Predestination – some not all?

I want to give a brief answer to the above question received. 

Bible teaches predestination, and it says he chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-5). Predestined (vs.5). Other major passages include Romans 8:29, 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (God has chosen you from the beginning for Salvation..and He called you in time through the Gospel that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ).

Romans 8.29 and 8:30 repeatedly say “predestination.” It says those whom He predestined, these he called, whom he called, he justified. These are also glorified – the Salvation is full and complete in His choice before the foundation of the world. All the verbs are used in the past tense for certainty and assurance of His Salvation He provides. It says He predestined, He called, He justified, and these are glorified.

Jesus said, and it is recorded in John 15:15, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” 

Jesus also said, and it is recorded in John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” In essence, we were given the great commission to preach the Gospel to all people everywhere, but only people who were drawn by God would come and accept Jesus as the savior. 

Acts 13:48 says, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Notice it says as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

2nd Timothy 1:8 says believers are saved based on God’s purpose and grace, and this was according to his choice not based on our good works but based on his purpose. He gave Salvation even before the ages began to those whom he saves. It says, “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” God made the predestination before the foundation of the world or before the ages began, as the above verses convey. 

Colossians 3:12 called the believer “God’s chosen ones.” It says, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Romans 8:33 says, “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” You see, no one can say charges against – here come the world “God’s elect.” Why? Because is God who justifies. Romans 8:34 says, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one.” Salvation from the very beginning to the very end belongs to God. 

To me, it is a basic foundational doctrine of the Bible, even if we like it or not. Also, read Romans 9:10-13 regarding the election of Jacob before the twins were even born in Rebekah’s womb. God chose those who would be saved and granted eternal life, and yet we are responsible for preaching the Gospel to all people. The reason is that we do not know who all would be saved. Only God knows. He sends us and our message to the whole world and accomplishes his purpose of Salvation which he purposed before the ages began. 

I know it may be hard for some people to reconcile these two facts of the general calling of all and the special choice of God for His Salvation. However, this is a fundamental truth Bible teaches us.

We can trust God and understand more when we are with him in heaven soon.  

If I have faith, but all I see in me is the flesh am I really saved? I see too much flesh, not spirit.

This is a question I got in one of my Facebook groups. And I am so glad I got this question.

The Bible teaches us growing in Christ means more looking like Galatians 5:22-23 and less looking like Galatians 5:19-21. Galatians 5:19-21 says, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery;  idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

A believer in Jesus, as he or she grows in Him by the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit and the sanctifying work of the Word of God (the Bible) gradually moves away from more flesh to more spiritual fruit by every day leaning/ walking by the Holy Spirit. This is really what is meant by Spiritual growth or progress.  The divine agent of your transformation is the indwelling Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16-17 gives the secret of this transformation. It says there, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

A believer who accepted Jesus as his or her savior also has two mechanisms inside them. They are flesh and Spirit. The only difference is prior to the acceptance of Christ as their savior by believing in Jesus as their savior who died, buried, and rose again for all of their sins, there was only one mechanism and that was flesh. Now there are two- flesh and the Indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who was given to all believers in Jesus who trusted in Him as their savior, as a seal/pledge/security or deposit guaranteeing their future inheritance until the day of redemption for the praise of God’s glory. Galatians 5 says there is a going war between the two desires-fleshly desires and the desire of the Holy Spirit to grow in the Lord and live an obedient life to the Lord Jesus. Who we would yield to would determine the spiritual progress. The more we lean on the Holy Spirit to bring forth spiritual fruit, the more fruitful we become. It says there,  “walk by the Spirit”. When we walk we lean on one foot and move forward the other feet to make the next step. The same concept of the moment by moment, action by action, word by word leaning on the Holy Spirit is the meaning here. The choice is ours. God gave His Holy Spirit inside a believer and He is the divine helper who facilitates spiritual progress as we lean on Him on every occasion. The second agent of our spiritual growth is the Bible-the word of God. The more we study and meditate on the word of God, the more and faster our spiritual growth becomes.

When I read your question, I understand that you confessed you have faith in the Lord Jesus, didn’t you? The reason why you are aware of more flesh is a fact that the Holy Spirit and the word of God are working inside you. The reason for your question proved to me that you are saved. An unsaved person isn’t really concerned about flesh actions. But you are different by the way I understand your question. If you accepted Jesus as your savior by asking forgiveness of your sins you are saved. This is the beginning point of your spiritual journey-believing Jesus is your savior and God sent Him for your salvation and that Jesus died, buried, and rose again for your sake to save you and grant you eternal life. This is what is called the good news or the Gospel. The salvation or declared righteousness (right standing before God) is the result of your faith in Jesus Christ as the Bible says in Romans 3:22, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” Listen-“right standing by faith in Jesus to all who believe.” Now justification and sanctification are two different aspects. You may not feel justified to God cause you are more aware of flesh. But the truth of the word of God stands and must override your feelings. Truth always overrides feelings. Now since you are a believer in Christ, of course, it takes time to grow in the Lord.

