Unveiling the True Purpose of Jesus' Mission: From the Law of Moses to Eternal Salvation

Jesus’ objective on the earth was to initially save His people from their sins. His people were the Jews, who were trying to obey the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses was the Ten Commandments, which later included 613 laws that derived from the original ten.

Although it sounds like an oxymoron, when God gave the Ten Commandments, it wasn’t intended to make the people good. The Law’s ultimate objective was to show people their sins, and demonstrate their need for a Savior (Romans 3:20, Galatians 3:19, AMP).  In doing so, it brought sin to the forefront, amplifying the sinfulness of the people. The Law illustrated a glaring separation between God—Who is perfect—and human beings, who are not (2 Corinthians 3:7, 8). The Law was impossible to obey.  For instance, if a person broke just one of the laws, he was guilty of breaking them all (James 2:10). And when he did, curses, death, guilt, condemnation, and various punishments followed (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). The Jewish people sacrificed animals as sin offerings, which temporarily atoned for sin, but it did not permanently bridge the gap between God and mankind (Hebrews 9:11-29).  

The Law is good, perfect, and just because it came from God, Who is good, perfect, and just (Romans 7:7-14). However, the problem with the Law is that it cannot make people good. It constantly shows people their weaknesses, sins, and flaws. Thank God for Jesus being our Savior! “But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons”(Galatians 4:4-5).
Jesus laid down His life as the final and eternal sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:13-14). He took upon His body all the wrath and judgment due to mankind. In other words, He traded places with us. Now, we are eternally loved and forgiven because of Jesus. He serves as the bridge between a perfect God and us. Jesus walked the earth as the personification of grace and truth. When He was born, sin and death reigned upon the earth, but now because of His sacrificial death, grace and truth reigns!

Does this truth give us liberty to continue in sin with no consequences? (Romans 6:1-2, AMP). Of course not! Sin brings upon us all kinds of natural consequences, and causes us to lose confidence in our relationship with God. Sin makes us feel guilty and condemned. It causes us to want to hide from Jesus. However, His grace is sufficient. It gives us the strength to not sin. Ultimately, God’s love and grace turns us away from sin. 
Another powerful benefit of the eternal sacrifice of Jesus is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Once we are saved, the Holy Spirit dwells within us and sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts (Romans 5:5). He is our Guide, and when we yield to His leadership, we will no longer have the desire to sin (2 Corinthians 3:18). 

Jesus’ eternal sacrifice freed us from the Law forever! And whom the Son sets free is free indeed!

Experience Strength, Wisdom and Help: The Benefits of a Living Connection with God

Do you ever wish you had a strong and caring friend to help you through difficult times? If so, the good news is that God is that friend. He has the strength you need and is eager to be a vital part of your daily life.
The Bible states, "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward him" (II Chronicles 16:9). The word "perfect" here does not mean without flaws, but rather "faithful, loyal, dedicated, and devoted" to God. He actively searches for people who put Him first and make Him the center of their lives.
For 4,000 years, mankind was separated from God due to sin, but through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we have been restored to fellowship with God. This means that as born-again believers, we have full freedom and confidence to enter into God's presence through the power and virtue of Jesus' blood (Hebrews 10:19, The Amplified Bible).
This means that the Creator and Ruler of the universe has made Himself available to meet with us personally every day. We can commune with Him at any time of the day or night. He is saying, "I am here for you. Just draw near to Me and I'll draw near to you. I'll give you the wisdom you need. I'll strengthen and equip you, and help you in every area of your life."
Although He has the solution for every problem, He won't chase us down to get our attention. It's our responsibility to seek Him out. Once we do that, He will be there for us and fulfill His promise in James 4:8. It's important not to wait until hard times come to turn to Him. We should develop a lifestyle of living contact with God, which means setting aside distractions and dedicating time to talk to Him, listen to Him, and commune with Him through reading His Word and prayer. By doing this daily, we will be spiritually strong enough to overcome any challenges that come our way.
As Jesus said, "In the world, we will have tribulation" (John 16:33), but as believers, we don't have to face these trials alone. God promises to be with us in times of trouble and to deliver and honor us (Psalms 91:15). This is why it's essential to maintain a living connection with God.
Jesus teaches us to "abide in me" (John 15:4-5), which means to make our dependency and communion with Him our permanent home. By doing so, we will bear much fruit and have victory in times of trouble. So, let's make it a priority to establish and maintain a living connection with God and experience the strength, wisdom, and help that He generously offers.

Removing the Barriers to Spiritual Growth: A Look at 1 Peter 2:1

The words of 1 Peter 2:1 hold a great significance for me in my spiritual journey. The verse calls on believers to put away certain attitudes and behaviors that hinder our spiritual growth. These attitudes, as listed in the verse, are malice, guile, insincerity, envy, and slander.

