Let us read Acts 16:14, “One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message” – especially the last part, “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.”
A Bible teacher, who exalts so much the human free will, told me through the email that though God opened the heart of Lydia and she responded to Paul’s message, it does not mean that whenever God opened the heart of others, they would also respond just like Lydia.
As if he was saying, God could open our hearts, but, because we have the freedom of choice, we could still refuse to respond to the Gospel!
The verse, however, makes me realize that though the tendency of our fallen nature is to respond negatively to God, because of His grace, He would open our hearts, so we could respond positively to Him. We could not boast that we respond to His message, because we just choose to. We respond to Him, because He has opened our hearts.
We did not choose Him. He had chosen us. We called upon Him, because He had called us. We knew Him, because He first knew us and made Himself known to us. We loved Him, because He first loved us.
And God would open our hearts in order for us to respond to Him – not to resist or reject Him.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
God SEEKS And SAVES
We read in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
What a great comfort and encouragement to hear those words!
Jesus Christ came to seek... He Himself is the One who is doing the seeking. We do the hiding (Gen. 3:8). What a very foolish thing we do -- hiding from the only One who could give us happiness and satisfaction.
Whenever we hear His Words, "Where are you?" (Gen. 3:9) it does not mean that He does not know where we are. He knows exactly that we need His help, that apart from Him we have nowhere else to go.
He is seeking for us to help -- to save us. And when He seeks He finds. We cannot hide from Him.
Also, when He saves, He will surely save us. He will not just give us an option whether we choose to be saved, or not. Remember the story of the "Good Samaritan"? Did the Samaritan ever ask the victim whether he wanted his help? Yes, those who are lost are too helpless -- "half dead" -- to refuse.
Besides, Jesus came to seek and to save those who are aware and know they are really lost -- they do not know where to go, too helpless to save themselves.
God will not save those who believe that their good deeds, their good denomination, their good doctrines, their good choice, or whatever could save them.
Have you ever heard His Voice, "Where are you?"
Then, He was seeking to save you.
What a great comfort and encouragement to hear those words!
Jesus Christ came to seek... He Himself is the One who is doing the seeking. We do the hiding (Gen. 3:8). What a very foolish thing we do -- hiding from the only One who could give us happiness and satisfaction.
Whenever we hear His Words, "Where are you?" (Gen. 3:9) it does not mean that He does not know where we are. He knows exactly that we need His help, that apart from Him we have nowhere else to go.
He is seeking for us to help -- to save us. And when He seeks He finds. We cannot hide from Him.
Also, when He saves, He will surely save us. He will not just give us an option whether we choose to be saved, or not. Remember the story of the "Good Samaritan"? Did the Samaritan ever ask the victim whether he wanted his help? Yes, those who are lost are too helpless -- "half dead" -- to refuse.
Besides, Jesus came to seek and to save those who are aware and know they are really lost -- they do not know where to go, too helpless to save themselves.
God will not save those who believe that their good deeds, their good denomination, their good doctrines, their good choice, or whatever could save them.
Have you ever heard His Voice, "Where are you?"
Then, He was seeking to save you.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
HOW MUCH TIME God Listens?
How much time or how long do you pray? 5 minutes? 15 minutes? One half hour? An hour?
There was a point in my life that I was just concerned whether I prayed during the day, or not. Later, I was also asking the question: How long should I pray?
But, now, I believe that God -- through His Spirit -- will move His children not only what they ought to pray, but even for how much time they should pray.
Sometimes, I just prayed for a second... and the answer also came as fast as I finished!
Before I decided to leave the fellowship I was a member for several years, there were nights that I prayed without sleeping! It was really difficult to leave the fellowship of people you have learned to love, but, finally, my love for God's exaltation ought to triumph -- God answered my prayer positively that He even moved the heart of my spouse to agree with my decision.
How much time do I pray? It depends.
Actually, I just believe that I can always pray wherever I am and whatever I am doing. Sometimes, I feel that I am praying always.
I just learn to love doing it. For I believe that our Heavenly Father is always listening to us all the time!
We read in Psalm 22:24 states, "For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help."
