Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Today's Chapters: Acts 23-25
Message Title: Thy Faith Made Thee Whole
Hello My Friend,
“And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” - Luke 17:11-19.
I do not normally start a devotion with a passage, but as I was working I came across it, and something came to mind. Do you know how many people are healed by the hand of Jesus, yet they just keep on going? Our lives are not based on mere chance, they are set by the thoughts and deeds that stem from the heart. We do not need God to tell us right from wrong, but we do need Him to guide our heart in the right direction. Many will walk away from the mercies of God, but a few will turn back to be made whole by Jesus.
Now, Paul is in Jerusalem, standing before the Sanhedrin counsel, a board of men that ran the affairs of temple included enforcing the Law of Moses, which by they way none of them followed. Half of the men were Pharisee's, who believed in resurrection, and the other half were Sadducees, who did not. Of course, with this mix of men, there were bound to be disagreements within the counsel, and that is exactly what happened when Paul gives his own personal testimony of the day he got saved. “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.” - Acts 23:1-6,9.
You know, people are quick to judge us because we follow Christ, I do not know how many times I have heard, “I thought you were a Christian.” when someone not living for Christ gets offended when I do not agree with what they are doing. Do I have the right to condemn them? No. God will do it Himself. I do have a right to stand up for my actions. By the way, wrong actions cannot be justified by ignoring that they are wrong to begin with. Likewise, convincing ourselves that something we are doing wrong is right does not make it right. “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” - 1 Corinthians 1:9,10.
The counsel could not agree, in fact, there was such an uproar between the two groups that a guard took Paul to keep them from puling him apart. The unbelieving Jews conspired to have him killed, God intervened and had him sent to the governor, but that didn't stop them from following him and stirring the people up. “Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly. But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.” - Acts 23:19-22.
Paul lived by the Scriptures and it was by doing so that he knew the truth and also trusted in the hope of God to get him through every one of the circumstances he faced. He knew who God was, and he was not about to compromise his beliefs in order to save his life because he knew if he died he would be in heaven with Jesus. All who are saved can join Paul in saying, “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” - Philippians 1:20,21.
Today's Prayer: God, Reveal to us the things that need our attention so we can fully gain confidence in Christ Jesus our Lord in all that we do. To live in Christ and to die is gain when we get to see our Lord face to face in heaven one day. Show me the way, Lord, help me to endure my afflictions without taking my eyes off you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
The Simplicity Of Salvation
Date: Monday, November 17, 2014
Today's Chapters: Acts 20-22
Message Title: The Simplicity Of Salvation
Hello My Friend,
Salvation, it's the act of saving one from destruction. When the Lord, Jesus Christ led a sinless life and offered Himself to be the pure, unblemished sacrifice needed to save a soul bound for hell and the destruction of the world, He did it so that every soul could escape destruction. He makes it simple, believe in me, and what I have done for you, accept what I have done to save you, trust only in me, and you will be saved. Sadly, since Jesus resurrected people have distorted this simple truth, and let me tell you, if you believe in what Jesus has done for you, and are still keeping the law for your salvation, meaning following your religions laws to keep your salvation, than you are not saved. There is only one way to be saved from hell and destruction, and that is Christ alone. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10.
Paul was headed for Jerusalem, along the way he made some visits, one in which was Ephesus,it was there that he gave his farewell, being convinced that he might die in Jerusalem. He told them to be careful of the wolves in sheep's clothing who would try to keep them from preaching the true Gospel. “And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” - Acts 20:25-30.
We must be careful of the wolves who teach any other Gospel, and there are many religions preaching that you must be saved by Jesus, but in order to keep your salvation you need to follow their law to keep it. Salvation is a free gift by the grace of God through our Lord, Jesus Christ, He paid the sin debt we owed on the cross, if you are still bound to the laws of your religion for your salvation, than why did Christ make such a sacrifice? It's time to stop believing the wolves who are preaching a false Gospel, led by the devil himself, because it is sending people straight to hell. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” - Ephesians 2:8,9.