Spiritual growth does not happen overnight or that soon as you think. However, leaning on the Lord and the Holy Spirit on every occasion and learning the Bible, will expedite your growth and help you to produce Christian fruit as described vs 22-23 of Galatians 5. It is a process with the divine capacity available to believers to mortify flesh actions and allow the Holy Spirit to control our behaviors. It is our decision to yield to Holy Spirit every time. It must be a believer’s decision not to yield to the flesh. I understand it is much easier to say than daily practice. The more we yield to the Holy Spirit and the word of God, the less fleshly we would look. Moreover, in difficult times, the Holy Spirit comes for our help as He is called the helper, if we truly seek His help and stand yielded to Him.

Also understand, all true believers experience this tug of war between flesh and the desires of the Holy Spirit because their desires are truly contrary as Galatians passage teaches us. We struggle in this process of what is called sanctification-becoming more like Jesus Christ bearing the fruits.

Romans 8:29 says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” So Almighty and all-powerful God who predestined you is at work inside you. That is a comforting thought. Phillippians 2:13 says, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him”. Philippians 1:6 gives this assurance and promise. It says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” God who began the good work within you, as a believer in Jesus, will get it finally and successfully finished on the day when Christ Jesus comes to take you home.

What does it mean -You must be born again?

Question -Recently I have seen the quotation “You must be born again” on a young man’s T-shirt. I have seen eBay and Amazon have T-shirts for sale on their website. I have also noticed a hefty price tag of $299, $399, etc., in some online stores. What does it all mean?

An essential question to be answered. Thank you for asking.

“You must be born again” is the statement of Jesus made to a rich ruler called Nicodemus. You can read the conversation of Nicodemus and Jesus in the Gospel of John Chapter 3. 

After the dark one night, Nicodemus came to visit Jesus. He was a Jewish religious leader – a man of the upper class. He was religious and belonged to a strict sect called Pharisees. He wanted to hear from Jesus on essential issues of life.  

Nicodemus began the conversation by saying to Jesus, “we all know that God has sent you. Your miracles are proof enough of this.” 

Jesus replied by saying, “Amen, Amen I tell you (means with all the earnestness I have, I tell you this), unless you are born again, you can never enter into the kingdom of God.”

What Jesus said to him confused Nicodemus. He exclaimed, “Born again!” What do you mean,” How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” 

You see, people still today are confused about the meaning of “born again.” We will unpack the definition of ‘born again’ here in this article. Let us learn the answer of Jesus to Nicodemus. Jesus said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” It means men can only reproduce human life. However, the Holy Spirit of God causes man to be born again from heaven. Notice the first reference of the ‘Spirit’ is in capital referring to the Holy Spirit of God and second reference of the ‘spirit’ referring the human spirit inside him. In simple terms, the Holy Spirit of God causes and allows men to be born again from heaven. 

In our physical birth, which is the first birth, each of us is born to our parents in our parent’s home. In the Spiritual birth, which is the second birth, we are born to God, our Father in heaven, into our heavenly home. 

Jesus repeated to Nicodemus emphatically again and said, do not be amazed, “You must be born again.” This statement of Jesus is what you read on the T-shirt. 

You see, unless one is born again, they can not enter into the kingdom of God. Nicodemus was a religious leader, a strict Jew, and a conservative religious person. However, his religious position and strict adherence to the Jewish religion and laws would certainly not make him born again to enter God’s kingdom and heaven. This is the meaning of ‘you must be born again”.

How be an individual born again to get qualified to enter into God’s kingdom?

Jesus took Nicodemus to the Old Testament Scriptures and said, “just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes will have eternal life in Him.” (Vs. John 3:14-15). Nicodemus, a Jewish teacher of the Law, is well familiar with Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness, as explained in Numbers 21:4-9. See below for details. 

1. The Israelites in the wilderness were disobedient, grumbling, and unthankful to God. 
2. They were judged and punished for their sins, and multitudes died. 
3. They died by poisonous serpent’s bites
4. They were unable to rescue themselves from the poisonous serpent’s bites, as people were dying around them
5. The object elevated on the pole was the emblem of their judgment
6. Moses lifted up the serpent on the pole and asked and urged them to look at the serpent to receive life 

Jesus said to Nicodemus He will be lifted up (a word used for crucifixion in John 8:28; 12:32-34) so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. They can enter into God’s kingdom because He is lifted p for them for their disobedience and sins. They will be saved from judgment and consequent eternal death away from God. Eternal death means being away from God in hell. Eternal life means living in heaven with God at the moment of your death. 

