Tag Archives: Biblical truth

Return to Joy

September 26, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What is Joy?

Joy is defined as gladness of heart. It is listed among the top five things[1] people desperately want in life yet “never seem to be able to get”. Joy’s allusiveness, in many cases, is the result of our tendency to define joy as external to ourselves. We believe it is a person, place, or thing. Once we have “it”, we’ll have joy. Wrong!

Joy under Attack

As we survey the world we live it, gladness of heart is under attack. Our attempts to navigate 21^st century living seem more daunting and challenging with each new day. Financial worries served as a significant source of stress ranking higher than three other causes of concern: work, family responsibilities, and health concerns.

Work, family, and health concerns have exploded. So how can we find joy? The Apostle Paul shares the secret of not only how to find joy but also how to return to it in spite of the pressures we might face.

Source of Joy

In Philippians 4:4, Paul exhorts the Church at Philippi to holy joy and delight in God.

Delight yourselves in the Lord, yes, find your joy in him at all times. (Phillips Translation)

God has furnished us with joy even in the worst of circumstances. Nehemiah in the midst of hostility and threats, said that “the joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Neh. 8:10).

David acknowledged that “in God’s presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). Jesus instructed His Disciples “to live in The Vine”—in Jesus’ holy presence (John 15:5-11). By living in the Vine, Jesus’ joy would remain “in them and be full.” These same offers of joy are extended to you and I who live in the 21^st century. Jesus is the source of our joy.

Returning to Joy

It is God’s desire that we return to joy regardless of life’s circumstances or difficulties. Jesus describes these as “tribulations” (John 16:33). Tribulations and trials are “natural outcomes” we suffer as a result of living in a fallen world.

We experience the effects of fallenness every day. They include death, disease, and difficulties. However, in Christ and as God’s children, we have been provided with God’s Presence (The Holy Spirit), God’s blessings (Eph. 1:3-17), and God’s inexhaustible grace to sustain us (Phil. 1:6).

Strengthen our Joy

Returning to joy strengthens our resolve and helps us to continue the purpose God has set before us. Such strength can only come from Eternal God Who helps us through the worst of circumstances. When we come into the presence of the Lord, we connect with His great and eternal power. God’s power exceeds anything we can do in our own strength (Phil. 4:13).

We are invited to return to the joy that comes from serving God who is sovereign and who has overcome the world (Ps. 119:89-91).

[1] Top 5 include: Happiness, Money, Freedom, Peace, Joy

Spiritual Discipline

Return to Repentance

September 5, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The truth sometimes hurts.

As part of my devotions today, I read Isaiah 59. Although I have read individual verses from this chapter before, today’s full reading of this chapter struck a “spiritual nerve”. Isaiah 59:2, in particular, caught my attention.

Your iniquities have been barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. (NRS)

It’s all about us!

Isaiah 59 was not written for people who had no knowledge of God; people we refer to as “the unsaved”, but it was penned for those whom God had entered into a special covenant relationship with.

Israel had been hand-chosen by God from all the nations in the world (Deut. 7:7-9) to carry out His purpose and plan of salvation. They were to be a “holy nation, a peculiar people that would show forth His praises” (1 Pet. 2:9).

Unfortunately, instead of heralding God’s praises, Israel went a “whoring” after other gods (Jer. 3:2; Ezek. 43:7), relying on itself and other nations. The result was punishment—70 years captivity in Assyria and Babylon—away from the land God had promised and given to them.

How do we measure up as a nation?

In reading Isaiah 59, I see an unsettling similarity between the events leading up to Israel’s exile and where we find ourselves today as a nation and yes, as the Church.

As a nation, we have walked away from the spiritual guidance and direction of God. If you survey our social institutions and political systems, you will see remnants of what we once knew as “one nation under God”. We have exchanged our “moral compass” for “individual rights”.

The lines of “right and wrong” are no longer determined by God’s holy standards but have been replaced by political affiliations and social relationships. Man has placed himself on the throne of his heart—doing “what is right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). Servility and kindness, community and brotherly love have all been sacrificed on the altar of man’s selfishness.

How about the Church?

As the Church, we have retreated into the safety of our church walls. Internally focused, we are more concerned with our personal needs and how we can achieve “our purpose to be all we can be”.

