God Handles Your Mistakes Differently

The world will never let you forget your mistakes.

They will be constantly brought up to you, people will resent you for your past. You will always have that blemish in people’s minds.

Heck in the middle of a mistake the world won’t even let you stop it. They will remind you that shouldn’t have done it in the first place. It doesn’t matter that you immediately tried to fix what happened.

But with God it is the opposite.

God will forgive you.

God won’t resent you, God won’t forsake you.

He asks you to repent and when you truly change your ways God won’t bring up your mistakes.

The Bible says in Micah 7:19, “He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our[a] sins into the depths of the sea.”

And in Psalm 103:12, “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”

Of course there may be earthly consequences for your actions and that is a part of the repentance process. But to God once your repentance is complete, that is it. He loves you and will not hold your sins against you.

His grace and His sacrifice is sufficient for you.

Even if the entire World hates you as long as God loves you can be joyous. 

Because He is enough.

Have a Blessed Week,
Chris

Below I have attached the online service of Heritage Baptist Church

Links:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah+7%3A19&version=ESV

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20103%3A12&version=ESV

Learning About Not Being of This World

I like many others struggle with how the world is today. But what’s helping me is my faith in God. Throughout my life I always believed in God but never really took my faith seriously. I heard before over and over that Jesus said, “You are not of the world.” I never really grasped that until I read the Bible fully and looked at the world we live in.

It’s crazy.

The world is so dark. If you compare it to the Bible, God tells us it’s okay to ask questions to Him, there is always room for forgiveness and redemption no matter what you’ve said or done. God tells us once we are forgiven He will never bring up what we have done again.

The world screams at you for questioning things and tries to destroy you if you make a mistake. Your past will never be forgotten no matter what you do it will always be brought up and held against you.

God tells us the importance of disciplining children so they will have the opportunity to be good adults. The world hates those who discipline their children unless it is in the way they tell you.

The Bible tells you to stand up for truth but at the same time respect and love everyone even if you disagree with them or they’re your enemies.

The world tries to destroy anyone they disagree with or thinks differently than it does.

The Bible tells those who have money don’t be prideful or love your money but use it wisely and the poor who lack money are called blessed.

The world shames both the poor and the rich.

I can go on and on with examples but the main message here is this world has completely gone off the rails and is filled with hate, anger, sadness and evil.

They take their hatred out on us as Christians because we are not a part of their evil world but we’re of God.

I choose to follow God not this world.

What about you?

Have a Blessed Week,
Chris

Scripture: John 15:19 (ESV)
19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015%3A19&version=ESV

The World’s Views vs. God’s Views

The World will tell you put yourself first and, “Do you.” But God says put other’s first.

The World says you are the provider for yourself or family but God says He is the provider.

The World says to make sure you make strong financial investments and get yours but God says one can only worship Him or money.

The World tells us that law documents written by men are sacred but God tells us the Bible is sacred and to trust in His Word over all others.

God tells us you are not of the World. So we must go by His will not the world’s.

Put other’s before ourselves, trust God to provide, worship Him and His Word alone not man or its money.

Put God first in your life.

God cares about how you feel and your thoughts, He is willing to listen and hear your side but in the end it is about His will being done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

The truth is your likes and dislikes, your feelings, your thoughts and yes your political opinions mean nothing if they don’t align with the Word of God and His Will.

Get off the websites, put down the books and the newspapers and pick up your Bible.

Read what the Word of God says and base your views on the Bible, don’t use the Bible to select verses that match the views you already have.

Toss everything aside and follow Him, follow your King, follow the Most High God.

Have a Blessed Week,
Chris

Information from the Bible regarding this week’s entry…
https://www.openbible.info/topics/putting_others_first

https://www.openbible.info/topics/god_provides

https://biblehub.com/matthew/6-24.htm

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-the-word-of-god/

https://www.openbible.info/topics/not_of_this_world

Dealing With Hate

You see it all over the internet, media and in our day to day lives; hate towards Christians.

I’ve seen God called things like an “Ego Maniac”, “Heartless” and “Evil.”

I’ve seen people laugh and scoff when someone talks about God, the Bible or their personal testimony. Even behave as childish as to hit the “laughing” icon at people’s comments.

Seeing these comments from people it is totally understandable to become angry.

But take a minute to look further into these types of people, think about what is in their hearts.

The truth is satan has overtaken their hearts and it’s lead to an obsession and hatred towards God. They’re totally ignorant to this as they don’t believe in God or the devil.

I saw a man on a nice Christian post on Facebook mock God and His believers, his words were filled with anger and hostility. Those who he didn’t respond to he clicked the before mentioned “laughing” icon on many, many posts that praised the Lord.

His hatred and anger had become an obsession.

I decided to click on his profile and what did I see? Profanity, obscene posts, cursing and mocking others not just related to Christianity but just people in general, his profile picture was a picture of his young child giving the middle finger to the camera.

He has let evil take over his and his family’s lives.

Think about the hearts of people like him and others, the unhappiness that must be inside of them. What a burden that must be to carry around.

