BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM IS COMING! by LaTawnia Kintz

BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM IS COMING!

Text: Matthew 25:1-13 (NKJV)

¹     "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

²     Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

³     Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,

⁴     but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

⁵     But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

⁶     "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!'

⁷     Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

⁸     And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'

⁹     But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.'

¹⁰   And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

¹¹   "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!'

¹²   But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'

¹³            "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. (BerBible - NKJV)

Today is January 1, 2013. Now for some that may not mean much other than it’s the beginning of a new year. For those who were waiting for the collapse of civilization and the world as we know it to end on December 12, 2012, well, hang in there. You don’t know what this year is going to hold.

In pondering on this day for many days prior, I came to the conclusion, nay, the desire, that I want, need for my life to make a difference in the kingdom of God. This is more than just a need. It is more than just a desire. It is a burning drive within my soul. Instead of making New Year resolutions, today I rededicated my life, heart, soul and mind to my Lord and Savior. Though I am but a clay pot with many cracks, He is the Potter Who is able to take this broken vessel and make it new. That being said let us prepare for the coming of the Bridegroom!

I have been reading in Matthew about the coming of our Lord Jesus and throughout, He tells us to be prepared because we don’t know when He is going to return. The portion of scripture we are going to look at is the parable of the ten virgins, found in Matthew 25. For your convenience I have added the verses at the beginning of this blog, but I encourage you to read it from your own bible, so you may underline or mark what verses stand out to you.

For a little historical background, in Jewish custom the brides-maids would wait for the bridegroom to arrive at the bride’s house. When they knew he was on his way, they would take their filled, lighted lamps and guide the bridegroom to his bride.

In this parable we have the picture of Jesus, our Bridegroom, returning for His Bride- the Church. The brides-maids represent the individuals of the Church; they are a picture of Christians. As Christians, we attend the Bridegroom by proclaiming Him to all creation. As His expectants, we wait on His return with great expectation. Are you waiting for His return with great expectation? Or are you hoping He will wait for a while longer?

In verse two we are told there were five wise virgins and five foolish virgins. In the Church there are two types of people, those who serve God and those who serve themselves.

Matthew 13:24-30 is the parable of the man who had sown good seed in his wheat fields then his enemy came in the night and sown tares. When his servant asked his master if he should pull out the tares, his master told him to wait until the harvest. At that time the tares would be separated from the wheat and burned with fire and the wheat will be put in the barn.

Matthew 22:1-14 tells of a king arranging a wedding for his son. He sent out invitations and when the time came for the wedding those invited and they didn’t come, he told his servants to gather others from the highways and they did. They brought both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. Now that isn’t the end of the story, there was a man there without the wedding garments. He was not one of the ones invited. The king commanded he be bound and cast in outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. “For many are called but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)

Matthew 13:47-50 tells us about a dragnet cast into the sea and when it’s full it is brought to the shore and then the good is gathered into vessels and the bad is thrown away. We are told that “at the end of the age, the angels will come forth, separate the wicked from the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

So we see in the Church both wise and foolish, believer, hypocrite, unsaved and backslidden, all in one body. We also see from scripture that there will be a sorting out in the end.

Back to our text, in verse three of Matthew 25, we are told the foolish virgins took their lamps but took no extra oil.

Here I want you to see that this picture of the foolish virgins is not a picture of the Christian who struggles with their walk with God. This is not a new believer. These virgins are the hypocrites in the Church. They have plenty of fanfare but no substance. They have a lot of show, they look good on the outside, but they have absolutely nothing on the inside. Their lamps are polished to a high sheen but they have nothing inside to sustain the flame, they have nothing to carry them through the trials and hardships. They are empty shells that will crush under pressure.

Matthew 23:1-36 gives us the biblical definition of the hypocrite. Is a hypocrite one who falls in his walk with God but is willing to be corrected? No! A hypocrite is one who looks good on the outside but inside is death.

Verse 4 of Matthew 25 we see the wise virgins took oil in their vessels along with their lamps. See the wisdom here; because they not only took their lamps which were filled with oil in order to meet the Bridegroom, they also took additional oil. They were prepared in case He tarried.

I would suggest that the oil is grace and the lamp is the heart. Take a moment to look at a couple of verses with me. The first being, 2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (NKJV) and the second being Acts 4:33 – “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.” (NKJV) [Emphasis is mine.]

Grace is known as the unmerited favor of God for salvation. It is also the operation of the power of God. In other words, speaking “grace” to obstacles we face is a action of faith, drawing on the operations of God’s great power. We only speak; the work is entirely His.

We need that grace to get through each day. The darker is becomes the more grace is needed.