We have forgotten about the helpless, the homeless, and the hungry. Jesus went outside the walls to serve mankind versus being served (Matt. 20:28). Jesus came “to preach, to bind, to proclaim, and to open” (Is. 61.1). Can we as the Church do any less?

There is hope!

Hopefully, one of the key outcomes from reading Isaiah 59 is that we will begin to recognize and repent from those “iniquities that have separated us from God” (verse 2).

God wants to be reunited with this nation and His Church. That’s why Jesus Christ came that our sins—personally and corporately, might be forgiven AND our relationship with the Father restored (2 Cor. 5:18-19).

The Redeemer (Jesus Christ) “did come to Zion” (verse 20) and to the rest of the world—that we might turn from our transgressions. Let us pray continuously that we as a nation and the Church will repent of those behaviors and attitudes that cause us to transgress against God.

Victorious Living

In Search of Peace: When will we find it?

August 29, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

We seek peace.

What peace are we seeking and when will we find it? Because of God’s grace and mercy, we experience various degrees of peace even in this fallen world. We are no longer in enmity with God because of Jesus’ gift of life (2 Cor. 5:18). We on occasion see glimpses of peace between nations and groups divided because of preference, politics, or social agendas. However, even that peace is tenuous and subject to change with the next difference of opinion.

The search for peace is a pursuit that will continue until we transition to eternity. So why are we trying so hard to achieve it now? Because it is God’s desire that we live in peace with each other and experience peace within. Without peace we will be hindered from accomplishing our divine purpose which includes glorifying God.

Peace was God’s First Choice

When God and man lived in the Garden of Eden, their world was designed to accomplish a specific purpose. God would provide for His creation—food, clothing, shelter. Man in turn would be obedient to his Creator and reverence God. They would enjoy an intimate and harmonious relationship. There was peace. Of course, we know what happened to the plan of creation.

Although many attempts have been made through the institution of covenants and laws, man has always been troubled with contention, strife, and war (Hab. 1:3; James 4:1; Rom. 2:8). The biblical text relates attempts by God’s prophets and priests to bring peace, but none could be found—externally nor within.

Only Jesus Christ, the Promised Messiah, could bring the “peace” that would reverse the ravages of sin that resulted in broken relationships and shattered hearts (Isa. 9:6-7; Mic. 5:4-5).

Peace is a hard issue.

Early in our study we defined peace as a stress-free state of security and calmness, everything co-existing in perfect harmony and freedom. Let’s be real. Man cannot orchestrate this kind of peace while we live in this fallen world. And this is the world we must live in right now. The peace described in this definition will be possible when Jesus Christ returns and rules physically during the Millennial Age.

However, right now God’s peace is guaranteed by His unchanging promises and can be found through faith in Jesus Christ. It is possible spiritually through the Holy Spirit living within us. The Holy Spirit fortifies us as we live in this fallen world. He sustains us even in the most desperate of circumstances (Gal. 5:22).

Peace that passes all understanding.

The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned in Rome, appealed to the church in Phillipi, to “rejoice in the Lord”. Strange message considering Paul’s situation. But while experiencing the backlash of living in a fallen world, he found peace in his situation. He offered the same to them (Phil. 4:6-7, NLT).

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Chrysostom, Eastern church father and archbishop of Constantinople wrote these words on “how this peace—God’s peace—passes all understanding”.

The peace of God, which He imparts to us, passes all understanding. For who could have expected and who could have hoped for such benefits? It transcends every human intellect and all speech. For His enemies, for those who hate Him, for the apostates—for all these He did not refuse to give his only begotten Son, so as to make peace with them. The peace which will preserve us is the one of which Christ says, “My peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.” For this peace passes all human understanding. How? When He sees that we should be at peace with enemies, with the unrighteous, with those who display contentiousness and hostility toward us, how does this not pass human understanding?[1]

God’s peace is what we need for 21^st century living. Peace that will not only exceed our expectations but also guard our hearts and minds, from fear, anxiety, hopelessness, and despair. Our “call to action” as believers is to, like Jesus’ Disciples and the Apostle Paul, become agents of peace and ministers of reconciliation to a “peaceless” world. In the world’s search for peace, let us be the light to show them where they can find it (Matt. 5:9).

