Life has its up and Downs. That is for sure. Because of how much happened lately and how much I've learned I'd gotten used to being on a "spiritual high". Now I feel like I'm not growing as much but I realize that im in a season of growing my contentedness and realization that God is working in me in ways that aren't as obvious to myself.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Hell
Hell is an intense scary subject. Today it has been on my mind. Not because I enjoy thinking about it but because its the sermon subject this week at Mars Hill. I'm realizing that many people I meet and know will go to hell. That's a scary heavy thought. I'm sure ill blog about it Sunday.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Why dont I hear God's voice?
"The less i give the less i get. The less i listen the less i hear. The less i seek the less i know."
I wrote this on my wall last week cause that is what was on my mind.
Why don't you hear what God is saying? Cause you're not listening.
A brutal but honest truth. I figured this out in a huge way at my last community group. Little did i know the thing i posted days before group was the one thing i needed to hear myself. God has been very clear with most of his intentions with my life I feel. I look back at the past few months and see God's hand in everything. Absolutely everything.
At community group we were talking about the previous weeks sermon. The Parable of the Dishonest Manager. Luke 6:1-15. (talking about how you cannot serve God and money and your money is the Lord's) We were discussing it and everyone was chiming in at how they felt God was asking them to give in regards to their finances and how much they felt like they were called to tithe. I piped in, "I've never really felt called to give money. I've given my 10% but i've never really felt God speaking into that part of my life." Our community group leader replied, "Have you prayed over your finances? have you sincerely asked God what he wants you to do and how?" I realized and confessed right there that I hadn't. I'd never heard God's voice in regards to my money because I'd never asked and really listened for the answer.
You probably wonder then, How do you know what God wants you to do with your life? How does He speak to you? At least in my life they've been through: The Bible, Worship in Church, Prayer, Friends, and books from Strong Christians.
"I don't doubt the Spirit guides you from within, but He also speaks through Scripture, Church, Friends, etc" - C.S Lewis
The answer to all the questions I've had have been in the Bible
Should i take this job?
Should I go to this concert?
Should i date this person?
Should i go to that party?
Should i say those words?
Should i hold my tongue?
Should i get close to this person?
Should i conduct myself in this way?
Every question you could possibly ask is answered. You will find the answer. Will you listen to the answer or will you consider it just a "cultural" thing? Is your personality just different so it doesn't make sense for me? Is this part of the Bible for me but this part not at all?
I go back to this passage so much but it's a perfect passage.
Proverbs 3:5-6:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight"
What this passage means is that nothing you know is above what God knows or above what the Bible says. Submit everything to him and he will show you how to live. He will make your path in life perfectly clear. "Lean not on your own understanding" in short, God knows, you don't. Stop pretending you know more than God. "In ALL your ways submit to him" Give it all to God cause he will give you what you need and what's best for you.
Fairly blunt but I need blunt and I think other people might need it too. I'm thankful that God continues to reveal himself and make plain my path.
Psalm 32:10
"Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord."
I wrote this on my wall last week cause that is what was on my mind.
Why don't you hear what God is saying? Cause you're not listening.
A brutal but honest truth. I figured this out in a huge way at my last community group. Little did i know the thing i posted days before group was the one thing i needed to hear myself. God has been very clear with most of his intentions with my life I feel. I look back at the past few months and see God's hand in everything. Absolutely everything.
At community group we were talking about the previous weeks sermon. The Parable of the Dishonest Manager. Luke 6:1-15. (talking about how you cannot serve God and money and your money is the Lord's) We were discussing it and everyone was chiming in at how they felt God was asking them to give in regards to their finances and how much they felt like they were called to tithe. I piped in, "I've never really felt called to give money. I've given my 10% but i've never really felt God speaking into that part of my life." Our community group leader replied, "Have you prayed over your finances? have you sincerely asked God what he wants you to do and how?" I realized and confessed right there that I hadn't. I'd never heard God's voice in regards to my money because I'd never asked and really listened for the answer.
You probably wonder then, How do you know what God wants you to do with your life? How does He speak to you? At least in my life they've been through: The Bible, Worship in Church, Prayer, Friends, and books from Strong Christians.