The oil also represents the Holy Spirit anointing. Without His anointing all we do is the work of the flesh. Christians today need as much grace and anointing possible – even to overflowing- to get through each day as they wait for His return. Or they won’t make it. They will become tired and then fall asleep. “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9 NKJV)

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I do get weary. When that happens, I have to press into God; I have to seek His face more; because I don’t want to be asleep when the Bridegroom comes like the virgins did in verse 5.

Here we see Christians are no better than the hypocrite or the unsaved. While the Bridegroom delays His coming the hypocrite, unsaved and backslidden remains completely unconcerned with the danger his soul is in.

The Christian who is toiling in the kingdom of God has become weary and loses heart. He or she has become lax in their vigilant watching. They are no longer spiritually discerning the Spirit of God. [I believe is this the main reason there is so much apostasy in the Church, today.]

The Christian has become complacent even – Jesus hasn’t returned yet, and he feels that He probably won’t – in his lifetime. We are admonished in 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 not to sleep as others do. Why? Because Jesus Christ is returning in the clouds with power and great glory! John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; Mark 13:26; Daniel 7:13; Luke 21:27

We must not become secure in ourselves or careless in our watchfulness not indulge in spiritual sloth and idleness. If this is something you have been doing, this let this day be the day you turn from serving yourself and serve the Living Lord instead. Gird up your loins! “Gird[ed] your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all of fiery darts of the wicked one, and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints –“ (Ephesians 6:14-18 NKJV)

The Christian today especially needs to be aware of spiritual enemies that would hinder the work of the Lord. He needs not to care for the things of this world but rather seek the kingdom of God. This world is not our home; we are merely sojourners, pilgrims, strangers and foreigners. Our home is in heaven; our Lord has already gone and prepared a place for us. Matthew 6:19-21, 25-35; John 14: 1-3; John 17:16

We are not of this world, just as He wasn’t of the world. We must exercise self-control (Galatians 5:22-25); not walk in the flesh but rather walk in the Spirit. (1 Peter 5:8-10). We are not to give into fleshly desires but seek that better thing which is Christ Jesus.

Those who sleep are not sensible of their danger and those who are drunk are not sensible of their duty. (Luke 21:34; Romans 13:11) Therefore beloved, let us be neither asleep nor drunk but rather awake and prepared for the coming of our Bridegroom.

Verse six of our main text tells us that at “midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!”

He will return when we least expect it. He will return at His Father’s appointed time; Matthew 24:36. SO WAKE UP! “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand…” Romans 13:11-12a (NKJV)

In verse seven we read all the virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. They trimmed the wicks so the light would be pure and without smoke and those who had brought extra oil filled their lamps so their light wouldn’t go out while they prepared themselves to meet the Bridegroom.

The Christian needs to be prepared when Jesus returns. We should be found in peace (2 Peter 3:14), we should be found doing our Master’s work (Matthew 24:46) and we should not be found naked or lacking (Matthew 25:3).

The hypocrite goes through the motion of “trimming lamps” – he shows a vain confidence, a conceit of goodness of his own spiritual state. He believes all is okay, there is nothing wrong with him. Luke 18:10-12.

Then they realize the Bridegroom really is coming… (Matthew 25:8) and they recognize how totally unprepared they are to receive Him. So the foolish go to the wise seeking oil for their lamps before they burn out. But it is too late.

This not only a picture of the hypocrite but also of those who are unsaved and backslidden – this soul may possibly be laying on his death bed not ready to meet the Maker of the universe.

These who are not prepared see the folly in not being prepared. The hypocrite sees that without oil (the anointing of the Holy Spirit and God’s grace) what began in the Spirit ends in the flesh. They see all their credibility is lost, all their hope fails, all their comfort is gone. The unsaved and backslidden sees the misery of the state of their soul on the other side of death and judgment.

These all see that what they had in the beginning of their watch could only carry them so far. It may have given light along this world, but the darkness of the valley of the shadow of death will put the light out. They had jeered the wise and called them foolish at the first, but now they find themselves beholden to them for oil.

Those who now hate the strictness of following after Christ, laying aside sin that easily besets us, and giving up our life to take up His cross – will at the time of death and judgment wish they had done so. It will be too late for those who will then see the need of the grace of God which saves and sanctifies. 2 Corinthians 6:2; Titus 2:11, Hebrews 12:1, Matthew 10:38-39

There is no buying of oil when the store is close. It is now, while we can, work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12

“For God did not appoint us to wrath; but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NKJV)

“How shall we escape of we neglect so great a salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.” Hebrews 2:3 (NKJV)

Those who would be saved must have their own grace (2 Corinthians 6:2). One’s own sanctification is indispensably necessary to their own salvation (Philippians 2:12). Everyone will give account of their own-self. No one will speak for him on that judgment day.

