Unchanging Truth

When we fell, we fell hard. That's what the book of Genesis shows us again and again. When God created us (the human race), he gave us everything we could possibly want, including the opportunity to choose for ourselves whether to obey or disobey him.

We looked around at paradise, saw how perfect everything would be if we would just follow God's plan . . . and then took off on a sin spree that ruined everything. Creation hasn't been the same since. And once we got a taste of sin, we were hooked. Lying, cheating, sex with strangers, incest, kidnapping, rape, murder, human sacrifice—nothing was too disgusting or too nasty for us.

The thing is, though, no matter how far we fell, no matter how sick and twisted things got, no matter how badly we messed things up, God never stopped loving us. Sure, he called down some scary judgments to remind us how seriously he takes sin, but he never wiped us off the face of the earth or abandoned us. He never gave us what we deserved. Why? Because God had a plan to make things right again, a way for us to enjoy the kind of relationship with him that he had in mind all along.

If you've done some things that have seemingly ruined your relationship with God, don't let that be the end of your story. Do something about it. Admit what you've done. Ask God to forgive you, and start again. Remember, God allows "do overs."

Source: NIV Revolution: The Bible for Teen Guys Author: Christopher D. Hudson Reading level: Ages 13 and up Hardcover: 1664 pages Publisher: Zondervan (October 20, 2003) Language: English Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 1.8 inches

From Harm to Good

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20)

A variety of good reasons might cause the sons of Jacob to proceed in Egypt, despite having the prophetic vision Abraham had of their bondage there. Assessing Joseph from the common temperament of human nature, they assumed that he would most likely avenge himself on those who loathed and wounded him without reason. Not being in position to stand up against, or to run away, they attempted to soften him by humbling themselves. They pleaded with him as the servants of Jacob's God. Joseph was considerably affected at witnessing this complete fulfillment of his dreams. He sends them not to fear him, but to fear God; to humble themselves before the Lord, and to seek the Divine forgiveness. He reassures them of his own kindness to them.

Witness what an exceptional spirit Joseph was of, and learn of him to render good for evil. He comforted them, and, to eliminate all their anxieties, spoke kindly to them. Broken spirits has to be bound up and encouraged. Those we love and forgive, we must not only do well for, but speak kindly to.

Hearing and Doing - Be Doers

But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. 
Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
(James 1:22 NLT)

You are only deceiving your own selves and your souls when you are just merely reading the Bible or hearing the word of God but not doing it. If you think that by reading your Bible daily, by being punctual in attending the church service, or by giving respectful attention to the sermon, you have done all that is required of you, you are laboring under a most gross self-deception.

There are multitudes that seem to imagine that they have done all that is demanded of them when they listen attentively to the word preached, or read the Bible regularly. They heard the word, they believed it, but they did not obey nor put it to practical use. They tend to forget that the main thing is that they should be obedient to the word. They put a sort of inactive faith in the place of all moral righteousness and reasoned themselves into a state of carnal security.

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. (Matthew 7:26)

Though the word should be heard quickly and eagerly, and received with humility and submission; yet it should not be just heard and accepted; but what is heard should be put in practice. You should not depend upon your hearing, as if that would save you; this is deceiving your own selves.

It is not sufficient to "hear" the word of God; they must be "obeyed."

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matthew 7:24)

Be ye doers of the word - And they are such, who spiritually understand it; gladly receive it; and from the heart obey it, and make a sincere and honest walk of life; and who submit to its direction, and keep them as they have been delivered.

I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. (Luke 6:47)

He is not only a hearer, but a doer of the word of God. He receives the doctrines in the love of them, and cheerfully obeys and exercises faith on them. This is the great work and calling of a true Christian; he is to do, and does do in this life because of his love for God; not to obtain eternal life but as a result of God's grace and righteousness through Christ our Lord.

Do Not Be Deceived

Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV) Do not associate with them or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

[photo by: Anupriya]

Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? (2 Corinthians 6:14–15 NLT)

The images of their gods you are to burn in the fire. Do not covet the silver and gold on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the LORD your God. (Deuteronomy 7:25)

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 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

And 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 Corinthians 6:11)

Patience in Suffering

Dear brothers and sisters*, be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. (James 5:7-8, NLT)

The farmer must wait patiently for his crops to grow; he cannot hurry the process. But he does not take the summer off and hope that all goes well in the fields. There is much work to do to ensure a good harvest.

In the same way, we must wait patiently for Christ's return. We cannot make him come back any sooner. But while we wait, there is much work that we can do to advance God's kingdom. Both the farmer and the Christian must live by faith, looking toward the future reward for their labors.

Don't live as if Christ will never come. Work faithfully to build his kingdom--the King will come when the time is right.

