"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
In John 4:24 the Bible tells us that because God is a Spirit we are to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Why are these two things specifically stated and separate? During that time Jews had the Law and practiced it to the letter, so they worshiped in truth. While the Samaritans who believed did not have the law, but they knew that the Messiah was promised to come, so they worshiped in spirit. We see the reason Christ said this was for His followers to realize true worship of Him must have these two aspects combined and not separated.
The fact that God is a Spirit is one of the greatest and most necessary truths in all of nature. God is the cause and controller of all things; He is eternal, governing, and all present for He is the infinite Spirit. Therefore He can only be pleased with those things that resemble Himself and His attributes. Because of His divine nature He abhors sin, only delighting in those who partake of His mercy and grace. Since all things were made by Him, all owe Him obedience and reverence. To achieve this spiritual worship it must come from the very depths of your heart, and the Holy Spirit must influence it. To worship in spirit is to bring your all before the throne of God and lay it at His feet. As it says in 1Timothy 1:17 we are to give honor and glory to our eternal King forever. God is all knowing and sees the condition of our heart, 1 Samuel 16:7. He values those who come to Him willing to submit to His power, Psalm 51:17. The legal ceremonies of Judaism do not bring peace to the heart because though it contains the truth, the Spirit is not in it. The emphasis on the truth becomes hypocrisy because they have no spiritual worship to fulfill the purpose. For this reason the ceremonial worship patterns of religion were abolished. Though, through that we were given liberty to worship freely, but not license to fulfill our own ways.
God is looking for truth in worship presented to Him, not just in sincerity but every purpose of the heart directed by Him. Matthew 15:8-9 shows that Christ was not pleased with those who spoke in honor while they erred in heart. Those who worship without being in truth will not only fall into judgment but lead others to destruction with them. Truth in worship will exude all our feelings, thoughts, words, and actions. In 2Corinthians 1:12 Paul exposes the fact that our conversation must be full of simplicity, Godly sincerity, void of fleshly wisdom, and by God’s grace. We conclude that God as a pure spiritual being, must be worship in spirit and in truth. So we are to worship Him in spiritual principles, men must offer a worship corresponding with the divine nature and attributes of God. When we can resemble Him in our worship then is He most honored.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Realize the Victory
We all have problems with the flesh, for we are born with the sin nature. Some of us may have more problems than others. While some may be relatively oblivious to the problems around. But the key thing is we all have problems that must be conquered. How can we have victory over the things that plague us? If you read on, understanding what is read and apply it to your own life, I believe that you can find victory.
1. Realize the Problem.
Sin is the main problem in the life of every human, we are born with it, and cannot escape the fact. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." The Bible says that even if you never knew you sinned you will still be judged, because with our sin nature it is impossible to not sin. Romans 2:12 "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;"
So if you'll realize your stuck either way; you should be able to realize that victory over sin is vital. Because "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) and that is talking about eternal death in Hell. But the Victory I'm about to explain to you can conquer the eternal death, if you'll accept it.
2. Realize It’s Not Your Own Victory.
Romans 7:14-23 "14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."
We see in these verses that Paul (the writer) faced the same dilemma as every human who has ever walked the face of the earth. When he wanted to do good, turn over a new leaf, or something of that sort, he found that he couldn't do it. But worse when he knew something was wrong and didn't want to do it, he would find himself doing it. He knew in his mind that the Law of the Lord was the right thing to do, but he felt as all men the struggle in his body to want to do sin. Why is there this lust to do sin? Because our flesh is captive by the law of sin as we read in Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
How can we escape?
3. Realize God’s Provision.
Look how Paul continues in Romans 7:24 "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" He knew the problem, and he felt sick over the evilness of the flesh! But he says in verse 25 "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."
He found that the provision of Jesus Christ coming to die on the cross, be buried, and rise the third day, was the only way to escape the chains of sin. He surrendered his mind to God to serve the law of God with all his heart.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
How can this be applied to your life? Read on...
4. Realize that the Victory of Christ can be brought into your life.
The first thing you must do is allow Jesus to come into your life. But not just added in, He must be put on, which means to give pre-eminence to God in your life.
Romans 13:14 "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."
How can you put on Christ? You must realize your a sinner and repent of your sin. Repent doesn't only mean to give up but to completely turn from all the wrong that you have done, and depend on Christ's shed blood to wash you clean.
