THE GOSPEL BLOG!

Romans 8 and the Walk in the Spirit (1998)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:07:00 +0000

I see that many people who know something about the Sovereignty of God know nothing of His Grace; and that is why they can embrace free will.

The believers walk with God (especially one who has been instructed) is utterly dependent upon the Grace of God in Christ. Rom 7 and 8 are tied together. Paul saw the law of sin in his flesh and found no relief until he was moved to look outside of himself. Rom Chapter 8 begins with no condemnation in Christ and ends with absolute security in Christ, but all the way in between (8:1-8:32) the work of the Spirit of God unveiled. The Spirit (law of the Spirit of life) makes us free from the dominion and tyranny of sin (Rom 8:2). The Spirit, through the New Covenant ministers life and peace to us (Rom 8:5-6). The Spirit is the only means God accepts for the mortification of the deeds of this evil body (Rom 8:13,8). The Spirit makes our adoption known (Rom 8:14-16), enables us to pray (8:15), is the means whereby Christ is with us in our sufferings (8:17), gives us hope in the better resurrection (8:18-25), prays according to the will of God when we don't know what to say (8:26-27), and is the means whereby God glorifies us (8:28-30). The Spirit is what Christ has given us that we might freely have all things that pertain to life and godliness (8:31-32).

The Spirit who is Sovereign and Gracious does all of these things, and they are ministered to me through the Gospel. Paul wasn't able to pull himself up by the bootstraps in Rom 7. He couldn't make a decision. This does not testify of an unregenerate man (as you know), but this is the testimony of every child of God. O I would do good! I want to do good! I want to believe on Christ and love people! But how?! Paul could only look to the Spirit of God and say, "Because Christ has established righteousness for me, life is promised to me through the Spirit (Rom 8:3-4). I have no condemnation even now because of Christ (Rom 8:1), and because of Christ the Spirit will come upon me in due time and will once again deliver me into the blessed peace that passes all understanding (Rom 8:2, 10)."

The man of sin must be made known. He is self-will. Nothing but faith in the Gospel of Christ pleases God.

My own soul was in bondage a week or so ago until this passage came to me allowing me to look outside of myself. Faith is the gift of God and for every look to Christ I thank the Spirit.

This is Grace, and fleshly free will religion has no place among the brethren. Dear Brother Spurgeon's ability to receive free-will religionist remains an enigma to me (he like all men failed when he judged according to sight); nevertheless, the two ways of walking with God are separated by more than logic; Grace and works are two entirely different lifestyles. If it were logic there may be room for argument, but it is experience.

If God gives me open doors with people who fellowship in free-will works religion, then the issue will be God's Sovereign Grace- not the systematic doctrine of the 5 points, but the life of faith that is found in them.

I spoke to someone yesterday and all she was able to see was the two systems and concluded, "whatever, lets all be Christians." The Way of Grace was not made plain to her.

Sovereign Grace is not us doing it, and then saying God did it. Sovereign Grace is God working in people by the Spirit through the Gospel. I do remember this lady asking the age-old question: "If it is all of grace then you can do whatever you want?" No, these people don't understand the power of Grace through faith. Faith is supernatural and wrought by God himself. Faith is what empowers a selfish sinner to seek the glory of the Son of God who loved him and gave Himself for his sins. Faith is not an assent to doctrine; it is God Himself PERSUADING you and I of what He has already accomplished or determined to do back in eternal predestination. Faith embraces the promises of the New Covenant, pleases God, and invokes the Almighty to act. Read what sinners did by faith in Hebrews 11. They believed God, and that faith empowered them.

Look outside of yourself to Christ! This is the ONLY life and peace. He has earned the right to give the Mighty Spirit to deliver all for whom He died.

“Whom All Asia and the World Worship” (Acts 19:21-20:12)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:09:00 +0000

(vs23-27) “ And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: ‘Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship."

We go against insurmountable obstacles as we preach the word, but we have a greater power than the reasonings and deceitfulness of men . There is a Christ who saves, who has greater power than the world (vs23-27). We read, “all Asia and the world worship”, at that time, the phony Goddess Diana, but Paul helped plant a church there at Ephesus!

On our own, the world is too strong for us, and it must perish in sin. In the gospel, however, God works. He gives life to dead sinners, and He gives HOPE to hopeless situations. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13).

Look at yourself. Do you think that you deserve to be saved? Is there any goodness in you that would have received Christ? No? Then why do we let the obstacles stop us? Someone said that preaching the gospel to the world is “heavy lifting”, and it is. Paul says that he labored according to the power of God in him (Col 1:23). Therefore, since the task won’t change or become easy, let us GO to Calvary for the strength to continue. Preach the gospel with an eye to God, rather than man.

Secondly, thank God for law and order, justice in the kingdom, and Him ruling all things ultimately (vs28-35). The city officer in Ephesus said, “Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.’ And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

It was a madhouse, but amidst this DISORDER, God gave sufficient order and protection to His people, and He will do so in the End. There will be a Day of reckoning, when everyone’s deeds will be exposed. In this Day, the righteous will be fully exonerated, no matter how much evil was done to us here. We can rest assured that RIGHTEOUSNESS is the only path that we need to tread, and it shall be well with us. “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him” (Eccl 8:12). We never need to question the end result of doing right.

When confused and downcast, just know that you are in the Way, and suddenly, even your enemies will be at peace with you (Prov 16:7). Suddenly, and very soon, all the clamor against you will stop. Satan will afflict no more, sinners will oppress no longer, and you will enter Paradise.

Finally, thank God for the comfort (Acts 20:1-12)! “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus (‘Fortunate’), who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, ’Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.’ Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.”

Amidst the warfare of sin - the evil within and the evil without - we have victories in Christ, souls that are restored and sinners that are saved. Our way is HARD, and anyone promising you Easy Street as a Christian is not wise. The doctrine is HARD on the flesh, people will hate you, and your results will be disappointing in so many ways. But, God knows our frame, and He gives us help along the way, as we see others come to truth, others strengthened, and He uses our hand. “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building” (1 Cor 3:9). Everyone is a minister, and as God blesses our prayers for the family and the Church, as He gives grace to a hell-worthy sinner, He shows us the goodness and refreshment that we need.

Soon, we’ll be in heaven, face to face with Christ, and comfort will be total and eternal. For now, amidst the warfare with sin, we get genuine comfort. God does us and OTHERS undeserved goodness, as He forgives and strengthens, as He gives grace and repentance.

You have heard this gospel. Cast yourself upon Christ for peace.

"Woe to the Bloody City" (Nahum 3)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:19:00 +0000

“Woe to the bloody city! It is all full of lies and robbery. Its victim never departs. The noise of a whip and the noise of rattling wheels, or galloping horses, of clattering chariots... Behold, I am against you, says the Lord of hosts; I will lift your skirts over your face, I will show the nations your nakedness, and the kingdoms your shame.” (vs1-5)

This text deals with the sure and impending wrath of God against all ungodliness and sin, “for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom 1:18). We MUST flee to Christ and obtain mercy, taking the promises by faith. Or, we must be utterly destroyed in the End.

1. You are not as strong as you think you are (vs8-13). “Are you better than No Amon (ancient capital of Egypt, a nation God humbled and broke) that was situated by the River, that had the waters around her, whose rampart was the sea, whose wall was the sea... Yet she was carried away, she went into captivity; her young children also were dashed to pieces at the head of every street... You also will be drunk; you will be hidden; you also will seek refuge from the enemy... the gates of your land are wide open for your enemies; fire shall devour the bars of your gates”. You will be EASILY defeated by God, so run to Christ and make your election sure. Believe Him, as a sinner, worthy of wrath, to have loved you so much, that He predestined Christ to atone your sins, and He now promises to give you obedience and heaven’s eventual bliss. Eph 3:17, says, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith”, that you may believe the riches of His love and be empowered thereby. Don't think to fight in unbelief, squandering your soul forever.

2. You can make every other preparation, but it will fail (vs14-18). “Draw your water for the siege! Fortify your strongholds! Go into the clay and tread the mortar! Make strong the brick kiln! There the fire will devour you, the sword will cut you off; it will eat you up like a locust”. Who are YOU to fight God? Take mercy. Be one that He chose, died to save, and one that He forgives and gives the power of holiness onto. We read, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Gal 3:13-14). Believe rather than be destroyed.

3. You are defeated, utterly, and you shall never triumph over Judgment (vs19). “Your injury has no healing, your wound is severe”. You can be saved, graciously. But, if you rebel and refuse mercy, then you will be utterly destroyed, mercilessly, and you’ll pay forever in hell.

Finally, this is because of your wickedness (vs19). “For upon whom has not your wickedness passed continually?” You have done evil, and so Judgment must punish you. God would be unjust to do differently. Therefore, which side will you choose? Will you say, “I am right to be punished” and flee to mercy, or do you say, “I will not be punished”, fight God, and run into wrath?

