Faith in the Law

My fellow lawbreakers, do you have faith in the law? That question could conjure up many different notions, so please allow me to elaborate.

Most religions advocate salvation by works. If you follow the rules, you get the prize. Christianity is very different in that we teach the prize comes by faith. Faith in what? Faith in Christ. But what would faith in Christ be, if Christ had not followed the law?

Christ was perfect, spotless; the unblemished Lamb of God. Certainly, he was tempted and tested, but without sin. Had he sinned, would not his sacrifice been disqualified? Christ's food was to do the will of His father. Christ did the things the Father showed Him. Christ adhered to the ways of the God. Christ obeyed the law; the Truth of God. In fact, Christ was and is The Way, The Life and The Truth. No one comes to the Father, but through Him.

Now, back to the question,

"Do you have faith in the law?"

More precisely, do you have faith in the Ways of God. Salvation is ultimately found in the ways of God. Our life here on earth is greatly impacted by our own adherence to the ways of God, and it is impacted by the adherence of those around us. When we follow God's commands, we are less likely to suffer the practical ill affects of sin. When we walk in the ways of man, we are beset by the short-comings thereof. His ways are perfect. Ours are ... well, they're human.

Furthermore, do you think heaven will tolerate the ways of man? Contemporary U.S. citizens believe freedom is the right to do whatever you desire, regardless of its alignment with God. True freedom is found in doing what is right and good. In heaven, theft, lies, lust, envy, deceit and death itself will be absent. The will and ways of God, holiness and righteousness will dominate. That's what makes it His Kingdom. His Kingdom is under His Rule. The enemies of God are tolerated in this temporal setting, but God promises to destroy them.

May your faith be extended to trust and depend on His Ways above man's ways. Not because keeping his laws will make you a Christian or bring you eternal security. Rather, may you keep His ways, because you are a believer, and you because you do have eternal security through the one that does keep the law, Christ Jesus Our Lord. May our sin be transferred to his account, and his righteousness be transferred to our account, both now and forevermore.

America Bless God

The Kingdom of God is Near

It's just an interesting phrase to consider. The words came right out of Christ' mouth, spoken to the disciples.

And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ - Matthew 10:7 (ESV)

The Kingdom of God is at hand? The Kingdom of Heaven is near? What was Christ speaking of? Was He speaking of physical proximity, chronology, spirituality, or what?

It's also interesting to reflect upon the way Christ was treated by a few select few people and the heavens them self. There were a select few whose conduct generated mighty songs. The Magi from the East bearing gifts fit for a King. There were the few disciples that immediately bowed down in His presence. Then upon Jesus death there was "Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight" - John 19:39 (ESV)

The point is there were a few that recognized Jesus as King. Many mocked Him for claiming to be King of the Jews, but when asked about His Kingdom by Pontius Pilate, Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36 (ESV)

The Kingdom of God is at hand, and indeed it has come. Not to its fullest measure, but it is here. It is very near you. It is on your heart and in your mind, and the moment you die you will face it for eternity. The King has already come and purchased your entry. And we turn to celebrate the birth of this King and His Kingdom in this season of the year.

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” - Luke 1:31-33 (ESV)

Listen to the audio sermon, "My King Who Died for Me".

Note: Please be aware of the fact that we do not know Christ' birth date. December 25th is not the correct date. I am sure of that, but not sure exactly what date or season is correct.