Category Archives: scripture application
Let’s talk about hate
Look around you and if you haven’t noticed, everybody is talking about love. People adore it, idolize it, romanticize it, sing about it and write best selling books about it. But what about hate? Why is hate treated like the bubonic plague, like some alien concept no human being should ever be associated with? Why is love treated as the great uniter, while hate is seen as the great divider? Perhaps the only time you publicly hear about hate is when the homosexual movement and its hypocritical allies are in serial screed mode screaming “thou shalt not hate” at the rest of the world.
In contrast, the contemporary church and in particular the image whores who psychobabble on Christian television every week would NEVER talk about hate because it would ruin their carefully manicured images of love and acceptance.
But what does the Bible teach about hate? Are we allowed or even expected to hate certain things and certain people? Does God hate people? Is all hate a sin? You’d be surprised to find out that hate has gotten a bad rap by bible haters.
Have you noticed that while those who continuously call for “NO H8″ and put silver tape around their mouths then take model shots don’t have a problem showing their hate and disdain for truth and those who advocate for the truth about homosexuality? Remember the popular bumper sticker —”Hate is not a family value”— that the political inclusionistas sported when the nation was debating a constitutional amendment against same sex marriage? It generally was put on a gay rainbow flag background so there was no mistaking who the so-called “hate” was being directed at. And the unspoken inference was that homosexual “love” was a family value Proponents contended that people “hated” homosexuals because they feared what they didnt understand. If that logic is good for one side, shouldn’t it be applicable for the other? The reason homosexuals hate and fear the truth is because they don”t understand it.
Because people use the word hate in ways that seem only to benefit their presuppositions, it has spawned all types of language weapons such as: “hate crimes”, “hate speech” and the dreaded “homophobia”.
Desplendering hate
Truth is we live in a world system that misunderstands and misapplies hate primarily because they misunderstand God and his word. Jesus said, “The world will hate you because they hated me” (Mt 10:22, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:17, John 15:18). And isn’t it interesting that he used the word hate, not dislike. And isn’t it interesting that he said the world would never love us because we identify with and tell HIS truth? The world eschews hate only when its to their benefit to do so.
Hate has various uses and definitions which must be applied appropriately if we are to have an honest conversation about it.
Its impossible to list all the shades, variations and nuances of hate. Like legion, they are many. Some hate is morally neutral while some hate is morally sinful. For example, I can say that I hate cole slaw (and I really do) and no one would blink an eye. But if I said I hate Barak Obama (and I don’t), some people would be ready to call the secret service. Some hate causes people to stay away from dangerous things while some hate causes people to commit dangerous acts.
Thus, not all hate is wrong. The variations of hate can fall into one of the following three main categories:
Its always wrong to hate people (whether their actions are right or wrong) but its never wrong to hate the actions of people which God has said are sinful. That’s a perfect place to segue to loving people and hating sin.
True or false?: Love the sinner, hate the sin
You have heard it many times before that we should love the sinner, hate the sin. Perhaps you have said it yourself. Personally, I put that statement in the same category as “God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve”. Both are trite cliches and I hate them, however both are true in context.
We may all have our opinions about what constitutes hate and what should or should not be allowed, but what does God say and are we willing to accept what he says?
“Through thy precepts [God's Word] I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104)
David’s words form the foundation and orientation for how and what we should hate. We do not have unfettered liberty to hate as it is closely confined to only “what God hates”. And here we discover that God hates every false way. How do we determine what is a false way? The only way to determine what is a false way is to compare it to God’s true way as stated in his word. We know homosexuality is a false way because God did not create the male and female and tell them to find someone of the same gender and have sex with them. That simply does not exist. Thus, all sexual activities that are outside of what God commanded and blessed are false ways and false roads. We know where a false road leads to. And we have liberty to hate them as he does.
Yet, we must be careful that our hate is not prejudicial or motivated by personal vendettas apart from God. The scriptures are clear on that.
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:15
Such hatred is malicious and does not reflect the divine nature rather it reflects the nature of satan. John frames his words with the story of Cain and Abel who represent humanity.