Matthew 25:9 “But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’” (NKJV)

I know, you are probably thinking the wise virgins were being unkind in their unwillingness to share their extra oil. But they really did give the best advice. They could not save the unsaved or the hypocrite. Those people have only one place to turn; only one Person could and would fill their need. They were given the advice to repent, turn to God, accept the free gift of salvation and believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is all very good advice – if taken in time.

But what about those who heard the Gospel message and choose to wait – how many heard the Gospel prior to 9-11, or before the destruction of the Japanese coast, or before the various floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and more that is affecting all of us world-wide. How many say they will wait to make the decision for eternal life with Christ Jesus, they will wait until their life is together; they don’t want to change their lifestyle yet because they are having too much fun, because they are making too much money, or waiting for that one true love… etc.

Don’t wait. The hour draws much closer than we are aware of. Today is the day for your salvation. Don’t put off receiving the free gift of salvation and eternal life with Christ Jesus. You are not guaranteed tomorrow, or your next breath. You could end up like those five foolish virgins who went looking for oil.

We are told when they went to buy more oil the Bridegroom came and those who were ready for Him went to the wedding and “the door was shut.” (Matthew 25:10)

Please listen to my heart and to the heart of God. He is pleading with you. He loves you so much he wants you to spend eternity with Him – to dine with Him at the wedding feast.

For those of you who have walked away from Him – He is calling you back – can’t you hear His sweet, gentle voice, full of love, mercy and forgiveness, just for you?

To those of you (including me) who are called to the ministry, who put off the call – the work because you are waiting for kids to grow up, to save enough money, to pay off the house, car, braces, what have you… one thousand (1,000) to one you will not find the time to do it in and then one day – that day- you will stand before Him, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords… what will you say?

Those who were prepared, those who were ready – went with Him to the wedding and the door was shut by the Bridegroom.

There is something else here I want you to see. When the foolish virgins came back, they did so without oil, without grace. Why? Because the grace was gone. Those who had grace had gone into the wedding. Those who could impart grace to the five foolish virgins had been taken with the Bridegroom. I want you to see this; the grace must be lifted for the wrath of God to come. That is what this whole dissertation Jesus gives about the end times means, that Matthew wrote about in chapters 24-25. He is returning for His Bride, His Church. The question then becomes, are we ready?

One more thing I want to point out about verse 10. We read “the door was shut.” The door was shut by the Bridegroom, just as the door to the ark that Noah built was shut by God.

Looking at verse 11 we find it was shut to secure those within (just as God secured those within the ark.) It was also shut to exclude those that were outside (too late). Matthew 7:21; Luke 13:25; Psalm 5:5; John 9:31. There will be a great gulf between those at the wedding and those outside the door. Luke 16:26.

Matthew 25:12 says, “But he answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’” (NKJV)

Oh beloved, don’t wait. Seek the Lord while He may be found, call on Him while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6)

The proud won’t stand in His sight – He hates all workers of iniquity – humble yourselves before Him now while there is still time. Because when the door is closed He won’t hear you.

“They cried out, but there was none to save; even to the Lord, but He did not answer them.” Psalm 18:41

Psalm 5:5; John 9:31; Job 35:12; Proverbs 1:28-29; 15:29; 28:9; Ezra 8:18; Micah 3:4

He is warning you – telling you now is the time to turn your heart to Him – now is the time to come and believe in Him – now is the time – before He comes and closes the door.

Verse 13 – “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” (Mark 13:35-36; Matthew 24:42; Luke 12:40; 21:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6, 8-10)

Dear Christian, our duty is to watch, be awake and be wakeful (Galatians 6:9). Be prepared at all time, be at peace, be doing what He has told us to do, not be found lacking; because we know neither the day nor the hour of His return.

Let us not be asleep when the cry goes out…

“Behold the Bridegroom is coming, go out and meet Him.”

RESTING IN HIM by LaTawnia Kintz

“I will rest in You

 I will rest in You

 Not just when this race is over

 but in these earthly moments too

I will rest in You”*

These are the words in a song that I listen to frequently, especially when I am feeling hectic and stressed out. They remind me of the words spoken by Paul in his second letter to Timothy.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” [2 Timothy 2:7 NKJV]

How do we find rest in Jesus when everything seems out of control? It’s easy for us to say we’ll finally have rest when this race is over, but having that rest now is another thing. Or is it?

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33 NKJV]

When I find myself actually trusting and believing in all that my Savior has said to me in His Word and in my heart, I am at rest in Him. When I start to doubt Him or focus on my circumstances instead of Him then I am no longer resting in Him or His promises.

I think of my brothers and sisters being persecuted for their faith in Christ Jesus. Are they resting in Him today?

