After the election I posted a Blog stating that if you voted for Obams you cannot know Jesus. Today after watching the Inaugural Prayer Breakfast Speech by Jonathan Cahn, then seeing Mr. Obama's statement about Gay's and equal rights, and now seeing Newsweek portraying Obama as Jesus and the 'Second Coming' (not second term), I am more than sure that America has been duped into adultery in a manner that individuals fall to everyday.
America wants things, success, prosperity, immorality, impurity and every other kind of filth instead of God! Jesus brother James pens in his epistle (James 4:4): "You adulteress people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. " In verse 8-9 he says "Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom." America wanted change and not God. Just like in 1-2 Kings we see a great fall of Israel because instead of desiring God to be their King they wanted another king. They too got what they wanted and it wasn't pretty. Israel's falls were because God restored them and then they turned back to their own evil compromising and lust for the world instead of God.
Pastor's are leading people to hell with promises they cannot keep or even give out. "God wants His best for you! God wants you to prosper! God has something for you! God loves you right where your at!" NO HE DOES NOT! Romans 9:13-14 says "Just as it is written; 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.' What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For He says to Moses 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." HE DOES NOT HAVE TO LOVE ANYONE who 'sells' their birthright out just like Esau! God is a God of love, but ask yourself a huge question "If He destroyed His own chosen people, what makes one think that He won't destroy you for impurity, lust, covetenous and sin?
Let me put it plain and simple "God is God and we are not." If He is just (and the Word says that He is) what makes anyone think that they have a 'Free get of jail card free?' 1 John 4:6 says "We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from Gid does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood." Put plainly it is saying "If you do not believe this truth then you do not have the Spirit of God in you. I know, I know, you've been going to church for 80 years, said a prayer and rededicated your life 12 times, so that makes you a Christian. NO IT DOES NOT! If you live like the devil then you are of the devil and possess his spirit and not Christ's. 1 John 3:7-10 says "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work, No one who is born of God continues to sin, because God's seed remians in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devilare: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." Is voting for someone who supports terrorism by providing jets and artillery right? Is voting for someone who is for abortion right? Is someone who in his inaugural speech condoing homosexuality and desiring for them to have equal rights, right? Whose his father according to scripture? Who is your father according to scripture for voting for him? Repent!! Turn back to the Lord for your sin in voting for him who is opposed to God's moral laws.
If you want to comment on this thread, then Email me at peteprescott@gmail.com. If you do then please have your scriptures correct because I am only willing to correspond with thise who use scripture not their opinions~
Monday, January 28, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
When & Does your name get written in the Book of Life?
Sometimes I merely sit back in awe of our Lord. To think that througout my life I had been lied to and that I had bought in to the teachings of men. I realize today that it is only by the grace of God that He placed a desire in my life to seek out the truth in the Word, instead of being led astray by my own opinion, and other men's teachings.
As far as I can remember I was always told that if I accepted Jesus in my life and said a prayer that my name would then be put in the Book of life. I have witnessed people mentoring others tell them to repeat after them a prayer and that today was there 'new' birthday because their name was now written in God's Book of Life.
In Psalm 139 we read and invision a beautiful picture of our creation in our mothers womb. How wonderfully we have been knitted into life and how God new everything about us. In verse 16 we see this passage "Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." According to scriputure our name was written in God's book even before we were created. Amazing....... No prayer placed us in His Book. Nothing we have done, or could do, could place our name in His book. He alone writes our names in His book before we were ever created.
Now, in Revelation 3:5 we find another place where this Book of Life is mentioned "He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and His angels." This passage lets us know that our names are in the Book, but also that if we do not overcome, He can blot out our names from the Book in which it was placed before we were ever born. Are we getting the picture? Is it just me, or do you alos feel duped by what you have been told throughout your life. God is so good though because He has graciously allowed us to read the scripture and press forward towards the mark instead of sitting down on our laurels.