"I Believe Your Commandments" (Ps 119:65-72)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:40:00 +0000

“You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments” (vs65-66).

Your commandments, the things that You say and would have me to do, are the delight of my heart, the teaching that I follow willingly, “For I believe Your commandments” (vs65-66). We are not in rebellion, hating the words of Christ, and trying to enter heaven without obedience, but we believe what He says is right, that it is the command of God, and we are devoted to it. Many think themselves wise or independent, followers of no one, except their own thinking. But, you and I are followers of Satan or Christ, of wrong or right, and we have chosen the RIGHT way, God’s commands. We are believers: what He tells us - believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and love as He gave us commandment - we do. “And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment” (1 John 3:23). We are not empty hearers, but we hear and do the word of God by the strength that He gives, trusting Him as sinners, and thereby receiving the power of new life. The gospel is good news from the King, so we honor it.

Secondly, we want to know the word of God, the statutes that He has put in place (vs67-68). He says, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes”. We are not hiding, desiring not to know, but we who preach diligently study, so that we may faithfully declare the truth to all who hear us. God’s given us a desire to hear and obey.He says, “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Tim 3:1). We are sinners like all of mankind, but grace made us needy, grace made us realize that we must learn, and grace has taught us. Likewise, grace keeps on drawing us to learn more; it feeds our needy souls with power, and He satisfies us with salvation. Bless the Lord. You and I hunger and thirst after righteousness. He says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matt 5:6). We want to know faithfulness and how to follow the path of Christ. We DESIRE to be made like Him, and this is the healthy soul. We say, “I need more”. This is my life.

Finally, thank Him for this new desire (vs69-72). He says, “The proud have forged a lie against me, but I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart. Their heart is as fat as grease, but I delight in Your law. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver”. I went astray before God’s instruction, doing my own thing, thinking myself impervious to consequences, boldly and stupidly sinning. But, in love and goodness, He pitied me enough to afflict me, to make me hurt for my sins, and to use the wickedness of Satan’s attacks to teach me the gospel, the security of His love, the basis of acceptance in Christ, and the fear of the Lord to seek His grace for power to obey. All of these GOOD things came to me by God’s troubling hand, and I thank Him for it.

He has made you love His word, revealed the death of Christ as your salvation, and He’s chosen to teach you rather than destroy. Thus, thinking on the GOODNESS of the Lord and His word as the revealer, we desire to learn its statues, seeking to know and be comforted by Him ever more.

All that we have comes to us by the word of God. Faith, hope, comfort, and peace are by the ministry of the word, these GOOD things, so we desire it more than silver and gold: Christ’s WORD is everything.

"Your Word" (Ps 119:57-64)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:22:00 +0000

“You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words. I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your word” (vs57).

God’s promised mercy in His word, we've believed it, and we desire Him to keep this promise, faithfully. He says, “be merciful to me according to Your word”. We're staking everything on Christ, and we want salvation. We come needy, dependent, and we can't make it on our own. The misery of being Christ-less is too great, so, “Be merciful to us”, is our plea.

I don't ‘admire’ the gospel or play with it! I need Christ to relieve the misery of sin, and to help me see Gods glory. I need relief. Don't be a religious spectator who accepts being OUTSIDE of Christ. Plead to get in, according to His promises to all who believe.

Note: believing is trusting your soul, future, and eternity to Jesus Christ, forsaking all else, and expecting Him alone to guide you to Paradise.

Secondly, many tell me what to do, but I'm obeying Jesus Christ (vs59-60). He says, “I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies. I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments”. Don't be ashamed, as if you're in the wrong. There is nothing impure in Christ, and honoring Him is surely rewarded. Resolve never to be self-willed or deceived. Make your mind now, then make it up day by day repeatedly and continually: Jesus is God’s Son, the Worthy One, the Judge who is Savior, the One who MUST be honored. Love Him for saving you by walking in His paths, which lead to eternal life. Seek your reward from Him, rather than sinful pleasures.

Finally, my brothers are those who obey (vs61-64)! “The cords of the wicked have bound me, but I have not forgotten Your law. At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of Your righteous judgments. I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts.” Forget the racial and political issues. Forget every human distinction. There's only one distinction, one difference, and one dividing line, and it's the gospel. Those who believe, former murderers, and the formerly oppressed and mistreated, are now brothers of the bond of Christ, having the same Spirit, Master, and Father. Ephesians 4:4-6 says, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all”. We have Jesus as First Brother, and we mutually adore, honor, and serve Him. We're teammates, co-workers, and brothers in battle, putting aside differences to unite in the exaltation of Christ, as commanded. Grace has made us love each other, worship together, and help each other. Let this love abound, recognize what SIDE you're really on, and know the battle isn't political, ethnic, or economical; it is spiritual only, and we're exalting Christ, helping All to be saved. “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:3-4). We must stop drawing divisions where God has declared unity, and be about Christ's kingdom, rather than fighting against brethren over things that don't ascend the importance of Christ.

"Your Word Has Given Me Life" (Ps 119:49-56)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:36:00 +0000

“Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.” (vs49-50)

The word of God is life producing, so why would we look anywhere else (vs49-50)? He says, “Your word has given me life”. In the beginning, we were dead in sins, and He came to us by the gospel, we believed, and LIFE was the result - eternal life, peace with God, and assurance, as we make Christ known to others. This life was ours freely by the gospel, so why turn away from it to anything else? Maintain your way. Life, all that we need - hope, joy, and peace - are in God’s word. Put your faith there, follow it, and you’ll have the best life possible. Don’t compromise or be moved.

Secondly, the gospel is God’s comforting truth of salvation by the one man Jesus Christ, His verdict that whoever believes on Him shall be saved (vs51-52). He says, “The proud have me in great derision, yet I do not turn aside from Your law. I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, and have comforted myself”. God’s word declares His judgment of what is right and wrong, even justification by faith, redemption by Another, and Christ the rightful Savior of sinners judged evil and unable to help ourselves. This moves me with joy, as does all of God’s word, because He declares believers righteous and promises us heaven in the End.

Don’t be turned away from the gospel; it declares good news, the comfort of your heart.

Finally, I do keep God’s law, obeying the word of God as commanded (vs53-56). He says, “Indignation has taken hold of me because of the wicked, who forsake Your law. Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. I remember Your name in the night, O Lord, and I keep Your law”.

Don’t be ashamed to confess who you are in Christ and what He has done for you and in you, making you obedient. You don’t obey as much as you want, but you do live for God, and doing so, you know that your prayers are heard, so that confessing what I am - saved by grace and made a willing servant - helps me to confess what God shall do for me, which is show Himself faithful to the End. I can’t say I’m not obedient when God’s word declares that I am. I believe on Christ, and thus I can believe His promise of reward.

Many think it is pious to reject the gospel, saying, “I’m only a sinner”, but it is true humility to receive God’s gospel and say, “Thank You, for doing this for me”.

If you are His willing servant, know that He delights to reward you.

“Reasoning Daily”(Acts 19:8-20)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:16:00 +0000

“And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continue for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the world of the Lord Jesus, both Jesus and Greeks” (vs8-10).

Be busy about the gospel (vs8-10). Paul gives us an example, “reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus”. Christianity is no luxury cruise to glory. We have a great commission, and we’re to grow, improve, and stretch Christ out to the world, never letting ease interfere with ministry. There is time in the day for work and play, for the wife and the gospel, but the gospel is more than the most important thing in our life, a thing among others. The scripture says that Christ is our life (Col 3:4). Be about His business in your home, at work, where you are day after day. It is not only the apostle’s job, but every believer’s.

Secondly, Paul had power, and so do you, if you believe (vs11-12). “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them”. You can’t work his miracles, but the GREATEST miracle is worked in you, even faith that works by love. The fact that you and I forsake all to follow Christ is amazing, because NO ONE does this, except by grace.

Make sure that your religion is fruitful. Don’t trust a weak Christ, and never let your religion be word only.

Finally, Christ’s name is magnified, when people fear Him, seeing His power, seeing that He must be TRUSTED for real (vs13-20). We read, “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘We command you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches’ . Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?’ Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.” Not only is Christ needed, but He only saves by real faith. He is no pushover savior, whom you can treat any way that you decide, whom you can pretend to love as you see fit. He is the One that demands and receives total surrender, the faith that works by love, or He’ll embarrass and ultimately destroy us in the end.

This shocked me a few years back. I realized all that I knew was meaningless, and I’d go to hell, if I wasn’t heart devoted to Christ. I can know the doctrine, but if I don’t live for Christ with what I have, then I don’t know God. This made me determined that obedience would be mine, not because I’m strong, but because He MUST give it. I cannot be saved with word only knowledge; I must have power, so I cry out for Him daily, and He answers, and He’ll do the same for you.

If you’re sure that hypocrisy will be punished, and He must be honored as Lord, then come to Him by faith, admitting your weakness and need, and trust Him to meet that need, not only to forgive your sins by His death, but to give you REAL power by this same death that He died for you! Oh the blessedness of knowing that Christ will perform inside of you because He performed for you on the cross.