Hating the deeds of the sinner is well within the realm of our biblical responsibilities. It is not a sin. If it was then Jesus himself sinned. In Revelation 2:6, he praised the church at Ephesus for “hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I hate also”.
The deeds of the Nicolaitans have been seen as any teaching that would enslave others to false teaching. False teachers and their false teachings enslave others and the Lord Jesus Christ hates that! As David said in Psalm 119, we should hate every false way.
Its important to note that Christ didnt say he hated the Nicolaitans, but their deeds (actions). Our posture towards sin (even in us) should be antagonistic. To attempt to coexist with what God hates is dangerous for the spirit. Already we have seen the devastating effects of what happens when the church embraces and tolerates what God hates. God hates and it is not a contradiction of his love essence.
Do some people actually hate homosexuals? Of course they do. They are full of sin and hating people is a product of that sin. Do some homosexuals hate people? Of course they do and in addition to their sexual immorality, they too are full of sin and hate is a product of sin.
But as followers of Jesus Christ, we should hate what he hates and only love what he loves. He hates all sin and loves all people. Everything we do should be motivated by love of God, his Word and God’s plan for humanity.
Share your thoughts about hate and the bible in the comment section.
SIV (spiritual immunodeficiency virus) is the new HIV
Since GCM Watch began investigating and documenting the biblical and moral errors of the gay christian movement (gcm), over time, it became clear that this movement was the spiritual replica of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in the body of Christ. A movement riddled with heresy, the parallels are quite stunning.
HIV, like all other viruses, has proteins that are indigenous to itself. These proteins are called “antigens”. Antigens have diverse functions in viral replication. In the case of HIV, a combination of two antigens, gp120 and gp41, allow the virus to hook onto T cells and infect them. The virus pretends to be a healthy cell, thus fooling the healthy cells to accept it. The consequences are devastating for the body:
HIV eventually destroys many of the white blood cells, which protect us against disease. HIV invades and attacks helper T cells, the very cells that direct the body’s defenses. By destroying helper T cells, HIV disables the entire immune system that protects us against diseases. HIV infection leaves people helpless against many other serious infections and cancers.
Likewise gay christian doctrine, using the cloak of love, acceptance and peace, presents itself as true and has fooled many unsuspecting Christians into accepting the very thing that destroys relationship with God and sexual integrity in the body of Christ. SIV (Spiritual Immunodificiency Virus) has infected entire denominations and wreaked havoc all over the Christian Church. But instead of fighting the disease with biblical truth and public information, church leaders have coddled it and exposed their members to certain spiritual death.
Seven foundational truths you can’t afford to compromise
We’ve identified seven key foundational truths that the gay christian movement (the little c is used to indicate a false christian) have compromised and/or denied. You can see examples of this here, here and here. These truths are central to our faith and cannot be compromised. We caution you to arm yourselves with truth, protect your spiritual health and do not accept any doctrine or teaching which detours from the faith once delivered to the saints. Even if an angel from heaven comes and preaches any other doctrine, let them all be accursed. It only takes a little leaven to leaven the entire lump! Brothers and sisters, that’s how serious this is.
Let no one fool you: orthodoxy and doctrine are important indicators of a person’s spiritual bearing. Alone, they can become the source of ritualistic legalism, but when advanced in the power of the Spirit and love, it forms a solid foundation under the feet of the believer.
I. The inerrancy and authority of scripture Rom 15:4; 2 Tim 3:16, 1 Pet 1:24,25; 2 Pet 1:20:21
What it means: The authority of Scripture cannot be separated from the authority of God. Whatever the Bible affirms, God affirms. And what the Bible affirms (or denies), it affirms (or denies) with the very authority of God
Why its important to you: The scriptures are your first consult and last check as to whether your actions, words, thoughts are in line with what God says pleases him.
