The Christian Life, Monroe, WA (2026)

09/06/2026

Galatians 6:7-8 | God Is Not Mocked | Sowing to the Flesh vs the Spirit
Stop being caused to wander; God is not mocked; for that which a man sows, this also he reaps. Because the one sowing unto the flesh, himself out from the flesh reaps corruption. But the one sowing unto the Spirit, out from the Spirit reaps eternal life (Galatians 6:7–8).

The term ‘sowing’ refers to the act of planting seeds and serves as an apt metaphor for the outcomes of a person’s conduct. Just as seeds yield only the plants from which they originate, the source of an individual’s actions determines the nature of the resulting works.
The flesh is inherently corrupt due to the sinful nature within it (Romans 7:18). Although its actions may appear righteous, they are ultimately regarded as ‘filthy rags’ before God because they are motivated by self-effort and personal gain (Isaiah 64:6). Among the works of the flesh is sorcery, which should not be understood merely as the use of magic or supernatural power through evil spirits, spells, or charms—concepts often rooted in folklore and myth. Instead, genuine sorcery involves religious superstitious awe, encompassing rites, songs, and experiences. Elements such as dress, rituals, worship services, and specific locations are employed to inspire awe, positioning the practitioner as possessing a unique connection to the divine. While these practices are commonly associated with pagan religions, they can also be present in various religious contexts, including within the Church, when intended to foster a sense of closeness to God (Revelation 18:23). Such works of the flesh generate religious zeal that may deceive many through music and services focused on emotional satisfaction rather than truth (Galatians 5:20). Since God seeks worshippers who engage in spirit and in truth, these fleshly works are ultimately ineffective in serving Him (John 4:24). Similarly, all other works of the flesh may strive for a positive appearance but ultimately result in corruption.
In contrast to the works of the flesh, the fruit belonging to the Spirit is evident (Galatians 5:22–23). This fruit is manifested in Christians when the Holy Spirit fills areas of deficiency (Ephesians 5:18). Such transformation occurs when the mind is oriented toward spiritual matters, resulting in conduct guided by the Spirit with each decision and action (Galatians 5:16, 25). These fruits yield eternal life, understood as the active expression of God’s quality of life (Romans 8:6b). The foundation of these works is love, which seeks the highest good for others and does not arise from self-effort or personal gain (John 13:34; 1 Corinthians 13:4–8).
If we sow to the flesh, even through religious activities, the outcome is corruption, as the flesh is incapable of producing anything else. Conversely, sowing to the Spirit naturally results in reaping eternal life (Galatians 6:8). Eternal life fosters spiritual maturity and produces works that are consistent with our calling in Christ, as they are performed from the righteousness we have in Christ rather than as an attempt to attain righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30).
We inevitably reap what we sow. Pursuing the desires of the flesh and emotions consistently leads to a life marked by instability and dissatisfaction. Such a life is characterized by continual spiritual searching, frequent fluctuations, and vulnerability to misleading teachings. Individuals engaged in these practices may attempt to please God through fleshly worship or self-help messages, but these efforts ultimately result in works related to death. The consequences include behaviors such as fornication, adultery, divisions, heresies, contentions, jealousy, envy, and strife.
In contrast, sowing to the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, objectivity of mind, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). These qualities do not require regulation by law, as they arise solely from spiritual freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Being a Christian does not grant the ability to alter the outcomes of one’s actions before God. Each individual reaps what they have sown, and God cannot be deceived. If we sow to the flesh, spiritual growth and fellowship with God are hindered. Conversely, sowing to the Spirit while walking in the light fosters fellowship with God and results in works characterized by genuine righteousness, as the Spirit guides us (1 John 1:7; Galatians 5:18).

Memory Verse

09/05/2026

Genesis 21:22–33 | The Well of Seven
And it came to be at that time, and Abimelech, and Phichol the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all which you do. And now, make an oath with me by God here. You will not deal falsely with me and with my offspring, and with my prosperity because of the favor with which I have done to you, you do to me. And with the land in which you dwell in.” Genesis 21:22–23.

