…[Y]ou are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ Jesus have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28

In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation, whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. …He is Lord of all. Acts 10:34-36

God regards each individual in terms of only one differentiating quality—whether we are faithful and obedient to His will or not. On that final day of reckoning, there will be only two groups representing humanity. Countless unfaithful goats will be placed on His left, and a few faithful lambs, on His right (Matthew 25:31-46). So why do we persist in disregarding people based on fleshly, material reasons?

A number of people who claim to be devout Christians have a nasty habit of thinking others are beneath them, based on skin color yet. They espouse ‘family values,’ yet they teach their impressionable young children poisonous prejudices. Recall the scripture about raising children in the nurture and admonition of God (Ephesians 6:4)? They claim to believe in biblical principles regarding business practices (Proverbs 11:1); yet they discriminate against qualified candidates from different racial backgrounds when it’s time to hire and promote in the workplace. These ‘conservatives’ typically hold a great deal of power and prestige economically, socially, and politically. Much has been given to them. Much is required of them — how often do they steward their blessings responsibly (Luke 12:47-48)?

We are taught in scripture that haughtiness leads to destruction:

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

It is wise, then, to put away distinctions based on skin color, and for that matter, any fleshly basis. We are told that a prideful mindset leads to spiritual destruction. Why continue this futile game of Russian Roulette with our souls?

I can say in all honesty that I know goats from every racial group, including my own. They each have in common a major disregard for one or more of God’s principles for living. I also know truly faithful, warm, wonderful individuals from every racial group. These lambs make this life in the flesh bearable. The common thread among them? …their adherence to God’s will.

Let’s face it — regarding and subsequently mistreating individuals as ‘black’ this, ‘white’ that, or ‘Latino’ this is unwise. Sound, agape-driven principles clear up our thinking and allow us to see one another as precious souls that need spiritual reconciliation to the one true, Living God.

…I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3

We do ourselves a great service when we ‘get over ourselves.’

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15 (NKJV)

A parallel statement is given in the apostle John’s first epistle:

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” I John 5:3 (NKJV)

So many of us claim to love God, but our actions don’t match our words.  How many of us merely give lip service to our Christian commitment?

Is foul language a regular part of your speech?  Here is the command to us all:

“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.” Colossians 3:18 (NKJV)

Are you sexually active, but not married?  Here is the command to us all:

“Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” (KJV)

How often do you ‘take a drink?’  Here is the command to us all:

“And do not be drunk with wine….”  Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV)

There are so many words, thoughts, and deeds that we burden ourselves with spiritually in post- post-modern daily life.  But let’s remember that God appreciates consistency.  If we desire peace after this life ends, we must prepare for Him:

“Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”  James 2:18 (NKJV)

WEIGHT LOSS SERIES

Many people will dismiss this post as nit-picky because of post- post-modern, secular standards.  But if we are genuinely concerned for our spiritual health and thus determined to shed ourselves of “every weight that so easily beset[s] us  (Hebrews 12:1),” we’re going to be mindful of the human gift of speech.

Here are four passages that impress me most regarding language:

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. (Colossians 3:8)

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 5:3-4)

[B]ut no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:8-10)

Often, those of us who claim to be Christian utter a host of ‘choice words.’  But clearly our gift of speech is intended to, first and foremost, further the cause of Christ in this present world (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16).  Instead of corrupt communication, we are to let spiritually edifying words proceed from our mouths.  We are commanded to share the gospel message with others and let our light (not darkness) shine before men.

How many times have we (self included first) cursed an enemy instead of praying for him/her?  How often do we tell or repeat jokes that are unsavory?  How often do we spread the catch-phrase of the day, regardless of its sordid nature?  How often do we gossip?  Lie?  Speak out of turn?

We, among all the creatures of the earth, are singularly able to communicate with one another so that the hearer can profit from what is said (Colossians 4:6).  While other mammals, birds, sea creatures and the like behave similarly, humanity alone has the capability to prepare others to enjoy life eternal.  Let’s not take this faculty for granted.  Let’s indeed “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” (Colossians 4:5)

_________________________________________________________________

Find Christ-Taught t-shirts and other items at www.zazzle.com/christtaught and www.virtuousplanet.com/christtaught.

All too many attempt to justify abortion by asserting that embryos aren’t human beings and thus have no legal rights.  This is the increasingly typical ‘cop-out’ mindset of those who want to evade scriptural guidance from the omniscient, living God.  Not only is He all-knowing—He is the Creator and Sustainer of all life.  Let’s let His authoritative word stand, then, on what constitutes ‘personhood’ and thus legal viability.

His scriptures, both old testament and new, teach plainly that life begins at conception (Numbers 5:28 and Luke 1:36).  Moreover, Jeremiah 1:5 teaches that the Lord knows us even before we are formed in our mothers’ wombs.  Are we so presumptuous as to shed the blood of innocents that God already “knows?”  How foolish (Proverbs 6:16-17).

