When I started my blog I was kind of naive. I wanted to share God's word and change the world by doing it. Well I guess I still haven't changed, I still want to share God's word and change the world by doing it. Mostly I just wanted to tell the world how I felt about God and how he is so important in my life. I got so tired of keeping it inside of me and needed to find away to express it more openly. So I started my blog and it did make me happy, for now I had a way to express myself.
When I release my blog, it did not have that global impact that I had imagined. A lot of people did not read it. My blog was virtually unknown. ugh! My naivete was broken. Oh well, life goes on. I stilled enjoyed writing my blog, even though it was not getting the results that I hope for. I met some musicians in a band once, they to wanted to change the world with their songs. I believe that most of us want to do something to change our world and make it a better place to live.
Anyway, I will continued to blog. I did take a year off of blogging. I think I was a little disillusioned about how big my blog was going to be and how it turned out to be. I read stories about bloggers hoping to make big money from their blogs and it did not turn out as they expected and they quit blogging. I never wanted to make money on my blog but I did want to touch people somehow with my writings and tell them how I felt about God and his word. Some people say that the scriptures are like God's frozen spirit, when people read it, it thaws out within their hearts. I just wanted to point people to his word, so that the spirit of God could change them and make a difference in their life as it had in mine.
My expectations of my blog has changed, I no longer feel that I can change the whole world with it. lol. What a blow to my ego, but I have to let go of my fantasy and be realistic. I do love my blog, it gives me so much satisfaction. It is about my journey through God's word and my discovery of it's meaning to my life and to our world. I find that God's word has so much depth and with it so many views to its meaning, thus causing so many denominations in our world. I like exploring it and theorizing about it. Through this exploring of God's word, I want to expand my knowledge about God, to apply it to my life and grow to be a more spiritually mature human being. I want to be who God wants me to be because he knows a whole lot more about me than I know myself. His way has always been the perfect way after all he did create us, our world and the entire universe, you have to admit, he does know something.
I will continue to blog even if others do not think much of it. I do have many other things that I can do with my time but none of them gives me as much satisfaction as this blog. When I look into God's word it has so much wisdom that I cannot find anywhere else. Every post that I write, leads me to another. When I find one answer, I find I have many more questions to follow. It is an endless journey but for me it is a most enjoyable one.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Sunday, June 14, 2015
God's Plan
I love this topic God's plan, whenever I hear it preached or when I read about it. It gives me so much hope that one day our world and our lives will be made so much better when Jesus Christ returns. Generation after generation of Christians have been waiting on his arrival with open arms. Even though I may not see his return in my lifetime, it still makes me feel better about my own future and that of our world's. When I see and hear about so much trouble and badness that is going on, I am not brought down entirely by the news because the word of God tells me that a better world is on the way. God's word reassures me that the devil will not win and Jesus Christ will be triumphant in the end. Just thinking about makes me feel better already.
Why did Jesus Christ come into our world? Because it was part of God's plan to redeem us from sin and death and to bring us back into a perfect paradise condition. Ephesians 1:4,5 "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will," God with his far reaching sight, saw us holy and blameless before him and he saw us brought to him through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.
God had a plan at the beginning. God told the serpent right after it deceived Adam and Eve that Jesus would come to bruise it in the head and it would bruise Jesus's heel (Genesis 3:15). This meant that Satan was behind Jesus Christ's crucifixion, it was like that he gave Jesus a minor wound to the heel because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Whereas, Jesus Christ will give Satan a fatal wound to the head, when he throws the devil into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:10). God has not forgotten about us, everything that he has said, did come true and will come true.
A lot of people act like Jesus Christ is not returning at all. Its like when Moses went up the mountain to receive God's ten commandments and those people who were waiting for him thought he was not coming back, they started to rebel against God and made themselves a golden idol (Exodus 32:1,8). As for us, the apostle Peter tells us the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise. 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." A vision(a revelation) has it's appointed time. Habakkuk 2:3 "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
I am not a rebellious person, even if the Lord does not return in my lifetime I will not be doing wrong against God or to others. I do not see or feel that upholding Christians values as burdensome, nor that I only do it because I fear God's punishment. On the contrary, following Christian's principles has help me a lot in my life. It has brought me to have little to no regrets in my life. The word of God has brought me hope and comfort during the sad times. And through prayer I have been strengthen to carry on. I am not a perfect man, I have on occasion got my fingers burnt by sin and that is why I hold God's word even closer for its wisdom and protection it gives me.
