2 Kinds of Cheap Grace You Need to Avoid
“Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship Cheap grace is worthless. It tries to rob you of your peace and rest in Christ. Christians always need to be on the lookout for cheap grace and stay far away from it. Here are two kinds of cheap grace that pretend to be the costly grace God gives us in Christ: 1. Grace without Christ Some people think that God saves us by his grace in Christ, but we must be obedient to get and keep God’s grace fully. There have been various words used over the years to describe this kind of cheap grace, including legalism, prevenient grace, works-righteousness, and covenant faithfulness. You can always recognize this kind of cheap grace by this one test: If someone is telling you that there is something you need to do to add to Jesus’ completed work on your behalf—that Jesus’ finished work is not enough to save you—then you need to run away from this false teaching. Many Christians are told that this kind of grace is true grace; the people who teach cheap grace may be ignorant, thinking that conditional grace is God’s grace—but it isn’t. There are many verses in the Bible that affirm the truth that salvation comes from outside of us through the work of Christ, not from anything we do (for some examples, see Rom. 5:1; 6–8; 15–17; Rom. 8:1–11; 2 Cor. 3:4–5; 5:17; Eph. 2:8–9; Titus 3:4–7). The works James is talking about in his letter are the fruits of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of believers (James 2:14–26). These works do nothing to save a person; rather, they are evidence of a person’s adoption into God’s family in Christ. 2. Grace without the Spirit Some people think that, because believers are saved by God’s grace in Christ, they can sin whenever they feel like it because God will forgive them anyway. A fancy word for this is antinomianism. This kind of cheap grace does not take into account the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification in the lives of all Christians (John 16:7–15). All believers bear the fruit of the Spirit because they are branches attached to the vine of Christ (John 15:4–5; Gal. 5:22–23; Col. 1:10). Followers of Christ must continually fight against sin, but that doesn’t mean they will do a perfect job of it in this present world. In fact, they can’t do a perfect job, no matter how hard they try. It has been said, “If you’re still livin’, you’re still sinnin’.” Christians will fail to keep all of God’s commands in this life because, although they are declared righteous in Christ, they are still sinners. The Spirit convicts believers of their sin and leads them to repentance (John 16:8; Rom. 8:14). Believers will experience true sorrow over their sin because they have been bought with a price and have the Spirit living in them (Rom. 7:14–25). One of the signs that a believer is growing in holiness is the increasing awareness of one’s sin and corresponding desire to stay away from all ungodliness. Christians show gratitude to and love for God by keeping his commandments (John 14:15; Heb. 13:15; 1 John 2:3; 5:3). This obedience is a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving the believer offers up to God; it is never a means to keep—or earn—God’s grace. Just as sometimes children disobey their parents and are disciplined accordingly, God disciplines us because we are his beloved children in Christ, and he will use our failures to teach us through the work of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. So, what is costly grace? Costly grace is God’s unmerited favor because of Christ’s unfathomable sacrifice for all who trust in him (John 3:16; 1 Cor. 6:20). Because we are sinners, there is nothing we can do to earn the favor of a holy God (Rom. 3:23). God sent his Son to be born in the flesh because there was no other way we could be saved. Jesus did all the work to earn God’s favor on our behalf, so that we could have peace with God and eternal life (Rom. 5:1). By God’s grace, Christ’s righteousness is counted to us and our sin is counted to Christ, who gave his precious blood as the perfect sacrifice once for all (Rom. 5:12–21; Heb. 7:27; 10:14; 1 Pet. 1:18–19). This grace comes through faith in Christ alone, which is also God’s gift (Eph. 2:8–9). God’s costly grace is amazing, because even though we are guilty before him based on our own insufficient works, God declares us righteous in Christ. Don’t let the devil rob you of your joy in Christ, for Jesus has already won the victory. The devil’s attempts to make you doubt your salvation will never change the fact that you are declared righteous in Christ alone through faith alone by God’s grace alone—regardless of what the future holds. Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ (Rom. 8:35–39). Cling to your Savior and be at peace. This article was originally published under the title "Say No to Cheap Grace" at corechristianity.com.
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I believe the above to be true in all of our relationships. We can be selfish, concerned only about our own desires, or we can be humble, and fulfill the desires of others over our own.