I charge you to have a real relationship with God, not like the sons of Sceva and the Jewish exorcists in pretence.

"The Lord Will Restore" (Nahum 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:17:00 +0000

“He who scatters has come up before your face. Man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily. For the Lord will restore the excellence of Jacob like the excellence of Israel, for the emptiers have emptied them out and ruined their vine branches “(vs1-2).

Even though we have been defeated and chastened of God, the time's come for Him to help us, as promised, and you can be sure His help will succeed. He says, “For the Lord will restore the excellence of Jacob like the excellence of Israel”.

God's children are often down, wondering what is wrong, learning about unbelief and the unprofitableness thereof. But God sees fit to end the chastening and to restore us, dramatically advancing His truth and power in our hearts. He says, “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb 12:11). The time has come, and He taunts our enemies, calling them to battle and comforting us with ABSOLUTE promises. He tells them, “Man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily... Though Nineveh of old was like a pool of water, now they flee away” (vs1,7).

Victory, by God’s mighty grace, just as He promises, is ours! Hear the Lord’s boast and believe that YOU benefit from these promises, that this is your reality. He says, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper” (2 Chron 20:20). You’ve been misguided and faltering because of sin, but now God calls Himself into action, and love, peace, and obedience will result in you. Hes’ overthrowing what hinders your walk with Christ, and you WILL be more full.

Be encouraged, and you'll see your victory. Believe, continually, even amidst setbacks, and it will be true in your experience. Today is your turning point. Now, your shackles are broken, and now you and I can HONOR Christ by the strength that He gives. We can serve the church, love the enemy, and walk clean. We CAN be better and nearer to God. We can be joyful in spirit by the power that we didn't have before.

Bless Him by believing, go forward by faith, and look for this new help. You're no longer the weak coward or the lustful beast. You can whip this inward sin by faith. You now have and will get the obedience that honors God, brings fruit, and increases your strength. Bless Him by believing and sinning no more. There was a man in John 5 who was impotent, and Christ asked him if he desired to be made whole. Admitting that he had no one to help him was insufficient. Christ said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk”, and He tells you and me the same. Right now, believe that you can do what you couldn't do before, because God promises it, Christ earned it, and it is the Spirit who gets it done (John 5:8-9).

“According to Your Word” (Ps 119:41-48)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:33:00 +0000

“Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord - Your salvation according to Your word” (vs41).

I want the salvation that’s according to God’s word (vs41-42). It doesn't do us any good to be falsely saved, to have a salvation that we’ve made up, which isn’t in harmony with Jesus Christ. We must be saved by grace, through faith, unto good works that have been ordained and predetermined for us (Eph 2:8-10). We must be saved BY the Lord Jesus unto following and living like Him. We must have sound teaching, and we must have sound practice, both.

Many want a salvation of their own choosing, so they pick and pull from the bible as they see fit, rather than bowing and submitting to the gospel, as God sees fit, as He has written. Salvation MUST be according to the Scriptures, for Christ died that way (1 Cor 15:1-4). Salvation must make the Scriptures become our life, so that what they say is what we do, and we can match up with the blueprint given to us. This takes GRACE, so the Psalmist prays! He doesn’t want to be deceived. He wants the real thing, to honor God, and to have what only He can give.

When I first met the woman that I’m engaged to marry, it struck me that WE could have everything together, if we’d just take it. God is utterly willing to save us, and to make us the best that we can be. He can and will do it for all who ask.

Secondly, He won’t take away the gospel from those who trust in Him, even though we’re brought chastisements and misery upon ourselves, even though afflictions have made the promises seem unreal (vs43). He says, “And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I have hoped in Your ordinances.” This is great grace in God. He doesn’t shaking off people who hold on to Him. You’ve seen people pry others away from them, like an NFL running back shaking off a tackle, but this is not grace. Hold onto the word of God by faith, and God won’t take it from you, even when it appears to be diminishing, even when trouble has you full of fears and doubts! You may have failed and sinned, and have no right to blessings, but salvation is graciously given, free to sinners, and those who want Christ, as weak as we are, will never be thrown away for our weakness. In fact, the tiniest of faith is saving.

Seeking is finding in the kingdom of God (vs45). He says, “And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts”. There are MANY things that you can chase and never catch. You can line your walls with pictures of movie stars or models that you’d like to marry, then never meet them, or be ignored when you do. But, you and I can’t pursue Christ in vain, so that the seeker actually HAS. He doesn’t have now, so he seeks, but like heaven itself, it is coming for sure, because men never seek grace in vain. He is not One to ignore the pleas of His people, the cries of faith from sinners in our need, or to deny the hope of anyone who leans upon His word. If you want it, come by faith in Christ, and it’s yours (1 John 5:14). He is coming, power is coming, sin will be broken, etc!

Thirdly, “I will not be ashamed” in the future because the grace I’m depending on will be there. This is the resolve and the direction of my life (Vs46). “I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed”. I don’t stand as boldly as I desire, and I seek improvement, but in the course of the believer’s life, he is someone, like Peter, who stands for the Lord Jesus Christ, openly, no matter the opposition. We are not as faithful as we’d like, but everyone of us who believes endures until the end and confesses Christ openly by our conduct. Be serious about this, know this is who you are, and let your resolve grow. Realize that you’re in this until the end, no matter the costs, and keep looking to Christ to bring it to pass.

Say, “I love the Lord”, and never be ashamed to say it (vs47). He says, “And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love”. We don’t boast about loving Christ, because we boast about God’s grace and we glory only in the cross. Christ died for us, so that grace may justifiably be ours in the putting away of sins and establishment of righteousness before God. But we MUST recognize the grace that we’ve been given. I can no less say, “I love God”, than I can say, “I believe”. They are the same. This is God’s work, the gift of a new heart!

Let His word tell you how you think, what you feel, and believe it. If it isn’t true, don’t say it and pretend. But, if you love Him because He first loved you, if you love the word because it brings you peace and heals your mind, and if you love the gospel because it is thrilling, wise, and just, then admit it. Don’t be ashamed. Don’t love a woman, but be embarrassed to hold her hand in public for fear of what others will say. Don’t love God and REFUSE to say it because of sin - not yours or someone else’s.

Finally, know your path and be optimistic (hopeful in God) and determined about it (confident He’ll bring it to pass) (vs48). He says, “My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes”. You are not promising anything based upon yourself or your strength. Every promise you’re making of faithfulness is based upon the promise that God has given, the fact that He’ll keep you faithful to the end. To say, “I will make it. I will persevere until the end” isn’t pride, so long as God’s promise and not your will power is your assurance!

Be determined to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified, to know by experience and obedience, by teaching and by practice the Lord Jesus Christ and the gospel, not because YOU have a greater resolve than others, but because God has made Christ everything to you, and God will keep it going. Have your resolves as benchmarks and sign posts, guiding and measuring the direction of your life. Wonder not aimlessly, not knowing where you’re going, tossed by the wind. But like an athlete, have a goal in mind, and then labor, day by day, to get there. Know what you’re about in this life, which is KNOWING Christ by experience and making Him known in truth and love, and be about it confidently.

"Keep It To The End" (Ps 119:33-40)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:34:00 +0000

“Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart” (vs33-34).

The Psalmist reveals his need of God's instruction to do what God commands (vs33). He says, “Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end”. The gospel is faith in God to do what He has promised, and He's promised that all of salvation - from the teaching to the doing - is God’s work for us and in us.

There's never anything to do on your own. It is God’s grace and God in Christ who gets the credit. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph 3:20-21). He’s the One we look to! Never say, "I must, so He can". Say, "God, You must, so I can". Walk humbly, lean on Christ, and He'll answer you. You'll get power, and you'll move in peace instead of fear.

I will be wholehearted when I receive instruction because grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and live zealously for Christ (vs34). He says, “Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart”. Grace isn't merely an outward to the ear teaching, not when applied by God. We forsake all to follow Him, realizing that grace has given us eternal life, even godliness, and grace, the salvation that God gives,makes us holy (Titus 2:11-12). Obedience is not only reasonably demanded, but it is also freely worked in us by the Spirit.

I love the law of God, the way that He’d have me to live, so I ask Him to show me the way and teach me, because this is the joy of my new heart (Ps 119:35). He says, “Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it”. If you hate God and despise His way, then be honest. Admit you’re lost, in your sin, under the curse, and estranged from God. But, if you’re able to say, “I love You, so teach me. I rejoice in Your ways, Your presence, and doing Your will by faith”, then say it.

If we love the gospel, then our prayers are real, because we’re asking for what we truly desire, our First Love.