No matter how much we long to live in the will of God, often we end up in our own rather than God's. The problem with that is that while God can use our own to fulfill His purpose eventually our will fails to achieve what we were so determined to obtain in the first place. When God calls us to do something He will have us do it, eventually, even if we go out of His will, and while He can intervene at any time, He simply will not mess with anyone's free will. Paul, as much as he allowed the Holy Spirit to direct him, ignored all the warnings given to him about going back to Jerusalem, yet he still insisted on going there. “And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.” - Acts 21:10-14.
Paul was willing to accept that he may die in Jerusalem saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” He truly thought that it was in the will of God that he might die in Jerusalem. Paul was willing to die for his Savior, and while I am sure that Jesus was pleased to have him give sacrifice his life for Him as He did, that's not what Jesus wants us to do. He wants us to be a living sacrifice, meaning serve Him faithfully while here on earth. Why? While we all will be jumping for joy to be up in heaven with Jesus, He wants us here to tell all we can about Him first. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:1,2.
Some of the believing Jews refused to believe that salvation alone came from just accepting Christ, they insisted that they must keep the Law of Moses to keep their salvation. When Paul arrives in Jerusalem, he was accepted at first, but they convince him to be cleansed of his sin under the Law of Moses in order to enter the temple.
“And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.” - Acts 21:20-26.
Now, Paul did not lose his salvation because he did the works of the law, he knew that salvation was in Christ alone. What he did here was comply with the people in order to please them, many times people do get saved, but continue following the traditions they were taught in their religion just to please their family or friends. Even I will follow some of the traditions I was taught as a Catholic, but what we need to realize is that no works of any law other than asking Christ to save you is necessary for your salvation, and by the way, once you are saved, there is no way you can lose it. Christ died once, that means we only have to ask Him once. Praise God! “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” - Hebrews 9:27,28.
Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for making it simple for us to be saved from hell and destruction, and thank You for the great sacrifice You made to make it simple. Although I try to follow Your will I know that there are times where I am out of it, but I also know that Your grace is good enough to draw me back. Lord, lead me and guide me, help me to make the right decisions and to understand when You are simply trying to tell me that I need to stop what I have determined in my own will to do. I know I can do and endure all things through Christ when I seek You with all my heart. I love You Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Today's Chapters: Acts 20-22
Message Title: The Simplicity Of Salvation
Hello My Friend,
Salvation, it's the act of saving one from destruction. When the Lord, Jesus Christ led a sinless life and offered Himself to be the pure, unblemished sacrifice needed to save a soul bound for hell and the destruction of the world, He did it so that every soul could escape destruction. He makes it simple, believe in me, and what I have done for you, accept what I have done to save you, trust only in me, and you will be saved. Sadly, since Jesus resurrected people have distorted this simple truth, and let me tell you, if you believe in what Jesus has done for you, and are still keeping the law for your salvation, meaning following your religions laws to keep your salvation, than you are not saved. There is only one way to be saved from hell and destruction, and that is Christ alone. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10.
Paul was headed for Jerusalem, along the way he made some visits, one in which was Ephesus,it was there that he gave his farewell, being convinced that he might die in Jerusalem. He told them to be careful of the wolves in sheep's clothing who would try to keep them from preaching the true Gospel. “And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” - Acts 20:25-30.
We must be careful of the wolves who teach any other Gospel, and there are many religions preaching that you must be saved by Jesus, but in order to keep your salvation you need to follow their law to keep it. Salvation is a free gift by the grace of God through our Lord, Jesus Christ, He paid the sin debt we owed on the cross, if you are still bound to the laws of your religion for your salvation, than why did Christ make such a sacrifice? It's time to stop believing the wolves who are preaching a false Gospel, led by the devil himself, because it is sending people straight to hell. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” - Ephesians 2:8,9.
No matter how much we long to live in the will of God, often we end up in our own rather than God's. The problem with that is that while God can use our own to fulfill His purpose eventually our will fails to achieve what we were so determined to obtain in the first place. When God calls us to do something He will have us do it, eventually, even if we go out of His will, and while He can intervene at any time, He simply will not mess with anyone's free will. Paul, as much as he allowed the Holy Spirit to direct him, ignored all the warnings given to him about going back to Jerusalem, yet he still insisted on going there. “And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.” - Acts 21:10-14.