Which camp do you fall into (with your spouse, kids or friends)? How about with God? In this life you have a choice to be selfish, and live for the "things" of this world, or you can surrender your life to Christ, and live a life as He would have you live it. Now is your time for choosing. For too long, I had made the wrong choice, but now I've chosen my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and will continue, "to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with my God." (Micah 6:8) I pray you do the same. "Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins." (Ecclesiastes 7:20)
Therein lies the need for God's grace. Grace is nothing that we can earn, but instead, is given freely to those who repent and believe. Being a Christian isn't about having an easy life, a sinless life, or a life full of prideful accomplishments, but rather a life of recognizing we "still" sin (but are forgiven), that we can call on Him in times of hardship (as He'll never leave us), and a life of spreading the good news of the hope and salvation found only in Jesus Christ (as we are commanded). Now go, and make disciples of all nations, remembering always, "To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) When you are going through one of life's troubles, and the enemy is at the gate trying to get you to lose faith, don't!
Regardless of the circumstance, you don't know what God may have in store for you. Don't quit as this may very well be a test. Be like Abraham (the father of "faith") and rest in God's promises. You can't have faith if your actions are contrary to it: "You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did." (James 2:22) Keep doing what is right. Keep seeking God's strength and He'll get you through it. Stand fast and wait on His perfect timing: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9) Pray that the Lord intercede on your behalf and protect you from the enemy's attacks (as you can't do this on your own, nor does God want you to try to): "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." (Romans 8:26) and "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." (Psalm 91:11) Faith can't be strengthened, if not tested from time to time. Persevere and wait on the Lord's plan, rather than relent to the enemy's schemes. Remember what this battle is REALLY about: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground." (Ephesians 6:12-13) Our ultimate goal should be as the apostle Paul said in the end: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7) Amen. I came across this meme on my Facebook stream today.
On the one hand, I understand it's intent, "trust God" when things go wrong in life. On the other hand, I feel it's a little too "prosperity gospelish", meaning yes, God will pull us through difficult situations, but does it have to be BETTER than before as it says here? I'm not saying that the resolution won't be better, but that's up to God and God alone. His will be done. We need to trust in our Lord and Savior during these times, look to Him for strength, and not have any preconceived notions about the outcome. If God decides to give us something better than what we had before, then great. If not, then He wanted us to learn something from it, and strengthen our faith through it. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." (Ephesians 5:25)
I believe it's safe to say that most husbands love their wives and do their best to be a good role model for their family. I know I did. But, it wasn't until I accepted Christ into my life that I understood being "good", wasn't good enough. It wasn't just about loving my wife and kids, but leading them in this life as Jesus would have (and to the salvation only possible through Him). Life's a journey, and mine with Christ is just beginning. I pray that God continue to work on me from the inside out. To mold me into the man and spouse He always intended me to be. To be humble and selfless at all times. To help lead my family to the peace and unfailing love that is so much greater than anything I could provide. The peace and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which will transcend this world and never end. That's love. You love your family, but have you done the most selfless act a husband can do for his family, given your life to Jesus? It's not too late. "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13) Whatever it is that's going on in your life right now, know this: God can save you, but you have to stop trying to save yourself.
God, not you, is the one who does the saving. You can't do this through working harder, through deeds, or even through going to church, but it is ONLY through the free gift of grace that you can be saved. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8) Ask God to forgive your sins, come into your heart and surrender your life to Jesus, so that you may be born anew. "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10) When you are in a season of waiting, it's very easy for the enemy to play mind games with you. Satan wants you to worry about what's going to happen "next". He wants to create in you anxiety over what mistakes you may have made that landed you here.
This is the time you need to keep your focus on the cross and not listen to the enemy's lies. God knows you're anxious and confused, and that's why He tells you to cast your anxiety onto Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). God doesn't want you worrying about anything, but instead, He wants you to be praying about everything (Philippians 4:6-7). Talk to God when you are feeling under attack. He's right there and wants you to share your feelings with Him. “From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.” (Proverbs 61:2-3) Ask God to forgive your unfaithfulness, and remember that He is ALWAYS faithful, even when we are not. (2 Timothy 2:13) Pour yourself into the word of God, devotions, prayer, and song, so that He may comfort and guide you during this difficult season. “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8) Lastly, "do not fear"! The Lord your God is always with you, will never leave nor forsake you, and will use all this for your own good, and for His glory in the end. Waiting is immensely painful at times. It reminds us we aren’t in control … and that it is impossible for us to change our own circumstances. We need the Lord to move on our behalf. We can’t get ourselves into that pool. We can’t heal ourselves.
The good news is that Jesus always shows up. It’s not usually in our way or in our timing, but He doesn’t leave us alone — and He’s never ignoring us. Jesus knows your story. Whether you’re waiting for healing in your body, your mind, your relationships, your finances or something else — you’re not alone. Christ is with you. He isn’t ignoring your prayers. We may never fully understand His timing, but we can trust in his love for us — a love that took Him all the way to the cross for our ultimate healing and wholeness. How can you actively choose to trust God today in the middle of your waiting? - Ann Swindell When God sent His Son down from heaven to die for the forgiveness of our sins, the ultimate standard for forgiveness was set.