John 1:12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"
Many people have said, and you may be one of them, "I have done to much God would never accept, let alone forgive me." But read this next verse...
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Do you know that you have victory? Can you truthfully sing "Victory in Jesus, My Saviour forever!" Are you ready if you died today? Do you know that you would go to Heaven? Or are you of the number that must be punished? If so, there is a pardon available. Claim the victory of Jesus in your life, the Bible says as many as received Him. This includes you.
If you are a true Christian today pray about this issue and gain victory over the temptations which the Devil throws into your path.
1. Realize the Problem.
Sin is the main problem in the life of every human, we are born with it, and cannot escape the fact. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." The Bible says that even if you never knew you sinned you will still be judged, because with our sin nature it is impossible to not sin. Romans 2:12 "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;"
So if you'll realize your stuck either way; you should be able to realize that victory over sin is vital. Because "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) and that is talking about eternal death in Hell. But the Victory I'm about to explain to you can conquer the eternal death, if you'll accept it.
2. Realize It’s Not Your Own Victory.
Romans 7:14-23 "14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."
We see in these verses that Paul (the writer) faced the same dilemma as every human who has ever walked the face of the earth. When he wanted to do good, turn over a new leaf, or something of that sort, he found that he couldn't do it. But worse when he knew something was wrong and didn't want to do it, he would find himself doing it. He knew in his mind that the Law of the Lord was the right thing to do, but he felt as all men the struggle in his body to want to do sin. Why is there this lust to do sin? Because our flesh is captive by the law of sin as we read in Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
How can we escape?
3. Realize God’s Provision.
Look how Paul continues in Romans 7:24 "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" He knew the problem, and he felt sick over the evilness of the flesh! But he says in verse 25 "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."
He found that the provision of Jesus Christ coming to die on the cross, be buried, and rise the third day, was the only way to escape the chains of sin. He surrendered his mind to God to serve the law of God with all his heart.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
How can this be applied to your life? Read on...
4. Realize that the Victory of Christ can be brought into your life.
The first thing you must do is allow Jesus to come into your life. But not just added in, He must be put on, which means to give pre-eminence to God in your life.
Romans 13:14 "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."
How can you put on Christ? You must realize your a sinner and repent of your sin. Repent doesn't only mean to give up but to completely turn from all the wrong that you have done, and depend on Christ's shed blood to wash you clean.
John 1:12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"
Many people have said, and you may be one of them, "I have done to much God would never accept, let alone forgive me." But read this next verse...
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Do you know that you have victory? Can you truthfully sing "Victory in Jesus, My Saviour forever!" Are you ready if you died today? Do you know that you would go to Heaven? Or are you of the number that must be punished? If so, there is a pardon available. Claim the victory of Jesus in your life, the Bible says as many as received Him. This includes you.
If you are a true Christian today pray about this issue and gain victory over the temptations which the Devil throws into your path.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Our Motto
2 Corinthians 12:19 "Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying."
I would like the readers to realize that none of these posts are personal bias or such like, but come from much study of both the Bible and other information related to the topic. As Paul said in this verse, I'm not trying to excuse myself or defend my own beliefs. But this blog is to honor God and so all I put on it I speak before God. If I am wrong I will be accountable to Him. Thirdly I want all that I put on this blog to be edifying to the brethren.
I pray that you might view this site through God's eyes, and don't be afraid to study matters out on your own. I just ask you do two things; approach each subject without personal bias, and compare everything to the Word of God.
I would like the readers to realize that none of these posts are personal bias or such like, but come from much study of both the Bible and other information related to the topic. As Paul said in this verse, I'm not trying to excuse myself or defend my own beliefs. But this blog is to honor God and so all I put on it I speak before God. If I am wrong I will be accountable to Him. Thirdly I want all that I put on this blog to be edifying to the brethren.
I pray that you might view this site through God's eyes, and don't be afraid to study matters out on your own. I just ask you do two things; approach each subject without personal bias, and compare everything to the Word of God.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Narnia - is it really an allegory?
