Neither Affirm nor Condemn

Neither Affirm nor Condemn 

by David Brenneman 

"I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48.

"You shouldn't judge!"...a very very miss understood statement. Not at all what was meant by the Lord Jesus Christ. 

We shouldn't ever put ourselves in a position to decide who isn't worthy of salvation in Christ Jesus...that's what is meant by not judging.  

As to those in the body of Christ yes we are to deal with sins of the apparently unrepentant. Matthew 18 speaks to this. Jesus Himself is doing the teaching on this. In context He taught us to know people by their fruits. You have to have righteous discernment to properly evaluate, judge, those whom cross your path in life. 

Yesterday I had an unexpected experience with someone that caused me to immediately pray for the situation that I found myself in. Words were misunderstood that were spoken and the individual in question speaking to me was not showing any signs that they were being rational, anger was in their words even if they weren't aware of this.  

It was because of this situation that I learned of a breach of trust concerning someone else. Again, these are situations of knowing people by their fruits. Asking God for help in these situations reveals what we need to know in dealing with such things. It's on me to forgive even if the subject isn't spoken of again. It's not about judging them. To look at the fruits of both involved...I don't believe either is saved. As we read, so shall it be, God will judge those outside the Church. It's on me to pray for those who persecute me.  

Months ago we had an incident that hit very close to home. I was ready to mount a defense with one of the two parties it involved. Jesus spoke to me and said not to. That He knows the truth and He will deal with them. Little did I realize He was referring to this passage in 1 Corinthians 5.  

It's not easy stepping out of the way and praying for those meaning to do us harm, be it verbally or otherwise. This isn't to say that we shouldn't defend ourselves from personal physical attacks. Push comes to shove, I likely will introduce such a one to Jesus in a very personal way. 

We often do not realize that our demeanor and actions are our self-righteous desire to condemn someone to Hell rather than to see them saved. That's what our judging outsiders is doing. We don't have the authority to decide who is or is not fit for the kingdom of God. Regardless of what kind of human beings they are, what does the Scriptures say? Jesus came that all might find salvation in Him. Including the likes of Hitler, Stalin, every single mass murder in human history. People whom the world even would condemn to go to Hell, Christ died for. 

Jesus prayed for those who put Him on the cross. Yet people today won't pray for those who have done them wrong in word or deed. 

People readily become Pharisees in deciding who isn't being a Christian without looking to the truth of the Scriptures to see if things are so with regards to what's going on. 

We aren't to affirm nor condemn people who are decidedly living in sin. Praying for them will do everything our words and actions could ever accomplish. 

Nobody can stop the effectual work of the Spirit of God in their lives. Either by way of making them see and understand their need to be saved in Christ Jesus or to show them their utter sinfulness that is leading them to Hell. Nobody in Hell was sent there by Jesus. Those in Hell chose to reject Jesus Christ and sent themselves there.  

We should be mindful of praying for those who persecute us. I have seen the Spirit go places that I could not.  

Taking a stand for what the Bible says can and often does get you into a heap of trouble. Having had a coworker intent on a blatant life in sin trying to require people to use their personal pronouns, this got to me in a personal way. It certainly was the Spirit of God who'd protected my speech to keep me from troubles in this. It wasn't my place to condemn him. He was outside the Church, obviously, so it's on Jesus to deal with him. It is on me to still pray for him regardless.  

Many feel the need to try the eye for an eye approach to dealing with anyone. Reading what Jesus said...that's not how to do life.  

Many want to self isolate. Shun such people. Guess what. That's what the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, many Levites, priests, did. Look at the parable of the Good Samaritan.  

My Dear Reader, if you decide in the heat of the moment, who is or isn't worthy of the love of God, you are sitting in judgment, you are trying to take God's place in deciding their eternal future. 

We are to be lights in the world. We aren't responsible for how that light is received. We aren't to hide it.  

Jesus said that we are blessed when people are persecuting us for obeying God. 

Another point is a favorite of mine. 

I would rather stand with Jesus and be judged by the world than to stand with the world and be judged by God. 

You have a daily choice to make.  

You can pray for those who persecute you or you can sin yourself and try to decide their fate. 

Jesus said what He said to guide us into His righteousness. To develop His character in our lives. Jesus didn't condemn the woman caught in adultery. He didn't chase off or rage against the Samaritan woman. He didn't run off those with leprosy. He didn't do what most feel the need to do today.  

