How many times have you said to yourself, "I am done with that." "I'm going to change - become a new man (person) and turn over a new leaf." How did that work out for you? Breaking any habit is a difficult thing and in your own strength, even more so. Just ask any drug user or porn viewer. Most would tell you that they want to stop but can't. Why? Because they have been doing it for so long, the hook is in and they can't see any possible way out. Understanding that your current actions are hardening your heart to the very activity you desire to change, is the first step.
As the Apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians, "Put off the the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts and be renewed in the spirit of your mind." (Ephesians 4:22) Simply put, stop doing it. It is dragging you deeper into a pit. Change what influences are controlling your mind. How do you do that?
Paul again tells us what approach to take in his letter to the Philippians; "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if anything be praiseworthy- meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8) In other words, get your mind turned. Actions begin in the mind. Change your thinking and you will change your actions. Purify your mind with the reading of His word. This will help put on the "new man" which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:24)
You can become a "new man" through Christ. You can break a life style of sin and exchange it for righteousness. Remember the fight is not against flesh or blood but against the powers of darkness. Therefore, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11)
The Truth
Ephesians 6:10-17
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Life After Death
Death is a difficult reality to face for most people. It is a part of this fallen world that God never intended us to experience. In Genesis after God created Adam and Eve He instructed them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) Meaning, control, conquer – the implication here is, it’s yours to enjoy forever.
However, God gave Adam one command, one simple rule to follow in order to enjoy eternity, “Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, do not eat. For in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die.” (Genesis 3:17) So, through one mans bad choice, sin and death became a part of our world - forcing us to deal with something we were
never intended to experience.
Because death robs us of life many try to postpone it. They will workout every day to keep their bodies in top condition. Eat right, take plenty of supplements and even get regular check-ups. While that’s all well and good, it does not change the eventual outcome. Death is patient. It even gets the strongest, the fastest and the most athletic of us all.
Others will ignore it. They recognize there is nothing they can do to alter the outcome so they will live for today, denying there body appetites/desires nothing. They have such a cavalier attitude toward life; that they will throw caution to the wind. The old, “live like a hog and die like a dog”, attitude.
As careful or carefree as we might be in our daily lives, our time on this earth is limited. Therefore, we might well consider two questions; 1) has anyone ever overcome it? And 2) was there any provision made for us? I am happy to answer, “Yes” to both of these questions.
Jesus has made a way for us through His sacrificial death to atone for all sin. Crucified by Pilate (Matthew 27:32-37), his body placed in a sealed tomb and protected by a Roman Guard (Matthew 27:62-65), He arose from the grave after 3 days (Matthew 28:1-7) and was seen by many eyewitnesses. (1 Corinthians 15) This is not a myth but, a historical fact. Thus, He has made a provision for us, that we should have eternal life as originally planned if, we believe in Him and His finished work.
Death will come to all. The question is not, will we die? - for we all know the answer to that one. But rather, where will we spend eternity after we die?
The Truth
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
However, God gave Adam one command, one simple rule to follow in order to enjoy eternity, “Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, do not eat. For in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die.” (Genesis 3:17) So, through one mans bad choice, sin and death became a part of our world - forcing us to deal with something we were
never intended to experience.
Because death robs us of life many try to postpone it. They will workout every day to keep their bodies in top condition. Eat right, take plenty of supplements and even get regular check-ups. While that’s all well and good, it does not change the eventual outcome. Death is patient. It even gets the strongest, the fastest and the most athletic of us all.
Others will ignore it. They recognize there is nothing they can do to alter the outcome so they will live for today, denying there body appetites/desires nothing. They have such a cavalier attitude toward life; that they will throw caution to the wind. The old, “live like a hog and die like a dog”, attitude.
As careful or carefree as we might be in our daily lives, our time on this earth is limited. Therefore, we might well consider two questions; 1) has anyone ever overcome it? And 2) was there any provision made for us? I am happy to answer, “Yes” to both of these questions.
Jesus has made a way for us through His sacrificial death to atone for all sin. Crucified by Pilate (Matthew 27:32-37), his body placed in a sealed tomb and protected by a Roman Guard (Matthew 27:62-65), He arose from the grave after 3 days (Matthew 28:1-7) and was seen by many eyewitnesses. (1 Corinthians 15) This is not a myth but, a historical fact. Thus, He has made a provision for us, that we should have eternal life as originally planned if, we believe in Him and His finished work.
Death will come to all. The question is not, will we die? - for we all know the answer to that one. But rather, where will we spend eternity after we die?
The Truth
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
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