"I don't doubt the Spirit guides you from within, but He also speaks through Scripture, Church, Friends, etc" - C.S Lewis
The answer to all the questions I've had have been in the Bible
Should i take this job?
Should I go to this concert?
Should i date this person?
Should i go to that party?
Should i say those words?
Should i hold my tongue?
Should i get close to this person?
Should i conduct myself in this way?
Every question you could possibly ask is answered. You will find the answer. Will you listen to the answer or will you consider it just a "cultural" thing? Is your personality just different so it doesn't make sense for me? Is this part of the Bible for me but this part not at all?
I go back to this passage so much but it's a perfect passage.
Proverbs 3:5-6:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight"
What this passage means is that nothing you know is above what God knows or above what the Bible says. Submit everything to him and he will show you how to live. He will make your path in life perfectly clear. "Lean not on your own understanding" in short, God knows, you don't. Stop pretending you know more than God. "In ALL your ways submit to him" Give it all to God cause he will give you what you need and what's best for you.
Fairly blunt but I need blunt and I think other people might need it too. I'm thankful that God continues to reveal himself and make plain my path.
Psalm 32:10
"Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord."
Friendships. The ebb and flow.
Todays sermon at Mars Hill was about the very wrenching topic of divorce. I've never experienced divorce, I've never seen a friend divorced, I've never really been directly effected by divorce.
I guess the greater idea of divorce brought to mind the changing of life. The fact that even the greatest vow and promise to another human being can be broken, crushed, destroyed. Wasted. Made me realize that friendship, although not as nearly as intense, can be the same way. We will throughout life lose some friendships and make new ones. Some will last all our life and some will end after months. I've had many amazing friendships that have only lasted a month or two. Sometimes those short friendships come back later in life but sometimes that little time you had with that person is all you'll get.
One of my biggest examples was a friendship with a dear brother and someone who i still consider a great friend but unfortunately we live worlds apart (literally). I spent a month in Africa almost 3 years ago and it was one of the best times of my life. Two people who knew each other so little and nothing of the others past and coming together and being so close that parting only a few weeks later brought tears to both our eyes.
Another brother who i've only known 3 short months is moving to Seattle. It was a friendship I never expected but nevertheless one of the most enjoyable, nurturing, growing relationships i've had. Will I keep in contact? I sure hope so but his role in my life and mine in his will probably be diminished. Not because I want to see less of him but because God is taking our lives to other places.
I guess lately i'm finding a peace in although most friendships will not last forever I know that in removing someone from my life he will bless someone else with their presence and he will bring me into the life of someone who needs me there.
People who I hope will be there the rest of my life may not be. But I rest in the fact that God has a plan and God will provide me with the companionship I long for. I also realize that if God has solitude for me that he will bless me there and that is how he needs me to grow.
Proverbs 17:17 is one of my favorite verses on friendship.
"A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity"
A friend loves you all the time. Through thick and thin, through every up and down, through every harsh or kind word. Through everything.
The greatest friend we have is Christ who loves us unconditionally and will not leave us or forsake us. What a great gift friendship is. I thank God for friends and his infinite mercy in my life.
I was done there but I think i'll add this verse that I think of when investing in a friendship.
Proverbs 13:20
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm"
I guess the greater idea of divorce brought to mind the changing of life. The fact that even the greatest vow and promise to another human being can be broken, crushed, destroyed. Wasted. Made me realize that friendship, although not as nearly as intense, can be the same way. We will throughout life lose some friendships and make new ones. Some will last all our life and some will end after months. I've had many amazing friendships that have only lasted a month or two. Sometimes those short friendships come back later in life but sometimes that little time you had with that person is all you'll get.
One of my biggest examples was a friendship with a dear brother and someone who i still consider a great friend but unfortunately we live worlds apart (literally). I spent a month in Africa almost 3 years ago and it was one of the best times of my life. Two people who knew each other so little and nothing of the others past and coming together and being so close that parting only a few weeks later brought tears to both our eyes.