Abimelech, whom God rebuked for taking Sarah from Abraham, comes to Abraham with the captain of his army to make an oath with him. Abraham agrees not to deal falsely with the king of the Philistines, his offspring, nor his prosperity. Although Abraham did not lie to Abimelech about Sarah, for she was his sister, he did not tell the king she was his wife. This nearly cost Abimelech his life. To ensure there is no misunderstanding of this nature again, Abimelech obtains an oath from Abraham.
Once the agreement was made, Abraham brought up an issue about a well. Abimelech’s servants seized a well that Abraham dug (Genesis 21:25). Abimelech claimed no knowledge of the event. After taking sheep and oxen to make a covenant between them, Abraham separated seven ewe lambs as a testimony to Abimelech that the well belonged to him (Genesis 21:28-30). Therefore, they called the place the well of seven (Genesis 21:31).
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree by the well having seven springs; this tree remains green all the time, as indicated by its Aramaic root, though botanically the kind of tree is unknown. Abraham used the tree as a symbol of God’s faithfulness and therefore invoked the name of the LORD, the eternal God (Genesis 21:33).

Memory Verse

09/04/2026

The Armor of God | Ephesians 6:10–18 Stand Firm Against Satan
In Ephesians 6:10–18, we are given the faith. This is the doctrine by which we stand firm against an attack from Satan (1 Peter 5:9). Satan roams around like a roaring lion seeking those whom he may overwhelm (1 Peter 5:8). Therefore, his attacks are not provoked. Instead, they come when he identifies a weakness that he can exploit (1 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 2:11).
This type of warfare is not physical; it is spiritual (Ephesians 6:12). Spiritual relates to what is rational (1 Corinthians 2:11). Therefore, he desires to manipulate how you logically view a situation. Since Satan cannot touch a Christian, this has to be done through exterior influences or thoughts that are cast into the Christian’s mind (1 John 5:18). The armor of God is designed to protect our thoughts so that we are strong in the Lord and the manifestation of his intrinsic strength to stand firm against Satan (1 Peter 1:13; Ephesians 6:10).
We see this strength to stand firm when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus was tempted for forty days and forty nights, not just the three temptations recorded in Scripture (Mark 1:13). He was tempted in every way we are solicited to do wrong (Hebrews 4:15). Satan attacks with reasoning, not irrational, emotionally based desires. “Since you are the Son of God ...,” Matthew 4:3. Jesus’ response was rational and based upon the truth of God’s word. “Man will not live by bread alone, but by every utterance that proceeds from the mouth of God,” Matthew 4:4.
When we are ignorant of Satan’s methods, we set ourselves up for an attack (2 Corinthians 2:11). His methodologies intend to persuade us to act independently of God. He wants to ensnare the Christian into doing his will (2 Timothy 2:26). Therefore, we must understand how he attacks us. His techniques involve independence from God (James 4:13-17), pride (1 Timothy 3:6), disappointment (Job 3:1-26), discouragement (Job 10:1-22), bitterness (Job 7:11), doubt—a mental process by which a person persuades themselves to go against God’s standard based upon the circumstances they face (James 1:6), cowardice in spiritual things (Luke 22:31), lying (Acts 5:1-4), an ungracious spirit (2 Corinthians 2:10-11), stealing (Ephesians 4:27-30), corrupt communication (Ephesians 4:27-30), laziness in spiritual things (1 Timothy 5:11-15), gossip (1 Timothy 5:13), and busybody (1 Timothy 5:13).
Satan is the prince of the world system. He governs it through his methods (Ephesians 2:2). This means he controls the world’s financial, industrial, cultural, and judicial systems. Disappointment, discouragement, and even bitterness can arise when he uses the world system against us. Although we work hard and save to obtain even a simple life, situations arise that constantly take our funds. Whether it’s health issues, accounting errors in business, repairs, finding employment, or any other unexpected expense, these situations can get very frustrating and are perfect opportunities for Satan to attack a saint.
