Spiritual Endurance

Spiritual Endurance: The Power of Perseverance

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Spiritual endurance meets perseverance

If you were to ask me what character trait is critical for spiritual endurance, I would answer, “perseverance”.  And if you were to then ask me which character trait is the most difficult to master, I would answer again, “perseverance.”

Webster defines perseverance as the “act of continued, patient effort.” While many preachers and teachers typically stress the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as traits worth nurturing, I’d like to spend time exploring a spiritual trait of equal importance in meriting our attention. Perseverance.

Our world meets perseverance

The term perseverance communicates the idea of overcoming, energetic resistance, steadfastness under pressure, and endurance in the face of trial. To persevere means to be “constantly diligent and persistent”.

Perseverance requires us to push through our pain and fear even when the challenge is daunting and difficult. It is more than “stick-to-it-ness”.  It calls for believers to see past the current barrier, temptation, or persecution (1 Corinthians 4:17-18).

The world we live in today is marked by rapid change, growing uncertainty, deep divisions, and an urgent search for truth, hope, and stability. We live in a world of remarkable human progress but profound spiritual and moral challenges. While we have gained unprecedented access to knowledge, technology, and material resources, we continue to struggle with timeless issues of truth, love, justice, peace, and righteousness. How then are we to persevere in this environment?

Perseverance meets reality

Spiritual perseverance has its basis in two realities: (1) our hope and (2) the Holy Spirit.

Our hope is based on confidence in God’s goodness and care.  It relies on the fact that God loves us (Psalms 63:3) and that “He that began a good work in us can perform it (Philippians1:6).

Through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, we develop courage and boldness to overcome persecution and temptations (Acts 4:31). The Holy Spirit stands ready to empower us to meet the challenges we face (1 John 4:4). It is in His power that we can remain faithful   in the midst of temptation and persecution (Romans 14:4).

Stand firm and persevere

Where do we need more power to persevere?  Even the Apostle Paul had to learn to persevere.  It was during his time of trial and personal weakness that he learned how to place his hope firmly on God and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.”

Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].  2 Corinthians 12:7-9,  (Amplified)

Stand firm in our hope in God.  Energetically serve God. Resist and overcome sin. Call upon the power of the Holy Spirit to help live a life of personal holiness and service. Let us be diligent and steadfast in our walk of faith. We have access to all the power we need to persevere.

Spiritual Maturity

Are You Spiritually Fit? Part 2

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How did you score?

How did you do on your spiritual fitness assessment?  Are you spiritually flabby?  Do you need to add a few more exercises to help build up your spiritual muscles?  Like physical fitness, if you want to grow stronger, spiritually, you’ll need to be intentional in your “workouts”.  But why?

Why should believers care about being spiritually fit?

Because we live in a postmodern world.  Postmodern or post modernism is a philosophy that says there are no absolutes (no rules / no truth) and that all viewpoints are equally valid.  Such thinking reduces all religion to the level of opinion.

With that thinking, the basic tenets of the Christian faith are dismissed and rejected including the Bible as the authoritative Word of God and Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation.  And what is left to guide the human soul?

Truth is determined by the individual’s viewpoint or “spiritual bentness”—the degree to which one ascribes to the worldview on how life is to be lived  and away from God’s instructions for holy living.  It’s a matter of personal belief and personal choice.  But remember Jeremiah’s warning:   “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it?”  (Jeremiah 17:9)

Why do believers need to be spiritually fit?

First, being spiritually fit determines the believer’s outlook on life.  The cry of believers living in a postmodern world dominated by materialism, sexual immorality, and wickedness is “how are we to live?” (2 Peter 3:11)

The Apostle Peter describes us as “peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9).  That means we don’t look like the world.  Our worldview is shaped by “who we are” and “whose we are”. As believers, we live according to the authoritative Word of God—every “jot and tittle” and we know that by no other name, under heaven or earth, can one be saved but by Jesus Christ (Acts 4:11-12).  Bottom-line, our outlook is shaped by God, from whom we derive our meaning and our reality.

