Tag Archives: Religion

Romans 8- Pray for Us, Holy Spirit!

Leave a reply

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God Romans 8:26-27

Jesus said “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7) The Holy Spirit was sent to us for our advantage, for many reasons, the Holy Spirit is our Counselor, our Teacher, our Comforter, our Advocate, (John 14:26) But also as we learn from the scriptures today, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t know what to pray

We have all been there , when our life was in desperation, maybe we were going through a trial or tribulation, and we wanted to cry out to our Heavenly Father, however the pain we were dealing with is so great, we don’t know where to even begin or what to say. As the Apostle Paul teaches us “The Spirit helps us in our weakness/infirminities” This might be why the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, (John 14:26) You are not alone, you are never alone, because the Spirit of the Living God lives inside of You as a Born Again Believer in Christ

“For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (v26) When we don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit will pray for us, the Holy Spirit will intercede to the Father and Son for You. This is how connected you are with God in Christ. So even if you don’t know what to say, get on your knees and allow the Holy Spirit to pray for you. 

As the Apostle Paul also reveals “ He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is” God searches your heart and mind, God already knows what your going to say before you even say it, God knows whats on your heart and mind even if you don’t say it, this is the relationship we have with our Father through Jesus Christ. If the Holy Spirit lives inside of you, the Holy Spirit knows your life, there is nothing that can be hidden from God. If you are suffering, the Holy Spirit knows your suffering, if your rejoicing, the Holy Spirit knows your rejoicing. This is why the Holy Spirit can intercede for you to God.

If you want to connect with God and don’t know what to say, pray and allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for you , as the Apostle Paul says here “because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God” The Holy Spirit makes intercession for you according to the will of God. If you reject the Holy Spirit, you are rejecting the will of God. It is to your advantage that Christ has sent you the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Romans 8- What Is Your Hope?

Leave a reply

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance Romans 8:22-25

Many non-believers will ask the question “How can there be a God, when there is so much evil in the world”? What most of them don’t understand, by them acknowledging evil exists, they are acknowledging God exists. If God didn’t exist, then there would be no standard of good and evil, how do we define evil without God? If we are just random molecules that have evolved into humans with no purpose or future, what does it matter if there is evil in the world? But as the Apostle Paul reveals under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” (Romans 1:20)

So the whole creation groans and labors until the return of Christ! You hear it everyday, people complaining about the status of the world, the difference is us Christians have hope because of Christ, while the rest of the world has no hope, just misery in the suffering of the fallen world. The Apostle Paul describes our current state like a woman in labor pains, Jesus actually described it this way also “A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” (John 16:21)

The Apostle Paul goes on to describe it “we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body” What is the Apostle Paul referring to here? Paul is referencing the final resurrection, when we are raised and given our glorified bodies (2 Corinthians 5:2) There will be no more pain, suffering, or death (Revelation 21:4) For death has been defeated at the cross by Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57) Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33) So I will ask you, what gives you hope in this fallen world? 

“For we were saved in this hope” (v24) We have hope and victory in Jesus Christ, again I ask what is your hope? Without Christ there is no hope for you in this world, the world will continue to groan in its pain and suffering because of its sin, but Christ has given us victory. As the author of Hebrews states “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

And this should be the motto of the Church “we eagerly await for it with perseverance” (v25) I have good news for you brothers and sisters, Jesus is coming back! Wait for it with perseverance and patience, don’t fall away to the miseries of this world, stay on the narrow path of life! Amen!

Romans 7- Are You Good?

1 Reply

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  Romans 7:18-20

Are you a good person? Most people when asked this they will say “Yes”, I do this and that, I’m not as bad as this other person, the majority of people have a false sense of security in their own salvation. And if you ask people, are you going to Heaven? Oh yes, why should God let you into Heaven? Well I’m a good person, I give to charity, I did this and that. God will surely let me , right?

Jesus said “Nobody is “good” except God alone” (Mark 10:18) What does Jesus mean by this? If you look at the Greek word translated as “good” here its “agathos” that word means morally excellent. What Jesus is saying is “Nobody is sinless except God” So let me ask you again, are you a good person? Well maybe? The Apostle Paul said “For ALL have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23) All mean all, that mean myself, you, and everyone. There is nobody “good”, there is nobody who is going to make it into Heaven based on their moral character. 