Another brother who i've only known 3 short months is moving to Seattle. It was a friendship I never expected but nevertheless one of the most enjoyable, nurturing, growing relationships i've had. Will I keep in contact? I sure hope so but his role in my life and mine in his will probably be diminished. Not because I want to see less of him but because God is taking our lives to other places.
I guess lately i'm finding a peace in although most friendships will not last forever I know that in removing someone from my life he will bless someone else with their presence and he will bring me into the life of someone who needs me there.
People who I hope will be there the rest of my life may not be. But I rest in the fact that God has a plan and God will provide me with the companionship I long for. I also realize that if God has solitude for me that he will bless me there and that is how he needs me to grow.
Proverbs 17:17 is one of my favorite verses on friendship.
"A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity"
A friend loves you all the time. Through thick and thin, through every up and down, through every harsh or kind word. Through everything.
The greatest friend we have is Christ who loves us unconditionally and will not leave us or forsake us. What a great gift friendship is. I thank God for friends and his infinite mercy in my life.
I was done there but I think i'll add this verse that I think of when investing in a friendship.
Proverbs 13:20
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm"
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The louder you cry...
Well well. I don't really have Bible verses of the top of my head that support this thought but I'm at work cut me some slack.
This is more psychology anyways. Came to the wonderful realization the louder you deny the more truth there is. That is to say if you scream it out and publicly cry out denial the opposite is true.
At dbnb Don was talking about a variety of things and making motions and out of the corner of my eye I saw him gesture towards me after saying something about vanity. I cried, "I'm not vain!" He wasn't even talking about me yet there it was. I'm vain. I knew it the second I cried it out. I had never really confronted that sin before.
2 Corinthians 13:5
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
A list of truths that become lies when screamed include, "I'm not rude" "I'm not a pervert" "I don't care what people think about me" "I'm done with you" on and on an on.
What do you do under pressure? How do you act under the gun? Your reactions can be a peek into your true nature and character and its something to keep in mind.
This is where my head is at at this very moment so hopefully ill come back and write more. Truth freestyle blogging.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Constantly amazed
I'm always amazed how clearly God shows me what he has for my life and where he wants me to go. Maybe cause I wanna follow so bad. It seems like lately the only joy I find is being in his word, reading of him, or Loving and communing with others. I'm glad that he has given me such joy in these things.
The thing that I feel God has revealed to me this weekend is the need to be a steward and increase my financial responsibility.
this sermon: http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/luke/the-parable-of-the-dishonest-manager was what really convicted me. I waste money, a lot. My possessions and my wealth is not my own but Christ's and I need to use the gifts of money he's given me to bless others and use wisely.
God has seemingly blasted me with this message this weekend. Not only had that sermon convicted me because I was thinking about moving out and want to be prepared to provide for a family if God has that for me but also out of the blue my grandpa who has made a fortune off the stock market confronted me with the possibility learning about, and investing there. In light of the sermon it feels like there is no better thing to do at this time then wisely invest my money. Not only in my own future but the future of my family.
Now that i'm going to be receiving a couple thousand from my cycling accident last May i'm gonna be praying whether this is something I should do with my money or if God has other purposes for it.
I want to be a wise steward. I pray God gives me wisdom.
The thing that I feel God has revealed to me this weekend is the need to be a steward and increase my financial responsibility.
this sermon: http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/luke/the-parable-of-the-dishonest-manager was what really convicted me. I waste money, a lot. My possessions and my wealth is not my own but Christ's and I need to use the gifts of money he's given me to bless others and use wisely.
God has seemingly blasted me with this message this weekend. Not only had that sermon convicted me because I was thinking about moving out and want to be prepared to provide for a family if God has that for me but also out of the blue my grandpa who has made a fortune off the stock market confronted me with the possibility learning about, and investing there. In light of the sermon it feels like there is no better thing to do at this time then wisely invest my money. Not only in my own future but the future of my family.
Now that i'm going to be receiving a couple thousand from my cycling accident last May i'm gonna be praying whether this is something I should do with my money or if God has other purposes for it.
I want to be a wise steward. I pray God gives me wisdom.
Excerpt from "Devil at My Heels"
This is a beautiful quote from a autobiography that my dad just finished reading called "Devil at my Heels" He shared this quote from the book and i thought some might appreciate it.