Secondly, being spiritually fit determines the believer’s output in life.  As believers we know that our lives were purchased for a price and we live as the redeemed of God (Psalms 107:2).  We no longer live for ourselves, existing only to gratify our fleshly needs like the world.

Our purpose and all our efforts are directed by the Holy Spirit.  It is in Him that we live and move and have our meaning (Act 17:28).  We know that the things of this life are fading away.  Therefore we focus our energies on those things that have eternal value and benefit (2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Matthew 7:24-29).

The most important “why”.

Finally, being spiritually fit determines the believer’s outcome after life.   Whether people believe in God or not does not dismiss the reality of existence beyond our life on planet earth.  It is called eternity. The choices made in this life will result in where one will spend eternity.

As we become more spiritually fit and mature, we realize that the time in which we currently live is set in the framework of eternity.  As we become daily transformed by the Word of God and conformed to the image of Christ, our priorities and desires shift from this passing world to things above where Christ dwells (Colossians 3:1-2). We proclaim like Paul, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

What does spiritual fitness look like?  Checkout next week’s  WordBytes.

Spiritual Endurance

Are You Spiritually Fit? Part 1

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A Christian's Guide to Weight Training

Training for the Journey

While physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.  1 Timothy 4:8   (NRS)

For the last 90 days, I’ve been on a journey to wellness.  It began as a result of a minor physical irritation that eventually developed into a major restructure of my diet and exercise commitment.

One of the new tools I now use to assist me in developing a healthier lifestyle is my FitBit, a wireless, activity tracker that continually monitors and measures data such as the number of steps walked, heart rate, quality of sleep, steps climbed, and other personal health metrics.

Do we need a spiritual Fitbit?

Imagine if we had a “spiritual” Fitbit that would do the same.  What  data could be gathered to indicate our spiritual fitness?

Fitness is defined as the state or condition of being “qualitied” for a specific purpose, physically or intellectually.  This is the definition we’re most familiar with seeing, however there is also an expansion of that definition to include “suitability and appropriateness”.

Spiritual is that which deals with the part of man that extends beyond the physical and is eternal in nature.  It exists forever, even when the physical body ceases to live (Hebrew 9:27).

I’d like to use both definitions to put forth the proposition that in order to be spiritually fit, as believers we need to be both “qualified” and “suitable” for the purpose that God has designated for our lives (Ephesians 2:10).

Spiritual fitness is the state or condition of being qualified and suitable for the purpose that God has identified for believers both individually and as the collective Church. 

The disciple Peter was spiritually “unqualified” when Jesus identified him as key to the building of His future Church (Matthew 16:18).  However, after “the testing of Calvary”,  the Apostle Paul was more than “suitable” for “the purpose of Pentecost” (Acts 2:14).

Why care?

As believers, we should be concerned with our spiritual fitness in the  21st century.   Why?  But before I answer that question,  I have prepared a simple assessment to help you “check” your spiritual fitness.

(1) Do you feel spiritually weak and defeated in your efforts to walk holy?

(2) Do you find your choices and life style inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus the Christ?

(3) Is it becoming increasingly more difficult to living out your walk of faith?

If you answered yes to any of these three (3) questions, then it’s time to work on your spiritual fitness. See you next week.

Our Faith Walk

A New View of Surrender, Part 2

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A New View of Surrender, Part 2

What, why, when, how… to surrender?

It is not easy for us to surrender.  It is, therefore, important to understand how surrendering operates in our daily lives.  This is where we will begin today.

As we stated earlier in this study, to surrender means to give up power, control, or possession of a thing.  For believers, that thing is us!  Spiritual surrender is the relinquishing of our will to the will of God.  Each day we are tempted by our flesh, the world, and Satan to give up power, control, or possession of our life (1 John 2:15-17).  That’s why it is important to be alert and watchful to decisions that lead us to death or to obedience (Romans 6:16).