Secondly, I need help staying on the right path (vs36). He says, “Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness”. One song says, “Prone to wonder, Lord I feel it, prone to LEAVE the God I love”, and we must admit this is us. It is NOT enough to put us on the path and in the right way. We must be kept from and drawn AWAY from what would harm us into what is best. The pleasures of sin, the ability to keep it a secret, and the folly of our deceived natures teaches us that we need protection, like sheep, from straying into the path of the wolf, from eating poison, and from walking off a cliff. I admit my need, because I know my wickedness. I know that I need Christ in every way, every day, until the end.

But, God’s way is the way that I want to go (vs37). He says, “Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way”. I am allured by sin, but I know better by grace. I WANT to do evil, because I have a war within, but I’m not left to my desires. I have another nature saying, “Turn my eyes”, “Make me look at You”, and “Keep me from chasing vanities”. Pray in this warfare and honestly confess to God, right now, how evil and weak you are, and receive His continual grace and holiness. He doesn’t despise the weak, like a superstar athlete who looks down upon the guys making mistakes. But, it is His character to care for us who can do nothing, and this is GRACE in God, that the infinitely holy - the all wise and Perfect God - would be so good as to GRACIOUSLY carry us, pick us up from falls, and protect us repeatedly from the danger of sin. He doesn’t say, “Help yourself”, and, “Get it together”, but He WILLINGLY and delightfully - for His honor and our good - carries the weak. He promises, “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Is 46:4). Let us be patient with others and helpful to sinners and saint, who fall repeatedly.

I fear You, so I come to You afraid, saying, “Establish Your way”, and, “Make me able to obey” (vs38). He says, “Establish Your word to Your servant, who is devoted to fearing you”. We are to perfect holiness in the fear of God, reverencing our Father in heaven (2 Cor 7:1). This isn’t slavish fear of dread, whereby I must earn His favor or keep a smile on His face; it is the FEAR of sin, whereby my Father is continually called upon, so that my Father is honored, as He commands.

Many fear not God! They think that He’s OK with sin, that it really isn’t a big deal, and because Christ died, He’ll do us no harm, but they are wrong. He says, “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear” (1Pet 1:17). And, when you’ve been chastened, left to yourself, and confounded before your enemies, then you know that you NEED the Spirit of God, and His presence isn’t to be taken for granted. We don’t earn His favor, but our walk determines so much of our experience of His favor (our joy and peace), so we say, “Keep me from messing up,keep me from sin,and keep me from dishonoring Christ and hurting others, because I know this is best for me”.

Finally, God’s goodness is the reason that we desire to be turned to Him (vs39). He says, “Turn away my reproach which I dread, for Your judgments are good”. We know that His judgments, like a judge rendering a right verdict, are good and gentle, so we want to be turned to His way. We want what God wants, because we fear fruitlessness and we love obedience. Let the new man in Christ know that he’s wholeheartedly to live for the gospel as the best thing for him. Let him fear returning to the old ways, or being found a person who preaches to others but dies in sin. Paul says, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected” (1 Cor 9:27). We want the BEST way, and so we despise the way of sin, failure, and reproach, the shame of not living our profession.

And, in the righteousness of God who saves sinners by faith in His Son’s blood, we ask the blessings of grace, obedience, and intimate knowledge of Christ and His will (vs40). He says, “Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me in Your righteousness”. We don’t come unjustly to God, asking Him to sin, so that grace might abound, but recognizing the blood His Son shed and the justice honoring appeasement that He has given, we ask God to do what Christ DIED to give, which is save us righteously.

Make sure your gospel is by faith in His blood, and then you can have what you desire, which is God making you able to do God’s will for His glory (1 John 5:14). He’ll make you honor Him in holiness, so that others might be saved.

"My Soul Clings to the Dust" (Ps 119:25-32)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:47:00 +0000

“My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word” (vs25).

He is being honest, admitting that he's sinful and all isn't well, that he struggles mightily and needs help (vs25). He says, “My soul clings to the dust”. He's a sinner needing constant grace to stay above his failures and depression. He needs victory over sin that he can't accomplish himself. Grace is for poor sinners; it is for honest people who need help. He says, “revive me according to Your word”. Let us never go in the flesh because we refuse to ask, seek, and knock, pretending all is OK and refusing to admit our need. Indeed, emptiness and need are normal to Christianity, and we must believe God to help us, or perish, missing grace because we did not openly acknowledge our need.

Secondly, we must be taught, even though we've been taught, because grace never makes us independent; we are continually seeking and obtaining more (vs26). He says, “I have declared my ways”, my fears, doubts, and horrible falls, “and You answered me”, in grace, pity, and love. “Teach me Your statutes”.

If we'd admit our need then He'd meet it, and we'd have instruction - spiritually and on the inside.

If God teaches us, then we can meditate... if He unlocks the secret, then we can ponder the results. We need Him in order to honor Him (vs27). He says, “Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works”. He must do EVERYTHING for us to do anything. Walk with Him this way, saying, ‘Lord, do it all’.

Thirdly, He's promised to help the needy (vs28). “My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word”. What mustI do? I must believe help is for me, seek it, and obtain. Boldly ask Him to rescue you, guide you, and save you. It doesn’t matter that you’re helpless or how far you are from righteousness. Trust the PROMISES of grace, O needy sinner, and live.

"Be gracious to me” is the sinner’s plea as well as the saint's (vs29). “Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your law graciously”. Help me in my sinful estate, help the one that has rejected instruction, and help me because of who You are: gracious. You give generously to those who have NOTHING but need! You have saved by grace, so save repeatedly.

We say, “I have done what You demand - choosing Your salvation, Your ways, and You above all else, so don't forsake me” (vs30-31)! He says, “I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame!” Surely, You won't forsake me, now that You're everything to me! Don't reveal my Savior and not save me. Don't torment me in hell with the misery of asking in vain, in the horror of perishing without help. “I want God”, the Psalmist is declaring, “and You must be mine”! Someone said in prayer, “We can’t take ‘no’ for an answer”, and we cant. This ZEAL is God’s gift, like John the Baptist, who was a burning and shining light (John 5:35). Flame on in your desires. Burn brightly for Christ (2 Tim 1:6).

Finally, he says, “I have hope in You” (vs32). “I will run the course of Your commandments”, absolutely and fearlessly, “for You shall enlarge my heart”. Grace will come in the hour of need, lifelong, and until the end! Yes, fears abound, but hope won’t be put to shame, not when it's in Christ to save the needy according to God’s word. He is gracious, and He will hear me. Be assured, walk in peace, and expect it. Don't let yourself or your circumstances discourage your optimism in God’s promises and power. We read of Abraham, “who, contrary to hope, in hope believed”, in the gospel promises, “so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be’. And not being weak in faith”, not giving in to unbelief because he is unable, “he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith”,enabled to conquer, “giving glory to God” (Rom 4:18-20). You'll have what’s needed, even obedience to His word, good works, and the blessedness of communion, which is the Holy Spirit’s POWER.

"Utterly Cut Off" (Nahum 1:9-15)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:06:00 +0000

Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace! O Judah, keep your appointed feasts, perform your vows. For the wicked one shall no more pass through you; He is utterly cut off. (vs15)

This text, like so many others, speaks of the salvation that we have in Christ, how He delivers us from sin, destroys all opposition to the gospel, and FREES us to serve God in joy and obedience.

The gospel of God’s grace is DELIVERING before it is enabling. Luke 19:30-31 says, ”Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat”, a sinner, broken and ruined, enslaved by sin, never have served God . “Loose it and bring it here. And if anyone asks you , Why are you loosing it? Thus you shall say to him, because the Lord has need of it”, because he must be liberated, so he can serve. Grace delivers us FROM bondage to sin and the devil -from the flesh- by Christ dying for our sins, reconciling us to God, and making us beautiful -instantly by faith - for His blessing. Therefore, when liberated, let us BOLDLY go forth, serving the Son of God, a sons, partakers of the inheritance, and possessors of everything! The gospel’s glory is deliverance from sin to holiness by the Holy Spirit’s power by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, according as God has promised!

Secondly, venture on Him, venture boldly,and let no fear conquer you. 1 Cor 16:13, says, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong”. Don’t look at the past or your weakness and say, “What is the point? I can’t obey, serve God, or bring forth fruit. I’m defeated, a slave of my passions, and a captive to sin.” Don’t think such thoughts when Christ has made you free from God’s curse of condemnation. Indeed, the enemy defeated you because you WEREN’T looking to Christ. You trusted yourself, did as you saw fit,and so you were enslaved to sin: Satan defeated you. But now, by grace in Christ, God’s on your side, so you’re no longer bound by what you deserve or what you can do. You can do all things through Christ, through trusting Him to give the Spirit because He died for you and lives again, because He’s GRACIOUS to sinners and promises.

You are not on your own, but continually bring everything to Him. Our Lord said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you?” How long shall you have Me and not use Me? “How long shall I bear with you? Bring him (the trouble, the problem with sin, the unbelief) to Me”, and He’ll care for you, fix it, and enable you to serve God. Start as a sinner, unable and unworthy, and look to the grace,blood redemption, the promised help of the Spirit, and take these as yours, even though you may feel unworthy and impotent. Believe, and you’ll see the glory of God. Jesus said, “Did i not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God”, and they moved away the stone - did what He said - and He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:40). Take your acceptance by faith and go forward, not in self-strength, but in God’s power.

