DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE!

Saturday morning about 1am, I was perusing the internet looking up scripture when I came across the following website, www.the-end.com. I said to myself, “Hmmm, that looks interesting” so I decided to click on the link. The link led me to Ronald Weinland and his two books, 2008 God’s Final Witness and The Prophesied End-Time.  End time prophesy has always intrigued me, and the book was free, so I decided to click on the first book and read. As I read the book I became terribly fearful. Weinland was speaking things that appeared to be true. He even professed himself to be one the two witnesses the bible speaks about that would be killed in Jerusalem during the 3 ½ years of tribulation. As I was reading his book, there wasn’t anything in the back on my mind telling me to close the book, don’t read any more, or anything that resounded out, “lie”; even though from the very beginning of the read, there were lies jumping off the pages. I was too blinded, too guilty or too sleepy to see the truth staring me right in the face. After reading five chapters of the book, I finally decided to succumb to an unrestful sleep and resume reading in the morning. Thank God for mercy!

How easily deceive one can become if he is not in right relationship with the Lord. A lie will sound like the truth and the truth will be thought of as a lie. Ronald Weinland’s book, 2008 God’s Final Witness, I have to admit led me to sorrowful repentance. I don’t have a problem admitting that my greatest fear is to be eternally separated from God. However, when I finally awoke from my sleep this morning, I begin to study more about Ronald Weinland and his book; and the Holy Spirit led me to the real truth about him and his religious beliefs. After reading the truth, I felt absolutely foolish because I thought of myself as one who could not be easily deceived because I thought I knew the word (pride), but how easily one can be deceived if he is not in right standings with God.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

God is so merciful and I know with confidence He wants us to know the truth; which is why I believe He allowed me to review Ronald Weinland’s website, read his lies and then remind me of the REAL truth. Each time in Weinland’s book when he referenced, Church of God, I thought he was speaking of God’s church. After studying more, the Holy Spirit led me to Armstrongism. You ask what is Armstrongism? 

Armstrongism refers to the teachings and doctrines of Herbert W. Armstrong while leader of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG),^[1][2] and is professed by him and his followers to be the restored true Gospel of the Bible. Armstrong said they were revealed to him by God during his study of the Bible.^[3] (Mystery of the Ages, pp. 7–30). The term "Armstrongite" is sometimes used to refer to those that follow Armstrong's teachings. "Armstrongism" and "Armstrongite" are generally considered derogatory by those to whom it is applied,^[4] who prefer to be known as members of the "Church of God". The doctrines discussed on this page can be found in several of Armstrong's writings, especially The Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, The Incredible Human Potential, The Wonderful World Tomorrow and Mystery of the Ages.

Armstrong taught that most of the basic doctrines and teachings of Mainstream Christianity were based on traditions, including absorbed pagan concepts and rituals (i.e. religious syncretism), rather than the Judeo-Christian Bible. His teachings have consequently been the source of much controversy. Shortly after Armstrong's death in 1986, the Worldwide Church of God started revising its core beliefs towards the concepts, doctrines, and creeds of mainstream Christianity. This resulted in many ministers and members leaving the WCG to start or join other churches, many of which continue to believe and teach Armstrong's views to one degree or another. Eventually, the WCG changed its name in 2009 to Grace Communion International (GCI). Today, the official doctrinal position of GCI is mainstream evangelical, although there are still GCI ministers and members who do not fully embrace all of the changes(http://www.ask.com/wiki/Armstrongism)

Notice in the passage of description, the ‘Church of God’ phrase. Each time Weinland would indicate ‘Church of God’ in his book, I originally thought he was speaking God’s church. How foolish of me! He was speaking of his own denomination, his own religion. As I continue to study, his religion just reminded me of another cult. As I continue to read, I begin to see the holes in his claim. I begin to feel sadness for him.  However, just as Weinland said in his book:

God is beginning to make a distinction between what is His

truth and all that is false in the world. When all of it is finished,
only the truth will prevail; and, all lies and liars will have been
exposed.  – page 7 (2008 God's Final Witness)

Ironically, his statement is true.

