Tag Archives: Religion

Philippians 1- To Live Is Christ

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For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. Philippians 1:21-24

We live in a world today full of self absorption , full of self glorification, so to make a statement “To live is Christ and to die is gain” makes no sense to a fallen world. The world lives by the standards to “Live like there is no tomorrow” or to “eat, drink, and be merry” this is in total opposition of the Christian life. For we know there will always be tomorrow , why? Because Christ lives! We have an eternal purpose and an eternal perspective as servants of Jesus

What does it mean “to live is Christ”, Jesus should be the center of your whole world. Every decision or action should be examined, does this glorify God? When we became Born Again, our old selves died with Christ, and our new selves rose with Christ (Romans 6) Therefor Christ is our everything, there is no meaning or purpose without Jesus as your Lord and God

Jesus said “Whoever will save his life, will lose it, and whoever will lose their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25) This is exactly what Paul is talking about, your not living for yourself anymore, your living to serve and worship the One True God. The world rejects this and desires to fulfill their flesh. The world wants to serve and worship themselves, however they must also pay the wages of their sins, which is eternal damnation

Paul was torn, if he could depart from his body, he  could start spending eternity with The Lord. However God had more work for Paul to do, and he obediently fulfilled his calling. God still has more work for you to do also, stay in faith and obedience to The Lord, finish the race that was set before you!

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Philippians 1:25-26

By Paul’s demonstration of faith and obedience to Christ, he was a great joy and inspiration for the Church. Paul was a walking testimony for Christianity, nobody could deny his conversion or fruits he produced by the Holy Spirit. We should also be faithful and obedient to our calling by our Lord Jesus Christ

The central theme of our life should be “To Live is Christ” , everything we do should be centered around The Lord,  why? Because Christ gave his life for you, you should be willing to give your life for him, Amen!

Philippians 1- Christ Is Preached

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But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Philippians 1:12-14

We live in a generation where most Churches are preaching a “prosperity gospel”, a false gospel that God will give you health, wealth, and happiness. Was this the same gospel that the Apostles preached? Paul here tells us about his persecution actually helped further the gospel of Christ. This is a concept that would be foreign to the modern day Church, that is mostly looking for luxury and idleness.

So you might ask, how did Paul’s suffering help further the gospel? Paul says “So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace and other places” Everyone who saw Paul being persecuted, understood that Paul was doing this because he had genuine faith in Christ. Paul wasn’t trying to sell snake oil or a book in his name, Paul was willing to suffer and die for the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

So what was the reaction by the Church? Paul said “And many brethren in The Lord, waxing confidence by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear”. The Church actually grew stronger and behaved more boldly when they saw Paul willing to risk his life to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 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. Philippians 1:15-20

The Apostle Paul goes on to say there are many who are preaching Christ for the wrong reasons, we know there are alot of Churches and preachers today that use the name of Jesus as a business. And as the Apostle James said “Not everyone should become a teacher, because those who teach will receive a greater judgment” (James 3:1) But Paul is saying, don’t worry about those false preachers, the important thing is “Christ is preached”! 

Paul always says “Christ shall be magnified in my body” Everything we do should be for the glory of God, whether its suffering or rejoicing, our goal to to share the gospel of Jesus Christ , whatever we do make sure that Christ is preached! Amen!

Philippians 1- Partakers in Christ

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I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.  Philippians 1:3-8

When we think about the other members of our Church, what are your first thoughts that come to mind? Often we think about the negative, we mention people that may annoy us, or people we believe may not be living the “Christian” lifestyle. But what was Paul’s attitude towards the Church? Paul said “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you”, isn’t this a beautiful thought, instead of complaining or murmuring about your Church family, why not thank God they are there and pray for them!

The Church is a very complex and living entity, why? Because we have people from all races and backgrounds coming together to fellowship, why? Because we all have the same common interest, Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. The gospel is what pulls us all together, Christ is what makes us a family and partners. We must always remember this, Christ is Head of the Church, Christ is the foundation of our faith, this is why we fellowship with other brothers and sisters.