Jesus prayed. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

Why Do You Do What You Do?

Why Do You Do What You Do?

by David Brenneman 

"For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10.

"For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts." 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4.

"not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free." Ephesians 6:6-8.

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality." Colossians 3:23-25.

"There's no way that you can keep from being conformed to the world unless you are being transformed by the renewing of your mind." Ray Stedman

Why DO you pursue what you do? 

Why ARE you excited about the things that you are excited about?

How much of those things are going to make you learn more of what it means to be more like Christ? Some of it? Parts of it? All of it? None of it?

Where you are intentionally taking our mind to tells whether you are being conformed to the world or transformed by the renewing of your mind.

That quote really tells the story of our thoughts and intentions. Interestingly enough...where have we read about thoughts and intentions?

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." Hebrews 4:12-13.

These very Scriptures, the very Word of God, that this passage refers to says exactly what kind of accountability we will be taken to in standing before Jesus one day. 

Long ago people made a joke of the attention span of a dog. In less than a second many dogs can go from docile, calm, well behaved to running after a squirrel. Throwing everything into instant chaos. 

In this war of the mind of man, we have the exact same problem between our wants and desires and being intentional on living the life in Christ that He desires for us.  

We may indeed need to sacrifice our wants and desires in order to be in training in righteousness for the work of God in Christ Jesus that He's planned out for us to be doing for Him. 

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21.

The Christian life is an intentional life. We have 4 Gospels to describe this intentional life. We have a set of books after them that expound upon those Gospels and provide both examples and instructions on living life in Christ that He desires for us.  

So what are you doing about it? Are you at all attempting to take up your own cross to follow Jesus?

Are you one of those who are pursuing life as God wants of you or are you only giving God your leftover few minutes here and there? Not remotely putting your heart into what He's desiring for you, not considering that you are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that you might walk in them. 

Considering what all the whole armor of God is to do and protect, doesn't that imply there's a special specific plan to go with that for the bearer of that armor? People easily recognize that a man or woman in a space suit is going to be doing something in space. Someone dressed in overalls and on a working farm is probably going to be doing farm work. Someone wearing a chef's garment is probably going to be creating meals.   

So look at how you are dressed for the day. Are you dressed for, both spiritually and mentally, for the environment that He is taking you to? Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus. Accurately handling the Word of God. Being transformed by the renewing of your mind in Christ. Not being conformed to this world. 

I will readily admit that some of my Bible studies maxes out my brain. But that's not a bad thing. Anyone can veg out doing nothing beneficial. There's times when I do that too. Atypically it can be a path to future troubles. Planting seeds of doubt or seeds of sinful opportunities. As that quote said...we are either being conformed or transformed.  

Realize that your sin nature as well as whatever has been permitted by God, the sinful suggestions by Satan and his companions...these are not going to leave you alone.

We are going to face such things every day. Being intentional on being transformed helps mitigate whatever is trying to dig into our hearts and minds. 

You have before you the path of life in Christ and the path of the world. 

You can't pursue both at the same time. In the Gospels we read of the intentionality of Jesus to set aside His desires to live out life in a way that showed full obedience to His Father in Heaven.

Literally lives are at stake.  

Literally our obedience in living life in Christ hastens His return. 

We don't know who that last person is who will say yes to salvation in Christ will be. But whomever it is will only know of that free gift of salvation because of the obedience of someone to live life in Christ in such a way that they saw their good works and glorified our Father in Heaven.

What you do, what you go after in life, should absolutely include your transformation into the person in Christ that He's making you to be.

If you're one who struggles with understanding, ask Him for help. The Bible says that if anyone lacks wisdom they are to ask of God who gives it freely to all who ask. 

Jesus conquered sin, death and the grave in order to provide salvation to all who would believe.  

Take stock of what is driving you to do what you are doing.  

Temporary sacrifices now yield eternal rewards later. Keep your eyes on the prize.  

Are you not realizing that you're not going to hear "Well done!" from Jesus if you're only trying to get by in life by doing the bare minimum?

Think long and hard about your why's that are your life.  

Why do you do what all it is you are doing?

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

Conformed or Transformed

Conformed or Transformed 

by David Brenneman 

"There's no way that you can keep from being conformed to the world unless you are being transformed by the renewing of your mind." Ray Stedman.

I know not whom this person is other than he was quoted by Dr. David Jeremiah in his devotional book that I am going through. However the point is spot on. 