It is so important folks to read the Word. Slow down and taste it, and do not snack on it. Many feel that they need to race through it to say "I have read the Bible in a year, or I have read the Bible through in one year for the last 10 years!" God is not like an auctioneer who speaks to us 90 miles an hour to see who is fast enough to win the prize. No, we are to be still and listen. If you take anything with us today take this with you "God has given us yet another day to marvel at His Word and see truth one more time." Now, what will you do with His truth~
As far as I can remember I was always told that if I accepted Jesus in my life and said a prayer that my name would then be put in the Book of life. I have witnessed people mentoring others tell them to repeat after them a prayer and that today was there 'new' birthday because their name was now written in God's Book of Life.
In Psalm 139 we read and invision a beautiful picture of our creation in our mothers womb. How wonderfully we have been knitted into life and how God new everything about us. In verse 16 we see this passage "Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." According to scriputure our name was written in God's book even before we were created. Amazing....... No prayer placed us in His Book. Nothing we have done, or could do, could place our name in His book. He alone writes our names in His book before we were ever created.
Now, in Revelation 3:5 we find another place where this Book of Life is mentioned "He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and His angels." This passage lets us know that our names are in the Book, but also that if we do not overcome, He can blot out our names from the Book in which it was placed before we were ever born. Are we getting the picture? Is it just me, or do you alos feel duped by what you have been told throughout your life. God is so good though because He has graciously allowed us to read the scripture and press forward towards the mark instead of sitting down on our laurels.
It is so important folks to read the Word. Slow down and taste it, and do not snack on it. Many feel that they need to race through it to say "I have read the Bible in a year, or I have read the Bible through in one year for the last 10 years!" God is not like an auctioneer who speaks to us 90 miles an hour to see who is fast enough to win the prize. No, we are to be still and listen. If you take anything with us today take this with you "God has given us yet another day to marvel at His Word and see truth one more time." Now, what will you do with His truth~
Monday, January 21, 2013
Why are we warned by Scripture?
Almost everyday I am challenged as to why I believe what I believe. The majority of those I talk with believe that you can live in sin, and still be a Christian. Immediately out of their mouths they claim that we will always be sinnners. Most will also state that sin seperates us from God, but declare being they are a Christian, God does not look at us as unbelievers. Wow! Wouldn't that be nice :) We could have our cake and eat it too.
I want to share a part of Romans 11 with you all. Keep in mind that I did not write the scripture, I only read it and share it for what it says. The begining in Romans 11 shares a marvelous truth that God has, and always will keep a 'Remnant' for Himself. I wish people would forget about the word saved (Which is taken out of context in most cases), and desire to be remnants.
Romans 11:17-21:
"If some of the branches (Israel, His chosen people) have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, 'Branches were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either."
Unfortunately men shy away from reading the Word for what it says. It is obvious to me that Paul is warning those who have confessed Jesus as Savior, but then live in unbelief, they will be cut-off just as God's chosen people. God has no obligation to us, we have an obligation to Him. When we at first believed we were willing to do eveything that would please God. Our faith and belief was strong, but so was His chosen people, the Israelites. So if He did not spare them, He will in no means spare us.
This is grace my firends. For all who choose to read it for what it says, we will be grateful that He has provided us this opportunity to get in right standing with Him, and believe His word. For others, they would rather feel secure in what they believe and disregard the truth. How important is our eternal? When its all been said and done and we stand before Him, it will then be to late. Live as we believe each and everyday of our lives~
I want to share a part of Romans 11 with you all. Keep in mind that I did not write the scripture, I only read it and share it for what it says. The begining in Romans 11 shares a marvelous truth that God has, and always will keep a 'Remnant' for Himself. I wish people would forget about the word saved (Which is taken out of context in most cases), and desire to be remnants.
Romans 11:17-21:
"If some of the branches (Israel, His chosen people) have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, 'Branches were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either."