If you are looking for the perfect Church, you will never find it, why? Because people are not perfect, we are all flawed sinners (Roman 3:23) in need of a Savior. But we strive to be more like Christ through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. Paul said “Being confident of this very thing, the He (Holy Spirit)  which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” We are all a work in progress, and the Holy Spirit will continue to work on us, until the day of Christs return and we receive our glorified bodies

Paul says “You are all partakers or partners in grace with me” We the Church are all in this together. We are all partners in Jesus Christ, we are all soldiers in Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3) This is not about us or our feelings, this is about fulfilling the Great Commision, (Matthew 28:19) This is about completing the race that has been laid out before us (Hebrews 12:1) The body of Christ is not a single person, it’s the great multitude that are Born Again in Jesus Christ

Instead of condemning your brothers and sisters, pray for them, teach them, lead them by the Holy Spirit as Paul said “I have you in my heart”, love your brothers and sisters as Christ loves us! Amen!

2 Thessalonians 3- Lord of Peace

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Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

No matter who you are in this world, you are looking for peace. Everyone is searching for inner peace, the nations are searching for civil peace, marriages and families are striving for relational peace. So how do we obtain peace? And what causes us to be in such distress in our lives?

The answer is very simple, its Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah called The Lord the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) When Christ was incarnated, the angels declared “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will to man” (Luke 2:14) It’s very apparent and evident, that Jesus Christ is our source for peace

So why don’t we have peace on Earth right now? It’s very simple, because of our sins against God and the curse of sin on this Earth. The Apostle Paul tells us “The whole Earth groans and travails in pain together “ (Romans 8:22) We live in a fallen world, therefore there is going to be alot of pain and trouble for us all. But also sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2) when we sin, it grieves our soul because of our longing to be with our Creator, our Heavenly Father. Sin also has consequences, and usually creates even more problems for us and everyone around us, it’s a vicous cycle that only Christ can break!

Christ paid the wrath of our sin on the cross, therefore reconciled us back to our Heavenly Father. (Isaiah 53) This is why Jesus Christ is only souce of peace, you will never find peace until you turn away from your sin and put your faith in Jesus Christ. As Paul said “The peace of God surpasses all understanding or comprehension” (Philippians 4:7) When you surrender to Christ, you will be not only washed by his blood and baptized by the Holy Spirit, but you will feel a wave of peace that renews your soul

The prophet Isaiah also said this “If you would just have listened to my commandments, then you would have peace like a river” (Isaiah 48:18) If you would just listen to the voice of Christ, calling you to come home, then you would have peace like a river! Jesus paid it all for you, so you can live for him in peace!

As Paul ends his epistle “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, be with you all” The amazing grace of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, may his peace flow over you Amen!

2 Thessalonians 3- Lazy Christians?

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For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:11-15

The Apostle Paul is a straight shooter and doesn’t mince words when it comes to teaching the Church self discipline. Here Paul is not correcting the “lazy” Christians. There are a couple ways to look at this, first there are Christians who don’t really do any work for The Lord. In fact, in my experiences with Churches today, the majority of “Christians” are not “working” for The Lord at all. They check off their required boxes each week to be considered a Christian, but they are not actually living the Christian calling.

Nowadays everyone seems to have a social media channel these days, however what annoys me mostly is how they want you to pay them money every month, and some even withhold content unless you’re a paid subscriber. Nobody should ever be charging to share the gospel, this in my opinion is blasphemy to make a business selling the word of God. What does the Apostle Paul say “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all” Do you think the early Church expected people to financially support every Christian who was sharing the gospel? Absolutely not, but this is where we are at today in Christianity.

In fact if you go back a few verses Paul says “If you don’t work, you don’t eat” (v14) Everyone was expected to pull their weight and work besides serving in ministry. Even Paul himself worked as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3-4) Now I understand, some people do supply Paul with money, food, or housing, but this wasn’t the normal requirement. Paul never told anyone if you don’t pay me, I’m not going to share the gospel. In fact Paul says “We don’t peddle the word of God for a profit” (2 Corinthians 2:17)

While I understand there are some cases where a Pastor/Preacher needs some financial support to live, the financial burdens shouldn’t all fall on the people of the Church. And ministries today should never require someone to pay a subscription, to hear the word of God. This in my opinion is exploiting Jesus and as Paul said, its just being very lazy. And actually I think this whole financial system that has been created by the Church, has turned off alot of non-believers because they see the greed and corruption in the system

Should we make a career from working in the Church? When did the Bible ever teach this is a career or occupation? This is a calling by God, and every Christian in some capacity is expected to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone they meet (Matthew 28:19) Amen

2 Thessalonians 3- Withdrawal Yourselves

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Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10

We live in a generation where the Church is trying to normalize sin, where the Church is not only telling its members they don’t have to repent but they are also elevating them to leaders in the Body of Christ. What does Paul have to say about this “You withdraw yourselves from every brother that walk disorderly and not after the tradition that you received from us”