* all who believed in Jesus Christ, to all who are already saved

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog -- it's here a little while, then it's gone. (James 4:14 NLT)

You always hold on for your dear life. You value your life in this world so much that you sometimes or most of the times tend to forget the life after. Life is short no matter how many years we live. Don't be deceived into thinking that you have lots of remaining time to live for Christ, to enjoy your loved ones, or to do what you know you should.

Live for God today! Then, no matter when your life ends, you will have fulfilled God's plan for you.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)

Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. (Proverbs 21:21 NLT)

Put on Your New Nature

"Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him." (Colossians 3:10, NLT)

What does it mean to "put on your new nature?"

It means that your conduct should match your faith. If you have truly received Christ in your life, that is, if you are a true Christian, you should act like one. To be a Christian means more than just making good plans and resolutions and having good intentions. It does not just mean doing the good things; it means taking the right actions. Doing good things is good but will not always be right; but doing the right things will never be wrong and is always good and pleasing to the Father who gave us life. This is a straightforward step that is as simple as putting on your clothes but may not be very easy for many.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self [and your old sinful ways], which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24) ... as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:4).

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2) Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:14)

Freedom Purchased - Deal Closed

JESUS PURCHASED OUR FREEDOM THROUGH HIS BLOOD

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:7-8 NLT)

WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE

Grace is God's voluntary and loving favor given to those he saves. We can't earn salvation, nor do we deserve it.

No religious, intellectual, or moral effort can gain it, because it comes only from God's mercy and love. Without God's grace, no person can be saved.

To receive it, we must acknowledge that we cannot save ourselves, that only God can save us, and that our only way to receive this loving favor is through faith in Christ.

Letting Go of the Familiar – No Turning Back

Letting go of the familiar is tough. Changing careers or colleges or moving to a new city can take an emotional toll on us. It's even more difficult to leave behind old habits, attitudes and behaviors.

Lot's wife wasn't able to let go of her home in Sodom, even though God sent angels to warn her family to run for their lives because judgment was coming. In fact, the angels' warnings included such grave commands as "Don't look back" and "Don't stop." Why in the world did this woman choose to stop and look back? Could it be that she loved the life she was leaving too much? Though Sodom was full to overflowing with sin and vice, apparently the dark and oppressive city was comfortably familiar to Lot's wife.

It is difficult to leave the familiar behind. That fact is as true today as it was in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction—even when God himself is saying, "It's time to move on." If you've ever struggled with a destructive habit, you've felt the pull of the familiar—even as you've sensed God's nudge, "Move on now." You've experienced the temptation to turn back just one more time, for one last look, one last taste, one last "fix"—even as God has whispered, "Don't look back." Maybe you've agonized over a loved one's downward spiral, desperately attempting to rescue them time and time again—until finally God impressed upon you, "Stop. Let go."

Unlike Lot's wife, none of us has ever become a pillar of salt by turning back for one last peek. Yet we all struggle with the difficulties of letting go of the old in order to grasp the new. Take heart. God understands that letting go of the familiar is hard. Yet he has called us to move on to new life in Jesus Christ by letting go of our old worldly lives, our old habits, our old dreams—to boldly move forward without looking back.

When you feel God's call to move, allow him to guide you. He will give you the grace to do whatever he has asked.

(Bible Reading: Genesis 19:1–26)

Are You Convicted by God or Satan?

There are two kinds of conviction: one is a tool of God, the other a tool of Satan.

Satan uses conviction to paralyze you, convincing you that you have no hope of change. He uses it to remind you of your failures long after God has both forgiven and forgotten them. Satan wrongly convicts you to rob you of your joy.

In contrast, God uses conviction to cause you to turn to him for forgiveness and cleansing. He uses conviction to show you your need for a Savior and to draw you to him. So who’s wielding this tool in your life now?

Hosea 5:15

"Then I will return to my lair

until they have borne their guilt

and seek my face—

in their misery

they will earnestly seek me."

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. (John 14:29)

"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

"Come now; let us leave. {John 14:15-31 NIV)

---

Clarke's Commentary on the Bible
John 14:29 I have told you before it come to pass - Lest my death should be a stumbling-block to you, I have spoken of it beforehand, and showed you the necessity of it, that when it happens ye may believe, that as I could predict it so clearly, and so circumstantially, so all the good which I have promised shall be the result may be confidently expected by you; and that your sorrow, if not entirely removed, may at least be much mitigated.

---

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
John 14:29 And now I have told you before it came to pass,.... This is a strong proof of his true and proper deity, for none but the omniscient God can tell of things before they come to pass; this is peculiar to him, and distinguishes him from the gods of the Gentiles; see Isaiah 41:22;

that when it is come to pass, ye might believe: that is, that when he was removed from them, and gone to his Father, they might then believe that he was truly God, the Son of God, the promised Messiah; and that he was then in glory, and at the right hand of God.