Paul was willing to accept that he may die in Jerusalem saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” He truly thought that it was in the will of God that he might die in Jerusalem. Paul was willing to die for his Savior, and while I am sure that Jesus was pleased to have him give sacrifice his life for Him as He did, that's not what Jesus wants us to do. He wants us to be a living sacrifice, meaning serve Him faithfully while here on earth. Why? While we all will be jumping for joy to be up in heaven with Jesus, He wants us here to tell all we can about Him first. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:1,2.
Some of the believing Jews refused to believe that salvation alone came from just accepting Christ, they insisted that they must keep the Law of Moses to keep their salvation. When Paul arrives in Jerusalem, he was accepted at first, but they convince him to be cleansed of his sin under the Law of Moses in order to enter the temple.
“And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.” - Acts 21:20-26.
Now, Paul did not lose his salvation because he did the works of the law, he knew that salvation was in Christ alone. What he did here was comply with the people in order to please them, many times people do get saved, but continue following the traditions they were taught in their religion just to please their family or friends. Even I will follow some of the traditions I was taught as a Catholic, but what we need to realize is that no works of any law other than asking Christ to save you is necessary for your salvation, and by the way, once you are saved, there is no way you can lose it. Christ died once, that means we only have to ask Him once. Praise God! “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” - Hebrews 9:27,28.
Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for making it simple for us to be saved from hell and destruction, and thank You for the great sacrifice You made to make it simple. Although I try to follow Your will I know that there are times where I am out of it, but I also know that Your grace is good enough to draw me back. Lord, lead me and guide me, help me to make the right decisions and to understand when You are simply trying to tell me that I need to stop what I have determined in my own will to do. I know I can do and endure all things through Christ when I seek You with all my heart. I love You Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Sunday, November 16, 2014
Knowing The True Spirit Of God
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2014
Today's Chapters: Acts 17-19
Message Title: Knowing The True Spirit Of God
Hello My Friend,
There has been a lot of talk about religion and civil rights lately in the media, it's as if there is nothing else to talk about. And guess who it is that they are calling the offenders? The Christians. You know, the same things that we are seeing today is the same things that have been happening since God created the world. Do you think that if one of God's creation from the very beginning rejected God, that it will be any different today? The problem is that people want to see proof of God's existence, and while they play their games, they fail to realize that God is everywhere, but He is not going to just appear out of the blue, He has done that, many times, and it never works. To know the living God we cannot find Him in a statue or image made by man nor animals or objects created by God. To know the living God we must believe that He is the only living God, God is a Spirit, therefore, in order to know Him, and understand Him, we need His Spirit in us. “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” - John 4:22-24.
Traveling through Greece, Paul witnessed many things, the Epicureans believed there was no God, and that the world happened of mere chance, and that the soul and body died together. Sound familiar? This is similar to evolution. The Stoics believed that matter was eternal and that all things were governed by fate, that virtue and godliness was its own sufficient reward, and vice its own sufficient punishment. This is similar to Buddhist beliefs. The Athenians prided themselves on their mythology, gods and goddesses, they had statutes everywhere depicting these images. Paul arrives in Athens, he was stirred by the Holy Spirit to speak to them. “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” - Acts 17:24-30.
Paul knew that he was wasting his breath talking to the philosophers and spiritualists, his intention, through the Holy Spirit's guidance, was to open the door to the truth that some might listen, accept it and be saved. And many did get saved, but that did not stop those who were against Paul's preaching from causing trouble. “And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.” - Acts 18:8-13.
Anytime we preach the Gospel to unbelievers we at least open the door to give them the opportunity to know the truth. The rest is up to their willingness to open their heart to accept it, it's actually not the unbelievers that we need to be careful of, but those who are dead set against preaching the truth because they know it will take away their revenue. A man named Demetrius prided himself on the statutes he made and sold, and he was not about to let Paul take away his business. “For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” - Acts 19:24-28.
