I have been reading a series by Peter Kreeft where Socrates meets different people from the past: Jesus, Sartre, Marx, and Machiavelli. I have just finished reading Socrates Meets Marx, and I found the ending very interesting, especially with elections coming very soon.
The crux of the book is that Marx meets Socrates after his death and they go through his Manifesto that he wrote regarding communism. The book was very good and not only informs, but teaches how to truly debate in a fashion where truth is the end result. All Christians could learn from these books as the end being truth is ultimately, Christ.
At the end of the book, Socrates cites directly from Marx’s book regarding how Communism can best infiltrate society. I am going to list it verbatim.
"1. Abolition of property in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes.
2. A heavy progressive or graduated income tax.
3. Abolition of all right of inheritance.
4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels.
5. Centralization of credit in the hands of the State, by means of a national bank with State capital and an exclusive monopoly.
6. Centralization of the means of communication and transport in the hands of the State.
7. Extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the State. . . .
8. Equal liability of all to labour. Establishment of industrial armies, especially for agriculture.
9. . . . . Gradual abolition of the distinction between town and country, by a more equitable distribution of population over the country.
10. Free education for all children in public schools" (Socrates Meets Marx, 191).
Can you pick the points out that America is already following and which party and people are pushing several of these points as we speak?
I typically tell people that you should pick based on who is lining up with the absolute truth we learn from Scripture. If their record and cultural life demonstrates those principles then we can feel partially assured that other areas will be dealt with in the same fashion.
I am not a conspiracy theorist, but if the shoe fits then we need to wear it. And reading some of these points, it makes me a little worried as to what is happening in America with the policies we are voting into law.
Today we are seeing the first principle taking more and more affect through the “eminent domain” laws. Government is taking private property for the shear purpose of making money. Some of congress continues to try to vote in more taxes and making it more difficult for the average person to make a living. And they try to say they are only going to tax the rich, but ultimately it will affect the middle and lower class the most. The rich tend to own the companies and they are going to make their salaries, as they own the company. They will just make cuts in employee packages or fire people to make sure the profit is there to make their salary. Tax burden does not solve anything, but only makes one more dependent on the government.
There are a couple of other points that America is heading down, but I will only focus on the last one, and that is free public education for all children. The free school system is where our children can be indoctrinated in any form the government wants, as it controls the education department. Whoever controls our children’s minds controls the future in some respects. Just look at where we are at today and then take a look at how the education system has changed over the years. You will see a direct correlation.
It is important to know Biblical truth and standards and then use those to determine whom you will vote for in elections, as they will be our representatives. All morals are legislated, it is just a matter of whose morals will be indoctrinated into our country.
Romans 1:28, “Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.”
If we do not start engaging our culture with absolute truth according to the absolute standards of the Bible, we are going to end up on the wrong side of God. We are going to get what we ask for, God or not?
Monday, April 30, 2007
Socialism coming to America!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Descending into Our Purpose!
John 3:30, “He must become greater; I must become less.”
Luke 14:33, “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”
“A life of worship to God is about daily sacrificing your interests in all other things and making him your focused adoration. He wants you to love him first and foremost and let nothing come in the way of solely pleasing him.” – Josh McDowell.
This past Friday we talked about descending into prominence, that is giving up everything for the sake of Christ. Not in the sense of selling all possessions and giving it all away, but in the sense of giving everything we are and have to Christ for His use. If that means then giving it all away then fine, but overall we are to recognize all our gifts, spiritually, physically and materially, are from Him and to be used for the sake of His kingdom.
Philippians 2:5-8 says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” What does this look like in our lives?
Though we cannot duplicate the perfect ministry of Christ, we can reflect the attitudes and motives Jesus did. First, we can be a servant to those around us. If God, Himself, can serve by coming and dying on a cross for us then there is absolutely no reason we cannot serve others. Jesus served when in fact they should have been serving Him. As any great leader, He led by example. Jesus demonstrated what it means to serve our brothers and sisters. How are you doing in this area? Are you serving sacrificially, or just when it is convenient? Do you serve those who will benefit you, or do you just serve, not worrying about if anyone notices or says anything?