Revelation 22:18-19 says:

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

The best offense to deception is to remain in right relationship with the Lord. If we disconnect from God, we will starve which ultimately will lead to death. We need the Truth daily (bread) which is the nourishment that feeds us and keeps us strong in the Lord. If we do not remain in the Truth, we cannot stand on it and eventually we will fall for the lie. I admit, I strayed away from Christ. However, through God’s mercy and love, he did not give up on me and used what was meant for bad, for my good.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. He also said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

There is NO question we are in the last days. There are too many signs pointing to that. The world an try to deny it, but it’s inevitable. It’s clear. The time has ceased from playing church. The times to come will be perilous ones, so we must be ready. We need to be in prayer and constant communication with the Lord. The stage is being set. We need to show the love of Christ to a dying world. We need to pray for those who falsely believe they are doing the will of God. God is merciful and it is not His desire to see anyone perish. Otherwise, He would not have sent his son Jesus Christ to die on our behalf for our sins.

My mantra is Psalm 51:10:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

I only want to please the Lord. No longer my will Lord, but yours be done.

I leave you with 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12:

Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.  And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
 

Scripture references:

Proverbs 16:18
Revelation 22:18-19
John 14:6
John 15
Psalm 51:10
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

Other references:

Armstrongism
http://www.ask.com/wiki/Armstrongism
http://www.the-end.com/

Weinland, R (2006).  2008 God’s Final Witness. Cincinnati: the-end.com, inc

JUDGE NOT!

In the wake of hearing of Whitney Houston’s death, it makes me reflect on what a significant impact Whitney had on my life growing up as a young lady. I grew up listening to MJ who himself was a great music icon; if not the greatest. However strangely enough, for some reason, it seems the announcement of Whitney’s death impacted me more.  Maybe it’s because I felt like I lost a family member. Whitney, or as I called her affectingly, “Whit”, made me feel there was a connection between she and I in her music. She sang with so much passion and fervor, I could feel it. I remember growing up pretending my back porch was a stage and the trees were my audience as I sang, “The Greatest Love of All”; which is one of my favorite songs by Whitney. I am nowhere comparable to Whitney Houston, but I sure tried my hardest to sing like her. I loved and admired her. Whitney Houston, a musical legend; I will truly miss her. 

As I read some of the posting on the social networks, I am a little perturbed, to say the least, by some of the comments made. There are many who are showing love and celebrate Whitney’s life. However, there are some who are very judgmental and are saying a lot of negative things. Some are just full of hatred and contempt. Regardless of the life Whitney lived, we DO NOT have any right to judge a person’s life. Unless we have walked one mile in that person’s shoes, we should keep our mouths closed! The bible says in Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV): 

Do not judge or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

God is the only one that is omniscient and ultimately knows every detail of our lives. What we see on TV, hear on radio, or even hear from someone else is not 100% truth. We should be more concern about being better stewards of our own lives instead of throwing stones at someone else’s. For when our time arrives, we too will have to give an account for the life we lived. Therefore, leave judging the world up to God who has all details to judge rightly and justly. Instead let us use our mouths to express the love God has given us freely. 

Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 

I loved Whitney. I thought she was a beautiful poised woman who could ‘saannng’ anyone under the table. I celebrate her life and her contribution not only to me, but also to countless others whom she touched with her presence and her eloquent voice. God only knows, but my belief is that she fulfilled the plan God had for her life.  

Whitney, my hope is that you are resting in the arms of the Father and that you are singing, “I Love the Lord” to the Lord Himself. 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

2 Corinthians 5:10

Do You Speak Death or Life?

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life… Proverbs 15:4(a)

Before my relationship with the Lord, I was a very rebellious person. I would say whatever I wanted and it didn’t concern me whose feelings I hurt or whose toes I stepped on. Cursing was my second language. I would purposefully use my words to tear people down. My words were like a sword and would cut anyone regardless of their status. I took pride in speaking this way because I believed whatever I said was truth and that’s all that matter. How I spoke the truth was of no consequence to me. I know now that futile thinking was not only foolish, but also very egotistical. 

If a chef were to prepare two separate dishes of savory tongues, which of the dishes would you choose from? Would it be the dish that is known for its love, compassion, mercy, peace, and sincerity, or would it be the dish know for its bitterness, jealousy, discord, strife, and selfishness? Each day we make a choice between the two dishes. However as we grow in Christ, the former dish should become more appetizing to eat from than the latter. The bible says in Proverbs 18:21 (NIV):

The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.