You know, there is a lot of money and fame in false religion, in reality all they really believe in is a paycheck, and will stop at nothing to keep people from knowing the truth. Do you know how many TV evangelists there are out there? How many are actually who they claim to be? Speaking in tongues, faith healing, and prophetic messages, are all signs that they are not who they claim to be, these are acts of the devil, not God. By the way, I just heard of a group of teenagers passing out coloring books promoting Satanism in their high school, now the school board wants to ban everything that has to do with religion in the schools to stop that from happening. Let me tell you, our only defense is the Lord, Jesus Christ. We must get close to Him if we are to defeat the devil and everyone else He uses to try and keep the truth from us and the lost. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:11-13.
Today's Prayer: God, When I gave my heart to You, I made the willful choice to no longer conform to the trends and philosophies of this world, but to seek Your truths so that I see this world through the eyes of Christ. We are put to the test daily in deciding what is truth and what is error. Sharpen our discernment and grant us the courage we need to readily know truth from error and are fearless in saying so. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Copyright © 2014 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
Today's Chapters: Acts 17-19
Message Title: Knowing The True Spirit Of God
Hello My Friend,
There has been a lot of talk about religion and civil rights lately in the media, it's as if there is nothing else to talk about. And guess who it is that they are calling the offenders? The Christians. You know, the same things that we are seeing today is the same things that have been happening since God created the world. Do you think that if one of God's creation from the very beginning rejected God, that it will be any different today? The problem is that people want to see proof of God's existence, and while they play their games, they fail to realize that God is everywhere, but He is not going to just appear out of the blue, He has done that, many times, and it never works. To know the living God we cannot find Him in a statue or image made by man nor animals or objects created by God. To know the living God we must believe that He is the only living God, God is a Spirit, therefore, in order to know Him, and understand Him, we need His Spirit in us. “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” - John 4:22-24.
Traveling through Greece, Paul witnessed many things, the Epicureans believed there was no God, and that the world happened of mere chance, and that the soul and body died together. Sound familiar? This is similar to evolution. The Stoics believed that matter was eternal and that all things were governed by fate, that virtue and godliness was its own sufficient reward, and vice its own sufficient punishment. This is similar to Buddhist beliefs. The Athenians prided themselves on their mythology, gods and goddesses, they had statutes everywhere depicting these images. Paul arrives in Athens, he was stirred by the Holy Spirit to speak to them. “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” - Acts 17:24-30.
Paul knew that he was wasting his breath talking to the philosophers and spiritualists, his intention, through the Holy Spirit's guidance, was to open the door to the truth that some might listen, accept it and be saved. And many did get saved, but that did not stop those who were against Paul's preaching from causing trouble. “And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.” - Acts 18:8-13.
Anytime we preach the Gospel to unbelievers we at least open the door to give them the opportunity to know the truth. The rest is up to their willingness to open their heart to accept it, it's actually not the unbelievers that we need to be careful of, but those who are dead set against preaching the truth because they know it will take away their revenue. A man named Demetrius prided himself on the statutes he made and sold, and he was not about to let Paul take away his business. “For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” - Acts 19:24-28.
You know, there is a lot of money and fame in false religion, in reality all they really believe in is a paycheck, and will stop at nothing to keep people from knowing the truth. Do you know how many TV evangelists there are out there? How many are actually who they claim to be? Speaking in tongues, faith healing, and prophetic messages, are all signs that they are not who they claim to be, these are acts of the devil, not God. By the way, I just heard of a group of teenagers passing out coloring books promoting Satanism in their high school, now the school board wants to ban everything that has to do with religion in the schools to stop that from happening. Let me tell you, our only defense is the Lord, Jesus Christ. We must get close to Him if we are to defeat the devil and everyone else He uses to try and keep the truth from us and the lost. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:11-13.
Today's Prayer: God, When I gave my heart to You, I made the willful choice to no longer conform to the trends and philosophies of this world, but to seek Your truths so that I see this world through the eyes of Christ. We are put to the test daily in deciding what is truth and what is error. Sharpen our discernment and grant us the courage we need to readily know truth from error and are fearless in saying so. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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