As the Apostle Paul states here “For I know that in me dwells nothing good” That’s a pretty strong statement. But the Apostle Paul understands his sinfulness and need for Christ, do you understand this? Someone recently asked me “Why do so few people actually accept Jesus”? And we can go into a deep theological debate, but to simplify I believe its because most people don’t understand their level of depravity. Most people think of themselves as “good” people who really don’t need a Savior. Just give us the golden ticket to Heaven and we’ll be on our way! But that’s not how this works, Jesus said “You must be Born Again” (John 3:3)

The Apostle Paul said “My flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit” (Galatians 5:17) How many people would be honest enough to admit this? As Paul says here “The good that I will to do, I do not do, but the evil I will not to do, I practice” (v19) This is a shocking statement from the Apostle, right? Imagine if your Pastor was honest enough to tell you this? Are you honest to state this? We must crucify our flesh daily, every minute , every hour, every second (Galatians 5:24)

We hate our sin, but our flesh desires it, this is why we desperately need Jesus Christ, we need Jesus every second, every minute, every hour. As soon as we unyoke from Christ, we are like dogs back to our own vomit (Proverbs 26:11) I reflect upon the woman caught in adultery, (John 8) On here knees about to be executed for her sins, but she cries out to The Lord and clings to Him. You do the same, cling to Jesus for salvation and go and sin no more! (John 8:11) Amen!

Romans 7- Spirit vs Flesh

Leave a reply

Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Romans 7:13-17

Do you love your sin? This may seem like a strange question, but this really shows the heart of the matter so to speak. The Apostle Paul talked about previously how The Law reveals our sin, and reveals our wretched nature in need of a savior. And many people repent of their sins on a daily or maybe a weekly basis, but do they really want turn away from their sin? Or is our repentance just lip service to God? 

The Apostle Paul says “Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10) Do we have sorrow over our sins? When we sin, does it make us sick or do we we just keep sinning and wait for Sunday morning all over again? This is what the Apostle Paul is addressing in our scriptures today, The Law reveals our sinful nature, but our New Nature in Christ mourns over this spiritual depravity

“The Law is Spiritual , but I am Carnal, a slave to sin” Most people probably don’t think of The Law as Spiritual, this is why we hate The Law of God. Think about it, try reading the Ten Commandments to people and see their response, even to self professed “Christians”, people hate The Law because we are carnal and The Law is spiritual. However The Law reveals Gods nature and our depravity, The Law turns us to Christ and not to ourselves for salvation!

The battle with the flesh and spirit are real, this is why we are commanded to “Take up our cross daily” (Luke 9:23) You are still a prisoner in this fallen body, as the Apostle Paul states here “ what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.” (v15) Unless I crucify my flesh, I seek the desires of the flesh, unless I walk in the Spirit, I will not produce fruits of The Spirit. Its a daily spiritual battle of the flesh and the spirit!

So back to the original question, do you love your sin or do you hate it? The Apostle Paul describes it here “But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.” (v17) This is why you will never be able to save yourself, you will never be able to “earn your salvation” it’s only in Christ, by Christ, and through Christ we can be saved! Amen!

Romans 7- The Law

8 Replies

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Romans 7:7-12

As Christians, we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) So how does The Law factor into our lives? Many Christians would say the Law has been abolished, but The Lord Jesus said “ I have not come to abolish The Law but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17) Infact without The Law there is no Gospel, how do we know we are sinners without The Law? How do we know we need a Savior without The Law? The Law is our tutor/schoolmaster/trainer/guardian that leads us to Christ (Galatians 3:24)

The Apostle Paul begins with the question “Is The Law Sin”? He answers with a big No, The Law is not sin, The Law reveals our sins to us. As Paul says “I would have not known sin, except by The Law” The Law reveals our sinful nature, as a mirror (James 1:23) The Law is Gods Holy Nature and reveals to us how far we have fallen short. As Paul said “ I would have not know covetousness without The Law” How could we possibly have known we were sinners without The Law?

Consider when the Rich Young Ruler had an encounter with The Lord (Mark 10:17-22), he asked Jesus “What must I do to inherit eternal life”? This is a good question that everyone should ask and ponder, what must you do to inherit eternal life? But Christs response might have been surprising for some, what did Jesus do? He walked the man through The Law. Why? Because Jesus wanted to reveal to the man his sinful nature in need of a savior. The man still refused to repent and walked away from The Lord and salvation. If you walked many people through The Law, how many do you believe would be honest and admit they are a sinner in need of a Savior? How many would actually repent of their sins and put their faith in Christ for salvation instead of themselves?

As the Apostle Paul continues “For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me and it killed me” There are others who think they can “Keep The Law”, they believe they are righteous and holy enough to endure The Law. However they are deceived and ultimately The Law killed them. Why? For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) They tried to remove Jesus and obtain their own righteousness, but they are deceived by their own flesh. Noone is justified before God by The Law (Galatians 3:11) Its actually the opposite we are all condemned by The Law and need a Savior

I will end with the words of Paul “The Law is Holy, righteous, and good” Its not The Law itself that condemns people , its us that condemns ourselves. The Law is Gods nature, it reveals how far away we are from being worthy of Gods prescense. But the sinless lamb of God, took our sins, so we can be declared righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21) Amen!

