Preservation for the righteous sake

And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.....
(Gen 18:26)

The privilege of friends is the ability not to hide anything for each other. The proof of Abraham’s status as a friend of God (Jam 2:23) was that the Lord shall not hide from him the thing that He will do (Gen 18:7). Friendship with God comes with responsibility. It not just about blessing, protection, healing but it is about sharing the same burdens. Do we share the same concerns as God do and talk with Him about it? If we don’t we have to seriously consider our relationship with the Lord.

We ask without answer to our prayers because we ask amiss (Jam 4:3). Our prayers can be polluted with things for self consumption and not God’s concerns. Instead of ‘bless the Lord, O, my soul’, it becomes ‘bless my soul, O, my Lord’. We do indeed need to be weaned from this attitude in being a child of God and dwell in the place where as His friends we know and we know that our Heavenly Father knows our needs (Matt 6:32, 33). That is the confidence a friend of God has, any lesser would be distrust. Jesus warns us that if we ask amiss we will lose our friendship with God and become no better than the heathens.

Notice that Abraham’s intercession was for the preservation of the righteous. It was for the righteous that didn’t bend their knees to baal that the nation was preserved despite the wickedness of Jezebel over the nation. The righteous are the ones that bend their knees to God, not fearing others but only fearing God.

Ye are the salt of the earth…….
(Mat 5:13)

In Lev 2:13 there is a commandment with regard to the covenant of salt. Salt is used to savor our food or in this case the sacrifice. Another important aspect is that salt is a preservative at time when refrigeration is non existent. When Jesus taught that we are the salt of the earth, He doesn’t mean that our existence make life more palatable for others, but rather to preserve our city and even our nation.

As the signs of the end times (read Matt 24, 2 Thess 2) are unfolding before our generation, our roles as salt of the earth become more crucial with the escalation of evil. God will preserve our city and nation for the sake of the righteous. At this time to how many of us will He say ‘Shall I hide from My friend that thing which I do’?

Hidden Manna

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, …..
(Rev 2:17a)

Pergamos was church which Jesus evaluated as a compromising church, discounting a need for separation. While we are to preach the gospel to all nations and show Christian charity to many, yet we are not to be of the world while dwelling in it. Similarly Jesus saved us from our sin not in our sin.
Though this church was faithful even unto death; yet Jesus Christ judged as having terrible flaws that requires a double edged sword to deal with. Separation is required. This is a sober reminder that faithfulness and determination to remain separated unto the Lord is important (1 Pet 2:9). Separation unto holiness is the reason why Jesus died to bring us the ultimate freedom from sin (Rom 6:22). This could mean that if we live like the world with all its views and values, the seed of sin has not been dealt with. That could explain why our lives yo-yo between righteousness and sin and victory is sparse and not continuous.

Christ blessing to those who overcome and willing to cross over out of compromise will have life from the hidden manna. It is so exclusive, hidden and precious that the Lord Himself will give.

But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
(John 2:24)

Jesus our Bread of Life (John 6:48) is One that doesn’t frivolously entrust Himself to empty professors of the faith. Men are fond of making claims but not living up to it because of the carnality inside that lacks Heavenly integrity. This could explain why this manna was hidden, exclusive and precious. After all why cast pearls to swine?

Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
(John 6:49)

How do we know that we are worthy to partake of this hidden manna? How come we can still 'die' while eating ‘manna’ of God’s Word? Jesus quoted Isaiah many times about seeing and not seeing, hearing and not hearing. We can claim to have received God’s Word, but has it become quick and powerful (Heb 4:12) to ‘slay’ the sin nature and rose from sin to live to God (Rom 6:11). As long as we continue to say things like ‘I can’t help it’ or ‘it’s my nature’ or whatever justification to commit sins, the sin nature still thrives in us. For sin that is alive is kept alive and grow as we feed it by committing sins. Are we trapped and going around in circles in the wilderness of sin? We need to get out of the wilderness to partake the hidden manna.

This hidden manna is the partaking of the life of Christ. If Christ lives in us, it is no longer we who live (Gal 2:20). Christ takes over our desires, fears and basically everything. It is the divinity of Christ in earthen vessels (2 Cor 4:7). The hidden manna when eaten prevents corruption. As long as we are continually corrupted by sin, then we have not eaten the hidden manna.

When God questions us

……. What doest thou here, Elijah?
(1Ki 19:9, 13)

When we get into a rut, our natural tendency is to question God. Perhaps He is questioning us in the still small voice.

After a great demonstration of the Power of God of hailing down fire, killing the false prophets of Baal and having received answered prayer for rain to quench the drought, one word from Jezebel sent this great prophet fleeing for his life. Faced depression and even asked to die. His race wasn’t over yet. We know this because an angel fed him so that the 40 day journey to the mountain of God must be made. The Heavens stood still in silence through out this time.

Why did the LORD asked ‘what’ and not ‘why’? ‘Why’ would be asking for a reason which the LORD wasn’t interested in. For He knew the fear and depression Elijah was going through. God was opening Elijah’s eyes to the inward condition, not the outward reason.

We like Elijah in many ways allowed the external to determine our destiny. God is interested in building what is inside a man or a woman. One word from others sends us flying into the wrong direction. Jesus warns us that in the last days there we will hear of wars and rumors of them. Jesus tells us not be troubled, meaning these things shouldn’t shake us.

The answer Elijah gave the LORD is full of ‘I’. We are very like this man, full of self which is easily over come by the eternities of our lives. God allows us to go through the things that Elijah had to go through to awaken us. He will, by His grace, give us the miraculous energy to go up to Him not away nor around our circumstances. We must remember that God doesn’t come down to our level; we have to climb that ‘mountain of God’. Let Him question us, our answer betrays our true self.

Notice that Elijah muttered the same thing twice with each questioning of the Lord on ‘What’. Surprisingly God’s Word to him each time was ‘go’. God’s Word at that crucial moment was as powerful as ‘Let there be light’. Jesus great commission to us was also ‘go…’. God’s command to Abraham and Isaiah was also ‘go….’. The Word ‘go’ fulfills His will. His will accomplished through those who are called according to His divine purpose. That is how we run our race to completion. When we pray ‘Let thy will be done…’, our response is to just to ‘go’.

After hearing the Word ‘Go’, the will of God unfurls before us and reminds us that we are not alone. The seven thousand who didn’t bow their knee to Baal are our great cloud of witnesses (Heb 11). Strange that the commandment involved 3 things, but Elijah only accomplished one, this was the anointing of Elisha. When we hear the Power of His Word and obey, God ensures that whatever we do has a multiplying effect; like the breaking of the 5 loaves and 2 fishes.

God allows us to come to our wits end; He remains silent, and then asks us what is on the inside. Let’s His Word command us that we will finish our face to win the crown of Life. Unless we receive His Word, we will fall into man’s words (or rumors) and face the consequences. We have to be governed by what is our inward stature in Christ in order to be robust against man’s words (or rumors).

Selah

This word was used 74 times with 3 times in the Habakkuk and the rest in the Psalms. The concordance would tell us that it’s a musical pause or suspension to stress the importance of the preceding passage. It basically informs the singers, musicians and readers to pause and consider. It brings a sense of abruption. We want to continue but asked not do so. It is like taking stock.

Be still, and know that I am God: …….
(Psa 46:1a)

The word ‘Selah’ means to stop and consider, meditate… and know that He is God. Sit still and know is the best advice Naomi gave to Ruth (Ruth 3:18). God can’t do what He sovereignly desires to do if we continue to 'help' Him out. By doing this we neglect the opportunity to know the saving power of our Redeemer (read Psa46). The Psalmist seems to be telling us that there is no knowing I AM redeems us outside of stillness. We must not meddle in God’s divine working in us.

God showed the bold, busy, miracle working, antithetical, call down fire from Heaven prophet that He speaks in stillness (1 Kings 19:12). God could be screaming at us, but He won’t because He knows that we can’t receive save we ‘Selah’. Like Elijah we want to know God in the spectacular. He patiently waits to prove us wrong. When God speaks in stillness, there is a reviving deep within which caused the prophet to complete his pilgrimage. We too can be revived to be overcomers to the end. Just ‘Selah’.

