Please Forgive me

As Christians, there are two types of people we can offend: our brothers (fellow Christians) and our adversaries (non-Christians).  Regardless of who they are, in whatever way we have wronged them, we are commanded to take reconciliatory action immediately (see Mt. 5:23-25).  We are to “go” to that person and apologize, request forgiveness, offer a reasonable recompense…we are to do whatever we can to right whatever wrong caused that person to have something against us.  And we are to do it even if we feel that we did or said nothing wrong or if we feel that what we did or said shouldn’t have offended the other person.  We also must go even if we think that everything is “cool” with the offended and therefore is no need for an apology, simply because the other person may be kind to us or act as if nothing happened (they’ve forgiven you).  The fact is, they’ve been wronged and they’re possibly upset, and that is reason enough to be reconciled to them—it’s not about us or our rights, it’s about obeying Jesus.  So we must “go.”  We may not be forgiven by them, but the important thing is that we’ve obeyed a commandment, not a suggestion, of God, and, upon asking Him, are forgiven by Him.
 
Sometimes the hardest thing to do isn’t apologizing, but forgiving.  We are commanded to forgive and obligated to forgive because the Lord has forgiven us (Mt. 6:14-15; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).  Yes, it is sometimes very difficult.  Maybe someone has hurt you terribly, whether it be physically or emotionally.  Maybe someone said or did things for the sole purpose of hurting your feelings—called you or your loved ones names, talked badly about you or someone you care about, flirted with your spouse, etc., or maybe someone said or did things that they aren’t even aware of.  Guess what?  You have to forgive them, even if they don’t apologize!  And our forgiveness should be unlimited, as God’s is (Mt. 18:21-22).  That’s a tough one.  But forgiving is absolutely not for the offender, it is for you.  

Others’ offenses against us cannot be worse than our own offenses against God, and God has forgiven us much more than we, in our entire lifetimes, will ever forgive.  So why should we not forgive?  It’s all about having a forgiving spirit, which makes us want to forgive, for forgiving without really wanting to forgive is not forgiving at all.  Not forgiving someone (thereby not having a forgiving spirit) can impede our spiritual growth or render our prayers ineffective.  Jesus stresses this in Matthew 6:12, 14-15 and Mark 11:25.  Asking God for forgiveness but not forgiving others is hypocritical.  Having an unforgiving spirit is a sin.  Therefore, choosing not to forgive someone—holding a grudge, keeping the anger, having a vengeful spirit—gives us an attitude that makes it impossible for God to forgive us (Mt. 6:14-15).  Forgiving others is an evidence of salvation and a regenerate heart.  Just as we can love others because God first loved us, we can forgive because God’s forgiveness makes it possible…that is where we get the forgiving spirit, directly from God.  So ask Him for a forgiving spirit.  Only you can benefit from it.

I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day,
Niki (^ͼᴥ^ͽ)

Armored with Christ

Let’s take a detailed look at Ephesians 6:10-18: The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (ESV).

These verses express a call to arms. They are the “external counterpart of [Paul’s] emphasis on the inward growth and edification of the church” that he spoke of in Ephesians 4:12, 16[1]. We’ll explain this passage of Scripture verse by verse.

Verse 10: We get all we need from Christ. Every piece of armor described in the following verses speaks of Christ—we basically put on Christ, for He is truth (Jn. 14:6), righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30), the peace giver (Jn. 14:27), who we put our faith in (Rom. 10:9, 10), salvation (1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 3:24), and the Word (Jn. 1:1, 14). Without Christ you can do nothing (Jn. 15:5). You cannot rely on Christ’s power if you are not in union with Him. If you are in union with Christ, we are strongest when we are weak, for Christ’s power is perfected in us in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9, 10).

Verse 11: “[W]hole armor” refers to the Roman infantryman, or hoplite. Paul was in prison at the time of this writing, and was probably using a Roman guard as a model for the armor. The Greek word for “stand” is a military term for holding a position. The point is that you can attack only when you are able to hold your own ground. From a Christian’s perspective, it shows that we are to withstand and stand against Satan’s continuous attacks. Christians are not to flee—they will not be protected, for the armor is covering the front only.

Verse 12: Humans are not our enemies; what drives them to do evil is. Satan and his demons wage war on God. Fortunately, God has already won that battle with the death and resurrection of Christ. In spite of this, Satan fights against all things good in a feeble attempt to overcome almighty God. Satan may win some people to himself, but the war will end with Christ’s coming and ultimate banishment of Satan and his followers into the abyss.