What can happen if you compromise this truth Without the scriptures as your guide, you will be left to your own devices, logic, righteousness and ultimately create your own god who will approve whatever actions, thoughts and words you tell him to. Rm 1: 21-22
II. The identity and divinity of Christ Jn 8:58;10:24-33, 1:1-3, Psalms 90:1
What it means: Jesus Christ is God who came in the flesh. By his suffering and death, he completely paid for the sins of the world. Consequently those who believe in Him will have eternal life and escape the wrath of God to come.
Why its important to you: his identity and divinity is important because he uniqueness distinguishes him from others who claim to be him
What can happen if you compromise this truth: Failure to recognize Christ as God come in the flesh places you at risk for certain deception.
III. The definition of sin Gen 6:5; Ps 53:3, Prov 28:13, Col 3:5-6, Romans 3:23
What it means: Sin as defined in the original translations of the Bible means to “miss the mark”. The mark in this case is the high standard of perfection established by a holy, sinless and perfect God and evidenced by Jesus (Heb 4:15). Sin, then is a transgression of God’s standards whether intentional, unintentional, by commission or omission, whether in thought, word or deed.
Why its important to you: Viewing sin in its biblical definition you will never excuse or justify your actions, words or thoughts when they are in conflict with God’s standards. Rm 3:23 The desired result is a repentant heart, thus maintaining a meaningful relationship with God.
What can happen if you compromise this truth: If you change the biblical definition of sin, self righteousness is inevitable.
IV. The significance of the Cross Phil 2:5-11, Eph 2:14-16
What it means: The cross is a symbol of ultimate deliverance which comes from the ultimate sacrifice
Why its important to you: You are expected to sacrifice as Christ did to help others find deliverance
Luke 22:31, Rev 12:11, Luke 9:23
What can happen if you compromise its truth: You will live in fear never fulfilling the purpose of God for your life.
V. The resurrection of the dead Lu 24:45-47; Jn 21:26,27; Acts 2:23,24; Rom 10:9, 1 Cor 15:13-14
What it means: The resurrection is the hope of every believer that death will not have victory over us.
Why it is important to you: The resurrection is the cornerstone belief of our faith. If it is not true, then nothing we believe is true.
What can happen if you compromise this truth: We lose our unique identity as Christians.
VI. The promise of Christ’s coming Mt 26:64; Luke 21:27, John 14:1-3
What it means: Christ promised that he would return and take away all those who believe in him to a place where he now resides. John 14:1,2 His return is imminent and will be without warning.
Why it is important to you: It should cause you to live your life in a state of readiness
What can happen if you compromise its truth: You can become cold, lazy and foolish thus missing his return.
VII. The standard of holiness 1 Thess 4:1-7, Hebrews 12:14, Leviticus 10:10-11, 1 Peter 13-16
What it means: Holiness is a commanded standard of living made possible only through sustained right relationship with God.
Why it is important to you: Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. God commands that we live holy as it is the only accurate spiritual reflection of himself. 1 Thess 4:7
What can happen if you compromise its truth: You open yourself up to believe and accept every wind and doctrine as valid and lose out on eternal life with Christ.
Endnote: Some gcm include elements of the above (holiness, baptism, Spirit, resurrection, etc) in their teachings, but it is taught from a perspective relative only to their view that homosexuality being acceptable to God. See one example here.
“Cutting Off Ungodly Soul Ties”
BY SHOFARSOUND
Are you tied to an ungodly ministry that promotes false teaching?
Are you tied up in an illicit sexual relationship?
Are you tied up to a dead traditional church?
Are you tied up in unfruitful carnal friendships?
Are tied and tangled up to a immoral pastor?
Maybe you need to pull out the “Sword of the Spirit” and cut off some ungodly soul ties!
Some people may ask the question “What is a soul tie?” A soul tie is something that has been sanctioned and ordained by God. Good healty soul ties are the bonds between husbands and wives, children and parents, friends, and Christians with one another.
However, unhealthy soul ties are ones formed outside the will of God and unsanctioned by the Lord. Ties can be formed through sexual perversion(fornication, adultery, homosexuality, pornography, ect.), evil companions(associations, communion), perverted family ties, or religious and traditional.