Jesus knew He had to withdraw from preaching, healing the sick, raising the dead, forgiving sins and all that He does as the Son of God into the mountains, away from the crowd to be with the Father. Getting intimate with Father requires a departure from our busy-ness. One can never know God in busy-ness. Jesus knew the wealth of ‘Selah’, how much more we.

Determine to take time to ‘Selah’, that is the way to know our I AM God.

The obedience of the Rechabites

…….. that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers.
(Jer 35:7b)

This chapter in the book of Jeremiah is like a breath of fresh air in the midst of a nation that has departed from God who loved them with an everlasting love (Jer 31:3). It is a nation that has yielded it self to prophecies (2 Tim 4:3) that suit their liking where the leaders and shepherds are judged. This glimmer of hope in the form of the people who are descendents of Jonadab the son of Rechab proved themselves to be a company of remnants that God was looking for in a backslidden nation.

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (1Sam 15:22)

God is not looking sacrifice, for what can be greater than the sacrifice in the form of the Son of God. Partial obedience is not acceptable, because many will conceal self motives under the cloak of religious zeal. Total obedience is to say ‘Let Thy will be done’. God’s will is always good, acceptable and perfect (Rom 12:1, 2). Substitution of His with our will means that His promises can’t be fulfilled in us. Letting His will take over ours will says that we have to lay our will down and leaving us in the un-nerving situation where we are no longer in control. This is what faith is about, a position of God’s great delight.

…….. for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, …….
(Jer 35:6)

Obedience brings about fulfillment of promise, in this case that they may live many days even as strangers (Exo 20:12 and Eph 6:2). Inward reverence shows forth in our outward behavior. This is what God honors because He sees the intentions of our hearts. ‘Many days’ would also mean fulfilled days, meaningless long lengths of time is of no value. How many of us live fulfilling lives? Perhaps we need to come back to the place of inward reverence toward our parents (Mal 4:6). Yes, we can live fulfilled lives which are not governed by circumstances (as strangers). Unwelcoming situations don’t mean we live unfulfilled lives, He will ensure that we do….

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. (Psa 91:16)

Jonadab’s commandment for his descendents was firstly ‘to drink no wine all our days’ (Jer 35:8) nor ‘build houses, plant vineyards, field nor seed but to dwell in tents’ (Jer 35:9). These seem to be strange commands in our world where we want to ensure that our children and their children live ‘good’ lives, or at least better than ours. The pursuit of happiness by making it big in the world is the theme parroted over and over again, feeding the spirit of covetousness (which incidentally found in the 10th commandment). Jonadab’s story began with the overthrow of evil Ahab’s descendents in partnership with Jehu (2 Kings 10:15). The commandment could most like stem out of the evil that he experienced during his days and desired that his descendants stay away from it.

The first remarkable precept was similar to the Nazarite vow of abstinence of wine. The Nazarite’s vow was about separation from the world and not participating in the joy’s of it (wine is a picture of joy) not given to drunkardness but be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18, 19). Living a life led by the Spirit breeds no condemnation (Rom 8:1, please don’t refer to NIV). The famous Nazarite include Samson and of course Jesus who was called the Nazarene. Living a purpose driven life is not found in a book, it is found in Jesus… for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. It is a life that refuses to identify itself with the world and the gratification of the flesh.

Secondly is that we don’t become too earth bound (Heb 11:13) but be constantly reminded that we look for the heavenly country, a stature where God is not ashamed to be called our God (Heb 11:16). Instead of inheriting the world which the Father has no part of (1 John 2:16) but inheriting the Kingdom of God. Jesus says the meek shall inherit the earth and not to inherit the world for the world will pass away. Those who do the will of the Father will abide forever. Why desire for what is passing away?

Jonadab the son of Rechab certainly has eternity in his sights and in all his wisdom passed this commandment down to his descendants. He saw the evil in his days and learned much from experience. We likewise can live fulfilled lives as we pass through planet earth as strangers and pilgrims, looking forward to reigning with Christ in eternity if we heed the wisdom of this man.

The Power in Abiding

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
(John 15:4)

Abiding in Christ is two fold, first we abide in Christ and He abides in us. It appears that we have to take the first step of faith to abide in Him and He in turns promises that He abides in us. There lies the secret of bearing fruits. The Holy Spirit came on Pentecost which is the start of the harvest activities in the Jewish calendar, where first fruits are waved by the priest before Yahweh as an offering (Lev 23). It is therefore no coincidence that the Holy Spirit was poured out in connection to the harvest. Spiritual fruits are to be harvested with the coming of the Holy Spirit. Fruits that are worthy of repentance from evil to good (Luke 3:8 and Matt 7:16-23) are to be harvested for the Kingdom of Heaven.

What does it take so that we abide in Christ? Especially we know that we are saved not on the grounds of works. In Matt 19 the disciples asked Jesus ‘who then can be saved’, and the answer was it is only possible with God. But we may say that we are not like that rich man Jesus is referring to. If we look at the preceding verses about the encounter with the rich young ruler who not only possess physical wealth but also lack nothing (Matt 19:20) in the way of doing good. I believe Jesus saw not just the possession he had physically, but also the wealth in self-worth. Self is something we can be so rich of hence John the Baptist cried out that He MUST increase and I (self) decrease (John 3:30). We recognize that we are full of ‘self’ in our demanding for our ‘rights’ and saying things like ‘why should I apologize first?’ Our self sufficiency and self priority denies the Lordship of Jesus Christ over every aspect of our life. He can’t abide in such an individual.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
(Rom 6:8)

John the Baptist understood that decreasing is a form of death to self. It’s recognizing that we are dead (Rom 6:6) and alive to Christ. Gal 2:20 speaks the same truth. It takes faith to live this life where Christ liveth in me. Heb 11:1 says that faith substantiates or assures us. The life of faith has the resurrection power which is by the Glory of the Father (Rom 6:4). The abiding in Christ takes place when we first know (Rom 6:4, 9) that we have died with Christ. Many of us carry the head knowledge but without the ‘knowing’ that brings a revelation of this truth. People say that the furthest distance is between the head and the heart. When the ‘knowing’ reaches the heart or core it will become revelation. This revelation of death of self will manifest its great power and thus abiding in Christ begins.

Firstly there is a power to live a new life freed from the bondages of sin that enslavement of the devil and demons. We also no longer have to bear the weight of the accuser of the brethren accusing us day and night before God. In other words we are free from guilt. Being free from guilt is a life that has the Peace of God. Guilt is terrible burdens for many who haven’t experience this wonderful working power. Having guilt removed frees us from suspicion and fear. We have the power over the dominion of sin (the nature that breeds forth sins, that is the fruit of sin). Any wonder why we can confess the same sins over and over without living transformed lives. It takes a possibility in God to do this mighty work. Know that this work is finished (John 19:30) on the cross we just have to reckon this truth.

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
(Rom 6:13)

Secondly, there is the power to yield ourselves in order to speak, think and do righteousness. All our facilities can be given to righteousness. No part of our body can participate in any form of evil. We ‘are created in Christ Jesus unto good works…’ Eph 2:20. These works of righteousness are not performed until the power of God created us for it. There is the enablement for us to do good and doesn’t become a struggle any more (Rom 7:15). Righteousness becomes our nature.

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
(Matt 7:23)

This is a sober reminder for us that performing works isn’t enough to be saved at the end. There are a lot of ‘do-gooders’ (‘Christians’ included) out there that will not be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven when Jesus returns. Any work that is outside the fruit that comes with Christ abiding has roots in iniquity or self generated with self in mind. This work glories self and not raised by the Glory of the Father. This work has the appearance of Christianity but lacking the power of the abiding Christ (2 Tim 3:5). To know this power is to know death to self. It is not ‘crucifying’ ourselves, but having the revelation that we have died with Christ and raised with Him. How do we know we live in this glorious state? It is when sin continues to dominate our lives and we struggle in unrighteous speaking, thinking and doing. There is true power in abiding in Christ and Him abiding in us and may this become a reality for us.