This also leads into the next area of how we should be descending into Christ likeness. We should be portraying a humble attitude. Christ relinquished everything for us when He became a man and entered our physical world. He had to start using doors and riding mules, eating and sleeping, and listening to His parents. He gave up worship for cursing and being spit upon. Our omniscient, eternal, all powerful Jesus yielded to the binding restrictions of the human flesh. Talk about the ultimate in becoming humble. What have you given up that you deserve for the sake of the kingdom? How does your personality line up with Christ? Do you consider all this world has to offer rubbish as Paul did, or do you love the recognition and the accolades from others?
Jesus was also obedient to the Father, to the point of death. Not only death, but the most heinous death imaginable during Jesus’ time, crucifixion. Jesus came to do one thing: to do what God the Father commanded, nothing more and nothing less. He did this completely and without sin. Jesus demands the same from us. The verse from Luke above gives evidence of this. Jesus demands we give up everything for Him. He does not suggest it. Are we obedient to this? Or do we hang onto a couple of small areas because they are just too fun, or we want to make sure we have a safety net? How obedient are you? Will God say to you, “well done good and faithful servant?” Or will He say, “not too bad, but could have been better?” Are there areas we need to give up to God and act in obedience?
The awesome thing is that if we follow the attitude and example of Christ we will experience joy. Joy, not from receiving a reward because of your action, but from having a deep relationship with Christ. He will fill you with His love and comfort more and more. It is a gift that will take you by surprise because of your pure and self-less service. Are you serving this way? Do you experience the joy of Christ? If not, why?
We all need to continue to reflect on how our attitude is lining up with Christ. This will ultimately lead to defining our purpose and who we are in Christ.
“If you are to be a Christ follower, you must demonstrate His characteristics, and not the worlds. ‘The appeal, however, was not only to a life of lowliness and hardship; it also contained the reminder that victory followed humiliation and that God’s glory will ultimately prevail.’” – Expository Bible Commentary.
Luke 14:33, “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”
“A life of worship to God is about daily sacrificing your interests in all other things and making him your focused adoration. He wants you to love him first and foremost and let nothing come in the way of solely pleasing him.” – Josh McDowell.
This past Friday we talked about descending into prominence, that is giving up everything for the sake of Christ. Not in the sense of selling all possessions and giving it all away, but in the sense of giving everything we are and have to Christ for His use. If that means then giving it all away then fine, but overall we are to recognize all our gifts, spiritually, physically and materially, are from Him and to be used for the sake of His kingdom.
Philippians 2:5-8 says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” What does this look like in our lives?
Though we cannot duplicate the perfect ministry of Christ, we can reflect the attitudes and motives Jesus did. First, we can be a servant to those around us. If God, Himself, can serve by coming and dying on a cross for us then there is absolutely no reason we cannot serve others. Jesus served when in fact they should have been serving Him. As any great leader, He led by example. Jesus demonstrated what it means to serve our brothers and sisters. How are you doing in this area? Are you serving sacrificially, or just when it is convenient? Do you serve those who will benefit you, or do you just serve, not worrying about if anyone notices or says anything?
This also leads into the next area of how we should be descending into Christ likeness. We should be portraying a humble attitude. Christ relinquished everything for us when He became a man and entered our physical world. He had to start using doors and riding mules, eating and sleeping, and listening to His parents. He gave up worship for cursing and being spit upon. Our omniscient, eternal, all powerful Jesus yielded to the binding restrictions of the human flesh. Talk about the ultimate in becoming humble. What have you given up that you deserve for the sake of the kingdom? How does your personality line up with Christ? Do you consider all this world has to offer rubbish as Paul did, or do you love the recognition and the accolades from others?