[1] Ancient Christian Commentary of Scripture, New Testament VIII, Mark J. Edwards

Victorious Living

In Search of Peace: Whose peace do we want?

August 16, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

In Search of peace.

As we learned last week, peace can be defined in many ways. From a world perspective, peace is a stress-free state where there is perfect harmony and freedom. However, peace from a biblical perspective provides us with more precise descriptions on which to focus our attention.

Both the Old and New Testaments use the root word, salom or shalom to capture the meaning of peace as “completeness, contentment, rest, and harmony”.

Peace by any definition can be very elusive and subject to change because of external influences. That’s why we need to be clear as to what we’re looking for and where we think we may find it.

Loss of our Peace.

At one time man experienced “perfect peace”. That peace was found in the Garden of Eden by Adam and Eve. There was completeness, contentment, rest, and harmony. On Maslow’s Hierarchy they were “at the top” of the pyramid. Their peace, however, ended with the entrance of sin.

In the beginning, all creation was in a state of shalom, and this is the environment that Adam and Eve entered into. This Shalom was a perfect peace, where the infinite Creator of all things was in complete communion with his created beings Adam and Eve. Yet sin destroyed that shalom and cast the world into a place of brokenness. The fallen world we live in, with its violence, heartache, pain, and death are very visible results of the Shalom that was lost so very long ago.[1]

As we view the challenges of living in the 21^st century with its social challenges, spiritual deficits, and moral vice, we might ask if peace can become a reality in our lifetime. Peace can be achieved but it must begin with an understanding of the true source of peace.

Man-made peace.

There are two types of peace we can experience. The first is man-made peace which is based on the creation of external systems to ensure safety and security. It also includes safeguards to support peaceful interactions between individuals, groups, and communities (relationships). On a large scale we see governments (local, state, or national) serving in these roles. Our best efforts in fabricating peace will only leave us in disappointment and despair because our skewed understanding of peace is dependent upon things outside our control![2]

God-given peace.

The other option we have is God-given peace. The pursuit of God-given peace begins with being spiritually reconciled to God (Rom. 5:10). Because of our sin nature, our relationship is estranged. The way back to God is only possible through acceptance of Jesus Christ, who paid the price for our sin (Rom. 5:8-9). Once reconciled to God, we are no longer in enmity with each other. We have peace with God.

Once we have peace with God, we become heirs of salvation and part of God’s Kingdom (Rom. 8:17). As children of God, we receive the Holy Spirit who dwells within us to comfort and strengthen us during difficult times. The Holy Spirit brings peace by reminding us of the faithfulness of God. The Spirit speaks to the promises and blessings that are ours because of our righteous standing made possible through Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3-14; 2 Peter 1:3-4). We have the peace of God.

As we daily walk in newness of life with the Holy Spirit as our guide, we begin to act like Jesus. We are told to be conformed to the image of Christ who provides us with the model of how we act and react while living in this fallen world. We have escaped the corruption that is in the world through our knowledge of God—His power, His purpose, and His presence. This provides us with great confidence even when pressed on every side (2 Cor. 4:8-9). We have peace from God.

True Peace

Jesus promised to give His Disciples peace. Jesus’ peace quiets the inner turmoil that comes with danger.

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you: I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled, or fearful.” (John 14:27, CSB)

The Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Philippians that God’s peace is true peace.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7, Living Bible)

Whose peace do we desire? True peace can only be found in God through Jesus Christ. God’s peace is underwritten by His unchanging promises and experienced through the presence of the Holy Spirit living within us. God’s peace meets the perfect biblical standards. It is complete, leading to contentment, giving us rest (from worry), and creating harmony in our relationships.

[1] Jason Soroski, “What does shalom mean and why is it important?”, Crosswalk.com.

[2] Samuel Stephens, “The Pursuit of Peace”, Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.

Victorious Living

In Search of Peace: What is Peace?

August 9, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The Pursuit of Peace

With all the chaos in the world, contention in our country, and personal stress in our life, it is no surprise that one of the things people want most but can’t seem to find is peace. Whether we’re talking about world peace, peaceful relationships, or peace-of-mind, there just never seems to be enough peace.

