Being Tempted?

 

Every human being faces temptation at some time in their lives, You may be tempted to lie to protect your reputation. You may be tempted to cheat on a test to pass a subject in school. Everyone faces temptation but the good news is that God always provides a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptation is anything that promises satisfaction at the cost of obedience to God. James 1:13 Temptation is not sinful because Jesus Himself was tempted. In Matthew 4, we read how Jesus faced temptation and was victorious. For 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus fasted in the wilderness AND He was being tempted by the devil, This is what Jesus was facing.

Jesus is faced with three temptations. These temptations are described as the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and the lust of the eyes. Today we'll look at the lust of the flesh. We all have times in our lives when the lust of the flesh tempts us. This temptation says I want it." After 40 days without food, the devil tempts Jesus to turn stones to bread. Matthew 4:3 Nothing wrong in satisfying your hunger unless it is outside the will of God. Sin is fulfilling a God-given desire in a way that God never intended.

Jesus overcame temptation by quoting Scripture and relying on the power of God. Instead of saying "I want it" let's say "I want God."

Covering Your Sin?

   "...be sure that your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23

 

When Adam and Eve were created, they were perfect and sinless. They lived in a perfect environment, until they yielded to temptation and everything changed at that point. Immediately, Adam and Eve realized they were naked. “Then both of them knew things they had never known before. They realized they were naked...” Genesis 3:7 Also immediately, they sensed fear for the first time. Genesis 3:10

What (Who) were they afraid of? God! They were afraid God would discover they had sinned! Like, the all-knowing God didn't already know!! Psalm 139 So, in fear they decided to make clothes from fig leaves. Genesis 3:7 For centuries man has entertained the idea that he can hide his wickedness. If others do not know, what’s the difference? The difference is: wrong is still wrong, whether others know it or not.

How did God respond to their man-made covering? He rejected man's attempt to cover his sin because sin cannot be covered up by man's efforts. God killed an animal (?) and made them a covering, because without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22 The slain animal was symbolic of Jesus Christ coming to sacrifice Himself for our sin.

What should our response be today when we sin? Conceal it? No! “The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 We need to confess and forsake it. “But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.” I John 1:9

Saved By the Bell

The story involves Bessie, a young woman whose lover, Basil Underwood, has been arrested, thrown in prison by the Puritans and sentenced to die that night when the curfew bell rings. Knowing that Oliver Cromwell, member of Parliament in the 1660's, will be late in arriving, the young woman begs the old bell ringer to prevent the ringing of the curfew bell. When he refuses, she climbs to the top of the bell tower and heroically risks her life by manually stopping bell by clinging to the bell's clapper. She suffered terribly when the sexton tried to ring the bell. Cromwell hears of her deed and is so moved that he issues a pardon for Underwood.

This story is a small illustration of what Jesus Christ did for the human race. We all deserved that die Romans 4:25 but Jesus took our punishment and death in our places. 

Friend of Sinners?

 

“...a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ – Luke 7:34

Several years ago, friends of my wife and I from our home church, were involved in an adulterous affair. Fortunately, they repented of their sin and received forgiveness from Jesus Christ. When we went back for a visit, we were surprised to see they were both still attending the same church. I'm not sure how wise that was but at least they sat at opposite sides on the sanctuary.

After the worship service, my wife spoke with the lady and I spoke with the man. We did not bring up their affair but just spoke to them in generalities. We wanted to let them know that we were still friends and we loved them.

When we went outside, we were accosted by some of the local congregation. They wanted us to know that this couple had been involved in this terrible sin and that we should not be talking with them. (I should have noticed immediately following the service, no one spoke to them.) My response was that they had been forgiven by God and we shouldn't hold their past sin against them. Their response was they “thought” they were secretly seeing each other and had not left their sin.

I was saddened by their attitude. Two thoughts immediately came to my mind: 1] No one wants THIER past sins to be brought up. 2] This is not the attitude of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 says we are to have the mind of Christ. How would He treat them? The perfect example of Jesus's attitude toward sinners is found in John 8 where He dealt with a woman caught in the “act of adultery.” He said He did not condemn her but extended love, grace, and acceptance.

I've lost track of our friends but I hope they have found a church where they would find healing and acceptance.

Are You Living a Fantasy?

 

Years ago there was a popular TV series called Fantasy Island. The premise of the show was people from different walks of life could come to a secluded island and live out their fantasy, though for a price. There is always a price for living a fantasy.

From the beginning of time, Satan's strategy was to get people to think they could live a “fantasy” without a price. Genesis 3:4 But Ezekiel 18:20 tells us, “The one who sins is the one who will die.” His plan has not changed. He tells people that they can get rich by playing the lottery but the odds of winning are 1 in 13,983,816! True fantasy. People who view pornography, fantasize they can have an intimate relationship with one of those gorgeous women. But the chance of even meeting one of those women is a true fantasy.

The fantasy of sin is:

1. Sin will take you further than you ever intended.
2. Sin will cost your more than you expected.
3. Sin will never fulfill what it promised.
4. Sin will never bring true happiness.