Jesus never committed a sin, and did absolutely nothing but love you (even before you were born), yet He offered Himself up as a sacrifice so that "your" sins could be washed white by the blood of His righteousness. Even when suffering and dying on the cross, Jesus was thinking of those around Him rather than Himself, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) No one will be able to forgive like God forgives us, but we need to do our best to be a close second. In fact, it is demanded of us if "we" desire to receive God's grace and mercy. "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:14-15) Don't give into the hatred and vengeance of this world when somebody wrongs you, but instead choose to turn the other cheek and forgive, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32) Never forget that you TOO are a sinner, "let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" (John 8:7) Is it always easy to forgive? Most certainly not. In fact, there may be times when you may need to forgive someone many, many times. But be at peace, as Jesus will be there to help you do just that. Ask Him to help when you are struggling to forgive. "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:21-22) Remember, not only do we forgive so the offending party can be forgiven for their offense, but also for our own peace of heart and mind. "You ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him." (2 Corinthians 2:7-8) Don't condemn. Don't judge. Don't seek revenge. Leave such things to our Lord and Savior and just forgive (as you have been forgiven), "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37) With forgiveness can come peace, and with peace, can come love. "Love one another. As I have loved you." (John 13:34). There will never be a better example of love and forgiveness than the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Who have you yet to forgive? What actions or offenses have you let remain unforgiven? Let TODAY be the day you let go, let God, and finally "forgive". "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:3)
Happy father's day! On this day when fathers are honored, I think it's important to recognize the father who reigns above all fathers. "One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:6) A Heavenly Father who created us, loves us, and pursues us, as He wants not one of us to perish. "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish." (Matthew 18:12-14) A father who is compassionate and slow to anger, "The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love." (Psalm 145:8) and sent His one and only son for the forgiveness of our sins, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) As He is our father, we are His children, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1) And as such, He will mold us into the person He desires is to be, "Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8) In turn, we as fathers should bring our own children up with an understanding of God's goodness and His free offer of grace for those who believe in Him, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6) We need to prepare oursleves (and our children), because we know not when Jesus will return again, and we'll be held accountable for our words and actions, "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." (Matthew 24:36) Jesus has prepared a room for us for that day, if we have surrendered our lives to Him, "There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going. "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:2-6) Are you ready? If you haven't yet, no better way to honor your Father in heaven, on Father's Day, than to give your life back to He who gave it to you. "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10) Amen. Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:24)
"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24) Think about it. If God allowed somone to have all the money and all the pleasures of this world, why would they see the need for God? Jesus isn't saying that a person with money can't get into heaven, but what He is saying is that can be much more difficult, because their attention may not be where it needs to be, and that is on the cross. "But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it." (Matthew 7:14) The enemy rules over this world. By giving you all the pleasures and sins it has to offer, you can be blinded to God's goodness and desire to have a relationship with you. How about if along with all that money and all those pleasures that person (and their loved ones) also never got sick, had any marital problems, etc,. Would that make it more or less likely they'd ever cry out to God? Folks, this is why God "allows" struggles in our lives. He wants us to realize we can't do this this on our own. He wants us to see through the devil's tactics and come to Him. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Even if you have all the money in the world, perfect health, a perfect marriage, perfect kids, all the success and recognition you could ever have hoped for, recognize yourself as a sinner. Confess that to Jesus and turn your life over to Him. The reality is we live in a broken world. If yours hasn't broken yet, don't be too content, because at some point it will. And when it does, all those worldly "things" listed above will be of little solace to you. Come through that narrow gateway, cast aside your old master and run to the one you were created to embrace. "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) If you want God to help you in your struggles, you have to surrender all to Him. And I do mean, ALL.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. " (Matthew 6:33) God is not a genie to be thrown "wishes", where if granted, you would go on your merry, but still sinful life. God wants you to seek Him. To know Him. To trust Him. How do you do that? Spend time with Him everyday in prayer, devotion, song and in the Bible. God sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross so that you may not perish. All you have to do is respond, repent and believe. (John 3:16 and 2 Peter 3:9) "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10) I used to worry much more about what I thought God wanted me to do versus who He wanted me to be. That changed for me last year. Now, with the fresh understanding of who He wants me to be, I let Him guide me on what He wants me to do, "in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5)
You may start with your own plan in life, but remember that God may have another one for you, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21) Trust in God's plan versus you're own. If you're finding above average resistance in your current journey, or you just aren't happy, start talking to God about it. Ask Him if this is indeed His will for you. Then be patient. Be still. Wait. Don't quit your job. Don't just stop living your life as you have been. Just trust that God will provide you encouragements on your path, one way or the other. God is ONLY faithful. When you accept Jesus into your life "He's" now in charge. He will work on you from the inside out from that day forward, only for your good, and ALL for His glory. God has big plans for those whom He has chosen, are faithful to Him, and will be obedient to His calling. Is that you? I hope and pray that it is. "be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6) "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:8)
Run to the One that IS love. Run to the One who will never run from you. Run to the One who will never reject you. Run to the One who will never leave you. Run to the One who gave His only Son, so that you may be saved. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) Don't look for love anywhere else, including a spouse, friends, or even yourself, until you know God's love. His love is the only one that will endure forever. (Psalm 136) The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines religion as, "the service and worship of God or the supernatural". Roughly 8 out of 10 people in the world claim to have a religious affiliation and roughly a third identify as Christians. When we look at religious affiliations there's a multitude. The most popular are Christianity, Buddism, Hinduism, Isam and even Agnostic atheism (yes, a religion for those who don't believe in "religion"). Then of course, WITHIN Christianity there's Catholic, non-denominational, Methodist, Baptist, and about a half dozen synods within the Lutheran religion...this is just to name a few!