What I believe in regards to Proverbs 18:21

I do not believe as some do that Proverbs 18:21 supports the ability of man to speak things into existence. I believe that only God who has the power to speak things into existence. Based on my understanding of the word using Proverbs 18:21 to support this type of thinking is erroneous, contrary to the content of the scripture, and dangerous. Only God is all powerful and our faith in His omnipotence should be the only thing we should have a desire to exercise and seek. We should not try to equate ourselves to His level by having the desire to speak things into existence. One way we exercise our faith is by praying His words; praying His will. It is God who is omniscient. However, I do believe Proverbs 18:21 speaks in terms of how we utilize our tongue when we speak to others. We have the ability to plant seeds of life or death by the spirit of our words.

How do we speak death?

Speaking death comes naturally to those who walk according to flesh and not the Spirit. We plant the seeds of death by fabricating the truth, stirring up strife with gossip, or by speaking against someone because of our envy or jealousy. In my case, I was telling the truth, but my delivery was just outright mean and destructive. Speaking death will not only cause destruction for the messenger, but can also harm to the person hearing the message. Speaking death only satisfies self; the flesh.  Roman 8:6 (NLT):

So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

When we speak death to others, even to ourselves, we are speaking the language of the enemy. In John 8: 44, Jesus said the devil is a murder and the father of lies; that lying is his native tongue. John 10:10 says it is the thief (the enemy) that comes to steal, kill and destroy. However, Jesus said he came so we can have an abundant life. As followers of Christ, our upmost desire should be to speak life. That should be our native tongue.

So how do we speak life?

Speaking life becomes easy once we submit our lives to the Spirit of God. We speak life to others by encouraging and uplifting them; but more importantly we speak life by telling the truth in love. Our motivation when speaking should always be selfless. Our thinking should always be for the other person and his well being. When I think about speaking life, I immediately think of our witness or testament of who Christ is and his act of love for all. That’s a seed of life that each Christian has a call to plant. When we constantly renew our minds with the things of God, deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow the lead of Jesus, speaking life will becomes our native language.

This topic is very significant because there are numerous scriptures in the bible that speaks about our tongue or the spirit behind our words. I encourage you to study them especially if you have a problem with your tongue. The tongue is a powerful weapon that has the power to sow seeds of life or death. We must be mindful of the words we speak because there are consequences. We can speak words that will edify, encourage, and heal brokenness, or we can speak words that can hurt or fill one with poison. We have a choice. Remember whatever we sow, we will reap.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

 Philippians 4:8

I Got a Testimony

I believe the bible when it says that we overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony and they did not love their life even when faced with death (Rev 12:11). My testimony is nothing like the saints of old; martyrs who sacrifice their lives for the sake of the gospel, but I do believe when we speak the truth in love and give our personal testament of how we learned of the gospel whether good or bad, we do overcome the enemy. We need to learn as Christians to become more transparent to others. It is only then will people see the validity and goodness of the One we serve. With that being said, my testimony is a bit long winded, so if you don’t want to read it in its entirety that is fine with me. However I encourage you to read, if nothing else, the last paragraph of my testimony.

I love you, but more importantly, God loves you!  

 

And so the story begins...

Most people do not start out as Christians.  I didn’t at least. I grew up in a family of four, two parents and a younger sibling. I don’t recall ever starving as it relates to food. I always had clothes on my back. I was able to go to school and never had a need for anything. In the background, I had no idea the struggles my parents went through to ensure all my needs were met. I believe I had a normal childhood, as far as normality goes. There were ups and downs, but it was the typical childhood. With me being the oldest, my parents did the best they could raising me with the limited experience they had. They had their faults, but ultimately they were excellent and loving parents.

When it came to going to church the idea was never forced upon me by my parents. My mother grew up going to church every day with my grandmother. I remember her telling me how terrified she was to go to church because all she could recall that was taught was about fire and brimstone; hell. Like clockwork, the fear of God and going to hell was preached every Sunday. If she didn’t get her life right and stop sinning, her final destination was hell. As a result of her fear, my mother made an oath that she would never force the idea of going to church on her children. My father, although he had a saved mother, never himself went to church or even thought about it.

