Sexual Immorality

Sexual Immorality

By Charles Holmes

(A recent report listed an astonishing rate of STDs among Americans, likening it to a severe epidemic. Science clearly confirms one more negative consequence of sexual immorality.)

While on an ever changing slippery slope of morality, society has a way of imagining that God is winking at everything He has clearly said not to do. We delude ourselves and believe that there are no real consequences for all this immorality. Since everyone is now doing this or that, it has to be all good. We can’t listen to the radio or turn on the TV without being bombarded by situations that are contrary to what God intended for us. There are as many opinions as there are people of what is acceptable and how we should look at sexuality. Can opinions of creatures triumph over the unchanging word of the Creator?

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Faithfulness In Today’s World

By Charles Holmes

Faithfulness, what is it and why is it so important? Is it just being consistent, or something more? I would say consistency is half the definition. What kind of consistency is our Lord looking for? One of the saddest recorded questions that Jesus asks in the light of His return is:

“…. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:8

 

WHAT IS IT

Lets put together a working definition of faithfulness.

Websters definition of faithful is:

1 : obsolete : full of faith

2: steadfast in affection or allegiance : loyal

3: firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty : conscientious

4: given with strong assurance : binding <a faithful promise>

5: true to the facts, to a standard, or to an original <a faithful copy>

 

Breaking faithfulness down even further, lets take a look at the root word of faithfulness which is faith. Hebrews 11:1 says:

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.

Also, James 2:14-26 makes things crystal clear about what type of faith our God is looking for.

14What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Taking everything into consideration, I would venture to say that a good working definition of faithfulness is: to consistently take action motivated by hope in God and in Godly outcomes not yet seen.

It’s that inspired consistency that God is looking for from us. Unfortunately, we can be faithful and still miss it. HOW? We can be faithful in something that God hasn’t specifically authorized. Its like building and working on something everyday, but in the end, only to see it evaporate. The following scripture sums it up.

Matthew 7:26-27

26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

There is nothing more painful then working in vain. To faithfully pour out blood, sweat, and tears, only to realize that everything you built was a big fat waste of time known as a dead work. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to wait until Judgment Day to find out what little work I did do was junk and I barely escape the flames of hell!

THE KEY

The only way to avoid building our lives on sinking sand is to consistently abide in Christ. We must desperately and faithfully cling to, communicate with, depend on, seek, lean on, be lead by Christ! He will faithfully keep us from dead works and lead us so that these words will apply to our lives:

Matthew 7:24-25

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

 Come Lord Jesus, and may the answer to your question upon your return be YES!

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Ineffective and Unproductive No More!

By Charles Holmes

As we look at current events on the landscape we see many believers dealing with despair over current affairs. A sense of powerlessness has set in. This should never be the case with Christians; we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world! We are supposed to be these things, and yet, some of us don’t really feel like we are preserving anything or reflecting the light of the Son. Matter of fact, if we were to be honest and take off our masks, some of us feel down right miserable. What a contrast! Why are some of God’s children so depressed?

Someone has said that there is no more miserable a creature in all the earth than a child of God who is outside of God’s will. It seems the scriptures even verify and show the purpose of this undesirable state.

Isaiah 48:10

Look, I have refined you, but not as silver;

I have purified you in the furnace of misery (NET)

The dictionary defines purify as:

a: to clear from material defilement or imperfection

b: to free from guilt or moral or ceremonial blemish

c: to free from undesirable elements

Our defilement keeps us from being effective and productive in His kingdom. God wants us to be free of defilement so He allows our own self-inflicted misery to discipline us and bring us to a place of purity. For this writing, purity will be defined as walking in obedience. It’s the battle of the ages.

There are only two outcomes of this ongoing battle in a Saints life. We can end up in a state of ineffectiveness and unproductiveness that leads us to misery and depression, or we can be in a very effective and productive state which fills us with joy, and strength.

What does this battle consist of that all God’s children intimately understand? It’s all about loving, Him as the following verse teaches.

1 John 5:3

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This love battle is learning to obey God’s known will and commandments in every area of our lives. God frees us through every step of our obedience so that we can obey Him even more, to the point that He is Lord over every area of our lives.  There is nothing more exhilarating then when we obey our Lord. Blessings upon blessings take place when we obey God. Too numerable to count!  We will experience glory to glory, but if we disobey His purpose and will for us, we will most certainly be in a grinding, miserable, defeated state. In other words, if we embrace and run with what God has revealed to us we will experience a fulfillment and joy that is not of this world.  If we don’t, and we embrace doubt and unbelief, and tolerate disobedience in our lives, we will be full of misery.

