world

Do not seek after that which you have not earned.

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Why this title? Because too many have become poor stewards to their own lives. In Luke 16 Jesus discusses poor stewardship.
In Luke 16: 11 Jesus makes this statement.
“If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”
Jesus makes it clear that if you cannot faithful manage mammon (money) which is also “unrighteous” then who could trust you with the true riches of salvation. In actuality it appears the word “riches” was added for there is no listing of a word after “true” which in this context means that which is of God’s and thus the implication of salvation or God’s rewards.
Now people will say how do you earn salvation? You do not. It is freely given, but it is not something that stays with you it is something that must be worked upon and nourished to grow.
True salvation is not a onetime event and you are done with it. It is something that must be nurtured and grown for if you do not it will fall away from you and you will return to the world.
As Jesus was trying to show in his parable it is something that must be managed and one way of doing this is to be a good steward of the gifts that have been given unto which includes money. It must be earned as will and not give unto us as a hand out to a beggar. Yet too many today are beggars, taking that which they have not earned and as a result squander and waste it.
God looks upon them as poor stewards of the “unrighteous mammon.”
Jesus made it clear that if they are such poor stewards to this then how can He trust them to manage that which He will give unto them?

Where does the “world” begin?

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That an interesting and complicated question. Many think it is any other nation then the one they live in. While correct it is not the full answer. When someone becomes a “Christian” we are instructed within the Bible to separate ourselves from the world yet to still be a part of it. Why? So we can be an example to all others within the world of what believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God really means. So the real answer to that question is anything around you is the “world.” That includes what and who you invite into your home. “Why that wording of the sentence?” you ask.
Every television, radio and computer is an entrance into your home. What you place upon the screen or station is something from the world in most cases. Due to computers most cable companies and networks know how popular a show is, which constitutes them continuing to produce them. I actually have several channels blocked on my TV because I feel they do not promote what I feel is the correct message for my family to see or hear. I will not bother telling you which one, but I will tell you that it boils down to what is taught within the Bible. I do not care how “wholesome” a show may appear if it has elements that are not seen as correct within the Bible it is not allowed. Now if enough people followed this practice you would see how shows start to change for the better. This is just a little example, so I will expand into what is the “world.”
The world is everything outside your home as well. Again your actions and behavior are themselves a witness to God if you call yourself a “Christian,” yet many that do call themselves this live their life’s like they are of the world. Well here is some news for you. It is because they are of the world. People live what they truly believe. If they truly followed God they would do things like vote, write their government representative, help those in need; talk to those that sin and help them understand that their life is not on the right track to an eternal life in all of God’s creation.
In reality extremely few do this. My statement to this is that “few” are the real “Christians” for they are living what they believe and ARE being a shining light of God unto the world about them. If any calls themselves “Christian” this is what we are told and taught we must do. We must through our deeds, action and words be a shining light unto the world about us daily. Showing that through our life choices that there really is something called a “God” and His Son is the Lord our Savior Jesus Christ.

To be separate

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We are told in 2 Corinthians chapter 6 to become separate from the world, yet today many “churches” welcome sin into their buildings. The most pronounced version of this was when the Presbyterian Church first renounced any affiliation with the state of Israel and in the same conference allowed gays to join their group. Notice I said “group” not “church,” because the moment the rejected the chosen people of God they turned their back upon the Bible, Jesus Christ and God. This is not separating from the world this is inviting the world into what was once a place of and for God.
We are to be an example unto the world of what is good and righteous in the site of the Lord, yet many “churches” say “come to our place of worship as you are and we as well as God will accept you as you are.” This is calling God a liar.
This is something that has been steadily growing for years. Why? Mainly due to money for they could not financially support their building. Why? Because they stopped teaching the Bible long before they publicly turned their back upon God.
Yes we are called to gather together, but we are to already be followers of God when we do so. We are not to invite those that openly sin into our midst for it will weaken us over time as it has done. It clearly states that when we gather we are to give support and strengthen each other. Why do this if we are already children of God? Because we can fall astray and even fall away from God no longer bearing fruit or even become false visions of Christianity (John 15, Revelation 3). Which is exactly what many if not most in today’s Christendom have become. Why? Because they no longer separating themselves from the world but welcome it into their “churches.”
I highly recommend that people re-read or if they never have read (which I think is a possibility) Revelation chapter 2 and 3 which covers the seven churches or styles of churches as it applies to today’s “churches” and seriously compare them to the churches they are in and see if they see any resembles to their own “church.” If they see any that are called wrong by Jesus then they should leave that group and find a new and true church home.