"I never met General MacArthur, but with all due respect, I have never agreed when he said, "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away." Fade away? You should make your life count right up to the last minute. All i want to tell young people is that you're not going to be anything in life unless you learn to commit to a goal. You have to reach deep within yourself to see if you are willing to make the sacrifices. Your dreams won't always come true, but you'll never know if you don't try. Either way, you will always discover so much of value along the way because you'll always run into problems -- or as i call them, challenges.
The first great challenge of my life was when, as a kid, I made the transition from a dissipated teenager to a dedicated athlete. Another was staying alive for forty-seven days after my plane crashed, then surviving a prison camp. The best way to meet any challenge is to be prepared for it. All athletes want to win, but in a raft, in a war, you must win. Luckily, and wisely, I was prepared -- and I did win.
I've gone through my life drawing from my experiences both positive and negative to try and influence others for the good. I never thought of myself as a hero, more a grateful survivor, and so the verse "To whom much has been given, much is expected" is the nucleus from which I deal with people. God has been so good to me. I didn't know at first that I had anything to give, but when I see my influence and how appreciative people sometimes are, what can I do? There are no words more gratifying to hear than "The help you gave me is working out"
God has given me so much. He expects much out of me"
"I never met General MacArthur, but with all due respect, I have never agreed when he said, "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away." Fade away? You should make your life count right up to the last minute. All i want to tell young people is that you're not going to be anything in life unless you learn to commit to a goal. You have to reach deep within yourself to see if you are willing to make the sacrifices. Your dreams won't always come true, but you'll never know if you don't try. Either way, you will always discover so much of value along the way because you'll always run into problems -- or as i call them, challenges.
The first great challenge of my life was when, as a kid, I made the transition from a dissipated teenager to a dedicated athlete. Another was staying alive for forty-seven days after my plane crashed, then surviving a prison camp. The best way to meet any challenge is to be prepared for it. All athletes want to win, but in a raft, in a war, you must win. Luckily, and wisely, I was prepared -- and I did win.
I've gone through my life drawing from my experiences both positive and negative to try and influence others for the good. I never thought of myself as a hero, more a grateful survivor, and so the verse "To whom much has been given, much is expected" is the nucleus from which I deal with people. God has been so good to me. I didn't know at first that I had anything to give, but when I see my influence and how appreciative people sometimes are, what can I do? There are no words more gratifying to hear than "The help you gave me is working out"
God has given me so much. He expects much out of me"
15 things that happen at Salvation
Taken from Mars hill: http://federalway.marshillchurch.org/2011/03/10/15-things-that-happen-at-salvation/
"You are redeemed from slavery to sin. (Rom. 3:24; 8:23)
You are reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:18-20)
You are forgiven of all your sins. (Col. 2:13)
You are adopted by God. (Gal. 3:26-4:7; Eph. 1:4-5)
You are accepted by God. (Eph. 1:6)
You are justified by Jesus Christ. (Rom. 4; 5:1)
You are glorified with Jesus. (Rom. 4:17; 8:18; Col. 3:4; Rom. 8:30)
You are united to Jesus. (Col. 2:9-10)
You possess every spiritual blessing. (Eph. 1:3)
You are delivered from the power of darkness. (Col. 1:13; 2 Cor. 4:3-4)
You join the people of God. (1 Peter 2:9)
You are granted access to God. (Heb. 4:16; 10:10-20)
God the Father is in you. (Eph. 4:6)
The Son is in you. (John 14:20)
The Spirit is in you. (1 Cor. 2:12)"
How beautiful. How wonderful. God is good.
"You are redeemed from slavery to sin. (Rom. 3:24; 8:23)
You are reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:18-20)
You are forgiven of all your sins. (Col. 2:13)
You are adopted by God. (Gal. 3:26-4:7; Eph. 1:4-5)
You are accepted by God. (Eph. 1:6)
You are justified by Jesus Christ. (Rom. 4; 5:1)
You are glorified with Jesus. (Rom. 4:17; 8:18; Col. 3:4; Rom. 8:30)
You are united to Jesus. (Col. 2:9-10)
You possess every spiritual blessing. (Eph. 1:3)
You are delivered from the power of darkness. (Col. 1:13; 2 Cor. 4:3-4)
You join the people of God. (1 Peter 2:9)
You are granted access to God. (Heb. 4:16; 10:10-20)
God the Father is in you. (Eph. 4:6)
The Son is in you. (John 14:20)
The Spirit is in you. (1 Cor. 2:12)"
How beautiful. How wonderful. God is good.
