All Nations Assembly of God

All Nations Assembly of God Our mission:: To reach the lost & seek a powerful spiritual leading...

Our Motto: Lord,how can we serve you better>>

Matthew 28:19 -20...(Therfore go & make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the father & the son & the holy spirit,& teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.& surly I am with you always,to the very end of the age.)

01/21/2024

Sharing Jesus 101 (part 2)

Many of us believe in our heart that sharing things about Jesus is important…, that the intellectual you…, the you that agrees that everyone needs to hear the gospel…, the you that thinks about how the world would be sooooo different if folks would make the choice to choose Jesus as their Lord and Savior……. BUT, that’s where it ends for most of us…, a thought…, a good idea. WHY? WHY does it end there? We’ll come back to that question in a few minutes.

As we think about the gospel, too often we determine that the responsibility of sharing the gospel is someone else’s job…. So is it someone else’s job? - Think about your salvation. Those of you who are Christians, how did you come to faith in Christ? Somebody shared the gospel message with you. It may have been a godly parent…, or grandparent…, it may have been a friend…, it may have been somebody who brought you to church, it may have been somebody you heard on the radio or watched on television…, but get this, it was someone…, someone you knew…, someone you trusted. If you’re truly saved, you heard the Word of God through them in some way. You see that’s God’s ordained way for us to be saved.

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

Again, somebody shared the gospel message with you so that you hear it. Someone spoke to the person that shared with you, and that person was spoken to by another, and another going back to the time of Jesus. Think about these salvation events as a chain that finally lead to you…, think about how the past unbelievers came to Christ. Imagine it as a chain with a billion links in it. It starts with God’s calling that unbeliever…, pulling at their heart…, filling their minds with a desire to know Him. How does God call an unbeliever to faith? He does it through “YOU” and me. Church we talked about that last week and determined God’s chosen vessel for the gospel is “YOU” and me. Folks, we’re that final link in the chain between a holy God in Heaven and that lost sinner He wants to save. When we share the gospel with somebody, we’re God’s mouthpiece:

2 Corinthians 5:20 says:
We (Who is “we”…, believers…, “we” meaning all of us)…, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

That’s why we have such confidence when we share our faith with an unbeliever. Whenever we share the Word of God, we’re not sharing our opinion; we’re literally God’s mouthpiece, sharing His invitation with that lost person. So I ask again…, whose job is it the share the gospel…, it’s every last one of us…, every Christian…, every believer…, and church we don’t have to worry if our gospel message is worded correctly or spoken with eloquence:

Isaiah 55:10-11 says, 10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Just like how rain and the melted snow brings about new life on the earth…, so does God’s word. God’s word is life and “it shall accomplish that which I (God) purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Let me reassure you God’s Word will accomplish the purpose for which it is sent forth. BUT, it’s our responsibility to share the Word of God. It’s the unbeliever’s responsibility to believe the Word of God. And ultimately, it’s God’s responsibility to do the saving. Did you here me? - God’s responsibility to do the saving.

Here’s the problem, we’re doubtful people…, we’re people who fear and when fear sets in…, well we tend to do nothing but worry and not a whole lot gets done…. What if talking about your faith felt as natural as discussing your family…, your work…, or your hobbies? That’s what I’m hoping for as we work on our series, Sharing Jesus 101.

Please hear me…, evangelism doesn't have to be uncomfortable. You're under no pressure to prove anything. Are you listening? - Evangelism doesn't have to be uncomfortable and you're under no pressure to prove anything. It really just comes down to having a conversation, and creating an opportunity for evangelism. You can spot these opportunities when you listen, because people talk about what's important to them. So think of evangelism as building a relationship with someone and intentionally planning to share Jesus as a part of everyday living.

Sharing Jesus 101 is not a comprehensive theology of evangelism or the methods by which that theological messages are communicated. Remember, we’re looking for simple…, we’re looking for an everyday conversation where we can take a moment to share Jesus. Sharing Jesus with others isn't a mystery. With a little work and a whole lot of prayer, it can be as natural as working a job, practicing a favorite hobby, or engaging in any other kind of daily activity. Church, I’m not asking you to memorize 40 verses…, I’m not asking to know the Bible from front to back…. Our goal is to share Jesus…, share what He’s done for you…, share what He’s done for other…, really, share what He can do for the person you’re sharing with. Trust me…, it will seem uncomfortable at first, but with time, practice, and prayer…, God will empower you. Church listen this prayer that Paul prayed over the church of new believers:

Ephesians 3:14-20
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us

Church there is a “power at work within us”…, a power the sets people free…, a power the destroys barriers…, a power that fills us “with all the fullness of God”. It’s laid out in verse 16, “power through his Spirit in your inner being”. Remember…, simple…, I don’t want to complicate things. We need this power that fills us “with all the fullness of God”.