There was a point in my life that I was just concerned whether I prayed during the day, or not. Later, I was also asking the question: How long should I pray?
But, now, I believe that God -- through His Spirit -- will move His children not only what they ought to pray, but even for how much time they should pray.
Sometimes, I just prayed for a second... and the answer also came as fast as I finished!
Before I decided to leave the fellowship I was a member for several years, there were nights that I prayed without sleeping! It was really difficult to leave the fellowship of people you have learned to love, but, finally, my love for God's exaltation ought to triumph -- God answered my prayer positively that He even moved the heart of my spouse to agree with my decision.
How much time do I pray? It depends.
Actually, I just believe that I can always pray wherever I am and whatever I am doing. Sometimes, I feel that I am praying always.
I just learn to love doing it. For I believe that our Heavenly Father is always listening to us all the time!
We read in Psalm 22:24 states, "For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help."
Monday, March 24, 2008
Is EVERYONE Predestined To Be Conformed To The Likeness Of Christ?
The denomination that I was once a member was now teaching, “…those God ‘predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified’ (Rom. 8:30). This statement describes every human being through their inclusion in Jesus' incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension (glorification).”
I don’t think the leadership of the group want to distort the Scripture. But, is it right to interpret the verse that every human being is predestined, called, justified and also glorified “through their inclusion in Jesus’ incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension (glorification)”?
In Romans chapter 8, we find that there are those people who “are controlled by the sinful nature” and those who “are controlled by the Spirit” (verse 9).
When Paul wrote, “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified,” did he refer to “every human being” – those who are controlled by the sinful nature and those who controlled by the Spirit – or only those who are controlled by the Spirit?
Let’s read verse 9, “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”
Apparently, Paul was addressing to “you” – who are controlled NOT by the sinful nature, but by the Spirit. He was speaking to the “brothers” (verse 12) – who are “led by the Spirit of God” (verse 14) -- who “received the Spirit of sonship” (verse15).
He also wrote in verse 26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
When he stated, “…but the Spirit himself intercedes for US…” – he was not referring to every human being, for he clarified in the next verse, “…the Spirit intercedes FOR THE SAINTS in accordance with God's will” (verse 27).
And it is also clear in verse 28 that Paul was not referring to every human being, when he wrote: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those…”
Did he say, “…God works for the good of those ALL who are in the world”?
It didn’t.
Rather, Paul wrote: “… for the good of those WHO LOVE HIM…” And they were those “who have been called according to his purpose.”
Some are teaching that all “have been called” or will be called by God. In this verse, however, they are associated with those who love God. Those who love Him are those who are called. And NOT everyone is able to love God.
Paul was not, then, speaking to every human being in Romans 8. But to those who are controlled by the Spirit – to those who are led by the Spirit of God – to those who received the Spirit of sonship.
They are those who “are loved by God and called to be saints” (Rom. 1:7) -- enabled by the Spirit to come to Jesus, to believe in Him, and to love Him. They are “those God foreknew” and “predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son” (verse 29).
Not every human being will come, will believe, or will love Jesus Christ. For not all are predestined to be conformed to His likeness. But all “those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified” (verse 30).
No wonder, Paul also wrote in Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Do you have also the same confidence?
I don’t think the leadership of the group want to distort the Scripture. But, is it right to interpret the verse that every human being is predestined, called, justified and also glorified “through their inclusion in Jesus’ incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension (glorification)”?
In Romans chapter 8, we find that there are those people who “are controlled by the sinful nature” and those who “are controlled by the Spirit” (verse 9).
When Paul wrote, “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified,” did he refer to “every human being” – those who are controlled by the sinful nature and those who controlled by the Spirit – or only those who are controlled by the Spirit?
Let’s read verse 9, “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”
Apparently, Paul was addressing to “you” – who are controlled NOT by the sinful nature, but by the Spirit. He was speaking to the “brothers” (verse 12) – who are “led by the Spirit of God” (verse 14) -- who “received the Spirit of sonship” (verse15).