What is Love?
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.” - C.S. Lewis
Love has so many definitions. So many people think they understand love. So many people believe they know the key to love. I'm no expert but through the past 22 years of my life i think God has given me at least a taste if not a clear picture of what it is. One of the best definitions the Bible gives about love is 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
It is important to read all that for a full realization of what it is but the bolded parts I believe are the most important.
Well, the Bible defines it pretty well there but i guess i'll go ahead and give my personal take on what love is. At it's very core, love is sacrifice. Love is putting the needs of someone else before your own. Love is making a choice even when you know that there will be suffering for you and other person because you know it's what needs to be done no matter how much it hurts. Love is taking them for who they are but also being bold enough to speak to weaknesses and to invest in their life. Love is taking the smallest wishes and dreams and doing all you can to make them a reality. Sometimes with nothing in return. Love is not making a promise we can't keep. Real love is loving expecting nothing in return. None of us will be this. To love this greatly is I believe out of reach. The only person that can give us this love is Christ and that is why He is our Lord and Savior.
The greatest Biblical parable of Love is the story of the Prodigal Son. (Luke 15:11-32) The son showed the greatest level of disrespect to his father. He asked for his inheritance before his father had even died. He then went and lived a life of complete debauchery. He "squandered his wealth in wild living." Despite all that when he returned he didn't get a normal welcome from his father when he returned. His father didn't say "well son, you left, took a lot of my money, so i'll need some time to see if i can trust you." His father welcomed him with open arms! He threw him a party! He killed the fattened calf! He thought nothing of his past or where he'd been but celebrated that his son had returned! That is love. That is the love Christ has given to use as a gift. I celebrate and joy in that great love.
Love is a beautiful, intricate thing. I hope i can love with even an ounce of what God has shown me. God is good. His love endures forever. Praise him.
Love has so many definitions. So many people think they understand love. So many people believe they know the key to love. I'm no expert but through the past 22 years of my life i think God has given me at least a taste if not a clear picture of what it is. One of the best definitions the Bible gives about love is 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
It is important to read all that for a full realization of what it is but the bolded parts I believe are the most important.
Well, the Bible defines it pretty well there but i guess i'll go ahead and give my personal take on what love is. At it's very core, love is sacrifice. Love is putting the needs of someone else before your own. Love is making a choice even when you know that there will be suffering for you and other person because you know it's what needs to be done no matter how much it hurts. Love is taking them for who they are but also being bold enough to speak to weaknesses and to invest in their life. Love is taking the smallest wishes and dreams and doing all you can to make them a reality. Sometimes with nothing in return. Love is not making a promise we can't keep. Real love is loving expecting nothing in return. None of us will be this. To love this greatly is I believe out of reach. The only person that can give us this love is Christ and that is why He is our Lord and Savior.
The greatest Biblical parable of Love is the story of the Prodigal Son. (Luke 15:11-32) The son showed the greatest level of disrespect to his father. He asked for his inheritance before his father had even died. He then went and lived a life of complete debauchery. He "squandered his wealth in wild living." Despite all that when he returned he didn't get a normal welcome from his father when he returned. His father didn't say "well son, you left, took a lot of my money, so i'll need some time to see if i can trust you." His father welcomed him with open arms! He threw him a party! He killed the fattened calf! He thought nothing of his past or where he'd been but celebrated that his son had returned! That is love. That is the love Christ has given to use as a gift. I celebrate and joy in that great love.
Love is a beautiful, intricate thing. I hope i can love with even an ounce of what God has shown me. God is good. His love endures forever. Praise him.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Community Group
Started going last week and went for the second time today.
There was a lack in my life of an overwhelming Christian community. The community group filled that whole. Brothers and Sisters who are all out for Christ and know the depths of his Word.