Jesus was also obedient to the Father, to the point of death. Not only death, but the most heinous death imaginable during Jesus’ time, crucifixion. Jesus came to do one thing: to do what God the Father commanded, nothing more and nothing less. He did this completely and without sin. Jesus demands the same from us. The verse from Luke above gives evidence of this. Jesus demands we give up everything for Him. He does not suggest it. Are we obedient to this? Or do we hang onto a couple of small areas because they are just too fun, or we want to make sure we have a safety net? How obedient are you? Will God say to you, “well done good and faithful servant?” Or will He say, “not too bad, but could have been better?” Are there areas we need to give up to God and act in obedience?
The awesome thing is that if we follow the attitude and example of Christ we will experience joy. Joy, not from receiving a reward because of your action, but from having a deep relationship with Christ. He will fill you with His love and comfort more and more. It is a gift that will take you by surprise because of your pure and self-less service. Are you serving this way? Do you experience the joy of Christ? If not, why?
We all need to continue to reflect on how our attitude is lining up with Christ. This will ultimately lead to defining our purpose and who we are in Christ.
“If you are to be a Christ follower, you must demonstrate His characteristics, and not the worlds. ‘The appeal, however, was not only to a life of lowliness and hardship; it also contained the reminder that victory followed humiliation and that God’s glory will ultimately prevail.’” – Expository Bible Commentary.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Struggles in Our Lives
I have been talking to people that have been struggling a lot lately. While I was cleaning out one of my old briefcases the other day, I found a poem that I wrote during a very trying time in my life. I thought I would it with you. Maybe it will help during your time of struggle, or at least let you know that we all go through the valleys.
My Struggle
By Alan Seymour
I know Your there, and I can feel your presence.
I can feel my self-indulgence, which makes me stress.
Where do I turn? Who do I talk to?
I yell and try to explain, but no one understands or hears me.
Is anyone out there that can de-scramble my mind?
Do I have a mind? Do I feel anymore?
The emotions hit so fast I can’t stop them.
Is talking to yourself crazy, even if you answer?
O’ God I need You more than ever – can You hear me?
Where do I go? What do I do? Will crying help?
I am a disciple of God. I am His.
I know I am loved, yet I don’t feel loved.
I feel – I don’t know? What is the point?
Where am I going with this?
An exercise in fruition. Did it help?
Only God sees the future. I am His.
What He deems, I will follow.
Though it cost me everything,
I will not walk away from the One who paid it all.
My faith is strong, my resolve is able.
This day to will pass and my joy return.
Until then I can only ask – Why?
By Alan Seymour
I know Your there, and I can feel your presence.
I can feel my self-indulgence, which makes me stress.
Where do I turn? Who do I talk to?
I yell and try to explain, but no one understands or hears me.
Is anyone out there that can de-scramble my mind?
Do I have a mind? Do I feel anymore?
The emotions hit so fast I can’t stop them.
Is talking to yourself crazy, even if you answer?
O’ God I need You more than ever – can You hear me?
Where do I go? What do I do? Will crying help?
I am a disciple of God. I am His.
I know I am loved, yet I don’t feel loved.
I feel – I don’t know? What is the point?
Where am I going with this?
An exercise in fruition. Did it help?
Only God sees the future. I am His.
What He deems, I will follow.
Though it cost me everything,
I will not walk away from the One who paid it all.
My faith is strong, my resolve is able.
This day to will pass and my joy return.
Until then I can only ask – Why?
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
To Abort or Not to Abort? What is the Answer?
Over the weekend I was posed with the question of abortion. It was brought up with the scenario of a girl who is raped. My opinion in this scenario is to save the baby, and if someone has to die then kill the rapist not the innocent child.
Now I would not counsel the young girl in such a direct manner, but would walk her through how what happened to her was not her fault and that it is deplorable in all ways. I would then educate her on how the baby is a life from conception, and nothing else is needed but time and nutrients. Which is what we all still need to continue to grow and develop. I would also counsel her on her options for the child, either adoption or if her parents, family or relatives are willing to help then she could keep the child and still not be hindered in life.