The fantasy of Satan is that you live your life without God. But that is not living; it's a fantasy.

Secrets Revealed!

 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Luke 12:2

In the context of this verse Jesus is dealing with spiritual hypocrisy and that would also apply to unconfessed personal sin but is there a broader application?

There was once a TV show that dealt with unsolved mysteries. And I've always wondered would the above-mentioned verse apply to these mysteries as well?

• Who killed Jon Benet Ramsey?
• JFK Assassination - conspiracy?
• Bermuda Triangle
• Congressional secret meetings? Luke 12:3
• Who won the last Presidential election?

When people commit adultery, thief, embezzlement, murder, etc. they think they will not be found out. Other people may get caught but not them. They are too smart, or they are the exception. They may escape detection for years as we see in many unsolved crimes but Luke 12:2 says, "The time IS coming..." Everything that was done to hide their sin will be exposed. I am not sure how God will "uncover" and make known all that people have tried to hide but I'm sure that an all-powerful God would have no problem doing so!

Understanding that God knows every deed done and every word spoken; we should live carefully.

Need A New Heart?

 

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26

Science has produced many amazing medical advances. The most spectacular is the ability to transplant human body parts. A few decades ago, transplants were rare but these days everyone seems to know someone with a new hip, knee, kidney, liver, or heart.

When the prophet Ezekiel wrote the above verse he had no knowledge of organ replacements but he carefully recorded the message of a heart transplant. The "heart" in this passage doesn't refer to the physical, blood-pumping muscle in your chest. He was referring to the core of a person's being: Your mind, will, and emotions.

Ezekiel was addressing the nation of Israel who wanted nothing to do with worshipping the true God. They had rejected God for so long their hearts had become 'hardened.' (Sounds like America.) Hearts become hardened through repeated sin and living only for self.

The fact is we all need a new heart but we all have sinned against God. Romans 3:23 The Good News is no matter how hard your heart is; God can successfully give you a new heart. Ask God to perform spiritual heart surgery.

Lust

 

I am sure many of you were attracted to this blog due to its title. No question that we live in a sex-saturated society. But what many fail to realize is the word “lust” is basically not wrong. Technically, “lust” just means a strong desire. You might be mowing the lawn on a hot day and you might 'lust' for a glass of cold iced tea! Your neighbor is grilling steaks and the odor drifts into your yard and you 'lust' for a rib eye.

Most people connect lust with sex and that is part of our makeup. Remember 'lust' is a strong desire and without lust, we wouldn't have children! God has created man with a desire for sexual relationships. The Biblical book Song of Solomon speaks about the love and sexual longing between a man and woman. But God designed sex (and lust) to be shared only in the boundary of marriage.

God created sexual attraction but He has clearly stated that it be brought under control. Matthew 5:28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” I once had a “discussion” with a man who said it was impossible for a man to keep from “looking twice” at a scantly clad woman. I disagreed. He challenged me that I personally could not keep from looking twice. I told him that it was a struggle for me at the beginning of my walk with Christ but I found a way to overcome it.

Job 31:1 I made an agreement with my eyes. I promised not to look at a young woman with impure thoughts. I have disciplined my mind that when I see an attractive woman, I change my thoughts.... take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5. After a while it became almost second nature. Sometimes I have to physically look the other way.

Can we live above the desires of the “flesh?” Most certainly. Philippians 4:13 Romans 6:12-14

Whose In Control?

 But the fruit of the Spirit is... self-control Galatians 5:22-23

Self-control is not a popular virtue in our culture. We are an instant-gratification, act-on-impulse, if it feels good do it society. If you shop at Walmart you will observe that parents have failed to teach their children self-control. Self-control is a base value. Other virtues cannot exist without it. God values self-control of extreme importance, for it is listed in His Word as a fruit of the Spirit.

A child cannot, by himself, understand the need to be self-controlled unless parents teach the virtue. Children refuse to bring their desires under control because it is part of their fallen nature. Children are not self-controlled but self-centered. They cannot help it. When you hear a child in the store screaming for a certain toy, or candy, they are demanding that self be satisfied. It is the parent's responsibility to bring their children under submission so that when they come of age, it will be easier to yield to the Holy Spirit's control.

A person has only two choices: Be controlled by his flesh or be controlled by the Holy Spirit. If you refuse to accept Christ as your Savior, you will by default be controlled by your lower nature (the flesh). Once the spirit of a person has been raised to life by the Spirit of God, the old desires of the flesh do not immediately disappear.

There is a battle that rages on. “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want." Galatians 5:16-17 (Emphasis added)

You will find that every day you will have to choose: The flesh? The Holy Spirit? Remember you are not helpless against the desires of the flesh. walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

  

Entertained By Sin?

 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. Ephesians 5:11-12

In 2015, the movie 50 Shades of Gray was a box office hit. The movie was described as an erotic romance but it was a film filled with depraved sexual acts. (No I haven't seen it) While it is understandable that people who have not come to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ would attend such a movie, I do not understand how people who profess a relationship with Jesus Christ would see such a movie!