You both influence others and are being influenced by others every single day. What you allow yourself to be influenced by is mostly in your hands and by your decisions that you make. 

You choose to go this place or that place or to stay where you are. Within these decisions you make or follow a train of thought. While you are awake you have a hand in the direction of your life by your words, thoughts and actions. Sometimes circumstances are beyond our control. However, Biblically speaking, nothing is beyond the control of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  

It's a very singular rarity that a mind isn't either being influenced by the world or isn't being renewed day by day in the Lord. 

Medical reasons are among those. 

Part of the woes of many Believer's are in their not taking their walk with Jesus seriously. They don't realize that you can't grow spiritual muscles by only praying over food, when they remember to, and going to Church one or twice a week.  

No athlete would ever be considered an athlete if they talked to their coach only under certain conditions and only attempted to work out for a few hours on a single day of the week. 

That's what many have done to their walk with Jesus.  

They strive not to take every thought captive in any sense of the word. 

They look not at the value of spending time daily in the Word of God and in prayers that go beyond that of food and shelter. 

These people are some of the best that Satan's not needing to even mess with because they think they're doing ok as a Christian.  

But then again...we need to understand what the will of God for us is. 'What would Jesus do?' was a very much over used catch phrase several decades ago.  

Yet in these things about living lives daily, Jesus DID say something about it in the book of Revelation. 

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ” Revelation 3:14-22.

Jesus isn't anything less than the Creator, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Savior of the world. Yet many professing Christians relegate Him to the lowly status of a butler, a bodyguard, someone to call 911 to when the desires of their hearts get them in trouble. 

In Romans 12:1,2 we read: "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

Further we read "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4.

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds." Matthew 16:24-27.

When we come to Christ we don't just get saved from the wrath to come. We don't just go to Heaven rather than Hell. We are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. We are adopted into the family of God. We are Ambassadors for Christ in this world. We are to grow in respect to the salvation we have in Christ Jesus. We are to take any and every avenue that works for us to grow in Christ and to learn however we can from the Spirit of God who will teach us all things. 

It has been a hard thing to watch organizations and people coming after Alistair Begg, some even calling for him to repent of his advice to a Grandmother. Attempting to silence him until he does. That's where an earlier post got its title of modern day Pharisees. People claiming to be Christians who have certain lost their way and whom are not living in the light of Jesus Christ nor do they know His Word. 

I have written about and posted a picture of the materials that I go through each evening. I choose the renewing of the mind route in Christ. I have had to discover how I learn. I had to teach myself how to study because I couldn't find anyone to teach me how to. For me. I heavily use the search function of an Bible app to fill in the gaps of parts of verses that I remember or call to mind. Sometimes it's Google. Decades ago I cried out to God in my frustration over not being able to memorize the Scriptures like others do. His answer said that He did give me Google lol.

I had to decide what was going to feed my mind or leach my mind. All of us must choose what we are going to do with regards to the rest of our lives in Christ. 

My Dear Reader if you call yourself a Christian...live out your life in Christ to the fullest measure.  

You must choose who you too will serve. As the Scriptures say as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.  

Philippians 4:8-9 says "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." 

You choose but your choice has consequences. You will stand before Jesus one day to give an account of your life before Him. 

What will your life show?

You will either show conformity to the world or transformation in Christ Jesus. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

What Should We Be Doing?

What Should We Be Doing?

by David Brenneman 

"Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14.

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2.

"He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8.

"Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.”" Luke 3:8-14.

"Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." Romans 13:11-14.

It's easy to be a glutton and without restraint discipline will never come. 

It's extremely easy to go along with the world in whatever is offered today. We have whole psychology courses on the subject. How to manipulate people and get what you want. It's all in how you ask the question. It's oh so easy to take the easy road and not the more difficult, more beneficial, harder road.

People don't see what manipulation by the masses is about until its maybe too late. Not even seeing that what has transpired never had God's blessings on it.  

The Scriptures say not to be wise in your own estimation but to understand what the will of God for you is to be in Christ Jesus. 

Extremists exist in various so-called churches. Only use this Bible and nothing else. Only dress this way. Only sit where you're told. Only sing particular songs. Only pray this way. Don't associate with these people. Don't this and don't that. 

This is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus: your sanctification. 2 Thessalonians 4:3a.

We are to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to this world. Not hide it under a basket. Not to decide who gets that light and who doesn't deserve that light. We aren't to sit in the judgment seat and decide the fates of mankind. We are not God. 