Verse 13: Because the enemies are spiritual, we are again admonished to use spiritual armor, God’s panoply (a complete set of armor), which He provides (and wears Himself. See Isa. 11:5; 59:17) that we must take up. Repetition means to pay attention to what is being said (note the number of times “stand” is used in all verses). When Christians “take up” the panoply of God, we are to never put it down; we are to wear it and use it our entire lives until we either die or are taken up to be with Christ—and we will, if we are truly His. “[S]tand firm”-if we take up the armor, then we will not yield even an inch to the evil one.

Verse 14: This and the following verses explain the armor in the order it would be put on. A tight “belt” showed that a soldier was ready for battle. The belt held the tunic up for easier movement, held the breastplate in place, and also held the scabbard. A Christian’s belt is comprised of “truth.” God’s Word and Christ are Truth; truth is light; light dispels darkness. Without truth, you cannot win against the evil of this world. The “breastplate” covered the neck to the thighs and was usually made of bronze. It was also known as a “heart-protector.”[2] Christ is our “righteousness.” Because Christ is in us, we are fully protected from defilement by Satan; Christ is our heart-protector.

Verse 15: Having good “shoes” gives an army a great advantage over the enemy, for they are able to travel faster over even rough terrain. A Roman soldier’s shoes were studded with nails to give them a better grip. Christians’ shoes, being comprised of the “gospel” of Jesus Christ that reconciles sinners to God and gives “peace” and a solid foundation on which to stand, will keep us rooted in place.

Verse 16: “In all circumstances” demonstrates the necessity and extreme importance of the next several pieces of armor, especially the shield. A Roman’s “shield” consisted of two layers of wood glued together and covered with linen and hide, bound with iron,[3] and sometimes soaked in water. This piece of armor was the most effective. Hundreds of “darts,” or arrows, dipped in pitch and ignited could be stopped and quenched with a single shield. In effect, it was like a door, covering the entire soldier’s body giving them a feeling of security. Our shield as Christians is our “faith.” Without faith, you have no salvation; you have no shield/protection from evil—you are Satan’s. But with faith, you win, you will stand, you are secure. Christ is our door (Jn. 10:9). By having faith, you put God in front of you, showing dependence on Him…what better protection could you get?!

Verse 17: The “helmet” was made of bronze with leather attachments. This and the following sword would be handed to the soldier, whereas all previous items would have been picked up. Our helmet is of “salvation,” which is given to us by God. It may refer to our hope of our future salvation (glorification), or it could suggest present salvation (sanctification), working out our salvation (Php. 2:12). A spear is the standard weapon of a hoplite, but because Paul was most likely in prison and using his Roman guards as models, a spear wouldn’t have been need being indoors. Paul uses the word “gladius,” a short, dual-edged “sword.” This is our only offensive weapon. Being “of the Spirit” could mean as supplied by the Spirit or used by the Spirit, or both simultaneously. The “word of God” is the spoken word by God; it is all powerful and effective. Jesus knew the power of God’s word (Mt. 4:1-10) and He will use it when He returns (Rev. 19:15). We must use God’s words to drive away Satan. For the sword to be useful, it must be removed from its scabbard; do not leave the Bible unopened; it is useful only if we know it and apply it.

Verse 18: We must always be “praying.” The wording suggests that prayer itself is not included as a weapon. We should “at all times” be in prayer, no matter the circumstances (1 Thes. 5:17). But because we are never to remove our armor and admonished to never stop praying, I feel that prayer is not only a weapon, but it is one of the best offensive weapons we as Christians have. “[I]n the Spirit” means to pray with the aid of and in the power of the Spirit (Rom. 8:26). We are also to pray with “supplication,” praying for specific needs for the saints. We must pray for all Christians, the Church. Christians should always be in alliance with one another, fighting side-by-side, against their common enemy as a unified army, not against each other. We must always be on the “alert” for Satan and his schemes, and always “persevere” in the fight.

I believe these verses remind us that we must be pure and holy to prevail against evil, using God’s strength rather than our own. If you are a child of God, you are an enemy of the world (Jms. 4:4). We fight spiritual forces and are therefore called to stand against those under the influence of those forces. You must take a stand in this world against the things that are in opposition to God’s word, whether it be homosexuality, abortion, child abuse, animal abuse, etc. Your silence signifies acceptance. Don’t be silent; take up God’s armor and stand.