Now, with all that understood, let's unpack the meme/picture above. People can have ALL THE RELIGION IN THE WORLD but if they don't know Jesus, then all their religion is for naught! I listened to a message recently where the pastor said about 90% of self professed people of "religion" would end up finding themselves on the outside looking in (or in other words, they'll be in "Hell"). Why? Because they followed a "religion" but never acknowledged Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Matthew 7:13-14 states, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Translation: People may profess to be religious, but at the end of the day, are still living by "worldly" standards and/or are following a religion (or thought process) that will NOT FIT through that narrow gate. Doing "good works" or being a "good person" will NOT gain you entry into heaven. There is only ONE key to salvation and that's through Jesus. "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). God did not send Jesus down from heaven to create a "religion". Jesus did not die on the cross to create a "religion". Simply put, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16). Jesus came down and died on the cross to save us once and for all from all our sins...past, present and future. PERIOD. This is "not", nor should it have ever been about, religion folks. This is, and has ALWAYS been about, receiving Jesus into your heart so you can have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. As Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." (John 8:12). Are you walking in darkness or in the light? Are you rampaging through the WIDE gate of worldly things that will lead to destruction or are you striving to enter the NARROW gate that will lead to everlasting life in heaven? If you don't know where you stand on your salvation, start here in Romans 10:9-10, "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." Don't wait my friends, nobody is "promised" a tomorrow. Sometimes God will allow situations in our lives to "reach" us.
You may have a perfect marriage. You may have a successful career. You and your family may be in good health. You may have a fat savings account. "Why do I need God?" you might ask. Maybe you don't actually "say" that, but through your thoughts and actions, God knows what you're saying and where your priorities lie. How does God reach someone who has the world by a string? I mean, if their life is going along swimmingly, how does He get their attention if they are ignoring Him? One way is by allowing satan to overplay his hand. What does that mean? The enemy's sole purpose in this world is to keep you away from God and retain your soul for satan. Why do I say "retain"? Because we are born a sinner, will grow up a sinner, and will die a sinner, UNLESS we make the conscious decision to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior along the way. Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) God will allow satan to run roughshot through your life when you aren't listening. Many times the enemy will use money and other worldly pleasures to keep you in the dark, but sooner or later satan just wont be able to help himself, and he'll push the envelope of your selfishness because of his hatred for God. Maybe he'll introduce you or your spouse to an affair, give you so much money that you begin to question your purpose in life, or perhaps you or a loved one falls ill because the enemy wants you to curse God for this misfortune! This suddenly puts your life into perspective. All those worldly successes are now of little comfort when a marriage is falling apart, there is a serious health issue or we are facing another of life's crisis'. God doesn't cause this, but will allow satan to do it, because He wants no one (including you) to perish. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) These are the times when people finally cry out for help. They recognize that money, sex, and yes, even family, can't solve the problem they are encountering. That's when they'll search for something else. Something that will bring peace back into their lives. And that something is Jesus. "and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." (Psalm 50:15) Recognize satan and the things of this world as your enemy. Repent for your sins and surrender your life to Christ. Allow Him to start working on, not only your problem, but most importantly you! If you haven't given your life to Jesus yet, I pray you do just that today. "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10) If Jesus is already in your heart, know that God is always faithful, even when we are not. "If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is." (2 Timothy 2:13). Trust God's plan and will in what you are going through right now. There is a reason for everything. Pray to God to search your heart for the things you are still letting get in between you and a closer relationship with Him. Give those things, along with your worries, over to Him. Remember, God is not out to harm you, but to give you hope and a future (even if it's a future you never saw coming). "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." Romans 10:9-10
For the Lord is ALWAYS with you.
