Shipwrecked faith

Shipwrecked faith:

In 1 Timothy chapter 1 Paul instructs timothy to command certain men not to teach false doctrines.  He concludes this chapter how some have shipwrecked their faith.  

I often hear various denominations arguing over church doctrines, claiming "we are right, you are wrong."  Recently in a youth mission trip our youth played a game called underground church.  The scenario was they were in a country that forbid Christianity.  The object was to find the church and not get captured or fall into a false church.  

The biggest stumbling block was the false church.  The scripture reference that the false church used was; John 1:1 In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God.  In the Holy bible john 1:1 reads this way; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  

Did you notice the huge difference?  The first claims the son was of God. The holy bible declares the word (son) is God.    Many of the youth fell for the false doctrine simply because it sounded right.  

Just because something sounds good, feels good, or even appears good, it doesn't mean it is good.  I challenge you to always verify what you are being taught, preached, and proclaimed directly with the Holy word of God.  Otherwise your faith may have no salvation and simply be a shipwreck waiting to happen.  

1 Timothy 1:18-19 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight,19 holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.

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Clothed with Christ

When I was little, I loved to pretend.  One of my favorites was superman!  I just thought it was so cool that he could fly.  When I wanted to be superman, I put on my cape, well a beach towel.  Then I was ready to fly!

Being superman meant I had to put on my costume to look the part.  When I looked the part I could be the part.  I could leap tall Lincoln log buildings in a single bound, I could smash through Lego walls with a single punch, and I could fly as far as gravity would allow me when I leaped off of beds, couches, dressers, rocks, and retaining walls.  I always captured and subdued the evil villains /  neighborhood dogs every time.  

I just remember, that there was always something empowering when I put my costume on.  It changed me and who I was and what I believed.  

There is a verse that all this reminds me of in the book of Romans.  It talks about clothing yourself with Christ.  The coolest thing of all is that when you clothe yourself with Christ, it doesn't have to be for pretend.  Clothing myself with Christ literally has transformed me into becoming what God desires me to be.  Clothing yourself with Christ means you empty yourself of you, you literally take off you.  Then you allow Christ to define and direct your very being.  In that you become what He desires you to be.

May I challenge you to clothe yourself with Christ?

Romans 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

The picture is our boys clothed in war paint, ready for battle at MFUGE Mega Relay

#God #Godsword #jesus #jesuschrist #christian #christianity #savior #bible #bibleverse #scripture #Godsnotdead #hope #faith 

"I Deserve" Syndrom

The I deserve syndrome:

Do you have it? Probably most everyone does.  “I deserve a raise”, “I deserve a vacation”, “I deserve respect”, “I deserve a break”, “I deserve a promotion”, “I deserve a better grade”… Honestly if we all got what we really deserved we would be a pretty sorrowful people. 

I do have to admit, there are times you may deserve something.  Maybe you’re the guy who works harder than the rest and your performance matches perfection.   If you are that guy you probably deserve the raise and promotion.  Maybe you’re the vacation bible school volunteer who has spent all your energy on other people’s kids all week.  If you are that guy you probably deserve a break. 

It is pretty easy to get caught up in the “I deserve” mind set, mostly because we think more of ourselves than we ought to.  Christians, I need you to soak in what I am about to share.   For one, if you are truly in Christ then you already know what you deserve, and so do I.  When we get caught up in the “I deserve” mindset, we quickly lose focus of the “I desire” mindset.  “I deserve” focus is self-righteous and prideful.  The “I desire” focus is servant-righteous and humble.  “I deserve” is all about me, “I desire” is all about Christ.  “I deserve” will always stand in the way of the “I desire” life. 

Do you desire God’s will for your life?   If so, do not allow “I deserve” to cloud your “I desire.”  The Book of Romans address’s this very issue in chapter 12.   It teaches that we are not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to and to use sober judgment.

Romans: 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

hope so or know so hope?

Hope is what anchors my faith in Christ Jesus as LORD.  If I had no hope then what would I have to remain faithful to?  

We need hope, but not just any kind. I believe there are two types of hope; "hope so hope" and "know so hope."  If my faith is focused on a "hope so hope" then chances are it will end in a "No so hope."  

Are you confused yet?   Let me explain.  "Hope so hope" is a hope that is focused on your desires and passions.  For example I may say things like this "I hope to make a lot of money", "I hope to never fail", "I hope this relationship works out this time",  "I hope I never get hurt again", or maybe "I hope I win the lottery."  

All of these hopes are really no hope at all, the are wishes and desires.  These are the things we think we want and think we need.  Usually the things we hope for out of selfish desire and ambition end up as a "no so hope".  They just don't happen and if they do they don't produce what we hoped for to begin with.  

"Know so hope" is the only hope that is certain.  "Know so hope" is found in the promises of God.  These are the hopes that will happen and will not fail.  Eternal life through Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the ultimate "know so hope" for those who have accepted Him as Lord.  

Can I challenge you to search God's word and discover the countless "know so hopes"?  In God's word you will find the hopes you really truly hope for.  Hopes like peace, joy, gladness, love, purpose, direction, assurance, strength, and so much more.

Just say no to the "hope so hopes" before they say no to you.  

Romans 8:24 For in this hope we were saved.

#God #Godsword #jesus #jesuschrist #christian #savior #bible #bibleverse #scripture #Godsnotdead #hope #faith