Sin Not

 1 John 3:6
Whosoever abides in Him sins not: whosoever sins hath not seen Him, neither known Him.

Sin destroys. God hates sin and does not have communion with anyone who is involved with it. We are all born in sin and His prevailing grace keeps us from the eternal punishment of sin. But at some point in our lives, we become accountable to this sin. When that happens is different for each person, and only God knows when that time comes. Jesus came to take our sin(s) away. God gave His Son to die so we do not have to perish. Our part is to confess our sinners and accept His forgiveness when we yield our heart to Him. We are born into the family of God, made new by the blood of Jesus. We now abide in Christ. We are part of the Vine. If we continue to live our lives in Christ, He gives us the power to live a life without sinning. This is why it is possible to live sinless in this present world. In our own humanity and strength it is not possible. The question then is asked, do those who call themselves Christians never sin? Fair question. The reality is that Satan works diligently to cause Christians to do things that would displease God. In a moment of weakness, temptation can overcome a believer. Such failure breaks the heart of God, but God does not cast them away, but tenderly entreats them to turn to Him and ask forgiveness. “If any man sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous" (1 John 2.1). Refusing to turn to Christ, and continuing to live in sin will result in being cut off from the Vine. One can no longer abide in Christ if they continue to live in their sin. Living in Christ and letting the Holy Spirit take full control of your life will strengthen your life to resist Satan’s temptation. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Comforter will fill you with power to have victory over sin. Living in sin is not an option if one wants to continue to abide in Him.

Crooked and Perverse World

 Phil 2:15
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.

There is no doubt that we live in a crooked and perverse world. A world that is messed up and lost. Evil is called good and good is called evil. The United States of America was founded on that which was good. It, by all means, was not perfect. No doubt, a lot happened in those beginning days that would not be classified as good, but as a rule, God’s word was the foundation on which this great nation was built. The Ten Commandments were the cornerstone of our laws, and there was respect for that which was holy. Today, the moral laws have been totally removed or perverted to defend the evil and wickedness of our day. As Christians, we are called to follow a holy life, a life that reflects the image of Christ. We are ambassadors to be an example of the sons of God. Our life is to be blameless from sin, above reproach, seeking always to put others before ourselves. We are called to be a light in this crooked and perverse nation. To be defenders of the truth without harm to others. We are called to speak Jesus to a world that needs God. We are witnessing in our day a rising of Christians who are stepping out of the shadows and letting their light shine. Since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, many have found their voice and declared their faith in Christ, and are standing for what is right and good. Unfortunately, there are those who are proclaiming righteousness, but are not living blameless and harmless. We must face evil with good, show the love of Christ without compromising God's word. It is my prayer that I can live each day in this crooked and perverse world, letting the light of Jesus shine through me. Help me God, to lift up Christ in this messed-up world without rebuke. 

The Good Fight

 1 Tim 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

In school, we would get in trouble for fighting. It did not matter who really started it, fighting was not the way that problems were resolved at school. But fighting back is not always a bad thing. We fight to protect our family and loved ones, we fight to keep our freedoms as a nation, we fight for what is right, and we fight to hold on to our faith. The good fight, the kind of fight where we put on the whole armor of God. It is not a fight of revenge or malice, it is a fight that we may lay hold on eternal life. The good fight is to believe in God, and trust Him that He will fight for us. For it is by His grace, that we are able to stay in the fight. We cannot do it on our own. Laying hold on eternal life happens when we stay true to our faith. Our faith is demonstrated when we fight to do what is right, when we fight to stay true to God’s word. To hold on to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith, is what it means to lay hold on eternal life. Fighting the good fight is to surrender our lives to the one who fights for us. If you are wanting to engage in a fight, make it a good fight of faith. Fight off the temptations of Satan, any bitterness that attacks your heart, fight the temptation to speak evil of others when evil is spoken of you. We fight (wrestle) against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph 6:12). Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, and trust Him to fight the good fight for us!