What is peace? A biblical counselor asked their patients to work through an exercise which has them lists the qualities and characteristics of peace. The results with both Christian and non-Christians are to help people understand that, many times, the peace they seek is “situational, temporary, and experiential”.

It (peace) is seen as the absence of conflict or the removal of hinderance to personal happiness. “When I’m not fighting, when I’m appreciated, when I’m happy, when I’m financially secure.”[1]

What does OUR list look like? Take a minute and write down what you think peace looks like.

Do we want peace?

Silly question! Who doesn’t want peace? Well, of course, Satan doesn’t want it. Whether it’s peace in the world or peace of mind, Satan loves confusion, conflict, and division. So do Satan’s followers: “principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness of this world” and “spiritual wickedness in high places”, i.e., political, commercial, social, religious (Eph.6:12). Before we answer the question of do we want peace, let’s agree on what it is.

What is peace?

A general definition of peace is a stress-free state of security and calmness that comes when there is no fighting or war, everything co-existing in perfect harmony and freedom.[2] Is peace a feeling?

Webster adds to this definition by highlighting the “freedom” aspect of peace: “freedom from disturbance, from war, from civil disorder, and even freedom from disputes and dissension between people.” Is peace based on our circumstances?

I am enjoying this study on peace. From a biblical perspective, it gives me an opportunity to closely examine the words that were “carefully” chosen by the Holy Spirit to best represent God’s intended meaning of peace. It becomes a point of spiritual clarity for me. Whether it is Greek or Hebrew, the word meaning adds to the “precision” I need to know what peace really looks like.

Peace by any other name!

The biblical concept of peace is larger than what we might read in our modern dictionaries. It rests heavily on the Hebrew word root (slm) which means “to be complete” or “to be sound”. The verb peace conveys the meaning—”to be complete or whole” or “to live well”. It is from this root that we get the more familiar word, salom or shalom.

In the Old Testament, this fine distinction of peace can be grouped into four general categories of shalom:

Wholeness of life or body, i.e., health. (Ps. 34:18; 147:3; Jer. 33:6)
Right relationship or harmony between two parties or people, often established by a covenant. (Numbers 25:12-13; Ezek. 34:25-26)
Prosperity, success, or fulfillment (Lev. 26:3-9)
Victory over one’s enemies or absence of war (Isa. 9:6-7)

The New Testament word for peace, eirene, has been greatly influenced by the Hebrew use of shalom. It occurs in each book of the New Testament. Eirene originally referred to the orderly, prosperous life that is possible if there is no war. Only much later did philosophers begin to apply the concept to an inner, personal peace.

In many ways, the two renderings of peace overlap, especially regarding relationships and harmony between people and nations. It describes:

Harmonious relationships (Luke 14:32)
Freedom from harassment (rest from war) (Luke 11:21; Acts 9:31)
Order, rest, and contentment (Matt.10:13, John 14:27)
Harmonized relationship between God and man (Acts 10:36; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14-17)

Shalom is still used in both greetings and farewells. It is meant to act as a blessing to the one to whom it is spoken.

Where is my peace?

In answer to my earlier question, “do we want peace?” Of course, we do! So, if we all want peace, why don’t we have it and why is it so elusive? As stated earlier, many times the peace we seek is situational, temporary, and experiential. If we base our peace on the things of “this world, our peace is tied to an unstable, ever-changing world (1 John 2: 15-17).

Unfortunately, we often allow this type of peace to dictate our feelings and our emotions. We may feel safe, secure, and calm; that is until there is a change in circumstances.

Peace may appear to elude us because we don’t know what REAL PEACE looks like. That is the purpose of this series to better understand what real peace looks like. Once we have a clear understanding of what it looks like and its true source, we will find shalom as we navigate the tumultuous waters of 21^st century living.

May your life be filled with health, prosperity, and victory.

May it be filled with God’s shalom.

[1] The Pursuit of Peace, Samuel Stephens, Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, April, 2020

[2] Vocabulary.com

Spiritual Maturity

Clarion Word Classics: What if Jesus Really Meant what He Said?