Why surrender?

This question, for me, was a game changer!  To truly understand “why” surrender, it is important to understand what it means to be “filled by the Spirit”.   While the definition of “filling” or “indwelling” of the Holy Spirit may vary based on one’s denomination, I will share the most common understanding by theologians.

The filling of the Spirit refers to a continual process of spiritual growth and maturity, where believers are constantly controlled by the Holy Spirit in their mind, emotions, and will. It is not a feeling or emotional experience, but rather the yielding of one’s life to the Lord. The filling of the Spirit empowers us to live the surrendered life.

When to surrender?

At the moment of salvation, we surrender to the Holy Spirit who brings us to repentance (John 16:8).  The Holy Spirit regenerates our spirit and we become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16-17).  It is at that time that the Holy Spirit takes permanent residence in our life (1 Corinthians  3:16).

We continue this process of surrender so that we will “act more like Jesus” or “be conformed” to His image (Romans 8:29).   This is only possible through our obedience to the Holy Spirit.

How to surrender?

As we stated earlier, the Holy Spirit’s filling is the yielding of our life to the Lord.  Key to this definition is the word, yielding.  Yielding implies an act of cooperation by us as recipients of the Spirit.  Unlike our initial salvation, it is a continual process in our spiritual growth.  This is the daily work of surrender (2 Corinthians 3:18).

I offer three “R’s of Surrender” to help us practice this critical element in our Christian walk.

    • Repentance.  Continually examine our life to identify those things that act as idols and influences.  Be brutal in discarding those things that hinder our absolute surrender. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)
    • Realization. Depend wholly on the directions and leanings of the Holy Spirit.  Surrender cannot be accomplished by our “good works” or best efforts.  It is the work of God. (Luke 18:27)
    • Relationship. Understand the will of God by spending time with Him.  Prayer, meditation, and His Word are direct paths to surrender.  Practice His presence throughout the day. (Psalms 42:1-2)
God blesses when we surrender

To live in the fullness God has planned for our life, it is important that we surrender to God.  This means we must give up those things that hinder the Holy Spirit’s work in our life.  This includes not only personal sin, but our self-will, self-confidence, and self-effort.

I close with these insightful words from Andrew Murray as to the blessings associated with our surrender to God.

I say again, God will bless you. You have been praying for blessing. But do remember, there must be absolute surrender. At every tea table you see it. Why is tea poured into that cup? Because it is empty and given up for the tea. But put ink, or vinegar, or wine into it, and will they pour the tea into the vessel? And can God fill you, can God bless you if you are not absolutely surrendered to Him? He cannot.[1]

To be filled, we must empty ourselves.  We must surrender.

[1] Absolute Surrender, Andrew Murray

Our Faith Walk

A New View of Surrender, Part 1

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A New View of Surrender, Part 1

What does surrender look like?

To surrender means to give up power, control, or possession of a thing.  It is often used in military terms to express a point of “handing over” a town or a fortification to an enemy.  It is punitive, in nature, when viewed from this vantage point.

However, from a spiritual standpoint, surrendering offers greater benefit when viewed from our loving God.  Spiritual surrender (surrender to God) is based on His grace and love (Ephesians 2:4-8).  Through His Holy Spirit, we respond with trust and obedience.   We learn to surrender to God!

Sin and surrender

Sin and surrender have more in common than their first letter.  Sin has at its core the stubborn resistance to surrender oneself to the authority and rule of God.  Remember Adam and Eve?

Often, we fail to see the spiritual reality of these two conflicting influences in the world. Each day we, unknowingly or knowingly, choose one we will surrender to.  Who will rule, control, and influence our life?  This requires that we continually examine our position of surrender.  In his letter to the church in Rome, the Apostle Paul makes clear this truth.

