Living the Life – 3 C’s of a Kingdom Lifestyle – REPOST

December 5, 2011 — Roderick

Though many do not like to talk about it, death is a part of man’s existence. As Christians, we should be dead to the old man and alive to God and Kingdom Living. Anyway, Death is something that everyone will have to face, naturally speaking. Yet, the Christian has hope in Christ that when we depart from this life, we will live again forever with Him. However, numerous individuals live without any regard for their eternal destination.  The Christian has to be on the watch. This is demonstrated in paying attention your lifestyle, manner, and conduct.

There are Christians who live as if there is no standard of living for them after they have received Christ. Each of these groups of people are not prepared for their date with destiny; that is, the moment that they will stand before the judgment seat of God and of Christ.

Because of the sure promises of scripture, we must all prepare (watch) to meet Christ at His return or at our departure from this life. Therefore, we want to give three things that we can do to be prepared for our entrance into eternity.

1. Clothe Ourselves - In the scriptures, righteousness and good morals are likened unto clothing. We must make sure we are clothed with the attributes of proper Christian character and conduct.

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke. Isaiah 59:17 (KJV)

2. Clean Ourselves – We must make sure that we are open with God about our weakness so that He can forgive us and cleanse us. Then, with His help, we must turn from thoughts and deeds that do not please Him.

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil. Isaiah 1:16 (KJV)

3. Clock Ourselves - To clock means to keep track of time. In order for us to be prepared for our eternal destination, we must be aware of the times that we are living in. In addition, we must know that we will only live for a specified length of time on this earth. Therefore, we must live with this in mind, which should help us to prepare ourselves continually.

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Romans 13:11 (KJV)

The Christian can be assured of His eternal salvation, but he must not take it for granted. Christ came to save us from our sins, which enables us to overcome them while we live. This prepares us for eternal life in the kingdom. Live  in expectation of the kingdom. Are you watching?

Well, there you have it. For more topics of interest, I have included this and more information in my inspirational series entitled, “Is There A Word From the Lord? – Book III” which is available at Kingdom Builders Publishing.

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Daily Faith and the Christian: Three Reasons to Stand in Faith

October 3, 2011 — Roderick

Image by MSO Clipart

Everything created has a beginning and an end. We expect things at some point in time to stop. However, as Christians, there is something that we cannot ever stop doing; that is, we cannot stop believing in our God. Foundational to the Christian life is the ability to have faith; that is, believe. Without a belief in the work of God through Jesus Christ, one cannot enter into salvation. Moreover, the obtained salvation cannot be maintained without an ever growing faith, hope, and belief in God.

Our belief in God has to go beyond a general belief in His existence. It has to expand to a solid belief in His power and ability to move on our behalf. Why do Christians stop believing that God is willing to move on their behalf? Even after He has done so many things apparently, it can still be difficult to trust Him. Many are double-minded: they swing between believing and not believing. Yet, it is time now to strengthen our faith in Christ again. We have to have a daily, active faith in our Christian walk.

Christians may not wrestle with belief in His existence, but they do wrestle with belief in His willingness to intervene in their life affairs. In this state, spiritual development is frustrated. This type of erroneous thinking frustrates many. Causes for this thinking vary from individual to individual. Some do not believe because they do not think they deserve anything from God. Others feel that they have done so much wrong that God could not possibly hear their requests. Yet, others feel that if they are not a “called” person then God is not concerned about them. All of these thoughts are inconsistent with sound biblical doctrine. Here are 3 reasons why a Christian must not stop believing in God (through prayers) who will walk with them daily:

1. We are instructed to pray. Jesus taught on numerous occasions concerning prayer. He said that we are to always pray and not faint. The parable He used demonstrated that even though we may have to pray about a situation more than once, it does not mean we will not get our request. We should come to Him in prayer, again, because He said so. He gives an open invitation. Why not receive it?

2. We are instructed to pray in expectation. He told us to ask in faith, believing we will receive from Him. Though there are times when our requests are rejected (for our benefit nonetheless), we can never stop believing that He will give us what we have asked for. He said that everyone that asks will receive. Jesus said that if our earthly fathers knew how to give good things, how much more our heavenly Father. If you are bold enough to make the supplication, He is God enough to perform it.

3. We are instructed to pray so that God would receive glory. When we pray and God answers accordingly, He receives glory. How? We bring glory to His name personally and as tell others of His good works towards us. God receives no glory in unanswered prayers. Trust that He will do it for you. Develop your times of prayer before Christ. Do not doubt His presence and power to perform your requests. If it is not in His will, He will give you peace in the midst of it. Remember, never accept defeat in faith: Don’t Stop Believing.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful.

Posted in Bible Study, Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment »

The Demand of the Kingdom: Self-Denial

September 5, 2011 — Roderick

Image by MSO Clipart

From the beginning, God used death in order to produce life. After Adam and Eve sinned, God killed animals in order to provide clothing for their nakedness. When the Israelites were in Egyptian captivity, the blood of lambs was used so that their lives would be spared as the Lord slew the firstborn of the Egyptians.

After the inauguration of the Law, animals were slain and their blood used, not only for consecration, but also for the preservation of the lives of those who needed atonement for sin. When the Law failed, God sent Jesus into the world.

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. (Romans 8:3)

However, He was not sent to live, but to deny Himself and give His life for many. The Jews rejected Him and did not know Him, even though Caiaphas (the High Priest during the days of Christ) prophesied that a man (Jesus) should die for the nation. Paul said that in Adam, many were made sinners, but through Christ (and His death) many were made righteous.

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. (Romans 5:19)

His self-denial and death gave us the opportunity to live again, as children of God. It took Christ’s death on the cross for us to be made alive again under the New Covenant. His death and self-denial gave us access to the Kingdom of God. If we are to, presently, live and walk properly in the Kingdom of God, we must meet the demand of the kingdom.

The demand of the kingdom is self-denial. Self-denial was required to make us partakers of the kingdom, and death is required for us to maintain our place in the kingdom.

It is hard for us to deny ourselves for many reasons. The first reason is that we are born with inherent self-preservation instincts. Our natural bodies go through changes daily, so that it can live. When the body needs nutrients, it experiences hunger. When the body needs water, it experiences thirst.

Other natural defenses are also in the body. When the body is sick, symptoms are experienced. This is the body’s way of notifying you of where the problem is. When there is a cut or scratch, the body automatically mends it. When there is an infection, the body becomes feverish in an attempt to destroy the problem. All of these things occur for the sake of self-preservation.

In addition to the body’s natural drive for self-preservation, cultural influences teach us to fight for a place in society, to make a name for ourselves, and lay hold of your own identity. With all of these influences in our lives, God’s call for self-denial then becomes a call to change our approach to life. However, as partakers of salvation, it is not only our responsibility, but it is also the command of God. It is a prerequisite for living in victory in the Kingdom of God, both now and forever.

We can learn to deny ourselves and fulfill the will of God and respond to the demand of the kingdom by:

1) Surrendering to the will of God. (Romans 8:29)

2) Submitting to the authority of the word of God. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

3) Selling out completely to Him. (I John 2:15)

All of these things are not always easy, but through the power of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence, they can become a reality in the Christian life and experience.

Posted in Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »
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