Unfortunately men shy away from reading the Word for what it says. It is obvious to me that Paul is warning those who have confessed Jesus as Savior, but then live in unbelief, they will be cut-off just as God's chosen people. God has no obligation to us, we have an obligation to Him. When we at first believed we were willing to do eveything that would please God. Our faith and belief was strong, but so was His chosen people, the Israelites. So if He did not spare them, He will in no means spare us.
This is grace my firends. For all who choose to read it for what it says, we will be grateful that He has provided us this opportunity to get in right standing with Him, and believe His word. For others, they would rather feel secure in what they believe and disregard the truth. How important is our eternal? When its all been said and done and we stand before Him, it will then be to late. Live as we believe each and everyday of our lives~
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Am I a Servant?
I love the Word of God. Each time I open my Bible and begin reading it I see something new the Lord is wanting me to see. The journey is not about sin, or how righteous my life is today compared to yesterday, but about where the Lord is taking me. I have a tremendous desire to know Jesus more today than I have when I began this journey 21 years ago. I have a tremendous desire to have more faith today than I did yesterday. I have a tremendous desire to change everyday, and that only comes through be challenged by His Word.
This week in one of the Bible Studies I teach these word's lept off of the page "A Servant of Jesus Christ." I have read my Bible everyday for the past 21 years and I have read these words numerous times. That day, I was challenged to look into the eyes of truth and ask myself "Am I truly a Servant of Jesus Christ." This question leads me to the cross, and closer to Jesus. I see that Paul, Peter, James and Jude start their Epistles with these words. I also remember that they died martyr's deaths and gave their all. So, am I a servant? I have to take a deep look in the mirror and evaluate what I believe and who I say that I am. Throughout my life (prior 1992) I would have said "Yes" because thats what I thought I was. But this word servant has haunted me for years, and this is good. Going to Church, preaching, teaching, going to Bible Studies, and even conferences do not make us 'Servants.' Living our lives totaly surrendered to Christ, serving Him above ourselves, and serving others is what a true servant is. A servant realizes that they were 'Purchased' by another and no longer are their own. Who are we truly owned by? Who do we truly serve? A servant only serves his master.
If you saw all of what the Lord has me doing on a daily basis you might think I do alot. You might even say "Don't be so hard on yourself Pete." I am not being hard on myself because if I do not admit the truth to myself I would become apathetic and complacent. Do not get me wrong, I do not believe in works at all. I believe that Jesus purhased me when I did not deserve it and that I could never pay Him back. The least I could do is serve Him in all that I do. So today I challenge you as I challenged our Bibles Study group. Examine our lives and see who really serves who. Examine whether or not we truly serve Jesus each and everday of our lives. Hold on because if you strive to be that servant, He is about to take you to places you only dreamed about. A place where only He can take you. A place where true love exists, and His love abounds. Be a ture servant~
This week in one of the Bible Studies I teach these word's lept off of the page "A Servant of Jesus Christ." I have read my Bible everyday for the past 21 years and I have read these words numerous times. That day, I was challenged to look into the eyes of truth and ask myself "Am I truly a Servant of Jesus Christ." This question leads me to the cross, and closer to Jesus. I see that Paul, Peter, James and Jude start their Epistles with these words. I also remember that they died martyr's deaths and gave their all. So, am I a servant? I have to take a deep look in the mirror and evaluate what I believe and who I say that I am. Throughout my life (prior 1992) I would have said "Yes" because thats what I thought I was. But this word servant has haunted me for years, and this is good. Going to Church, preaching, teaching, going to Bible Studies, and even conferences do not make us 'Servants.' Living our lives totaly surrendered to Christ, serving Him above ourselves, and serving others is what a true servant is. A servant realizes that they were 'Purchased' by another and no longer are their own. Who are we truly owned by? Who do we truly serve? A servant only serves his master.