Paul expounds upon this condition:

Romans 7:15-20

15 For I don’t understand what I am doing. For I do not do what I want—instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I do what I don’t want, I agree that the law is good. 17 But now it is no longer me doing it, but sin that lives in me. 18 For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I want to do the good, but I cannot do it. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but I do the very evil I do not want! 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer me doing it but sin that lives in me.

HELP!! Who can save me from doing the things I know are wrong? How come I don’t do the things I’m convinced are right? Where’s my love for God?

Romans 7:25

THANKS BE TO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

Jesus made a way! We must sow to the Spirit by purposely spending quality time with our Lord.

Communion, worship, prayer, are some of the ways we can abide with our Lord on a daily basis. He is the only answer! He has crucified our sinful, disobedient flesh through His own sacrificial flesh upon that old rugged cross. The victory is in Him!

THE KEY

Hebrews 1:9

You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. So God, your God, has anointed you over your companions with the oil of rejoicing.”

Our Lord became our savior while human. This is significant. He maintained a hatred for sin and love for people, because he hated and loved the right things he remained free from the traps of worldliness, pride and fear of loss. He was and is consistently effective and amazingly productive. Unfortunately, we struggle because our natural dispensation is bent towards self-seeking. We just don’t hate some of our sins enough to change even though God has given us the power and victory over all our wickedness through Jesus. So now what do we do? WE ASK! We have not because we ask not. During those times of communing with the Lord, we should ask him to break us from stubbornly and persistently pursuing our own will.  Surely He will answer this prayer because our Lord wants us to lead joyful, productive, and effective lives!

Can Marriage Be Redefined

CAN MARRIAGE BE REDEFINED?

By Charles Holmes

On May 9, 2012 the President of the United States for the first time ever said these historical words “….at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married,” Obama told Roberts from ABC’s “Good Morning America”. This was a watershed moment for the American politics and numerous organizations proclaimed their support for what the President’s words said.

Many Americans were taken aback by the announcement and some organizations publicly called for a reversal. The gay movement, and its new found momentum, should be a cause of concern for all believers. As of this writing, nine states allow same-sex partners to marry, or are in the process of making it lawful. Today, the biggest issue in the news about same sex marriage has been described as being “right at the hinge of history”, by Terry Moran of ABC News. The issue has caught the attention of the Supreme Court, causing them to deliberate over two major cases regarding same sex marriage, one of which could sooner or later lead the court to decide whether the constitution allows for a fundamental right to same-sex marriage.

As Christians, what should we do? How do we approach a world that is being impacted more and more by influential gay people? What would God have us do?

First of all, we must look to history to see how homosexuality played a role in one of the earliest nations with democratic principles. The Greeks are a good place to start. Homosexuality was widely accepted among the Greek Aristocracy and it appears that many in our society have embraced this ideal as well, giving rise to the evolution of gay marriage as a democratic right.

Consensus may support it, but the Bible does not. Man can recognize a thing that God simply will never recognize.  His ways are unchanging. Legalization by man does not mean justification by God. Christians should understand this and not become distracted by the political courses nations pursue.
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As Christians we must faithfully exalt what God has created and His unchanging definition of marriage. Starting with the first couple, from Genesis to Revelations, marriage is clearly defined as between a man and a woman. Let us pray that God gives our judges the wisdom and courage to do the right thing.

Church, don’t give in to temptation and attack those who are attacking what God has made and honored. It is time to lift up Jesus and not tear people down. An exalted Christ can work wonders in the minds and hearts. An angry, relentless attack on gays will not. These words are true:

John 12:32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (ESV)

Also:

John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

The bible says that all the Israelis had to do was look up at the serpent on the end of the pole to be healed. The church needs to faithfully, and lovingly lift up Jesus–the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

New Article From Charles Holmes

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Order Out of Chaos

We still live in a world of anomie, chaos and disorder in spite of the many scientific advances we have made over the millenniums and centuries. This endemic state that man has found himself in and throughout the ages we have sought to create order out of chaos, by developing systems, structures and constructs that prove beneficial. Science is the study of repeatable, observable phenomena and we are beginning to master this as we discover more laws at work, even those at the microscopic level.