July 25, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Expand our spiritual thought

Earlier this year, WordBytes launched a new learning format entitled The Clarion Word Classics. The word “clarion” comes from the Latin word claru or ‘clear’. Used as an adjective, it means ‘loud and clear’.

Our intent with this quarterly series is to make “loud and clear” what is ours in Christ (Rom. 8:17) and the relevancy of our faith for this present generation (Matt. 24:34).

New thought

With The Clarion Word Classics we will share faith writings from key theologians who will strengthen and enrich our spiritual lives and faith walk. Some from sage theologians and writers and also introduce contemporary writers who express spiritual answers to the challenges of 21^st century living.

To kickoff this Clarion Word Classics (CWC), we introduce the book Red Letter Revolution: What if Jesus Really Meant What He Said? Listed among the most popular devotional books, we thought this may be of interest to our curious readers. Shane Claiborn and Tony Campolo , offer interesting perspectives on how to make our faith real in a world with no absolutes and growing disbelief in God and Jesus.

Let the Holy Spirit guide you

In the Word Ministries provides CWC in our effort to “inspire authentic communities of faith, fellowship, and learning.” It is in that spirit that we share this book. This is not an endorsement or agreement with the views shared. Here is an excerpt from and about Red Letter Revolution.

Knowing God

With Eternity in Mind: Where do we go from here?

July 11, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Eternity Recapitulated

What have we learned about eternity? Eternity is generally not a topic of discussion within most social circles, although it should be. Why? Because it represents not only where we will spend “forever and ever” but also will influence how we CHOOSE TO LIVE our life today. Eternity begins the moment we are born and continues until our demise. Everybody gets eternity!

However, believers also receive eternal/everlasting life. Everlasting life is the blessedness in God’s presence. This relates not only to the quality of life in this age, but also to both the quality and duration of life in the age to come. Everlasting life begins when individuals accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Everybody may not get everlasting life!

Because eternity is so important, it is imperative that we have a clear and accurate understanding about it. What’s the threat? The sway of myths, lies, and misunderstandings. That is why we believers depend on the authority and inerrancy of the Bible to guide us.

The blessedness in God’s presence

The biggest learning, for me, is that eternal life begins NOW. Scripture teaches that to experience the fullness of God’s glory we need to separate from our flesh—the part that temporarily houses our spirit. Our spirit—our essence, the part that never dies—will ultimately enter the “spiritual place” prepared for us in heaven. (John 14:1-2)

That is why it is important to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (2 Cor. 5:16-17). Spiritual conversion (redemption and renewal) is needed to prepare us to enter God’s presence—on earth and in the future, in heaven. While I am yet alive, the blessedness of God’s presence is possible through the gift of His Holy Spirit—a foretaste of glory divine.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh;
and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 
(John 3:6)

What does blessedness look like?

How does the blessedness of God’s presence manifest itself? What does eternal/everlasting life look like in my everyday life? Here are several scriptures to begin answering those questions?

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Gal. 5: 22-24, RSV)

His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and excellence. Thus, he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust and may become participants of the divine nature. (2 Pet. 1:3-4)

The greatest witness to God’s presence in our lives are the spiritual blessings we receive in Christ (Eph. 1:3-14). God’s blessedness is shown in His love, His provision, and His protection.

God’s presence, the reality of eternity now, gives us a “living hope” (1 Pet. 1:3-7)—boldness, perseverance, and tenacity–to live out God’s purpose for our life (Eph. 2:10). His presence guarantees it!

I pray that, according to the riches of his glory,
he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit. 
(Ephesian 3:16)

Where do we go from here?

Dr. Joseph M. Stowell, author of Eternity: Reclaiming a Passion for What Endures writes:

Many Christians become disillusioned as their quest for peace and pleasure on this earth feel them with despair. If you are one of these believers who senses you’re missing something—who have hoped for more—it may be that your perspective is distorted by your focus on this world. With heaven as our point of reference, we can learn to live a satisfying, balance, and victorious life even in a fallen world.

We MUST “reclaim our passion for what endures”—eternity. We best serve The King and His Kingdom, by:

- FOCUSING our attention on eternity and things of God.
- DEMOSTRATING to others what eternal life looks like in everyday life.
- SHARING the reality of eternity with both believers and nonbelievers.