It's so beautiful and amazing. I'm so joyful
There was a lack in my life of an overwhelming Christian community. The community group filled that whole. Brothers and Sisters who are all out for Christ and know the depths of his Word.
It's so beautiful and amazing. I'm so joyful
Monday, March 7, 2011
Saw this article on a Rock website
This is an interesting but potentially offensive article but it gives an insight into the secular world and women of the world that really intruiged me.
This doesn't have anything really to do with spirituality or Christ but as a result of this I may write up something on marriage.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tracy-mcmillan/why-youre-not-married_b_822088.html?ref=fb&src=sp
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Taboo topic? Really?
I've been systematically going through a lot of my convictions lately and this next one has been on my heart and mind for a couple days so i thought it would be best to write about it now.
This topic is homosexuality. I know this can be a sensitive topic for some so i've prayed before this hoping that God will give me the words to say and to keep my thoughts in line with what he has taught us in His Word. Let me also clarify that I love homosexuals just like I love any other people. It is not my place to judge but God's but it's also my job as someone who firmly believes the Bible to not run when conflict or sensitive topics arise but to stand strong and lean on Christ and his Word.
I feel like the first thing i have to cover in this whole topic is the idea it seems like a lot of Christians have. Homosexuality is not to be placed on a pedestal. Homosexuality is in line with and no worse than: Adultery, fornication, masturbation, bestiality. Leviticus 18 is pretty much one comprehensive list of all the acts that fall under these. To think that somehow homosexual sin is any worse than any other sexual sin is foolish.
The fact that it's on the same level however doesn't lessen the severity of sexual sin. Just like every other sexual sin if you continue in it without repentance and without an attempt to control your desires you're in a dangerous place. Anyone who sins without repentance is in a dangerous place regardless of the sin. 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 is the essential passage on sexual sin regardless of gender and occasion. It's a big quote but nonetheless a necessary one,
"Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joinedd to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
We are NOT our own. As Christians we are the Lords and we are to honor Him by resisting and putting away our sinful desires. Sexual sin is the only sin where it places the emphasis on the fact that we are sinning against our own bodies.
There is often an argument. "Well they're just born that way. They can't help it, they're good people just confused" Psalm 51:5 says,
"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me."
Every person struggles with sin. We are all born into sin. We need the salvation of Christ to cleanse us. We need to fight and be repentant of our sins no matter what it is. Some struggle certain sins more than others. Especially in todays society sexuality, being who you are, and loving freely is such a huge emphasis that Christians often take the ideas of society to be ideas of the Bible. The Bible should form the society, the society should not form the Bible.
I'll end this with 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
This topic is homosexuality. I know this can be a sensitive topic for some so i've prayed before this hoping that God will give me the words to say and to keep my thoughts in line with what he has taught us in His Word. Let me also clarify that I love homosexuals just like I love any other people. It is not my place to judge but God's but it's also my job as someone who firmly believes the Bible to not run when conflict or sensitive topics arise but to stand strong and lean on Christ and his Word.
I feel like the first thing i have to cover in this whole topic is the idea it seems like a lot of Christians have. Homosexuality is not to be placed on a pedestal. Homosexuality is in line with and no worse than: Adultery, fornication, masturbation, bestiality. Leviticus 18 is pretty much one comprehensive list of all the acts that fall under these. To think that somehow homosexual sin is any worse than any other sexual sin is foolish.
The fact that it's on the same level however doesn't lessen the severity of sexual sin. Just like every other sexual sin if you continue in it without repentance and without an attempt to control your desires you're in a dangerous place. Anyone who sins without repentance is in a dangerous place regardless of the sin. 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 is the essential passage on sexual sin regardless of gender and occasion. It's a big quote but nonetheless a necessary one,
"Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joinedd to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
We are NOT our own. As Christians we are the Lords and we are to honor Him by resisting and putting away our sinful desires. Sexual sin is the only sin where it places the emphasis on the fact that we are sinning against our own bodies.
There is often an argument. "Well they're just born that way. They can't help it, they're good people just confused" Psalm 51:5 says,
"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me."
