Do You Want to See God?

Struggle: “Have you seen God? What is keeping you from seeing Him?" Many people live their lives, watch anything they want, listen to anything they want, and read anything they want, then wonder why they have never seen God? 

Scripture Truth:

 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

Truth Encounter:

The Pharisees thought outward cleansing and outward purity, keeping of laws, was sufficient ground for entering the kingdom of God. They, like many professing Christians, outwardly appear righteous through their good works and yet inwardly their hearts are impure and unclean. Jeremiah 17:9-10 tells us, “The heart is deceitfully wicked above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.”  Jeremiah was saying that the heart is the center for the mind, emotions, and will, and each person will be rewarded based on the purity of the heart. Jesus said that if you belong to the Kingdom, then your heart will be changed. He said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” 

What constitutes a pure heart? Jesus is not saying that a Follower of Christ will not sin, but he is saying that the Follower of Christ is not a sinner. A believer is a new person, cleansed by the blood of Jesus and is forgiven. In other words Jesus was calling us to a lifestyle of purity; a pure heart, a pure purpose, and a pure passion. Therefore we are set aside for God’s purpose - to honor God. 2 Peter 3:14 says "...make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight." This means putting God’s word into practice in terms with how we live our lives. This means we will refuse to live as the world lives. We must do this each day by making choices to obey God’s Word and to honor Him through our words and actions. Not only are we to make wise choices but 2 Timothy 2:22 tells us to “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)

So each of us has a choice to allow our hearts to be wicked or to seek and possess a pure heart. We are told that, " No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him." (1Jo 3:6); nor will they live with him for eternity. However, there is a reward for those who seek and possess a pure heart, “they will see God.”

Do you want to see God? Many want to see God, yet they are not interested in guarding their heart? Psalms 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.”  We could focus on the things we that cause an impure heart, instead what can we do to guard our hearts? What scripture verse(s) comes to your mind that challenges us to keep our hearts pure?

Prayer:

Dear Father, Search me, and know my heart; 
test me and know my anxious thoughts. 
See if there is any offensive way in me, 
and lead me in the way everlasting. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

How to Satisfy your Hunger and Thirst

Scripture:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

Truth for Today:

We are all familiar with the physical needs of hunger and thirst. Many have felt and heard the rumble of a growling stomach, but most of us have never experienced true hunger pains. The same is true of thirst. I grew up on a small farm, so I understand the dryness and thirst that comes from working in the cornfield all day. Hunger and thirst represent a void or need in the physical body. However, food and drink are not the only things that fulfill our hunger and/or thirst. People seek sex and drugs to satisfy addictions, sports and games for entertainment, and children, and family or friends for affection. We know from experience those things that provide physical satisfaction only last for a season. However, even if these things satisfied the physical for a lifetime, they would not satisfy the spiritual. 

Jesus was referring to the spiritual needs when he said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.” Jesus called his disciples to himself and began to teach them saying, out of your emptiness; seek to be filled with something that is not temporal.  In Matthew 6:33 we are told, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," then He will take care of our other needs.

What does he mean by righteousness? Righteousness is not about being a religious guru, knowing “all” about God and His Word. Righteousness is not just about the position we have in Christ. Knowing God and accepting his plan of salvation for us through Jesus Christ is foundational to knowing and understanding God, but righteousness is about how we embody the very life of Christ. Jesus was telling the crowd that if they would come to him, he would satisfy the void in their lives. The void in our lives will never be filled except through the righteousness found through living in relationship with Jesus. Jesus is saying; 1) talk to me, 2) spend time with me in reading and meditating on my Word, 3) follow me by walking in righteousness. As we hunger and thirst after righteousness the Holy Spirit fills us with God’s character and attributes. 

Have you been searching a lifetime, but have never found anything that fully satisfies? I sadly admit there are times when I hunger and thirst for things that are more worldly rather than things of God. 

How do you satisfy your hunger and thirst? Does it closely resemble anything of God or anything that would draw you or others to Jesus? I challenge you; try Jesus. Jesus righteousness is the only thing that can deliver permanent satisfaction. Not only can He satisfy you, but others will see the difference He has made in you, and they will be drawn to follow Him. 

Prayer:

Father, create in me an addiction for your Holy presence and your Word. Fill me with your righteousness so that others will want to know more about you. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

Is Approval and Practice the Same?

Do you believe that “religion” has its place but is totally disconnected to the way you live your life? Christians may not practice ungodly living but what about their approval of it?

Scripture:

Romans 1:32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them

Some of us were talking just a few days ago how TV, movies, and magazines, ads and commercials have changed through the years. It seems like there is no limit to what is said or done in public anymore. There is no shame. No distinction between good and evil. Sidney J. Harris says, “Once we assuage our conscience by calling something a "necessary evil," it begins to look more and more necessary and less and less evil.”

It is only by God’s standards that we can distinguish right from wrong? My pastor has a saying, “Right is always right, and wrong is always wrong. It is never right to do wrong and, It is never wrong to do right.”