Although the idea wasn’t forced upon me, God was there all the time; from the very beginning. I always had a yearning to be in church. In first grade, I knew a sweet older woman from my school that asked my mother if I could go to church with her. Her denomination was Presbyterian. As a kid I didn't know anything about denominations, but I was so excited about going to church. My mother didn’t have a problem with it and supported any idea of keeping her children off the street or in trouble. So my mother accepted her offer and Ms. Smith was faithful to pick me up for church every Sunday. I will never forget Ms. Smith. Her faithfulness, kindness, and love will forever resonate in my memories.

A few years later, I started going to church with my best friend, Jane. Her church’s denomination was Baptist. Going to a Baptist church was an entirely different experience than going to a Presbyterian church.  It wasn’t the quiet serene place I was accustomed to, but this place was more exciting and uplifting. It had different music and I no longer had to go to the front of the church for children’s time like the former church. I really hate that. However, I can say from the former church I learned more about Jesus than I did at the Baptist church. The Baptist church I remember more about the music and the traditions it had. Oh yeah, and the chicken dinners.

Entering into my preteen years I still had an interest in church. I remember feeling that fear of going to hell if I didn’t get my life right just as my mother did. My grandmother, my dad’s mother who was a devout Christian, would scare the hell into me about going to hell. Don’t get me wrong; she had the best intentions for me. She wanted me to make it to heaven. So she felt in order to save me, she had to put the fear of God in me. I remember when visiting her, she would have Christian comic books that had the scariest pictures of hell. Even the kids in the comic books looked scary. She was the type of Christian that pay homage to God by turning off all the electricity when there was a thunderstorm. It was mandatory to sit in the dark in silence and let God do his work. Making any movement would guarantee a slap upside the head. We had to sit down, be perfectly still and quiet.  Absolutely no talking! I recall her telling me one day the earth was not going to be around the year 2000. When she said that, I was so frighten. So I started to do a lot of things to get myself right. It was fruitless attempt.  When the clock struck midnight the year 2000, and continue on, I felt God had given me another chance to get right.

In my teenager years, I still had the desire to attend church, but by this time I had enter into the land of rebellion. I had enough sense, and I would venture to say grace over my life, not to divvy into drugs and alcohol, but premarital sex was something entirely different. I had a steady boyfriend during my high school years and as an immature dense young lady, I wanted to do anything to make him happy which included having sex with him. I had the deception in my mind that we were going to get married anyway, so what difference did it make if we were having premarital sex. While we were dating, my boyfriend decided to go to church; a Methodist one. So I begged my mother to allow me to go with him to church and she agreed. I could honestly say the word that came forth was inspirational, but I didn’t retain any of it because I was going to church for the wrong reasons.

After college I met a man at my workplace, my husband. He was a man that had a church background; the denomination, Church of God. His grandmother was a pastor, two of his aunts were pastors, and his parents were devoted Christians. I liked him because he was so different from the rest. He introduced me to gospel music and I became a lover of it. However, I was still very rebellious. I could curse like a sailor and would cut a person down to tears with my vicious words. My husband (boyfriend at the time) and I didn’t go to church. However, we liked and eventually loved each other enough to shack up for 4 years.  At the same time, I was working at a processing center and God place a young woman in my life, Tina. Tina use to get on my nerves! She would always stare at me and I would always wonder why is this chick staring at me. Tina would come to me often and say, “God loves you!” I would smile and brush her off. However, Tina was persistent. I didn’t know at the time, but God was utilizing Tina to pursue me. It took a while, but after I was married; one day in a Waffle House with Tina, I gave my life to Christ. From there, what God had placed in me began to materialize.

After receiving salvation, I was eager to become a member of a church. So my husband and I joined a church, denomination Church of God, and my desire to know God increased. I began to study the word, to pray, and get a true understanding of what being a Christian was all about. I also learned that Christians, contrary to popular belief, are not perfect. I learned there are hypocrites in church and many people who have missed the message of who Jesus Christ is and what he has done.  Even within the first church in which I became I member, I became disappointed and hurt by the very people I thought got what this race was all about. After some unfortunate issues with that church, my husband and I left.

The latest church my husband and I became members of was non-denominational. At last, a non-denominational church that didn’t have old traditions and rituals to follow. I can truly say I learned so much from the pastor of that church. I became more in tune to who Christ is; what it meant to have relationship with Him. I began to understand it wasn’t by any of my workings that earned me salvation. I begin to walk in the gifting that the Holy Spirit had granted me. I finally understood that God loved me.