Power Evangelism

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
(Mat 26:13)

We know of Mary’s act in the things surrounding her actions; in terms of it being the outworking of her love because of the much forgiveness she received (Luke 7:47). There was a lavish sacrificial expression in breaking the alabaster flask of costly ointment. The incident recorded for us in John 12:2-8 tells us that it was anointing for His burial. The women who went to the grave early morning hours (Mark 16) didn’t have the privilege to do so. Only Mary did have the privilege. This act that Mary carried out was prophetic in nature. So powerful that it was a memorial of her that is linked to the preaching of the Gospel.

We know that this memorial is because she was one who poured out to the Lord. A poured out life is precious to the Lord. In Scripture we read of David, Paul, and Mary and of course Jesus poured out before the Lord. Pouring out is a non reversible offering that is not required as per any commandment outlined on sacrifices in Leviticus. It is an offering that once poured out, it is given in totality without reservation. Albeit not commanded, but with great acceptance by the Father.

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
(John 17:21)

I personally believe that the secret to Mary’s act (David, Paul and Jesus) was because there was that oneness with the God. As the ointment was only reserved for the bridegroom, so this act by Mary speaks of an intimacy so deep, precious and holy that only can be understood between two. There is such an oneness in the act that the one pouring out everything is oblivious to the surroundings. It is a lonely journey at the risk of people’s questioning and rebuke. Mary just did what she knew she had to do, despising the shame. That is why for Jesus it is a personal joy that He carried within that caused Him to endure the cross (Heb 12:2).

The act of pouring out is not just despising the shame, but it is a sacred act. Oneness in marriage cannot and should not be shared with another. So is our oneness with Christ. So much an important requirement that God has upon His redeemed that Jesus had to pray this in His High Priestly prayer. It takes a powerful prayer of Jesus to achieve this oneness. We can’t strive to attain it; we just receive as an answer to His prayer.

Today power evangelism is so much surrounded on the external in ‘great’ worship, ‘anointed’ speakers and ‘awesome’ miracles. Not implying that these are not bringing people into the Kingdom. There are those in these ministries who lived poured out lives before the Lord. On the flip side, power evangelism in Jesus’ perspective is when it's a memorial built that the very Heaven’s will recognize. Instead of memorials reflecting acts of man which may down play the act of God. For it takes an act of God to achieve oneness with Him.

Oneness with Christ is a lonely life to live because it is lived for God alone to see, not man. Oneness with Christ is life of joy where pride has died in order to have the power to despise shame. Oneness with Christ is when the world will know that He has sent us and not man. It is goes hand in hand with the preaching of the gospel leaving behind a memorial that God’s cherishes for eternity... this carries a heavenly power in evangelism.

God Perfecting Us

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
(Heb 13:21)

Lately I have been pondering over my personal reading into ‘The Normal Christian Life’ (the portion on Romans 8) by Watchman Nee and recently Ps Susan’s Tang sharing in our little house church about God working in us. I realized that many of us are so keen to display our Christianity through many means. Of my years of service in the worship ministry, many either volunteered themselves or even been volunteered to ‘help’ out in the ministry. Many of whom were new believers not even firmly grounded in their new found faith. Does God promote volunteerism with show of such zeal? Yes, we are to be God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph 2:10). Yes, it is God’s divine will that we have been ordained to do so. Is the practice of Christianity today producing ‘cookie cutter’ servants?

“You did not do anything to achieve your salvation, but you must do something to exhibit it. You must "work out your own salvation" which God has worked in you already (Philippians 2:12). Are your speech, your thinking, and your emotions evidence that you are working it "out"? If you are still the same miserable, grouchy person, set on having your own way, then it is a lie to say that God has saved and sanctified you.” – Oswald Chambers

Paul tells us that we are God’s workmanship or handiwork. We are to be products of God’s work that produces vessels of honor (2 Tim 2:20) made of ‘gold’ not of ‘wood’.

The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
(Pro 17:3)

God’s vessels have to be purified and heart must be tested. Why else God chose David over Saul, for the former had his heart tried by fire to be proven to be a man after God’s own heart. Here we are trying to help God in churning out workers for Him with the Saul nature who concern themselves more with their own water face than God’s honor. David knew it was only God and God Himself and sought His face even with the conviction of sin (Psa 51). Where as Saul didn’t get replies from God and ended up in blatant disobedience in offering the sacrifice (only allowed by prophets and priests) and worst, consulting a medium. Resorting to our own mean is a sure sign that our heart has not been tried.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
(Eph 3:20)

God wants to work in us! The Ephesians church did works derived from self which led to their losing their first love (Rev 2:1-11). They probably loved their works more than God for self is exalted, not God. Jesus said that if He be lifted up (John 12:32), He will do the drawing of men into His church. Not by means of music, magic shows, entertainment or even what we term as ‘good deeds’ or ‘seeker friendly’. It is the crucified Christ that is the mark of the church that will draw people. We who are no greater than our Master have to live the reality of the cross too. We are what we believe. There is a power of God working in us, not just men’s idea or interpretation of Scripture. Truth needs to be worked into us.

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
(Eph 1:4)

The power that God works in us is unto perfection or completeness according to His will. Heb 13:21 has lost the Greek meaning ‘to do His will, working in you’. It meant rather that God is continually doing it in us His good work unto completeness. Completeness in that we should be holy and without blame. The truth is that God’s aspiration in our salvation is that we be made holy and blameless not just to make it to heaven. If we are made holy and blameless than there isn’t any thing the accuser of the brethren can point the finger at. Not just at us but also at God (remember the incident of the devil questioning God on Job’s uprightness). To be holy means that we are wholly His, qualifying us to live in the place of His pleasing (fully acceptable) and that Christ be glorified forever.

Don’t rush ourselves and don’t rush God. David spent his time in the wilderness to be completed to do God’s plan. So was Paul in the Arabia. Jesus stayed 30 years hidden from man’s eyes and heavens open at His baptism. Keep our eyes on the end, let God work out the means as we submit wholly to Him.

Our Conscience - Oswald Chambers

Conscience is that ability within me that attaches itself to the highest standard I know, and then continually reminds me of what that standard demands that I do. It is the eye of the soul which looks out either toward God or toward what we regard as the highest standard. This explains why conscience is different in different people.

The Excellency of our God

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
(Psa 8:1)

We can see excellence in man’s work and will quickly respond in praises to what comes out of man’s ingenuity, intelligence, creativity, etc. But God’s Name is excellent by it self! The word ‘excellent’ means glorious. We know that names and titles are important and people are recognized for them. Royalty for example command the reverence and respect from ‘commoners’. Some acquired their recognition through their contribution to society or sciences. Some are born with names that command respect and some earn them.

However, God’s name LORD our Lord; Jehovah our Adonai speaks of the nature of God Himself. Jehovah or Yahweh is the holiest name of God that was never written or spoken by any Hebrew (except by the high priest on the Day of Atonement, the holiest day which denotes much fasting, prayer and work is forbidden. It is the receiving of the second set of the 10 Commandments and to atonement for the sin of idolatry of the golden calf) which is why we don’t know the true pronunciation of that Name. There is a special exclusivity of that Name. It means 'I am that I am,' or 'I am the one who is.' The Name Yahweh which must never be blurted out frivolously, because that Name is a revelation to the early fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Exo 3:15). We will never know the God that is behind that Name unless we receive a revelation of Who He truly is to us. Thus our knowledge of God has to be a personal revelation, so does our salvation.

Adonai means Lord or Master. The Jews won’t dare use Yahweh in their prayer but call upon Adonai instead. This first verse of Psalm 8, David uses Yahweh our Master or we can say O Holy and Glorious God who has revealed Himself to those who are under His Divine Lordship. This seemed to be a mouthful, but this is how I would interpret it. Is He Lord over our lives with concrete evidence of His Mastering over our entire lives, living it out gloriously. The acid test of our glorious living is determined how much we embrace the revelation of God.