The Church today is trying normalize homosexuality and sexual immorality, is this in alignment or tradition of what Christ taught? Jesus said “From the beginning God created them male and female” (Matthew 19:4) This destroys any liberal nonsense that God is fine with transgenderism. Jesus goes on to say “The man will leave his father and mother, be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh” (Matthew 19:5) Jesus is quoting Genesis, the Covenant of marriage is between One man and One woman, period. This makes any gay marriage, totally illegal and void under the eyes of God. Secondly any sex outside the covenant of marriage is immoral. This includes heterosexual people “shacking up” or “hooking up” The only sex in the Bible that is permissible, is between a husband and a wife

Those who teach that Jesus is accepting of homosexuality or gay marriage are liars and blasphemers. They twist the word of God for financial gain. As the Apostle James taught “Not many of you should become teachers, because you will be judged more strictly “ (James 3:1) These false teachers and false prophets will be judged by God more severely on judgment day. So be careful what blasphemous propaganda you are supporting or promoting within your Church

What did Paul say “Don’t be deceived , neither homosexuals or the sexually immoral , will inherit the Kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) Jesus and the Apostles made it very clear, sexual immortality will never be tolerated in the Kingdom of God, in fact Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) Is a homosexual Born Again? They can’t be, they are not regenerated, they are still depraved living in their old sin. As the Apostle Peter said “As a dog returns to its vomit” (2 Peter 2:22) How do we know if someone is not saved, they are like a dog going back to its vomit, they are people who continue to live in their sin, there is no regeneration, there is no change of heart, there is no love for God or obedience to Christ

I understand this is a strong message, however the Body of Christ is under a deceptive attack. Don’t be deceived, God will not ordain sin, Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) Do you really love Jesus? Then your actions or fruits should demonstrate this! (Matthew 7) Amen!

2 Thessalonians 3- Mission of The Church

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Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

What was the main goal of the Church here? Paul says “Pray for us, that the word of The Lord may have free course or spread quickly” The Church was sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, this was the command giving us by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) This should be the mission statement for every Church, the gospel needs to be spread by whatever means possible

Sounds like an easy job, right? Wrong, anytime you share the gospel, heavy opposition usually follows. Paul says “That we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” doesn’t that sound like today’s society also? Wicked and unreasonable, these are the type of people usually you face when trying to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. However it’s our calling and duty 

But even though it’s a struggle, we always have hope because as Paul says “The Lord is faithful, who shall establish you and keep you from evil” God will never leave or forsake us, Jesus is faithful. Whatever Christ promised us, we can count it as a guarantee, we never have to wonder and hope that God will save us, it is already finished! We may not always understand the plan or the path, but we should know God will always use things for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28)

So how do we know what to do as the Church? Paul says “May The Lord directs your hearts”, follow the will of God being filled and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Whatever you are doing for your Church or your daily life, ask “Is Jesus Christ leading my heart”? Again what is the mission of the Church? Doing the will of God, being led by the Holy Spirit, having Jesus Christ lead your heart to fulfill the Great Commision, Amen!

2 Thessalonians 2- Stand Fast

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But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15

This is a great message Paul is giving the Church, and I believe this is a message the Church really needs to hear today, stand firm in your faith in Jesus Christ! We live in a depraved and wicked society today, influenced by demons, and many lost or fallen away from false teachers and false doctrine. 

As Paul says here “Stand fast or firm and hold the traditions you have been taught” We see this alot today, “Christians” who keep jumping from doctrine to doctrine because of someone we saw on social media, you need to stand firm in what the Bible says, not what a slick talker says.  The Church is continually under attack, however deep Church tradition affirms many essential doctrines such as the Trinity, the Virgin Birth, Communion, the Holy Spirit, ect. While there may be varying differences in interpretation, these were essential doctrines and teachings of the Church. 

How do we know who the Church is? Paul states it in the beginning of this teaching “God has from the beginning , chosen you to salvation” We didn’t wake up one day and just say “I choose Jesus” or “i’m going to Church today”, God has chosen us , we were called by the Great Shepherd to be his sheep (John 10) Christ saved us, we didn’t save ourselves. 