---

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

John 14:28-31 Christ raises the expectations of his disciples to something beyond what they thought was their greatest happiness. His time was now short, he therefore spake largely to them. When we come to be sick, and to die, we may not be capable of talking much to those about us; such good counsel as we have to give, let us give while in health. Observe the prospect Christ had of an approaching conflict, not only with men, but with the powers of darkness. Satan has something in us to perplex us with, for we have all sinned; but when he would disturb Christ, he found nothing sinful to help him. The best evidence of our love to the Father is, our doing as he has commanded us. Let us rejoice in the Saviour's victories over Satan the prince of this world. Let us copy the example of his love and obedience.

Like a Double-Edged Sword

The Truth Struck Me Like a Double-Edged Sword Still I Yearn for More

When I hear or read the word "Christian" there's one experience from my childhood that brings a light at the back of my mind. Our teacher in catechism asked us the meaning of the word "CHRISTIAN". After we had given our answers, she erased the letters C-H-R-I-S-T leaving the letters I-A-N on the chalkboard.

Then she asked us, "Now that I have taken C-H-R-I-S-T, what was left?"

We answered in chorus, "I-A-N!"

"Do you know what this means?", our teacher asked.

The Great Book Exchange

What must I do to qualify?

Have you done the following?

Christening Baptism Confirmation Praying occasionally Going to church Believing in God Trying to be good

Great! But although these are all good things, none of these can qualify you. These are the popular misconceptions about the "requirements" of God's gift of forgiveness.

There are only two things that you must do to qualify:

The Greatest Love Story Ever

John 3:16 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.

Have you realized the great sacrifice God made for you? Are you worthy of that sacrifice? Why should Jesus die for you?

 ... because of LOVE

God loves you so much that although you have rejected Him

I Want to Know You More

If you are still curious why Jesus is necessary for your salvation, I challenge you to pick a Bible and read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5); it won't take long. You can further read the book of John particularly John 14 and John 17 where he identifies the beauty of the promises to us.

I believe in my heart that you will realize that Jesus' teachings are superior to anything you have read and you will want to learn more. I have personally experienced this. Jesus said, "Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." (John 7:17)

God's Love is Amazing

God wants you to know that He loves you so much and that He has great plans for you. Now He stands at the door and knocks. It is up to you to either open the door and pursue a personal relationship with God or ignore His knock and reject Him outright. The only way for God to gain entrance is through the door; and Jesus Christ is the door. God has given you the freewill to reach for the door and the decision is yours to make. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

The "good news" of salvation is delivered here, but will you continue to read and hear it? Will you be among the few who listened and believed in the message?

or

Will you be among the thousands who rejected the message before even hearing it because of their loyalty to the teachings of their inherited faith?

Jesus is calling you now, but will you come?

Your Good Works Cannot Save You

You attend the church mass,
You pray everyday,
You help those who are in need,
You serve in your community,
You religiously follow the church doctrines,
You obey God's laws, and
You did all the good deeds you can think of.

You feel pretty great about yourself. Certainly, you believe that on the day of judgment, God will weigh up all your good works, forgive your sins because you've done good, save you from hell and open the gates to heaven. Are you sure you can be saved by doing good works? How certain are you?

If you believe this then THINK again! You are being deceived by evil and have been an unsuspecting victim of his lies because the Bible tells us that good works cannot save you.

Why Is It That Good Works Cannot Save You?

Suppose you prepare an egg omelet. The eggs you cracked were rotten but you don't want to throw them away. To save the rotten eggs, you added fresh eggs to eliminate the rottenness. By doing so, did it really eliminate the eggs' rottenness?

Encounter With God - The Moment I Was Baptized With The Holy Spirit

The pastor laid his hands on my head and encouraged me to open my mouth ... nothing happened. Everyone around me was speaking in a language I could not understand; the words they speak are totally foreign to me. I checked myself and asked, "Is my faith not yet enough for God to accept me as His child?" Then I asked God, "Lord, what is lacking in me?"

While I was speaking in silence with my eyes closed, I saw blurry images of words and/or syllables. My ignorance made me think that maybe I will read the words I saw in my mind. I tried to read them but failed. The words were so unclear and they were moving so fast ... except one. That word was lenovo.

The pastor laid his hands again on my head. This time, I prayed to God, "Lord, you see my mind and my heart. If you think that I am now ready to receive you please accept me. I humble myself to you Lord. But if, for You, I am not yet ready and still need to learn Your ways, then Your will be done."

Suddenly, I felt the warmth from my head and