I will say it again because now I have a full understanding. God wants us to have relationship with Him. He loves us so much! However, we cannot know that until we are open to receive His love, His truth. It is not about upholding rituals or traditions. I don’t discard religion. I believe it’s important to have order. The bible says that we should do things decently and in order (1Cor 14:40). However, we can do a lot of good works and keep up with traditions, but still have a nasty disposition.  One poet stated it best for me, “It’s like spraying perfume on a casket…” (bball1989). We walk around like dead people on the inside trying to keep up outward appearances of righteousness. Relationship with Christ will result in a true change on the inside that will reflect a genuine change on the outside. Because of my relationship with Him, I have learned who I am in Him and who I am suppose to be. Now I am attuned to my assigned mission and divine purpose. I am no longer a blind dead man running around in a dark room, but now I have received and I am walking in the promise of eternal life with Him. I am not perfect and I still have my crosses to bear, but I am no longer that person I was years ago. I am growing in Christ. I am a new person in Christ. That old stuff is gone, the new is here.

Everyone has their own testimony to the discovery of the truth. Mine is nowhere near traumatic as some. I am truly blessed. However, God does not show favoritism. God wants you too! No matter what your past is, it doesn’t have to define your future. There is a prosperous and fulfilling future in God through Christ Jesus for you. If God has been wooing you, don’t resist, but instead let Him in. Life as a Christian is not easy, but it’s worth it. I can say that with confidence.

Anyone who believes in Christ is a new creation. The old is gone! The new has come! It is all from God. He brought us back to himself through Christ's death on the cross. And he has given us the task of bringing others back to him through Christ. --- 2 Cor 5:17-18 (NIV)

"It's Not About Religion, but Relationship"

There are many worldwide that are hurting, broken, or looking for answers to what seems to be irresolvable questions. In our quest for answers or for a remedy, many of us turn to alcohol, drugs, multiple relationships, or maybe overeating just to name a few.  We use any and everything to attempt to resolve the hurt and brokenness we feel inside. After a while we come to realize by the grace of God, that our attempts of healing are only temporary; that eventually the hurt and pain we suppressed momentarily resurfaces after the high or the ‘feel good’ feeling has dissipated.  

Some of us eventually gravitate to church with the idea if we get into religion maybe we will get our lives back on track. Going to church is okay; however, if the idea is to go so 'we' can get our lives back on course through religion, trust me when I say we can place religion on the plate alongside of drugs, overeating, etc. It’s only a temporary fix. Eventually we will be back to our old self, our old habits. 

Going to church is a foundational idea. I believe that church is not necessarily for those who are already healed, but for those that need healing. The church is like a hospital for the sick. However, the idea is not to promote religion. Religion deals with keeping up with rituals, laws and traditions. Yes, there should be biblical order in the church. If not, there will be chaos. However, we should not confuse religion with a relationship with Jesus Christ. All nonbelievers have the misunderstanding that it is religion that is encouraged.  A true follower of Christ encourages a relationship with Jesus, not religion.

In Matthew 23, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because of their promotion of religion. The Pharisees was known to be strict religious fundamentalists that strongly endorsed the idea of righteousness by observing Jewish laws, ceremonies and traditions. The Pharisees were experts of the law, but didn't live by what they preached.They did however place a tremendous burden on others to follow the law not showing any mercy or compassion. Jesus rightfully called them hypocrites. The Pharisees often lived good lives; full of good deeds, but it was only for outward appearances.  A change did not happen internally. They simply did not have connection with God.

Matthew 11:28-30 (Message) says:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

In this scripture, Jesus is saying if we are tired of our old ways or our own remedies; if working hard to resolve our issues have burned us out, we should go to Him. Jesus is inviting us to have relationship with Him; not religion. Jesus is saying in Him we will discover what true rest is. In Him, we will discover the resolution to our issues. In Him, we will discover our purpose and learn what true freedom is. Jesus said He is the cure. He is the peace we seek. Jesus is inviting us to have relationship, not to keep up with rituals. Relationship with Jesus Christ is the key. Religion cannot change us from the inside out, heal us, or connect us to only true God. Only relationship with Jesus Christ is the path to unity with God, healing and liberty.

John 14:6-7 (NIV) says:

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

My desire for all is to have relationship with Jesus Christ. It is in Him that we will find exactly what we need. Why not try Him today?