We aren't to shun those in the world. As it was written: "I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.

Any legitimate version of the Bible that you understand and pray over is ok to use. You should at least do your homework and choose a version that is accurate and hasn't been added to nor has had things taken away. 

Jesus cares about the souls of people and how they dress matters not.  

Jesus once told the Pharisees to go and learn what this means: I desire obedience not sacrifice.  

We are in such a saturated culture everywhere that proposes that anything is game. Do what you want, when you want, no accountability.  

Being truthful with you, how seriously are you taking the life in Christ that He's desiring to have with you? Have you fallen into any of the traps of the world that you read earlier in this post? They are traps and fall under legalism. The Pharisees realistically taught legalism. They had more rules added to the Law than the Law itself was long.  

Charles Stanley's Life Principle: obey God and leave the consequences to Him is founded in Christ's teaching to the Disciples.  

You can't expect to fight the good fight as Paul wrote of his own life if you aren't working out spiritually. One hour a week isn't a workout in anybody's circle for anything.  

We pour way too much of our time, energy and effort into the world's thoughts concerning our successes and failures than a single thought from God on the subject. 

There's always an excuse. A well rehearsed reason for not walking in Christ as we ought to be. We easily choose the cynical route. Choose to accept defeat rather than to fight because we're spiritually unfit to fight.  

How do you love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit, how do you love your neighbor as yourself, if you aren't learning what that means and are practicing it?

Jesus came to seek and save the lost...He went all over Israel to do so. Post resurrection stories tell of Jesus visiting various Indian tribes and other cultures before ascending to Heaven. 

When Jesus does reach out to you, do you withdraw or do you reach back out to Him? When He speaks do you listen or are you quick to change the subject?  

Hopefully you have believed to the point of salvation through Jesus Christ. Having believed in Jesus, do you strive to live an approved life unto God because of all He did to save you? Jesus told a truthful parable on the things people were given that they would be giving an account of some day. What have you done with what you have been given? If you believed unto salvation then you should believe that there is a day we will stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives before Him. The thoughts, intentions and deeds we had all tried by fire.

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,

Striving to please Him in all that I do;

Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,

This is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,

For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;

I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;

My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Sheltered lives we aren't to lead. Going where sent, speaking as directed by the Spirit, obeying in all that we do, learning to walk in the character of Christ.  

Pray about your spiritual eyes. Ask for you to see things, understand things, as Jesus sees them concerning your life. Make whatever changes you know you need to be doing to grow spiritually stronger. Make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts, its desires. Walk in a manner worthy of the gospel. Don't expect most to understand.  

What are you to be doing? I think you already have an idea. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.  

Modern Day Pharisees

Dangers of Modern Pharisees 

by David Brenneman 

'Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2.

"Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12:6-8.

Your life is the sum of the responses you have made toward God. Once God makes Himself known to you, what you do next is your decision. Your reaction reflects what you believe about Him - Blackaby on Matthew 19:22. 'The rich young ruler'.

Seems as though we're not done with our consideration of that thought from Blackaby. 

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9.

"for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." Romans 11:29.

Do you see where all this leads? A life in Christ is to be lived to the best of our abilities with whatever Spiritual gifts we have had bestowed upon us not to our glory but to the glory of Him who saved us who is Christ the Lord. 

We are to remind ourselves daily by being in the Word of God of our need to honor everything that Jesus did for us.  

Since our lives are a sum of our responses to God in our lives, should not we strive to listen and obey? Shouldn't we do more to take our will and set it aside?

It's really sad to consider that flavors are in the world today of the Pharisees and Sadducees...within the professing Church. The Great Commission brooks no exclusions. In other words there are no exceptions. Jesus said to go to all the world. We don't decide where we will or won't go. 

In our intentional interactions with the Spirit of God and growing in Christ we are to develop the character of Christ in us. Jesus went wherever the Father bid Him to go. Even to a Samaritan woman. Even to lepers. Even to tax collectors. Even to the demon possessed. Even to politicians. We know only a sampling of all who's lives He changed or attempted to change. Ecclesiates says there's nothing new under the sun. He probably ran across even homosexuals and all other types of people. Sin had perverted mankind since before the Genesis Flood. 

The "you shouldn't judge" crowd of Pharisees these days should realize that it's not our place to decide who should or shouldn't be saved. That's what kind of judgment we aren't to partake of. We don't decide who is or isn't worthy of hearing or seeing the Gospel message.  