It’s sad really.

Let’s not worry about what they say but instead let’s pray. Let’s pray because we know the true God and we see what they’re missing. My heart hurts for them.

We also need to remember Jesus told us this would happen*.

Rejoice and Praise God when they hate you and make sure to love as Jesus loved.

Have a Blessed Week,
Chris

*John 15:18-27 New King James Version (NKJV)

The World’s Hatred

18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

The Coming Rejection

26 “But when the [a]Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A18-27&version=NKJV

You Cannot Change the World

It is true you cannot change the world. That may surprise you as you try to spread the Gospel to the world but the true reason you can’t change the world is you are not of this world*. However it is our job to spread the message of the Gospel to the people who live in the world so they can be brought out of the world and into the Kingdom of God.

This world hates* you, it despises you because this world is evil and is filled with injustice.

But God is good, He is just and He will create a new Heaven and a new Earth**.

Also remember you cannot change a person’s heart, it is up to them and God. Pray first, trust the Holy Spirit to guide you on how to present the Gospel to the individual person or group you’re speaking too.

God is infinite as is His wisdom. There is so much in the Word of God. Someone might be craving a message of justice, a message of family, a message of hope, or just plain love. Only God knows what message they need to hear so let Him guide you on how to present the Gospel in that moment.

It is very important to know scripture and know God because if you don’t your message of the Gospel may become twisted to fit the world. We must stick to the Truth and remember to let the Holy Spirit guide you on how you present the real Gospel.

Remember we are the light of the world***, even if we aren’t of this evil world we still are the light that is on it for now. While our light still shines on the Earth remember to shine it to those in need.

Present to those you are reaching out to, Christ in all His wonder, present Him as the True King, the One who will take back the Earth and make all things new.

Have a Blessed Week,
Chris

Scripture:
*John 15:19 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

**Revelation 21: 1-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

**All Things Made New

21 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, [a]John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said [b]to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

6 And He said to me, “It[c] is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes [d]shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

***Matthew 5:14-16 New King James Version (NKJV)

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Sources:
*https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A19&version=NKJV

**https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+21&version=NKJV

***https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A14-16&version=NKJV

Response To A Person Upset About God Allowing the World To Suffer

For this week I am going to post a response I had to an atheist recently who told me that if there was a God then He didn’t care about us and allowed us to suffer.

Here it is…

“You’re missing the point. Read the beginning of the Bible. Humans sinned which caused the world to suffer. The Bible says the “wages of sin is death.”* It also says, “Satan is the god of this world”**. This is due to the curse humanity is under because of sin. Despite this God breaks the curse through Jesus, one of many times throughout the Bible and history God has bailed out the human race.

But it is never good enough. Again read the Bible for reference, despite every time He did  help or intervene the majority of the Israelite’s rebelled or complained again and again. In history and day to day life it is no different.

I will admit that I do this. I have prayed and seen answered prayers but did that stop me from complaining to God later? Of course not.

We as humans continue to sin, allow others to suffer, we literally have weapons that could destroy the Earth in a day. We do the opposite of what God wants consistently, over and over. Claim we are good but in reality we all live in some form of comfort while others die on the street, then we ask God, “why do you allow people to suffer?”

Some day He will ask us, “why did you?”

Look at who we truly are as a people, looked at how we handle things, what we do under our own free will. Look at the World.

I chose to praise God for intervening ever. The fact despite our deep flaws He gives us a path to Heaven at all is gracious.

And can we really argue with the creator of the universe that He isn’t doing a good enough job? That is filled with pride and it is silly to argue with Him when we as humans are in charge of the Earth and continue to make such flawed decisions.

As far as suffering goes, look at Jesus. He was born poor, doubted by friends, families and neighbors. He continued to live poor, constantly on the run from enemies, dedicated His life to helping others, so one of His best friend could betray Him for a very small sum of money. He then was brutally beaten and killed in public, so we can all be saved. He did this willingly, suffering while helping others.

Could you honestly stand before Him as a flawed human being and say, “Why didn’t you make everything perfect for me and others?”

Sad thing is He promises to but many can’t wait and endure a small amount of what He went through.”

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get through to this person but I pray that he allows God in his heart.

But maybe my response will help you who are reading this.

Either way…

Praise God in it all.

Have a Blessed Week,
Chris

*https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A23&version=KJV

**https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A4&version=NLT

I Wrote a Book!

Hey everyone. I wrote a Children’s Christmas book called “The Twelve Heroes of Christmas”.

It has a Christian message behind it.

 

If anyone would like to check it out you can view it at the link I am leaving.

 

Here’s the plot…

“Did you know Santa Claus is not the only Christmas Gift Bringer in the World?

 

As a matter of fact they’re Twelve Christmas Heroes that give Children gifts each Christmas.

 

Every year Santa and other Christmas figures from around the world gather at a glorious castle for a meeting to discuss how things are going and how their annual trips went.

 

Wouldn’t you like to sit in on that secret meeting? One individual got that chance.