Romans 7- Freed From The Law

Leave a reply

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Romans 7:1-4

Jesus said “If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed” (John 8:36) But what has Christ set us free from? Many don’t realize they are held in bondage under the law, there are only 2 options in this life, you are under the law or you are under grace. But the person will say “I don’t believe in God’ and “I don’t believe in the law” Regardless of what you believe, the reality is “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23)  You are under the law, and will be judged by the law unless you are reconciled through Jesus Christ

Why do you think Jesus died on that cross? The sinless lamb of God didn’t die for himself, Christ became flesh to die for the sins of the world (John 1:29) Christ became sin, so we can be declared righteous before God the Father (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jesus took your place on that cross, yet most people cure and blaspheme the name of The Lord on a daily basis. As the Apostle Paul states “Do you not know brethren, The Law has dominion over a man as long as he lives”

The Apostle Paul , under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, then uses the example of the covenant of marriage with The Law. As long as a husband or wife is alive, they are legally bound under God to their spouse. Remember what Jesus said “Two become one flesh, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6) Its the same the unsaved person is bound to The Law. The sinner can deny God all they want, but they are bound to The Law, and when they die they will be judged by The Law, which The Law equals death (Romans 8:2)

So here is the good news (the gospel) as the Apostle Paul states “you have become dead to The Law through the body of Christ” When Jesus said on the cross “It Is Finished” (John 19:30) This is the Greek word “Tetelestai” which mean the debt is paid, paid in full, meaning Jesus paid the penalty of your sins on the cross, it is finished, its a done deal. 

Jesus Christ is the only One who can pay that penalty, this is why Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) Repent of your sins, put your faith and trust in The Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, be filled with the Holy Spirit,  and you are free indeed! Amen!

Romans 6- Wages of Sin Is Death

Leave a reply

For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:20-23

Why did Jesus die on the cross? At first glance, it doesn’t seem to make sense, the sinless Son of God needs to become flesh and be nailed to a tree. Why would God do this? Well to understand this question, we need to understand our depravity as humans. Jesus willingly became human to be the Lamb of God who take away the sins of the world (John 1:29) Jesus came to save us, because we are unable to save ourselves

As the Apostle Paul states “The wages of sin is death” Go back to the beginning of humanity, Adam and Eve in paradise, God warned them not to partake of the forbidden tree of good and evil, or they will die. (Genesis 2:17) But what was Satan’s response, who has been a liar since the beginning (John 8:44), “You surely won’t die” (Genesis 3:4) The lie that Adam and Eve believed, and is still deceiving the world today. But as God said “The wages of sin is death”

People ask “Why is there so much evil and suffering in the world today”? Well the reason is because of our sin, your sin, my sin, (Romans 5:12) We are living in a fallen world because of the consequences of our sin, not only has sin destroyed our souls but it has destroyed the entire world. “From dust you are, and dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19)

You need to understand the severity of sin and its consequences, the whole world and humanity is under the curse of sin and death. As Jesus said “He who doesn’t believe (In Christ) is condemned already” (John 3:18) Many people like to quote John 3:16, but go a few verses and understand the world needs Jesus, our only hope is in Christ and what He accomplished at the cross

So now that you know the bad news, what is the good news? The rest of the verse “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” In order to understand why Jesus is good news (gospel) we have to understand the bad news. As going back to the garden, God already prepared the way, “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed;He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”(Genesis 3:15) 

Jesus said “I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15) Christ gave his life for you, will you live for him today? Amen!

Romans 6- Slave to Sin?

Leave a reply

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. Romans 6:15-19

Since we are now saved by Grace, does that mean we can continue to live in sin? This is the hypothetical question the Apostle Paul poses, of course Paul answers “God forbid” or “Certainly Not”. If we have died with Christ, how can our old selves continue to live in sin? As the Apostle Paul states “you are that one’s slave to whom you obey” So who are you a slave to? Christ or Sin? We can’t be slaves to both, you are either living for Jesus or you are living for this world

This idea, that we can be a “Christian” and continue to live as our old self, is a lie and contradiction. Let me ask you, why are you a Christian? Do you want the golden ticket into Heaven? Or have you been called and sanctified by God? I fear there are many false converts in the world, many who claim to be “Christians” yet have never been Born Again, they never have repented of their sins, they never had a relationship with our Lord. As Jesus said “Depart from me, I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23)