The Name by Itself is excellent or glorious or Chris Tomlin sang, Indescribable! The Psalmist cried out in the similar manner beginning with ‘O Yahweh our Lord’. Whole creation is full of His glory and radiates forth His Excellency. We are beggar for words. We can’t begin the fathom the greatness of the stars in the heavens and can never name each and every one of them (Job 9:8,9), but He did. Yet whenever we gaze into the clear night at the majesty of the heavens we are constantly reminded of how small we are and how great is our God who created all those in a single command… ‘Let there be light’! The awesomeness and glory of God can’t be hidden even in the deepest of the deeps. Creation cries out His Glory. Everything is found in its proper place.

Why personal revelation of God? It is found in the word ‘our’. How can He be LORD our Lord if there is no relationship. Our relationship as shown by the forefathers who received the relation of ‘I AM’ is that there are marks of obedience, trust, love, acknowledge Him in all things and willing to die for Whom they believed in. We have to take ownership of our relationship with Him. There is such sweetness in the little word ‘our’ that is towered between Yahweh and Adonai. That is where our balance in life is…. living under that shadow of our LORD Lord.

The Divine Exchange

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
(2Cor 12:9a)

The weakness mentioned by Paul is with regard to our moral frailty or even bodily. We struggle and hard pressed to find God’s grace sufficient enough for us. The trouble is that we wrestle with our human strength, understanding, and wisdom and all that we can muster up from within. I suppose that is why we can’t experience the reality of God’s graciousness in tough and most trying circumstances. The word ‘grace’ used is ‘charis’, which is commonly interpreted as God’s unmerited favor upon us. However there is another aspect which is the divine influence upon our heart. God’s divine influence cannot come in unless we are stripped of self influence seated deep within our heart. Self influence will continually rear its head to give us the ‘positive’ mentality that we can make it. If we read this verse carefully, Paul is telling us not to consider ‘making it’ but to consider ourselves surrendered and start waving the white flag. Someone once said ‘Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity; man’s security is Satan’s opportunity.’ We have to be freed from this false sense of security that which we constantly summon in the face of our struggles with sin or character flaws.

If we are faced with circumstances that we need victory over sin; or patience for a difficult child; or love for an irritable person; or trust in God in the face of adversity, we ask God for them. How oft that our prayers are left unanswered regardless of how earnest we are. I have, and I don’t see whence my help comes (Psa 121:1). This can be frustrating and can even come to the point of questioning God if He is truly real to deliver us.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Rom 6:11)

Adam sinned or disobeyed God’s commandment not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 2:17) and lost our innocence to sin. We are only to partake from the tree of life and leave the decision or discernment of the good and evil to God. As such the sin nature have over taken the nature that God’s first created man. Thus all that is in man is not of God, how can we draw from within in this state? So the solution is that we die to the sin nature and start anew as in a totally new creation (2 Cor 5:17). We are saved not to have victory or to have a better disposition over our weaknesses, the truth is that we must be completely renewed. A divine exchange has to take place to realize divine sufficiency. This truth of this exchange has to be reckoned. To reckon is an accounting term which is to count or calculate to know the bottom line. It is not subjective but objective, unprejudiced.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
(Gal 2:20)

‘I am’ is the declaration to principalities and to God of death to the old nature and taking on the new creation. It is death to the ‘me’ factor that constantly want to surge to the fore that sufficiency of God’s grace can’t be complete. But when we so surrender all to Jesus, Christ take over meaning the government of our lives becomes His responsibility. We can trust Him completely because He loves us with His life. When Christ takes over the reign, our moral and bodily frailty becomes His to deal with. Christ’s power will deal with our habits we never have been able to rid off, addiction, lust, covetousness, etc. Our victorious and glorious living becomes the bottom line in Christ.

Paul says that it is ‘my strength’; there is that oneness of Christ strength that becomes ours to bring it to completion. Isa 40:31 reminds that our strength comes with a renewing, a divine exchange not an added strength. How else can we soar in victorious living save understanding that the exchange required for us has to be Divine in nature.

Bringing Many Son’s to Glory

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
(Rom 3:23-24)

The Jewish Bible phrases verse 23 as ‘For all have sinned, and come short of God’s praise’. As true believers we have to realize that God have saved us not just from sin, but beyond that is that God is able to recognize a nature of Himself imputed in us that will catch His attention. With that heavenly notice follow a heavenly approval of being well pleased (Matt 3:17). Jesus didn’t die for us merely that we will be saved from hell only, but to bring us to glory, a state where the very heavens can open and Father’s eye watches with delight (2 Chron 16:9). We have to know and know that God didn’t save us just to get into heaven. It is a divine led pilgrimage from glory to glory, see it as a privilege!

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
(Rom 8:17-18)

Our ‘glorification’ can be achieved through suffering. What then is the suffering that we have to endure that brings glory? The suffering the apostle speaks of the nothing else but denying of the ‘self-life’ and taking up our cross daily (Matt16:24). Following Jesus inevitably leads us to the cross. It is the cross that He will give us, not a self-assigned one nor given by any individual (even our pastor). For our heart is deceitful above all things and since none on earth can understand it, only Jesus knows what cross we need to bear, so that that sin nature that rules over us will die and we live to glory.

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
(1Pe 1:21)

Jesus’ glory was bestowed upon Him after He was raised from the dead. Likewise since we are not greater than our Master, the God given glory is to be dead to self or the sin-life first and it takes a supernatural act of God that we be born again (John 3:3) to be a new creature (2 Cor 5:17). In Jesus conversation with Nicodemus, He made it clear that we don’t have to die bodily to be born again. We have to see the whole council of God to understand that self have to die in order to be born again. It is not just by reciting a mechanical ‘sinners-prayer’ that we are raised to glory, the first step is Jesus giving us our cross.

Therefore glory is not a cheap thing to behold. It’s a painful journey that God wants us to take. Jesus laid down His will in Gethsemane, so must we. The suffering is the struggle within us to submit or yield to God’s will. Our strong will (or self) opposes the will of God because if God’s will take over we are no longer ours. Meaning our whole being belongs to God.

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
(Rom 6:13)

To yield to God is just as presenting our entirety to God. That means our hands, eyes, and any other faculty is no longer ours. Watchman Nee in his book, ‘The Normal Christian Life’ mentions about a brother on a long train journey in China. During the length of the long journey, there was a group of 3 gambling and needed a fourth partner, thus the Christian brother was invited to join in. The brother gave a rather strange answer by replying that he didn’t bring his hands with him. Of course this seemed ridiculous to the other 3. He then explained that his whole life has been yielded to Christ and so his hands, therefore gambling is not possible at all. If we have yielded all of ourselves to God, can our eyes watch pornography or can our hands steal or can our hearts wander and commit adultery? Paul frequently uses the word ‘Heaven Forbid!’ in Romans when teaching about our new life as God’s new creation.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
(Rom 6:8)

What does Paul mean ‘if we be dead with Christ’? Didn’t Jesus die about 2000 years ago and rose from the dead? Isn’t this a historical event or a thing of the past? I believe Paul wrote this truth with the ‘be dead’ as a current reality because the cross for us is also a current reality. In order to mature from glory to glory, looks like we have to take up many crosses dealing with one sin-nature than another. God is merciful in the sense that it is a serial giving of a cross not parallel lest we can’t handle it (Duet 7:22).

How do we know that we have progressed from glory to glory?

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
(Rom 6:14)

We know that our pilgrims’ progress is in the right direction when we know that the cross we carried have put to death that particular sin nature has lost it power to enslave us. Just as a drug addict who has decided to come out of addiction, he or she goes through a process of cleansing. Being clean of drugs isn’t enough. The person has to come to a stage where all kinds of drugs and cigarettes are considered tasteless or useless or dead to them, even like dung. Paul was a man that has truly died and lived for God as he was able to count all things as dung (Phil 3:8) in order to win or gain Christ.

For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
(Heb 2:10)

The perfecting or completeness of our salvation through the cross Jesus will give us in our following Him daily will take us to son-ship in God. Only sons inherit of the Father, in that we have God’s glory embedded in us that we might be found pleasing to Him.

The Normal Christian Life

Oswald Chambers' meditation below tows the same line as what I've been reading in Watchman Nee's 'Normal Christian life', together with these few days reading with the children on Romans really brings a lot of light to this matter on dealing with Sin (the nature thereof) and Sins (expression of sin nature). It is the blood of Jesus for our justification; cleansing us from Sins and our crosses dealing with the Sin nature for our sanctification. This has also been my personal experience to declare that this is true, albeit still many crosses ahead as the Lord desires that we grow from glory to glory.