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?  (Romans 6:16)

God Expects Our Surrender

Surrendering to God allows the Holy Spirit to accomplish the plans and purpose that God has created for us (2 Timothy 1:9).  Through our surrender, we understand and live a life that reflects our prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

The perfect example of surrender is seen in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.  He often proclaimed that His life was focused only on the things of God.  God’s will versus His own (John 8:29).  Revisit Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and see how the Holy Spirit undergirded our Savior as He agonized between His fleshly will and the will of the Father (Matthew 26:38-42).  Strengthened by an angel, Jesus fulfilled the purpose for which He came to earth to save mankind.

Absolute Surrender

In his book, Absolute Surrender, Andrew Murray gives a key as to why we must surrender to God.

You know in daily life what absolute surrender is. You know that everything has to be given up to its special, definite object and service. I have a pen in my pocket, and that pen is absolutely surrendered to the one work of writing, and that pen must be absolutely surrendered to my hand if I am to write properly with it.  

If another holds it partly, I cannot write properly. And now, do you expect that in your immortal being, in the divine nature that you have received by regeneration, God can work his work every day and every hour unless you are entirely given up to him? God cannot.[1]

For God to accomplish His purpose in our life, we must be absolutely surrendered to Him.

[1] Absolute Surrender and Other Addresses, Andrew Murray

Our Faith Walk

The Surrendered Life

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The Surrendered Life

Living for Christ

In my faith walk, I must constantly remind myself that “I am not my own.”  My new life in Christ was purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ (1 Corininthians 6:19-20).

This life brings new responsibility as we share Jesus’ message of reconciliation:   Jesus died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. (2 Corinthians 5:15) Living for Christ requires that we live a surrendered life.  It is not by accident or happenstance.  It is intentional.

Understanding surrender

In his book, Immortal Diamonds, Richard Rohr shares a glimpse into the secret of living a surrendered life through the contemporary example of the Amish.

The Amish people know they are connected to and a part of a much larger divine reality which looks naïve to the rest of us.  On the foundation as to what is real and what is passing, they are experts.  It also explains their peace, happiness and contentment.

Understanding begins when we seek and prioritize God’s plan for our life.  It is in God that we live, breathe, and have our meaning (Acts 17:28).  Our worldview is based on the reality of God, the certainties of faith, and the “end game” that leads us to eternity with the Lord (1 John 5:13).  The surrendered life begins with denying self and the world.  It begins with Jesus as our priority.

Surrender begins with denying

Jesus in His teaching on the cost of discipleship was brutally honest about His expectation of His followers.  There was no mincing of words to make the offer more appealing to His listeners.  Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24) Jesus’ ministry continues today with us as His disciples.  His expectations have not changed.

Deny has two meanings: (1) to affirm that one has no acquaintance or connection with someone and (2) to lose sight of oneself and own interests.  Matthew uses the second definition to explain Jesus’ rebuke to would-be disciples unaware of the cost to follow Him.

As we deny our own interest and forsake our past self, we must also reject our love for this world— “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16).  All these create within us a divided heart which cannot love Jesus well nor surrender to His leading.

The surrendered life

The world, Satan, and our flesh are not big on “denying”.   They encourage us to place our desires above the Lord’s.  They deceive by whispering, “You can have it your way right now.  Jesus can wait another day.”  Jesus replies, “I am The Way” (John 14:6) and offers instead His love (John 3:16), salvation (Hebrews 2:10), forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), freedom (Psalms 146:7), and peace (Colossians 3:15).

The goal of the Christian life can be summed up by Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Such a life of surrender is pleasing to God, results in the greatest human fulfillment, and will reap ultimate rewards in heaven (Luke 6:22-23).[1]

The surrendered life in Christ results in great joy and wisdom.  There is great confidence in knowing we have made the best choice by seeking “the Pearl of Great Price” (Matthew 13:46). To give up other offers, by comparison, is a surrender of the lesser.