One Vietnam pastor, after spending three months in solitary confinement said, “I would not trade this time for the world. It was the sweetest time I have ever had with Jesus.”

“Daniel,” a Chinese Christian said, “We always say, ‘Follow in the steps of the apostles.’ Where are their steps? In difficulties, in persecution.”

And a dear Christian in Bangladesh says, “They can burn down my house, but they can’t burn Jesus from my heart.”

How do we enter His rest that is exemplified by these dear saints of God? We enter it by ceasing from our own works. Does that mean we stop providing for our family and quit our jobs? No! Does it mean we stop showing the love of Christ to those around us? Or does it mean we try to figure out how to fix our problems in our own strength and wisdom? Again, no!

What it does mean is we stop striving to win the love of God by our works and instead believe that He loved us enough to die for our sins so we could have a right relationship with Him. We can then rest in the promise that no one can snatch us out of His hand. [John 10:28] It means we trust in Him with all our heart, mind and soul and don't lean on our own wisdom. If we will allow Him to be Lord of our whole life (that means in every area) He will direct our paths. [Proverbs 3:5-6]

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” [Matthew 11: 28-29 NKJV]

Jesus wasn’t telling those who do hard, physical work to stop. He wasn’t talking about the type of work that keeps a roof over the head of our families. Rather, He is referring to our struggle in trying to earn our way into heaven. There are those who tell us the only way to heaven is to do so much penance here. Or repeat certain phrases for a number of times, or perform so many tasks and even “give” so much money.

Those things will not give anyone rest but they will increase the heavy load that we already carry due to our own sinful nature.

Therefore, when we lay those rituals and rites down at the feet of Jesus, along with all of the sins we carry, and we pick up His yoke [cross] and follow Him, we will find rest for our souls.

King David had a clear picture of resting in Jesus when he wrote the 23rd Psalm. He knew the Lord was not just a shepherd but his Great Shepherd. He knew by following the Lord he would be lead to green pastures and still waters and the Lord would restore him. He knew what it was to rest in Him in the presence of his enemies. He knew the Lord would sustain him.

Christian history is filled with brothers and sisters of Christ who laid down their earthly cares and carried the cross of Christ to all who would receive it. Currently dear saints of Jesus are choosing between their personal lives and a life filled with Christ and resting in His promises.

How do they do that? They do it by believing in the promises of the Lord. He tells us that He is preparing a place for us and that He is going to return for us. We can believe that because He has fulfilled every other promise.

So we can have rest in Him as long as we hold onto His promises and trust Him. We can have peace and be of good cheer; because our Savior has overcome the world. Amen.

*Celtic Cry The Heart of A Martyr CD 

THAT BLESSED HOPE

Several weeks ago I had read a sermon by Billy Sunday and there was a verse that stood out to me that caused me to study and write the article you are about to read. I want you to know I was totally clueless to the "prediction" in regards to Mr. Camping. I just "happened" to be reading classic sermons on the return of Christ. It wasn't until two days of the supposed "rapture" that was to take place, did I hear of it. I then tried to complete this article in order to post it that Saturday. But, I believe the Lord had other plans, as it didn't happen. 

I do believe that my great God and Savior will return one day. I do believe that day is more imminent than ever. However, I know that man is completely unable to say when that day will take place. Only our God knows. 

My prayer today for you, my beloved reader, is you will find yourself looking for our Blessed Hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Take comfort in knowing He will return for His Bride. 

And dear reader, if you haven't surrendered and submitted your heart and life to our Lord Jesus, I urge you to do so today. "Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) He will return. That is the truth. Will you be ready? 

As always, please feel free to leave a comment. If you have a prayer request, please let me know. It would be my joy to pray for you. May the Lord bless you!

That Blessed Hope

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” Titus 2:13

Our headlines are filled with earthquakes, floods, wars, rumor of wars, nations rising against nations, children rising against parents, and it goes on.

We are looking at global financial uncertainty, industries failing, and the value of the dollar fading. And let’s not forget a deceitful government.

Where do we find hope in the face of our world crumbling and people making false predictions about the end of the world and when Jesus is suppose to return?

Where is our peace when we don’t have a job, we’re losing our home, and our children are hungry because we can’t buy food?

Where is our comfort when everything we own has washed away in the floods, and thousands of lives are gone due to an earthquake that rocked the earth off it’s axis and the tsunami that followed washed towns and communities out to sea?

Where is our joy when the bills are due, the truck’s is broke down and there just isn’t enough money to pay for it all?

Where is our rest when great personal calamity hits a family leaving the ones left with no income, no home and no one to help?

We can find our peace, comfort, joy, and rest in “that blessed hope.”

Not hope that our finances will change, because finances are always uncertain.