I love you, but more importantly, Jesus loves you!

 
Scripture References: Matt 23;  Matt 11:28-30; John 14:6-7

I Forgive You – Concluded

Have you ever prayed and felt as though your prayers went unanswered; that your prayers only went as far as the ceiling? There are many reasons for hindered prayer; however, one of the reasons may be due to unforgiveness. In Psalms 66:18, the psalmist wrote:

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

Again harboring unforgiveness is a sin! Therefore if we do not address unforgiveness immediately, it could hinder God from hearing us. Forgiveness is part of the model Jesus gave in Luke 11:2-4:

“Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
 Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” 

Forgiveness is so important in our relationship with the Lord that He also commands us to deal with those who may have an issue with us. We may be fine, but unforgiveness may reside with the other person. We have a responsibility as Christians to handle any unresolved issues. If we have the Spirit of Christ in us, our desire is for reconciliation and forgiveness. We do not want to give the enemy any opportunity to cause strife. The Lord said in Matthew 5:23-24:

“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

So whether it is offerings of prayer or material offerings, the Lord instructs us to reconcile relationships otherwise it will dampen our relationship with Him. The Lord questioned how are we able to say genuinely that we love Him who we don’t see, but show contempt in your heart for our brother that we do see. The Lord calls us liars if we believe and walk in that.

Forgiveness is a powerful key. When used it unlocks the door to healing and restoration. When saying the phrase, “I forgive you”, it’s as though a huge boulder that we once carried has been lifted off our shoulders. All the hurt, disappointments, and pain we once felt melts away. It is a tremendous feeling! I’ve heard many say that saying, “I forgive you”, is not for the person that sinned, but for the person who was sinned against. I believe forgiveness is for both. Once the key is used and door is open, the only outcome expected, especially for those who are in Christ, is liberation.

 

Revenge is natural.
Forgiveness is supernatural.

Paul W. Carlin, Th.D, Ph.D. of The Therapon Institute

Scripture References: Psalms 66:18; Luke 11:2-4; Matt 5:23-24; 1John 4:19-21
Additional References: http://www.annemurchison.com/forgiveness.htm

I Forgive You - Part I

One of the hardest phrases to say to someone regardless if you are a saint or a sinner is, “I forgive you”. However, the most reconciling phrase to hear is, “I forgive you”.  There is power in that phrase.  “I forgive you”, when spoken in trueness, heals the heart, alleviates pain, fix brokenness, and ministers to the soul.  It is a medicine that does not require a prescription, or a salve that can be freely given.  It cures not only the person who hears it, but also the person who says it. Forgiveness is important and necessary. God is very serious about it; so much so that He commands us to do it.  Forgiveness is not optional, but a requirement. Just like love, it’s not based on our emotions or how we feel, but it is said and done out of faithfulness and obedience to God. As Christians, we simply do not have the liberty to remain in bitterness; holding grudges and being vengeful.

Why we must forgive?

1.     Christ forgave us.

How dare we have the audacity to walk around and act as though we cannot forgive someone who wronged us when the King of Kings not only gave up his life for us, but also forgave us of our sins? We no longer have the mind of futility, but we have the mind of Christ. We no longer live according to the flesh, but we now live according to the Spirit. In doing so, we desire to live and satisfy the Spirit. The Spirit of Christ is about reconciliation and forgiveness.

Ephesians 4:31-32 says:

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

2.     God will not forgive us.

We can be angry, but the bible says in our anger we are not to sin or let the sun set on our anger. Why? In doing so it allows the Devil the opportunity to wreck havoc. Unforgiveness is a sin. The bible tells us to do away with of all that foolishness and instead be kind and show compassion. Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who has sinned against him; seven times Peter suggested. Jesus replied by saying seventy-seven times. Jesus follows his reply with a parable for the disciples to understand.  Read it at your own leisure; however, the moral of the story; God will not forgive us if we do not show mercy and forgive others.

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

There are many scriptures in the bible that supports forgiveness. It is essential that we remain obedient and forgive. Since the subject is so extensive, I will do a Part 2 of, “I Forgive You”. In the meantime, let’s have a new attitude for the New Year and walk in love and forgiveness for 2012.

Until next time, God Bless You!

 

Scripture references:

Eph 4; Matt 6:14-15; Matt 18:21-35; Rom 8:1-16