The story of Shechem and Dinah in Genesis 34:1-4, shows that after Shechem raped Dinah his soul clave, or became tied to Dinah (Genesis 34:3). This soul tie was formed through lust and rape.
Solomon is a prime example that sexual perversion soul ties can have destructive elements. Although he was King of Israel and had a great amount of wisdom and wealth, Solomon’s issue was that he married women who worshipped idol gods. 1 Kings 11:1-2 says,
“But King Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.”
Solomon’s soul was tied to all of these women. In short, he was caught up and tied up. He took on the strange ways and served the idols gods of each woman with which he slept. He was also double-minded. He loved God, but served his strange wives’ idol gods. This shows that not only single people can get caught up in sexual perversion soul ties, but married people also.
Ungodly soul-ties are not just delegated to sexual perversion ties. They can also be formed through evil companionships, through those with whom you associate. Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupts good manners.”
The sixteenth chapter of Numbers speaks about Korah’s rebellion. Dathan, Abriam, and two hundred fifty men tried to rise up against Moses and Aaron’s authority. All of these men were tied to the kindred spirits of rebellion and anti-authority of Korah. By associating themselves with Korah the men were corrupted by rebellion and paid a heavy price of being put to death. Proverbs 22:24-25 says, “Make no friendship with an angry man; and furious man thou shalt not go; lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” These men learned Korah’s ways and their souls were ensnared because of their association with him.
People can become snared into religious/traditional soul ties. A good example of this is King Saul’s children Jonathan and Michal. Jonathan was David’s best friend and saw the anointing was upon David’s ministry. He also knew that his father King Saul was not the annointed one. King Saul represented dead religion or tradition. However, instead of leaving his father’s dead ministry and following the flow of God through David’s ministry, Jonathan died in religious tradition because his soul was never cut loose from his father’s dead and dried up ministry. Michal, Jonathan’s sister, was married to David. But unfortunately, she had her father, King Saul’s spirit. In 2 Samuel 6 when the ark of the covenant was coming into Jerusalem, David broke out in a praise. Michal despised David and the move of God. She was tied up in religious tradition, missed the move of God, and was unable to produce children. Religious tradition will will keep you barren.
Overall, we need to examine any ungodly soul ties we may have and ask the Holy Spirit to help us break any ties that will prevent us from going higher in God. Let us treasure the God-ordained soul ties that we have formed over the years: husbands and wives, parents and children, friends, and saints. Be blessed in God and let your passion be in Jesus.
Understanding church and kingdom, part 1
Proverbs 4:7 strongly encourages us to get an understanding in all that we do. And it can be said that much of our problems stem from a lack of understanding. Sometimes that understanding is because we just havent walked into yet, sometimes it is because we reject it when it comes. Thus, this post on understanding the Church and the Kingdom. I will try to keep it as simple as possible. Hopefully, it can clear up some misunderstandings you have had, if at all and consequently help you better understand certain situations and circumstances happening around us. Many times we question how can these things happen in the church? It is confusing and distressing. Why? Because we do not have a proper biblical perspective of church and kingdom.
There are a lot of religious people who are employing the word “kingdom” as a new buzzword of sorts. It gives the appearance that such people are in tune with God, but on closer examination some are simply playing a word shell game. To the unsuspecting, it can be a deadly one, both spiritually and naturally.
One very important distinction to remember is that Jesus said the kingdom of God ( per Romans 14:17 love, joy and peace in the Holy Ghost) is within you and eternal. Conversely, the kingdom of man (buildings, money, fame, positions, sexual desires) is external and temporal. Most people see the church as a building ( i.e. New Joy Church 1500 West Adams Street). A building can be called a church but it is not the church. The reason is because buildings can be destroyed and/or used for altogether different purposes, even evil. Changing your thinking paradigm about the church versus a church will significantly enhance your ability to endure when the sinful excesses in the building conflict with the purity of the kingdom of God.
While the terms “church” and “kingdom” are generally used interchangeably by people, in scripture there are distinct differences in the two. Both are present expressions of The Lord Jesus Christ, yet one has not reached its perfection. (Eph 4:11-15).