The Spirit enables the believer to live an obedient life by empowering the believer to choose the right way. Let me say that again, the Spirit enables the believer to live an obedient life by empowering the believer to choose the right way. Part of that new life of Spirit-filled obedience is witnessing to the world of the saving power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As plain as I can make it, the Holy Spirit empowers us to witness. The Spirit actually testifies about Christ through us to the unsaved world. We join the Spirit’s testimony with our lives: in our actions and with our words.

The gift of the Holy Spirit was promised to the Church by Jesus Christ, and was given (poured out) on the Day of Pentecost. He immediately indwells each believer in Christ from the moment they are justified by faith in Christ. Without the Spirit’s work in us, we would never have become Christians in the first place. Without the Spirit’s work in us, we will never be witnesses for Christ now. In fact, without the Spirit’s continual work in us, we would cease believing in Christ altogether and would sink back into the mass of unbelievers in the world.

In other words, we’re totally dependent on the Spirit for everything…, this is where we’re going to end today, talking about the Spirit filling us…, empowering us to share Jesus. Listen, do you want people to hear your words or God’s words? - I going with God’s words…, His saving words. The Spirit is so important that Jesus ordered the disciple not to do anything till they were filled:

Acts 1:4-8
4 And while staying with them he (Jesus) ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Church there something we need…, something we need more than anything as we endeavor to continue with Share Jesus 101. Jesus said, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses”. Church we need that power…, that Holy Spirit power. We need that filling if we want our witness to be more than “our words”. As simple as I can make it, we need to be filled like the early church. I’m not talking about praying in disbelief or doubt…, but earnestly praying to be filled for the purpose of witnessing. So that’s where I want to end today…, praying. I think we’ve been thinking, and waiting long enough. It’s time for action, God’s action with in us…, His power indwelling us, and moving us to share Jesus…, AMEN.

Closing prayer

01/21/2024

Sharing Jesus 101 (part1)

I want to start today by sharing a few verses, and I want you to think about the theme behind these verses:

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

2 Timothy 1:8
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,

Colossians 4:5-6
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Mark 16:15
And he (Jesus) said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation”…, “making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt”…, ”do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord”…, “in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks…, YOU”

All these verses are asking something of “YOU”. Do you see it? You may not like it…, you may even deny it, but they ask “YOU” to open your mouth about the living God……. For me, God continues to open doors to folks who really need to hear the message of Jesus the Christ…, Jesus the Savior. Folks the doors are opening everywhere…, but we must walk through them. I can’t, your brothers and sisters can’t…, the Spirit of Jesus can’t make you walk through that door. So it comes down to making a choice, a choice I hope you’re willing to take, but if not…, I want to prepare you for.

Folks, maybe you’re afraid to share your faith because you don’t know what to say. Or maybe you’re sharing the Gospel but nothing is happening; people aren’t committing their lives to Christ. Are you doing something wrong? - Maybe, maybe not…, but keep in mind the heart of the receiver. Where are they spiritually speaking?

So listen up, you can’t open someone’s heart to the truth of the Gospel…, but God can, His Spirit can. I don’t want to discourage from sharing…, my hope is to encourage by knowing God wants to use “YOU” and do things through “YOU”. So it comes down to a willingness on our part to end the excuses. The Apostle Paul wasn’t eloquent, but God used him because he depended on the Holy Spirit to guide him:

1 Corinthians 2:1-5
2 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

God not only guided Paul, but many others in the Bible as well…, like Moses, who at first asked God to get someone else to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land…, or Jonah, who didn’t think the wicked Ninevites deserved God’s mercy and tried to run the other way.

Remember that God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called…. This isn’t me quoting something to get a reaction…, I quote this saying because it’s true. God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called…, and as Christians, we are ALL called to share what Christ has done. Some of Christ’s last words on earth were, “Go and make disciples of all nations” - Matthew 28:19. Sharing our faith isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a command. And God’s Spirit is with us when we obey Him.