He also wrote in verse 26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
When he stated, “…but the Spirit himself intercedes for US…” – he was not referring to every human being, for he clarified in the next verse, “…the Spirit intercedes FOR THE SAINTS in accordance with God's will” (verse 27).
And it is also clear in verse 28 that Paul was not referring to every human being, when he wrote: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those…”
Did he say, “…God works for the good of those ALL who are in the world”?
It didn’t.
Rather, Paul wrote: “… for the good of those WHO LOVE HIM…” And they were those “who have been called according to his purpose.”
Some are teaching that all “have been called” or will be called by God. In this verse, however, they are associated with those who love God. Those who love Him are those who are called. And NOT everyone is able to love God.
Paul was not, then, speaking to every human being in Romans 8. But to those who are controlled by the Spirit – to those who are led by the Spirit of God – to those who received the Spirit of sonship.
They are those who “are loved by God and called to be saints” (Rom. 1:7) -- enabled by the Spirit to come to Jesus, to believe in Him, and to love Him. They are “those God foreknew” and “predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son” (verse 29).
Not every human being will come, will believe, or will love Jesus Christ. For not all are predestined to be conformed to His likeness. But all “those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified” (verse 30).
No wonder, Paul also wrote in Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Do you have also the same confidence?
Friday, February 15, 2008
WHAT Do You MEAN, "LOVE The Lord..."?
When I was still a Catholic and, then, converted to a group, which later confessed to be a “cult,” and even when there was a great change in the said group and it was accepted in the evangelical circle – I could not yet grasp so much the meaning of love.
My general understanding before of the command, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27) is just to serve God and even the readiness to sacrifice for Him above all things.
However, before I decided to leave the group that I became a member for more than 27 years, I was able to review the so called “love chapter,” which I read actually so many times before -- 1 Corinthians 13, especially verses 4-8:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
And I noticed in verse 6 the “ingredient” of love I missed for so long.
It says, “Love does not delight in evil but REJOICES with the truth.” Yes, love is not only, patient and kind… etc. It also REJOICES!
The command “Love the Lord your God…” gives me a new and even wonderful meaning. I could now relate it with other Scriptures, like Philippians 3:1, “…REJOICE IN THE LORD!”; Philippians 4:4, “REJOICE IN THE LORD always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”; and Psalm 37:4, “DELIGHT yourself IN THE LORD…”
Now, the greatest commandment gives me a new and fascinating meaning.
It seems to sound like this:“DELIGHT and REJOICE in the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind”!
If we love God, we delight in Him. We rejoice in and with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who is the Truth.
My general understanding before of the command, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27) is just to serve God and even the readiness to sacrifice for Him above all things.
However, before I decided to leave the group that I became a member for more than 27 years, I was able to review the so called “love chapter,” which I read actually so many times before -- 1 Corinthians 13, especially verses 4-8:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
And I noticed in verse 6 the “ingredient” of love I missed for so long.
It says, “Love does not delight in evil but REJOICES with the truth.” Yes, love is not only, patient and kind… etc. It also REJOICES!
The command “Love the Lord your God…” gives me a new and even wonderful meaning. I could now relate it with other Scriptures, like Philippians 3:1, “…REJOICE IN THE LORD!”; Philippians 4:4, “REJOICE IN THE LORD always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”; and Psalm 37:4, “DELIGHT yourself IN THE LORD…”
Now, the greatest commandment gives me a new and fascinating meaning.
It seems to sound like this:“DELIGHT and REJOICE in the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind”!
If we love God, we delight in Him. We rejoice in and with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who is the Truth.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Let JESUS CHRIST BE SEEN
"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light” (Luke 11:33).
We usually understand the verse to refer to the good works that we need to perform.
But I love how the pastor of the present church I am attending referred the “light” to Jesus Christ.
Indeed, Jesus Christ Himself said: "I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
And if we realize that He is the true Light, then, we will place where He is not hidden in our life. We will exalt and extol Him in our life – so obvious that others will see that He is in the center of our life, that He is the uppermost One in our heart, that He is our Savior and King!
What do we really extol in our life? What do we want to promote? Our personal belief? Our accomplishment? Our denomination? Our family, friends, or whatever?
Are we also sure that Christ is really in us?