While we may not practice wrong or evil doing, ungodly living, and worldliness, we may be guilty of its approval. Too often we silently approve when we refuse to: speak out against wrong doings, change channels when ungodly language is being used, walk out of an obscene movie, etc.

Jesus said, in the Sermon on the Mount, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16

Christians cannot be the salt of the earth if they are not different from the world, not for the sake of being different but that other can see the hope within us. We need to look for ways to lead the nation back to Christ rather than condemning them to an eternity in hell.

Application:

1.   Are there things that once shocked you that now don’t even raise your eyebrows?

2.   What do you find most pleasure in doing? What do you watch and listen to and laugh at for entertainment: music, dvd’s, cd’s, movies that may not be right?

3.   We need to pray each day that God will keep our hearts pure and keep us still able to be shocked by sin.

4.   How are we conducting our lives so that we are the salt of the earth?

Prayer:

Dear Father, forgive me for the times that I have sat silently and approved of things that I knew were wrong in your sight. Keep my mind clear so that I am able to discern right from wrong. Help me to be a light of the world so that others will come to know you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Romans 1:17 ARE YOU RIGHT WITH GOD?

Are you right with God? You say, “Well I want to be.” But how is one made right with God?

Scripture:


Romans 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

Lesson:

I heard someone once say, “Well, she was a “good” woman, you know she went to heaven.” Is that true, is that Biblical? Does being “good” make us right with God? Would being good give us a ticket into heaven?

There is only one way to be saved? By Christ and Christ alone. However, being saved is not a one-time ticket, for salvation is a lifelong process. We are told that he who endures to the end will receive the reward.

It is by accepting and trusting Christ that we are saved. In other words, we are made right with God. Our faith and faith alone justifies us.

·      “The just shall live by faith” is a quote from Habakkuk 2:4 and is key doctrine not only for Romans but the Bible as a whole. Romans 10:9-10 “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

·      “The just shall live by faith” To Live means to lead a particular type of existence, experience something, or to continue. It means how we live our lives. In other words our faith influences how we live our lives. We do not just live as we please. We live according to the one within whom our faith resides.

To answer the question, Being good does not make us righteous, but if we are righteous we will be good. When we become a believer, there is evidence of the Holy Spirit living within us. The Fruit of the Spirit produces goodness from within us.

Application:

1.   Are you depending on your “goodness” to justify your righteousness before God? Will that be enough?

2.   Are you right with God?

3.   Do your actions reflect that you are walking by faith and not sight?

4.   Are you working on developing an obedient faith?

Prayer:

Dear Father, our righteousness is dependent upon our faith, for our goodness is rubbish in your eyes.  Make my faith strong. Live in and through me that I may be pleasing to you. Help me to walk in faith and not by sight only. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Romans 1:16-17 HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CHURCH?

How did you choose your church? What kind of church do you attend? Does your pastor preach the gospel or is he afraid someone might be offended? Does he move around and pick and choose people pleasing messages or does he bring the Word of God to the people? Are people walking the aisles and making life-changing decisions to live for Jesus?

Scripture:

Romans 1: 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes:  first for the Jew, then for the Gentile 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

Lesson:

Joey and I are seeking a church family. We have been visiting several churches now? We have heard many reasons for attending a church but as I read Romans 1:16-17 Paul spoke to me. I believe he says,

A Righteous Church is Bold in Preaching of the Word: Is the Word being preached from the pulpit? While there are many great stories and lessons that can be taught from hearing God’s word, there is nothing as powerful as the gospel of Jesus Christ. Too many pastors are not preaching the word in fear of embarrassing someone or being politically incorrect. The Bible teaches against choosing people pleasing messages rather than preaching the Word, and living by man’s standards rather than Gods.

A Righteous Church believes the Gospel is Power unto Salvation: Churches all over the nation are grabbing anything and everything coming and going, from music, dress, programs, projects, various preaching styles, etc. trying to entice individuals to join their fellowship. Churches are growing, but are individuals being saved? There is only one thing that we should be focusing on as we live church, and that is to share the gospel. The gospel of Jesus is the only power. Paul says the gospel IS the POWER of salvation. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ that accomplished salvation. That means that the gospel is able to deliver men from captivity of sin. It can set us free spiritually.

A Righteous Church Welcomes All: For the gospel is the power unto salvation for “everyone” who believes. Nowhere in the Bible do we find where believers are told to come together to organize churches based on culture, race, gender, social status, likes and/or dislikes. Faith is the one thing that unites believers regardless of their other differences.

A Righteous Church Shares Faith from First to Last: There should be a fellowship among the body in that the young will come to believe as a result of the first, Older, Christian’s testimony. Rather than the attitude of the “old” versus the “young” attitude, there should be a unity among the fellowship where the old is mentoring and encouraging the young, and the young respects and learns from the old.