Nor do we find hope in our nation, family friends or jobs. Because nations rise and fall, family members die or move on. Friends come and go and well… we know the job market is precarious at best.

But we can, we can, find our hope in Christ Jesus.

Paul told Titus in his letter to him,

            “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” [Titus 2:11-13]

Now think about this with me; God knew before He created the heavens and the earth that not only would man need a Savior to save him from his sins and restore a right relationship between Himself and man; He also knew He would return a second time to get His Bride, the Church, and bring her back to heaven with Him.

Through His prophets, in the Bible, He told us over and over again how our Savior would be born of a virgin, in humble surroundings, He would live a sinless life (our Perfect Lamb), He would be beaten and bruised, He would die on a cross, and shed His blood for our sins (the Perfect Sacrifice). Then He would be buried and raised on the third day. After that He would go and prepare a place for us, His Bride.

In the New Testament, John 14:2-3, Jesus told the disciples,

            “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

Therein lies our hope – The whole reason for Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection, and ascension – So He can prepare a place for us, return for us and we can live with Him and worship our Father for all eternity.

God set the perfect time for Jesus to be born and to die. He said it would happen. And it did. He also said He would return. If God has said something is going to come to pass and we see that it has, then there is no reason to not believe that He is going to return. He is not man that He can lie.

Now when the disciples asked Him when He was going to return, He told them many things including to make sure no one deceived them (us), and that a lot of different things would happen before He returned (Matthew 24: 3-51). He also told them (us)

            “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13: 32)

He also said,

            “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” (Mark 13:33)

So to those who are listening to others proclaim they know when Jesus is returning, don’t be deceived. They do not know, only God knows and He ain’t telling!

So what do we do?

We look to our blessed hope, Christ Jesus. He is going to return again, God said, it, Jesus said it, not one time, but many times. Even the angels said He was going to return again, while the disciples were watching Jesus ascend to heaven in the clouds. (Acts 1:9-11)

So where do we find our joy? James tells us -

            “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)

And our peace is found in Jesus…

            “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you…’” (John 14:27-28a)

We will also find our rest in Him…

            “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

And we can take comfort and comfort one another with this…

            “For the Lord Himself with descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

Oh people of the Lord, sing praises to His name! If that alone doesn’t make your heart sing with joy, then I don’t know what will.

While we are awaiting our Lord’s return, we are to also be prepared. That doesn’t mean we sell everything and find a spot to sit on and wait.  We are to “deny[ing] ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” (Titus 2:12)

Just as Jesus went about doing His Father’s business (Luke 2:49), we are to do the same. If God has called you to preach His word, then preach. If He has called you to teach, teach. If you are called to be a housewife and mother, praise the Lord, be one that glorifies His name. In all that you do, do it for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

But in all that you do, do it soberly, righteously and godly. What does it mean to live soberly, righteously and godly? After studying I found a commentator who gives, in what I think, the best explanation. This is from The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible (Search God's Word)

Titus 2:12

we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present
world;
not, only "temperately", but wisely and prudently, as children of the light, on whom, and into whom the Gospel has shined; and "righteously" among men, giving to every man his due, and dealing with all according to the rules of equity and justice; as being made new men, created unto righteousness and true holiness; and as being dead to sin, through the death of Christ, and so living unto righteousness, or in a righteous manner; and as being justified by the righteousness of Christ, revealed in the Gospel: and "godly"; in a godly manner, according to the Word of God, and agreeably to the will of God; and in all godly exercises, both public and private, and to the glory of God: and that as long as

in this present world:
which lies in wickedness, and in which there are so many strong temptations to a contrary way of living. The Gospel then is no licentious doctrine; it is according to godliness, and teaches and promotes it; it is an holy faith, yea, a most holy faith; wherefore it is a vile slander to charge it with leading to looseness of life and conversation.

So in other words, we are to live as though Christ Jesus will return any moment. We are not to live ashamed of the gospel of Christ, nor in a manner that would cause us to be ashamed to stand before our Lord and Master. If we have submitted to our Savior then He should be most important in all that we do, say, and live. Our lives should be salt in the earth, the light of Christ in this dark world, the sweet fragrance of the Rose of Sharon, drawing all unto Him.

How I weep, for my spirit yearns to see Him face to face, more each day. Yet, I will and urge all who long to see Him, to do as James said,

            “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and later rain. You also be patient. Establish your heart, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:7-8)

We can take comfort in knowing our Lord returns soon. It may be today, tomorrow or yet years from now. Only God knows. But we can know that He will return. The Bible tells us it will happen, just as it told us of His birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension.

So in these times of trials, in these times of uncertainty, let us continue to “look[ing] for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen!

 

What Foundation Are You Building On?