There will be times in your life when God seems distant, but those are the times when He is closest to you. "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:5) No matter what's going on in your life, or who may be causing you worry or pain, God will strengthen and help you through it. "So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6) and "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6) Understand also, that this too shall pass. Trust God's longer term plan for you, in spite of the current struggle. "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them." (Romans 8:28) The world says he who dies with the most toys wins. Jesus said, he who dies to himself wins his life.
In the end all the world brings is death. Death is not winning. With God, there will be no end. When you walk in the eternal, the temporary loses power over you. “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17). Lord, take away from me the desire to grow and to gather in this world. Replace it I pray, with the desire to grow and to gather for Your kingdom. The one is for but a breath, the other is for eternity. It is when we get to heaven that we will realize what has the most value, and so we will only use gold as pavement for our streets. Blessings to you, Paul Tripp "Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth." (Colossians 3:2) If you look around long enough, eventually you'll find "someone" who'll tell you what you want to hear. The problem is that you may be seeking what you "want" to be true versus what the actual truth is.
Beware of not only false teachings, but the rise of false prophets. These people will lead you further and further from the Bible under the guise of society's new found "enlightenment". Read the Bible yourself. Study and have your own interpretation of what you read (instead of relying on someone else's opinion that may have an ax to grind or a non-Biblical agenda). "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." (Matthew 7:15) When you've exhausted all avenues, and expressed to the Lord your desires, there may come a time where you need to consider that His will for you may be a "new beginning".
As hard as that may be to accept, you must trust God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Have faith that the Lord can create good out of what seems exceedingly bad. More than ever, continue to seek His guidance as you begin this next chapter of your life, as He is not out to harm you, but to give hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19) Who's plan are you following, God's or your own? You may get away with following your own plan for a time, but in the end, if your plan doesn't match up with God's purpose for you, look out. That said, don't view life interruptions that may come to light because of this discrepancy negatively, as they are God's "invitations" to you to have a relationship with Him.
The best thing you can do right now is repent and surrender your life to Christ, if you haven't yet (Romans 10:9-10). Don't wait for an emergency. Don't look at all the success you've had so far in life and think you don't need God (because who do you think allowed you that success?). When you give your life to God, you will have a newfound peace and purpose that will transcend money and all things of this world. Be obedient to God's calling in your life. First by letting Him into your heart, and then by "listening" to what He wants you to do after that. God is only good (Mark 10:18). He is not out to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11), so Trust in His plan for you instead of your own. It's not too late (until you're gone that is). Don't wait and make that mistake, as it's not an accident that you are reading this right now. God "is" pursuing you. Additionally, if you're ever feeling under attack because of these life "interruptions", remember this, the devil wouldn't be messing with you if he didn't consider you a threat! God wants to use you (your past mistakes, warts and all!). "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) Welcome the struggles that come your way, as they are strengthening you into the person God wants, and is "preparing" you to be (Romans 5:3). Be obedient and let God worry about the outcome. Start today, I promise that you will not regret it. "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28) Saul was one of the worst persecutors of Christians there ever was, until that faithful day when Jesus called him out on his actions. Saul then became Paul. From that day forward, God turned Paul's passion for persecuting those faithful to Him to perhaps the greatest Apostle of all time!
In a similar vein, I used to be one of the most politically divisive people there was. It was my way of thinking or the highway. Did that way of thinking honor Christ? Does that type of "divisiveness" show love? Does that want others to seek God? I think not, and I praise the Lord for the forgiveness of those past sins each and every day! That was the old me. But, through Christ, I was saved from that world. How about you? Do you unite for Christ or are you a divider because of an "opinion"? Our world is broken enough to begin with, do we need "followers" of Christ throwing fuel on the fire as well? What is God's purpose for those who follow Him? It's pretty cut and dry once we make "Him" our priority. "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39) And then, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) Search your heart before entering into another heated debate or feel the need to think you are "superior" than someone else. The reality is we are ALL made in God's image, so if you profess to follow Him, then show others exactly what that means. Think about what Jesus would say the next time you feel the need to spout off about something that doesn't benefit that other person's "salvation". Love as Jesus loves, proclaim the Good News as you are commanded, and let God handle the rest. "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28) |
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