Our life is to be a wonderful witness before mankind of the manifold grace of God unto salvation in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. 

Our reactions to our interactions with God reflects our hearts not just before mankind but before Christ Jesus Himself. 

People who say they just can't forgive someone of something...must realize the Scriptures say you must if you expect Christ to forgive you. If you don't then you won't be forgiven. 

People wonder why Believers are put in some of the most horrible of situations. In the case of a man wrongfully imprisoned under horrific circumstances and conditions...he said he prayed to God asking why he was going through such things. Twice, he says, God replied with "because you can handle it".

People in the Church aren't to avoid those in the world. We are to be lights in the world. Taking the Light of Jesus Christ wherever He sends us. Even if it's to a homosexual wedding or a prison or a neighbor you have just never gotten along with.  

Consider this...once a light source is illuminated it never discriminates where it goes and what the light lands on. It's not responsible for the reaction for that which is revealed by it. 

In the renewing of our minds before the Lord we are to take on His attributes, His character, displaying His unconditional love for all mankind.  

You who pick n choose based on whatever is biasing you...do you not realize that THAT person you are avoiding, maybe even hating, could be the last person who will be saved before the Rapture of the Church takes place? There is GOING to be a Believer who obeys God and shares the gospel to that last person.  

We aren't to affirm nor condemn those in this world who are deliberately practicing lawlessness. We are to be lights in the world that reflect Christ and it is Christ through the work of the Spirit of God who changes lives. We don't save anyone. Jesus saves.  

You, if indeed you are saved in Christ Jesus, have a wonderful purpose assigned to you by the Spirit of God. Scripture says that the Spirit sets people in the body of Christ as He sees fit. You have what you need to be that particular part of the body of Christ to the glory of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ through the work of the Spirit of God within us. 

Modern day Pharisees have everything in common with the Pharisees of old. Do not touch do not eat do not do this do not do that. Don't associate with the lowly. Avoid the sinners of the world.  

So look at your life and first be sure of your salvation in Christ Jesus. Then be sure you are indeed obeying your calling and your purpose in Christ. Let go of whatever is taking your attention away from the righteous life that God desires for you. Throw your prejudices to the feet of the cross of Jesus Christ. Nail them there. 

As workers in His fields we are to do as instructed, we aren't to choose what we will or won't do. 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself.  

Listen to Jesus. 

"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:44-48.

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

What's Really Your Response?

What's Really Your Response?

by David Brenneman 

Your life is the sum of the responses you have made toward God. Once God makes Himself known to you, what you do next is your decision. Your reaction reflects what you believe about Him - Blackaby on Matthew 19:22. 'The rich young ruler'.

"And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Then he said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?” And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:16-26.

That portion of that devotional I found to be very profound.  

Jesus interacts through various ways with people. From nature itself to personal interactions through people or sometimes even Himself personally.  

So what have you recognized as His with you and your life?  

The rich young ruler wanted to know what he had to do to inherit eternal life.  

You might be asking that very same question. 

We don't have work to do to inherit eternal life through Jesus Christ. 

What we do is simply believe God. There are no lists of tasks to complete. 

"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 are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:8-13.

Our intentional interaction with Jesus to be saved does everything to bring us to salvation.  

The thief on the cross had nothing he could do. Literally his hands were tied. All he had was a belief in the Son of God and Jesus told him that very day he would be with Him in paradise. 

Everything grows from that moment in the life of a Believer. 

Everything that we need to grow in Christ Jesus begins that very same day. We become His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. We are given His Spirit to empower us towards that life in Godliness.  

We can't earn our way into Heaven. We can't possibly be good enough for if being good enough or doing enough good deeds could accomplish that...then indeed as the Scriptures say...Christ died needlessly. He was scourged needlessly. He was mocked, beaten, humiliated needlessly. He was forced after all that to drag His own cross to the place of His own crucifixion needlessly. He was nailed to the cross needlessly. He was raised up among those others condemned to die needlessly. He was mocked and scorned by the Pharisees and Sadducees needlessly. He went through all of this needlessly if there were any other way to get to Heaven. 

But my Dear Reader...it was all necessary to take our place on that cross that was ours to die on.  

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23.

We all deserve Hell because of sin.

"But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:15-19. 

How have you responded to your personal interactions with Jesus?

How have you prioritized your life to place and keep in place your relationship with Jesus? Do you even have a right relationship with Jesus? As we read in Romans 10...you must come to Christ for salvation first.   