There are some disturbing things taking place in the Church, today. Many Christians are being taught things that just are not Biblically correct. There are churches that have done completely away with Sunday morning preaching. And then there are churches that should probably do away with Sunday morning preaching because what is being expounded from the pulpit is almost blasphemous.

I recently spoke with someone about the confusion they are dealing with because of what they have been taught, what experience has taught them and what they think might be right, in regards to God, the Bible and basic Christian living.

Lord, help us, because we need to know the truth and You are the truth. Set our minds, hearts and spirits free from confusion. Amen.

I was sitting in church one Sunday and as we read some verses out of First Corinthians there were two that stood out for me, in neon lighting, First Corinthians 3:10-11 -

¹⁰   According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.

¹¹   For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

I had to underline and highlight the part that said, “…But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

That just stuck in my head and spirit.

Going back to my conversation with the person who was expressing confusion in regarding what they believed…. I realized they had confusion because they had a foundation that was faulty and everything that was built on that foundation was faulty as well.

That brings me to a very important question, “If we have built our beliefs on a faulty foundation, what happens when that foundation begins to crumble and fall apart?”

Going to the one source I know to be true and truth, I open my Bible and turn to Matthew 7:24-27;

²⁴   "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:

²⁵   and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

²⁶   "But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:

²⁷   and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

Now, in case you don’t realize it that is Jesus speaking. What I want us to look at is the difference between the two men Jesus is talking about. The first one in verse 24 built his house on the rock. (Remember the rock because we are going to go back to that in a moment.) When the rain, floods and winds came and beat on his house, it didn’t fall because it was built on the rock. His foundation was hearing and doing the things Jesus taught. His foundation was the Rock.

By the way, the rain, floods and winds represent the troubles, cares and worries we deal with every day, as well as hardships and other turmoil we may face. There is more to it, but that is the basic picture we are looking at for this time.

Looking at the second man, we find he built his house on the sand.

I love the beach. I think standing and looking at the ocean at a safe distance on the beach and marveling at how God will only allow the waves to come up so far is awesome. At the same time, I also realize I am standing on shifting sands. Every time a wave comes in and laps at my feet and the sand I’m standing on I feel it shifting and my feet sink deeper into it.

Now imagine your house and the foundation of it is sand. When the rain, floods and winds beat at your house to all get out, your house is going to fall. It’s not going to fall just a little bit, but as Jesus said, “…And great was its fall.”

Many churches are teaching that all roads lead to God. Many churches are doing away with the cross and the blood. There are churches that are mixing eastern mysticism and other religions with a watered-down Christianity. Is there any wonder there is confusion in the Church? Is there any wonder “houses” are experiencing great falls when people are facing trouble in their lives?

When it came to foundation building Paul told the Corinthians to “…take heed how he builds on it.” He then told them that there was no other foundation but Jesus Christ.

How then can we build a foundation that is made of other religions? How can we have a solid foundation when it consists of false teaching, greasy grace, and worship that is flesh-satisfying instead of God-edifying? Lord have mercy on us!

Paul said Jesus Christ is the only foundation. Jesus told us, in His own words, to hear and do what He said to do and He will liken us to the wise man who built his house on the rock.

Paul reminds us in the same letter to the Corinthians that the children of Israel drank the same spiritual drink. That spiritual Rock they drank from was Christ. (I Corinthians 10:4; Exodus 17:6)

Moses had intimate knowledge of that Rock (Exodus 33). When he asked God to show him His glory, the LORD told him,

²¹   And the LORD said, "Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock.

²²  So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the  

     rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. [Emphasis is mine.]

I particularly love that part where He tells Moses He had a place by Him. Then we find out that place is the rock. And as we learned from Paul, that Rock is none other than Jesus Christ. (Also Deuteronomy 32:4) What an incredibly precious place for Moses to find himself; in the heart of Christ Jesus. There is no other place I would rather be but in the heart of my Savior.

Now we know Jesus Christ is the Rock. Now we know we are to build our “house” on the Rock. Now we know there is no other foundation to build on but Jesus Christ.

How then can we do anything else? How then can our foundation be anything less then Christ Jesus?

The Psalmist knew what and who is his foundation. Time after time, verse after verse…. He would say, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold, and the Rock of my salvation. (Psalm 18; 27; 28; 31; 40; 42; 61; 62; 71; 89; 92; 94; 95)

What are you building your foundation on? Who are you building your foundation on? Is your foundation a conglomeration of various religions? Is it based on yourself? Do you find yourself floundering in shifting, sinking sands as you try to hold on in the face of adversity? Perhaps your foundation is your church denomination, or a church leader.