God's plan is a wonderful plan for us. A home forever in paradise under our loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Why would anyone want to rebel against it. No more suffering and pain but only pure love and happiness for us all. Yes, I will eagerly wait on the Lord's arrival as long as it takes, for what else can compare to God's plan.
Why did Jesus Christ come into our world? Because it was part of God's plan to redeem us from sin and death and to bring us back into a perfect paradise condition. Ephesians 1:4,5 "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will," God with his far reaching sight, saw us holy and blameless before him and he saw us brought to him through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.
God had a plan at the beginning. God told the serpent right after it deceived Adam and Eve that Jesus would come to bruise it in the head and it would bruise Jesus's heel (Genesis 3:15). This meant that Satan was behind Jesus Christ's crucifixion, it was like that he gave Jesus a minor wound to the heel because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Whereas, Jesus Christ will give Satan a fatal wound to the head, when he throws the devil into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:10). God has not forgotten about us, everything that he has said, did come true and will come true.
A lot of people act like Jesus Christ is not returning at all. Its like when Moses went up the mountain to receive God's ten commandments and those people who were waiting for him thought he was not coming back, they started to rebel against God and made themselves a golden idol (Exodus 32:1,8). As for us, the apostle Peter tells us the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise. 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." A vision(a revelation) has it's appointed time. Habakkuk 2:3 "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
I am not a rebellious person, even if the Lord does not return in my lifetime I will not be doing wrong against God or to others. I do not see or feel that upholding Christians values as burdensome, nor that I only do it because I fear God's punishment. On the contrary, following Christian's principles has help me a lot in my life. It has brought me to have little to no regrets in my life. The word of God has brought me hope and comfort during the sad times. And through prayer I have been strengthen to carry on. I am not a perfect man, I have on occasion got my fingers burnt by sin and that is why I hold God's word even closer for its wisdom and protection it gives me.
God's plan is a wonderful plan for us. A home forever in paradise under our loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Why would anyone want to rebel against it. No more suffering and pain but only pure love and happiness for us all. Yes, I will eagerly wait on the Lord's arrival as long as it takes, for what else can compare to God's plan.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
The Blooms and Sunsets that no one will See
I was thinking about how many flower blooms and beautiful sunsets that come and go without anyone seeing them. Flowers seem to give it their best even if there is no one around to applaud their efforts. The sky above also gives us something beautiful to look at, even if we are not around to see it. Nature does the same thing with it's colorful birds and creatures that roam the earth. It seeks no approval or reward it just does what it does best all the time.
I was wondering why can't I be more like the flowers, the sky and nature, and just do my best without wanting to show it off or to seek some kind of reward or approval? Why is there some kind of vanity within me that wants to be noticed and to say to others look what I have done? I would like to be able to make something beautiful like making a masterpiece and being satisfied with it, then walk away without wanting to show it off to someone for some kind of positive feedback. I seem to have some vanity, where nature has none.
Will a person do their worst if no one is around to praise him? I think not. What painter will make their paintings ugly just because no one is around? What singer will sing their worst because he or she is not on a stage? People who are trying to create something will still do their best even if they are all alone. There is something within them that makes them want to achieve a perfect expression. So people are doing wonderful things that I will probably never hear or see, just because they love what they do.
Each of us that have something to express will create their own blooms and sunsets to present to the world. Maybe some will get noticed and be applauded for their good work. However many others will have to make do with less. But we have to asked ourselves why are we doing it in the first place? Are we doing it because we love doing it or are we just trying to get noticed? Even still, I think a little vanity runs through all of our veins and we want people to love what we love to do. We want their approval and praise for the work that we have done.
I was wondering why can't I be more like the flowers, the sky and nature, and just do my best without wanting to show it off or to seek some kind of reward or approval? Why is there some kind of vanity within me that wants to be noticed and to say to others look what I have done? I would like to be able to make something beautiful like making a masterpiece and being satisfied with it, then walk away without wanting to show it off to someone for some kind of positive feedback. I seem to have some vanity, where nature has none.