Immediately after the reference of the lifting up/ crucifixion of Jesus comes the famous John 3:16 verse. It says, ” For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, (Jesus) so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” Why? God did not send Jesus into the world to judge the world, but so that the people of the world might be saved through Him. Everyone who looks at the cross where he died for their sins and believes is not judged. The only reason for judgment is because people won’t believe in the provision of God for their forgiveness. The people can not save themselves. They need the savior God gave to enter into God’s kingdom. That savior is Jesus. 

‘Born again or ‘born from above’ or ‘born by the Holy Spirit’ (all referring to the same event) happens at the time of repentance and profession of belief in Jesus as the savior. Look to the cross where Jesus carried your sins on his body. He shed his divine and sinless blood to qualify to come to God and His heaven. You would never earn it with your best efforts. You will enter into God’s kingdom by faith in Jesus, who died on the cross for you. 

Now, May I ask you- are you born again? You can be born again by faith in Jesus right now. This is a divine and excellent opportunity to begin all over again by acquiring a brand new life by birthing into God’s family. A brand new divine and heavenly beginning. I can help you to do this right now. Pray after me. Prayer is not what qualifies you to be born again into God’s kingdom. Remember, what allows you is repentance of your sins and professed faith in Jesus, as you pray after me now.  

“God, I want to be born again and get into God’s kingdom. I also know the only way to receive salvation and eternal life is by believing Jesus died, buried, and rose again in my place to save me. I repent of my sins and believe in Jesus, and accept your invitation to enter into God’s kingdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.” 

I am a Christian. However, I find it difficult to resolve conflicts with others. Often I try to ignore it. But conflicts happen again and again. I don’t know what to do? Could you help?

Below Article is by Stan Thomas, Forney, TX

Good question! You are not alone. Many have unsettled hearts and an absence of peace when it comes to conflicts. Does the Bible talk about conflict management? Of course, it does. Let us learn from the Bible regarding the topic.

What is conflict?

Google defines conflict as “a disagreement or argument” or “to clash.” This is true, and there cannot be an agreement or unity when there is conflict.

Why do we hate conflict, or why do we avoid conflict?

We hate conflict because when God created the world, He made it for us to be in the right relationship with Him and each other. The Bible says that God created us in His own image, and we know that God is three-in-one, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Because God is a being of unity, we too desire to have unity because we were made in His image. When we clash or have disagreed with God or each other, we hate it. We were created to live in unity.

Some of us may think, “Of course, I want to avoid conflict. Why would I want conflict in my life?” However, the truth is that we do have a conflict with someone, but we want to avoid addressing that conflict, and we want to avoid it. It may be with our brother, our sister, parents, and children, in-laws, church members, etc. We have conflict, and usually, sometime later, we drop it. We pretend it never happened. We avoid it. Some may think that we avoid it or dropped it because we forgave each other. Usually, this is not the case. Usually, the conflict stays in our hearts; it builds up hate and comes out again. We avoid conflict not because we have forgiven each other but because we are too prideful. We don’t want to humble ourselves and say sorry. We love to avoid conflict, and we believe the lie that we are maintaining peace. When we don’t address the conflict, it will come up again.

Imagine a fire. A big fire, maybe a forest fire. Many of us will run from the fire. We can pretend it does not exist and avoid it, but that fire is going to keep growing, and eventually, it will catch up to us. Unlike the person that runs from the fire, some firefighters will run towards the fire. Why? How can they run towards the conflict? Because they are equipped! They have tools to fight the fire. Their gear is fireproof, and they have extinguishers meant to get rid of the fire. Why do we avoid conflict? Because we are not ready or equipped to handle the conflict.

If we are called to peace, then how can we walk towards conflict?

We do not walk towards conflict to join or fuel it even more. We walk towards the conflict to resolve it. As I stated earlier, we love to maintain peace. If we have to maintain peace constantly, then maybe there is no peace at all. We do not want to be peace fakers or peace breakers. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers…” We cannot make peace out of peace. We make peace out of conflict, and we do this by being equipped to resolve conflict.

How can I be equipped or prepared to resolve conflict?

Let’s see what Jesus has to say about conflict resolution. Read Matthew 18:15-17.

First, Jesus says to go privately to the other person, the one who has offended you. Many times we think it is wise to first go to another person or maybe a group of friends even and talk about it before addressing it privately one-on-one. This is not wisdom, and this is not what Jesus has commanded. Most likely, what this is is gossip. Don’t trust in your earthly wisdom. Trust in the wisdom of Jesus.

What do I say when I go privately to address the conflict? When you address conflict, you need to make it clear. Say the words, “You hurt me by _____,” or, “you offended me by _____.” Keep it clear and simple. However, before you tell the other person how they offended you, there is a step that you need to take. This is the most important part of conflict resolution. Before you tell them how they offended you, you need to own up to your part. Before you take out the speck in your brother’s eye, remove the log in yours. Confess whatever part of the conflict you can, even if it is the smallest thing. Maybe it’s as small as having hateful thoughts towards the other person. Maybe you only have two percent out of the entire conflict. Okay, then own up to and confess 100% of that two percent. Just like addressing how the other person offended you, keep your apology simple and clear. Make sure that you are using “I statements.” Say, “Will you please forgive me for ____,” or, “I’m sorry that I hurt you by ___.” Many times we like to feel sorry and not actually apologize. We may say something like, “I’m sorry YOU felt this way…” We need to make sure that we are actually apologizing and owning up to our part. This is so important. Most of the time, before we can even get to the part where the other person hurt us, they will apologize as well.