If you saw all of what the Lord has me doing on a daily basis you might think I do alot. You might even say "Don't be so hard on yourself Pete." I am not being hard on myself because if I do not admit the truth to myself I would become apathetic and complacent. Do not get me wrong, I do not believe in works at all. I believe that Jesus purhased me when I did not deserve it and that I could never pay Him back. The least I could do is serve Him in all that I do. So today I challenge you as I challenged our Bibles Study group. Examine our lives and see who really serves who. Examine whether or not we truly serve Jesus each and everday of our lives. Hold on because if you strive to be that servant, He is about to take you to places you only dreamed about. A place where only He can take you. A place where true love exists, and His love abounds. Be a ture servant~
Monday, January 14, 2013
Loving People to Hell / Louis Giglio Withdrawal
I must start this blog out by quoting Jesus in Matthew 11:12 "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." Here is the question "When, and why have we quit being forceful in advancing the kingdom, and what has happened to the forceful men of God?"
My heart sank when I read Louis Giglio's withdrawal letter from giving the inaugral benediction. What happened to the 'Forceful' Jesus was talking about. My mind immediately looks to Peter, Paul, James, John, and the rest. Those who preached repentance, holiness and purity. Those who did not choose to be politically correct when offering the gospel, and who died Martyr's deaths forcefully taking hold of the kingdom of God. You see, Louis woudl rather love people to Jesus than make a stand for Jesus. He would rather not cause a 'Stink' and get people uspet over sin and God's moral laws. What a platform God opened up for him! What an opportunity to bring glory to Jesus by speaking truth and praying in front of millions for God to bring a revival to the United States. What a time to call our Nation to Repentance! Because of a sermon 15-20 years ago and for not wanting to offend the homosexual's, Louis withdrew. He would rather 'Love' people to Jesus instead of telling them the true gospel. All the Passion Concerts and Conferences will never get as much attention as Louis would have had to speak to the world.
My dear friends this is why prayer is no longer in our schools, and America kills 1.5 million babies a year through abortion. This is why homosexuality and same sex marriage is welcomed as okay instead of an abomination to the Lord. This is why professing Christians get as many divorces a year as unbelievers. This why sexual immorality is accepted in our present day. This is why before long we will not be able to say of our country "In God we trust." This is why Christmas will soon not be called Christmas, but a holiday. This is why other religions and beliefs are growing at a greater pace around the world, and in our country than Christianity.
I have Pastor friends on Facebook and sadly enough they always post scriptures that love people to hell rather than scriptures that lead people to the cross. They want to encourage out of love instead of preaching as John the Baptist, Jesus and the others preached. The Word of God was written to show us how far off the mark we are, so that we can realize the ture meaning of Grace. It wasn't written to make us feel good. It was written to slap pacifiers in our mouths, and have people pat us on the posterior. It was written to change us into the people Jesus died for, and not people who shrink back. It was written so that we trust in God and stand firm for what the Word says regardless of who gets offended. we need to love people to the cross as Jesus did. He said "I have come not to bring peace, but a sword." His Word is the sword that will divide unto the morrow, but as long as men who are being raised up to preach and teach truth don't seize the moment, then America will continue to be heading down hill like a snowball headed for hell.
So, the ball is in our court now. We know the truth of what this blog stated and now what will we do? Will we begin to forcefully take hold, or will continue to shrink back. Tomorrow will be the beginning of a new day, and God is going to place people in our paths that need a Savior. Will you love them enough to tell them the truth, or love them to hell so that they will feel good~
My heart sank when I read Louis Giglio's withdrawal letter from giving the inaugral benediction. What happened to the 'Forceful' Jesus was talking about. My mind immediately looks to Peter, Paul, James, John, and the rest. Those who preached repentance, holiness and purity. Those who did not choose to be politically correct when offering the gospel, and who died Martyr's deaths forcefully taking hold of the kingdom of God. You see, Louis woudl rather love people to Jesus than make a stand for Jesus. He would rather not cause a 'Stink' and get people uspet over sin and God's moral laws. What a platform God opened up for him! What an opportunity to bring glory to Jesus by speaking truth and praying in front of millions for God to bring a revival to the United States. What a time to call our Nation to Repentance! Because of a sermon 15-20 years ago and for not wanting to offend the homosexual's, Louis withdrew. He would rather 'Love' people to Jesus instead of telling them the true gospel. All the Passion Concerts and Conferences will never get as much attention as Louis would have had to speak to the world.