This is why it is important to put on the armor of God when we identify these types of desires arising in us. Putting on involves the mental process of going through each aspect of the armor and aligning our thoughts with the truth it relates to. The armor is a mental process, not a fictitious placing of physical armor on the body in the mind. We start with girding our loins with truth (Ephesians 6:14). The loins are the sensitive part of your mind, not the physical loins. Satan does not attack us with sexual desires. Those are from the sin nature and must be handled accordingly. Satan wants to persuade us through casting thoughts into our minds to be discouraged, disappointed, lie, become bitter, and even lazy in spiritual things. He uses all his methods to prevent us from living out who we are in Christ (1 Peter 1:13). Therefore, we need to protect what is going through our minds by seeing things as they really are. He may use anxiety based on what-ifs. We are going to cast our anxiety upon God because He has a personal interest in us (1 Peter 5:7).
When we discover we are under attack, it is important to put on the whole armor. Satan is not going to stop with simply casting thoughts to see if you will bite. He will question your righteousness. If we base our righteousness on what we are doing, he can easily cause us to focus on a work-based life, which always leads to independence from God.
Therefore, we continue by putting on the breastplate of righteousness. We do this by recognizing that we are righteous in Christ. If our actions don’t line up with how we should be acting, the solution isn’t to work harder. It is to realign our mind with truth and start acting according to who we are in Christ. In the same way Jesus responded, we are to follow suit. Just as man cannot live by bread alone, I am only righteous because I am in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30). This is not a righteousness that is based upon my works. When he attacks with this method, use it as an opportunity to get your mind focused on who you are in Christ. I am righteous in Christ, and therefore, I do righteousness because of who I am, not to obtain something.
With our thoughts focused on reality and our righteousness based upon who we are in Christ, we turn our minds to salvation. This attack may allow us to share the gospel with others as they see our conduct under pressure. Thus, we prepare our feet to be ready with the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). We look for opportunities to share the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Along with this also comes the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17). We are saved by grace through faith. Even when we fail to live up to who we are in Christ, we still have the benefits of possessing all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3–4). Our response should be to use what we have, not to be sorry for what we are not doing.
We are also to take the shield of faith, which is taking God at His word, and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:16–17). Both relate to Scripture and the promises God has given us.
Once we have put on the whole armor, we are to stand firm (James 4:7). The situation we face may not change, but our attitude toward it can, so Satan cannot use it to take advantage of us. Satan does not want us to see things as they really are. He desires to persuade us to live our lives based upon the possibilities rather than the reality. With the full armor on, let us focus on being content with what God has given us. Remember, He will never leave us, nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He does not promise us health, wealth, and happiness. Rather, when we desire to live godly, we will face persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). However, suffering for righteousness is a thing of grace (Philippians 1:29). God has a personal interests in us (1 Peter 5:7). When life is not going the way we want, rather than getting frustrated, lets get our mind focused on what we have in Christ and our desires lined up with God’s will (1 John 2:17).

