Category Christian Living

6 thoughts every christian must think

The Preacher Leave a comment

A friend of mine said one time, “Who needs Satan to tempt me, I can do this all on my own.” What a very profound statement. The Bible confirms this in James 1 vs 14-15; But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) It’s so comforting to find a cause for our failures in other places. We blame Satan, or people around us. Certainly, some culpability can be found there. Some would even blame God, as seen in the above James passage vs 13. In reality, we are the first defense to our own sins. According to the passages already quoted, sin begins in the mind. We become what we think about. Pr 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: If this be true, then what ought a christian think about? In the book of Philippians, Paul gives us a list of 6 things to think about: vs 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things. (NKJV)

1-TRUE – You may think that this is honesty, in reality, this is talking about…reality. So often we find ourselves believing lies. Jesus, while praying in the garden said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Joh 17:17 So, to me this says to think on true things, which is the word of God.

2-NOBLE – This word is only used 3 other times in the new testament, as far as the Greek word <semnos> is concerned and it is used for the leaders in the church. These folks are to be noble, which means grave. (grave = serious or solemn in manner or appearance; somber.) My understanding is that we should take things seriously. Does this mean that fun is dissallowed? No, it just means that we need to be able to put aside the passing pleasures of sin and be able to do that which is right. Heb 11:26

3-JUST – also translated as “righteous”, this speaks to things we do that are right (righteous). Consider this verse, Mt 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, (KJV) Jesus uses “just” comparing those that are wicked. So, “just” is the opposite of wicked.

4-PURE – This word is translated as chaste, clear and pure in the New Testament. We know what chaste means. When speaking of sexuality, a chaste person is one that keeps their marriage vows, or remains a virgin until marriage. Outside of that context, it can be guiltless. No charge can be brought against you.

5-LOVELY – This speaks to those things that are agreeable to others. Christians ought never be crabby or complainers. I guess you could say that we should be thinking positively.

6-GOOD REPORT – That is, whatever is of a good reputation. There are actions that people see as reputable. Kindness, charity, courtesy. It’s funny, liars hate being told lies. Thieves hate their things being stolen. There are actions that all agree are good.

 Jesus said in Mt 15:18 “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” (KJV)

Would you like to read the Bible with me? Give me a call, let’s learn together.

spencer
Borger, Tx
806/274-5021
 Ask me how to make your calling and election sure. 2Pet 1:10

Christians should be nice

The Preacher Leave a comment

Westboro Baptist founder dies

As news gets around about the passing of Fred Phelps, I need to say that he does not represent me as a christian, and I dare say very poorly represents Christianity at all. His death gives me no happiness, but it does give us all to reflect on our lives moving forward.

Ec 7:2 Better to go to the house of mourning Than to go to the house of feasting, For that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart. – NKJV

You see, nowhere in the scripture is that kind of hatred allowed. As a matter of fact, Jesus said….

Mt 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” – NKJV

This passage is no authority for overlooking sin or allowing it. What it does speak to, is how we are to act toward folks. In another passage, which kinda reminds me of the protest of the Westboro Baptist church, we see people getting ready to stone a woman caught in adultery.

Joh 8:3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst,
4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.
5 “Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?”
6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.
7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. – NKJV

We need to learn from our Lord’s example. He pointed out to the crowd that they themselves are no better than this particular sinner. Look closely at how Jesus finishes……

10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” – NKJV

We all need to be nice, sin less and obey the Gospel. If you want to bring more people to Christ then let’s see what He said….

Joh 13:35 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – NKJV

 

spencer

Borger, Tx