Will a person do their worst if no one is around to praise him? I think not. What painter will make their paintings ugly just because no one is around? What singer will sing their worst because he or she is not on a stage? People who are trying to create something will still do their best even if they are all alone. There is something within them that makes them want to achieve a perfect expression. So people are doing wonderful things that I will probably never hear or see, just because they love what they do.
Each of us that have something to express will create their own blooms and sunsets to present to the world. Maybe some will get noticed and be applauded for their good work. However many others will have to make do with less. But we have to asked ourselves why are we doing it in the first place? Are we doing it because we love doing it or are we just trying to get noticed? Even still, I think a little vanity runs through all of our veins and we want people to love what we love to do. We want their approval and praise for the work that we have done.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Do you have a Hardened Heart?
Do you have a hardened heart? A hardened heart according to definition is insensitive, showing no kindness or sympathy for others. However, the spiritual hardness of the heart can take on other forms apart from having no sympathy. For example, Jesus was trying to teach the apostles about the the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod but the apostles did not understand him. Mark 8:17,18 "And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?" So having an hardened heart can keep you from understanding, seeing and hearing clearly, and even remembering, biblical teachings and instruction. This was stressed in Matthew 13:15 "For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed...." Mark 6:52 "for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened."
The apostles hearts were not unsympathetic to others but they were insensitive or not aware of what Jesus Christ was trying to teach them. Their hearts were like, they were to hard for any understanding to get through. Even so, Jesus Christ was patient with them and took time to explain his teachings to them. Jesus Christ wanted his disciples to become more spiritually minded than just looking at the surface of things.
I also have some difficulty in understanding some of the teachings of Jesus Christ. It takes many hours of research and study for me to comprehend them. Perhaps, my heart is also a little bit hardened. Jesus Christ talks about a helper that he will send to us to help us to understand and remember his teachings. John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to you remembrance all that I have said to you." At times when I was studying God's word, the verses of the Bible became very clear to me. I believe this was caused by God's Holy Spirit helping me to understand.
The Holy Spirit plays a big part in our own personal understanding of God. 1 Corinthians 2:12 "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God." Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." 2 Timothy 2:7 "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything." These verses show us where true understanding comes from, from God's Holy Spirit.
Ephesians tells us that a hardened heart can darkened our understanding. Ephesians 4:18 "They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of their heart." A hardened heart can separate us from God making us think that our way is the best way. Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." If we follow the course of our hardened heart it will only lead us to death and not to eternal life with our Lord. We have to trust in the Lord and soften our hearts so to let the Holy Spirit in to guide us. Ezekiel 11:19 "And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh."
(ESV)
The apostles hearts were not unsympathetic to others but they were insensitive or not aware of what Jesus Christ was trying to teach them. Their hearts were like, they were to hard for any understanding to get through. Even so, Jesus Christ was patient with them and took time to explain his teachings to them. Jesus Christ wanted his disciples to become more spiritually minded than just looking at the surface of things.
I also have some difficulty in understanding some of the teachings of Jesus Christ. It takes many hours of research and study for me to comprehend them. Perhaps, my heart is also a little bit hardened. Jesus Christ talks about a helper that he will send to us to help us to understand and remember his teachings. John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to you remembrance all that I have said to you." At times when I was studying God's word, the verses of the Bible became very clear to me. I believe this was caused by God's Holy Spirit helping me to understand.
The Holy Spirit plays a big part in our own personal understanding of God. 1 Corinthians 2:12 "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God." Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." 2 Timothy 2:7 "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything." These verses show us where true understanding comes from, from God's Holy Spirit.
Ephesians tells us that a hardened heart can darkened our understanding. Ephesians 4:18 "They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of their heart." A hardened heart can separate us from God making us think that our way is the best way. Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." If we follow the course of our hardened heart it will only lead us to death and not to eternal life with our Lord. We have to trust in the Lord and soften our hearts so to let the Holy Spirit in to guide us. Ezekiel 11:19 "And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh."