[1]   Got Questions, “What does it mean to surrender to God?”

Victorious Living

Our Inheritance with Christ

Knowing who we are

Last week we focused on our spiritual lineage and the important role it plays in both our current and future lives in eternity.  Knowledge and appreciation of our spiritual lineage shape our personal identity and empowers us to accomplish the purpose God has for our life.

God is the source of our spiritual lineage.  We are His seed and the heirs of His promise.  However, we are not only heirs but also “joint heirs” with Christ (Romans 8:17).  What exactly does that mean and how is that part of our spiritual lineage.  Therein lies the basis for our topic today—our inheritance with Christ.

Knowing what we have

If we are to live victoriously and faithfully in this fallen world, we must believe and understand the basis for our success. The source of our victory is the work that was accomplished by Christ on the Cross.

Jesus Christ’s obedient sacrifice resulted in our adoption into the family of God, our reconciliation with God, and most importantly, the forgiveness of our sin (Ephesians 1:5-7).

God’s plan of salvation constitutes the only legitimate means by which we can access our spiritual inheritance.   In Ephesians 2:4-6, the Apostle Paul uses three verbs prefixed by syn- (with) to describe what God has done in and with Christ to obtain our inheritance.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Inheritance provided

First, God “made us alive” (synezoopoiesen) together with Christ Jesus. The King James Version renders “made alive” as “quickened.” We were spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins, but God made us alive (Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13).

Regenerated as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are now spiritually alive,  empowered by the Spirit that dwells within us (Romans 8:11).

Next, God “raised us up” (synegeiren) together with Christ Jesus. Just as the omnipotent power of God raised Christ from the dead “physically” on Easter morning (Ephesians 1:19-20), we too have been resurrected “spiritually” with Him.

Being raised from the dead, we now walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4), seeking those things from above where Christ is (Colossians 3:1).

Finally, God “made us sit together in the heavenly places” (synekathisen) with Christ Jesus. “Heavenly places” refers to the realm of God’s complete, heavenly domain, from which all His blessings come. Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father (Ephesians 1:20-21) where He now physically resides. By faith, believers also sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus, not physically, but positionally.

This means that as heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, we have access to the same blessings or inheritance with Christ. This includes His righteousness, resources, privilege, position and power (Romans 8:16-17).

Inheritance present and future

In Christ Jesus we are not only assured of resurrection and glorification at the end of the age but also the present blessings provided in Christ in His ascended majesty. We thank God who has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13).

We thank God for His plan of salvation that made us alive, raised us up, and made us sit together in the heavenly places with Christ Jesus. We thank God through Jesus Christ for the inheritance made available for us.

Victorious Living

Our Spiritual Lineage

Who are your people?

Observing the impact of the devolution of family and community, I have renewed appreciation for being privileged to be “shaped” in the 50’s and 60’s by a close-knit community in Kansas called Quindaro.

The thing that most influenced my development was in understanding the importance of family lineage. As we were introduced to the parents of friends and acquaintances in the neighborhood, the first question we were asked was, “Who are your people? Whose family do you belong to?” The inquiry continued until they were satisfied that we were “safe” to associate with their children. Our family lineage became an integral part of our inheritance.

Lineage means a line of descent or ancestry—the people, families, or groups from whom someone or something comes. Simple definition:  Lineage = ancestry or a line of descent.

Unfortunately, we have loss that sense of family lineage and “safety” because of the disruptions of 21st century living and loss of human connectivity.

Our Spiritual Lineage.

Knowledge and appreciation of our spiritual lineage is even more important than our earthly one.  It shapes our identity and empowers our ability to accomplish the purpose God has for our life.

It’s been said that “a person can never rise above who they think they are”.  If you think you are talented, you will perform brilliantly.  If you think you’re worthless, people will treat you insignificantly. Therefore, it is critical that we as believers in Christ understand our spiritual lineage.   According to Galatians 3:29, we are:

    • Abraham’s seed
    • Heirs of God
    • Joint heirs with Christ
    • Heirs of the promise

We were “predestined by God into adoption as children” because of the work accomplished by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5).