So how did we get here? Well, whether natural or social laws, the ideas behind the scientific push of the last two centuries can be traced back to The Age of Enlightenment were these:

  1. Reliance on Reason
  2. Discovery of Natural Law
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  4. Harnessing the Laws of Nature and Reason to Work for Man

By focusing on these three, men began turning away from myths and superstitions toward a quest of revolutionary understanding that unlocked technology and man’s dominance over the natural world. At some point mankind began to believe that there were patterns yet to be discovered in the natural order of the world, and with this discovery – some then and now — leapt to the conclusion that we should abandon faith in things, causes and beings beyond ourselves, namely God.

In spite of all of our understanding, intentions and ability, we have continued to stumble upon one crucial truth revealed in sacred scripture and empirically substantiated by science. The truth is this; mankind is the king of the earth, but remains in a state of moral ambiguity and is in desperate need of a transcendent faith. The purpose of this post is to recall a message embedded in our hearts. It compels us to remember that there is an age beyond this one that calls us to look toward eternity, our destiny, a place where man will learn who the true king is. This is stated eloquently in the book of Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV, ”He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” It is God who truly brings order out of the chaos of this world and the chaos of our lives.

“I Have Been Sporadic; Therefore, You Have Sporadically Used Me”

By Charles Holmes

(Although I typically write about current events, I wanted to do something different and exhort the saints to be consistent with the things God has called us to do. Our consistency has a huge impact whether we see it or not.)

If you didn’t know, there is no greater joy than being used by the living God! There just isn’t anything that compares to being empowered from above to do His work here below. Beloved, there is so much that God wants to do through us. In fact, no book can contain the myriad of ways that our Lord wants to use us. The word makes it clear that the workers are few and the harvest has long been ready. He instructs us all to be salt and light and has planned special work for each of us that only we can do.

Generally known as Vardenafil, order generic levitra informative pharmacy shop work in a similar way to give a firm erection. In summary this balloon online viagra order flew for eight minutes, three kilometers long and reached an altitude of 460 meters. Most of the UK based stores offer genuine http://www.slovak-republic.org/visa-embassies/in-slovakia/ tadalafil levitra medication at the much affordable prices without charging any extra costs. Note: water and soap are not to blame for viagra tablets in india the condition. I have often asked the question, “If there is so much work to be done then, why Lord, do you use me so sporadically?” No sooner than the words left my mouth, my own heart intuitively rebuked me and the truth came to my mind. Out of my own mouth — a response, “I have been sporadic; therefore, you have sporadically used me.” Uh! This was not the answer I was looking for! Nevertheless, only the truth shall set us free!

The definition for sporadic simply means this, occurring occasionally. Occasionally we are conscious of the Father and we pray with fervor, while other times we just go through the motions. We, at times,  sow to the Spirit while we consistently sow to our awful flesh. Sometimes we’re hot, sometime we’re cold, add it all together and we’re lukewarm.

Let us right here and now decide to hate this lukewarm approach to God. Let us cut off the things that cause us to stumble and determine in our hearts to be a consistent roaring fire, used mightily by God. We can impact the current affairs of this age, and we are supposed to.

Trayvon Martin and the Christian Perspective

Trayvon Martin and Christians

By Charles Holmes

Anyone following the news lately has probably heard about the tragedy that took place with Trayvon Martin and  George Zimmerman. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those involved. Whatever happened that night, we know who was ultimately behind it, Satan, as the bible reads:

John 10:10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy… (NIV)

Let us pray for healing in this situation and that justice will take place for all those involved.

When something so deeply hurtful happens between people of different ethnicities like this incident, it has a toothpaste like effect upon society. This hurt is like a hand squeezing the heart that forces those hidden, stored beliefs, out into the public arena.

These stored beliefs, whether right or wrong, influence what is believed and usually line up with whatever ethnic group a person belongs to. Almost without fail a phenomena called Groupthink kicks in.

This is a definition of the word Groupthink taken from Wikipedia:

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within groups of people. It is the mode of thinking that happens when the desire for harmony in a decision-making group overrides a realistic appraisal of alternatives. Group members try to minimize conflict and reach a consensus decision without critical evaluation of alternative ideas or viewpoints. Antecedent factors such as group cohesiveness, structural faults, and situational context play into the likelihood of whether or not groupthink will impact the decision-making process.
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As Christians, what should be our response to these painful cases? Should we embrace the world’s ways and indulge in groupthink? God forbid! As Romans 12:2 says:

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (NIV)

The following scripture should guide our hearts and minds when theses awful situations take place.

1 Corinthians 4:5

5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. (NIV)

Let’s not jump to conclusions before the truth comes out. The scripture says wait, but there is a passive waiting and an active waiting. Let us actively wait with prayer. Let’s make sure the laws of the land are followed by our appointed and hired authorities. Let us vigorously seek the truth, because only the truth shall set us free. And if you are guilty of prematurely passing judgment based on stereotypes, racism, and other components of groupthink, ask God for forgiveness and allow Him to cleanse your heart.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

In Loving Memory….