What do “YOU” do? What do I do? What do we do? - I’m going to cover this question in depth throughout the series, but I want to give you a glimpse in this message. One of the best ways to share our faith is to live a godly life. Non-Christians often look at Christians as hypocrites…. Why, because we say one thing but do another. Show the example of Christ, others that you care…, spend time with them, help meet their needs and offer to listen when they have problems. You might not be able to answer all of their questions, but they can’t deny the reality of what Christ has done in your life. If you find this hard to do, perhaps God is speaking to you about your own need to walk more closely with Him every day.

Another important part of sharing your faith is to pray for those you interact with. If you can’t think of anyone who isn’t a Christian, pray for God to place someone in your life who needs Him. Folks, there are literally dozens of people in your circle that need to know Jesus…, if not more. After service today I want you to take a moment and write their name on a piece of paper or put their names in a note on your phone…, then get busy praying. I’m just trying to keep it simple.

Then also try these simple actions, a few good habit that can improve upon our witnessing: regular Bible reading…, regular prayer…, and going to church regularly. These things shouldn’t be done for attention or for the sake of doing them, but to help us grow in our faith…. Church, being passionate about Christ will help others see that there’s something different about you, and they will want to know what it is. You can also reflect Christ through kind words, patience, a gentle temperament, choosing to love even difficult people, carefully monitoring your behavior, and treating others with respect.

Here it is in as simplest terms possible, we need to do more than live godly lives. People need to hear the Gospel…, to hear that God loves them, Christ died for them and that they can have eternal life. People need to hear the words in Romans 10:

Romans 10:13-14
13 For “everyone (Who? - “everyone”) who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

Church we can follow these 4 simple steps to share the gospel:

1. Tell them about God’s plan…, God’s peace and life. Simply put it like this, “God loves you and wants you to experience the peace and life He offers. Maybe share this oldie but goody, “16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” - John 3:16-17. God has a plan for you…, a plan to save you from hell.

2. We need to share every sinners problem…, separation from God. Being at peace with God is not automatic. By nature, we’re all separated from Him. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” - Romans 3:23. God is holy, but we’re human and don’t measure up to His perfect standard. We’re sinful, and “the wages of sin is death” - Romans 6:23 An eternal punishment…, a punishment that never ends.

3. Talk about God’s remedy…, the cross. God’s love bridges the gap of separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, “24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” - 1 Peter 2:24

4. Our response…, receive Christ. What do we do? - We cross the bridge into God’s family when we accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” - John 1:12

With this 4 step process I’m not asking you to know the whole bible…, literally 5 verses. So get it out of your head that you need to know it all…, that a lie from the devil to get you off track. I’ve also order a few tools for you…, tools that will aid in sharing. I ordered them and I hope they get here by next week. Why did I do that? Because I believe we all need to be more about the Lord’s work. God wants to army you with truth, and so do I.

Church listen to this truth, to receive Christ, a person needs to do 4 things:

Admit they’re a sinner.
Ask forgiveness and be willing to turn away from your sins.
Believe that Christ died for you on the cross and receive Christ into your heart and life.

Romans 10:13 says, 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Here’s a prayer you can pray to receive Christ:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In your name, amen.”

Remember this is, Sharing Jesus 101…, it’s not a graduate course…, it’s Sharing Jesus 101, the basics. Let me close with these final thoughts.

Understand that your own life is a great part of your witness. If my relationship with Christ isn’t vital, then I really don’t have a lot to share. People not only listen to our words, they look at our life. We still fail and aren’t always a good example, so our only hope is to come to God and surrender to Him. It’s nothing that we can do. It’s God’s work.

So realize everyone has a story…, not a perfect story, but a story of redemption. You can’t just blunder into a situation and callously share without listening. The Bible says that Jesus was a friend of sinners. That’s our example…, to be a friend, to listen to people, see where they are, and then take them where they need to go.

The one thing I want to stress is that people are looking for a cure…, looking for something new. When you go to the doctor, you don’t say, “I have cancer.” Instead, you describe your symptoms. That’s where most people live. They only see symptoms. “I’m lonely…. I’m suffering from a broken relationship…. I’m stressed…. There’s darkness within me that I don’t know what to do with.” How do we share Christ with someone who is overwhelmed with their symptoms? We know the ultimate cure. It’s Jesus Christ. Jesus didn’t die for their symptoms. He died for their sins. Yet, people don’t wake up in the morning and think, “You know, I need to accept Jesus.” They wake up with the symptoms, and so as people who are attempting to rescue those who are lost, we need to start with their symptoms, show them the disease (sin), and take them to the ultimate cure (Jesus).

Here’s something else I want to stress…, Keep - it - simple. The Gospel is already simple. Christ died for our sins. He was buried. He rose again. We need to turn away from the things that are wrong in our lives, and accept what Jesus did on the cross for us and receive Him as Lord. Don’t complicate it. So many times we throw in things like our denomination or other doctrines or we use religious terms that a lot of people don’t understand. We end up confusing them and creating barriers. Explain the Gospel in a way that people can understand.

And lastly, stress the love of God. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (NIV). It starts with love, and that’s where we need to start. Ultimately, we have to explain that we’re all sinners and have violated God’s standards, and, because of that, there is a judgment. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23, NIV). But don’t start with that. People know they’ve done a lot of wrong things, but they first need to hear that God is still open to forgiving them.

Next week I want to go in-depth into this matter…, so be aware that I my call on you to help. All I ask is please be willing.

Closing prayer

08/19/2019

A NEW YOU…, Ephesians (part 15)

The journey to the “NEW YOU”, is exactly that..., a journey, or a walk. It’s something we work at everyday. As we read the Word and meditate on the content, the Holy Spirit begins His work..., “don’t do that, do this...., not now, later..., STOP, GO.” That’s why we need to emirs ourselves the Word as often as we can. What does the Holy Spirit do? - He reminds of what is written so we can follow His instructions, “don’t do that, do this...., not now, later..., STOP, GO.” This might be a check in our spirit or it might be an apt word spoken by someone else. The idea is that God can send a message from His Spirit to our spirit, bypassing our head and heart in some way. But I think more common is an apt word spoken by someone else: David had Jonathon, Saul/Paul had Ananias…, King Ahab had Elijah. Many times we hope for the burning bush…, but all too often, God uses another person. Either way it’s God speaking to us. Get this, the more we’re open to hear and do..., the more we will hear and do. The more we’re open to hear and do..., the more we will hear and do. Here’s the question…, do we truly want God’s heart on the matter or do we want our own? The journey to the “NEW YOU” is truly a journey filled with twists and turns that’s why it’s so important to seek God’s leading and/or Godly wisdom…. Paul offers this insight to better our journey:

Ephesians 4:25-32 (NIV)
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

A couple weeks ago we talked about Ephesians 4:1 as it relates to our journey. Paul gave this command, “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called”. What does it mean to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling”. Paul tells us in verse 17 that this means we don’t live like the world or behave like the culture. From last week see the calling means to: put off the old self which is corrupted by our deceitful desires, be renewed in our minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Put off the OLD YOU and put on the NEW YOU. From these verses we are going to dig a little deeper and learn what it means to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self.” Paul does this with a set of contrasts…, “stop this and do this.” These actions come from the renewing of our minds. What happens? - We stop a certain behavior and replace it another.

Put Away Falsehood/Put On Speaking The Truth (4:25)
The first behavior to put off is all falsehood. We live in a world where dishonesty is everywhere. Our calling is to be different. We no longer live like the world: deceitful and lying. The “NEW YOU” is growing in the Truth. The “NEW YOU” is removing the OLD deceitful and lying ways. What’s the result? - A new self that is created in the likeness of God…, a new self that speaks “truthfully to your neighbor”. This is reference from Zechariah 8:16 where the prophet directed Jerusalem and Judah to, “speak the truth to one another”.

Speaking the truth requires a renewing of the mind. Listen, we can become habitual lyres and not even know it. We cover the lie with a smile or say everything is OK…, but in reality we’re dying on the inside. We cover-up so we don’t look weak…, we cover-up so no one sees our shame. What happens? – The covering-up becomes our very nature. We must learn to speak truthfully to each other…, to be honest. Put Away Falsehood/Put On Speaking The Truth is step one.

26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. In other words Be Angry and Do Not Sin (4:26-27)
I’ve heard this text being used to vindicate what we call “righteous indignation …, or righteous anger”. This is what I mean: we have emotions; we all experience emotions, and yes God created these emotions in us. But how we act or react emotionally with regard to anger…, that’s where the tire meets the pavement. We can’t let our anger be mixed with sin. You may feel angry, but that doesn’t give you a license to act sinfully. So often we feel justified in our emotional anger. “Darn It you hurt me now I’m going to hurt you back”…. You can call it retribution…, but in the end it’s still revenge and it’s still sinful. Paul tells us we need to control our actions so anger doesn’t become sin. You may feel angry, but lashing out…, being hurtful to be hurtful, that’s not right.

Has this ever happened to you? You get in a huge fight with your spouse, then the phone rings suddenly. You let it ring a few times and take a couple of deep breaths. Then you answer the phone in a pleasant voice. What are you doing in that moment? – You’re showing that you’re able to exhibit control over our emotions. This is what Paul is commanded. The world blows up at other people when anger is experienced. The “NEW YOU” does not allow those emotions to spin out of control. You see, the world tells us it’s ok to be out of control and that keeping our emotions in check isn’t needed. But God’s Word says it’s good and needed for a time. What am I saying? We don’t need to act on our feelings…, EVERYTIME. We don’t need to act impulsively because we feel justified…, that’s acting like the world.

Then this, Paul says, “do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” In other words, don’t allow your anger to simmer. DON’T - CONTINUE - TO - BE - ANGERY. Why? - Because of the fallout. Festering anger leads to bitterness, outbursts, slander, or malice. Anger is dangerous and becomes a foothold to other sins. Did you get that? Anger is dangerous and becomes a foothold to other sins. Every moment we stay angry is another moment we give the devil opportunity. In the language of warfare we would say, “Don’t give the devil a beachhead.” Don’t give the devil room to move…, don’t give him what’s valuable to you: you, your time, your emotions. Because that’s exactly what your doing when you give in. Paul says this because anger…, uncontrolled anger will un-doubtable lead to sin. Listen, Satan wants destroy all that is good and holy in you life…, and anger is his tool. Deal with your anger…, set it aside for a time. Control your anger, but don’t let it consume you. What am I asking you to do? - Deal with it calmly. You have the power to do so. As the Holy Spirit renews your mind He teaches us there’s an alternative to exploding. Step one, Put Away Falsehood/Put On Speaking The Truth…, and step two, Be Angry and Do Not Sin.

Look at verse 28 again: Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Stop Stealing and Work
The stealer…, the thief turns into the giver. What an opposing picture. The taker becomes the gift giver. You don’t take what other people have…, you work for it. Work…, your job is how God provides for you. So get this, Christianity is not about stealing what other people have worked for. We need have a willingness to share or give, not take.

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

In other words we need to learn to be great givers. “So that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” The OLD YOU says, “We do not work to have.” The NEW YOU says, “We work to give.” In the book of Acts, fellow Christians were joyfully and willingly selling their goods and property to be able to give to the needy brothers and sisters in Christ. What am I saying? - We must be ready and willing to help one another out. “That’s my stuff, I worked hard for my stuff.” Is it really your stuff? Or, or is it God’s stuff in your care? I’m going with God’s stuff in my care.

As Christians our first step isn’t to run to the church treasury. The first step should be for us is stepping up…, to be generous and cheerful givers…. We should never have a hoarding or selfish attitude toward our possessions. If we do, then we fail to understand that all we have is given to us by God. What did God give us? His best, His all, His only son. Listen, enjoy the fruits of your labor, but know these things are given to you by God.

Step one, Put Away Falsehood/Put On Speaking The Truth…, and step two, Be Angry and Do Not Sin, Stop Stealing and Work. Then this:

29 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption
No Unwholesome Talk But Talk That Builds Up
Our words must be different, different than the rest of the world…, not curse words, not filthy words, and defiantly not misusing the Lord’s name. We say the words we hear from others…, look at our kids, especially when they little. I bet you’ve been embarrassed by what they’ve said ones or twice. I was…, but get this they repeat everything. Let me say, we’re not all that different from them. There was a time in my life where the “F” was like second nature to me. Every other word was “F” this of “F” that…, and God’s name was so misused I could feel Hell warming my feet. We need to watch our media intake, especially what we expose the kiddos to. Get this, we need a renewing of our mind to be able to have a clean conversation. Being Christian is not just avoiding bad language, but practicing wholesome language that builds up. What must come out of our mouths must be “good for building up.”

Before you say something you might regret, ask your self these questions: Will this statement build the person up or tear them down? Am I saying destructive words or helpful words? Are my conversations the words of healing or the words of harm? Then this, are my words encouraging to others?

Paul goes on to say, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” I’ve talked about grieving and quench the Holy Spirit in the past Listen, we grieve the Holy Spirit when we do things He “doesn’t” want us to do..., we quench the Holy Spirit when we refuse to do thing He “does” want us to do. We don’t want to guilty of either because it only harms our relationship with God. Understand, God saved us and made us his children so that we can belong to his family. We grieve in the Holy Spirit when we see the grace of God and continue to live in rebellion to God. God has come to save. We can’t refuse to clean up our language. We can’t refuse to give to those in need. We can’t refuse to put away lies and our deceitful nature. We can’t refuse to control our anger. If we do, we’re grieving the Holy Spirit. Step one, Put Away Falsehood/Put On Speaking The Truth…, and step two, Be Angry and Do Not Sin. No Unwholesome Talk But Talk That Builds Up and Lastly…, Put Away Harsh Traits and Take On Gentle Traits:

Verse 31-32 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

In other words, Put Away Harsh Traits “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice”…, AND…, Take On Gentle Traits
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Paul under the inspiration of the Spirit and God, would love to see changes in our character. All bitterness, rage, anger, brawling slander, and malice must be put away from us. Again, the world acts like this. Bitterness should never have a hold in a Christian’s life. Hear me, bitterness blows out the candle of joy and leaves the soul in darkness. Bitterness blows out the candle of joy and leaves the soul in darkness. We can’t be bitter against one another: not out marriage partner, not with our kids, not with our in-laws, not with our friend our Co-workers, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. The root of bitterness is just beneath the surface…, it’s easily hidden or camouflage. Seldom do we find anyone who will admit that they’re a bitter person. They’ll deny it till the end or disguise it. A bitter person is, overly critical of others, narrow-minded, sometimes ungrateful, likes to be in charge, and holds grudges like no other. Does that sound like a health way to live? NO!!!

Then this, no human deserves our rage. This is how we justify rage in our minds. Someone does something and they deserve our rage or anger. We’re setting ourselves up as a God: judge, jury and executioner. It’s as if our way must never be violated. Who do we think we are venting unfiltered and uncontrolled anger on some one? In that moment, we’re being selfish and God’s grace is far from our hearts. The NEW YOU needs to be better…, more loving, more caring, more compassionate.

Then brawling…, the ESV uses the word Clamor. Clamor means just like it sounds. Making noise out of anger. Slamming doors, banging objects, and throwing things out of anger just to cause a ruckus…, that’s sinful. Why do we do that? - We do that rather than yelling…, that people slams everything in sight to show their displeasure. That’s just as much of a sin as rage or slander. We’re not to speak hurtful words toward others…, or incite with our words, others to decimate other peoples character. Remember, Paul said, “Be anger but do not sin.” There must not be ill-will or grudges towards others.

Then last on the list, malice: desiring to cause pain, injury, or distress to another. Malice is such a dark word. This is where we go out of our way to cause: hurt or shame…, we go far beyond critical words with the intent to hurt or shame. We’re not to have ill-will toward another, but goodwill. Again the NEW YOU needs to be better…, more loving, more caring, more compassionate.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Be kind to one another. Be compassionate or tenderhearted to one another. In other words, do good to each other. It’s shocking to think that we can more patient and do more good to strangers…, than we do toward our fellow brothers and sisters “IN Christ”! We do good toward co-workers, but not to our spouse! We do good toward the homeless, but not to our kids! We do good toward other churches, but not to the person in the seat next to us every Sunday. How can this be? Listen. We’re to display kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to others, but let’s not forget about the people closest to us.

The NEW YOU requires a renewal of the mind. We must change our way of thinking. We must not justified in our unrighteous behavior. That kind of thinking only leads to darkness. The NEW YOU doesn’t harbor bitterness or insights grudges. The NEW YOU shows love, kindness, goodness, and compassion. How this done? – When we allow the Holy Spirit to pe*****te our minds with these words:
“forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

God showed the greatest compassion and kindness the moment He. He doesn’t blow you us when we make mistakes. God never slander us or makes clamoring noises when we mess up. God never ever harbors malice toward us when we show disregard for He did at the cross. God might be disappointed, but He’s still kind and compassionate. I know it’s hard to understand…, but He’s God and He loves us despite our many imperfections.

“Put off your OLD SELF, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and … put on the NEW SELF, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” Ephesians 4:22b-24 NIV.

Stop: falsehood, sinning from anger, stealing, corrupt talk, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice.
Practice: speaking the truth, resolving anger calmly and productively, working to share, speaking words that help and build up, kindness, compassion, forgiveness.
Renew the mind: by looking to Jesus who practices these things toward us everyday.

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