The only time I believe abortion is even an option is in a tubular pregnancy, where the egg does not enter into the uterus and instead the baby starts to grow in the tube of the mother. This would result in both the mother and daughter dying. In this case it is better to choose the life of the mother, as the life of the child cannot be saved. For any other reason, I cannot see ending an innocent life.
Since there are such great arguments about the abortion issue, I have decided to give you links to read instead of trying to write everything out in the blog, as this would make one long blog.
Abortion Issue Articles:
http://www.trueu.org/Academics/LectureHall/A000000144.cfm
http://www.dougbeaumont.org/SoulDevice/ethics_abortion.html
http://www.carm.org/questions/abortion.htm
http://www.gotquestions.org/abortion-Bible.html
The link below is a testimony of a girl that was aborted and lived:
http://www.prolife.com/SARAH2.html
The argument come to whether or not the baby is a human life at conception, and if so then killing an innocent life is wrong, morally, Biblically, and philosophically.
There is also always forgiveness and help for those that suffer from guilt and regret from an abortion. One can always find this in Christ.
Now I would not counsel the young girl in such a direct manner, but would walk her through how what happened to her was not her fault and that it is deplorable in all ways. I would then educate her on how the baby is a life from conception, and nothing else is needed but time and nutrients. Which is what we all still need to continue to grow and develop. I would also counsel her on her options for the child, either adoption or if her parents, family or relatives are willing to help then she could keep the child and still not be hindered in life.
The only time I believe abortion is even an option is in a tubular pregnancy, where the egg does not enter into the uterus and instead the baby starts to grow in the tube of the mother. This would result in both the mother and daughter dying. In this case it is better to choose the life of the mother, as the life of the child cannot be saved. For any other reason, I cannot see ending an innocent life.
Since there are such great arguments about the abortion issue, I have decided to give you links to read instead of trying to write everything out in the blog, as this would make one long blog.
Abortion Issue Articles:
http://www.trueu.org/Academics/LectureHall/A000000144.cfm
http://www.dougbeaumont.org/SoulDevice/ethics_abortion.html
http://www.carm.org/questions/abortion.htm
http://www.gotquestions.org/abortion-Bible.html
The link below is a testimony of a girl that was aborted and lived:
http://www.prolife.com/SARAH2.html
The argument come to whether or not the baby is a human life at conception, and if so then killing an innocent life is wrong, morally, Biblically, and philosophically.
There is also always forgiveness and help for those that suffer from guilt and regret from an abortion. One can always find this in Christ.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Hmmm. . . Could it be Satan?
I found most of the below list very true, though I may disagree on just one or two and not in what is said, but what is included and the way it is said. Either way I find it a very compelling list that Christians should take seriously.
A lot of them I highly agree with and have written on the topics. Take time to reflect on them and see if you agree with this assessment, especially in the United States.
By Steve Camp Posted: 04/04/2007
What Brings Satan Pleasure?
1. When men of God abandon the preaching of the gospel to become "would be politicians" consumed with the political affairs of men
2. When the preaching of God's Word is substituted with relational anecdotal experience, personal happiness programs, and human potentiality makeovers
3. When pastors no longer shepherd God's people and the pulpits have become playgrounds
4. When psychology has replaced biblical discipleship
5. When men of God are flattered to become "late night talk show guests" on cultural and spiritual issues, but never once open up the Bible to develop their answers; or call the nation, other guests, or the talk show host to repentance by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation; they've simply become culturally acceptable biblical motivational speakers thinking that access to mainstream media means they are making an impact
6. When the vicar of Rome is acknowledged as the vicar of Christ
7. When sin is called sickness; when disobedience is called disease; and when adultery is called addiction
8. When money becomes a prerequisite for ministry by charging people for the gospel, worship, discipleship, counseling, evangelism, Christian music, etc.