The Christian Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In Ephesians 6:10–18, we are given the faith.

09/04/2026

Philippians 4:13 Explained: Strength IN Christ, Not Through Christ
I effectuate all things by the One who strengthens me in Christ (Philippians 4:13).

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul addresses the theme of contentment. He describes his potential strength to endure both humble circumstances and abundance (Philippians 4:12). Consequently, he has learned to be content in any situation (Philippians 4:11). The phrase “all things” in verse 13 specifically pertains to contentment, rather than to general aspects of life.
Many modern translations, such as the NASB, NIV, and NET, omit the word “Christ” in this passage. Despite this, prevailing interpretations often identify Christ as the one who strengthens, largely due to the enduring influence of the King James Version (KJV) within English-speaking Christianity. The KJV includes the phrase “through Christ,” suggesting that Christ mediates the ability to do all things. This interpretation persists even though other translations do not contain the word “Christ.” However, an examination of the original text reveals that Christ does not directly strengthen the Christian in this manner, nor is the strengthening accomplished through Christ. Instead, it reveals that the agency by which a Christian can be content in any situation is from the One who strengthens believers in Christ. The inclusion of “Christ” in the original manuscripts indicates the sphere in which this empowerment occurs. The One who enables Christians to be content in any circumstance does so within the realm of their position in Christ.
According to 1 John 2:27, the Holy Spirit—the anointing believers receive—teaches individuals how to remain at ease in Christ. This instruction is directly connected to the concept of contentment in all circumstances. Therefore, in Philippians 4:13, Paul refers not to Christ, but to the Holy Spirit as the One who provides strength in Christ.
The term translated as “do” in Philippians 4:13 does not signify “to perform,” but rather denotes wieldable strength—the full potential physical power within an individual. Paul asserts that he possesses the potential strength to be content in any circumstance, a capacity endowed upon him by the One who empowers him in Christ. This effectual strength, whether in prosperity or adversity, is attributed to the Holy Spirit, who instructs believers in how to remain at ease in Christ. Thus, while “do” may suggest action, the original term refers to wieldable strength.
The omission of “through Christ” in many modern translations results from textual variations among manuscript copies of the original writings. The Critical Text, which underlies most modern English translations such as the NASB, NIV, and NET, excludes the word “Christ” based on the assumption that it was a later scribal addition. Scripture includes instances where scribal notes were inadvertently incorporated into the text, as in 1 John 5:7–8, which was added from the Latin. Careful examination of manuscript evidence makes such intrusions relatively easy to identify. In Philippians 4:13, however, all three major text families, including the Alexandrian family favored by the Critical Text, contain the phrase “in Christ.” Therefore, the inclusion of “in Christ” is well supported by manuscript evidence. The exclusion of “Christ” in Philippians 4:13 is thus not grounded in manuscript data, but rather reflects personal or theological preference.
Even when certain English translations omit “Christ,” the broader scriptural context indicates that the Holy Spirit, rather than Christ, is the One who provides strength. Including the phrase “in Christ” enhances comprehension by clarifying both the source of this effectual strength and the sphere in which it is experienced.
Another issue arises with the KJV translation. While the KJV includes “Christ,” it employs a preposition that does not accurately reflect the original meaning. The phrase “through Christ” suggests agency, implying that Christ is the one strengthening believers. However, the original text conveys a sense of sphere or location rather than agency. Therefore, Paul’s intended phrase is “in Christ.”
The primary action in the sentence is “I am effectually strong,” supported by the participle “endowed with strength,” which identifies the source of this effective strength. The participle appears in an instrumental form, indicating the means by which Paul possesses an efficacious strength applicable to all circumstances. Effectuate relates to the capacity to produce a desired effect or result. While potential strength may suggest mere possibility, the effectuate aspect grounds this strength in the actual, intrinsic power Christians possess in Christ. Thus, the capacity for contentment is integral to the believer feeling at ease in his position in Christ.
The terms I am using to describe what Paul is stating are a bit bookish, but do not let them distract you from what is being revealed. Paul is describing the type of strength within a person that is the source of their ability. He is not simply saying we can do all things; rather, he is describing the strength we have because of our position in Christ. As we are taught to abide in Christ by the Holy Spirit, the strength He gives us is sufficient in every way to be content in any situation. This underlying strength comes from the Holy Spirit, enabling a believer who understands and lives out his position in Christ to be content in poverty or wealth, without either affecting the objectivity of his mind as he lives out who he is in Christ.

Memory Verse

09/03/2026

Matthew 6:5 | The Kingdom Prayer Is for Israel, Not the Church
And when you worship, do not be as the hypocrites, because they are fond of standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets to worship; thus they appear to men. Truly I say to you that they have been paid in full their reward (Matthew 6:5).