My dear friends this is why prayer is no longer in our schools, and America kills 1.5 million babies a year through abortion. This is why homosexuality and same sex marriage is welcomed as okay instead of an abomination to the Lord. This is why professing Christians get as many divorces a year as unbelievers. This why sexual immorality is accepted in our present day. This is why before long we will not be able to say of our country "In God we trust." This is why Christmas will soon not be called Christmas, but a holiday. This is why other religions and beliefs are growing at a greater pace around the world, and in our country than Christianity.
I have Pastor friends on Facebook and sadly enough they always post scriptures that love people to hell rather than scriptures that lead people to the cross. They want to encourage out of love instead of preaching as John the Baptist, Jesus and the others preached. The Word of God was written to show us how far off the mark we are, so that we can realize the ture meaning of Grace. It wasn't written to make us feel good. It was written to slap pacifiers in our mouths, and have people pat us on the posterior. It was written to change us into the people Jesus died for, and not people who shrink back. It was written so that we trust in God and stand firm for what the Word says regardless of who gets offended. we need to love people to the cross as Jesus did. He said "I have come not to bring peace, but a sword." His Word is the sword that will divide unto the morrow, but as long as men who are being raised up to preach and teach truth don't seize the moment, then America will continue to be heading down hill like a snowball headed for hell.
So, the ball is in our court now. We know the truth of what this blog stated and now what will we do? Will we begin to forcefully take hold, or will continue to shrink back. Tomorrow will be the beginning of a new day, and God is going to place people in our paths that need a Savior. Will you love them enough to tell them the truth, or love them to hell so that they will feel good~
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
What Would You Do?
Everyday we are faced with the opportunities to either 'Love as Christ loved' or allow a person to walk away that needed to hear the truth. Contrary to most opinions and assumptions "I almost always battle with 'Running' or 'Standing.'
At the food and clothing pantry that I volunteer at, these opportunities are always forth coming. You know that you will be looking into the eyes of people who have been decieved, and are comfortable in their sin (reminds me of me many years ago). Yesterday was no exception, and it was the first time this year in which we were open. We needed to start from scratch with everyone asking them all the necessary questions involving those in their household that they were picking food up for (This really gets out of hand with who they claim). A woman in which I had helped over the last motnhs of last year sat down in front of me. She is always presentable, and definitely looked like she would not have anything in her life that would be sending her away from the cross instead of to it. When it came time to question her about the other person she was claiming, the blurted out his name and it was not the same as hers. I asked her "Is this your husband?" She replied "No it is my boyfriend." I was a little taken back because this womans demeanor and personality would be of one with the utmost integrity. I asked her if she went to church and she responded "Yes" and told me where she attended. With that I laid down my pen and asked her if she knew what the Bible said. She looked at me and nodded her head 'yes.' Then I said "_____, do you not know that the Bible says that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God?" She sat there and frowned as I went through the scriptures with her stating the fact that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God. I then asked her what she was teaching her daughters and her grandchildren and she replied "Not good." At the end of the conversation I asked her this "_____, If Jesus was sitting right here in my chair what do you think He would be telling you?" She said "The same thing." I asked her if she would like me to pray with her and she quickly said "yes."