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosever believes in Him will not perish but will have everlasting life." John 3:16.  

It's on all to recognize that Jesus knocks at the door of their hearts asking to come in. It's on all to realize they, like Peter, fell in the drowning waters of sin and require Jesus to pull them out. 

Jesus isn't one way among many ways to get to Heaven. 

Jesus is the one and only way to get to Heaven. By no other name given to men under Heaven by which we must be saved.  

How we respond to Jesus is what our lives will be judged by Him. Did we acknowledge His pleas to save us? Did we acknowledge His love for us? Did we obey His irrevocable calling for our lives and the gifts we were given by His Spirit when we came to Christ for salvation?  

What will your responses look like? Many, or so very few? Will that moment when our lives are tried by fire show all of it going up in flames or will it produce a crown of righteousness to give back to Jesus? All of that is in your hands based on your responses to Jesus. 

It's not too late to begin to live a life of obedience to God's Word. 

It's not too late to get to know the One who saved your life. 

He knows you by name and wants you to personally get to know Him.

How have you responded? Because my Dear Reader He has been with you since before you were born.  

Ask Him to make Himself known to you and for you be helped by Him to live for Jesus. 

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. That certainly would be you and I. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.

Go Where He Sends You

Go Where He Sends You 

by David Brenneman 

"I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.

"Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper," Matthew 26:6.

"And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." Matthew 8:2-3.

"When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”" Luke 19:5.

"As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He *said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him. Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?”" Matthew 9:9-11.

There seems to be a turmoil surrounding the advice that Pastor Alistair Begg gave to a Grandmother concerning attending a wedding in the family that was a transgender wedding. His recommendation was to not only go to it but to take a wedding gift as well. 

One of the broadcasting networks dropped Truth for Life because of this.  

Even the likes of Pastor John MacArthur didn't side with his advice.  

After reading what few passages that you have in this post...in my opinion...Alistair Begg gave Godly advice. Jesus would have went so why wouldn't a Grandmother or anyone else?

We are to follow the Great Commission. The Great Commission doesn't have exceptions. It's not to go throughout the world teaching all that He commanded except under these conditions or under these circumstances.  

Alistair was right on spot with calling those who have come after him as modern Pharisees.  

We are to be Ambassadors for Christ wherever HE SENDS US. 

It's disappointing that so many people have chosen to come down on such a well known Pastor for speaking the truth in love. 

Christians are not to affirm nor revile people in the world who deliberately choose to live ungodly lives. That is what Alistair Begg was saying. 

The Prodigal Son...he intentionally blew his inheritance on all sorts of ungodly living. His father showed compassion and received his son back. 

What would Jesus have done in these situations? We can read the samples and examples for ourselves in the Gospels.  

Some have called for Alistair Begg to publicly repent concerning this.  

He has nothing to repent of according to the Scriptures. 

The Grandmother going did not affirm nor condemn those at the wedding. The Grandmother going brought the light of Jesus Christ into the venue much the same as Christ being there Himself. 

What does the Spirit say?

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity." Colossians 3:12-14.

Not every situation is the same. But the truth of God is that Jesus commanded us to go into all the world teaching all that He commanded them. No exceptions unless in that current time and place the Spirit says it's not time yet. Reference the times that Paul sought to go places but the Spirit said no at that time.  

We are call to trust and obey.  

We aren't to become as the Pharisees were, deciding who should or shouldn't see the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Jesus said "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves." Matthew 23:15.

It all comes down to your calling...the instructions the Spirit gives to you specifically.

Jesus said that He came to seek and save the lost. He made no exceptions for anyplace He went. Saving even a Samaritan woman. 

We as Christians are live lives as what? "Unto the Lord Jesus Christ".

"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:44-48.

I year or so ago I found myself in a situation at work where an employee came out as transgender. My conversation with my supervisor was along the same lines as the things that Alistair Begg said. I would not affirm nor condemn this employee's decision in life. Regardless of what was to happen going forward the call of my life in the workplace is still to be Christ to those around me. 

Pray for those in your life. Nobody crosses paths with you by accident. The Light of Jesus Christ isn't to be kept under a basket. It's not to be hidden from the world so that only a select few may enjoy the illumination thereof.  

Your life is the testimony of all that Jesus did for you.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself.  

Pray for those who persecute you.  

Live your life in Christ in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.  

Lastly...take these things to heart: 

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:12-17.

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.