it never can be either. But, you shouldn’t get used to things that are truly problems. You shouldn’t stay like that because it is critical that you fix it, for your own good. So then, the first step is recognizing that there is a problem. Because when you leave problems alone, they will not get fixed, but rather, they will get worse over time. Nothing gets fixed on its own. All problems need attention and action. What also must be kept in mind is that personal problems always become problems for everyone else. Every problem (big or small) affects the person that has the problem, and it will start to affect the people that surround them also. So then, you not only have to do something about it for your own good, but also, for the good of those that surround you.

Now then, the most important thing that must be seen is: the cause. What is it that makes us feel this way? The greatest challenge in being able to resolve a problem is being able to find the problem. And you can’t fix a problem by just dealing with the symptoms alone. For example, let’s suppose someone has strep throat (or a throat infection). The symptoms are very similar to influenza or a really bad cold. It comes with throat aches, fever, coughing, etc. Now, if the person takes things to treat the symptoms like cough syrups and pills to lower the fever and relieve headaches, all they are doing is just dealing with the symptoms, but they will never get better. The only way to deal with this sickness is by: visiting the doctor, doing different tests to see what is really happening, and to undergo treatment with strong antibiotics for many days. That’s the only way they will be healed. If a person keeps taking things to just alleviate symptoms, and that’s it, they will get worse with time, developing rheumatic fever, and possibly even death. But, all that can be avoided if they act, by getting to the root of the matter, and treating it effectively and energetically.

So then, what could the thing that causes some of these problems (or similar to them) that were mentioned at the beginning? Like it should be done with all things, it is necessary to be objective and sincere (and this is never easy because most people do not like being honest with themselves, preferring to lie to themselves). The Bible teaches this: “And God spoke all these words, saying: ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.’” Exodus 20:1-6. The greatest problem that exists in both the unbelievers and many so called “believers” is the problem of idolatry (everything that has priority over God). And this does not always involve statues or images, per se. By just simply putting our will before God’s will, we are committing the most contemptible of sins, before the eyes of God (I didn’t say this would be easy). God should be in first place in our lives. If the focus of your life is simply just you, or other things (whether they be your problems, worries, entertainment, etc.), then, those are idols. There are many gods, with different names, appearances, etc. And just in case, this is not the devil’s fault. The devil can tempt you, but he can never dethrone God in anyone’s life. That is your decision.

But, this can be changed. It is your decision. And here is where we can see God’s true love (not the love that has been falsely painted with the acceptance of sin, and abuse of God’s grace). For it is written: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. “Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy.” Micah 7:18. If there are problems in your life, that is what God uses to bring you closer to Him. Because God says this: “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.’” 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19. “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil.” Isaiah 1:16

Every personal revival starts with a change in heart, by seeing things just as they are, not excusing evil. God warns as follows: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” Isaiah 5:20. If you want a true change in your life, change the way you think and give first place to God, because that is the only way that you can attain the joy, peace, and happiness that all of us need, which never depends on our circumstances. Have you had a change of heart so you can have a true revival? Lord bless! John

Maintaining a Good Relationship with the Lord

Based on John 15:1-11 (New King James Version)

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. ‘I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. ‘As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. ‘These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.’”

Fred Brooks once said: “How does a project get to be a year late? One day at a time.” Time is something of great importance and value. The experts on money, finances, and business say: time is money. Everything takes time. Currently, it seems like days are shorter. It feels like there is less time than ever, like if the sun sets much faster than before. What is harder to deal with is that there is nothing that can stop it. There is no time machine so you can go back, or jump forward. Many things are done to try to avoid the effects of time, but nothing can be done. Days go by, and years are left behind, while we move forward to an inevitable end. Meanwhile, what are we doing with our days, while we are here in this world? I understand that we all have our obligations and responsibilities with our families, with our careers and jobs, with taking care of what we have, with our health, etc. Time flies between one thing and another. Everything requires time, and we dedicate time to a lot of things. There are some of us that need to work hard daily, to be able to pay our debts and bills. Money is not everything, but it is necessary for many things. And unfortunately, we cannot just live on air alone. There are those that don’t have to work anymore because they have already put in their time. But now, the clock runs differently for them. They start feeling those things that come with time, like wear and tear of the body, sicknesses, etc. It doesn’t matter how many surgeries or treatments people undergo trying to seem younger, or all the exercise and special diets they do, the organs last only so long, and science is very limited with many things. Not everything can be fixed today. And furthermore, it seems like things are ruined even more with medicine than the damage the actual sickness causes. If you don’t believe it, just watch a commercial that announces some sort of newer medication, that even the medication itself can cause death, potentially doing more harm than the sickness itself.

Where am I going with all of this? Our passage today encourages us to not only believe in the Lord, but to something deeper and with continuity; to remain in the Lord. We read clearly that having the benefit of the Lord in our lives does not just consist of a momentary decision taken at some point. Instead, it is necessary to remain in that decision continually. It is not just a matter of one day, but of a lifetime. Salvation is not just based on one moment, but also, on continually remaining in Him, doing those things that He advises and commands us to do for our own well-being, and so we can be of blessing for those that are around us. We should yield fruit so we can be pleasing to God! And if there is not fruit, in the very least, there is a serious problem, or even further, something very hard and unpleasant will happen in the future, where there is no blessing or eternity.

How should we remain in the Lord? Daily! The Word explains the following: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” Psalm 1. We see that the Scriptures teach us that it is a day and night type of thing—regularly. The Lord also clarified it as follows: “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’” Luke 9:23. So then, if we truly want to be blessed in God, and be able to yield the fruit He is looking for, we must remain in Christ, walking with Him daily. The Bible also teaches us that the way we can start fresh and new, without any weight of sin is by being in Christ, for it is written: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. You are a new creation when you are in Christ, remaining in Christ; not because of a prayer you did once upon a time and nothing else happened in your life after that.

And finally, the Lord teaches us the following: “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16-25. We must remain daily in the Lord, looking for Him regularly, and doing regularly what pleases Him; yielding much fruit. All good things, big and small, happen with the daily walk. So then, are you maintaining a good daily relationship with the Lord? Lord bless! John