 The early church faced many problems, but they were also the recipients of great joy. Some of those joys included a repenting brother, assurance in their salvation through Jesus Christ, and the knowledge of being a part of a family - the family of God. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
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Over twelve years ago, my wife and I bought a small, two-bedroom house before our first child was born. It wasn’t top-of-the-line, but, it was special. The house was white with a big back yard and a fireplace. We put some sweat equity into it and stayed there until we found a preaching job that offered us living accommodations. So, as a result of our move we became landlords. We had a few good years of quality renters until the day when we got tenants who NEVER paid their rental fee. To find out more, check out my new article entitled, "Forgiveness". The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves  It's almost the end of another year. Yet, for you, it may be about the beginning of a lifetime. In fact, the Bible refers to coming "into" Christ as a birth - a new creation. To go "into" something means you are first outside.
Imagine a circle. To go "into" a circle means that you first need to pass the barrier of the circle, thereby, coming inside of its perimeter. This is basic gramatical structure/syntax of the English language. Yet, it is no diferrent than the Kione Greek language the New Testament was written in. All lanuage has structure. Look it up. Don't be afraid. A person comes "into" Christ when they are touched by the blood of Christ at baptism "into" Jesus. This is how God has structured His being born again. (Check out all passages dealing with conversion.) Be the Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves In our family's study, we touched on Mark 4. Our discussion centered on the parable of the soils.
In short, the soils are people and the seed is the word of God. People have the choice to be truly receptive to the word of God by applying it in their life in a consistant lifestyle. It is not intended to be fake or short-lived. Rather, it is a choice of dedication to the "living word" - Jesus Christ. Let us all live by an obedient faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves God and Christ used my dad to make a great inpact in my life. I am so greatful that I had the training from a person who knows what it truly meant to be "without God". The article that illustrates this is called "A Lifestyle In Christ: A Brief Story"
The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins" (James. 5:19-20).
Baptism into Christ is necessary for salvation. There is no doubt to this reality. However, faith in Christ doesn't stop someone from leaving Christ for a worldly lifestyle or worldy passions. A lifestyle in Christ is just like it sounds - a lifestyle. It takes determination, passion, and a lifelong committment. Fortunately, God knows that all Christians still suffer from sinning (cf. 1 John 2:1-6). Yet, others will wander completely from the truth. Scripture doesn't teach that these people have to be baptized into Christ again but it does teach that they need to repent of the incorrect lifestyle that they are living and become truly committed to the teachings of Christ again. [Note, Simon the Sorcerer Acts 8:9-25]. Simon was expected to repent and pray. James teaches that someone needs to come back from their wanderings. Are you baptized into Christ and committed to Him. If not humble yourself before God and come back from your wanderings. The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).
King David was a man who made many, many mistakes in his life. He sinned greatly before God - even commiting adultery and murder. Yet, throughout his life he always turned toward God with genuine repentance. It was not a repentance of "sorry I got caught/regret"; like, Judas Iscariot (cf. Matthew 27:3). King David's repentance was a repentance of "I hurt You God and I am beside myself with deep, sorrowful grief". David sought for purification. He knew he could not clean himself - he needed God. Interestingly, the Hebrew word for create is the same as in the beginning when God "created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). You see, only God can create the universe. In the same way, only God can create a clean heart. David sought a "miracle" from the only being who could give it - God David was humble before the Lord. He sought a creation of a clean heart. He sought a pure soul. God does this "miracle" for all people who are His. He creates in them a "clean heart". If anyone seeks a miracle, it should be this one. The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves |
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