“These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.” Jn. 9:22
The word of God exhorts us to put out of the church those who live in sin and remain unrepentant. However, I am convinced more Christians are chased out of church because their life has a true confession of Christ.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.†James 1:2-4
When Christians face trials there will be other Christians who will say things to them like; “you are facing that trial because something is wrong in your life.†Or, “brother, you have sin in your life.†They say it with an attitude like “that’s what you get.†When it really comes down to it, we do face trials because there is something wrong in our life. It is often not because we are living in sin or rebellion, it is just God removing the imperfections in our life. None of us need to be offended by what I am saying, for this is what the scripture teaches; “…that ye may be perfect…†TRIALS PURGE US TO PERFECTION. HALLELUJAH!
“When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” Jn. 6:5
Before you can even get to Jesus He is already planning for your provision.
“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jn. 3:1-3
Jesus in a sense was saying to Nicodemus, “you don’t really know what you think you know; you are limited in what you see and hear.” I believe this is the reason Nicodemus sought out the Lord, because he wanted to see, hear and know the truth. Religion cannot offer that, only the Lord Jesus Christ can. Do you really see, hear and know Him?
“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jn. 3:1-3
Nicodemus thought he understood something about Jesus. He thought he saw something about Jesus when he realized that He could not do those miracles unless He was sent from God. But Jesus said you cannot see anything pertaining to the kingdom until you are born again. You can understand something with the intellect and see something with natural understanding, but is not the same as seeing when you are born again. When you are born again you can see the kingdom now.
“And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.” Jn. 1:33
Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Holy Ghost. Have you ever asked Him to baptize you with the Holy Ghost?
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Jn. 1:29
If repented of, the Lamb of God can and will forgive any sin that has ever been committed in this world. This world has witnessed some of the vilest of sins, sins even beyond comprehension, but the Lamb of God has the authority to forgive them. The Lamb of God came to forgive all the sins of this world, even if you would add them all up. Hallelujah. If you need to, you can repent right now and feel the forgiving power that the Lamb of God gives.
“Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Ps. 119:89
No one in heaven questions the word. One of the main reason Christians live half-hearted lives is because they have not settled it in their heart that the word is absolutely true. You will find it a lot easier to obey when you are convinced it is true. If you question the word or follow up with a “but,” then the word is not settled in your heart as it is settled in heaven. Don’t question or dismiss any of the word, let it be settled in your heart.
“And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Lk. 4:4
When Jesus said “it is written,” He was cancelling out anything that was said or written that opposes God. He was disqualifying the ideas of man. He was discrediting the wisdom of man. His was denying the will of man.
“Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.” Lev. 24:14
If I was living under the law, I wouldn’t want to hear someone curse God because I would have to be in agreement with their stoning. I wouldn’t want to lay my hands on their head or be one that would have to throw the stones. I’m sure none of you would want to be in that place either. Thank God we are not under the law. However, we have a responsibility and obligation toward one another in the church that if any of us sins, those that know of it must not shrug it off or have no care for their soul. I am not suggesting we become spiritual law enforcers and go around the church watching for anyone to sin. I am not suggesting that we deal harshly with any of our brethren that may sin. I am insisting that we lift them up before the Lord, and if need be, confront them about their sin. If you must approach someone about their sin, do it with the same grace that Jesus approached you with when He saved you.