Let me turn your eyes and your hearts to the true foundation. Turn your eyes and your heart to the Rock. Gaze upon the One who shed His blood to cleanse you from sin. Look upon His bruised and beaten face and body, He was bruised for our iniquities. He was wounded for our transgressions. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him. And by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53.5)

O hear the heart of your Savior. Hear His call to you. Let Him be your foundation. Seek Him with all your heart, mind and soul and you will find Him. Repent of your sins, turn from your sinful ways, turn to the One who is able to save you and give you eternal life. Build your house upon Jesus Christ, the Rock of your salvation. Then when the rain, floods and winds come to beat on your house, it will not fall because it’s built on the Rock, Jesus Christ.

LaTawnia Kintz

All scripture is taken from the New King James Version.

DOES GOD FORGIVE AND FORGET?

 

I read a lot. I get lots of messages, tweets, emails, books, and ebooks. Some of the things I get I just delete – if it’s an electronic message of some sort. Some of it I keep, verses from the Bible that someone tweeted; and once in a while I get something that makes me stop and just say, “Huh?”

Recently I got a tweet from someone who is well known. Usually it’s something rather innocuous, not harmful, but a “yah, that was a nice thought but not real meaningful,” tweet. However I got one just the other day that started this search, this study, this correcting of a wrong that has gone out into airways, byways, tweet-ways, and into the minds and souls of every individual that has received that tweet.

When I am unsure about something, especially something that has to do with God, I go to the one and only source I know that will give me the correct information, complete confirmation, and soul-satisfaction; it’s the inerrant, living-truth, life-breathed Word of God. The Bible is after all God speaking to me and you through His written Word. How awesome is that? So that’s where I went. I went to God and His Word. I asked God to show me His truth, about Himself and He did. Praise the Lord!

I know, I know, you want to know what the tweet was and who sent it. Isn’t that just like our human nature? Our old nature? I have debated on whether or not to include that tweet in this message. Would it be productive? Would it cause more harm to young believers? Would it just throw more confusion out there to cause someone to stumble and fall?

My desire is not to create more confusion, but rather present God, His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in such a clear manner that there is no confusion. That being said, I am going to quote the tweet, but leave the author of that tweet in the hands of God.

This is what was sent to me and hence, the reason for this message:

“God cannot forget our sins, but He chooses not to dwell on them. He sees us as we are now – sanctified & redeemed.” 

At first glance, it appears harmless. But when you read it again, the confusion and harm begins to set in. Now I don’t want you, dear reader, to become anxious, but rather, begin praying for our Lord to open your eyes to the truth you are about to read, your ears to hear what our Lord and Savior is speaking to your soul, and your mind to accept His truth and your heart to have His truth planted firmly in your spirit. Amen.

I have no truth in me. Therefore, what you are about to read is from the Lord God, our Savior and Redeemer. O may His name be glorified in this teaching today.

Please, have your Bible open with me, as you read this. Become like the Bereans, with me. Let us search out the Word of God together and right a wrong, bring clarity in a place of confusion, peace for the troubled soul and light into a dark place. Let the light of the Living Word of God shine into your spirit;

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and morrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

and;

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Amen!

Going back to the reason of this article, I want us to examine the statement that was sent, and let us look at it from the view-point of God’s word.

The first part of that statement was, “God cannot forget our sins, but He chooses not to dwell on them.”

If you are like me and have been a servant of God for any length of time, have studied His word diligently, then that statement should send shudders through your soul and your spirit should be shouting, “Untrue!” If you are a new believer, then this statement can only bring confusion and I can only imagine a thought like this, “But I thought my sins were forgiven and washed away?”

For me, reading that brought horror to my soul, for this is but another example of the false teaching that is more and more prevalent through-out the body of Christ, His Church.

O Lord, help me speak Your truth, do not allow me to be guilty of error. For Your name is hallowed and I only desire to bring glory to Your name. Amen.

Immediately I got my Bible out and began searching. This searching has brought me here. And this is what I found. So get your Bible, and your favorite high-lighter or pen and be prepared to highlight, underline, or circle these verses.

My first stop was in the Psalms. Psalm 103:11-12

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

That verse began to give me some comfort. I knew once I had confessed my sins and agreed with the Lord my need of a Savior, He had removed my transgressions; they were as far from me as the east is from the west. Thank you Lord.

But, I wasn’t yet satisfied. I wanted to know; does God forgive and then forget my sins? Because according to the message I had received, He doesn’t. And if He doesn’t…. well, that begins to open a whole new can of worms, so to speak.

So here we go, more digging in the Word of Truth. My next stop was Isaiah 43:25.

