People who always let you know how wrong you are.

Have you been trying to become more like Christ, but met that one person who's always a hammer in search of a nail? You probably know what I'm talking about: they know EVERYTHING that you're doing wrong and will always let you know about how wrong you are in God's eyes and what little thing is indubitably sending you to hell if you don't conform. They're always the stick and never the carrot, so don't expect any "attaboys" from them, because they're there to refine you as with fire. Those people are an example that there is a difference between doing God's work and doing God's job. In 1 Cor 4, Paul wrote,

"Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God....so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other."

We are to be known by our love for one another, which does include reproof and correction, but not done in such a manner that we always beat down and never build up. Furthermore, we should be very careful in pronouncing eternal judgement on our brothers and sisters. We labor for the harvest, but do not replace God as the adjudicator of the eternal soul of man.

Winning people to repentance.

I have a very bad habit. I'm pretty chill in helping new Christians overcome sin, but when I encounter seasoned Christians who are still partying, cussing, or whatever, I lose my ever-loving mind. Yep. I go straight into "THAT'S-SO-HORRIBLE-HERE-LET-ME-BERATE-YOU" mode. Because everyone wants to repent when you clobber them with your own righteousness, right?

Wrong! God sets me straight by saying, "Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" (Rom 2:4)

I want people to overcome, but by being hostile instead of kind, I just drive them away. If you're like me, join me in praying for opportunities to help people repent in the same way that God does—through kindness. Let's win them with kindness, tolerance, and patience. smile emoticon

What is repentance actually? A tough, historical, Biblical look at it, plus when we get the Holy Spirit. Have you?

In another series, I looked at baptism as the Bible described it, what God does in it, how early Christians viewed it, and where people started going astray from what God taught. 

Because someone mentioned it in a comment, I think that a look at repentance might also be important, as well as a look at the Holy Spirit. Timothy McHenry noted that some people will even admit the necessity of baptism, but shy away from repentance.  That's a shame, because we receive God's Help with the Holy Spirit when we are immersed, and overcoming any particular sin, no matter how addictive, is entirely possible. We truly can make new, good habits, and clean out the old ones. It takes a lot of work, though, and, well, yeah, work is work. 

With that said, let's look at repentance and the Holy Spirit. 







BQ: First, we're going to look at repentance as the Bible discusses it. Is it important? What is it? 

Jesus warned, "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:3)," so repentance is needed for salvation. How can we really define what it is?  2 Cor 7:9-11 gives a working explanation, saying:

"For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 

For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter." 

True repentance produces zeal and vehement desire to not continue sinning over and over. It is shown when old habits are killed off. Instead of continuing swearing, one stops. Instead of continuing bar-hopping, one stops. And in return, godly actions take the place of sin. 







BQ: True repentance is said to produce diligence, zeal, indignation, fear, vehement desire, a clearing of oneself, and vindication. What do we know of the word itself?  In Greek, it's "metanoeo," which literally means,"to perceive afterwards" , and was recognized to effectively mean, "change in the inner man."

The implications of this are great. Hebrews 6:6 says of some that when they, "then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame." Titus 3:5 says, "he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."

Why is it impossible to renew some people to repentance? Because the inner man was changed by the Holy Spirit, and by their own doing, they drive the Spirit out, embracing the world. The practice of sin, doing it willfully and repeatedly, can make us lose out greatest Gift—it can make us lose the Holy Spirit. 







BQ: Today is just to cover a few verses that make it abundantly clear that repentance is not something to be taken lightly, but is in fact a core part of salvation. 

—Heb 12:17 "For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears." 

— 2 Pet 3:9 "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."

—  Acts 2:38 "Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

In order, we see that without repentance, we will be rejected. Second Peter also makes it clear that without repentance, we'll perish, but God gives us time to repent.  And Acts 2 shows that without being immersed (baptized) and repenting, we'll not receive the Holy Spirit.  

Have you truly repented? Have you been baptized? 





BQ: Now we're going to look a little more at the character of repentance. 

—Mt 3:8 "Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance."

—Mk 6:12 "They went out and preached that men should repent."

—Acts 3:19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." 

From the above, we can see that true repentance leads to fruit in our actions. For example, if your bad habit was carousing at the bars, you'll not only stop, but you'll replace it with things which build the Kingdom. 

Furthermore, we see that if we wish to truly evangelize, we need to make repentance a part of it. Not to bash people over the head, but show they, as Acts 3 says, that refreshing can come, and sins can be wiped away. Repentance is about a fresh wind, and overcoming the stench of a dying world. 






BQ: It's incredibly interesting to look at how early Christians viewed repentance. To begin, Martyr wrote in the second century,

"As many as are persuaded and believe that what we teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly...then they are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated...there is pronounced over him who chooses to be born again, and has repented of his sins, the name of God the Father and Lord of the universe." 

That little passage alone reveals a ton. These people who were immersed were persuaded of the Truth (and faith, in Greek, means persuasion), and had decided to live according to the likeness of Christ. Immediately they were then baptized, and they repented of their sins. 