 

Santa arrived early in town. He was feeling tired and desperate for help. You see Christmas spirit was at an all-time low for the Heroes. While standing next his reindeer, he encounters a man who agrees to accompany him on his journey. Who is this mysterious man and who sent him? How can he help our Heroes regain their faith, passion and their own Christmas spirit?

 

You will meet all sorts of characters from around the world, listen to them tell their stories and learn about their cultures. From the seemingly stern Grandfather Frost of Russian to the Christ-Child from Germany to the Old Christmas Witch of Italy and more! And of course there are those whose spirits might take a little extra to lift, such as an angry Christmas gnome and the mischievous Yule Lad. What will the Heroes decided to do in the end? Can they regain their Christmas spirit or will it be lost in history?”

https://books2read.com/u/bzv2xL

Christian Persecution

A study has shown that Christian persecution is the worst in human history. Christian’s have never been more targeted than they are today.

There is websites and organizations dedicated to exposing what is going on throughout the world.

It is estimated that 70 million Christians have been killed since Jesus walked the Earth.

People are being beaten, tortured and killed for their faith in Jesus Christ. Pastors and church members are being thrown in prison, churches are being blown up, some by extremists and some (like China) by even their own government.

More and more in America the Christian faith is becoming less tolerated. People are losing their businesses, jobs, facing fines and/or having their funding taken away from the government for holding to their Christian values.

Christians are increasingly mocked in television, movies and other media.

Many have waged a war against Christianity, wanting God removed from any public place. They tell us to keep our religion in our church when God orders us to do the opposite.

They become so angry and they really don’t know why. They try to claim they just want tolerance and acceptance for all. When in reality they want their own beliefs not just accepted but enforced at all costs. When it comes down to it they can’t explain why they behave so angrily to Christians and the idea of church. Why it offends them so much if someone says, “God Bless you” or mentions the name of Jesus.

It is because of the spirit of satan, he has overwhelmed so many, that does include some Christians too, he wants to destroy the church at all costs.

Whether it be through small tactics or large.

That’s why he has others persecute Christians in every way possible.

Here in America we are blessed. We are blessed that we aren’t being murdered for our faith or having our churches blown up. Blessed that we don’t have to hide our churches underground.

And we are all blessed because we have the grace of God and will one day be in His presence forever and ever.

Hold tight out there, the Bible says things will get worse and worse until the end.

Stay strong my brothers and sisters,

-Chris

Sources:
https://www.newsweek.com/christian-persecution-genocide-worse-ever-770462?fbclid=IwAR0gM_rRXsbH2thwiA8X8NlVVzVvAWZbjJB9HtcQYO-uERgoiJXxTnV5xvo

https://www.persecution.com/

https://www.christiantoday.com/article/70-million-christians-martyred-faith-since-jesus-walked-earth/38403.htm

https://www.cnn.com/2017/04/09/middleeast/egypt-church-explosion/index.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/china-christianity-religion-crackdown-megachurch-chinaaid-golden-lampstand-church-linfen-communist-a8156031.html

https://www.christianpost.com/voice/cultivating-the-underground-church.html

God in three relationships Part I: God as your best friend

What does it take to be a great best friend? I think it is someone who is there for you through everything, whether big or small, whether positive or negative, through every accomplishment or pitfall, someone who will be there with you no matter what the circumstances.

A true best friend will be there to provide help when you need it. God does exactly that and more He fulfills everything you need.

Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Matthew 6:31-32, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”

A true best friend is also someone who is there to just talk and give advice, sometimes just to listen. God is there for you in prayer. He will guide you and remind you of what to do if you listen.

Isaiah 58:11, “11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

John 14:26, “But the Advocate, 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.”

You also have a lot of fun with the person who is your best friend. God is a part of everything in your life. He is there during the fun times as well, good to keep that in mind by the way when you are out having fun, God is there with you. Ever be somewhere as a kid and do something wrong you thought you got away with only to turn around and see your Mom or Dad standing right there? The Father is there watching too, be good now.

The truth is God is there with you always.

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Matthew 28:20, “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

He fits every one of your needs, there is no better best friend than God.

Have a blessed week,
-Chris

God in three relationships: Introduction

The Holy Trinity, one God in three separate yet equal forms, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is clear yet also mysterious in nature. Many have read about the Trinity, written about the Trinity and of course prayed about and to the Trinity.

But today I want to start a series about God not in three forms but in three separate, yet equal relationships.

Next week’s blog entry will be about God as a best friend, He is with you through everything, He is there for you when you need him, in big situations and in small. He is with you always. There is no better best friend then God.

The second blog entry will focus on the family of God, how we all are a part of His family and the relationship we are to have with our fellow Christians.

The final entry will discuss our relationship with God as God. How He is not just our God but the true living God of the World. We must trust in Him and realize all of His power and the beauty of His love and compassion. Knowing this will help us bring others to Him so they can be saved.

I am hoping that this series helps others get a better understanding of the importance of a relationship with God.

I hope you all have a blessed week and if there is anyone out there that needs praying please comment.

-Chris