Knowing God

With Eternity in Mind: Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings, Part 2

July 5, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The Danger of MLMs

Myths, lies, and misunderstandings (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 error in belief can have ramifications that, literally, impact us “forever.”

MLMs, in general, are not biblical. The enemy offers subtle counterfeits that cause us to either doubt, question or compromise what we know is God’s truth. Therefore, it is important for believers to compare MLMs with the truth. Truth can be found in God’s Word.

Below are popular MLMs we often hear. The examples cited are by no means an exhaustive list, but given to provide insight as to some of the erroneous views on heaven and eternity.

Myths

Myths are often connected to spirituality or other religious beliefs versus Christian doctrine. These myths include, for example, the belief that we will be given a second chance to choose where we will spend eternity.

Myths can result in a false sense of spiritual security. We get one chance to make the right choice (Acts 4:12).

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 (Rev.7:14-15). Just as Adam was given charge of the Garden of Eden (Gen. 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 (Isa. 14:12-15). While hell was not originally created for human beings, it is now available for those who reject Christ.

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 (Matt. 8:12; 13:42) .

Lies

Lies are the most dangerous MLM. 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”. The following are the most frequently cited and the most deadly lies. These are Satan’s favorites.

There is no heaven nor hell.

God’s Word tells us that there is a heaven and a hell. And every word of God is “yes and amen.” (2 Cor.1:20)

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 Cor. 5:1)

Hell is real (Matt. 25:41, 46). It is a place of eternal punishment. There are two popular views that attempt to negate the reality of hell. One teaches that unbelievers are not punished after death. They simply cease to exist (annihilation). The other proposes that because God is good and loving, He would never condemn anyone to a place of eternal torment (universalism).

God doesn’t send people to hell. People send themselves to hell by declining Jesus’ offer of salvation.

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 inherent Word and by Jesus Himself.

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, He cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me”. (John 14:6)

Salvation is found in no one else but Jesus (Acts 4:12). Anyone who teaches any other way to salvation is in danger of damnation (Gal. 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 out reliable and accurate information about eternity. Acceptance of correct information, of course, is dependent on our willingness to change our view (Prov. 2:6).

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.”

They ascribe death to God. In reality, death is the result of man’s sin in the Garden of Eden. It is a guarantee we will all 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 (Rev. 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’ firey darts aimed against our faith.

Tony Evans in his book, Eternity: Understanding Life After Death, shares his thoughts on our relationship with our Savior in eternity.

Before we get too excited about heaven, Jesus wants us to get excited about being with him first. Being with Jesus and face to face fellowship for all eternity is what will make heaven so heavenly. All the beauty of heaven is really just the backdrop, the scenery, for our eternal relationship with Christ. The central thing of heaven is that we will see our Savior, face-to-face, and be with him for eternity.

Next week we will close our series on eternity with “Where do we go from here?

Knowing God

With Eternity in Mind: Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about Eternity, Part 1

June 27, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings (MLMs)

It is important that we have a clear understanding about eternity—what it is and what it isn’t. Living in the 21^st century requires that we be diligent and focused in not only equipping ourselves with correct information but also in understanding the source of our information. This is especially true with regard to issues pertaining to eternity.

What are MLMs?

To introduce this section, we will begin with Webster for a short description of what MLMs are and their intent. We will use these in our teaching about eternity.

- Myths are widely held but false beliefs or ideas. Myths are upheld to misrepresent the truth and to maintain certain beliefs.

- Lies are statements that one knows are false, with the intent to deceive.

- Misunderstandings stem from a failure to understand something correctly. A misunderstanding can be caused by an incorrect conception or a misinterpretation. It can also be mistakes of meaning or intent.

Why are there MLMs?

Myths, lies, and misunderstandings can be credited to many different things. Myths and misunderstandings concerning eternity can be attributed to a general lack of knowledge. Even within our churches, discussions on eternity are limited and typically linked only to eternal life and life after death. We need congregations that are better informed about eternity and how it impacts how we live our lives.