Let's take a closer look at each one of these attitudes:

• Malice refers to feelings of ill will towards others. It is important to recognize that if we hold malice in our hearts, it can be difficult for us to love people and share the gospel with them.
• Guile is deceitfulness, and insincerity is hypocrisy or pretending to be something we are not. Both of these attitudes can prevent us from being authentic and transparent with others.
• Envy is disapproving of God's blessings on others and acting like a spoiled brat. It is important to remember that God's blessings are not limited and that we should be grateful for what we have.
• Slander is harmful to the body of Christ, gossiping about others instead of lifting each other up.

All five of these attitudes involve the heart, and it is important for us as believers to recognize that if we want to grow spiritually, we must put away these destructive attitudes from our hearts and allow God to replace them with love, compassion, and honesty.

This verse serves as a reminder for me to constantly evaluate my attitudes and behaviors, and to make a conscious effort to put away anything that hinders my spiritual growth. By doing so, I can better follow God's will and grow in my faith.

Understanding Satan's Deception: The Importance of Knowing the True Nature of God

As Christians, it's important to understand that Satan's tactic to deceive us is not to make us believe that there is no God, but to change the truth about who God is. Satan wants us to see God in the image of man, rather than recognizing that we are made in the image of God.

You might have heard some people say that God is weak, powerless and unable to help us improve our lives. Others may say that God is cruel and vengeful, seeking to ruin us. Some people might believe that God is only gentle and never punishes anyone, while others might think that God is dishonest and does not keep His promises.

These are dangerous perceptions of God, as it opens the way for false worship and idolatry. The God we claim to worship may become very different from the God who has revealed Himself in the Bible. Deuteronomy 10:17 reminds us that "The LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes." Numbers 23:19 reminds us that "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind." Psalm 50:21 reminds us that "You thought that I was altogether like you. But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face."

As Christians, it's important for us to seek the truth about who God is by reading and studying the Bible and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This will help us to avoid the deception of false worship and to truly worship the one true God.

In this post, we have discussed the importance of understanding Satan's tactic to deceive people regarding the true nature of God. Satan wants us to perceive God in the image of man, rather than recognizing that we are made in the image of God. We have also talked about the dangerous perceptions of God that can lead to false worship and idolatry. It's our responsibility as Christians to seek the truth about who God is by reading and studying the Bible and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This will help us to avoid the deception of false worship and to truly worship the one true God

Leadership that Matters: The Power of Vision, Purpose and Example

Leadership is a vital aspect of any organization, community or group. It involves the ability to guide, direct and inspire others towards a common goal and purpose. According to Lord Montgomery, leadership is the capability and will to rally people to a common purpose and character with a divine confidence.

Leadership incorporates a clear purpose and vision, which is the fuel for inspiration and mobilization. Without a vision, leadership is impossible. Proverbs 29:19 reminds us that "A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond." Therefore, a leader must have a clear vision of where they are leading their followers in order to generate passion for accomplishment.

Leadership is by example. The rise and fall of anything begins with the leader. Therefore, a leader must lead by example and set the standard for their followers to follow. Psalms 55:11-14 reminds us that "11 Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets. 12 If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could I could hide from him. 13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, 14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of GOD."

Leadership is not just about the leader, but also about the people they are leading. Leaders don’t fail on their own, people make them fail. A leader must be able to influence, inspire, rally, direct, encourage, motivate, induce, mobilize, and activate others to pursue a common goal and purpose while maintaining mentor, confidence and courage.

7 Traits of a True Friend: A Bible-Based Guide to Friendship

When it comes to friends, there are a few characteristics that truly define what it means to be a "good" friend. Here are some key traits to look for in a true friend, along with relevant Bible verses:

1. Comfort and support during difficult times. One of the most important roles of a friend is to offer comfort and support during difficult times. Whether it's a breakup, a loss, or a tough time at work, a true friend will be there to offer a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. As it states in Job 2:11, "Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him."
2. Devotion. A friend should be someone who is dedicated and devoted to their relationship with you. This means they'll be there for you, even when things get tough or you're feeling down. As stated in Job 6:14, "A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the almighty
3. Unconditional love. A true friend loves you for who you are, without any conditions or expectations. They accept you for who you are and don't try to change you. John 15:13 states "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
4. Transparency and honesty. A good friend should be open and transparent in their communication with you. They should be willing to speak honestly and constructively, even if it may be uncomfortable. Proverbs 27:6 states "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy."
5. Help and support when you're down. A friend should be there to help and support you when you're going through a tough time. They'll offer a helping hand and be there to lift you up. Proverbs 17:17 states "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
6. Intimate knowledge of your affairs. A true friend has a deep understanding of your life and experiences. They know you well and are able to offer valuable advice and guidance. John 15:15 states "No longer do I call you servants,[1] for the servant[2] does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."
7. Making your life better. A friend's presence in your life should make it better. They offer good advice and counsel that can improve your life. Proverbs 27:9 states "Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel."