Let’s deal with the kingdom first. In simple terms a kingdom is the domain or residence under authority of a king. When applied to God, David said it best in Psalms 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein. Thus it is clear that God’s kingdom comprises both heaven and earth. Heaven is under control, but earth is still in transition. As Jesus prayed: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.
One theologian described the kingdom of God like this:
In today’s parlance the equivalent of the Kingdom of God would be something like the Presidency of God rather than the Nation-State of God; or the Episcopacy of God rather than the Diocese of God. This Divine Regime or Presidency which operates by gracious mercy (because of God’s love) and righteous justice (because of God’s holiness) is unlimited, eternal, spiritual, and sovereign over all. Since Christ came in grace and in the flesh and began His earthly ministry, the inward earnest of the Kingdom life became accessible as a present mediatory EXPERIENCE for whosoever believes in Christ. The full outward manifestation of the Kingdom is a future vindicatory EXPECTATION when Christ comes again in judgment (Eph 1:7-14).
The Kingdom (of God, of Heaven) are also used interchangeably in scripture. Jesus did in several places but there are differences that should be noted. Both the “kingdoms” are ruled by God. The main difference is time. The kingdom of God is within us now, while the kingdom of heaven has not yet come. (Matthew 16:19,Luke 17:20,21)
The Kingdom of God is physically represented by the earthly Church of Christ (this is not the denomination of the same name).
The tale of two churches
As with many situations in the bible paradoxes exist and quite frankly appear to the undiscerning eye to be contradictory. Such is the case with what I will call the church triumphant and the church universal.
The church triumphant is triumphant (victorious) both now and forever. It has both corporate and individual applications. I take that from 1 Cor 2:14. The CT isnt defined as a denomination. Nor is it a nondenominational, interdenominational or independent religious body. It is understood to be comprised of those out of every kindred and nation, every tongue and tribe, who have been washed in the blood of the lamb and whose names are written in the lamb’s book of life. The church triumphant has formed and is forming daily as the Lord adds to the church. It is the church which, according to Matthew 16:18, is indestructible, built on the Rock. It is this church-bride which will be presented in that day: pure, holy, blameless, faultless before the presence of God (Jude 24,25). While the church triumphant is universal, the church universal is not necessarily triumphant.
The church universal is universal because it worldwide in terms of its logistical placement and membership. Thus, it is comprised of those who are joined to the physical church of Christ. It is a consortium of the denominations, nondenominations, interdenominations, et al. The church universal includes the wheat and the tare, the hypocrite and the saint, the open homosexual and the downlow choir leader, the sheep and the goats. It is from this church which will come those who find out that their good works are useless because they feigned relationship with Christ or had none at all. They will discover that they will be rejected because they added or detracted from the words of the Lord causing others to be lost. The church universal is in essence a snapshot of the doctrine of inclusion pre-judgment day. All are included, but the day of separation has not come (see Matt 25:31-46).
The church has “membership” rolls and on any given Sunday whether a person is redeemed or not, they can step out into the aisle, walk up front, shake the pastor’s hand and become a member. Even if they never confess Christ and are never born again and filled with the Spirit, they can remain “members” of the church. Even become “leaders”.
But not so in the kingdom of God.
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor 6:9-11
The entrance requirements are set not by the will of man, but by God. Only those who are redeemed, washed in the blood of the Lamb and sanctified by the spirit of Christ will come in. There’s no hand to shake , no secretary to see, no new members class to attend, no St Peter at the gate, just a change of heart and lifestyle. That’s not the gospel of inclusion, its the gospel of exclusion. And its 100% the will of God.
Purpose driven joy
Joy —God’s joy— is something most of us don’t seem to have enough of, but truly need more of. The purpose of our joy is not just to make us “feel good” in difficult seasons, but to literally drive the way we view life and live it out for the glory of God’s kingdom. We have the blueprint in none other than Jesus himself.