Finally, this text also speaks of God’s enemies being destroyed, and you and I don’t want to be God’s enemies in the end (Nahum 1:9-15). He says, “Though they are safe, and likewise many, yet in this manner they will be cut down when he passes through. though I have afflicted you, i will afflict you no more; for now I will break off his yoke from you, and bust your bonds apart. The Lord has given a command concerning you: Your name shall be perpetuated no longer. Out of the house of your gods i will cut off the carved image and the molded image. i will dig your grave, for you are vile”. He says again, “For the wicked one shall no more pass through you; He is utterly cut off”. We will not prevail, and our own way won’t prosper, so be one of these people on God’s side. This is mandatory, lest you be punished and defeated for your sin He says, “Who do you conspire against the Lord? he will make an utter end of it. affliction will not rise up a second time (no need for a second blow. One will sufficiently destroy Satan and all who follow him in rebellion). for while tangled like thorns, and while drunken like drunkards, they shall be devoured like stubble fully dried. from you comes forth one who plots evil against the Lord, a wicked counselor”. There is no prosperity for the wicked. Sinners may rejoice for a season, but God will assuredly destroy all who oppose Him, all who unite with Satan in unbelief, fighting against God.

Which of these two are you? Are you the one who is free now, even though enslaved in the past, or are you one who will be destroyed soon, fighting God?

I want my freedom, I want to walk boldly in it, and I want to live WITH God, rather than against! Bless His name that His great power is on my side, His salvation is for me, and it is FOR you, if you believe!

"Wondrous Things From Your Law" (Ps 119:17-24)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:10:00 +0000

"Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law" (vs17-18)

First, my eyes must be opened, so that I may see (vs17-18). He says, "Open my eyes, that i may see wondrous things in Your law". Hagar's eyes were opened, so she saw the fountain of water (Gen 21:19), the blind have their eyes opened to see God's glory, and always, we're DEPENDENT for everything. It isn't enough to have the bible or good preaching.The Spirit reveals what is written, and He alone opens the understanding, so that we can enjoy privileges earned by Christ and given by God. 1 Cor 2:10-12, says, “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? even so no one knows the things of god except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God”.

This gospel has pleasures. Let this drive you to say, "Open, so that I may see". Knowing riches are somewhere gives you encouragement to laboriously pull them out. Eternal life, peace, joy, and victory are in God's word assuredly, so get them! Pray, like Blind Bartimaeus, that you may see. “So Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ The blind man said to Him, ‘Teacher, that I may receive my sight’” (Mark 10:51). Rely upon grace in Christ, which is God's willingness to show His beauty to the blind, even all who come to Him for sight.

Secondly, this new heart longs for God always (vs19-20). He says, “My soul breaks with longing for Your judgments at all times”. We aren’t deceitful and corrupt, but like Christ,our new heart does good only.

Take it by FAITH! You don't always feel longings for Him, and you wander into sin, but the new man in you loves holiness always, even as the flesh ALWAYS loves sin. Romans 7:21-22 says, “I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. for I delight in the law of God according to the inward man”. I'm holy when sinning, and I'm sinful when holy, but these constants are observed and taken by faith. I don’t deny the one because the other is present, but I receive God’s word - both my continual sin in the flesh and my constant holiness in the new nature Christ worked in me.

I'm no part time lover, someone two-faced whose love is seasonal, only present when things go wrong or hot when people are looking. No, genuine love for Christ is here, constancy, and sincerity. It is not with eye-service as hypocrites, but our love is from the heart,enduring to the end (Matt 24:13)! This is the reality of faith. Constant holiness is God’s gift to everyone He saves, whether we feel it, see it, or not.

Finally, I don't merely love the word of God preached, but I also practice it (vs21-24)! He says, “Princes also sit and speak against me, but Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors”. The gospel isn't some music to hear, smile at, and then forget, but it’s the blueprint of my life, the map that I follow, the teacher I obey, and the counselor that I listen to. We read, “Your ears shall her a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’, whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left”, so that God’s Spirit, the Counselor, is inside. We do more than spend time in the word; it guides us internally to do external acts of love and graciousness. The gospel’s what we LIVE by, and this alone is faith; it is NOT saying, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled” to the needy, but it is giving your brother what’s needed (James 2:15-17).

We're blessed to be doers and not hearers only (James 1:22)! Bless God, if this is you, and trust Christ to give this to you, if it is not! Trust Him to keep your religion sincere, and trust that He’ll give sincerity - real salvation - to others. This is impossible with men, but it is given by God through the preaching of truth. Declare what God demands and that He give real salvation. He changes us to imitate and walk like Christ.

“Let Me Not Wander From Your Commandments” (Ps 119:9-16)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:02:00 +0000

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! (vs9-10)

Lord, I put everything on you. He says, “Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments”. Be my Savior, uphold me, keep me from falling. Do everything.

Dependence is our life in Christ, leaning upon Him. Faith RECEIVES before giving, and it does by the power of Christ, as reconciled, looking for blessings, and communing with God. We don't walk alone, but we are hand in hand with Him who died for us, rose again, and is now with us by Spirit power, revealing our ability in Christ. "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we askor think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever amd ever. Amen" (Eph 3:20-21). Never go alone, but call on Him. Never feel left to yourself, but lean.

We do this by taking heed to His word, confidently trusting in Him for His will. Walking by faith is God’s way, by His Spirit, through the Son who loves you.

Secondly, don't condemn me, but teach (vs11-12). He says, “Blessed are You, O Lord! teach me Your statutes”. Don't leave me to my ways, but TEACH me Your statutes, commands, and will. Teach me how to walk uprightly, as forgiven and blessed. Teach me faith, love, and hope. Teach me so that I may help others, for this is your will. "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us" (1 john 5:14). Yes. I'm the disciple, learning Your ways from you, willing to be taught, for it’s better than damnation.

I don't seek my own way to instruct You, but humbling myself, I am the babe, the fool, the needy, and you're the providing God. You're glorified in goodness, wisdom, and patience. Teach me, so that I may please You. Mould me for life.

This prayer is our new desire in Christ, the gift He’s freely given.

Finally, because of grace, and no other reason, I'm resolved (vs13-16). He says, “I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word”. My heart is fixed on Christ, and I'm determined to know nothing but Christ - who He is, what He’s done, and how to honor Him in the scriptures and conduct, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). I have received newness of life, and Jesus is all.

This brazen statement isn't pride; its resolve. We see Chris ast worth living for, and we forsake all and follow Him. He's the Pearl of Great Price by whom God made the world, the reason why everything exists, “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. all things were created through Him and for Him” (Col 1:16). We're in agreement with God. We aren't tossed by the devils at their will, but we're resolved to live for Christ, like the apostles, because dying is gain.

Don't miss the joy of determination and direction. Plot your path in harmony with God, trusting Him to bring your goodness to pass. Don't be ashamed of resolve. CONFESS your devotion for Him - it is never meritorious or self-started; it is something God will assuredly finish, a sacrifice well pleasing to Him, and nothing more than what is commanded. Many are scared of confidence in Christ that says, "I will", and "I'm determined", but we're righteous in our resolve, so long as Christ is the beginning and the end: the power and the goal.

"With the Whole Heart” (Ps 119:1-8)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:12:00 +0000

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD! 2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! 3 They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways. (vs1-3)

We aren't half hearted about this, but we’re fully involved in Christ's gospel, doing His will (faith and love) from the heart, willingly and sincerely (vs1-2). He says, “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart”. We aren't people who say nice things about God, only to despise His commands, but we sincerely believe Christ died for us and rose again. We REALLY trust His blood to put away sins, and we actually entrust ourselves to Him for time and eternity, believing the reconciliation He's made and the power of His promises. We love sincerely, having received so much, and we glorify Him in our acts of faith. We've obtained mercy, so we're genuinely reconciled to men, doing them good. We’re imperfect and sinful, but our heart is in the gospel, rather than in hypocrisy, as pleasing men. Paul said, “For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thess 2:3-4). And again, “ not with eyeservice, as men–pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men” (Eph 6:6-7). Grace has made us whole, and while we mourn our sin, we really believe God and get strength to be fruitful.

Secondly, we diligently seek the Lord and make our calling and election sure, making our SPIRITUAL growth more important than anything (vs3-4). He says, “You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently”. We care for our souls as top priority.

Don’t be someone who just goes through the motions, like an athlete who plays on game day, but hasn't prepared, and doesn't try to his potential. Paul says, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become rejected” (1 Cor 9:27). You and I give every attention and detail to making sure of our own salvation. We put effort into our walk with God, carefully maintaining and restoring peace, marking our steps, examining our motives, and confessing our need to the throne of God. Peter said, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things (abound more and more) you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 1:10-11).   We don't think He's too distant, but we GET His grace.