God Bless, Niki Ƹ>Ï<Ʒ

Flickr Tags: God,armor,spiritual,Christ,rigteousness,faith,salvation.

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[1] Wood, A. Skevington, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981) 85.

[2] Ibid., 87.

[3] Ibid., 88.

“Salvation: There’s More…” Part 2b

Hi everyone! I hope your day is going well so far. 

*All Scripture is taken from the ESV Bible unless otherwise noted.  All italics within Scripture are mine.

Today we will be going over reasons 3-5 of 7 for wanting salvation.

B. Why would you want Salvation?:

3). It is a gift, it’s absolutely free if only we accept it: Acts 5:31—“God exalted Him to His own right hand as Prince and Savior that He might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.”  In Acts 11:17, Peter says "God gave [the Gentiles] the same gift as he gave [the Jews].”  God gave the gift.  Going again to Romans 6:23 –“For the wages of sin is death,” like we mentioned before, but the rest of the verse states, “but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.”  This verse portrays two types of servitude, or slavery, in which the person doesn't have the freedom to determine his own course of action: The first type earns you death, that’s your wage; the other is not earned and cannot be earned, it is a gift, it’s free for us, although it cost God everything.  The first type earns you an eternal life in hell, in the presence of God’s wrath; the other is a gift of eternity in heaven, in the presence of God.

4). The Bible tells us to: Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17b, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near,” and in Mark 1:15b, “…the kingdom of God is near.  Repent and believe the good news!”  Peter tells us in Acts 3:19, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.…”  I’m so glad that my heart is right to allow me to desire to do what God’s word says.

5). For Truth: One thing that I hate is lying (yes, I can hate it…God does).  I’m so sick of dealing with a world of lies or possibility of lies, or even a promise of no lies!  Not only from those in my house, but those all over the world, everywhere and anywhere, in any position, including the president.  I want the truth—the absolute truth and I realize I will never get it from man.  It can only be found with God. 

So what is truth?  Even Pontius Pilate wondered that, and the answer was right in front of him! (Luke 18:38).  Jesus is the truth: “…I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).  God’s word is the truth. Jesus is praying for his disciples in John 17:17, and he says to his Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” God’s word can be found in written form in the Bible, and it is reliable, for “all Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16a NIV).  God had an active involvement in the writing of Scripture. What Scripture says is what God said; but humans weren’t just recorders, they also actively spoke and wrote in their own styles, but what they said came from God. 

In John 8:31b-32, Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The truth sets us free from the curse of sin—the punishment that we will surely receive if we never accept Christ—spiritual death, eternity in hell.  Those who haven’t accepted Christ as their Savior cannot really know truth, they simply reject it. Only Christians can understand and gratefully accept truth, for we are brought forth by the word of truth” (James 1:18a).

Next time we will be going over reason 6 for wanting salvation.  Reason 7 is pretty long, so that will be by itself.  Have a wonderfully blessed day, given to us by the Lord our Savior!

Niki Ƹ>Ï<Ʒ

Flickr Tags: God,salvation,truth

God created the heavens and the earth...

Hi everyone! Welcome to my blog. In my blog I will be discussing anything and everything, from ice cream to my incredible God.

I will soon be starting a series of blogs entitled "Salvation: There's More To It Than You Think." Aaah, you may be thinking something like, "What?! I heard salvation was easy" or "I didn't think you had to do anything for it" or other thoughts along those lines...well, don't worry, you're right. So stick around (OK, just keep returning instead) to see what I mean.

I am human. I am not a theologian. I study the Bible and will do everything I can, including pray and research, to ensure that I write nothing that is counter to God's precious, holy Word that was written down for us. If I write anything that seems questionable to you, ask me about it, please. I do not want to write something that may lead anyone in the wrong direction or lead them to question the truth. Also, if you just plain don't understand something, let me know; I will make every effort to explain it better. If I don't know it, I will research it and get others' views and opinions.

Your comments are much appreciated. Feel free to write about what you'd like, but any vulgar posts (including language and topic) are unwanted and will be deleted.

I don't consider myself to be a prayer warrior, but I certainly do speak to my heavenly Father and He listens. So if you have any pray requests, list them, I will most certainly pray about them.

I pray you have a most wonderfully blessed day.

Niki Ƹ>Ï<Ʒ