We need to be crystal clear in the differentiation between Justification and Sanctification. Without which we can swing into either legalism or antinomianism (salvation by works and not by faith or Christianity without discipleship). Rejecting the cross could lead us to antinomianism which will loose the truth of the cost of discipleship thus breeding cheap grace. Conversely, if assemblies of believers pursue holiness without the cross, legalism could step in for the force behind the religious system during Jesus time was precisely that. Legalism breeds condemnation but the Apostle teaches in Rom 8:1 that we won’t be condemn if we walk not after the flesh (1 John 2:15-17) but after the Spirit. The letter kills but the spirit of the Gospel gives life (2 Cor 3:6).

Watchman Nee's book is a must read to understand what Ps Susan and Ps Wong has been preaching on the cross (at the Station of Life). The centrality of the cross of Jesus in a Christian’s pilgrimage will determine our desire to follow Him (Luke 9:23). Our desire for neither selfless service in activities nor any form of self zealousness is not the plumb line of following Jesus.

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
(Rom 6:22)

The fruit of following Jesus and taking up our crosses is Holiness. This means that we don't have to be hung up on pursuing holiness, it's about following Jesus. From this verse it appears that holiness and everlasting life are not mutually exclusive. Therefore living a life of sanctification will determine our salvation at the end… as Watchman Nee put it aptly; our pilgrimage of sanctification and willingness to take up our crosses is the normal Christian life. May we not live sub-normal lives.
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Oswald Chambers
Complete and Effective Decision About Sin
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php

. . . our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin —Romans 6:6

Co-Crucifixion. Have you made the following decision about sin— that it must be completely killed in you? It takes a long time to come to the point of making this complete and effective decision about sin. It is, however, the greatest moment in your life once you decide that sin must die in you-not simply be restrained, suppressed, or counteracted, but crucified— just as Jesus Christ died for the sin of the world. No one can bring anyone else to this decision. We may be mentally and spiritually convinced, but what we need to do is actually make the decision that Paul urged us to do in this passage.
Pull yourself up, take some time alone with God, and make this important decision, saying, "Lord, identify me with Your death until I know that sin is dead in me." Make the moral decision that sin in you must be put to death.
This was not some divine future expectation on the part of Paul, but was a very radical and definite experience in his life. Are you prepared to let the Spirit of God search you until you know what the level and nature of sin is in your life— to see the very things that struggle against God’s Spirit in you? If so, will you then agree with God’s verdict on the nature of sin— that it should be identified with the death of Jesus? You cannot "reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin" ( Romans 6:11 ) unless you have radically dealt with the issue of your will before God.
Have you entered into the glorious privilege of being crucified with Christ, until all that remains in your flesh and blood is His life? "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me . . ." ( Galatians 2:20 ).

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
(Hab 3:17-19)

In some Bible’s this portion of Habakkuk’s writing is sub-titled as a ‘Hymn of Faith’ and it was written as a song indicated in the last sentence. When a man or a woman go through trying moments of life, what better way to express oneself than in a song. That could explain why there are many songs sung through out the ages that were birthed out of a searing pain of loss.

A sister emailed me of a pastor’s family who recently went through the tragedy of loss. There was loss of the family home from devastating fire and most painful of all the loss of the youngest child among five. While the rest of the children suffering from severe burns. Where is God in painful circumstances of our lives?

The prophet reminds us that even if we are emptied and poor there is that inner joy of the Lord that can be our strength. The quiet joy comes from a relationship with the God of our salvation. This means that we won’t be able to harness the strength of this joy without first experiencing true salvation.

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
(1Sam 30:6)

David and his men suffered much loss after the Amalekites took everything away with them. All were grieved for their loss but only David, the man after God’s own heart could prevail to strengthened himself. Not fearing death by stoning because he feared God. Encouraged himself because he had a history of relationship with his God of his salvation, evident from many of the beautiful Psalms he penned.

Upon realizing the strength of the Lord there is the swiftness (hinds’ feet) of restoration (walking upon mine high places). The word ‘mine’ surely speaks of our inheritance from our Heavenly Father. For the pastor’s family, the son can not be restored, but our Father knows best how to provide from the sufficiency of His grace (2 Cor 12:9).

May the pastor, his family and those who go through the searing pain of loss sing the song of Habakkuk… the hymn of faith that God is in control and will see them through their suffering.

Station of Life banners say it all

Finality of our Obedience

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
(Heb 11:8,17)

Obedience is to conform or heed a command or authority. Which is also to subject oneself, voluntary action or to become subordinate to another.

These days where there is a widespread of antinomianism (teaching that Christians are free from obeying the moral law of God by virtue of grace) or ‘cheap grace’ as Dietrich Bonheoffer put it; we need to come back to the truth of obedience to God’s commandments. Jesus warns us in Matt 24:12 that lawlessness will abound in the end times. Therefore it shouldn’t surprise us as Christians that the cheap grace gospel is spreading like wild fire in churches that uphold prosperity rather than the clarion call to holiness in order to be distinct from the world. Confusion about justification of the sinner is confused with the pilgrimage of sanctification; a journey any true obedient believer in Christ will have to take.

1. What does faith and believe in God require?

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
(Jas 2:21-24)

Why was Abraham mentioned instead of Abram? Wasn’t it an ‘Abram’ that left Ur of the Chaldeans in Gen 12? Abram means ‘exalted father’ whereas Abraham means ‘father of multitudes’. From man’s perspective it was an exalted father that left the comforts of his homeland but God saw a potential of multiplication of a man’s life in His hands. Man look for exaltation but God looks for multiplication in His divine purposes. We need to see things from God’s perspective to understand posterity because it concerns the long term blessings and even to generations down the road. Currently there is a heightened focus of prosperity which involves the ‘now’ more than posterity. We can end up having spiritual short sightedness if we don’t see from God’s perspective. As Jesus saw the potential in young boy’s 2 fishes and 5 dry barley loaves (the poor eat barley loaves, while the rich had wheat during Jesus’ days. Never say we can only give unto Jesus out of abundance only, give Him out of our little!) of feeding the multitude with abundant of left over’s. Note that it was multiplied for others whereas the prosperity gospel preaches multiplication for self. God is more interested in multiplying us and the things (time, money, talents, etc) we gladly place in His hands than bringing up covetous children.

So it was an obedient Abraham that God saw leaving his homeland. What else truly reflects the Christ-like character of selflessness? Because Jesus said ‘thy will be done’ in his prayer in Gethsemane. Jesus also taught us to pray ‘your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven’. When Jesus made the requirement that if anyone will come after Him, we have to deny self; this means that we have to give up our will to be obedient. The opposite of obedience is to be self-willed.

Many Christians if not all Christians would like to be God’s friend as was Abraham, but the criteria is ‘perfecting’ or completing our faith by obeying. Please leave the sentimentality that God is our friend and start walking the journey of obedience first. That could account for the frivolity that we have in Christianity today for ‘familiarity breeds contempt. Let there be a sense of reverence and honor for the Almighty God. True obedience is inward reverence, not just outward expression.

2. Who is it that obeys?

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
(John 14:15)

True obedience has to be founded in love. In any love relationship we want to find out what the object of our love has in their hearts. For example, in a courting between and young man and a young woman, it could be red roses or chocolates or just sitting down and talking that pleases the other party. We would obviously avoid things that would cause hurt, discomfort or dislike in the other party. In order to please the other we would have to find out what is in the person’s heart first then completing it by the action.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
(1Jn 5:3)

If we desire to respond to our love of God, we will gladly do so by our obedience. In Gen 29:20, after having been cheated of 7 years and having to slave (the word ‘work’ in this verse carry connotation of being a bond-servant of Laban) for another 7 years for his beloved Rachel, was but a few days. Oh, how we need to come back to this place of love relationship with our Lord that involves pleasing Him first for it should bring us joy in doing so rather than finding it a chore.