I want to give you a short background here about who God is speaking to and why. God is speaking to the nation of Israel through His prophet Isaiah. The people of Israel had turned away from God and turned toward their sinful ways in practicing abominations such as sacrificing their children, adultery, and worshiping other gods. There is more but you get the picture. They were no different then we are, without Jesus as our Lord and Master. Sinful, willful, rebellious children deserving the wrath of God; yet here He is telling them that if they would turn back to Him, this is what He will do:

“”I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.”” (Isaiah 43:25) [Emphases is mine.]

Did you read that? Let’s look at that verse again. I want to break it down for us.

First, God is saying He is the One who blots out our transgressions. If your and my transgressions are blotted out, that means they are no more. Right? If they are no more how can they be remembered?

Second, He does it for His own sake. Think about that. God blots out our sins, our transgressions, for His own sake. Why do you think that is?

Well, take a look at God’s character. He is a holy God, He is righteous, He is True and Faithful, He is Loving and Compassionate, He is Alpha and Omega, He is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, He is the Judge of all the earth and heavens and all it contains, He is Creator, He is the Beginning and the End, The King of kings and the Lord of lords. But most of all He is Holy.

Because He is holy, He cannot tolerate our sin(s). Our Just and Holy God does not and cannot look at our sins, nor does He accept our sinful ways. Why, if He did, He wouldn’t have called the children of Israel to repentance time and again. If He did, He wouldn’t have sacrificed Himself, shedding the innocent blood of Jesus, on the cross. We wouldn’t have needed a Savior! But, I am getting ahead of myself.

For His own sake….

David wrote in Psalm 23 that the Lord led him in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (verse 3b). Ezekiel, the prophet wrote,

“”Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord,” says the Lord God, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes.”” (Ezekiel 36:22-23) (Emphases are mine.)

Because God is holy, anything and everything He does is for His own sake, including blotting out our sins, our transgressions. O Praise the Lord all you people! Jesus bore our griefs, carried our sorrows, He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed! (Isaiah 53:4-5) He did this for His name’s sake! O Hallelujah!

Why am I getting so excited? Because of this:

““No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. “For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34) (Emphasis is mine.)

Did you see that? He forgives our iniquity and He remembers our sin no more! Get excited! Praise the Lord. How wonderful is the Word of God, for it reveals to us His truth and glory.

The Lord God forgives us of our sins when we confess our sins. Look at these verses:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:8)

“I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.” (I John 2:12) [Emphasis is mine.]

Oh and here is my favorite:

           

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

When we believe in Jesus, confess “with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)

When we do this very thing, then we are no longer children of wrath worthy of nothing but the wrath of God. Oh the Bible says it so much better, go to Ephesians chapter 2 and read this:

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raise us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus… For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:4-6; 8-9)

Because of this wondrous work of the cross and the gift of salvation, “…He sees us as we are now – sanctified and redeemed.” (This is the last part of the tweet I had received.)

By the way, we are continually being sanctified. The work of God isn’t complete in us until we are with Him. He will continue to do His good work in us. Paul wrote to the Philippians that he was confident “…of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) And to the Thessalonians he said,

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Thessalonians 5:23)

I don’t know about you, but that gives me hope. It gives me peace. It gives me confidence in the Lord, knowing that once I confess my sins to Him (yes, I sin, because like you, I still have this flesh to deal with and it’s not dead yet) He is faithful and just to forgive my sins; and not remember them. Not only that, but He will cleanse me from unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)

So now when He looks at me, He doesn’t see my sins, He doesn’t even remember my sins, He sees me, He sees you, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, covered in His righteousness, justified (just as if you never had sinned), sanctified (set apart for Him), a saint and more. Here is Peter has to say:

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (I Peter 2:9)

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, all of you who are servants of the Lord.

I pray that this has all made sense to you. My prayer for you is there is now no confusion when it comes to God forgiving you and forgetting your sins. I pray that this message will bring some light into your life and lighten your footstep as you walk with our Lord Jesus Christ.

In closing, I want to say to those who are not saved, “confess with you mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) For it is written,

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

So there is no way around it. Eventually you will have to confess He is Lord. Do it now so you might be saved. “Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:7-9)

Take this time to turn to God and away from your sinful life. Allow the Lord Jesus Christ to be Master and Savior for you; so you may spend eternity with Him and not in the lake of fire.

To those of you whose walk may not be on the straight and narrow, the above verses apply to you as well. Draw near to your Lord and Savior and He will draw near to you. Confess your sins so He may cleanse you of unrighteousness.

May the Lord Jesus bless you and keep you. May He give you strength, courage and peace as we walk through these last days awaiting for His return. And may He grant you discernment to know the false from the truth. Try the spirits, read His unchanging Word and cling to Him with all your might, so you will not be moved from His side. Amen.

Because He lives!

LaTawnia Kintz

April 7, 2011