A Righteous Church Lives by Faith: Believing in the sense of knowing knowledge is true is not enough. Followers of Jesus are called to believe the Word in that it influences the way they live their lives. The gospel (what they believe) is what empowers us to live transformed lives. They live the Word, not by seeing, but by faith. A church/believer who walks by faith will be obedient to God and His Word even when they do not know where the path will lead, even if it seems strange to the world, even if it does not make sense to do it, and even if is seems financially unsound. Faith means putting all trust in what God is able to do and not man's ability. It was once said “a small step for man, but a giant step for mankind.”  As kingdom people our faith will lead us to take what is a giant step for man, all because to our Almighty God, it is but a small step. When we think the step is too large for us we need to remember it is a small step for God for he is the creator of the universe and all that is in it.

Application:

1.        How did you choose where to attend church? (you were born there, relatives go there, denominational views, politically correct, socially correct, music, biblically sound, you don’t know)

2.        Is the Gospel of Jesus preached unashamedly at your church or does the pastor shy away from preaching anything that might be politically incorrect? Does he preach the gospel that leads you to repentance? Are individuals moved to salvation? (Repentance, confession, transformation, and sanctification)

3.        Does your church welcome all? Are you sure, or as you look around, do you realize it is just another social club? How diverse is your group? How accepting are you of those who do not look, smell, talk, live, sing, dress, or eat like you? Would you sit on the same pew or take them to lunch with you?

4.        How does the church live out its faith, both individually and cooperatively? Do members seek to live by biblical standards or their own? Are you challenged by their faith to be a stronger believer? Have you grown in your faith as a result of their witness and testimony?

5.        Is church attendance enough or do you come to church with a sense of anticipation, anticipation that someone will be saved? Are you concerned when no one responds to the message?

6.        Does the church as a whole step out in faith so that God is ABLE to show what he can do rather than what you as church are able to do?

7.        How much have you grown spiritually since you have been a part of _____ church?  Are you helping to mentor other to a higher level of spirituality?

8.        Are you satisfied that your church is a righteous church? If not are you bold enough to help it transform into one? Do you need to seek new fellowship so that you can grow into the person God wants you to be?

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for churches who are righteous in your eyes.  Help me to be a believer who is unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the place that I am willing to speak boldly for you, willing to welcome all who want to seek you in their lives, and willing to walk in faith to the place that my faith may lead others to a faith in you. Give me strength and discernment as I seek to fellowship with righteous people so that I will be strengthened and if I need to change churches then lead me to do so. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

Romans 1:1 BEING RELIGIOUS ≠ BEING CHRISTIAN?

Can you believe in God, know all the scriptures, and attend church every Sunday and still not be a Christian? The best example of this is Paul’s life. 

Scripture:

Romans 1:1  “Paul…. (We know that Paul was not always Paul, he was known as Saul of Tarsus.)

Philippians 3:5-6 “…circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.”

Lesson:

As we begin the study of Romans, we must begin with Paul. Paul was Jewish and all Jews were circumcised, an outward symbol of the covenant between the Jewish people and God signifying he was a native Israelite, not a proselyte having been converted to Jewish belief. Born into the tribe of Benjamin, one of the 12 tribes of Israel. A tribe descended from Rachel, the remained faithful when all the other tribes seceded. The soil on which the Jerusalem Temple stood belonged to this tribe. He was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, meaning he “purebred,” both his parents were an Israelite, therefore he was not a Gentile, (non believer). He was a Pharisee, the strictest sect of religion.  He studied in the Greek schools, and the synagogue schools, learning Hebrew as well as Aramaic. He studied under the greatest Jewish scholar, Gamaliel. He assisted the High Priest and other officials in carrying out the Temple worship. Later he became a rabbi and then became a member of the Office of the High Priest who carried out the worship in the Jerusalem temple and participated in the Sanhedrin. Nothing would stop his zeal when it came to upholding the political structure of the day. He thought Jesus was threatening harmony between the Jews and Roman government. Faultless when it came to his legalistic righteousness. Practiced the traditions of the church and because Jesus did not meet the expectations of the Religious sect, Pharisees or Sadducees, he, Saul, sought to rid the world of Christians. Wow....Can any of your credits match Pauls? Mine cannot?  However, by listing his own credentials, Paul made a point that none of these things have anything to do with our salvation and unless we have a true relationship with Christ it is meaningless. Keep in mind, these things were said of Paul, before he a became a Christian. In other words, being religious is not equivalent to being Christian.

Application:

1.     Can you believe in God, know all the scriptures, and attend church every Sunday and still miss the mark? How do you know?
2.     Can it be possible that we are so bent on practicing traditions and keeping the laws that we fail to see Jesus?
3.     If Satan can keep us from doing what God wants us to do, by getting us to do many “good church things” then he can accomplish his goals. What good things do we do in the name of religion that might be hindering us from what God really want us to do?
4.     Are you more religious basing on what you are doing, or Christian, thus focusing on Christ and what he has done for you?

Prayer:

Father, help us to be more focused on you and our relationship than about doing all those things that seem to be good in themselves. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.