I personally overheard two women in church talking excitingly about going to see the movie. Allow me to pose a question. If the Bible clearly states certain acts are sinful, is it wrong to watch others perform the same acts as entertainment? If the Bible says sex outside the marriage covenant is sinful, should I watch those who commit the acts as entertainment?

Recently, I have been convicted about watching "action" movies that depict violent scenes. Paul's simple instruction to do everything to the glory of God -is to reverently and honestly ask the question - is my behavior honoring to Him? Do my actions and attitude bring glory to God or am I tarnishing His holy name?

It is my belief as a Christ-follower that all we do; books we read, movies we watch, the music we listen to, etc. should help us in our walk with Christ and conversely things that do not help; hinder.

John Piper said, "You are what you enjoy...whatever the sins, the issue is, What does it say about our souls that we enjoy being entertained by them?"

Betrayed!

 

They say to keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer. -- Sun Tzu, The Art of War

However, it like seems sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between the two. History has been filled with betrayals: , Marcus Brutus, Benedict Arnold, Guy Fawkes but probably the most infamous of all traitors was Judas Iscariot.

A kiss was and still is that traditional greeting among men and men in certain parts of the world. It was a kiss that signaled the guards that pointed out Jesus for arrest. In first-century Israel, a kiss was a common greeting, a sign of deep respect, honor and brotherly love.

Have you ever been betrayed by someone you love? If you have, you know the distinct pain. It may have been a former spouse or sibling. A child may betray the trust of a parent. A parent may betray the trust of a child. It's interesting that Judas was one of the original 12 disciples and knew Jesus more than most. And even though Jesus was betrayed, He still showed love to Judas.

Proverbs 20:6 says "Many will say they are loyal friends but who can find one who is truly reliable?" Are you a loyal friend? Loyalty can't be proclaimed. It has to be proven.

If you have been betrayed, Jesus knows exactly how you feel. Hebrews 4:15 Share your feelings with Him. Or maybe YOU are the betrayer. Confess your sins and brings them to Jesus.

God Does Not Send Anyone To Hell

[I have posted 463 posts over the years trying to help and encourage Christ-followers (and seekers) in their Christian Journey. But THIS post is my most crucial post. Please read with on open heart and mind.]

Many times when you speak to someone about spiritual things; you may hear, "I don't believe that God would send someone to hell for _____________. Often, they are referring to some act or deed they are committing and want to assure themselves they will not be held accountable for the actions.

Now, please listen carefully. I don't want you to misunderstand and brand me a heretic! God does not send ANYONE to hell. The acts, deeds or "sins" we commit will not send us to hell. As a young Christ-follower, I heard countless sermons that if I did this or that, wore that, went there, felt this way, etc. I was sinning and would go to hell for it. But though "acts" of sin are wrong and ARE sinful, but they in of themselves, will not cause God to send you to hell!
ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN:

1. God never intended to send anyone to hell. Hell was not created for mankind but for the devil and his angels. Mt. 25:41 God does not desire anyone to go to hell or be lost "...not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (Emphasis added)
2. ALL mankind were born in sin Romans 3:23 ALL sin must be punished "The one who sins is the one who will die..." Ezekiel 18:20

But God in His mercy and love, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for ALL mankind. John 3:16 clearly teaches that Jesus came to deliver us from the penalty of sin, death, and hell.

THE ONLY REASON THAT ANYONE GOES TO HELL IS REFUSING TO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST'S AS THEIR SAVIOR.

ALL "acts" of sin are just evidence/indications that the person has not trusted/accepted Christ's death on the Cross for the forgiveness of sin. Lying, stealing, murder, immorality will not send you to hell but refusing Christ will!
This is the ONLY SIN that people will go to hell for.

So, God does not send anyone to hell. We send ourselves by rejecting Christ. The Word of God is crystal clear that Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY to heaven. "Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me." John 14:6 ERV God does have a Plan B or any other option. Jesus is the way.

I want to be clear; I do NOT condone any 'acts' of sin!!! We should not allow/commit sin in our lives. But the greatest of sin is refusing Christ.

Let me hear your thoughts

Lawlessness

Man is not a sinner because he sins. Man sins because he is a sinner.

The Bible is clear that sin is basically lawlessness. "Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” 1 John 3:4 The word translated “lawlessness” comes from the Greek word anomia, which means “an utter disregard for God and His laws. This was first seen in the Garden of Eden when Adam disobeyed God. 

Every sin is a transgression against God because sin violates His moral standard for human beings. A lawless person is one who has given himself or herself over completely to a sinful lifestyle. Lawless people either do not believe in God or refuse to acknowledge His right to rule their lives (Psalm 14:1)

Those who persist in lawlessness will not inherit the kingdom of God. Jesus warned that in the end times lawlessness will increase and “the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). When an attitude of lawlessness pervades the atmosphere, people stop wondering about right and wrong. They no longer know or care that absolute moral standards exist.

 Jesus warned that in the end times lawlessness will increase. We are seeing the effects of lawlessness in much of the world today. God’s laws—and even secular society’s laws—are rejected as obsolete, superfluous, or repressive. Each man is a law unto himself, and the outcome of that type of lawlessness is anarchy and chaos.