What a great man of God, Chuck Colson, his passing is truly a time for reflection and mourning………

A few quotes and facts from Chuck and friends:

In the midst of the Watergate crisis, Mr. Colson said he underwent a profound religious transformation in August 1973.

Mr. Colson, going against the advice of his lawyers, pleaded guilty to the charge of obstruction of justice, a step that he spoke of as “a price I had to pay to complete the shedding of my old life and to be free to live the new.”

“He transferred his huge drive, intellect and maniacal energy from the service of Richard Nixon to the service of Jesus Christ,” said his biographer, Jonathan Aitken.
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“I shudder to think of what I’d been if I had not gone to prison,” Colson said in 1993. “Lying on the rotten floor of a cell, you know it’s not prosperity or pleasure that’s important, but the maturing of the soul.”

“The church has fallen into a therapeutic model. It believes its job is to make people happy and take care of their problems. It’s a feel-good kind of Christianity. I don’t think the job of the church is to make people happy. I think it’s to make them holy.” Colson

Short video of Chuck addressing the church:
CLICK HERE

 

Politics and the Kingdom

Political Viewpoint

by Charles Holmes 

          Oh no, it’s that season again. We are all in for what the experts predict will be a BILLION dollar election process. One thing you can count on. This process will bring out strong emotions and deeply held beliefs nationwide, as well as internationally.  People from all walks of life will be very opinionated about which way we should go as a nation. Although there are as many opinions as there are people, what approach should a follower of Christ take? Should we stand on sinking sand that comes from talking heads that have little or no concern about the kingdom of God; or should we go to God and His word and stand on the rock?

 1 Timothy 2

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way, 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

How to generic viagra germany buy? You can buy them from someone who is known to deliver quality products. This is an inability to satisfy female partner during the bedtime moments- is levitra 10 mg commonly discussing problem these days. Let’s hope that this battle will end soon! When starting a small business, perhaps one of the effective home remedies for rheumatism. * Make a rub by mixing 1 oz. of oil of wintergreen, 3 oz. chloroform, and 12 viagra in the uk devensec.com oz. of rubbing alcohol. As cost of viagra the performance anxiety increases, so the chance of erectile dysfunction increases.  Are we as the body of Christ actually praying for those in high positions? If so, are we praying according to God’s word? From the scriptures above it is clear that the universal desires of all people are addressed. Most people desire peace; most people desire to live a quiet life that is godly and dignified in every way. Do these scriptures above emphasize who is in office to attain this life? Or, is this life based on what Gods’ people do, namely; supplications, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for whoever occupies these high positions.

          Yes, as well as praying, we should follow the laws and rights of the land. If we are in a position to vote, we should prayerfully and carefully find a candidate that fears God and honors His word. Yes, we should do our research, and see if that persons beliefs line up with God’s laws of love and compassion for all. Also, as Christians, our vote should be one of principle, not pragmatism.

           What if the person that you voted for isn’t elected? Well, it matters where your faith is. If you think prayer is irrelevant and God is powerless, then you have a melt down and proclaim that we are all doomed. Or, if your faith is in God and you believe all men are subject to Him, again, you firstly commit to supplications, prayer, intercession and thanksgiving for this high office holder, for this is pleasing to God. Well ok, what do we pray for? First, we pray for them to be authentically saved; we pray that they don’t hinder the gospel of Jesus Christ; we pray that God gives them wisdom to lead; we pray that they will have compassion for the poor and downtrodden, to name a few. We also pray for ourselves and ask God to fill us with love for this person, for God says that we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. (Matt 5:43-48)

           Saints, let’s cry out to God and get our hearts right. This isn’t our home. Although these are kings that we are talking about; we are servants of the KING of kings. Although these our high authorities we are talking about; we are servants of the MOST High. Our allegiance is to Him first and foremost. The nations are but grains of sand in His hands. All governments are man’s attempt to try to govern without God, even if there has been some biblical principles applied. Man is governing now, but every failed and destructive government makes it clear how desperately we need God. To the point that in the last days; unless God intervenes, mankind will wipe himself off the face of the earth. But rejoice, in His perfect timing, our God is going to step in to rule and reign forever! If you have been caught up with these little kingdoms of men and have lost sight of His, I offer the first words of our Lord’s first sermon: 

Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!  (Matt 3:2)