Next, Jesus says that if they do not forgive you or don’t want to resolve the conflict when you go privately, bring in others. Take someone both of you know and do the same thing. Own up to your part and tell them how they have offended you. “I’m sorry that I hurt you by ____,” and, “You hurt me by ____.” Do this with others present. The best thing to do is to bring others who were present at the time of the conflict.

If the problem is still not resolved, then what do you do? Jesus says in verse 17 to bring the church in. What we can assume from this verse is that the conflict is between two believers. This is important because it shows that even Christians will have conflict, and that is okay because we are not perfect. We can also assume that if the conflict is with a nonbeliever, then this step will most likely be meaningless because they do not care about the church’s opinion. This is also very important because we see the final step to take if the conflict is still not resolved after involving the church. It says that if the other person still refuses to resolve the conflict, then treat them as a non-Christian or nonbeliever. Jesus specifically says, “as a pagan or corrupt tax collector.” So we’re supposed to hate them, right? Never talk to them and completely ignore them, right? Wrong! How do we treat nonbelievers? The same way Jesus did. How did Jesus treat pagans and tax collectors? He loved them! Matthew, the author of this gospel, was a tax collector himself, and Jesus chose him to be one of the twelve disciples! Just like Jesus, we should love them and pray for them.

By refusing to resolve conflict with the church’s guidance, they are saying that they do not want to be shepherded by the church. They are saying that they do not want to be under the authority of the elders and the church. They are saying that the church has no choice in their life and that they are okay with a split or conflict within the body of Christ, the church. Even though they are going this far, we still love them and pray for them.

When should I resolve conflict?

Read Matthew 5:23-24 and Ephesians 4:26-27. The answer is now! Go and resolve the conflict now! Do it with a sense of urgency. Paul is writing the letter to the Ephesians, and he is a little more generous than Jesus. Paul says that you have 12 hours to resolve your conflict. Do it before the sun goes down! Some of us understand clearly what the Word is saying, but do we really agree with it? Jesus says now, Paul says 12 hours, and we say, “give me a few years… or actually never.” Some of us have been holding onto conflict and hurt for years! Maybe even decades! And all 52 Sundays of the year, we come to church to worship God, and He’s saying that we should not be here. Resolve your conflict and come back. Stop giving God your sacrifices at the temple and resolve your conflict. Every time we go to church to worship God, we bring our conflict with us, and you know what else we bring with us? We come to church dragging the devil with us because, as Paul says, “anger gives a foothold to the devil.”

Maybe it sounds impossible or idealistic. Yeah, this all sounds great, but come on, this would only work in a perfect world. Some of you may be thinking about that certain someone you have a conflict with and may think it’s too complicated or that this whole conflict resolution thing doesn’t apply to my situation. I have one question for you who may be thinking this way. Do you honestly believe that the words of Jesus and the commandments of God do not apply to you? Sure it sounds impossible, but the impossible is normal in the Kingdom of God through Christ Jesus.

Why should I resolve conflict, or why should I forgive the person who hurt me?

It is not easy to forgive someone who hurt us. It is a lot easier to feel angry and not forgive. Interestingly in Matthew 18, after Jesus gives instructions for conflict resolution, he gives a parable, the parable of the unforgiving debtor. Read Matthew 18:21-35. Why should I forgive? Because God has forgiven me. There is a debt that I owe to God, and I cannot pay Him back. However, He has forgiven me and paid the debt for me. He paid the debt of my sins by sending His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for my sins. He loves us so that we will love each other, and He forgives us so that we will forgive each other. Loved people love people, and forgiven people forgive people. Remember that you are loved and forgiven.

I sincerely hope this articles gives you Biblical help with regard to your question-how to resolve conflicts.

Stan

Who Should I vote on November 3, 2020?

God expects you to choose your leaders based on His kingdom values and goals.

“Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.” Deuteronomy 1:13.

The above Bible verse inform us that God advances His plans through the election or selection of people. Our vote or election is important in the overall implementation of God’s kingdom plan on the earth. God has His divine ideals, and He partners with people like you and me to establish it.

Sometimes I come across the question of what I think about the coming US presidential election and the candidates. People make political parties. However, God is more interested in His kingdom agenda and goals. I would say this, if you are a Christian and believe the Bible is God’s Word, then your worldview is not what culture dictates or supports. You form your worldview on what the Bible and God’s Word says to you.