9. When we are liked by all people; when the world is not offended by the message we represent and relates to us for being "nice"
10. When church becomes just another predictable program we do one hour a week, one day a week
11. When prayer becomes passé and the seldom thing we do
12. When brothers and sisters hold ought against each other in bitterness and unforgiveness
13. When church discipline of sin ceases
14. When irreconcilable differences becomes an acceptable reason to break the covenant of marriage
15. When the goal of faith is no longer holiness, but happiness
16. When the object of faith is no longer Christ, but self
17. When the foundation of faith is no longer the Scriptures, but my personal experience
18. When error is tolerated and finally accepted as truth
19. When Christians partner with nonbelievers in the work of the ministry
20. When ministries are enticed to give up their autonomy and become owned by
the world for just a little more money and a little more personal promotion
21. When the worship and glory of God is treated as entertainment
22. When the church bowes the knee to the seminaries and surrenders her duty to train men for pastoral ministry; thinking that the academic schools of religious learning actually can make a pastor when all they can do is make students
23. When men can personally profit from the sale of God's Word
24. When repentance is no longer part of the gospel
25. When salvation is no longer proclaimed as being by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, on the Word alone, to the glory of God alone
26. When Romanism, Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses, Church of Christ (Bostonian), Seventh Day Adventists (and dare I say but to be consistent I must) Islamic moralists, Atheists, Agnostics, etc. are indirectly legitimized as being "morally sound and culturally chaste" by some naïve evangelical leaders who have forgotten their heritage, sold their spiritual birthright, and have laid down sound doctrine for the sole purpose of partnering with those same "religious" and individually politically-correct alliances to try and turn back the tide of social ills through cultural cobelligerence. In doing so, they have purposely divorced the centrality of the gospel of Jesus Christ from their burden for social change; this is foolish and the delight of hell
27. When the offense of the cross is removed for cultural acceptance, media accessibility and endorsement
Distributed by www.ChristianWorldviewNetwork.com
A lot of them I highly agree with and have written on the topics. Take time to reflect on them and see if you agree with this assessment, especially in the United States.
By Steve Camp Posted: 04/04/2007
What Brings Satan Pleasure?
1. When men of God abandon the preaching of the gospel to become "would be politicians" consumed with the political affairs of men
2. When the preaching of God's Word is substituted with relational anecdotal experience, personal happiness programs, and human potentiality makeovers
3. When pastors no longer shepherd God's people and the pulpits have become playgrounds
4. When psychology has replaced biblical discipleship
5. When men of God are flattered to become "late night talk show guests" on cultural and spiritual issues, but never once open up the Bible to develop their answers; or call the nation, other guests, or the talk show host to repentance by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation; they've simply become culturally acceptable biblical motivational speakers thinking that access to mainstream media means they are making an impact
6. When the vicar of Rome is acknowledged as the vicar of Christ
7. When sin is called sickness; when disobedience is called disease; and when adultery is called addiction
8. When money becomes a prerequisite for ministry by charging people for the gospel, worship, discipleship, counseling, evangelism, Christian music, etc.
9. When we are liked by all people; when the world is not offended by the message we represent and relates to us for being "nice"
10. When church becomes just another predictable program we do one hour a week, one day a week
11. When prayer becomes passé and the seldom thing we do
12. When brothers and sisters hold ought against each other in bitterness and unforgiveness
13. When church discipline of sin ceases
14. When irreconcilable differences becomes an acceptable reason to break the covenant of marriage
15. When the goal of faith is no longer holiness, but happiness
16. When the object of faith is no longer Christ, but self
17. When the foundation of faith is no longer the Scriptures, but my personal experience
18. When error is tolerated and finally accepted as truth
19. When Christians partner with nonbelievers in the work of the ministry
20. When ministries are enticed to give up their autonomy and become owned by
the world for just a little more money and a little more personal promotion
21. When the worship and glory of God is treated as entertainment
22. When the church bowes the knee to the seminaries and surrenders her duty to train men for pastoral ministry; thinking that the academic schools of religious learning actually can make a pastor when all they can do is make students
23. When men can personally profit from the sale of God's Word
24. When repentance is no longer part of the gospel
25. When salvation is no longer proclaimed as being by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, on the Word alone, to the glory of God alone
26. When Romanism, Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses, Church of Christ (Bostonian), Seventh Day Adventists (and dare I say but to be consistent I must) Islamic moralists, Atheists, Agnostics, etc. are indirectly legitimized as being "morally sound and culturally chaste" by some naïve evangelical leaders who have forgotten their heritage, sold their spiritual birthright, and have laid down sound doctrine for the sole purpose of partnering with those same "religious" and individually politically-correct alliances to try and turn back the tide of social ills through cultural cobelligerence. In doing so, they have purposely divorced the centrality of the gospel of Jesus Christ from their burden for social change; this is foolish and the delight of hell
27. When the offense of the cross is removed for cultural acceptance, media accessibility and endorsement
Distributed by www.ChristianWorldviewNetwork.com
Sunday, April 01, 2007
A Week to Reflect!