Worship is giving God credit for Who He is and what He has done. Those who desire to display themselves before men make a show of their worship. This is no different than the vain repetition of the Gentiles to their false gods (Matthew 6:7). Jesus instructs the Jews to worship in secret, not for the purpose of making a display before men (Matthew 6:6).
In the Millennial Kingdom, which is the Kingdom of the Heavens, the Father will look after Israel; for this reason they are told not to use a great deal of words or to engage in empty repetition in order to win favor with God and get what they want (Matthew 6:8). Jesus then instructs Israel on how they should address the Father in prayer. Their communication is to start with worship, in which they recognize the Father and acknowledge that He is unique among all others—hallowed be Your Name (Matthew 6:9). Next, their attention should be on the coming kingdom of the Father and on His desirous will being carried out (Matthew 6:10). By this Jesus means the end of the Millennial Kingdom when the kingdom will be handed over to the Father and new heavens and a new earth will be created (1 Corinthians 15:24). From that time on, righteousness will come to rest and will be at ease since there will be no further unrighteousness (2 Peter 3:13). Although righteousness governs in the Millennial Kingdom it is not yet at ease because there are still unrighteous men among the saints (Hebrews 1:8; Matthew 13:41).
Once they have worshipped and brought their thoughts in line with what is going to happen, they are to ask for their daily food (Matthew 6:11). On the other hand, regarding food, Christians are told to make supplication and take it with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:4–5). Although this aspect may at first sight appear insignificant, it represents a clear difference in how Christians communicate today with God and how Israel will communicate with God about food during the Millennial Kingdom.
When communicating with God the Father, Jesus tells them to remember the people who are in debt to them and also their debtors. In the same manner that they send away the debt owed to them, they are to ask that their own debt be sent away (Matthew 6:12). How they forgive will be the standard by which they themselves are forgiven (Matthew 6:14–15). They must forgive others for any trespass in the same way in which they themselves wish to be forgiven for their trespasses. The trespass in question is an unlawful act of entering or staying on land or premises without permission; it does not relate to a mental trespass, that is, a decision to violate God’s standards.
Christians are not instructed to forgive because they live by a higher standard; instead, they are told to be gracious toward one another. The word ἀφίημι (aphiēmi) means to send something away; thus, it means to forgive. Christians are commanded to be gracious (χαρίζομαι—charizomai) towards other saints (2 Corinthians 2:10). Since many English translations do not clearly distinguish between forgiveness and being gracious, the idea may at first appear confusing. But if we take the time to look at the meaning of each word in the passages which tell Christians to forgive, we shall see that it is always about being gracious. Christians are indeed told to be gracious even towards themselves (Ephesians 4:32). The standard of grace that applies to a Christian is the same as that of love; Christians are to be gracious in the way that Christ is gracious towards them (Colossians 3:13). Being gracious involves giving a fellow saint a benefit without regard to merit. It does not allow a person who has harmed another to continue that harmful behavior. The saints who continue to sin are to be rejected by the brethren until they have permanently stopped their unrighteous or sinful actions (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14–15; 1 Corinthians 5:11–13; Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10). With regard to those who are not in the Church, Christians are instructed to let God handle the situation (1 Corinthians 5:12–13; Romans 12:17–19).
After dealing with their debts, Jesus instructs the Israelites to request from God that they may not be led into temptation but rather be delivered from the malignantly evil one (Matthew 6:13). During the Millennial Kingdom, Satan is bound (Revelation 20:2), and the world system is crushed (Psalm 2:8–9). Therefore, Jesus is not referring to deliverance from Satan or his demons; instead, this is deliverance from men who intend to spread their wrongdoings to others. There will still be unrighteous men in the Millennial Kingdom, even though righteousness will be in control. If such men go beyond the boundary and deliberately decide to do something that they know is against God’s standard, they will be judged and thrown into the lake of fire (Matthew 5:29). In the Kingdom of the Son, all those who scandalize and commit lawlessness will be judged (Matthew 13:41–42). Yet not all unrighteousness is scandalous or sinful. Unrighteousness is the broader term; it includes the inward determination to act lawlessly—a trespass, that which is scandalous—something that causes a deep moral offense, and sin, which is an act of lawlessness, together with all that is done in a wrong manner (1 John 5:17). Therefore, if they are persuaded to act in a manner that is wrong, they will be held liable for their actions. Thus, they are to ask the Father not to permit them to be led into temptation.
Compared with how temptation is dealt with in the Millennial Kingdom, nowadays Christians are told to be content even when they suffer various temptations, since the testing of their faith results in patience (James 1:2–3). Christians are not told to ask God to keep them from being tempted. On the other hand, the Christian who endures a temptation by using the appropriate defense against the enemy’s attack will be awarded a victor’s wreath of life for living out the victory he possesses in Christ (James 1:12).
The Sermon on the Mount was delivered to the Israelites regarding the Messiah’s coming Kingdom; it does not relate to Christians in terms of how they should live their lives. Christians have more favorable promises because of a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6). The Millennial Kingdom will be a very different kind of situation from the one in which we now live; Satan will be bound, the present world system will be destroyed, and the Jews will have God’s law written on their hearts from birth. If anyone tries to apply any part of the Sermon on the Mount to the Christian life, they will end up with a system of works-based righteousness, which is exactly the opposite of the righteousness which the members of the Church already have through Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30). At present the believer lives out from faith, not out from sight (Romans 1:17). Today, belief begins by the Spirit; it is therefore not possible for Christians to be brought to maturity through the works of the flesh (Galatians 3:3). Do not take promises which belong to others and then try to claim them for yourself. This is not living out from faith.