Secondly, understand today’s significant issues—the church in the past faced with idol worship, false teaching, and hypocritical legalism, and few others. However, Think what in the world is against the Bible values today. Of course, here in the US, it is not the worship of idols. Truly, false teaching is still an issue. Along with it, I believe other major current issues includes pro life vs. pro choice, alternate sex life style, threat against the traditional family structure, racism, religious extremism like ISIS and militant and intolerant religious bias all over the world, worry about religious freedom, and of course where do we stand with God’s promise to the nation Israel and Gospel proclamation. Are we going to be against Israel or pro-Israel? Are we going to support religious freedom that allows us to communicate God’s love and grace freely?

These and other important questions must be answered based on the Word of God before we go and cast our votes. This year’s election is more important than the 2016 election because of the extremist thought process and resultant actions we observed in the past few years.

I do not suggest to whom you should vote. Both men have inadequacies and faults because they are human. However, what is their conviction about Bible values? As Dr. Tony Evans recently said, I also believe God is not interested in Republicans or Democrats. I do not  think He favors Democrats or Republics. Both have good and bad people and policies. However, I know one thing -God is passionate and aggressive about the values He placed in His eternal, and everlasting Word called the Bible. Regardless of what you do or do not do, God would move forward with his timeless principles and fulfill His kingdom agenda. Knowingly or unknowingly, you and I can be part of it or against it. It is a good thing to participate in God’s kingdom goals and agenda.

Therefore pray for wisdom. Suppose you sincerely pray for wisdom according to His promise. In that case, he will give you abundant wisdom without reproach or rebuke. As God gives insight into your heart due to your genuine prayer, make sure you go to the voting locations and cast your vote. The only thing I would like to say is you must vote for God’s agenda and program. Forget about political parties and personalities. Focus on God’s timeless principles and kingdom ideas and plan.

Remember, we cannot afford to be silent and passive. We have to get involved in God’s plan because we are His children. The teachbible.org is online because we do not want to be quiet or passive about God’s salvation and goals. We must get involved with God. He called us to do it. We have a role to play, and by casting our votes based on Bible values, we are doing the will of God this year. Go forward, take time to vote, and express your choice in this election based on Bible values and the well being of our children and nation.

“Father in heaven, I want to participate with you in your kingdom plan. I need wisdom to figure out who should I caste my vote. Please give me your wisdom based on Your Word. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Why should I become a Christian?

I believe another similar question is this – why should you go to a physician when you are sick. You do not have to. However, if you want healing from the sickness and the consequent dangers, you need a medical doctor. Jesus said and it is recorded in Mark 2:17, “When Jesus heard that, he said to them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor; those who are sick do. I’ve come to call sinners, not people who think they have God’s approval.”

Bible says all humans have a fundamental sickness and that is called ‘sin’. When we lie, cheat, hate, say bad words, do wrong thinking or imaginations, have sexual lusts and break any laws we do sin. Therefore, there is not one person in this whole universe who is not tainted by the sickness called sin. Sin is universal.

Some people think they can do a lot of karma (good works) and get forgiveness for their sins. However, no amount of karma is good enough to get full forgiveness for a person’s sin. Bible says being sinful is a condition all people inherited from their parents- Adam and Eve. This sickness runs through our body system. Nobody can stop sinful propensities in our life as long as you live here. You may make a decision you won’t do any sins or wrong words, thinking or actions this year. Tragically all people fail to keep such a resolution. 

Read slowly below and think about it.

Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 7:14-25, “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.  And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.  For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.  Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

 “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

 You see you and I want to do right. However, the principle of sin is within us. With all good intentions, we still end up falling short or do the wrong things that we do not really want to do. Then He cried out “what a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?”

Did you notice the answer given after this question? It says, thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” 

This is true Christianity is all about. Christianity is not a religion although many people make it look like a religion by introducing man-made traditions and rituals in it. True Christianity is a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 

Bible says in 1st peter 2:24-25 this about Jesus Christ, “He (Jesus) himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds, you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 

Because Jesus, the Son of God, bore our sins in his body and went to the cross and died in your place to pay for all of your sins, now you can have a personal loving relationship with God. You now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls- God. 

The truth is this – no river, no washing by the water, no sacred place visits would grant you the forgiveness of sins. God promises and says this-I sent my Son, Jesus, to the world that you may get forgiveness of all your sins, and you can come to my loving presence. And you and I can have a loving relationship here on this earth and after your death in heaven with Me. Not because of any of your works or merits, but because of the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of my Son, Jesus Christ on your behalf. 

This is the beauty of true Christianity. God is not angry with you. God does not hate you. God is not against you. God does not want to judge and punish you for your sins and wrongdoings. You do not need to live in fear. He made the best solution for humanity’s sickness called ‘sin’ in the person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ. He established a loving and compassionate relationship with you in Jesus Christ. 