Finally, we pray because we need His power and we need Him to bring the fruit (vs5-8)! He says, “ Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments.   I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments. I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!” Salvation is God’s work, and we get what we need from Him, knowing that we do nothing ourselves. Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-6).

We beg, plead, and get help from God. He is sought, and He hears His people in our need for obedience and fruitfulness. Jesus continued, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:7-8). We aren't proud, but in Jesus' name - by who He is to the Father and His mediation for us - we approach the throne boldly for help in our time of need (Heb 4:16)! Nothing’s more impossible than serving God, but those who do it are praying people who know their own frame is dust, and they rely on Him. “As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Ps 103:13-14). He's saved us, He will save us, and for all things, we look to Him, doing nothing in the power of self.

Faith leans on God, which is evidenced by prayer, which is more than, "I'll do it". It is, "Lord Jesus save me", and He does it, and then we bear fruit.

"Taken A Vow" (Acts 18:18-19:7)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:45:00 +0000

“So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.” (vs18)

Here we see that Paul was wrong, because we're forbidden to make vows, letting our “yes” be “yes”, and our “no” be “no” (vs18-28). We read, “He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow”, but Christians always mean what we say, so we don’t vow or offer oaths . Jesus said, “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord’. But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool... Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your “yes” be “yes’, and you ‘No’, ‘No’. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matt 5:33-37). Therefore, when Paul failed, we see that God uses the imperfect, and we check with God, never accepting man’s word over His, not even from an apostle, as Paul himself (Gal 1:8-9). Like Paul, we can be used, though we're sinners, so don’t let your faults defeat you or shut you down.

Likewise, bear patiently with others. Do they have the gospel in life and truth? Then they ARE used of God, even though they're imperfect like you. Let us love as brethren, and like Priscila and Aquila, help each other. We read, “So Apollos began to speak bodly in the synagoge. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (vs24-28). Like Apollos, let us be improved, not too proud, and learn!

It is RIGHT for us to oversee, care for, and help the brethren, directly and boldly (Acts 19:1-6). We read, “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. and finding some disciples he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit’. And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ so they said, “Into John’s baptism’. Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus’. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. and when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied”. No, we are not to be indifferent or feel bound to leave people alone, wrong and misguided. We are right to diligently help others grow, learn more, and practice better,helping other saints see God more. If you know something, share it. If you see weakness, build them up. Don't think, “ I'll leave them alone and see what happens”, but give knowledge and help to the ignorant and the unseasoned. We are helping each other put on Christ, not leaving it to God, as if He doesn't use means.

Finally, it doesn't matter a groups size! They may have apostles teaching them, the Spirit

supernaturally manifest to them, and the presence of Christian love among them (vs7-10)! We read, “Now the men were about twelve in all”. This group was only 12 men, far too small for many to notice, but not for God or the apostle! I don't know the size of your church, if it will ever become large before men, or if you'll have the power to become mighty before many, but I know assuredly that we may have God. He doesn't say, "You're small and not needed". He gives Himself to all who ask, seek, and knock, so that your brethren and your life may have the fullness of power and love. He says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matt 7:7). You may be small in number, but you can be as mighty in the gospel as possible. He won't forbid you, but He gives His blessings generously, so that unknown saints and tiny churches may have HEAVEN in their midst!

This is wonderful news for the despised and forgotten. I can have God, fully, and
I don't care about anything else. Honor Him and pray to advance His cause, but RECEIVE Him fully for your own joy.

“The Lord Avenges and is Furious” (Nahum 1:1-8)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:13:00 +0000

“The burden against Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; the Lord avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies.” (vs1-2)

God is just in hating sin and sinners, punishing those eternally in hatred who do not receive Him in repentance. He says, “God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; the Lord avenges and is furious”. He’s not just nice and merciful, but He’s angry too!. He continues, “The Lord will take vengeance on His enemies; the Lord is slow to anger (which makes sin that much more sinful) and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked” (vs2-3a). He is no “winking at sin” god who doesn’t punish, but He holds justice highly, never pardoning without Christ’s death. In fact, His punishment of others unfolds a glimpse of what His Son Jesus endured. He suffered God’s wrath, fully, for His people, dying in our place, and His Father will by no means clear the guilty! Someone tonight said, “You can’t come to the Father, except by the Son”, recognizing the holiness of God. But, if you don’t believe the gospel, then what His Son endured in the agony of the cross WILL come upon you, not for a few hours, because He as God was able to suffer away sin, but as a human being, suffering eternally under torments.

Secondly, He's all powerful, almighty, and one to be feared. He says, “The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. He rebukes the sea and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts. The mountains quake before Him, the hills melt, and the earth burns at His presence. Yes, the world and all who dwell in it. Who can stand before His indignation? And who can endure the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by Him” (vs3b-6). He's no play god, impotent, powerless, talking, but not responding. The world and your soul is in His hand. He does as He pleases, always, in all things, even human destruction, earthquakes, and death. It would be smart to spend your life at peace with Him, doing His will, so you can be saved. Fighting God is STUPIDITY; it is the irrationality of fools (Prov 14:9).

Finally, Trust will be rewarded and your life spared, but don’t think there’s another way (vs7-8). He says, “The Lord is good”, saves sinners, gives us what we need, freely, bearing patiently with us in our sin, and bringing us to heaven by grace and goodness. He says, “A stronghold in the day of trouble”, a refuge from the storm, Someone to run to and get SAFETY. “And He knows those who trust in Him”, favoring us in His love, knowing our faith, sacrifices, sufferings, and ensuring us it is not in vain. He is God, merciful and just. He is One to be believed, so that wrath misses you. Put your faith in Christ, trusting His blood (work of redemption) to save you, trusting He earned the Spirit, so that you might be mighty over sin. He rewards believers with eternal peace. “But with an overflowing flood He will make an utter end of its place, and darkness will pursue His enemies”.

“His Mercy Endures Forever” (Ps 118)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:45:00 +0000

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (vs1)

Whatever we're going through doesn’t change the truth that His mercy endures forever. It is the constant by which everything must be judged, the filter of every experience. God’s mercies on us in Christ, all because of Him, are eternal, unwavering, and real. “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (vs1).

Let everyone who believes God, serves God, and fears Him join this wonderful song! “Let Israel now say, ‘His mercy endures forever’. Let the house of Aaron now say, ‘His mercy endures forever’. Let those who fear the Lord now say, ‘His mercy endures forever’ (vs2-4). Sing of His mercies, encourage yourself and others, and walk by faith renewed.

He does so much for us in salvation, not only pulling us from destruction, but also giving us the inheritance of sons, which is liberty and love He says, “I called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place (freedom)” (vs5). Paul says, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another”. We’re enabled to love by the same God who sets us FREE from the condemnation of the law, the guilt of sin, and the need to earn God’s favor. We, like Mephibosheth are still lame, and yet we sit rejoicing at the King’s table, receiving the “kindness of God” (2 Sam 9:3, 13).

Secondly, our foes will certainly lose, because God’s on the side of those who help us (vs6-7). He says, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those who help me; therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.” He's with us, for us, and helping us by the help of preachers, neighbors, brethren, gentle breezes, smile inducing events, etc. He sends these things purposely to comfort.

Therefore, don’t trust men, when the Lord is powerful, merciful, faithful, and your only real help. He says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (vs8). Don’t trust tactics that are cursed. Faith may seem like doing nothing, but it's getting help from God, humbling yourself, and relying upon Him. No man can save you or save himself. In fact, it doest matter what man it is, how strong or spiritual he appears: trusting men is idolatrous, like sleeping with a picture and expecting warmth. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes”.

Thirdly, be confident and bold in Christ. He says, “All nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me; but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them” (vs10-12). Never walk as if mercy is iffy, and you must hold your head down. Trust the Lord fiercely, assuredly, and restfully. He says, “They surrounded me like bees; they were quenched like a fire of thorns; for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them”. Don’t live like you’re poor, when you HAVE unsearchable riches in Christ. Walk upright, live kingly, and take the mercies as promises, “For all the promises of God in Christ are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Cor 1:20).

The Lord, by His holy power and Son, does good to sinners and helps the defeated. “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation... the right hand of the Lord does valiantly” (vs14-15). He rescues by a power that’s in Himself, and He needs no help from others. He doesn’t broker peace or buy salvation from some other source (taking credit where none is due). He Himself does the saving, not angels or men, but His power and rightful authority gives strength to those who help us, and He saves independent of any outside contribution. Salvation is God, as God, working for and in you. “The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly” (vs16). Therefore, we “declare the works of the Lord”, and live the doctrine in our lives, refusing to be forgetful hearers (vs17).

Fourthly, we've suffered, but never too much... we’ve been down, but never out... and we’ve had pain and trouble, but help came when needed to prevent your destruction. He says, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death” (vs18). You're corrected but not condemned, chastened but not forsaken with death. Help comes, even when we least expect it, and it is NEVER later than needful.