Are you tending His house?

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When you state you are a “Christian” you are taking upon yourself a great responsibility. It is not a free ticket to happiness that you are given, but a job. A job that pays no money. A job that is taxing and strenuous.
When Jesus departed into heaven he went to do tasks that are not for us to fully know at this time. He foretold of His return, but in the meantime He placed those that call themselves “Christian” in charge of His house. His house is not only a building called a “church,” or a group of people that also call themselves “Christian,” but is also the world at large. We are told to preach the Bible throughout the world. If it was just building or a group then why say this?
We are His servants when we accept the Jesus as our savior. We are given authority by Christ for the care upkeep and growth of His home. We are all given tasks which we are to perform and do for His glory, and at the same time we are told to watch for the signs of His return.
Many say those signs are more and more prevalent than at any other time in history. Is his return near? Could be.
Where do you stand with Jesus? Are you a servant or someone looking in, or someone that calls themselves a “servant” yet they do no work upon the Lord’s home as it falls into decay and ruin.
Mark 13: 34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Separate ourselves from the “world”

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Many times we are told to separate ourselves from the “world,” but what is the world. In 1 Peter 4:2 it is stated simply: “That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”
But what are the lust of man.
Matthew 15: 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
1 Peter 4: 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
If this is how you live your live, in the flesh of the world then per the Bible you are not truly “Christian.” Yet many go about stating and saying they are “Christian” even though they live in the sins and many more listed above.
Jesus made it clear that what comes from the heart is human. When you turn to Christ and accept Him as your Savior your life should change. You become separate from the “world.” So the things of the world should become unimportant. Distractions of the world like sporting events, television, and fashion are not your main concerns. What does become important is the teaching of the Bible and living a life that is separate of the “world” though still to be able to talk to this world to allow those that do not live their life’s toward God will be able to see how life should be lived when following God. That you be a living witness through your actions if not by your words.
1 Peter 4: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
Live your life as Jesus has instructed. Not how man has instructed. For we cannot serve two masters.
Matthew 6: 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (also Luke 16:13)
Yet many that call themselves “Christian” live there life in both worlds, which is not only a lie unto God but themselves.
1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Sad facts about those that call themselves “Christian”

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Many live with the delusion that they are Christian. Yes, I said delusion. I have lived this lie. Thinking I was Christian and yet living in and of the world.
What does it mean to live in and of the world?
The best way I can describe it is all your actions and behavior lead you to think of yourself, that all there is to life is the life you now live. You are more concerned with sports, fashion, television, the latest gadget or game. This is in and of the world.
It is true that you still need some diversions. We all need that, but when the diversion becomes the main focus of your life then it is as I said before living in and of the world.
We are told in the Bible that we are to place God first and always, day and night every day. It can be done, because I am living it right this moment. Am I perfect? By all means no no no, but I am at least making a major effort at trying.
I literally had to lose most of my possessions to finally come to understand that God must be the focus of our everyday life. Questions like: “Does this reflect God?” “Would Jesus do this?” “Am I saying the right thing to glorify God?” Are only a small example of questions I ask myself every single day.
Can you say you do this? Are you for example driving the speed limit? Yes the speed limit, which is actually something we are instructed to do in the Bible (Titus 3:1). We are instructed to honor the laws set forth by man and when we do so we honor God. When these laws go against God we are also instructed to work to change them to where God is honored. Yet today more and more of God is being forced out of public view.
We are entering into a new dark age. A time of ignorance and strife, but why do I say ignorance? Do you know that most people have never read the Bible and nearly as much have no desire to. Yet they listen to people that parade themselves as preachers of God’s truth yet they lie manipulate, cause fear, anger, destruction as well as false hope and contribute to the believe that this world has all you will ever need. Since no one has read the Bible they think it is fact and given by God, this is totally opposite of the teachings of the Bible.
Love and honor God first and foremost. Then love your neighbor as you would love yourself. The only time you are mentioned is to emulate how you would like to be treated and to treat your neighbor that way. Oh and by the way, everyone about you is your neighbor. When you can do this most of the time, then you can call yourself a Christian and it will be the truth.