Lies, of course, can be assigned to the father of lies or Satan. Satan has done an excellent job in intentionally deceiving people about eternity. Eternity is the greatest inheritance believers are gifted with. Knowledge of eternity present and eternity future provides us with hope amid our struggles. Knowledge of eternity adds to our resilience and gives us reason to persevere. Therefore, we do not “faint” (2 Cor. 4:17).

How to deal with MLMs?

What is the best approach in dealing with false beliefs, misrepresentation of the truth, and incorrect interpretation? Seek out and know the truth. The primary source of that truth is the Bible. The Holy Spirit will also guide us in all truth, including truth pertaining to eternity (John 16:13).

Secondarily, we can address questions we might have about eternity with our pastor. We can ask them for creditable resources on the topic that can help expand our understanding.

In this postmodern era, relativism offers the view that there is not absolute truth; truth is relative based on individual perceptions and considerations. Satan uses this thinking to continue his campaign to “blind our eyes” (2 Cor. 4:4) about God, His Son, and our position in Christ. This includes the truth about eternity.

Why is this conversation important?

It is important that we have correct knowledge about eternity. Consummate writer and faith blogger, Ruth Clemence shared “7 reasons to live with Eternity in Mind”. I will list the top three that resonated with me.

- Our life in this world is temporary.
- People are facing life and death without hope.
- The Gospel needs to be proclaimed clearly and truthfully.

The best time we can learn about eternity is now. While our time is in God’s hand (Ps. 31:15), He has given us true knowledge of Him which includes knowledge of eternity.

Next week we will present the second half of “Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about Eternity” with the listing of MLMs currently driving the 21^st century worldview of eternity.

Victorious Living

With Eternity in Mind: Eternal Life

June 20, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Divinely Bestowed

Last week we defined eternal or everlasting life as the divinely bestowed gift of blessedness in God’s presence that endures without end. It is noteworthy to see that eternal life is something that is gifted by God alone.

Eternal life is a “divinely bestowed gift” (John 3:16). It is not something we can earn, mandate nor make happen. It is a gift of God. Imagine if man could wield that kind of power. We catch a glimpse of the desire to live forever “on this side” by our continual search for ways to reverse the effects of aging or increase the number of our days.

Man is not equipped to bestow eternal life. He is limited by time. Only God currently lives and operates in both time and eternity (past, present, future). God alone is able through His divine attributes of goodness—His love, grace, and benevolence—to offer the extraordinary and irreversible gift of eternal life.

Divine Presence

Eternal life is about our relationship with God. This relationship is built on the knowledge of who God is and what Jesus accomplished with His sacrificial death. We are not only reconciled with the Father (Rom. 5:10) BUT ALSO enjoy Jesus’ divine presence through His Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Savior, begins eternal life.

Eternal life is lived out through our recognition and acknowledgment of God’s presence. God’s presence provides for us the confidence we need to navigate through the challenges of living in this fallen world.

The Apostle Paul expresses this thought in his letter to faithful believers in 2 Peter 1:2-5.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Equipped with God’s divine nature and operating continuously in His presence, we are able to navigate the challenges of 21^st century living. “The life-giving knowledge of the Father and the Son is a true, personal knowledge, not just an academic awareness.”[1]

Divine Time

We often limit eternal life to life after death. We also mistakenly view eternal life as simply an unending progression of years. It is much more. Eternal life can function outside of and beyond time, as well as within time. For this reason, eternal life can be thought of as something that Christians experience now.

We don’t have to wait for eternal life, because it is not something that starts only when we die. Eternal life begins the moment we exercise faith in Christ.

Jesus made this clear during his ministry. In the book of John, several indications of the “present and now” reality of eternal life is clear.

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” John 6:47

We have eternal life because of our current position in Jesus Christ and therefore, we can experience it now.

God’s presence that endures without end

A common New Testament word for eternal is aionios. We’ve addressed its relationship to the quality of life in this age. But it also addresses both the quality and duration of life in the age to come.

This duration cannot be compared with the limits of time we currently operate within. But our future eternal life will be the culmination of our existence. It is in future eternity that we will experience the full measure of God’s glory (Rev. 5:13) and the benefits of our resurrected body.

Next week we will spend time exploring eternity—time without end, specifically, the myths, lies, and misunderstandings about eternity.

[1] Got Questions