Early Christians understood that when a person had faith, it included baptism, and very importantly, repentance. When we're Christians, we can't let ourselves practice the same old sins. 






BQ: In 150-200 AD, Clement wrote, 

"We are washed from all our sins, and are no longer entangled in evil. This is the one grace of illumination, that our characters are not the same as before our washing... In the same way, therefore, we also, repenting of our sins, renouncing our iniquities, purified by baptism, speed back to the eternal light, children to the Father."

Time after time, you'll notice that repentance is required. Early Christians understood that, after they were immersed, they could not be the same as before.their washing. When we're baptized, we MUST change. I can't stress it enough. No matter what it is, from swearing to sleeping around, we have to fight and overcome it. And that's why we're given then Holy Spirit as a gift, to empower us to be overcomers for Christ. 






BQ: Speaking of repentance, some will claim that they have certain sins that they just can't resist. This isn't true, but it is a symptom of having very little faith in God. In Mt 17:20, Jesus said,

"Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

To say that we cannot overcome some sin with God's help is a terrible thing. He raised men from the dead, so something we find ourselves liking too much is no problem. That's why 1 Cor 10:13 says,

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."






BQ: Although we've covered it a bit, some people claim that you don't receive the Holy Spirit when you repent and are immersed. Early Christians did not hold this view.  Cyril in 345 AD wrote, 

'Repent,' says he, 'and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [Acts 2:38]' O unspeakable lovingkindness of God! They have no hope of being saved, and yet they are thought worthy of the Holy Ghost. You see the power of Baptism!"

The Holy Spirit in us is why Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (Mt 11:11) The Holy Spirit gives us the power to change our inner man, and to make that repentance true. Baptism regenerates us, but the Holy Spirit constantly renews us. (Titus 3:5)

BQ: Early Christians understood that we indeed receive the Holy Spirit, but only in baptism. Around 200-250 AD, Cyprian wrote, 

"For by baptism the Holy Spirit is received... As also, in another place, the Lord speaks to the Samaritan woman, saying, 'Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him, shall not thirst for ever.' By which is also signified the very baptism of saving water, which indeed is once received, and is not again repeated."

For he who has been sanctified, his sins being put away in baptism, and has been spiritually re-formed into a new man, has become fitted for receiving the Holy Spirit; since the apostle says, 'As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.' 

Early Christians understood that people had to hear and believe in Christ in order to be spurred to have faith in immersion. They also understood that immersion and repentance were 100% necessary to salvation, and that if we continued in our old ways afterward, we made the indwelling of the Holy Spirit pointless.

Ask yourself if you have really repented? If not, there is an infinite amount of help available to you, as well as your brothers and sisters who have put on Christ in immersion. Take the bull by the horns and change!

Settling differences.

Ever had a brother or sister in Christ who you just KNOW ain't livin' up to expectations? Time to give 'em an earful! Especially if it's affronted you!

Galatians 6:1 says, "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."

Our goal must not be punishment, but restoration, and not with the fierce wrath of a volcano, but rather in gentleness. I lack this, but I'm getting better daily. One last thing: that brother or sister out indulging in the world...is caught in something very, very addictive. Be very careful lest you get caught up in the same sin. 

Becoming Someone Different

BQ: I knew of a Christian who became involved in promiscuity and drinking, and just had a hard time assembling with the saints. He got away from frequenting bars, yet still found himself at a bar as often as at assembly.

"For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation...For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication!" (II Corinthians 7:10-11)

Sometimes it can be hard to shake the image of sin from us, but to start, we have to make radical changes.  If we used to go the the bar three times a week, and got drunk every day, we can't allow ourselves to "just go to the bar once a week." The change has to be so radical that someone meeting us today would never know that we'd ever been like that at all.  

What if you died today?

We've all seen the billboards.

The ones that ask the thought provoking question "What if you DIED today???" 
It's a good question, but I'm not asking that one today!

Christian friends, 
Have you LIVED today?

If indeed you love Christ, and you are living for Him, then you are modeling His actions!

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Gal 2:20

Have you looked into the eyes of a complete stranger today and smiled, knowing that person was created in the image of God and needs love just like anyone else?

Have you made the effort to help those in need, as Jesus did?

Have you been a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on?

Have you written a friendly letter to someone who needs encouragement?

"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil." Luke 6:35

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." Gal 6:9-10

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Hebrews 13:14-16

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Romans 12:9-18

Step out of your personal sphere of life today and joyfully reach out to someone in whatever way you can! Spread the joy of Christ! Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness are the most well remembered (loaves and fishes, anyone?) -- and as always, since you are living for Christ, give the glory to Christ in all these things. For HE is where this joy begins and eternally extends.

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

The greatest thing you could do for someone today? Share God's Word and the saving message of the Gospel-- but even that conversation, begins with a simple smile.

As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her sons.

With thanks to Rio and Miriam, about something that has been on my mind.

