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.

For Us, Against Us

 Mark 9:40
 For he that is not against us is on our part.

All doctrine is not critical to having eternal life. The Doctrine of the Church concerning Jesus Christ, who He is, and why He came to earth is essential to salvation. There are other teachings that are important and hinge on the person of Christ, but it is important to know that knowing Jesus to be God and coming to save sinners through His death and resurrection is crucial and essential to our beliefs and eternal salvation. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9). A church that does not hold to this sound doctrine, is not part of the universal church of Jesus Christ that encompasses all who believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior of the heart. They are against sound doctrine and people should be warned of their false teachings. God has a plan for each believer to fulfill the mission of the gospel of Christ. The world is filled with churches that seek to fulfill that mission. As believers, we desire to fellowship with those who are like-minded and share the same core values. Therefore, we may choose to attend and be a part of a particular church. If you don’t agree with those core values, then it is probably best to find a place where you can be effective in ministry to do what God has called you to do. We are too close to the end days and Jesus will soon be returning. We have kingdom work that needs to be done. We don’t have time to be fussing over non-essential doctrine. He that is not against us is on our side.

Keep the Holy Faith

 Jude 1:20,21
 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost…Keep yourselves in the love of God.

Whether it is the end days or the sunset days of our personal lives, we are constantly aware of mockers, who desire to bring division and twist the word of God to appease their own appetites for the sinful things of this world. The last times or in the last days will be similar to the days of Noah. The teachings of the world will seep into the church, and many will be deceived by the grain of truth that is embedded into the teaching. The admonition is to pray that the Holy Spirit will give us discernment to see what is truth and what is false. The center of truth is to stay in the love of God, be grounded in sound doctrine of the teachings of Jesus. His word is truth and our faith is holy because He is holy. We are to resist and denounce the works of the devil, and proclaim the gospel to all who will hear it. Many have turned from the truth and have become reprobates in their minds and hearts, and refuse to accept Jesus as God and the Savior of the world. We may not be able to successfully change the political climate and social perversion of our culture, but we can stand against the evil of the day, share the grace and love of God, show others the way to the cross and lift up Jesus in this messed up world.

Teachable Heart

Psalm 119:33  Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

We never stop learning how to walk with the Lord. Growing in the grace of God happens when we spend time reading, thinking, and praying the Word of God. The statues of the Lord are given to us through the Bible. We meditate and learn what His Word says about living a life that will bring honor to His Name. It is not always how much you read, but how you read. Having a teachable heart is to be open to living our lives in a way that pleases Him. Many lessons we learn are done through life’s experiences. His Word give us direction how we said act and react to the things that happen in our lives. As we read His word and hide it in our hearts, He is then able to bring it to our minds in time of need. Learning is best done when we can apply what we have been taught. May we keep is Word in our hearts that we may not sin against Him

Called to Teach

Matt. 28:19 “ Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”-

God has called all of us to be teachers. To dispense of information that is essential to living a life that will secure eternal life. Jesus came to give His life to redeem us from our sins and sin nature. He also came to show us the way we should be living. Learning to live a life of holiness is a process that does not happen over night at an altar of prayer. Yes, we yield our hearts in full submission, but learning requires that we be taught to observe what is right and holy. As we walk with God, we begin to see that we also need to be teachers of His word. As teachers, we not only tell and instructed other in the Way, but we show others the way by the way we live. The greatest teacher is seen by example. “Show how to do it, and I will follow”. Let us feed on His word, that we may be ready to give an answer to anyone who will ask. If we live for God, He will never leave us, even when life comes to an end.  

Open Bible

Philip 4:9 “Those things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.”-

 Our lives are open books for others to see. Weather we realize it or not, people are learning from us. The things we teach others is important. It is essential that we teach the Word and stay focus our teaching on what Christ did for us and to follow the ways of Christ and the message of full obedience. The gospel is one of sharing the grace of God and giving out to others the hope of eternal life. We received from God His mercy and grace, now we must do what we can to give it out so that others may receive it. We live in a day that people are skeptical of anyone who thinks that their way is the only way. It is not wise to “shove” the Bible in people’s face. God’s Word is quick and powerful and is able to bring healing to hurting hearts. We must be wise in are use of sharing His love and grace. The most powerful message we can give people to for them to see the life of Christ that we live. Our life will speak volumes to those who are watching. What do people see in me? Do they see a judgmental, self-righteous, holier than thou person, or do they see someone who is kind, loving, forgiving, selfless, understanding, truthful, and with Godly ambitions. These things are not done in our own human goodness, it takes the Holy Spirit to help us do what is right and good. With His help, we can teach, give, speak, and live a life that will show others what it means to be a Christian and have the peace of God.