Truth

Sometimes we hear "church things, words, or phrases" so often they lose their affect. We come to know truth, but then we begin to take truth for granted. Anytime we take something or someone for granted, that person or thing loses its influence. Today's Sunday school lesson was so powerful because it brought to mind truths that are imperative to the lives of Christians. I would just like to share some points and ask you to really pray, meditate, and reevaluate your Christianity or your search for Truth and The Way if your are not a Christian.

Romans Ch. 1-4
1.) human sinfulness prevents anyone from obtaining salvation by good works. None of us can be good enough or do enough good things to counter the sin in each of our lives.

2.) God is able to declare righteousness ONLY for those who have accepted Jesus as the Messiah.



Only the saved can lead lives that please God. (That seems so simple. Yet think of all those you know who are lost. Think of all that lost potential to please God Almighty.)



Christians live in a CONSTANT battle of tug-of-war: the flesh (our humanity) vs. the spirit (our spirituality). There is a constant choice between what would Jesus do, and what will I do.
As a result, we should remove things in our lives that gives the flesh the upper hand. These things are many: movies, T.V., music, alcohol, drugs, sex outside of relations with your spouse, gambling, gossipping, hate.... The list goes on and on. In addition, we don't ALL have the same lists. What may tempt me may not phase you. We all need to spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal to us things that are suffocating our spiritual well-being.

Do you ever doubt? Is there REALLY a God? Is He really in control? Am I really saved? On the other hand, are there times you are so sure about God, the Word, and your salvation you would do anything for its cause and spread? How and why do we have such extreme swings in thought? Flesh vs. Spirit. Doubt comes from the human side of us. Truth comes from the Spirit.
Isn't that so simple, yet so powerful and wonderful?

2 Corinthians 4:4 Who is the god of this age? Satan. If you are a Christian, you are sealed by the Spirit. Satan cannot take over your mind like he can those who are lost. So, what in the world does Satan want with you? He doesn't want your soul. He wants your ministry. He does not want you to lead even one person to Christ. How much effect/affect is Satan having in your life?

1 Corinthians 2:12-16 Are there divisions in the church? Unfortunately, there are. Do you ever wonder how those with the mind of Christ can have division? NOT EVERYONE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THE GOSPELS!!! Think about it. I'm still learning. The Word is still being revealed to me. What about you?

Thanks for letting me ramble. I just felt today's lesson was too good not to share!