I have personally watched Christian friends slip into the world, committing both spiritual suicide with themselves, and spiritual murder with the things they did with others, and encouraged others to do. And those times have been the most painful of my life, bar none.  And those times have been the most painful of my life, bar none. A lot of that pain comes from the pain of knowing what I've been, and the damage I've caused in the past.

Even if you don't personally like the person that much, the pain is devastating, because there is nothing you can do.  You cannot be the conscience for someone who wants his or her conscience to be seared.  Often, these people will apply a veneer of godliness, so that they can look at their fake reality and call it real, but the poison runs deep and is killing them.

What do you do? Do you delete such a person from your life? Do you utterly abandon them?  

I have often done that. I don't think it's right. It was my selfish way of protecting myself from pain. I once encouraged my mother and sister to abandon someone who caused them great pain and tears. They refused.  Instead of letting the person simply get off easy, they were loving but also truthful.  Their efforts were met seemingly forever with rejection and cruelty.

And yet God says, "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!" (Psalms 126:5)

Who wants to sow a field with such effort that it causes them to cry? Isn't it easier to just abandon that plot and more on to easier territory? 

My sister and mom didn't. They sowed in tears. Eventually, the person they loved changed. Hard times came. Rock bottom was hit. This person was abandoned. And suddenly, the person realized that through everything she had done, despite the evil of it, two people were still compassionate. Compassionate despite the way they'd been treated. And indeed, none of the person's actions had been more than passing pleasure.  And in the end, my mother and sister reaped with joyful shouting.

Compare that with two of my own examples. Both times, I saw someone reverting back to their old friends and old ways, including drinking. Both times, I said, "That hurts me and is repulsive behavior. You're otta' my life."  And both these people, now, are fully surrounded by the world, molded into it as a part of it, horrifically deep.  Attempts by me now to say, "Hey, I care about you," have no weight behind them. Because I gave up. Instead of being loving but correcting, I threw away anything, including hope, no matter how small.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." 

Are you like that? If you persist in love, will you not remain green? Are you afraid of the pain, and willing to wilt away from hope and caring? There is only one way to bear fruit, and it is through persistence. 

Sometimes, however, when you are persistent, people will reject you. It happens. As my friend Rio once told me as a wake-up call, and this is paraphrased "Sometimes nothing you do can reach people, and you'll be consumed."  You have to know when that point is, but you can also make the conscious decision to not simply and utterly reject them.

The truth with the person struggling is that we do not know if they will be overcome, or shall overcome.  We cannot make the call with their struggles, or with their future.  We cannot condemn their hearts, but can see their difficulties. 

And more importantly, sometimes people have to hit utter rock bottom. They have to be at the lowest, where the sun does not shine, before they decide they don't want to be in the pit. 

God tells us that a struggle is present, and that it shall not come without weeping. For our struggles, for our help, and for the struggles of others, it is often true that much pain must be endured before we conquer. 

In Isaiah 66:8, God confirms this and says, "Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons."

New birth does not come without pain and persistence, but we have to maintain the hope of beautiful things to come. We must have the attitude that we would, "could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh." (Romans 9:3)

And if you're sad, hurt, and damaged, remember, "Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD." (Proverbs 16:20)  When you're feeling darkest and down in the dumps, dwell even stronger in the Word.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Various aspects of salvation for those being saved.

Requirements of Salvation
BQ: The Bible lists those things which God has created to ensure our salvation. What are they? 

A: 1-Romans 10:14-17 (We must HEAR.)

2-John 8:24, Romans 5:1-2, Acts 16:31 (We must BELIEVE.)

3-Acts 2:38, Luke 13:5, Acts 3:19, 2 Cor 7:10-11 (We must REPENT of
our worldly ways.)

4-Mt 10:32-33, Romans 10:8-10, Acts 10:36-37 (We must CONFESS before
men that Jesus is the Son of God.)

5-Acts 2:38, Acts 22;16, 1 Pet 3:21, Romans 6:4, Gal 3:27, Mk 16:16
(We must be IMMERSED in water to wash away our sins and to get the
gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit)

6-Rev 2:10, Rev 3:11, Mt 10:22 (We must remain FAITHFUL until death.)
(PN11)

Self-deception and the seared conscience.

Self-deception, seared consciences.
BQ: How deceitful sin is! In 1 Tim 4:2, it's mentioned that there are people who are "seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron." We're tempted to think that we can pick some little forbidden thing and just keep it around while getting our salvation. It's kind of like saying your steak is on the grill and as long as you don't turn UP the heat from the current setting, it's not going to continue to cook. The thing is, you will indeed sear that steak through unless you pull it off that hot surface!

Question: When is God faithful to forgive our sins? What does repentance cause? Don't be deceived—who won't inherit the kingdom?

A: 1 John 1:9, 2 Cor 7:10-11, 1 Cor 6:9-11.

If we don't confess our sins and get rid of self-deception, we continue searing our consciences in the heat of the world! Let's get off that hot grill! 
(PN4)