(ESV)
Sunday, May 24, 2015
We the People are Important
People, they are all around us. We interact we each other on a daily bases. Our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends affect us in someway. We depend on each other and look to each other when we need help. The community around us prospers or self-destructs depending on what kind of people that are in it. We need each other. Our life is either made happy or sorrowful by each other's attitude. We cannot overlook, ignore, hurt or disrespect each other without feeling the consequences of our actions. If the God of all creation sent his only begotten son to die for us because he loved us so (John 3:16), then we must all take good look at each other and see each other as brothers instead of just obstacles that we have to endure or people to use to get what we want.
When we respect and help each other, we honor the Lord. Matthew 25:37-40 "Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? 38And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." Proverbs 14:31 "Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him."
We are told to do no wrong to our neighbors but to love each other. Romans 13:8-10 "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Why love, because everyone of us needs love. We are our heavenly Father's children. He created us to love, to be like him. 1 John 4:8 "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
We the people are important. We are important to God and he wants us to be important to each other. He looks down upon us like a loving Father. He wants us to treat each other as he would treat us. He wants us to love one another and to forgive each other. Matthew 6:14,15 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses."
So where are we getting that hurting each other is alright? How are we to build a community on a attitude of survival of the fittest or if we act superior to all others? It is not the plan our creator has for us. Galatians 5:13,14 "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
The more we take to heart the commands of God the more we will come together as one people. Building each other up, supporting one another when in need and loving each other like a family under God. This is what God wants for us and this is what we really need and want for ourselves, so that we the people can finally have a lasting peace and security in our lives.
(ESV)
When we respect and help each other, we honor the Lord. Matthew 25:37-40 "Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? 38And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." Proverbs 14:31 "Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him."
We are told to do no wrong to our neighbors but to love each other. Romans 13:8-10 "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Why love, because everyone of us needs love. We are our heavenly Father's children. He created us to love, to be like him. 1 John 4:8 "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
We the people are important. We are important to God and he wants us to be important to each other. He looks down upon us like a loving Father. He wants us to treat each other as he would treat us. He wants us to love one another and to forgive each other. Matthew 6:14,15 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses."
So where are we getting that hurting each other is alright? How are we to build a community on a attitude of survival of the fittest or if we act superior to all others? It is not the plan our creator has for us. Galatians 5:13,14 "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
The more we take to heart the commands of God the more we will come together as one people. Building each other up, supporting one another when in need and loving each other like a family under God. This is what God wants for us and this is what we really need and want for ourselves, so that we the people can finally have a lasting peace and security in our lives.
(ESV)
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Perseverance
Perseverance definition: [to persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea, or task in spite of obstacles.] If we are to persevere, we have to really believe in what we are doing, if not we would just give up. We can use perseverance to accomplish our job or to try to win at sports. We can apply it to many different things in our life in order to succeed. In our faith, perseverance is important, we have to remain constant to our purpose in serving God and our loyalty to Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:25 "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."
The apostle Paul endure many trials and tribulations and he persevered. 2 Corinthians 11:24,25,27 "Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 27in toil and hardship, through many sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure." The apostle Paul had great devotion and great perseverance, he never gave up his faith in God. Revelation 2:10 "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Our commitment to Jesus Christ is a lifetime commitment, we will and must remain constant to our purpose to serve Jesus Christ in spite of any obstacles that may come along. For we our given a promise, "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." We persevere because we look to that for which is to come. Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." We believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ and want to be just like him. Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God, is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." We want all what the Holy Spirit can offer us. Galatians 5:22,23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control;...." We believe with all of our heart and soul that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6) and we will persevere in our life and in our service until we are with him in his kingdom. (ESV)
The apostle Paul endure many trials and tribulations and he persevered. 2 Corinthians 11:24,25,27 "Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 27in toil and hardship, through many sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure." The apostle Paul had great devotion and great perseverance, he never gave up his faith in God. Revelation 2:10 "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Our commitment to Jesus Christ is a lifetime commitment, we will and must remain constant to our purpose to serve Jesus Christ in spite of any obstacles that may come along. For we our given a promise, "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." We persevere because we look to that for which is to come. Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." We believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ and want to be just like him. Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God, is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." We want all what the Holy Spirit can offer us. Galatians 5:22,23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control;...." We believe with all of our heart and soul that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6) and we will persevere in our life and in our service until we are with him in his kingdom. (ESV)
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Forgiveness for the Deceived
I was thinking about what Jesus said in Luke 23:34 while he was still hanging upon the cross, "And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." In Acts 7:60 Stephen said, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." He said this while he was being stone to death. Jesus Christ and Stephen wanted those who were putting them to death to have a chance of forgiveness. I believed they saw their oppressors as being deceived and wanted them to have a chance at redemption, when they finally come to realize the real truth.