Paul wrote the Christians at Rome:
“… And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Rom. 8:9).
Though there are those who teach that everyone belong to Christ, it is clear from the Scripture that, if you do not have Christ – if you do not have His Spirit – you do NOT belong to Him!
“See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness,” Christ also said in Luke 11:35.
So important, indeed, to know that what we have is the true Light. Let’s be sure that we belong really to Him. “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you -- unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor. 13:5.)
And if He is really in us, let’s give Him the prominent place due the true Light, so that others may see Him in our life.
We usually understand the verse to refer to the good works that we need to perform.
But I love how the pastor of the present church I am attending referred the “light” to Jesus Christ.
Indeed, Jesus Christ Himself said: "I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
And if we realize that He is the true Light, then, we will place where He is not hidden in our life. We will exalt and extol Him in our life – so obvious that others will see that He is in the center of our life, that He is the uppermost One in our heart, that He is our Savior and King!
What do we really extol in our life? What do we want to promote? Our personal belief? Our accomplishment? Our denomination? Our family, friends, or whatever?
Are we also sure that Christ is really in us?
Paul wrote the Christians at Rome:
“… And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Rom. 8:9).
Though there are those who teach that everyone belong to Christ, it is clear from the Scripture that, if you do not have Christ – if you do not have His Spirit – you do NOT belong to Him!
“See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness,” Christ also said in Luke 11:35.
So important, indeed, to know that what we have is the true Light. Let’s be sure that we belong really to Him. “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you -- unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor. 13:5.)
And if He is really in us, let’s give Him the prominent place due the true Light, so that others may see Him in our life.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
God Will Give All Things To Those WHO KNOW Him
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
Those who consider themselves children of God, those who know God, the believers, or who belong to the “little flock” ought not to be anxious of anything.
In fact, Jesus Christ Himself told them not to be afraid of losing anything they value in this world. It could be material wealth. But we could also value health, position, knowledge, friendship, family, or even our personal belief.
He said, “Do NOT be afraid…”
Note very well that He was addressing the “little flock.” They are those who regard God as their “Father” – the faithful ones, the elect – “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9) – they really know God, not just as a “loving God” who wishes good things for everyone, but the Holy God, who punishes those who do not know Him and are disobedient (2 Thess. !:8). They really know God, because they truly love Him (1 John 4:7-8).
So, if we are among them, we should not suffer anxiety, because God Himself is our Father. He is able to provide all our needs. We should not even be afraid to part way with those things we value. Why ? Because He is happy to give us all things He owns – His Kingdom!!
Like an ordinary child, who values what his physical father has and later be given to him, we need also to realize the Supreme Value of what’s in store for us.
What a great privilege to really know God and be chosen as His adopted child!
What an expressible joy to have Him, as our Holy Heavenly Father – the Source of our sufficiency and our real Treasure!
We do not have to fear that what we truly value will be lost from us.
Those who consider themselves children of God, those who know God, the believers, or who belong to the “little flock” ought not to be anxious of anything.
In fact, Jesus Christ Himself told them not to be afraid of losing anything they value in this world. It could be material wealth. But we could also value health, position, knowledge, friendship, family, or even our personal belief.
He said, “Do NOT be afraid…”
Note very well that He was addressing the “little flock.” They are those who regard God as their “Father” – the faithful ones, the elect – “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9) – they really know God, not just as a “loving God” who wishes good things for everyone, but the Holy God, who punishes those who do not know Him and are disobedient (2 Thess. !:8). They really know God, because they truly love Him (1 John 4:7-8).
So, if we are among them, we should not suffer anxiety, because God Himself is our Father. He is able to provide all our needs. We should not even be afraid to part way with those things we value. Why ? Because He is happy to give us all things He owns – His Kingdom!!
Like an ordinary child, who values what his physical father has and later be given to him, we need also to realize the Supreme Value of what’s in store for us.
What a great privilege to really know God and be chosen as His adopted child!
What an expressible joy to have Him, as our Holy Heavenly Father – the Source of our sufficiency and our real Treasure!
We do not have to fear that what we truly value will be lost from us.
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