In conclusion, a true friend is someone who embodies all of these qualities and more. They offer comfort and support during difficult times, are devoted to their relationship with you, love you unconditionally, communicate openly and honestly, help and support you when you're down, have intimate knowledge of your affairs, and make your life better through their presence and advice. It is important to surround ourselves with people who have these characteristics as they are the ones who will be there for us in good and bad times. As Proverbs 18:24 says "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

The Power of Diligence in Achieving Enlargement: How to Harness the Benefits of Hard Work

ENEMIES OF GROWTH

Lack of vision for growth.

Without a clear vision of growth from God, it is difficult for Him to guide and expand your opportunities. Psalms 81:10 states, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." A lack of vision can hinder growth. Genesis 13:14-15 adds, "The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, 'Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever.'"

Lack of diligence.

Effective growth requires consistent effort and determination. Proverbs 10:4 states, "A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." And Proverbs 12:5 adds, "The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful." (See also Proverbs 13:4, 21:5, 22:29)

Wastefulness.

A tendency to squander resources can prevent growth. Proverbs 21:20 states, "The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down."

Irresponsibility and disobedience.

Obedience to God's plan is crucial for growth. Ephesians 2:1-2 states, "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience."

Lack of endurance and stinginess.

Endurance and a willingness to invest in growth are necessary for expansion. As Proverbs 11:24 states, "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers. be generous in our giving. As 2 Corinthians 9:6 states, "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly

Catching a Vision: A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding and Achieving God's Will for Your Life

Vision is a personal revelation of God's plan for your life. It is different from ambition, which is driven by your own desires and goals. Vision requires obedience to God and is achieved through His power.

There are many benefits to having a clear vision for your life. Some of these include:

1. Vision is the starting point for great journeys and accomplishments. With vision, nothing can stand in your way and you will stand out from the crowd.
2. Vision provides a picture of the future and gives you access to the blessings and promises God has for you.
3. Vision gives you insight into what God wants you to do with your life. In Jeremiah 1:11-12, the Lord says to Jeremiah, "You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it."
4. Vision helps you stay focused and choose the right friends and associates, as you will be drawn to those who share your vision and goals.
5. Vision opens the door to divine favor and blessings.

To catch a vision for your life, there are certain steps you can take:

1. Ask God for His plans for your life. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
2. Cultivate a strong desire for God's plan for your life. Proverbs 7:7 says, "I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgement."
3. Spend time in fellowship with the Word of God and constantly read the Bible. In Luke 4:17, we see Jesus reading from the scroll of Isaiah.
4. Develop a meek and teachable spirit, as God directs the meek.
5. Seek fellowship with the Holy Spirit and be open to His leading and guidance. In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit speaks to the church and sets apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific work.
6. Work on maintaining a quiet spirit and stillness before God. In Ezekiel 1:1, the prophet Ezekiel sees visions of God while by the Chebar canal among the exiles.
7. Cultivate an unquenchable love for God, as this will be the foundation for all else.

By following these steps, you can gain a clear vision for your life and move forward in the direction that God has for you

The Power of God's Word in Demolishing Spiritual Strongholds

Stronghold refers to a spiritual fortress where Satan and his followers hide to protect themselves. These strongholds can exist in our thinking patterns and ideas that govern individuals, churches, communities, and missions. In order to claim victory, these strongholds must be dismantled. The powerful weapons of the word of God and the spirit of God can effectively destroy these strongholds.

On one hand, a stronghold can serve as protection for us against the devil, as when the Lord becomes our stronghold (Psalm 18:2). However, in the context of the mind, a stronghold can also serve as a defense for the devil, where demonic or sinful activity is defended within us by our sympathetic thoughts towards evil.

A demonic stronghold is a type of thinking that elevates itself above the knowledge of God, giving the devil a secure place of influence in an individual's thoughts and life.

Deliverance

This comes when we humble our minds. As Matthew 12:43-45 states, "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."

It is important to note that our mind should not be left unoccupied. The demon we are fighting uses our thoughts to protect its access into our lives. We can combat this by dealing with carnal thought systems that act as strongholds for the enemy (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Every form of habit of sin in a believer has its roots in carnal, unholy thinking, thereby keeping demonic activities in the area of such life where Satan feeds on sin. The process of dismantling these strongholds begins with repentance (Mark 6:12-13).

How to maintain a healthy mind

It is important to constantly meditate on the word of God, confess God's word loudly, walk in the consciousness of God's presence, be aware of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, and walk in the fear of God by saying no to sin. Philippians 4:8 advises, "Finally, brothers, 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.”