There has been much controversy about the whole Narnia series thing. Is it really worth reading? I'm going to have to say no, but don't turn me off yet. If you don't mind I'll explain why, as I have done a lot of study on it. Why did I study it out? Partly because I wanted to know, and partly because friends of mine were also interested. I originally liked the series myself, but hearing all the controversy on it I decided to find the real answer.
First of all if you would simply read the Gospel message it is clearly not conducive to call Narnia an allegory. There are to many contradictory points plainly between them.
Now honestly we must realize that fantasy and Christianity don't mix. I myself like fantasy stories for their thrill and imagination, but it must stay fantasy. There are certain extents to which a Christian cannot go. Once a story brings in witchcraft and the such like it should be out of bounds. I will touch more on this a little farther on. In 1 Thessalonians 5:22 we're told "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
Originally the biggest problem I had with the Narnia series was that if Aslan is a picture of God why does he only have "deep magic." Magic is nowhere near the power of God and cannot be used to explain His might. This DIRECTLY CONTRADICTS the New Testament! How? Please read Romans 1:21-23 "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things."
Please Note: The following does contain what may be offensive content. But I assure you that this is truth and has been well studied out.
C. S. Lewis was a man of strange beliefs. He had no firm foundation and immersed himself in the study of all religions available. People claim that he was simply comparing them to the Bible, which may be true. But... he believed the Bible was mythical, look at this direct quote: "A man who disbelieved the Christian story as fact but continually fed on it as myth would, perhaps, be more spiritually alive than one who assented and did not think much about it." - CS Lewis.
He goes on to say that an intellectual firm in his atheism is better off than a man who only has faith and salvation to cling to. Now you tell me could a man with such ideas write something that would truly glorify God?
Everyone knows that the evil characters of the story represent evil. But what of those mythical characters that are on the side of Aslan? Let's take a look at a few:
Mr. Tumnus, a Faun: Fauns originated in Roman mysticism as the god of Lust. In the Bible Lust is repeatedly shown a most evil sin often causing other sin. How then can lust be an agent of God?
The Centaurs: The Centaurs earliest appearance seems to be the god of a pre-Hellenic cult. The symbolism was kept by the Greeks, but they were made subject to the other gods such as Zeus. They are said to have healing and seductive powers, as well as the ability to work magic. Again how can you have a "god" help God in an allegory.
The Griffins: Griffins came from the eastern religions as a messenger from the sun god. Those religions which include the sun god have him in control of all. God said we are to have none other before Him. Look in Deuteronomy 4:15-20 the Bible says we are not to worship creation but The Creator! So Griffins on the side of Aslan is clearly not biblical.
The Phoenix: Is a symbol directly from the Egyptians, used always in close association with the sun god Ra.
God is Holy therefore all things that are His must be holy. He cannot make use of that which is sin.
Another major problem is the fact that Aslan only dies for Edmund. What about Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
And how about when the mice have to chew the ropes off. God is all powerful He can break the chains of our sin, so would you think He couldn't loose a few ropes?
Former witch, David Meyer, writes the following concerning Narnia: "As a former witch, astrologer, and occultist who has been saved by the grace of God, I know that the works of C.S. Lewis are required reading by neophyte witches, especially in the United States and England. This includes The Chronicles of Narnia, because it teaches neophyte, or new witches, the basic mindset of the craft. Isn’t it strange, though, that many “Christian” churches and organizations have used The Chronicles of Narnia as Sunday School curriculum? When I saw the release date of this new movie, I was not surprised. December 9th is the 13th day before the witches’ quarter-sabat of Yule. The full cold moon is midway between the release date and the sabat of Yule. The waxing moon is also directly on the equinox on the release date of the movie. This is far too precisely occultic to be coincidental, and the producers of the movie no doubt consulted upper-level witches regarding the perfect day to have the “Chronicles of Narnia” open..."
www.lasttrumpetministries.org
What C.S. Lewis has given the children is "another jesus" and "another gospel".
Remember this sure fire, Biblical test of anything that professes to be of God. Is the world accepting it? If so, then you need to be as far away as possible. John 15:19 "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."
Please carefully and prayerfully think this over.
First of all if you would simply read the Gospel message it is clearly not conducive to call Narnia an allegory. There are to many contradictory points plainly between them.