God assures forgiveness and eternity with Him in heaven if you accept His loving offer. You do not need anything. Just accept the gift offered to you by the confession of your faith in the savior Jesus Christ.

God promises “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Everyone who calls on the name of Jesus will be saved.

How can I be saved forever? Just call on the name of Jesus and ask to save you. It is that simple. God made it that simple so that everyone can get His forgiveness, salvation and eternal life. 

Romans 10:9 says, “If you say with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

You can now open our mouth and say Jesus is Lord and believe He died in your place for your sins and shortcomings. Instantly you are saved forever, forgiven forever and, granted eternal life. 

You see how beautifully the basic problem of humanity that separated you from a holy God is solved once for all. You did not take any initiative. God took the initiative first for your salvation. Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” While we were still helpless and sinners, God sent His Son to die in your place. Now you have God’s love. Not anger or hatred. You do not need to fear God anymore. God becomes your loving and perfect Father. You have peace with God in and through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

1 John 4:9-10 says, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son (Jesus) into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” God loves you. He sent Jesus, His Son, as an atoning sacrifice for your sins. No more offerings or sacrifices needed. It is a done deal in Christ Jesus. 

Why should I become a true Christian? There are Christians who call themselves with this name. However, a true Christian is a person who received forgiveness, salvation and eternal life by calling the name of Jesus Christ for help. Born in a Christian family to Christian parents does not make one a true Christian. It is a personal decision and choice each person should make by deciding to accept Jesus Christ as savior. By saying this, I am not asking you to change your religion. I am not asking you to change your family or friends. You do not need to change your culture in which you are born and grown. However, everyone, everywhere need the savior who permanently heals the sin issue and the consequent fear and punishment issues. You get this freely by coming to the savior of the whole world –Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Why should I become a true Christian? You need love, and peace with God. You need a fear-free life. You need rescue from the punishment and judgment of God. All these are in Jesus Christ. God loves you and accepts you as His Children when you accept His Son, Jesus Christ. This relationship never ends. It continues here on this earth and then it continues in eternity with God and Jesus in heaven. 

Why should I become a true Christian? Beloved, you need to face death with a clean record, don’t you? How is that possible for you? Only by getting forgiveness in Christ Jesus. You can face death in peace, comfort and hope with the assurance that you have eternal life in heaven with God. You do not need to pay for any of your shortcomings. You do not need to go through many incarnations to get moksha. Listen to what 1 John 5:11-12 says, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” The testimony is this – God has given us eternal life. The eternal life is in His Son, Jesus Christ. If you have Jesus in your life – means if you called upon the name of Jesus and believe in His sacrificial death and resurrection for you, permanent moksha, the salvation and eternal life in heaven are promised and guaranteed for you. 

These are the points why you should consider to become a true follower of Christ, called a Christian.

Got a moment to pray? “Faher in heaven, I need a solution for my sins. I need forgiveness of sins, permanent salvation, and eternal life. I  believe you made these available in your Son, Jesus Christ. I believe Jesus died and rose again for my sins. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ. Please save me now, forgive me and grant me eternal life with you in heaven. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

How did it all happen? Who created God?

Science has two main theories about the origin of the universe. The old theory is steady-state theory and the new one is big bang theory. The steady-state theory maintains the idea of expanding the universe. The matter is continuously formed to create brand new stars and galaxies. It does not state any beginning or end in time.

According to the big bang, all the matter, space, and energy came into being in an explosive beginning, while steady-state idea matter was increasingly been created throughout all the time in the past, present, and future. In contrast, the big bang hypothesis supports a singular event that caused the beginning of the universe. Many new studies after 1950 showed much support to the big-bang idea. To this hypothesis, the universe has a beginning for sure contrary to the previous idea. How did this beginning happen? Science has no definite answer even up to this point. Big bang gives the idea the universe came into being out of nothing. However, this is in contradiction to the prevailing universal thought that things cannot emerge from nothing.

The principle of causality says all has a beginning. Isn’t true everything we see has a beginning? Yes. Therefore big-bang agrees the universe came into being a big bang- a series of sudden acts. That was the cause of the beginning of all. But big bang cannot explain more than this.
When you think the big bang findings and compare with the universal thought of causality –all caused by something else, we have the answer to the ‘big bang’ in the Bible.

The Bible begins by saying, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The Bible unambiguously, loudly and clearly states God created the universe and all in it. If it should say in the beginning God created, then naturally God existed prior to the beginning of all we see in this universe. Psalms 90:2 says, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” The beginning is the time when uncaused and un-began God formed the earth and the world, mountains, land, and hills all.

You see, God is separate from the creation. God is another reality. He is separate from creation. If you created something-say it automobile, artwork, buildings or whatever, then you are not part of it. You are not an element in it. You are outside of it because you created it.

Then who created God? This is a mind-boggling question for many. The principle of causality says all has a beginning. It is true that everything we see has a cause or beginning. Even the big bang theory admits the universe came into being by a big bang. It has a beginning. However, Listen! God is separate. He is not physical or material. Everything we see here on this planet earth and in the universe has a beginning. That is the beginning Genesis 1:1 talks about- “in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” However, God is outside the beginning. Time originated at the time of the beginning. However, God is outside of the time, because God has no beginning and no end. God is spiritual.
You see, physical laws do not need to be applicable to spiritual. Physical laws of beginning and causality are only applicable to the material world and universe. However, spiritual is a different reality and it works in its own way different from physical. Hebrews 11:3 (b) says, “what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” People think all has a beginning. Therefore God also must have a beginning. However, it is not so. The universe was not made out of physical, material realities. The visible world was made out of what was invisible. What is invisible, indescribable, spiritual is a different category.

When we look at the powerful, gigantic machine called the universe and wonder how it all works in its organized and structured way, all have to admit there is super energy or power behind it. No-one can deny it. If you want to make a car you should place the engine and supply fuel and battery power to give the needed power and energy. How about his super gigantic and unfathomable machine called the universe? How the sun rises every day, set every day and comes again in an organized way? Where is the super energy of just one item- sun- coming from? How all the millions and millions of stars and galaxies work together and run in its own assigned paths? What is the energy used for a seed to sprout and become a small plant? You see, there is a superpower behind this universe to get it going and function with high energy, coordination, and accuracy. This is why I said, God is a different category. God cannot be caused by anything else. God existed from everlasting to everlasting. He is the one who formed and created the whole universe and all in it and he is not part of it. Only one being out of it, eternal, everlasting and out of the restriction of time can create such an amazing, mindboggling machine called the universe with its power, energy, and accuracy.

Somehow, we can think only in one category in our puny mind. This is why people had difficulty in understanding the existence of God. However, God is beyond our understanding. He is in the spiritual realm. You cannot grab hold of the existence of God by your physical reasoning or thinking. You can know God, not with your physical eyes and thought process. Take a look at the roof above this earth – the sky. How amazing, beautiful and gigantic it is? Fox News yesterday in their morning new showed a beautiful, color-filled morning sun-rise. Beautiful beyond human explanation. It looked like an amazing artwork but no human would or could make such beautiful art. Bible says in Psalm 19:1, “the heavens declare the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” Romans 1:20 says, since the very creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power, and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from his workmanship, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:19 says, what may be known about God is plain to people, because God has made it plain to them.

Not by your puny reasoning, but only by exercising the power of faith that God gives, you would come to the true conclusion that the universe was formed at God’s command. To a rational mind, the universe with all its beauty and order cannot come out of nothing. It needs more faith in believing a chaos sudden explosion is a cause for all we see around us.

It appears to rational minds that the Big bang was actually God and his series of creations in a seven day time period (read Genesis 1). The thought makes more sense than a random uncaused explosion is a reason behind the universe. The big bang of God’s creation at a specific time period by the powerful word of God. Genesis 1 describes how it all began. “God said”, and “it was so.” The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6, “Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and the He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Do you want to seek God diligently? If we want to know the truth and seek Him honestly, he will reward you with the truth. God’s revelation of His eternality and all the truth begins when you search Him wholeheartedly and diligently.

What happened when Saul consulted with the Medium at Endor? Did Samuel appear to talk to him?

This was the answer to the question raised in our Sunday Adult class session.

Background of the incident

1st Samuel 28 gives us the background that prompted Saul to visit the witch. The prophet Samuel anointed him as the king of Israel. Now Samuel is dead, and Saul is facing danger because the strong army of the Philistines had come against Israel. When he saw the vast army of the Philistine, he was afraid, and terror filled his heart. He sought the LORD, but the LORD would not answer him. In frustration, he asked his attendants to find a medium so that he can inquire what would happen. They found for him one-the medium in Endor. Saul had already driven out of the land all the mediums and spiritists. However, understanding he would not get an answer from God, he went at night to consult with the spirit world. He said he wanted to talk to Samuel, the prophet, who already died.

Saul, the king, was in frustration and high stress. He became afraid of looking at the vast number of the Philistines. He wanted to know the future. What would happen? And he did not even mind to know the future by visiting the medium-the practice that was strongly warned by the LORD. The LORD gave the commandments against such practices. Bible says in Leviticus 19:31 says, ‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 20:6 Lord says, “I will also turn against those who commit spiritual prostitution by putting their trust in mediums or in those who consult the spirits of the dead. I will cut them off from the community.” Leviticus 20:27 says, “‘A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.” There are many other passages in the Bible, and due to short of time and space, I am not listing all such passages.