5 Steps to Enhance Your Spiritual Growth and Become More Like Christ

Introduction:

Spiritual growth is a journey that requires commitment, effort, and persistence. It is a process of becoming more like Christ, and it starts with a decision to follow Jesus and respond to his call. In this blog post, we will explore five steps that can help you enhance your spiritual growth and become more like Christ.

Step 1: Make a Decision to Grow

The first step in spiritual growth is to make a decision to grow. You must want to grow and be willing to put in the effort to do so. This decision should be made with a clear understanding that spiritual growth is not automatic and requires a significant amount of time and effort. As the bible verse Philippians 2:12-13 states "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

Step 2: Set Specific Goals

Once you have made the decision to grow, the next step is to set specific goals. This could be things like reading the Bible more, praying more, or spending more time in worship. Having specific goals will help you stay focused and motivated on your journey towards spiritual growth. As the bible verse Psalms 119:105 states "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

Step 3: Find a Community

Finding a community of like-minded individuals is another important step in spiritual growth. Being surrounded by people who share your beliefs and values can provide support, encouragement, and accountability on your journey. This could be a church group, a Bible study group, or even just a group of friends who share your faith. As the bible verse Hebrews 10:24-25 states "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Step 4: Depend on the Holy Spirit

Dependence on the Holy Spirit is crucial in spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit helps us understand the Bible, guides us in making decisions, and helps us to become more like Christ. Make sure to spend time in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength in your spiritual journey. As the bible verse Romans 8:26 states "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."

Step 5: Persist in Growing

Finally, persistence is key to spiritual growth. It is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey. Keep working towards your goals, even when you encounter obstacles or setbacks. Remember that spiritual growth is a marathon, not a sprint. As the bible verse Galatians 6:9 states "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Conclusion:

Spiritual growth is a journey that requires commitment, effort, and persistence. By making the decision to grow, setting specific goals, finding a community, depending on the Holy Spirit, and persisting in growing, you can enhance your spiritual growth and become more like Christ. Remember that spiritual growth is not automatic, it requires an intentional commitment.

By following these five steps, you can start your journey towards spiritual growth and become the person God intended you to be.

Walking in the Spirit: A Journey of Faith and Dependence on God

Galatians 5:25 states, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." This verse highlights the importance of not just having the Spirit within us, but actively choosing to follow and obey Him in our daily lives. Living in the Spirit and walking in the Spirit are not the same thing, and it is possible to have one without the other. Walking in the Spirit involves actively choosing to obey and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Here are some practical steps that can help us to walk in the Spirit:

1. Pray throughout the day, keeping our minds focused on God and asking for His help and guidance in all aspects of our lives.
2. Surround ourselves with Christian influences, such as listening to Christian radio or worship music, instead of secular influences.
3. Listen to and quickly obey our conscience, recognizing when we are doing wrong and asking for God's strength to change our behavior.
4. Let go of thoughts and desires that lead us away from God, and allow Him to take control of our minds.
5. Make decisions based on God's word, rather than our emotions.
6. Make time for regular spiritual practices, such as prayer, Bible reading, worship, and fellowship with other believers.

Additionally, we can learn to walk in the Spirit by delighting in God's way, allowing His word to guide us, regularly attending church, walking by faith, walking in love, walking in truth, acknowledging God's leading in our lives, and praying. It is important to remember that the process of walking in the Spirit is ongoing and will require effort and commitment on our part. It will not always be easy and there will be struggles along the way, but as we continue to turn more and more of our life over to God, we will slowly discover new-found inner strength. We will find more and more areas of our spiritual life growing and we will see the old desires of the flesh slowly diminishing in their influence over us. It is important to remember that walking in the Spirit is a daily choice and requires constant effort and commitment, but as we do so, we will experience a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with God.

There are several ways to learn to walk in the Spirit:

1. Delight in God's way. Psalm 37:23 says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way." By choosing to delight in God's ways and seeking to understand and follow them, we can learn to walk in the Spirit.

2. Allow God's word to be our guide. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." By studying and applying God's word in our lives, we can learn to follow His leading and walk in the Spirit.

3. Get in the habit of going to the Lord's house. Psalm 122:1 says, "I was glad when they said to me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." By regularly participating in worship and fellowship with other believers, we can learn to walk in the Spirit.

4. Walk by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." By choosing to trust and follow God, even when we don't understand His plans or can't see the outcome, we can learn to walk in the Spirit.

5. Walk in love. Ephesians 5:2 says, "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us." By choosing to love others as Christ loved us, we can learn to walk in the Spirit.

6. Walk in the truth. 3 John 1:4 says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." By choosing to follow and obey the truth of God's word, we can learn to walk in the Spirit.

7. Lean not on our own understanding but acknowledge God’s leading in our life. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." By choosing to rely on God's guidance and wisdom, instead of our own, we can learn to walk in the Spirit.

8. Pray. Matthew 6:6 says, "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." Through prayer, we can learn to hear and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives.