Parable Series: Part 3 - The Lost Sheep

“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. - Matthew 18:12-14

So He spoke this parable to them, saying:
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. - Luke 15:3-7

Study Questions:

1. Who are the lost sheep?
2. Why did he seek for the lost sheep?
3. How did the sheep get back?
4. Did Jesus simply lead them back?
5. How much effort did the sheep have to make to return to the flock?

Following along with the Study Questions.

(1) I would say that the sheep are those chosen by God, but not limited to Jews. 'For many were invited/called, but few were chosen' - Matt22:14. One could argue that this verse is like John 10:16, which both indicate the Messiah coming to unite Judah's tribes, the Jewish nations. But it is more clever to read more of the Bible to see what it really means to be of 'his' kind. Read Romans 2 and John 10:26. The believers, the true sons of God are those who do the will of the Father.

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. - Matt 12:50

So therefore the we must open our mind to see that the sheep is not merely the Jewish nation, but all those chosen by God who would accept the Word in their hearts.

(2) The sheepherder went to look for this lost sheep because it is of great value to him. The sheep is also alone, defenseless against prey, like wolves. The sheepherder, much like Jesus, our priestly king has been given unto us to fight for us against all that comes upon us. One of the messages here pertains to our eternal security once we have truly given ourselves to God.

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. -

John 10:25-29

Jesus therefore is sworn to protect and preserve our very fate. He seeks after us and is relentless in calling out to us. Are we listening? Do we recognize his voice when he speaks to us in dreams, visions, prophecy, etc? Is your life too busy for God, focused more on your social life, gambling, tv, games, going out, etc? I tell you the truth, the Christian walk is not for many or the strong, but the meek and weak, for those who realize they are will be given much strength in Christ to do battle. When you put away your idols and put on your armor and know the Word which is your sword, you will live as you truly should, for Christ.

Footnote: Note that Christ left the 99 sheep, why would he leave them unattended? I think we can see that in the midst of other believers, we too can be strengthened and our hope magnified in his return. Therefore, when you feel you have been abandoned by God, do not stray yourself from believers. Dwell with them, for you will surely be cheerfully waiting for His steadfast return. If you do stray and you are not completely dried up or hardened, you will see that God is pursuing you.

(3-5) In some Bible versions, the shepherd appears coming back home with the sheep over his shoulders. This is showing that if you let Jesus, He will carry you home. Our God does more than just draw us closer by His Word, but He in fact carries us along to understand and to come back home. The sheep appears to have done nothing, but let the shepherd carry him home. Just like I said on the previous message, a comment, you only have to LET GOD, BE GOD. Let Him be the one you depend on and call on, then you will see mighty things around you and in you grow.

Final Comments: See how the verses differ only slightly at the end. The Father wishes none should perish in the first and that it is much more joyous when one sinner repents than 99 who don't. God cares about everyone, including YOU!! He doesn't want you to be filled with yourself and think you don't need to repent. He wants you to see Him and how He loves you, but He cannot force this on you, because it wouldn't be true. Few of us will run towards real love when we see it. Jesus did not come for the righteous, he came for sinners who needed him. We must realize our sin, realize his bountiful work and love for us. We need to see how much we need him, much more then we say we need the things of this world. Just like on the Sermon on the Mound, 'Blessed are those poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' Matt 5:3. Strip yourselves of all things of this world, be poor in spirit so that their is a place for the Spirit to move in you and transform you. God's economy is not of this world, but in heaven. It is not of flesh, but of the spirit.

Parable Series: Part 2 - The Householder

^{Matt 13:52}

-He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."

-Todo *maestro de la ley que ha sido instruido acerca del reino de los cielos es como el dueño de una casa, que de lo que tiene guardado saca tesoros nuevos y viejos.

When I read this I see that teacher is really saying scribes. In the Jewish society scribes were diligent readers of the Old Testament, which is equally the inspired Word of God as the New Testament. After a time they lost the ability of reading the allegorical meaning of the Word and focused on the literal meanings. This caused hundreds of rules in the application of daily living and ceremonies, as opposed to seeing what God is doing spiritually. Again, life and being a Christian is not about what you do, its about what God is doing IN you. Not your net worth or physical health, but your spiritual health and God's economy (spiritual edification) through a true relationship with Christ. The Spirit of God yearns to be called and used, but these scribes failed to use the Spirit to discern the things of God.

John 3:8-12 - "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things?I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?

Here we see proof that when Jesus broke the things of God in broken up, edible (earthly) pieces, that they could still not understand. We must be diligent in prayer and reading to really receive the meanings of the Word of God. Teaching is a ministry from God, who is gladly waiting to give you this responsibility, but we must first be seek Him and use the Spirit to sanctify our thoughts and heart.

1. Phil 3:20 - Eagerly await the Saviour; pray to Jesus and read His Word.
2. Gal 5:5 - Use the Spirit to build your hope and faith for the one await for, He will surely bless you in your diligence with wisdom and hope.
3. 1 Cor14:12 - Over the spiritual gifts from the Spirit for self, seek the ones that build you and the church. (Please read the chapter to understand the full context)

In your diligence you will be like the best librarian ever, but about heavenly things and register truth from the Bible. You'll be able to dissect the Word like a surgeon, through the Spirit. The Bible is a 'storeroom' of knowledge we are free to learn and use in our life. See past the literal and really let the Spirit of God speak and apply the Word to your heart. Remember the Old treasures are equally as applicable as the New, but keep reading to get the full perspective of what God was doing through the ages.

2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Random Thoughts 9/25/10

I have been tested, you tell me wait. I have been bruised and scorned upon, and you tell me wait longer. I have been picked apart and you tell me wait still. I will be glad on all my days, because the shining pearl that is to be mine comes towards me the days I wait still . . .

He sido probado y usted me dice espere. He sido magullado y despreciado y usted me dice espere un poco más. He sido odiado y puesto aparte, aun usted me dice espérame todavía más. Estaré contento en todos mis días, porque la perla brillante que es de ser mío viene hacia mí los días cuales yo espero todavía. .

Post 2 of 2: Faith and Grace

Introduction:
In Post 1 of 2: Religion vs Faith touched mainly on Religion, but now I would like to take some time to be more thorough on the subject of Faith and consequently I must talk about Saving Grace, which is intertwine. Recall in what was previously quoted, "Observance of these rules and rituals is not what makes a person right with God. Rather, these rules and rituals that we observe are the RESULT of the relationship with God, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone as the Savior." Here we see it is by grace alone we are saved and there is nothing by which our hand we can be saved. So why does it state "through faith"? This was confusing to me and I am hoping the following is a good explanation. "⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Going back religion, the Christian may seem to be doing religious things, but this only comes through having a relationship with God do these things reflect (His godly nature) in you (because He is in you). Christians can only accept what is offered, salvation through faith, but salvation itself is not the outcome of our hands.

Faith is therefore a passive action, because it in itself does not save. Faith is belief in Christ Jesus and everything He has done already for us on the cross, as previously stated. Now, faith is expressed and is given evidence by doing godly works as proof, like following the law out of ones own heart. This can only be done as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 12:1-3. Therefore, we must renew our minds by meditating on his word (verse 12:2) and acknowledging him in all our ways. This leads us to see we have a struggle with the flesh, but we are victorious by the reliance of the Spirit.

1. "⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
2. " ¹Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^a]">[a] act of worship. ²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ³For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." - Romans 12:1-3

Now we can talk about Saving Grace. Grace is a gift from God, namely salvation and this gift is salvation, which is made available to us by God's atoning work on that cross where our King laid. Because it is a gift, we know we did not earn it nor merit it, it simply was and is given because He first loved us. We must put our faith on this and the results (fruits) are sure to follow.

Hopefully, I wasn't as scattered brain as I think I am reading this, but I hope it is something you can chew on and really be enlightened and encouraged to read on, for God's love and wisdom is limitless. I wrote this on the fly and pray it is along the lines of the Bible. Later everyone!

Part 1 of 2: Religion vs Faith

Introduction:
I am attempting to answer the difference between religion and faith based upon my study on the Bible as an interlude into faith versus (saving) grace. This is in response to a conversation I had with a friend and wanted to have it written out. I by no means think that this is an extensive study, please feel free to do your study and dig deeper into the foundation; the Truth revealed in Jesus Christ.

Religion - The Common Definition
Religion by many people I have spoken to has been defined as actions, which I can agree that it is more of an action than something passive. Unfortunately, most continue to explain or consider it as an organized system of how to live or be. Essentially the two components people say rules and rituals. We can note this with the Islam belief having a standard of 5 pillars to live by or Jewish people who consider the make up of their faith is by the hundreds of rules to observe. True religion is based on a relationship with God. Most religions if not all I have read about, consider that humans are separated by God and that we need reconciliation to Him. False religion seeks this by observing rules and rituals to get this reconciliation. True religion understands that only God can rectify the separation between us.

Religion - The Christian Perspective
"True religion does have rules and rituals, but there is a crucial difference. In true religion, the rules and rituals are observed out of gratitude for the salvation God has provided – NOT in an effort to obtain that salvation. True religion, which is Biblical Christianity, has rules to obey (do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not lie, etc.) and rituals to observe (water baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper / Communion). Observance of these rules and rituals is not what makes a person right with God. Rather, these rules and rituals are the RESULT of the relationship with God, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone as the Savior. False religion is doing things (rules and rituals) in order to try to earn God’s favor. True religion is receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and thereby having a right relationship with God – and then doing things (rules and rituals) out of love for God and desire to grow closer to Him." - http://www.gotquestions.org/true-religion.html

Faith - Short Answer
-Webster Dictionary: Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting solely and implicitly on his authority and veracity; reliance on testimony.
-Bible Dictionary: ^"1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ²This is what the ancients were commended for." Continue reading all of Hebrews 11

Parable Series: Part 1 - The Dragnet

Alright everyone, I am starting a new series on the Parables of Jesus, it should be less than 40 parts. This study typically follows along the lines of this site: http://www.bcbsr.com/survey/jpbl.html From their belief statements I have to agree that they are credible as can be. Please be sure not to take my word for it and realize that you as a discerning and thinking Christian should always investigate for yourself through the Word of God and prayer if something said is legitimate. I come humbly to share something that I'm learning. I will try to not reiterate everything on the website, instead I wanted to expand my thoughts here and would love your personal feedback so that we all can be edified. So without further hesitation:

The Dragnet - Matt 13:47-50 ^{(from amplified version)
"47}Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet which was cast into the sea and gathered in fish of every sort. ⁴⁸When it was full, men dragged it up on the beach, and sat down and sorted out the good fish into baskets, but the worthless ones they threw away. ⁴⁹So it will be at the close and consummation of the age. The angels will go forth and separate the wicked from the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God). ⁵⁰And cast them [the wicked] into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping and wailing and grinding of teeth."

What I have developed here is that the fish are Christians, we are set apart from whatever else is in the sea because the dragnet, the fishing net essentially, is what catches our attention. So what is the net? It must be the Gospel (believing it gets you caught), the Works and Life of Jesus Christ who brought us salvation and a relationship with God directly through and with Him. Now it says that NOT all the fish caught by the net was good. What makes the fish good or bad? Thinking about it as a fisherman, if you catch a dead fish, it's bad/spoiled, but if it is alive you keep it because it remains fresh. Therefore, we must remain living Christians, Christians that are living for the Gospel even on the final hour. We cannot be satisfied with the saying "I'm saved, I don't have to do anything else now." This is a dead Christian, please read on faith and fruits of the Spirit. If you are saved you must be alive, if you are alive, you must bear Spiritual fruit, if you are bearing fruit, you should be maturing that fruit. The devil likes to satisfy us with the idea of thinking your done, which is slothfulness and lazy. God always wants your very best on the other hand and wants to increase your spiritual potential. Furthermore, I have to say that we as Christians must always be on guard to do what is right and holy before God and among men and women to give testimony. If you are not on guard you are sleeping, when you sleep and not guarding the enemy can come in your camp to kill. When a tree does not get tended by the gardener or receive rain or sunlight it will surely shrivel and die. The same is with our Christian spiritual life; are we being tended by our Lord Jesus Christ? Are we asking the Father to rain mercy and kindness on us? Are we asking the Spirit to shed light on us so our branches extend for further growth?

At this point then you may be asking, what must I do to be a good/living fish? Seek Christ and do as He says. You will see that He wants you to shed light to this world and stand for what is right. Therefore, you must understand what is true and right and holy, which can only be done by reading the Word of God for yourself. Yes 'once saved, always saved,' but are you REALLY saved? Remember, Christianity is not about doing good, most philosophies and theologies portray that notion. What makes Christianity distinct is a direct relationship to God, through Jesus Christ, who is coequal with the Father and Spirit. That said I'm not saying make banners and run up to your friends telling them to change. Again, keep reading and asking the Spirit for guidance, for He will surely and gladly give it to you. He will dispense a sincere, humble, loving, and patient heart to be able to talk to others when He directs you or quite simply be an example through your good ethics/morals/diligence.

So, have you been caught by the net? Are you a bad or dead fish that will be thrown out in the wild to suffer because you truly did not believe and live out as though you believed? Or will you be the good fish that will be preserved in salt because of your faithfulness? . . . Just one person's thoughts. . .

Blog on Cursing the Christian Perspective

I've been around some people that say they are Christian, while they are constantly either cursing and/or putting other people down. I'm not saying they are not true believers, but they are definitely not mature/maturing Christians based on the Word of God, which I agree! I'm not here to judge, but as the Lord did, be put on a lamp stand, be the lamp and let the Lord shine His light through us. I know that brothers/sisters who do still have worldly tendencies and this is the result of either them pausing/stopping their pursuit in the Lord with all their heart, their mind, and strength or refuse to make God Lord (master) not just Savior. So, lets read the following bellow. Again, not to rebuke the individual, but rebuke the sin so that the person may be edified by the Truth, so that they cannot say I never knew that. This is what the Bible says:

1. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Eph 4:29
2. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech." 1 Peter 3:10
3. "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." James 3:9-12
4. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

So therefore brothers and sisters, do not settle in living without seeing, pick up your Bibles and learn what God calls us to be for this world, salt to preserve and light to shine the Truth and the glory of Jesus Christ. It will not save you playing dumb and saying that "I didn't know." (Read the parable of the 4 types of Christians, only one will make it all the way, the one who seeks and tests the Word, which will see the Truth and use it in their life). Well I hope this truly shed some light. It is not meant to point a finger at the individual, but instead point out the works of the inner man that must be put away before we can claim a true believer.

God bless in your walk with Christ.

An Empty Culture

Comments from the article “The Priorities and Consequence of an Empty Culture” from The Christian Watershed (www.thechristianwatershed.com – 7/9/10)

After reading this article the phrase that was still ringing in my ear was “we are told to better ourselves by what we buy” and even more so on censoring our eyes to reality. This is the new “American” motto that will bring itself first to enslavement and second, inevitably, to its downfall.

“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” Luke 8:14

“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7

Look around at what people are buying, 60” TVs and Yachts, and the people they idolize, Lady Goo Goo; typically it is fanatically over people in the fortune 500 club and million dollar superstars. The rich and famous country club membership is becoming less and less exclusive, because everyone is compounding themselves into debt to get in and/or mirror the vanities of those we idolize. Our nation is no different; instead of protecting the borders or the rights of its citizens, America takes lethargic actions while the overcast nears.

The Problem: Sin is definitely blinding and both the media and we buy into it to shield ourselves from the truth. Truth about greed, slothfulness and most importantly that we are not perfect. We live in a world promoting blindness; ask the last place of a youth soccer team who still gets a trophy. It is okay to root for valiant efforts, but it’s better for that child to admit defeat in humbleness and learn that one must work harder to get better, but still may come out empty handed. Sin tells us I deserve a trophy or if I work hard I should get everything that I want and my way.

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Proverbs 21:20

The Solution: Honorable living comes from seeking what the hand of God asks of what our lives should be and following it, which is far better and holy. Let’s face reality, which can be given to us by our Father in Heaven. We need to hunger for the things that are right, even if it’s hard to swallow. We need to prioritize; you do this by building a good work ethic and living virtuously. We need to focus on saving money and when we can afford to offer it back to God in donations for relief foundations. If you want to travel, why not save with a friend and do a mission trip; your money is well invested because you helped others in need, you got to travel somewhere new and exciting, and most importantly you keep your eyes open to the reality of this world. Also, be bold. You need to live it and teach it to the youth, expose others to this more fulfilling lifestyle, in meekness and in Christ.

More Scripture:
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Luke 14:28-30

“Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24

Intro to my blog = Introducción

Mi primer intento = My first try.

I’m here to discuss the word of God. I want this place to be an open journal for those who wish to discuss honestly and respectably what the Word of God says. I would appreciate comments that are truly thoughtful and refrain from explicit language. Also, I am not a native speaker, but do wish to learn how to properly write in my family’s language, Spanish. So my Spanish writing skills will be rustic at first, but I hope by the end it is as good as yours. My family is from El Salvador and I’m proud to stay it, because its name alone recognizes that there is a Savior, our God. I seek meekness and diligence in keeping His word. Brothers and sisters have faith today, meaning walk as if I already know the things I hope for will come. And I also have hope for tomorrow, which keeps me goal oriented.

Estoy aquí para hablar de la palabra de Dios. Quiero que este lugar sea un libro abierto de mis pensamientos a los cuales desean leer e comentar con honestidad y siempre respectar lo que la palabra de Dios dice. Apreciara comentos que son bien pensados y se refrenan de palabras sin educación. Como me puedo imaginar te has dado cuenta que no soy un hablante fluente, pero si deseo hablar la idioma de mis padres. Sin embargo mis ‘blogs’ empezaran rustico y con un poco de suerte en tiempo sería bueno tal como la tuya. Mi familia es de El Salvador y soy orgulloso a decirte esto porque el nombre reconoce que hay un Salvador, nuestro Dios. Busco mansedumbre, humildad y diligencia en mi mantenimiento de la Palabra de Dios. Hermanos y hermanas, hoy reclama tu fe, significando que tenemos caminar como si ya sabemos que las esperanzas de mañana serán. Y también tengámonos esperanza para mañana para mantenernos en el blanco. (Objetivo)