Indeed, only the righteous - those justified by faith - shall proclaim the Lord’ salvation. He doesn’t receive hypocrites. Only those He actually helps and reveals Himself unto in saving love are able to go into the gates of righteousness and praise Him. He says, “Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord, through which the righteous shall enter. I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation” (vs19-21). He receives people who've experienced Him, and He rejoices in our praise.

We love to see the Son, despised and hated by men, and yet chosen and exalted by God. “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (vs22-24). He’s shown His power by building the house upon the Rock they despised,and thus, all human hatred and resistance is futile. He reigns, enthrones whom He will, and He’s chosen the Lord Jesus who went about doing good (Acts 10:38; Acts 4:11). Amidst all the haters and opposition, Jesus’ enthronement and saving power is all the more glorious!

Finally, the light of the gospel is how we worship, trusting Christ’s sacrifice for us, and thereby sacrificing ourselves for Him. He says, “Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I Pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed you from the house of the Lord. God is the Lord, and He has given us light; bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You” (vs25-28).. We know the blessings are earned by Christ and God gives them to us through His blood. We trust His obedience and render our own sacrifices of humility and love (Rom 12:1-2). We serve people by gospel power revealed to us in the Son.

This Psalm concludes the same way it starts, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (vs29). Extol, praise, and honor Him, no matter who disapproves, because He’s worthy as God your Savior. It's right, wise, and good to practice it.

You have the reasons why we must praise Him, no do it. His mercy endures forever, never falling, changing, or failing! He is God, the Worthy One! Vs29

“All You Peoples” (Ps 117)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:29:00 +0000

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.” (vs1-2)

We are to praise the Lord Jesus Christ and love Him for salvation. He saved us by His blood, laying down His life a ransom for us, dying the excruciating death that we might be delivered. He willingly, in love, died for us because the Father gave us to Him from the foundation of the world, guaranteeing that we’d be saved, His elect, by His blood. He says to the Father, “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours” (John 17:9).

He bears patiently with us now, cleanses us, teaches us, and uses us in the Kingdom, giving us the privilege of service and truth. He is utterly good, predetermining our salvation and bringing us all the way to bliss. He says, “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Is 46:4). He is the 100% reason that I am saved, and I’m to respond, to praise the Lord because of it, to live uprightly, to have words that match with actions. Bless the Lord, we can’t lose because of Him and we will come forth triumphantly, like Job, when tried in the fire (Job 23:10).

Bless the Lord with love, song, praise, and kindness to others. Do not let His mercies make you speak only, but get REAL mercy to live mercifully with others, growing in grace, dealing honestly with yourself.

Bless the Lord EVERYONE. He says, “Laud Him (lift Him up), all you people” (vs1). The Gentiles, the nations, the people afar off from every nation and language, you bless the Lord. Don’t be a person who hears but doesn’t praise, who knows there is salvation, and an elect, but who doesn’t believe God and enter in, taking the water life freely, forsaking all to follow Him! Praise Him at His command. He bids you to the feast and He warns you of wrath (Matt 22:1-10).

We are not to let anything destroy our praise. He says, “For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord (vs2)!” Praise Him because of who He is, no matter what becomes of you.

“I Will Call Upon Him As Long As I Live” (Ps 118)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:51:00 +0000

“I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live” (vs1-2).

First, we call upon the Lord in trouble (vs1-4). He says, “The pains of death surrounded me, and the pangs of the grave laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the LORD: 'O LORD, I implore You, deliver my soul!'" He hears us and then we praise Him, devoting ourselves to Him in thankfulness (vs1-2). He heard us when we were in trouble, destitute, and down in our sin, and He GRACIOUSLY saved us and blessed us. Therefore, we call upon Him continually, worship Him publicly, and proclaim the saving grace of God.

Secondly, there is no help in man, and it is worthless and futile to look to human beings, when God is your strength (vs5-11). “Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. For You have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, and my feet from falling... I said in my haste, 'All men are liars.'" God is the Savior, the One who lifts up, and humans are not able to encourage, comfort, or strengthen you. Only God can be looked to for salvation, so we don't put hope in men who'll fail us. Only God matters. We're free from human opinion, free from trusting deceitful hopes, and FREE to be saved by God.

Finally, I'll publicly worship among His people as thanksgiving for salvation (vs12-19). He says, “What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD now in the presence of all His people... I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD now in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the LORD’S house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!” Not much is worse than doing someone a favor, really sacrificing to help them, and they don't even say “thanks” or appear thankful. We won't do this with the gospel, if we've tasted grace. He says, “Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious” (1 Pet 2:4). We PUBLICLY acknowledge His greatness, sing to Him in song, and declare Him among His elect, encouraging the saints that God is good.

Don't have a selfish, spoiled, religion where you “get” from God, but you don't give. You know someone's relationship with God by how they act in the assembly. They come to say, “Thank you”, and they live in a way to encourage His church.

“And Worked” (Acts 18:1-17)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:46:00 +0000

“After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tent makers” (vs1-3).

It is good and proper for preachers of the gospel to work when they have to, to work a regular job while advancing the cause of Christ, preaching for little or no money because the gospel is that important (vs1-4). Scripture says, “because [Paul] was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tent makers”. He wrote elsewhere, “If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things... Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ (1 Cor 9:11-12).” We preach for free when others cannot pay, and we even take small wages when those who should be able are not mature enough to give. But, we are ALSO worthy of our labor, and worthy to receive financial reward for our spiritual service, so that we may give ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:3-4). Never let one truth (Paul worked) keep us from another truth (Paul is worthy to be paid). Let our preachers preach freely, and let people beg the preachers to take the abundance they are willing to give (2 Cor 8:3-5).

Secondly, we can't know how many the Lord has in a city, but we can know if WE are saved, and if the city has a faithful church that we're attending (vs5-11). “Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, 'Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent (He doesn't speak to us the same way); for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.'”

We know we're saved by BELIEF and practice. It is NOT all by faith, without works, but it is by faith, without works, and unto good works. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them“ (Eph 2:8-10). Saving faith always TRUSTS Christ apart from anything we do, and it always produces deeds that prove its reality. Faith without works is dead, and our faith is in Christ to save us completely by grace, apart from anything we do, justifying us FREELY by His grace (Rom 3:21-26).

Lastly, you're either for or against Christ (vs12-17). Gallio thought he could wash his hands of the matter. We read, “When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, saying, 'This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.' And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, 'If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.' And he drove them from the judgment seat. Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.” There is no middle ground. He that believes has life, and whoever doesn’t believe shall not see life, but God's wrath is on you. Jesus said, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters” (Luke 11:23). You can't say, “I'm not against Christ or for Him”. You are against or for Him based upon your response to His word and your love for His people, your willingness to suffer for His Name.

Paul worked to preach the gospel, had assurance from God, and we must choose Christ, following Him at all costs, or we lose our souls forever.

“He Will Subdue Our Iniquities” (Micah 7)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:23:00 +0000

Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever,because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will give truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham, which You have sworn to our fathers from days of old. (vs18-20)

Confidently trust in Jesus the Lord. We deserve wrath, it is true, but He is MERCIFUL, delighting Himself in His love to sinners who deserve to be punished. “He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities” (vs19). He chastens us in love and brings about a change, using painful terrors to awaken us. But, He has a people promised life eternal, and though we DESERVE wrath, He'll save!

What is your hope? It cannot be that you haven't sinned and all is well. “The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge; the day of your watchman and your punishment comes; now shall be their perplexity” (vs1-4). It must be that God is gracious.

First, don't let go of this hope for any reason (vs5-7). “Do not trust in a friend; do not put your confidence in a companion; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom. For son dishonors father, druthers rises against her mother, daughters-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the men of his own household. Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me”. People are wicked, but you hold to Christ, trusting Him with everything. It doesn't matter what others say. They can't give the joy of Christ, and anything they give, God WILL remove. He says, “And hoe who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matt 10:38). Trust Him though people turn from you, because God will reward you.

Trust Him, secondly, when times are tough, when sin has got you, and when you're bearing the shame of your behavior (vs8-13). “ Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me forth to the light; I will see His righteousness. 10 Then she who is my enemy will see, and shame will cover her who said to me, "Where is the LORD your God?" My eyes will see her; now she will be trampled down like mud in the streets.” Don't think this is a “good time” only gospel, but pull yourself up. Trust His love, when you deserve to be banished. Trust the blood to cleanse, trust the Spirit by the blood, and trust the promises and patience of God. “For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith” (Gal 5:5). The change will be done by Him, faithfully.