“Is there anything that you are doing that is mocking Christ’s death?” This was a question asked by the Associate Pastor of my church during prayer, and I followed it up with another question, “How are you living out the resurrection?”
During this Holy Week, it is a time to reflect on what Christ really means to you. How has your life reflected Him? Is what you’re doing really demonstrating that you understand the suffering Jesus went through for you? If not, then what needs to change in your life: maybe it is the language you use, the movies you watch, the images you let penetrate you mind or the sounds you let pierce your ears. Maybe it is none of those things, but something completely different. Only you will know whether or not your life is reflecting Christ in all that you do, both in your private life (thoughts) and your public life (outward actions).
1 Corinthians 15:32-34, “If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
The resurrection is one of the most important events in the Bible, if not the most important. It is when Christ defeats sin, death and secures our eternal lives if we believe in Him. As Paul says above, if there is no resurrection then we should “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” Meaning, if Christ has not risen then we should act upon all our sinful desires, because there is nothing after this. Enjoy it now, for there is nothing to look forward to in the next life.
But, this is not how we live as Christians, at least we are not supposed to. We are to live as this is a temporal place. We are here to be the examples to others, set apart from the world and planting seeds. If we truly believe the resurrection and understand the crucifixion then how we act, think, and speak would all be reflective of this. Our lives would revolve around the Bible, Church and Spiritual activities and not just fitting those things into our worldly schedules. Our worldly schedules would revolve around Christ and what He believes to be important.
Take time to pray this week and ask God to show you how you are mocking the cross of Christ and not living out the resurrection and then thank Him for showing you. Then live it out. James 2:18-24, “But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.”
I will end with the words of Peter, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy. Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear” (1 Peter 1:13-17).
During this Holy Week, it is a time to reflect on what Christ really means to you. How has your life reflected Him? Is what you’re doing really demonstrating that you understand the suffering Jesus went through for you? If not, then what needs to change in your life: maybe it is the language you use, the movies you watch, the images you let penetrate you mind or the sounds you let pierce your ears. Maybe it is none of those things, but something completely different. Only you will know whether or not your life is reflecting Christ in all that you do, both in your private life (thoughts) and your public life (outward actions).
1 Corinthians 15:32-34, “If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
The resurrection is one of the most important events in the Bible, if not the most important. It is when Christ defeats sin, death and secures our eternal lives if we believe in Him. As Paul says above, if there is no resurrection then we should “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” Meaning, if Christ has not risen then we should act upon all our sinful desires, because there is nothing after this. Enjoy it now, for there is nothing to look forward to in the next life.
But, this is not how we live as Christians, at least we are not supposed to. We are to live as this is a temporal place. We are here to be the examples to others, set apart from the world and planting seeds. If we truly believe the resurrection and understand the crucifixion then how we act, think, and speak would all be reflective of this. Our lives would revolve around the Bible, Church and Spiritual activities and not just fitting those things into our worldly schedules. Our worldly schedules would revolve around Christ and what He believes to be important.
Take time to pray this week and ask God to show you how you are mocking the cross of Christ and not living out the resurrection and then thank Him for showing you. Then live it out. James 2:18-24, “But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.”
I will end with the words of Peter, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy. Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear” (1 Peter 1:13-17).
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