3. God’s divine order

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
(Eph 6:1-4)

God’s divine order is the secret to family unity in these days of divorces (even in churches) and breakdown of relationship between parents and children. This commandment teaches us to honor our parents whom we can see, like wise we will be able to honor our Father who we can’t see physically. The promise to children would be live long, beyond living long is to live a fulfilled life without regrets. Jesus died at 33 and many great men and women died young like Jim Elliot who died at the age of 28. The man that wrote ‘He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose’ didn’t die before his time, but lived to the fullest of God’s timeline for him. The mission to the Auca Indians in Ecuador didn’t end abruptly but had long lasting fruit in that indigenous people group. Surely Jim Elliot didn’t die an untimely death but lived to the fullest of God’s plan. Jesus lived and died and cried out that it was finished on the cross and we are now recipients of that blessing of salvation. Again we see God’s sovereign hand at work in multiplying to bless generations down the road.

For parents, the Apostle warns us not to provoke our children to wrath. Today we see many children growing up angry. This is clearly reflected in their music, dressing and lifestyle. Dear parents, in order not to push our children down this road of destruction, we have to be parents that are ‘in the Lord’. Parents must come under the Lord-ship of Jesus Christ. Parents have to show the example of submission and obedience to their Lord. Children are not blind to see if their parents live double-lives. Parents can’t afford to live as hypocrites before their children. There are always the pairs of eyes staring at their parents in observation on how they respond to life.

5. What does obedience bring us to?

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
(Heb 11:17)

Obedience will finally be put to the ultimate test. Are God’s promises and blessings more important than the Giver? The Isaac’s that God will try us are not necessary bad but could be the best of God’s blessings and promises.

And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
(Gen 22:1-5)

Abraham left the 2 young men behind because the test of obedience is going beyond alone. There is such sacredness in God’s testing that it should not be publicized but only witnessed by God and not man. The number 2 speaks of division as in creation started on the second day (Gen 1:6). In the incident of the first bringing back of the ark to Jerusalem in 2 Sam 6, there were 2 men, Uzzah which means ‘strength’ and Ahio which means ‘brotherly or good intentions’. In the finality of our obedience God wants us to leave our strength and all that we are within ourselves; and good intentions behind to face the test. Stripped of these two would mean we are brought to the end of ourselves. And test of obedience will in the end bring us to this stage. Is it about God or is it about us?

On the third day (in Hos 6:2 the third day is the day of raising up or resurrection as with Jonah and Jesus) the test of obedience took place. The test of obedience would determine if we will live before God or before man. Are we to live for men to see or for God to see?

All this is a reflection of Luke 9:23, when confronted with our cross. It’s the end of ourselves and starting the journey that Christ liveth in me (Gal 2:20).

……for now I know …….
(Gen 22:12)

God wants to know if we will obey Him to the end. The word ‘know’ is the same word used in Gen 4:1 when Adam knew Eve to conceive a child, this knowing is in deepening intimacy that produces fruit or multiplication. At this time of history the sealing of the deep intimate friendship between God and Abraham to multiply the latter’s seed and bring generational blessings. In other occasions it mentions that God spoke to Abraham, but in this incident God spoke to Abraham out of heaven. It seems that at this crucial time of the test of obedience Heaven and Earth would meet. We should not be afraid of such test of obedience because it brings Heaven down into our lives. Ever wondered why many of us don’t have the reality of Heaven in our Christian pilgrimage?

Finality of obedience brings us to the place like Abraham is unquestionable obedience and complete trust in God’s divine purposes to break us as broke bread (multiply) and feed (generational blessings). This kind of obedience changes our status to being a friend of God.

Amos, the message and the messenger

Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:
(Amo 7:14 KJV)

Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: “ I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, But I was a sheepbreeder And a tender of sycamore fruit.
(Amo 7:14 NKJV)

The message
Instead of weighing the message that Amos brought of God’s judgment, Amaziah went to complain to king Jeroboam that the ‘land can’t bear with all his words’. God in His mercy warned Israel through His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7). Amos had a strong message to other nations first (which the listeners probably readily accepted because it involves others) then turning to Israel and it became hard to swallow. He must have had a tremendous sense of boldness to declare the things he did. If his message didn’t carry God’s authority, it would have been promptly dismissed, but something must have stirred within the hearts of the listeners. I wonder if we were there listening to Amos speaking the hard message, would we have heeded and repented. I wonder if these lone voices crying in the wilderness today are still being negatively reacted to. There are definitely these voices today which many churches take as being too harsh and say that these message don’t carry the elements of ‘grace’ in them. Many find means and ways to counter these messages. If they weren’t true, why bother to fight back? On the flip side, we have to realize that God’s grace did exist in these messages because they are warnings prior to impending judgment. Of course we have to be like the noble Bereans (Acts 17:10) to search Scripture even though the message was from the apostle Paul. The plumb line has always been the Scripture not man’s standard. Unless some dare to declare that God who is the same yesterday, today and forever has changed his moral standards and will in the way He does things? Note also that it was the spiritual authority that rejected truth.

The reason why I am writing about this is based on my prior experience when many individuals from diverse places (countries and ministries) have come to speak the word or warning which was not only was rejected but reacted upon. It is sad to see leaders of churches reject what was consistently spoken over the pulpit by outsiders. Surely God’s grace prevailed to warn us. Our respond today was very much like the days of Amos.

The messenger
There seem to be an explosion of Christian books and popular preachers in the last few decades than ever before. I noticed a book by a well known pastor becoming one of the top sellers even among secular books. The prophets of the Bible as well as the apostles lived, suffered and died because they believed in the truth. One will discover that the saints accounted in the Foxes book on martyrs didn’t lived lavish lives nor seek after popularity or excess wealth but were ready to live (and died) as the prophets and apostles did. They lived the way they did because they believed in the truth and willing to stake their lives on it.

The Bible in both the Old and New Testament warns of prophets who look for earthly gain.

There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.
(Eze 22:25)

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
(2Pe 2:15)

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
(Jud 1:11)

Many will chose the path of least resistance and wealth because there will always be a market for ‘smooth’ messages.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
(2Ti 4:3)

John the Baptist was the lone voice prior to Jesus coming and I personally believe that God will also rise up Elijah’s and John’s in the closing chapters of the fallen human history to usher in the second coming of Jesus Christ.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
(Isa 40:3)

Who was Amos?
He had a short prophetic ministry and was called out of Judah to speak to Israel in the north. As in Amos 7:14 states, his profession were a shepherd and gatherer of the sycamore fruit.

David was a shepherd boy and Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd. The shepherd will understand the meaning of ‘going astray’ from the right path as sheep do. He also understands that the rod of correction and staff of comfort (Psa 23:4) was both needed by the office of a good shepherd to keep the sheep in line as well as to protect. We all like the staff of comfort, but stay away from the rod of correction. Even bringing up children we have administer both at the right time. God Who is wiser than any good parent will certainly know best. We can’t reject the rod and accept the staff only.

The job of Amos was also to gather or tender the sycamore fruit. The sycamore is sometime called wild figs or ‘false’ figs which has a hard skin which prevents the ripening of the fruit. The tenderer of the sycamore will pierce or scrape the skin of the fruit which will start the ripening process which takes about 4 days. Without artificially piercing or wounding the fruit, it will be of no value and can’t be eaten. There are times that God will have to wound us by piercing us with the double edged sword that we will become good fruit for His harvest. Piercing us doesn’t kill us, it makes us valuable. How can we reject such work of God through men and women who speak like Amos, Elijah and John? Jesus Himself has some hard things to say about the church (sheep vs. goats, Matt 25; wheat vs. tares, Matt 13; ten virgins, Matt 25; etc). Some will argue that Jesus was separating the saved and the unsaved. Read Scripture carefully and see how the goats called Him 'Lord', the tares were in the same field among the wheat and all the virgins were waiting for the bridegroom.

God was using the Amos, the messenger as the message himself. Interestingly Jesus was called The Word (John 1:1), Who is the message Himself. Likewise being ambassadors of Christ, we to have to be God’s testament to the dying world.