Thirdly, trust the fact He delights in mercy (vs14-20). “He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy”. When things look the worst with us, when we've been chastened and lowered because of sin, we are not cast off, but we are in the position to be used, because He saves sinners, and He uses people who have ruined things, by chastening us, destroying our idolatry, and coming back to us, revealing the GRACIOUSNESS of Himself. “In the day when your walls are to be built, in that day the decree shall go far and wide. In that day they shall come to you from Assyria and the fortified cities, from the fortress to the River, from sea to sea, and mountain to mountain. Yet the land shall be desolate because of those who dwell in it, and for the fruit of their deeds” (vs11-13). He isn't so far away, unwilling, or in any way dealing with us by what we deserve. He is gracious and mighty. Not only is He willing, but just like you love refreshment when weary, love your wife or your own soul, infinitely more, God delights to show mercy to all who believe on Him, and He will show it to all that He's chosen and predetermined. “You will give truth to Jacob (God's elect) and mercy to Abraham (the children of faith), which You have sworn to our fathers from days of old” (vs20). Don't be a downcast person trusting your merits, but have REAL hope before God based on who He is.

“Whatever He Pleases”

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:35:00 +0000

“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth. Why should the Gentiles say, 'So where is their God?' But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases” (vs1-3).

Trust the Almighty and not the work of your hands (idols).

First, whatever He feels like doing, and at all times, God does (vs3)! “But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases”. He is not a phony imposter with no power, the god of men, someone man made up, utterly powerless like man himself, but He is the Savior of whom He wills, He controls who perishes, and He uses the devil as He sees fit, doing righteousness always, performing His word, fulfilling His will. He says, “For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure' (Is 46:10). He is the God with whom we will give an account, the Almighty, the King, the One WORTHY of our trust and hope, the Treasure!

Secondly, everyone trusting idols is foolish and lost, unable to save themselves, helpless, and without spiritual insight or life. They are dumb and stupid, dead in their sins, and unable to see the glory of God, just like the idols that they worship (vs4-8). “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear; noses they have, but they do not smell; they have hands, but they do not handle; feet they have, but they do not walk; nor do they mutter through their throat. Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them”.

At many Asian restaurants, you'll find pictures and statutes of Buddha. At other places, perhaps a Catholic church, you'll see images of “Jesus”, Mary, and others that they pray to. But, God is invisible, holy, lofty, and spiritual. He is enthroned. There is no worshiping Him by idolatry, by making something with our hands, something that we give eyes too, something that we must protect and carry around, and then calling this impotent thing God (Is 46:1-7)! No, your God is not in need of your help, and any god that needs your assistance is an idol, a false god, something below Jesus Christ, not worthy to be worshiped. Don't worship the god of free will religion, the god that can't save without your permission and will power, but worship the Lord who gives FAITH, and life, and willingness. Worship Him who provides everything. Don't trust in any building you've built or symbol that you have made. You may have a cross around your neck or in your church building, but never think of it as actually being spiritual; it is nothing but gold, silver, wood, and stone. Worship the Invisible God who'll reward you.

Thirdly, trusting the Lord saves you (vs9-11). “O Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield”. The Lord is good and gracious to ALL who call upon Him, so let Israel, God's people who have power with Him, let the house of Aaron, the preachers of the gospel, those ministering saints, and let you who fear the Lord, scared to sin, put your trust in Him to hear you, receive you, and keep you. He is the ever present help in time of need. Put your trust in Him for righteousness – justification by faith. Hope in Him for holiness, the reward of the righteous by faith is the Holy Spirit. Trust Him, instead of a helpless god, to actually make you obedient, to bring the fruit of the Spirit, and to practice what He preaches. Trust Him when you can't trust yourself, but trust Him for the promises! This is why idolatry is meaningless; God actually saves, is real, and helps ALL who believe. “The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great” (vs12-13).

Praise the Lord for His grace to you by believing upon Him, and counting His promises as real and worth your trust. Trust in the Invisible rewarding God. “May the LORD give you increase more and more, you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’S; but the earth He has given to the children of men. The dead do not praise the LORD, nor any who go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!” (vs14-18)

“Israel His Dominion” (Ps 114)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:36:00 +0000

“When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion” (vs1-2)

The Lord MIRACULOUSLY provides for us. He provides by making Himself Savior, making His power known, and GIVING us grace – undeserved favor – to meet every need.

First, He miraculously provides for us by making Himself Savior (vs1-2). “When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion.” We were bound by sin, slaves of our captors, and under the condemnation of the holy law of God. Then, by the Lord Jesus, He justified us freely by His grace and we passed from death to life. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death” (1 John 3:14). He brought us out of slavery and gave us acceptance in His sight, promises, and the inheritance of sons. Thus, we became slaves of righteousness, because He never saves to leave men in self-government, where we do as we please, thinking we're free. Freedom always leads to slavery, the slavery of volunteers! Bless His Name, we got right with God and righteous in our conduct, too.

Secondly, He saves us miraculously with power (vs3-6). “The sea saw it and fled; Jordan turned back. The mountains skipped like rams, the little hills like lambs. What ails you, O sea, that you fled? O Jordan, that you turned back? O mountains, that you skipped like rams? O little hills, like lambs?” He doesn't merely “say” that we're new creations, but He makes us so. Just as the earth trembled at His presence, He has power to conquer temptation, Satan, and sin. He doesn't “say” pardon, and yet we know not what it means, but we TASTE and see the Lord is good, “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Pet 2:3). He has power to GIVE us holiness, faith, and love. He makes us repent, and then He changes us completely by His strength, so that we're never left to our enemies: we have Him.

He has power to say, “Take up your bed and walk”, “I'm the new King in you now”, and we follow Him, though we've been down and confused, outside of privileges, and living in darkness. He now says, “go” to the demons, and they leave because of His might. “So the demons begged Him, saying, 'If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the heard of swine'. And He said to them, 'Go.' So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water” (Matt 8:31-32). You and I benefit!

Thirdly, He saves by miraculous provision (vs7-8). “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, Who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of waters.” He gives us GRACE in the hour of need, so we never fall away. Just as He miraculously brought water out of rocks in the desert, He helps us, when we're unworthy... and when we're needy, He supplies our strength. We're surrounded, as if all is lost, and there is no hope for us. But, MIRACULOUSLY He gives us power, produces love for Christ, enlightens, gives repentance, zeal, and every good thing that we need. He teaches us how to fight, win against sin, and how to walk humbly, honoring Him in everything. He provided water out of rocks, and He produces praise in cold hearts, provides love to sinners, and He saves in a way that glorifies Himself.

Bless His name. Praise the Lord that miraculously saves you!

“Praise the Name of the Lord” (Ps 113)

noreply@blogger.com (Heshimu Colar, Pastor) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:10:00 +0000

Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, Praise the name of the LORD! Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forevermore! (vs1-2)

This text is plain, yet when practiced, it blesses us and secures us for eternal life; it is the BEST and only life now.

First, as servants, we're EXHORTED to praise the Lord (vs1). He says, “Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, Praise the name of the LORD!” Praise His name that He chose you, for we serve Him because He started the work in us and He keeps it going. He says, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” (John 15:15). Praise Him because Christ died your redeemer. The Father gave you to Him, and He chose to save you by the blood of His Son, paying your penalties and earning your salvation, delivering you into the new covenant (Heb 9:15). Praise Him that you're actually saved by faith! It is not a lie. You've trusted Christ, and in doing so, you've passed from death to life, from self to service, from sin's slave to leading others to know the Savior (Acts 17:34). You have been changed, so praise Him for doing it!

Secondly, anywhere, everywhere, and at all times, praise the Lord's name (vs2-3)! “Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its going down the LORD’S name is to be praised.” Praise Him for Who He is, God your Savior, the One who predetermines who is saved and put you in the Lamb's book of life (Eph 1:3-4). Praise His patience to you, how He saves you repeatedly from sins, doesn't condemn, and He gives you power to sin no more, to live uprightly, and to walk humbly and dependently on God (Micah 6:8). Praise Him personally, for what He has done for you. This isn't to be hidden because it is personal salvation, so the gratitude and loyalty is beyond description. Paul says, “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also” (Rom 1:14). I owe Him, and thereby love others, because of what He has done for me, does, and will be doing.

Thirdly, He saves sinners (vs4-9). “Who is like the LORD our God, Who dwells on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth? He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, that He may seat him with princes––with the princes of His people.” He saves by Himself with His power as God (Is 59:16). He asks for no help, but He does the saving, the keeping, the pulling up from the bottom by GRACE alone. He exalts us! Not only does He save, but He makes the beggar into a prince, the whore into the virtuous, and the weak into the mighty by God (1 Sam 2:4). Sin, like the demon possessed men, may rule over you, causing you to yield to wickedness uncontrollably, and then He, by a power you don't have, comes to your defense and commands the evil to depart, to rule you no longer. “And He said to them, 'Go'. So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the hole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water” (Matt 8:32). What grace to take the miserable, and by mercy, to make us holy and happy.

Finally, we have reasons to praise the Lord, and we are commanded and exhorted to do it (2 Cor 1:5). If you practice what is preached, you'll have praise as the end result, and that is better than murmuring and sin.