Heirs of God.

As heirs of God (Romans 8:17a), we can now experience an intimate, personal relationship with the Father. A joyful existence with God is ours because of His great love for us (1 John 4:9-10).  This includes divine access to God who is all powerful, all knowing, and ever present (Psalms 145:13).

Our purpose becomes the channel through which God’s purpose is fulfilled, and our destiny is inexplicably connected to heaven where Christ now resides (Ephesians 1:10). Our life has eternal value and consequences.

Heirs of Promise.

As heirs of promise, we have received God’s gift of salvation (Isaiah 55:1-7; Matthew 1:21). This salvation is “realized now” in the deliverance from the penalty and power of sin (Romans 8:1).

This salvation will also be “realized in the future” through eternal life in eternity future with Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34).  It is here that we will be delivered from the presence of sin. This promise is secured through our faith in Christ–just like Father Abraham (Romans 4:16; Hebrew 11:8-9).

In addition, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we experience the power and presence of God.  This results in love, joy and peace regardless of the circumstances we might face (Philippians 4:6; Galatians 5:22-23).

Our spiritual lineage is a topic that can be explored without ending. While we cannot address all its many aspects and benefits, let us not negate its importance in our daily life.  No higher position or greater wealth can we acquire than becoming heirs of God through our faith in Christ.

Spiritual Maturity

Don’t Let Go Your Faith!

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Don't Let Go Your Faith!

 

Where is your faith?

Economic upheaval, social strife, and natural catastrophes.   All these cause us to continually feel anxious, apprehensive, and nervous.  What is our response to these feelings of dread?  These feelings may cause us to question our faith.  Are we secure in our belief that God is there to help us in our  direst of circumstances?  These questions, unanswered, can result in a faith unable to stand the challenges we face in the 21st century.

In the book of Hebrews, the author addresses many Jewish believers, who had  stepped out of Judaism into Christianity.  Faced with persecution by their countrymen, they wanted to reverse their faith choice.  The author moves forward to show that there is more to be gained in Christ than to be lost in Judaism.

Let us hold tightly…

As true as it was in the 1st century, today it is even more imperative that we believers hold firmly to our faith even in the midst of persecution, antagonist challenges, and the current worldview.

The religious landscape of the United States continues to change at a rapid clip. In Pew Research Center telephone surveys conducted in 2018 and 2019, 65% of American adults describe themselves as Christians when asked about their religion, down 12 percentage points over the past decade. Meanwhile, the religiously unaffiliated share of the population, consisting of people who describe their religious identity as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular,” now stands at 26%, up from 17% in 2009.

 How do we counter the pressures we feel?  “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” (Hebrew 10:23)

Without wavering to the hope we affirm…

In God we can place our confidence and our hope.  Amid gloom and crisis, we place our hope in the supreme God who rules over everything.  And because God is sovereign, He ultimately controls all that happens in the world and in our lives.

Our belief and hope in our God become the refreshing promise of rescue and provision regardless of the circumstances we face.  God’s plan and purpose for our life supersedes indisputable facts and devastating odds (Habakkuk 3:17-19 ).

For God can be trusted to keep His promises.

Although we flippantly have inscribed on our coins, “In God we trust”, it’s now time to write upon our hearts the Psalmist’s words, “I have put my trust in God.” (Psalm 56:4)   Trust in Hebrew means bold and confident.  The description means to throw oneself down, extended on the ground, upon his face. We figuratively (and literally) throw ourselves boldly into God’s arms.

As we face the many challenges of life that tend to shake the very foundation of our faith, let us “put our trust” in the One who is able to deliver us from all harm (Psalm 46:2).  With God we are able to exchange our fear for bold confidence (Psalm 20:7).