Therefore, seeing we also are compassed about by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him that endured such contradiction from sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Hebrews 12:1-3 (my bold)
The believer’s joy, to which the word rejoiceis related, is twofold. First, it offers you a picture of life as it is while simultaneously comforting you in this certain knowledge: no matter what you endure or where you are, even in the midst of all of the “trials and tribulations”, you will be all right. Take a look in the mirror and tell yourself that real quick! Secondly, it reinforces truth. Knowing that God’s law is the natural foundation for peace, prosperity and contentment settles you as you go through. Fundamentally, the joy that Im talking about is a peace of mind in absolutely certain knowledge that, at the end of it all, eternal life with Christ awaits those who are obedient to the will of God
Joy isnt synonymous with happiness. Too many (saints?) are lusting after happiness, but have no joy. Happiness is based on circumstances. If my circumstances turn out good, then I’m happy. If my circumstances turn out bad, then I’m not happy. The etemology of happiness has its roots in a 1520′s phrase which meant “good fortune”.
But how does that square with 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which says in everything (literally every circumstance) give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you?
Well, it can’t because it has a source malfunction. While the pursuit of happiness is based on the vicissitudes of life, joy is based on an unchanging and eternal God. Thus, circumstances do not affect my joy.
Purpose driven joy immediately takes control when life threatens to overwhelm you. When the enemy comes in like a flood. When you have lost something you feel is valuable to you. When things don’t happen like you want them to happen when you want them to happen.
My goal isnt simply to define joy for you, but to remind you of the purpose —and power— of joy.
David wrote: “Thou dost show me the path of life; in Thy presence there is fullness of joy, in Thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11 RSV)
You can run a check to see if your joy is righteous. Check to see if when troubles show up, you seek circumstantial relief or do you hunker down and cling to the promises of God. If you are able to know and confess to yourself that what God has done before, he can do again, your joy is right. If you can take it a step further and confess that even if he doesn’t change the situation, he is still able (reference Daniel 3:16-18), your joy is show nuff right!
David does really set forth a picture of the inner workings of joy. He was a man much acquainted with trouble and pains. Yet his confession always extolled the law of the Lord as his hope for resolution.
The law of The Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of The Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of The Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of The Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of The Lord is clean, enduring for ever; the ordinances of The Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19
Joy is not ours, it is God’s gift to us. In other words, we have no ability to produce this joy on our own. God gives us his supernatural joy to help us navigate through the pitfalls of our sojourn. Joy then isnt the product of the natural mind but the product of the Holy Ghost. If it is not a product of the natural mind, then pursuing any solution apart from the guidance of the Holy Ghost will produce very limited and pale imitations of what God intended for you to experience.
The concept of joy as expressed in the Bible contains a wealth of synonymous terms but they cannot easily be differentiated. The commonest is simchah translated as “joy,” “gladness,” “mirth”. Then there’s sameah, which means “to be bright,” “to shine”, but generally used figuratively “to rejoice,” “be glad”. These definitions only define the expression of joy, but its purpose. In this regard, the Word of God presents a much more complex virtue than any definition can adequately express.
JESUS JOY
Purpose driven joy then is a result of our seeking first the kingdom of God. Too many of us seek after things that do not satisfy. But when we seek God and our place with him, we discover that life really is beautiful (smile right there). We become focused on God and the things of God. We become what I would call seeking saints. We seek to please God and consequently find a reciprocity of joy in our own lives.
Biblical joy is inseparable from right relationship with God. If God is actually present and active in our lives, the joy He experiences is fulfilled in us PS 16:11. Joy is the sign that your life has truly found its purpose! This, too, is a revelation of God, for no one can come to Him and find the purpose of life unless He, by His Spirit, calls and reveals it.
Purposeful joy motivates us to serve God and accomplish his purpose in our lives.
How could Jesus have joy in the situation he was in? It was excruciating becoming King of kings, Lord of lords and our High Priest—the Savior of all mankind. There was a preordained joy in him that confirmed the cross ordeal would come to pass, thus fulfilling the will of God. There was joy in heaven that the plan of God was moving forward, and God would then have more sons and daughters. His suffering on his cross produced joy unspeakable in us as we carry ours.
Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.