Memory Verse

09/02/2026

Revelation 2:19–20 | Thyatira Church: Jezebel, Idolatry and Spiritual Fornication
I know your works, and the love and the faith and the service and your patience, and your works: the last is greater than the first. But I have against you that you permit your woman, Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and deceives My servants to fornicate and eat things sacrificed to idols (Revelation 2:19–20).

From AD 606 to 1520, Catholicism became the Church’s predominant condition. The works of this assembly are commendable and still impact the world today. The origin of hospitals, orphanages, and schools is rooted in the Church’s work. However, this assembly had a major issue with idolatry and spiritual fornication.
Through Catholicism, the worship of the saints and Mary became an entrenched teaching. These teachings are rooted in the prophetess Jezebel. The title Jezebel is taken from the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, who served Baal (1 Kings 16:31). When Ahab, the king of Israel, took Jezebel as his wife, she brought her idolatrous practices with her (1 Kings 16:32). Jezebel waged war against the prophets of the LORD, massacring them and setting 400 prophets of Baal and 450 prophets of Asherah in their place (1 Kings 18:4). Along with idolatry she manipulated the elders and nobles to manufacture false testimony against Nabor so that she could illegally obtain his land (1 Kings 21:10). This influence is displayed in the inquisition events: a series of judicial institutions and procedures supported by the secular monarchs used slay anyone who spoke against the Catholic church’s false doctrines.
Many pagan beliefs were brought into the Church through this assembly by mixing religious holidays. The timing of Christmas was set to the winter solstice, adopting the Yule tree, gift-giving, and winter worship. The Germanic goddess of spring still influences Easter celebrations through the worship of the Easter Bunny.
Christ gave this assembly time to change her mind, but she refused (Revelation 2:21). Therefore, she and her daughters will be cast into the Tribulation period (Revelation 2:22–23). This is not Christians going into the Tribulation, for all the saved are not appointed to any quality of God’s wrath, but to salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Each of her daughters takes elements of her spiritual fornication and idolatry. Today, the Catholic church is still strong, but only a shadow of what it originally was. Idolatry is a predominant teaching still held and taught through the worship of saints and Mary.
True orthodoxy today is not Catholicism. It is seen in the assemblies that mirror the assembly of Philadelphia, who hold to God’s word and guard His commandments (Revelation 3:7–8). These are not the Ten Commandments of the law, for the Church is under a different covenant built upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6; John 13:34; 1 Corinthians 14:37). Although the ritualistic nature of the Catholic Church still attracts many, today its focus is on idolatry and spiritual fornication, not truth.
Those among her who are believers are instructed not to follow the harlot and her ways. They reject her idolatry and the knowledge of the deep things of Satan (Revelation 2:24). The overcomers are those who base their salvation on the death of Christ on behalf of our sins and resurrection three days later (1 Corinthians 15:3–4), not on penitence and the worship of the saints.

Memory Verse

The Christian Life

09/06/2026

09/05/2026

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

09/02/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Place Of Worship

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request