Every person struggles with sin. We are all born into sin. We need the salvation of Christ to cleanse us. We need to fight and be repentant of our sins no matter what it is. Some struggle certain sins more than others. Especially in todays society sexuality, being who you are, and loving freely is such a huge emphasis that Christians often take the ideas of society to be ideas of the Bible. The Bible should form the society, the society should not form the Bible.
I'll end this with 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Is it weird that i don't like flirting?
I thought all guys loved to flirt? Why is it that i hate it so much? I'll go out of my way to give completely vanilla answers and make vanilla conversation just to not lead a girl on. If they're interested and i have zero interest in return I wont go out of my way to be nice, not because i wanna be a jerk but because I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't wanna start teasing, and playing and let them suddenly know. Sorry lady, not really interested, just like to play the game.
I guess where i take Biblical application from is honoring women. I want to honor women not only with giving them a respectful physical distance but also with how i speak and in my actions.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 says
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God"
in the whole context it specifically talks about sex but controlling your body isn't limited to physical affection, sex, etc. Controlling your body also means controlling your lips, your mouth, your speech, your thoughts. If i'm not able to honor you with basic human interaction what makes you think I will honor you when the interactions become stronger and more forward?
Flirting is defined in Merriam-Webster dictionary "a) to behave amorously without serious intent, or b) to show superficial or casual interest or liking."
Flirting is most of the time described as "harmless." To put it bluntly however. Despite how I or anyone else would defend themselves the man who is flirtatious is considered to be a womanizer, someone not interested in serious relationship and a flirtatious woman will develop a reputation of promiscuity whether she is or not, and as a reaction other women will look at her as a threat and lose respect for her.
We are called as Christians to show the love of Christ through our behavior
Ephesians 5:1-2
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
When you show affection or love or lead someone on who is already struggling with lust (we all do guys, all the time) we further lead them into sin and make their struggle more difficult.
Matthew 18:7
“Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!"
This means that, yes, sin will come but the man who leads the other into sin is just as wrong if not more in the wrong than the man who sinned.
I dont wanna be a flirt. I want to honor not only women but everyone with my speech and actions. It is a struggle but through trust in Christ I will succeed.
I'll leave you with Phillipians 4:8
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
I guess where i take Biblical application from is honoring women. I want to honor women not only with giving them a respectful physical distance but also with how i speak and in my actions.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 says
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God"
in the whole context it specifically talks about sex but controlling your body isn't limited to physical affection, sex, etc. Controlling your body also means controlling your lips, your mouth, your speech, your thoughts. If i'm not able to honor you with basic human interaction what makes you think I will honor you when the interactions become stronger and more forward?
Flirting is defined in Merriam-Webster dictionary "a) to behave amorously without serious intent, or b) to show superficial or casual interest or liking."
Flirting is most of the time described as "harmless." To put it bluntly however. Despite how I or anyone else would defend themselves the man who is flirtatious is considered to be a womanizer, someone not interested in serious relationship and a flirtatious woman will develop a reputation of promiscuity whether she is or not, and as a reaction other women will look at her as a threat and lose respect for her.
We are called as Christians to show the love of Christ through our behavior
Ephesians 5:1-2
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
When you show affection or love or lead someone on who is already struggling with lust (we all do guys, all the time) we further lead them into sin and make their struggle more difficult.
Matthew 18:7
“Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!"
This means that, yes, sin will come but the man who leads the other into sin is just as wrong if not more in the wrong than the man who sinned.
I dont wanna be a flirt. I want to honor not only women but everyone with my speech and actions. It is a struggle but through trust in Christ I will succeed.
I'll leave you with Phillipians 4:8
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
A stirring story
This story is a perfect example of a true faith in God in the face of hard circumstances
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/02/24/how-do-you-respond-when-your-12-year-old-dies-everybody-dies-but-not-everybody-lives/?comments#comments
Loving and honoring Christ through relationship
This is more of a teaser. Recently read passion and purity and my mind has been kinda spun around. I always had very strong feelings about these matters but more reading, thinking and praying has turned these into strong conviction. So ill be writing about all this someday soon. Hopefully time will allow it soon.
Until then.
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