Unfortuantely we have drifted so far outside the morality of God and His Word that we don't even think about making a stand anymore. It really isn't making a stand solely for Christ, but also for that other person. This lady was heading to hell, and no one had the courage to say anything to her. I do not want that blood on my hands for sharing the Biblical truth with anyone. I know that the Spirit of God dwells within me because I cannot help but tell people the truth about Jesus and eternity.
What have you done, and what will you do now? Do you know people who according to the scripture are heading to hell becaus of their choices and lifestyles? Will you love as Christ and tell them the truth, or will you 'Hope' someone else does before their time is up. I am not afraid of people not liking me, or the stand I take for the truth and the Word of God. I am afraid that if I do not tell them, that they will die and spend eternity in hell because I was afraid to tell them the truth. How could I stand before my Savior thinking He would say "Well done my faithful servant." What are you going to do?
At the food and clothing pantry that I volunteer at, these opportunities are always forth coming. You know that you will be looking into the eyes of people who have been decieved, and are comfortable in their sin (reminds me of me many years ago). Yesterday was no exception, and it was the first time this year in which we were open. We needed to start from scratch with everyone asking them all the necessary questions involving those in their household that they were picking food up for (This really gets out of hand with who they claim). A woman in which I had helped over the last motnhs of last year sat down in front of me. She is always presentable, and definitely looked like she would not have anything in her life that would be sending her away from the cross instead of to it. When it came time to question her about the other person she was claiming, the blurted out his name and it was not the same as hers. I asked her "Is this your husband?" She replied "No it is my boyfriend." I was a little taken back because this womans demeanor and personality would be of one with the utmost integrity. I asked her if she went to church and she responded "Yes" and told me where she attended. With that I laid down my pen and asked her if she knew what the Bible said. She looked at me and nodded her head 'yes.' Then I said "_____, do you not know that the Bible says that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God?" She sat there and frowned as I went through the scriptures with her stating the fact that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God. I then asked her what she was teaching her daughters and her grandchildren and she replied "Not good." At the end of the conversation I asked her this "_____, If Jesus was sitting right here in my chair what do you think He would be telling you?" She said "The same thing." I asked her if she would like me to pray with her and she quickly said "yes."
Unfortuantely we have drifted so far outside the morality of God and His Word that we don't even think about making a stand anymore. It really isn't making a stand solely for Christ, but also for that other person. This lady was heading to hell, and no one had the courage to say anything to her. I do not want that blood on my hands for sharing the Biblical truth with anyone. I know that the Spirit of God dwells within me because I cannot help but tell people the truth about Jesus and eternity.
What have you done, and what will you do now? Do you know people who according to the scripture are heading to hell becaus of their choices and lifestyles? Will you love as Christ and tell them the truth, or will you 'Hope' someone else does before their time is up. I am not afraid of people not liking me, or the stand I take for the truth and the Word of God. I am afraid that if I do not tell them, that they will die and spend eternity in hell because I was afraid to tell them the truth. How could I stand before my Savior thinking He would say "Well done my faithful servant." What are you going to do?
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Start 2013 Out Right by Telling the Truth
2013 can be a really great year for all who are with Christ instead of against Him. You might be wondering if you attend a church, or have gone to church over the years, attneded a Bible STudy, been Baptized, etc., how this might apply to you and others.
I am always looking back at my journey and seeing through it just what kept me away from the cross instead of heading towards it. I had been told all my life that I was a Christian because of going to church, being baptized, or being not that bad a person but believing in God. Why would I need to change if I was a Christian? After all don't everyone who calls themself a Christian go to heaven?
Jesus words were very clear back when He spoke them just as they are very clear today "You will know them by their fruits." Having t-shirts, Christain items, and Christian music does not by any means make anyone a Christian. Keith Green made it pretty clear years ago when he said "Going to church no more makes you a Christian, than going to McDonalds makes you a hamburger." The same applies for anyone thinking they know Jesus, or God.