There is a sad outcome of refusing to receive God’s whole truth

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
(Amo 8:11)

Notice the famine is not of the Word of the Lord revealed to us, but the ‘hearing’ of it. Subsequently when people want to hear truth, there is none to be found.

These are some of the saddest judgments that God pronounced on Israel for refusing to respond to God’s speaking.

Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down: And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them: And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.
(Amo 9:2-4)

God's preservation
God’s mercy is one thing our human minds can never understand. But do keep in mind that the restoration is for the remnant not the majority who rejected the warning. Jesus said in the Parable of the Kingdom in Matt 22 that ‘many are called, but few are chosen’. Similarly in Matt 7:13 about walking into the strait way and narrow gate, few will find it.

And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.
(Amo 9:14-15)

But we don’t have to suffer the consequences of refusing to hear what God is speaking to us, no matter how tough it is to swallow. Yes, He does speak of His Love, Loving kindness, Forgiveness and so many other great promises from His Word. When He should speak difficult things, may we have a heart, divinely pricked by the Good Shepherd as the sycamore fruit that in due time transformed from being hard and ‘inferior’ to one of tenderness, carry a sweetness of soul and bearing the heavenly preciousness. May we find ourselves walking on the strait path, having entered into the narrow gate and finally finding ourselves as His ‘sheep’? May we be God’s living testament in the final moments of the history of the fallen world by being God’s message?

Evidence of Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)

1. Definition of faith (source IBLP)
Faith: to be persuaded or convinced by reason. Also means moral conviction of truth especially with regard to salvation, God’s promises and His incorruptible Word.

The test of determining if we have faith
- Do we see God’s will in the matter or are we living in God's will?
- Is it based on Scripture?
- Are we ready to obey?
- Is Christ the center of our life and decisions?

2. Faith made evident (demonstration)
Faith is not just a belief in our heart but there has to be evidence of it. If we understand that in God there is a certainty, it would be displayed in our confidence and more powerfully.... our hope.

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Rom 5:5)

Hope is powerful for by it we know the fullest extent of God’s love. We don’t live in shame and need to look for alternatives to make up for lack of it. That may account for some children (even adults) seek alternatives ways to make up for lack of love (or attention). Following many of these alternatives can hurt themselves and displease God in the process due to its immoral nature or self centeredness. Hope is powerful because it tells us of a future certainty, not as the world hope. Our hope is not empty but filled with God’s love.

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (2Co 5:7)

To walk is to tread around with the proof of its ability. Figuratively it means to live or the proof of the life we live. The proof of a life lived in faith is neither by human perception nor wisdom. 2 Cor 4:18 tells us that are seen are temporal but things unseen are eternal. Just as Enoch ‘walked’ with God until God was so pleased with him that Enoch was taken up to Heaven. As Christians we have to realize that there isn't anything worth coverting we can't take with us to Heaven. Heaven is real!.. but so is hell. Nobody in the Bible speaks more of Heaven and hell than Jesus.

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2Co 4:18)


3. The importance of faith
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Heb 11:6)

a. Faith pleases God
Many Christians want to please God by the ministry or works that we do, but Rom 8:8 reminds that ‘they that are of the flesh’ cannot please God. Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain (Heb 11:4) not out of the flesh but in obedience by offering ‘acceptable’ sacrifice. Whereas Cain offered a sacrifice which were from the sweat of his face (Gen 3:19). We can’t please God by merely in the ‘doing’. It has to be in the ‘being’. For example Abel was being obedient. For us we are saved not of works least we have something to boast (Eph 2: 8&9).

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (1Sa 15:22)

I personally believe that walking by faith is evident by obedience.

“Faith and obedience are bound up in the same bundle; he that obeys God trusts God; and he that trusts God obeys God.” C.H. Spurgeon

b. Faith justifies us
Our justification is by faith (Rom 3:28) without the works of the law. But we need the law to introduce us to the fact that we are sinners in need of salvation. Knowing that there isn’t any possible way for us to be right before God, we also understand that it requires the finish work of Jesus upon the cross to make us righteous. But we access by faith into God’s grace (Rom 5:2) fully appreciating the punishment that Jesus had to bear for us upon the cross. It cause the Son of God His life and it caused the Father much pain that His soon became sin in our stead that we might receive the gift of righteousness (2 Cor 5:21).

Therefore God made us righteous and it becomes God’s requirement upon us to be righteous. How else can be ambassodors or represent God correctly, unless we bear His character of Holiness.

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1Pe 1:14-16)

Peter used references from Leviticus on holiness. Today some teach that we don’t have to be attentive to the Old Testament (especially on the subject of holy living) but Peter infers otherwise.

4. How do we get faith?
The day we recognize that we have sinned (as the law reveals) and believe that Jesus died for us, a propitiation (appeasing God’s wrath, remembering that God is just: Rom 3:25) for our sins, God has given us a measure of faith. Just as Jesus commended the faith of little children…

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. (Mar 10:15)

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:17)

After being born again we need start with the milk, and eventually maturing to consume the staple diet of bread and meat of God’s Word. There is the progression of faith.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1Pe 2:2)

John 1:1-14 tells us that Jesus is ‘the’ Word or the Word made flesh. Just as a man’s word is to himself, so Jesus is the expression of God.

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (Joh 6:35)

The first principles are the foundational truths we hold on to in our belief. We will need to mature to spiritual meat for our greater strength. By the meat of God’s word we then grow into righteousness. We know that we have grown unto righteousness when sin becomes distasteful. Maturity then enables us to distinguish the right from the wrong, and choosing what is right.

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Heb 5:12-14)

5. Conclusion

Faith is a key fundamental in our Christian life, not just in our heart or thought but must be made evident in our behavior through obedience to His whole council of His Word. Faith pleases God; our aim should be to please God, because He gave His by sending His son to die for us. Further more, there isn’t any better aim in life than to please our Heavenly Father. Faith is like a spiritual muscle that we need to exercise and grow; therefore we have to be disciplined to read, meditate, memorize and obey His Word daily.

What is the reigning power over our lives?

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Rom 5:20-21)

Advocators of Eternal Security name Grace as the reason why Christians are suppose to be ‘once saved always saved’. It is true that we are saved by Grace lest anyone should have a boast to carry before God (Eph 2:8, 9). It truly takes the mighty work of Jesus Christ on the cross to bring about remission of sins and salvation.

Jesus taught us in the practice of the Holy Communion (Matt 26:28) of the remissions of sins when we drink of the cup. ‘Remission of sins’ is deliverance or release from the bondage of sin which I believe means the separation or cutting off of sins from our lives. Therefore the shedding of the blood of Christ is the key to separating us from the sins and its curses. We look at the example of deliverance as the children of Israel set free from Egypt to the Promise-land. It was a setting free from the grasp, control, bondage of the cruel taskmaster, Pharaoh, into a live of serving God. It was really a freedom of a past reign into a new reign. Transfer of the reign of sin that brought death into reign of Christ that brings life.

The law serves a very important purpose, which is to awaken us to the fact that we have missed the mark of God’s expectation. The offense of sin multiplied from Adam onwards. Because of the multiplication of sin or offense (yes, sin makes us offensive to God), Grace need to Super-Abound or over-flowing to cover the countless transgressions. Without the triumphing of Grace there isn’t any way out for us sinners. Not just counter balancing the multiplication of sin, but beyond that which is to over coming it till there isn’t any trace of sin left. Not the covering up of sin, but the power to separate us from sins reign and authority. A transaction of death for life, of rejection for love, and of sin for righteousness… a transfer of a past dark reign to a new reigning authority. THAT is the power of Grace!

Grace is not just ‘receiving un-merited favor’. God can’t be that shallow. Grace is beyond that, it is the reign, a power that comes through righteousness. Conversely without righteousness, there is no reigning of grace. Have we thought about that?

We want to be free from guilt and condemnation; therefore we desire God’s ‘grace’. Righteousness is a gift of God (Rom 5:17, 18). But righteousness and grace are a package deal. We can’t just take grace and drop righteousness. This is where many of Christians struggle; therefore grace has been diluted to merely ‘un-merited favor of God’. Where as grace through righteousness is a reigning authority of our lives unto eternal life. Without which we can’t see the likes of Heaven when Christ returns.