Knowing the will of God
Why am I here?
Where should I fit in?
What do I do with my life?
Have you ever asked yourself these questions? If you have, then you’re no different from millions of other Christians who have sought to understand the meaning of their lives. Many people it seems, want to know the “will of God”, but it slips by them like a silent whisper. Have you looked at other people wondering how they could be so secure in doing kingdom work? If you have, wonder no longer because behind the “secret” of their security is a solid goal and a purpose they have come to understand, accept, and practice. Its called the will of God. Think of God’s will, not as a secret, but as hidden treasure. As hidden treasure, he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
What is God’s “Will”?
I heard someone say “God’s will is God’s word”. I agree with that. You can be sure that if you are doing something or supporting something the Word of God has deemed sin or unacceptable to God, then it is not his will. Conversely, just because something is difficult (even beyond your capabilities) doesn’t mean it is not the will of God. I would add to that God is his will and his word (John 1:1-3). The primary source for discovering God’s will for your life, is in the pages of God’s word. Its in the lines and between the lines. Its both what is said as well as what is not said. Again, he has placed it there for you to earnestly seek out. The treasure you seek is not just information, but rather the One who holds the information. Please understand that because it is treasure, there exists a degree of difficulty (including the time factor) in finding it. No one finds treasure laying about in the open.
We know from Romans 12:2 that whatever the will of God is, it is good and perfect and pleasing. So we don’t have to be afraid of it. We also know from Jeremiah 29:11 that God has predetermined a strategy to bring you to an “expected end” (his expectation, not ours).
The word will is translated from the Greek “thelema” which means “to will”. This doesn’t signify some demand, but an expression of pleasure towards the object of God’s pleasure (you). Thelema was used by biblical writers to designate what God Himself does of his own good pleasure and what he had ordained out of his sovereignty. In short, what God has planned for you is because he wants it.
So does God has a plan for your life? Absolutely. When I say plan I mean something he created you uniquely to do and because of that He will likewise equip you to complete that task. His plan for you will ultimately accomplish two major purposes:
(1) bring another person into reconciliation with God resulting in glory and praise for God;
(2) bring glory and praise to God resulting in another person being reconciled to God
This seems to be what Solomon surmises in Ecclesiastes 12:13. “…here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
Within those two broad intents lie the plan that God has for you. It is not filled with specifics for a reason.
It is God’s desire that we all know His will for us. If a Christian misses God’s will its like missing a turn on a lonely highway and being lost on an unfamiliar detour. So knowing God’s will is very important. As a matter of fact if you don’t discover it, you will live your (Christian) life unfulfilled, unhappy and unfruitful. Knowing and living in his will for you will dramatically set you apart from those who meander aimlessly through church life.
I was teaching a discipleship class once and I asked for a show of hands from all those who knew what God had specifically called them to accomplish. Out of approximately 30 odd people, only 4-5 people raised their hands. When I asked those few to share their specific calling, the numbers got even smaller. The answers were more or less general in nature.
It suggested to me that a vast majority of the rank and file church attendees are clueless as to the meaning of the lives. They come to church, participate in church activities (perhaps faithfully) but inside are deeply dissatisfied without understanding the reason for their dissatisfaction. Consequently when you are not 100% convinced of God’s will for your life, you will always be in flux and susceptible to deception that appeals to answering that question with temporary solutions.
There are not two wills of God, but there are two aspects of his will.
One is a general will for all people.
For example, it is God’s will that all people be saved. (2 Peter 3:9) It is God’s desire that we are blessed and in good health (1 John 3:3). God has called us unto holiness, not uncleaness (1 Thess 4:7).
Most become satisfied with these generalities. They are good, but beyond that is something specifically, that God has determined you should accomplish. Like Solomon, building the first temple or like Paul taking the gospel to the Gentiles. Or like Mary bearing and delivering the Christ. Remember Moses was chosen to tell Pharoah, “let my people go!”. What about Jesus who was born to die for the sins of the world?
Now, what about you? Do you know his will for you? If you know it, are you passionately working it out for God’s glory?