Now how do we understand the gospel or truth? Paul says “Through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of truth” The unsaved world rejects the gospel and doesn’t believe it’s true, why? Because they are not sanctified by the Holy Spirit. As Paul says also “The natural man doesn’t understand spiritual things” (1 Corinthians 2:14) That’s why when you go out on the streets and evangelize, people look at you like you have three heads, they can’t understand spiritual wisdom from God, unless they are converted by the Holy Spirit

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

In a world that is in total chaos, take comfort or encouragement, that Jesus Christ is already victorious. Every good word that Christ spoke is a promise and guarantee, there is no need to question, anything Jesus said is a done deal, Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33)

So instead of wavering in your faith, being tossed back and forth from false doctrine and false teachers, stand firm in your faith in Jesus Christ, be sanctified and led by the Holy Spirit, all glory to God our Father, Amen!

2 Thessalonians 2- The AntiChrist Part 2

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Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:. 2 Thessalonians 2:5-8

 As we continue to look at Paul’s teaching on the AntiChrist, the first thing we see is Paul states “Now you know what withholdeth or restrain that He (AntiChrist) might be revealed”. The great debate in Christianity has been, who is the restrainer? Who is withholding or restraining the AntiChrist, so that he is revealed at the proper time? Some would says its the Holy Spirit, others will say it’s the Church. The fact is , God is still and always in complete control. God may allow Satan and the AntiChrist to commit evil for a limited amount of time, but the ultimate purpose will be for God’s glory and his eternal kingdom to be established

Paul then reveals , Satan and the AntiChrist are already at work, however they are currently being restrained by God. Now think about all the evil that is already in this world, now imagine how its going to be when God allows Satan to have his way? This will be the great tribulation. 

Now before you get all upset and anxious about this great wave of evil to come, read Pauls words “Whom The Lord shall consume” It is written, Satan is already defeated. We already know this from the cross, when Christ said “It Is Finished” (John 19:30) Jesus crushed the head of Satan (Genesis 3:15) defeating sin and death forever. However for the rest of the unsaved world, it will be “Hell” on Earth, there is victory in Jesus Christ!

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11

When the AntiChrist comes there will be a great deception upon those who don’t have the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. The AntiChirst will come will all power , signs, and lying wonders. Remember the First Horseman (Revealtion 6), the AntiChrist will try to mimic Jesus Christ, those who don’t know the real Christ will fall for the AntiChrist. Because of people’s hardened hearts, God will send them strong delusion and they will believe the lies of the AntiChrist. Time is running out, stop hardening your hearts and worship The Lord Jesus Christ!

Paul says “they received not or refused the love of the truth” Those who reject the true gospel of Jesus Christ, will fall under control of the AntiChrist and will be condemned to Hell. Time is running out, call out to The Lord Jesus Christ before its too late, Amen!

2 Thessalonians 2- The AntiChrist Part 1

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Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

The topic of the AntiChrist is again one of the most debated and popular topics in Christianity today. There have been many books written, many commentaries given, however I believe Paul here, inspired by the Holy Spirit, gives us a very clear and easy explanation of the AntiChrist. 

Now many have the idea that the AntiChrist is not just one specific person but a group of people. The Apostle John says this “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (1 John 2:18) Now notice what John says “You have heard that antichrist shall come” This implies the Church has been taught by Christ that an AntiChrist will come, and the Church is expecting him (Revelation 6:2), the First Horseman. John goes on to say “even now are many antichrists” and this is true. Anyone who rejects Christ is an antiChrist, anyone doing the works of Satan is an antiChrist, many antiChrists have come into the world, but the First Horseman will be coming in the end

Paul says “That day (Return of Christ) will not come unless the falling away comes first, and man of sin is revealed” This destroys the Preterist view who believe the book of Revelation is completely fulfilled. Christ will not return until the AntiChrist is revealed first. Some will claim Christ already came and the AntiChrist is Nero or Antiochus, if one of these men were the AntiChrist, we would have already been raptured to God

It’s clear by Paul’s description of the Antichrist that it’s a single person, man of lawlessness and son of perdition. Some might ask why does it matter? Well as Paul was teaching the Church “let no one deceive you by any means” Many false prophets claiming this person is the AntiChrist or that person is the AntiChrist, is confusing and dividing the body of Christ. (Matthew 24:5) Listen to the Word of God, not the doctrine of man

The AntiChrist opposes God and exalts himself above God, and will try to decieve the world that He is God, how? It’s clearly explained in Revelation 6, the First Horseman. Many will believe the AntiChrist is the actual Christ, and will deceive many into worshiping him. This is why Jesus said “don’t be deceived” this is why Paul said “don’t be deceived” Be ready for the Man of Lawlessness is coming!