Eternal Security?

A simple Google search will reveal lots of article either against or for Eternal Security. Surprisingly even some Baptist circles hold fast to this teaching.

But looking at http://reformationnation.wordpress.com/, particular Paul Washer's sermons and this one is also http://www.reformationnation.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/thesaddestwordseverspoken.mp3

However the ones who hold on to Eternal Security so cleverly quote Scripture (to support their point) but I don't see how they link because they don't take into account the whole Counsel of God.

For example the famous one....
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
(2Co 5:21)

.....but we need to look closely at vs. 20 that declares that we ARE ambassadors of Christ (If God is Holy and beckons us to be Holy for HE is Holy), then are we ambassadors that represent the HOLY God correctly?

We need to heed the following:

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
(Mat 3:8)

God is not looking to harvest our works but the fruits. For our works are filthy rags (Isa 64:6)......

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
(Mat 7:22-23)

Let us be awaken to know that He is looking for evidence of our repentance not how powerful or how great our works are.

Paul Washer on Matt 7:13-27

This is a Shockingly Powerful & Biblical message
preached to about 5,000 youth in a day when youth
are appealed to through shallow and worldly means.

At one point in this sermon the 5,000 Youth are
clapping and yelling BUT THEN the preacher makes
a comment that CHANGES THE WHOLE ATMOSPHERE TO
WHERE YOU COULD HAVE HEARD A PIN DROP... As you
can imagine, the preacher was never invited back.

We believe the whole sermon will be a blessing
to many souls. For more info about Paul Washer
go to www.heartcrymissionary.com




Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
(Mat 7:13-27)

Once save always saved?
A layman’s point of view

Most preachers of cheap grace or antinomianism (Greek: ‘anti’ or against - 'nomos' meaning law; which is to disregard the need for the 10 commandments or moral laws of God or under no obligation to regard the moral laws of God) usually preached along the lines of 'Once Saved Always Saved'. They attribute this to Apostle Paul with regard to his teaching on Grace and on Christian liberty (Gal 2:4). I.E. they say that Christians are no longer under the requirements of the law or saying that God doesn’t require anything from the people He send His only begotten Son to die to save. This is also to say that Christians don’t need to grow toward the level of holy or righteous living because once a person accepts Christ he or she is automatically holy or righteous. One recent popular verse is as follows……

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2Co 5:21)

This is to say that Jesus bore ALL our sins therefore we receive the gift of righteousness. So the conclusion is that we are no longer condemned by the law because Jesus took the full punishment for sin for us that we might be made right before God. Rightly so! In preceding verse, Paul reminds us that we Christ ambassadors, meaning we are to represent Him correctly. If God is Holy, therefore we should represent our Holy God. We know that righteousness is a gift of God by His grace, but keep in mind that a gift has to be firstly received. The condition of receiving the gift of righteousness, I believe is on the condition that we are willing to let go of the past sin life. The previous sin life and the new creation life in Christ can’t mix as much as oil and water can’t.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. (Rom 6:14-15)

Therefore if we continue to live under the bondage of sin, Paul strongly says ‘God forbid’. For we are no longer under the dominion of sin but under the Lordship of Christ! We no longer live under the law that condemns us but it becomes liberty to us. Liberty doesn’t confine us the way we think, but liberty not to sin as well as liberty to forgive, be meek, bless our persecutors, pure in heart, etc as Jesus outlined for us in Matt 5. We need to look at liberty the way Jesus sees it, not what we perceive liberty to gratify the flesh.

So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. (Jas 2:12)

This means that we are free from the curse of the law but judged by the law of liberty which is not a law of external constraint but of internal freedom to love, forgive, etc. For example Jesus taught us that He came not to do away with the law to fulfill it (Matt 5:17) and subsequently go on to expound that He is not looking at the external but internal. For example with regard to adultery in Matt 5:28 goes another level deeper from the committing the physical act of adultery to conceiving it in the heart. If we have true liberty in Christ then we are free from the even committing adultery in the heart. This seems to be almost impossible. But what is impossible with man is possible with God. That is why the promise of the Holy Spirit is the key to being true citizens of the Kingdom of God. I believe that the Lord is reminding us that we can’t deal with flesh and sin; we need the baptism of fire which only He can baptize us with to set our internal to liberty. If our internal is liberated than the external will be free (Matt 3:11). The more we submit to Christ and allow the Fire of Heaven touch our inert the greater the freedom. David understood this by saying in Psa 51:6 that we need to be truthful inside in the dealing with sin.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Gal 5:13)

As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. (1Pe 2:16)

Liberty is not to be abused and ties in with serving God. Moses told pharaoh to let His people go to serve Him. We ought to serve God with ‘clean hands’. If our service to God is motivated by love (not recognition) than we know that the self has taken second seat and others considered better than ourselves. This is where our struggle begins on our pilgrimage to complete liberty. How much of self have to die, firstly in that Christ increase (John 3:30) and secondly to serve other in love.

What is Calvinism?
Much of the ‘once saved, always saved’ thinking have been attributed to John Calvin. He was a theologian during the era of the Protestant Reformation about the same time as Martin Luther in the fifteen hundreds.

John Calvin was a very logical man and gave much thought into the understanding of salvation and came up with the acronym TULIP.The Five Points of Calvinism in acrostic form

+ T :Total Depravity : Everyone is born in enslaved in sin, being lovers of self than lovers of God.
+ U :Unconditional election : Our salvation is purely by God’s mercy, not because we choose salvation.
+ L :Limited atonement : Salvation applies to those who God has elected to be saved by His grace. This is against the teaching of universalism which says that eventually everyone will be saved because of God’s grace…. Not true teaching, since we know that salvation is by faith (Eph 2:8,9)
+ I :Irresistible grace : Salvation is God’s grace alone. This also means that the Holy Spirit overcomes all resistance (unbelief, etc) to convict individuals of sin, realizing that Salvation is the saving Grace of God.
+ P :Perserverance of the saints : This is also known as ‘eternal security’. Take note that the title ‘saints’ in the Bible is given to those who are holy or set apart by God. Some evangelicals advocate say that Christians remain ‘saved’ despite apostasy, unrepentant of sin and continually participate in habitual sin. But traditional Calvinist would dispute that in the first place did true salvation actually too place.

The antinomian may take the Perseverance of the saints as the supporting point for ‘once saved always saved’. This is of course generally true that once one put their trust in Christ, there is the assurance of salvation and eternal life with God. Once there is the complete trust in Christ, God will ensure He preserves us in the faith. John Calvin is right with regard to Perseverance of the saints as given to us in John 10:28-29, Phil 1:6, 1 Pet 1:5, and Jer 32:40.

However, we can’t neglect the call of the Apostle to ‘Fight the Good Fight’ which is to endure till we reach Heaven’s gates.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1Ti 6:12)

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (2Ti 4:7)

The crown of finishing is to ‘lay hold on eternal life’ as our crown or prize or victory. To fight means to require effort on our behalf. Why? I believe because it takes effort to pry the past life away just as the Israelites that left Egypt led by Moses but Egypt didn’t leave their hearts (Acts 7:30). 1 Cor 10:1-11 also reminds that it’s not about starting well, but ending well is just as important. Therefore we can’t say that we are ‘heaven-bound’ but continue or even return to a life of sin. Grace is not cheap and leaves no room for carnal Christianity which is by and large popularly taught in many churches today. Grace caused the Father to send His only Begotten Son and Grace caused the Son of God His life (and everything - remember that He died in shame bearing the sin of the world!)

The Bible is clear about enduring to the end (the term by Jesus in Revelation is ‘Over-comers’) as necessary for final salvation as per Matt 24:13, Mark 13:13, Matt 10:22, 2 Tim 2:11-13, and 1 Cor 15:1-2.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (Jas 1:12)

We are warned not to give up, only those who over-come shall receive the crown of life (http://pursuinghispresence.blogspot.com/2007/11/crown-behold-i-come-quickly-hold-that.html).

We also have a responsibility to be our brother’s keeper that we will together endure till we meet Christ face to face. It is our responsibility to love others as we love ourselves.

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (Jas 5:19-20)