Learn to Live Godly

 Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.

Jesus came not only to die for our sins and give us salvation, but He also came to change the lives of people. Changing our lifestyle, denying worldly lust and all sin does not make us righteous in the eyes of God. All our works and righteous living are but filthy rags in God’s sight. But His salvation in our heart does cause us to live differently. If such salvation does not cause one to turn away from their sinful ways, then one would have to ask if that person really repented of their sins and truly accepted Jesus into their heart. Or one may wonder if they have fully surrendered to the Lordship of Christ, and continue to live in their sinful ways. Salvation through Christ will radically change the way we live. The transformation of the heart is done instantly, but learning to live godly is a process and taught as we follow the teaching of the Bible. Only God truly knows the heart and can rightly judge a person's relationship with Jesus. But the Bible speaks of those who were pretending to be followers of Christ, and the Holy Spirit bore witness that they were not of God. Paul warns us to be aware of those who are cunning and deceitful. Speaking of false teachings of Christ. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive”.(Eph 4:14) Jesus says they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Mat 7:15). Though we do not judge one’s heart, we can discern one’s spirit by the fruit they bear. Do they live soberly, righteously, and godly in the world we live in today? There is a state in our relationship with God that we can be perfect in heart toward the things of God. We fall short in our humanity, but a true follower of Christ will seek to live in obedience to Christ and desire to live godly in this present world.

Nailed to the Cross

 Col 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

The handwriting of ordinance was the law that spelled out what was right and wrong. It was first written in stone by the hand of God. His commandments and statues were revealed to Moses how He wanted the people of Israel to live. The sacrifices, the rituals given to God’s people all pointed to the supreme sacrifice that was provided by God when He sent His Son to earth to be nailed to a cross. His death on the cross paid the debt for our sins. Our sins were nailed to the cross. The provision was made for all, for all are born into this world with a sin nature. The fall of man (Adam and Eve) in the garden of Eden set in motion the destruction of humanity, and the curse of the human race. But God, in His love, grace and mercy made a way to escape the punishment and judgment of eternal damnation. Jesus, the Son of God, was nailed to the cross by those He loved. Sin blinded the eyes of man, and they knew not what they were doing. They nailed His hands and feet, they pierced His side, and His blood was spilled for you and me. It was our sins that put Him on the cross. We were dead in our transgression and lost without hope. He gave His life so that we could be born again and made new. This provision is made possible when we by faith, believe that He is the Son of God and accept this gift of salvation. When we believe the nails that were driven into his hands and feet were for our sins. There is forgiveness through Christ who allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross for you and me.