When writing letters to those out there in the world

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As one who in essence is writing letters, I come to understand what made those that wrote the letters to the churches do what they did. Mainly they were separated by distance. In at least two cases the one writing the letters was imprisoned and unable to go to those they were writing these letters that later become the New Testament.
In my case I am unable to travel to those that have read my post due to obligations that require me to stay where I am. In several cases I am incapable of travel to them since at this time I have reached fifty two nations; one or two of them I never thought I would ever see that they have bothered to read that I have written but they have. Some come back time to time and look once again at what has been added. Most likely, many never return, but that is ok. At least once they read something that may have impressed upon them something that will come back to them in some other way. This is how God works at times. Planting little tidbits here and there, within their minds, till one day one of these seeds sprout and spread the love and joy of God throughout them. They realize that if not me than someone or something made them understand and accept God. Then they turn to His Son Jesus Christ and become saved.
I encourage and challenge those that are reading at this very moment to go pick up and Bible and read it. Learn the teaching of Jesus. Try to understand that they are still as relevant as they were when He first spoke them. Yes start with the New Testament but then turn to the Old and read it as well. For everything within the Old points to the New and to Christ.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Acceptance

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When it comes to true Christianity, the person that accepts it changes. They no longer think as they use to think. They no longer act as they use to act. Sure, a lot of how they use to be is still there. Their basic personality had not changed in most cases, but how they respond is different. What use to make them angry does not. What use to give them pleasure does not. Even though some aspect of the person you once knew is still seen on the outside by those about them, by those that knew you before you completed your change will make assumptions. Some in time will see the change and come to accept this change in you. But there will be those that do not. They will label you a hypocrite and a liar. They will feel betrayed and abandoned.
Sure, you want to make them understand, especially if they are someone you love, but you must come to realize that this many never happen.
There will be also those that try to tell you that you can still live the life you use to live. They will say sure you can still live exactly like you did before and you are still a Christian and going to heaven. This is not true. You will be tempted, but if the Bible states it is a sin. IT IS A SIN. If you are still early into your Christian faith it is at this time you should seek out and find a good Christian home.
In my own personal growth into Christianity, I sought this out in several large Churches. To my dismay, this actually turned out to be a slide in the wrong direction. It took me decades to find a church home I felt right in and it was a small church. These from further research I feel is the way to go. Do not seek out a church that has hundreds or even thousands that attend it. Seek out a church that at its max one hundred or less. These small churches will actually greet you and accept you as someone seeking to learn your faith and allow you to grow. Will answer your questions and help you address your problems of faith when they arise. This is better than a church of hundreds where you become lost within the faces and no one will be able to help you out, as you may need.
As you grow in your faith, you will change. Sure you will still feel like the person you were before you asked Jesus into your heart, but things that once didn’t bother you will. Especially as you read the Bible and come to understand the message within it, and whom the ultimate author of the Bible is, for even though it was written by man, they received their inspiration from the Holy Ghost. Who directed them to write down the words of God and no other faith can trace it origins back to the beginning of record history itself except the Judeo-Christian faith.