In my opinion, not many of us could do this, praying for the ones who are putting us to death and asking God to forgive them. I would love to be that spiritually mature but I fear that I have still some ways to go. Jesus warned his disciples in John 16:2 "They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God." 2 Corinthians 4:4 "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." Those who are bringing harm to God's congregation are blinded by Satan, that is why, I believe Jesus said we are to forgive our brother many times. Matthew 18:21,22 "Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" 22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times."
The apostle Paul reminded a congregation how they once were in Titus 3:3-5 "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us,..." The apostle Paul talked about himself in 1 Corinthians 15:9,10 "For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." Many of the past Christians were blinded and deceived by the devil but yet through the forgiveness of Jesus Christ they changed who they were and carried on the messages of Jesus Christ.
We can see the importance of forgiving our brothers and sisters in order for them, to one day come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Our future is secure in the hands of Jesus Christ, whereas their future if unchanged could lead them to an eternity in darkness. Endurance on our part and keeping our unyielding faith can help them to find God. People can change, Jesus wants us to give them that opportunity to change through our forgiveness. How are we to teach them about Jesus Christ's love and forgiveness, if we are cursing at them?
The apostle Paul tells us how to be in 2 Timothy 2:24-26 "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will." The apostle Paul also tells us what each of us will have to face. 2 Timothy 3:12 "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,"
People who come against the disciples of Jesus Christ are coming against Jesus Christ himself, for we are not representing ourselves but the kingdom of God. They truly are, just as Jesus Christ said, "for they know not what they do." Our eyes are open to the truth whereas their eyes are shut tightly against it. So we forgive them for their sake and for ours, in hope that one day their eyes will be open. In all honesty, I do not know if I could be as forgiving as Jesus Christ or Stephen was to their persecutors. But I will keep on praying for the love and the strength to be able to. (ESV)
In my opinion, not many of us could do this, praying for the ones who are putting us to death and asking God to forgive them. I would love to be that spiritually mature but I fear that I have still some ways to go. Jesus warned his disciples in John 16:2 "They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God." 2 Corinthians 4:4 "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." Those who are bringing harm to God's congregation are blinded by Satan, that is why, I believe Jesus said we are to forgive our brother many times. Matthew 18:21,22 "Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" 22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times."
The apostle Paul reminded a congregation how they once were in Titus 3:3-5 "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us,..." The apostle Paul talked about himself in 1 Corinthians 15:9,10 "For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." Many of the past Christians were blinded and deceived by the devil but yet through the forgiveness of Jesus Christ they changed who they were and carried on the messages of Jesus Christ.
We can see the importance of forgiving our brothers and sisters in order for them, to one day come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Our future is secure in the hands of Jesus Christ, whereas their future if unchanged could lead them to an eternity in darkness. Endurance on our part and keeping our unyielding faith can help them to find God. People can change, Jesus wants us to give them that opportunity to change through our forgiveness. How are we to teach them about Jesus Christ's love and forgiveness, if we are cursing at them?
The apostle Paul tells us how to be in 2 Timothy 2:24-26 "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will." The apostle Paul also tells us what each of us will have to face. 2 Timothy 3:12 "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,"
People who come against the disciples of Jesus Christ are coming against Jesus Christ himself, for we are not representing ourselves but the kingdom of God. They truly are, just as Jesus Christ said, "for they know not what they do." Our eyes are open to the truth whereas their eyes are shut tightly against it. So we forgive them for their sake and for ours, in hope that one day their eyes will be open. In all honesty, I do not know if I could be as forgiving as Jesus Christ or Stephen was to their persecutors. But I will keep on praying for the love and the strength to be able to. (ESV)
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