Stretch out on “mature faith”, believing what God has promised in His Word.  Depend on the presence of the Holy Spirit to bring to your memory that which God has said He would do (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Don’t let go your faith!

Although we may occasionally “waver” in our faith (we’re a work in progress through sanctification), we must never give up on God.  While we may be unsteady and even unstable at times, God never changes.  He is always the same (Malachi 3:6).  God is everything we need  and much, much more.

I believe like the writer of Hebrews that there is more (so much more) to be gained in Christ than anything and everything that this world has to offer (Ephesians 1:3-17).  Knowing all this, why would I ever let go my faith  God!

Knowing God

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about Eternity

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It is important that we have a clear understanding about eternity.  Living in the 21st century requires that we equip ourselves with correct information.  Therefore, we will close this series on myths, lies, and misunderstandings discussing the deadliest of them all—MLMs pertaining to eternity.

The Danger of Eternity MLMs

MLMs hinder our ability to accept the reality of life and death.   Since our belief systems influence our behaviors and the choices we make, a misstep or an error in belief can have “forever” ramifications.  We get one chance to make the right choice. (Acts 4:12 )

Myths

Myths are often connected to spirituality or other religious beliefs versus Christian doctrine.  They can result in a false sense of spiritual security. Many myths are often tied to what heaven or hell will be like.

Heaven will be a dreamy, floating existence in the clouds.

Heaven is the place where we will continue to serve the Lord (Revelation7:14-15 ). Just as Adam was given charge of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15 ), we will fulfill the God-glorifying, personally fulfilling work that was part of God’s original plan for our life.

Hell is a place where there’s always a good time and party. 

Hell was initially designed to house Satan and those fallen angels that participated in open rebellion against God in heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15 ). People who joke about wanting to go to hell is so much foolishness.  There will be no partying in hell only darkness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12 ; 13:42 ) .

Lies

Lies are the most dangerous MLMs.  Why?  Because our belief in them can result in our being in a place we don’t want to be for eternity.  There will be no “do-overs.  Following are the most frequently cited and the deadliest.   

There is no heaven nor hell. 

Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us (John 14:2 ).  We know that when “our tabernacle is dissolved we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in heaven.”  (2 Corinthians 5:1 )

Hell is real (Matthew 25:41 , 46 ).  It is a place of eternal punishment. There are those who propose that because God is good and loving, He would never condemn anyone to a place of eternal torment.  God doesn’t send people to hell.  People send themselves.  

All roads lead to heaven.  

While this may be a very popular view, the Bible teaches that the only way a person can go to heaven is on “God’s terms”.  He has made His terms very clear in His Word and by Jesus Himself.    “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me”. (John 14:6 ).  Other reference scripture includes John 3:3, 16 , Acts 4:12 , and Galatians 1:6-9.

Misunderstandings

Misunderstandings are often the results of incomplete or incorrect information.  While they are the most benign of the MLMs, it is still important to seek reliable and accurate information about eternity.

God is responsible for death.  

Well-intentioned people console loved ones at the death of a family member with statements such as, “God wanted them with Him.” “They’re in a better place.” “God knows what He’s doing.”

The truth is death is the result of man’s sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2).  It is a sure fact that we all will die.  The best way to be with family in eternity is to receive Jesus as Savior.

We will worship God in a tabernacle in heaven.  

The tabernacle of the Old Testament and the church structure today provide a physical place to worship God.

However, there is need for neither in heaven because we will live in God’s presence.   The object of our worship, God, will be with us throughout eternity.  We will freely worship God continuously (Revelation 21:3 ,22 ).

The True Beauty of Eternity

Our understanding of eternity influences all that we do today.  It becomes the filter by which we evaluate how we spend our time; what we focus on: where we place our priorities.

Eternity, most importantly, is where we will spend forever with Jesus.  Our relationship will never be interrupted by our busy schedule, our unconfessed sin, or the enemies’ fiery darts aimed at our faith.