Now honestly we must realize that fantasy and Christianity don't mix. I myself like fantasy stories for their thrill and imagination, but it must stay fantasy. There are certain extents to which a Christian cannot go. Once a story brings in witchcraft and the such like it should be out of bounds. I will touch more on this a little farther on. In 1 Thessalonians 5:22 we're told "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
Originally the biggest problem I had with the Narnia series was that if Aslan is a picture of God why does he only have "deep magic." Magic is nowhere near the power of God and cannot be used to explain His might. This DIRECTLY CONTRADICTS the New Testament! How? Please read Romans 1:21-23 "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things."
Please Note: The following does contain what may be offensive content. But I assure you that this is truth and has been well studied out.
C. S. Lewis was a man of strange beliefs. He had no firm foundation and immersed himself in the study of all religions available. People claim that he was simply comparing them to the Bible, which may be true. But... he believed the Bible was mythical, look at this direct quote: "A man who disbelieved the Christian story as fact but continually fed on it as myth would, perhaps, be more spiritually alive than one who assented and did not think much about it." - CS Lewis.
He goes on to say that an intellectual firm in his atheism is better off than a man who only has faith and salvation to cling to. Now you tell me could a man with such ideas write something that would truly glorify God?
Everyone knows that the evil characters of the story represent evil. But what of those mythical characters that are on the side of Aslan? Let's take a look at a few:
Mr. Tumnus, a Faun: Fauns originated in Roman mysticism as the god of Lust. In the Bible Lust is repeatedly shown a most evil sin often causing other sin. How then can lust be an agent of God?
The Centaurs: The Centaurs earliest appearance seems to be the god of a pre-Hellenic cult. The symbolism was kept by the Greeks, but they were made subject to the other gods such as Zeus. They are said to have healing and seductive powers, as well as the ability to work magic. Again how can you have a "god" help God in an allegory.
The Griffins: Griffins came from the eastern religions as a messenger from the sun god. Those religions which include the sun god have him in control of all. God said we are to have none other before Him. Look in Deuteronomy 4:15-20 the Bible says we are not to worship creation but The Creator! So Griffins on the side of Aslan is clearly not biblical.
The Phoenix: Is a symbol directly from the Egyptians, used always in close association with the sun god Ra.
God is Holy therefore all things that are His must be holy. He cannot make use of that which is sin.
Another major problem is the fact that Aslan only dies for Edmund. What about Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
And how about when the mice have to chew the ropes off. God is all powerful He can break the chains of our sin, so would you think He couldn't loose a few ropes?
Former witch, David Meyer, writes the following concerning Narnia: "As a former witch, astrologer, and occultist who has been saved by the grace of God, I know that the works of C.S. Lewis are required reading by neophyte witches, especially in the United States and England. This includes The Chronicles of Narnia, because it teaches neophyte, or new witches, the basic mindset of the craft. Isn’t it strange, though, that many “Christian” churches and organizations have used The Chronicles of Narnia as Sunday School curriculum? When I saw the release date of this new movie, I was not surprised. December 9th is the 13th day before the witches’ quarter-sabat of Yule. The full cold moon is midway between the release date and the sabat of Yule. The waxing moon is also directly on the equinox on the release date of the movie. This is far too precisely occultic to be coincidental, and the producers of the movie no doubt consulted upper-level witches regarding the perfect day to have the “Chronicles of Narnia” open..."
www.lasttrumpetministries.org
I think we may have to describe the man, C S Lewis, with a couple verses found in 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
What C.S. Lewis has given the children is "another jesus" and "another gospel".
Remember this sure fire, Biblical test of anything that professes to be of God. Is the world accepting it? If so, then you need to be as far away as possible. John 15:19 "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."
Please carefully and prayerfully think this over.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Welcome to my blog
Hi all readers
Welcome to my blog space.
On it I will be placing articles on Christian subjects, based totally on God's Word. Feel free to comment. Also if you have questions I'll be happy to do my best to answer them.
Please note that all the Bible references posted on this blog are taken from the King James Version.
Thank you for viewing and have a great day!
In Christ
Jared Kuiper
Welcome to my blog space.
On it I will be placing articles on Christian subjects, based totally on God's Word. Feel free to comment. Also if you have questions I'll be happy to do my best to answer them.
Please note that all the Bible references posted on this blog are taken from the King James Version.
Thank you for viewing and have a great day!
In Christ
Jared Kuiper
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