A wrong assumption

Some people of the opinion that although the Bible condemns consult with witch/mediums, the incident of Saul’s visit to the Medium at Endor justifies this practice. This is a wrong assumption. Saul, the first king of Israel, was continuously disobedient to God. His rebellion and disobedience against the commandments of the LORD resulted in God’s Spirit departing him. 1st Samuel 16:14 says, the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him. In other words, God and his Spirit left him due to his disobedient and unrepentant lifestyle, and God sent an evil spirit to harass Saul. You see, all created things are under God’s control, even the devil and the demons. Using an evil spirit to disturb and harass Saul was God’s judgment upon Saul’s unrepentant life.

Saul and the Medium

Saul said to the medium, “bring up Samuel.” However, when the woman (who was the medium) saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me, you are Saul.” He disguised himself when he visited the medium. Then she said, “I see a spirit coming out of the ground.” She also said, “he is an old man wearing a robe.”
King Saul bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. The Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul said he is in great distress. The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called you to tell me what to do.” Then the Bible says, “Samuel said, why do you consult me, now that the LORD has departed from you and became your enemy? The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. The LORD will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.”

Did Samuel appear is still in controversy

Some people think Samuel did not appear. The reasoning is what is the need for Samuel, the prophet of God talk to Saul via medium? God condemned the practice of Spiritism and witchcraft, then why should allow this to happen? Didn’t the Bible teach once died, the people would not return to us? (2 Samuel 12:23 and Luke 16:26).

Now, based on this reasoning, it was argued it was not Samuel who appeared. However, it was another spirit whom the medium called. He may have dressed like Samuel but not Samuel. It is also said the medium was actually deceiving Saul. With Saul’s face down on the ground, he did not see Samuel but only heard the voice when he asked questions. In other words, the witch was tricking Saul.

However, there are problems to accept the above view. The passage consistently says, “Samuel said,” evidencing it was Samuel himself who appeared. If you sit down and read the passage without bias, the literal reading causes one to believe it was Samuel who talked to Saul. It did not say the spirit or form of Samuel. It tells, “Samuel.” The passage lists direct one-on-one talk of Saul and Samuel. When the passage says when the medium ‘saw Samuel’ and ‘Samuel said’ repeatedly, it seems to confirm it was Samuel who appeared. Secondly, what Samuel said would happen the very next day happened precisely as he predicted. It was the judgmental word of God that was announced by Samuel. Samuel truthfully delivered the message to Saul. It all fulfilled exactly as Samuel said.

Some people argue it was not Samuel who appeared because this is not a usual way God performed his actions in the pages of the Bible. Also, they worry that if it Samuel it may approve the practice of Spiritism. We need to understand that God can accomplish his plans and purposes even by using evil spirits- including demons and even Satan. God is all-powerful. Devil and demons are not. God used unusual methods in other incidents as well, although such events are not frequent. Chapter 22 of Numbers record God used a donkey to get the attention of Balaam. Saul was also disobedient and rebellious to God for an extended period in his life, and now God may have used an unusual method to pronounce His last judgment on him. The lesson is that God can use even evil sources to accomplish his plans and purposes. The book of Job illustrates how God used even Satan’s evil plans to prove the faithfulness of Job.

Does the incident approve the practice of witchcraft?

The second concern is this – If Samuel appeared upon the exercise of demonic power, it suggests the approval of witchcraft and Spiritism and its power. This is not true because the Bible clearly says people should never attempt the practice of witchcraft or consult with evil forces or power. Saul’s consultation with the medium along with his rebellious and disobedient lifestyle resulted in severe punishment of his and his family’s death and nation’s defeat in the war. 1 Chronicles 10:13 says, “So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it;” Going and asking the counsel of the medium contributed to his sudden death. God’s judgment was upon him based on the passage under consideration.

We need to keep in mind that Satan has power, although he does not possess supreme or omnipotent power. Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, “He (the devil) will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” This reminds the fact that demonic power is real because they can do the signs and wonders. Such signs and wonders deceive those who are perishing. They perish because they do not want to obey the truth of the word of God. Saul did not want to obey the truth of the word of God, and so he was already progressively going down on the road of destruction. Finally, he disobeyed God by consulting the medium, which resulted in his final destruction.

Final conclusions

What happened in this incident? I believe the medium used demonic power. However, God allowed Samuel to appear. It was not because medium or demonic power could bring back a dead person. It was the power of God that allowed Samuel to appear. God allowed it to happen. The devil does not have any power to bring back a dead person. Bible says in Revelations 1:18(c) only Jesus hold the keys of death and Hades. God’s power supersedes all other powers. Sometimes God allows things to happen (like this one, donkey talking to Balaam and Job’s sufferings) to accomplish his plans. However, these are not His usual way of actions.

In summary, God’s command still stands. People are not to consult with evil spirits or mediums. People must not try to contact the dead. These are God’s commandments. If a person disobeys, he or she would have to pay for it severely. The incident proves the fact of the dangerous consequences of violating this command set by the Lord God.

I am a believer. Is it ok to marry a non-Christian? I hope it is ok because I am a believer.