I See You

Some otherwise strong Christians believe Christians should abstain from voting and taking part in elections and political issues. This is not the case.

We are called to share Christ with the world. We are also called to be salt and light.

Christians must put forth the values Jesus taught us in the Bible. Calling a representative to give him your opinion of this or that issue is a way to be salt and light. Voting for a candidate that stands for Christian beliefs is another.

It’s easy to get caught up in the argument that this candidate did such and so forth and should not be voted for or the lesser of two evils argument. This choice can be discerned with Bible teachings. Ask what is the platform of the political party. You may easily find the answer there. Then ask what is the record and stance of the candidate. Once again an answer may present itself quickly. Remember that no man is perfect.

The Bible has no gray areas of right and wrong. That is why we are called closed minded so often. God said there is a right and there is a wrong. He didn’t mention an “eh” area or “it doesn’t effect me” area. Our vote is to put forth Christ in a dark, sinful world.

Please don’t miss your opportunity to be salt and light this November. Vote...and do it every time.

James 1:14 But when a man is tempted, it is his own passions that carry him away and serve as a bait. (WEY)

I consider the little book of James as a wakeup call. He does not pull punches. Kind of the antithesis of honey lips telling us what we want to hear.

The passage above has always fascinated me because I have heard many charismatic preachers talking about the devil behind every rock or tree. It would seem by their comments that we have no responsibility for our own sin. We should be praying spiritual warfare against satan only.

We are carried away by our own desires it says. We tempt ourselves it says. "each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires..." (NKJV)

Many who have habitual or chronic sins blame it on anything but themselves. God says we need to judge ourselves so He does not have to. This is a good thing to keep in mind. God says He does not tempt man but some say He made them in a sinful way. I would be careful of speaking such blasphemy.

We must judge ourselves. Some use John 5:22 to say God will not judge us. It actually says God allows Jesus to judge us.  We will be judged. Would you rather a brother or sister confront you about your sin and help you bring it into the light or would you rather keep saying we should not judge and step away from you as you fall into the pit? We are called to do it in love for each other. The Bible claims a penalty for not using scriptural judgement to pull a fellow Christian out of the flames.

We should consider what it will take to drop pretense and guards and allow ourselves to confront what is within us. We must be relentless in rooting out sin from our lives and care enough about others to help them do the same. As comments on my last blog prove, it takes courage and understanding to confront someone. I was assertively rebuked for my efforts. What it showed me was that others need to confront themselves as I confront them. The incorrect understanding of the Bible was clear.

I am not here to attack or degrade anyone. I am here to shine the light of Christ in truth and love. I will do it because I have been instructed to by the words of the Bible and because I care.

Having feel good speakers like Joel Osteen and cult of personality preachers like T.D.Jakes and heresy teachers like Kenneth Copeland makes it easy to understand the downfall of Christianity in America. People listen but do not read and study for themselves.

I read so many blogs where Christianity is spoken of but it is far from what Jesus taught. Jesus taught forgiveness for all, not just a few. His rules are not affected by situational ethics or by the prestige of the sinner. Jesus told us that the Bible cuts to the marrow. This is the Christian judgement we should be assigning. I hear "judge not lest ye be judged" out of context and out of the way the Bible would have us judge. Bill Clinton is a good example. Some people who claimed to be Christian said, "What's the big deal? It's just oral sex." As Christians we SHOULD judge this sin as sin. It was adultery and sexual sin. By judgeing the sin correctly we are then called to try to bring the brother back into right living. Without the proper judgement we enable and let him off the hook. Jesus taught us better.

Then there are those who support with dollars or their time. Whatever you do, do unto Christ. Would Christ have you vote for a pro abortion candidate? Would Christ have you buy FHM or Maxim? Both of which are extremely secular and course. Would you want to be in a night club when Jesus returns? These are valid questions to ask.

I guess my point is that it is obvious that many who claim Christ have not spent the time in His word to understand it and moreover, apply it correctly. Christianity is a relationship not a religion. We are to know Christ and walk with Christ so that we become a representative of His in the flesh. A representative should know the product.

I would guess that 15% or less of the people who cliam to be Christians in America would actually be convicted of it in court. There has to be proof, evidence.

I don't claim to be better than anyone. I would however, ask you to evaluate your own knowledge and understanding of the Bible and what Jesus taught us. Do you know why you believe what you believe? Do you know where Jesus stands on life issues? Those who question homosexuality, abortion, prostitution, theft, disrespect of authority and laws, laziness/wellfare, cheating on taxes, keeping something that is not yours, atheism, Islam, pornography, hate on the blogs...will find what Jesus has to say about it all in the Bible.

It is worth your time to find the answer to these questions, and in so doing, learn what real Christianity is.

I know time is tight and there are responsibilities to family and the job. Life is rarely what we envision as a kid. Hopes and dreams disappear when we are busy with something else. It happens everyday to everyone.

Think about this. When you are at the end of your life and can no longer change your legacy, will you be pleased at the life you lived? Will your loved ones share your assessment?

There is no better time than right now to evaluate the life you have lived and the course you are on. There is no reason to think today can't be the day you make a change.

Everything you will ever need and everything you will ever want you will find in Jesus. If you don't think that is a true statement then you do not know Him.

Now is the time to get to know Him.

If Billy Graham is on the righteous end of the spectrum and John Wayne Gacy or Hitler is on the other, where do you fit in?

Be careful, it's a trick question.

The spectrum does not have gray areas. You are either saved by grace or you are not.

Are you continuing faithfully walking with the Lord? Are you reading the Bible and using it's words to counteract the fallacy that is life? Are you reaching out to others?

Or are you praying now and then, lashing out in traffic, and being lazy at work? Maybe you are writing arrogant and devisive comments on blogs. Everyone else sees you. You do not see yourself.

All have fallen short of the glory of God. You have to repent of your actions and accept the free gift of Jesus. Stay faithful until the end. You will see and live the forgiveness and beauty of God.

You go to church each week and learn about Him,

but you spend way too much time with me.

I guess I'm easier to find.

The TV's always on and your computer is right there beckoning.

Have you read His book today?

I'll bet no.