As the Apostle Paul states “Thanks be to God, though you used to be slaves to sin” This is past tense, as a Christian you are no longer a slave to sin but free in Christ. So what did Jesus save you from? You might say Hell , and that’s true, but Jesus delivered you from all forms of slavery including your sins. Did Jesus free you from drugs and alcohol? Did Jesus free you from sexual immorality? Or are you still slaves to the same sins when you became saved? As Jesus said “If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed” (John 8:36)

Paul continues , under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “Having been set free from sin, you become slaves of righteousness” You have been set free from sin in Christ, so why are you still dead in your sins? This should not be brothers and sisters, if the Son (Jesus) has truly set you free, you are free indeed! You are no longer a slave to any of these sins in Christ. Don’t be like Lots wife, who looked back and was destroyed (Genesis 19:26) You are a New Creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:7) Sin no longer has dominion over you!

“Offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness which leads to holiness” This is the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, working in and through you, to conform you into the image of Christ, to overcome sin and be obedient to The Lord, Amen!

Romans 6- Who Is Your Master?

2 Replies

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:12-14

Why do the Liberals hate the Apostle Paul so much? Well because they hate the One True Living God. The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit states “Don’t let sin reign in your mortal body” This statement alone destroys Liberal Christianity, where there is no mention of sin, no mention of repentance, no mention of the cross, no mention of regeneration. As the Apostle Peter states “Abstain from the desires of the flesh” (1 Peter 2:11)

What does the world tell you? What does the fake liberal Christianity of today tell you? You are born this way, keep living the same lifestyle, God wants you this way. These are all lies from Satan himself. As Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) Do you understand as a Christian, you are crucified with Christ? (Galatians 2:20) If you are crucified with Christ, how can your old man continue to reign?

The Apostle Paul continues “Don’t present your members (body) as an instrument of unrighteousness of sin” If you are a Christian, you belong to The Lord, we were bought with a price! (1 Corinthians 6:20) But you believe you can still present your body for sin with the devil, you are deceived! You can’t partake at The Lords table and sit at the table with demons. (1 Corinthians 10:21) You are doubled minded and unstable in all your ways (James 1:8) Either you are Born Again in Christ, or you a spiritually dead (Ephesians 2)

The Carnal Church wants to feed the flesh, but as a Born Again Christian we must crucify the flesh daily (Galatians 5:24) As the Apostle Paul continues here “Present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead” Are you Born Again? Jesus said “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16) A bad tree cannot produce good fruit, a good tree cannot produce bad fruit (Matthew 7)

Sin shall no longer be your Master (v14) Who is your Master? Is Jesus Christ truly your Lord or is sin your Master? Do you identify in Christ or do you identify in your sin? You are not under the law but under grace! Amen!

Romans 6- Died With Christ?

Leave a reply

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:8-11

What does it mean to be a Christian? Many people confess to be Christians, but do they live for Christ? Has their conversion to Christianity produced any noticeable change in their life? Does their neighbors , co-workers, or even family members, do they even know they are a Christian? This is why practices like infant baptism and “the sinners prayer” concern me, are we just producing false converts that have had no real transformation at all?

The Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, says “Now if we are dead in Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him”  Have you died with Christ? You might ask what does that mean? Have you truly repented of your sins? (Mark 1:15, Luke 13:3) Have you turned away from your ways and turned to Jesus? Has your old self been crucified with Christ on the cross? Do you carry your cross daily? (Luke 9:23) And since our old self died with Christ, our new self has been risen with Christ! (2 Timothy 2:11) Is Jesus really your Lord? Or are you still a slave to sin?

We have been set free from sin and death by Christ (John 8) As Paul states here “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead, dies no more, death has no more dominion over him” This is why In Christ we have victory! But we must have truly died and been raised by Him! Many people like the idea of eternal life, who wouldn’t, but most people don’t like the idea of dying to self, turning away from sin, serving The Lord. As Paul also states “Being Conformed To Him (Christ) In His Death (Philippians 3:10)

The Life He (Christ) Lives, He lives to God (v10) Do you live for God? Who is the Master of your life? As Jesus said “Nobody can serve Two Masters” (Matthew 6:24) The false convert says “Well I like Jesus and this and that” but The Lord said Nobody can have two masters, so who is your Master? Who do you serve? Where do you spend most of your time and money? You say “Well I go to Church on Sundays” that’s good, what about the other 6 days? Do you live for Christ?

The Apostle Paul states “Reckon yourself dead to sin, but alive to God through Christ Jesus our Lord” Your only life source is Jesus Christ, otherwise your already dead. Doesn’t this create any reverance in your heart? Doesn’t this reveal anything to you? So I’ll end with the same question, do you die with Christ? If so, are you living for Christ? Amen!