I wish today that when I was living like the world that people would have told me the truth "Pete, you aren't a Christian!" Why? Because then I might have changed and become one. We are by no means the Holy Spirit and only the holy Spirit can convict someone. However; the Holy Spirit will use us to tell others the truth instead of the lie that they have bought in to. According to scripture, Christians are to be Holy, pure, and righteous. This does not mean only in certain areas of their lives, but in all areas of their lives. I have witnessed clergy, leaders in churches and people calling themselves Christians justify cussing, drinking, lying, lusting, and so forth make excuse and justify why it's okay for them. Is this truth? Not accordign to scripture.
In Romans 2 Paul makes it pretty clear that before we can help anyone by thelling them what they are doing wrong, then we need to have our own lives right and above approach, David states in psalm 51 that He needs to have a right Spirit and a broken and contrite heart before he can teach the sinners the error of their ways (Paraphrased). So, look in the mirror. Is there anything that is not right in your life? Anything that is not Holy, pure or righteous. If there is then you are experiencing God's grace, and you can hit your knees and repent. He is giving you that opportunity to start clean and with a fresh slate. Now, (Don't go out looking for someone) If someone who professes to be a Christian is doing anything that is not right with God, then tell them out of love that they aren't a Christian because of what is in their life. If they do not recieve it and get upset, then they need the Holy Spirit in their lives and have assumed they have Him abiding in them. The Holy Spirit would never allow a Christian to continue in sin. We need to take up our cross (As Jesus told us to) and become who Christ died for. We need to love as Christ did and tell those who are religious the truth. Jesus told the Religious that they were sons of Abraham and not God. If Christ is in us then we will do as He did, and the truth will set them free~
I am always looking back at my journey and seeing through it just what kept me away from the cross instead of heading towards it. I had been told all my life that I was a Christian because of going to church, being baptized, or being not that bad a person but believing in God. Why would I need to change if I was a Christian? After all don't everyone who calls themself a Christian go to heaven?
Jesus words were very clear back when He spoke them just as they are very clear today "You will know them by their fruits." Having t-shirts, Christain items, and Christian music does not by any means make anyone a Christian. Keith Green made it pretty clear years ago when he said "Going to church no more makes you a Christian, than going to McDonalds makes you a hamburger." The same applies for anyone thinking they know Jesus, or God.
I wish today that when I was living like the world that people would have told me the truth "Pete, you aren't a Christian!" Why? Because then I might have changed and become one. We are by no means the Holy Spirit and only the holy Spirit can convict someone. However; the Holy Spirit will use us to tell others the truth instead of the lie that they have bought in to. According to scripture, Christians are to be Holy, pure, and righteous. This does not mean only in certain areas of their lives, but in all areas of their lives. I have witnessed clergy, leaders in churches and people calling themselves Christians justify cussing, drinking, lying, lusting, and so forth make excuse and justify why it's okay for them. Is this truth? Not accordign to scripture.
In Romans 2 Paul makes it pretty clear that before we can help anyone by thelling them what they are doing wrong, then we need to have our own lives right and above approach, David states in psalm 51 that He needs to have a right Spirit and a broken and contrite heart before he can teach the sinners the error of their ways (Paraphrased). So, look in the mirror. Is there anything that is not right in your life? Anything that is not Holy, pure or righteous. If there is then you are experiencing God's grace, and you can hit your knees and repent. He is giving you that opportunity to start clean and with a fresh slate. Now, (Don't go out looking for someone) If someone who professes to be a Christian is doing anything that is not right with God, then tell them out of love that they aren't a Christian because of what is in their life. If they do not recieve it and get upset, then they need the Holy Spirit in their lives and have assumed they have Him abiding in them. The Holy Spirit would never allow a Christian to continue in sin. We need to take up our cross (As Jesus told us to) and become who Christ died for. We need to love as Christ did and tell those who are religious the truth. Jesus told the Religious that they were sons of Abraham and not God. If Christ is in us then we will do as He did, and the truth will set them free~
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