Further, the scriptural evidence of Luke chapter 1 in its full context demonstrates the viability of life prior to childbirth.  From verses 13 through 17 we see that Elizabeth would bear a son (a person), named John; he would be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb; and he would prepare the way for Christ.  Verse 24 shows that when Elizabeth and Zechariah were given this information, John hadn’t yet been conceived; yet, all these things had been determined about their son.  Verses 31-33 record predictions to Mary, who would conceive the Christ child; He would also do great things (an incredible understatement).  Later on Mary would visit Elizabeth during their pregnancies, during which Elizabeth stated, “…behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy” (Verse 41).  The baby leapt 1) for joy 2) in his mother’s womb.  This indicates the capacity for emotion and viable movement during gestation.

For a more authoritative article on the ‘personhood’ of human embryos, please take time to read “When Does a Human “Person” Begin?” from the Christian Courier web site.   There, Brother Wayne Jackson offers strong arguments for embryos as viable persons (http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1305-when-does-a-human-person-begin).

It is tragic enough that people who don’t subscribe to Christianity attempt to defend abortion and ‘reproductive rights.’  It is dreadful indeed that many who claim to be Christian likewise buy into the evasive arguments advocating ‘choice.’

Observe Red Envelope Day with Christ Taught 

On March 31, 2009, pro life supporters will send red envelopes to the White House to keep our top administrators mindful of the lives lost to willful abortion procedures.  Our sincere hope is that the new administration will take careful note of the severity of this practice, currently condoned by American civil law.

The scriptural instruction to parents is clear:

[D]o do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.   Ephesians 6:4

So many youngsters go astray in our post-, post-modern world because they aren’t being taught the basics about living this life decently.  We are taught in Ecclesiastes 12:13 that the overriding duty of humanity is to “reverence God and keep His commandments.”  Thus it is the parent’s duty to raise his child, first and foremost, with his spiritual well-being in mind.

The parent is cautioned to not provoke his child to anger.  This does mean that children shouldn’t be abused and ruled over with iron fists and absurd demands.  The end of this mode of child-rearing tends to be rebellion.  The child begins to resent the parent and everything associated with that parent—including God and His counsel.   Once the child becomes accountable to God, he disregards His commands and thereby puts himself in danger of God’s wrath.

If on the other hand, the parent raises the child with firm, but loving guidance—in accordance with God’s will and word—he prepares that child to address his spiritual responsibilities as he matures.  Once that child becomes accountable to God, he keeps the commandments and prepares himself for spiritual success.

Many positive trends can result from our turning back to Godly instruction—higher regard for human life (remember the Columbine incident?); respect for authority (fewer schoolteachers with mental breakdowns); sober judgment in sexual activity (lesser incidence of STDs, unplanned pregnancies, abortions); less affinity toward alcohol and other mind-altering, illegal substances….

Throughout the ages, humanity has been warned to teach future generations the way of God (Deuteronomy 4:9-10) in preparation for their coming of age.  Responsible, discerning parents have always taken this advice seriously and have instructed their children to keep the way of the Lord (Genesis 18:19).

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? (Luke 9:23-25)

This passage shows us that we each possess a fleshly life and a spiritual life.  If we put our energy into this life as we know it alone; we do ourselves a great disservice.  If we put our energy into our spiritual lives, we prepare ourselves for life eternal.  An attitude of self-denial is key to preparing for our true lives in heaven.  Notice these parallel teachings of Jesus:

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 10:39)

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26)

We are taught by scripture that the world and everything in it will be destroyed by fervent heat. (II Peter 3:12)  So one wonders why so many put all their eggs into the basket of temporal, worldly pursuits?  We are taught alternatively that our souls will remain intact beyond our physical deaths (Matthew 10:28, Romans 8:13, ICorinthians 5:5).  Why don’t we place more emphasis on this singular possession that will endure for an eternity?

Think of the many things we do in violation of God’s will, on a minute by minute basis yet.  Using foul language (Ephesians 4:29, 5:4), consuming alcohol (Luke 1:15, Ephesians 5:18), practicing bigotry (Acts 10:34, Philippians 2:3), slandering others’ reputations (I Timothy 5:13), entering into illicit sexual relationships (I Corinthians 6:9-10, 7:2)—all to the detriment of our souls, our greatest possessions.

The world and everything in it doesn’t match the worth of one individual soul.  So we act foolishly when we build dream houses, having neglected our soul’s salvation (Luke 12:16-21)—when we collect numerous vintage cars, having neglected our soul’s salvation (Luke 12:15)—when we acquire the latest fashions, having neglected our soul’s salvation (Luke 12:22-28)—when we work feverishly on political campaigns, having neglected our soul’s salvation (Matthew 22:21). 

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Hebrews 2:1-4)

 _________________________________________________________________

Find Christ-Taught t-shirts and other items at www.zazzle.com/christtaught and www.virtuousplanet.com/christtaught.

Usually people interpret Matthew 11:28-30 to mean that one should find earthly comforts in Christ.  He teaches,

“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.”

In fact, the Lord exhorts us to count it joy when we fall into the various trials of this life and learn valuable lessons from those experiences. (James 1:2)  Many trials happen because we bring them upon ourselves, in spite of clear instruction to suffer only in accordance with God’s will. (I Peter 4:15-16)  Other trials are given as challenges to strengthen our character.  After all, this life is our proving ground. (Romans 12:2, II Timothy 2:15)

Christ’s teaching has a deeper meaning.  It is an instruction to rid ourselves of the spiritual burden we bear when we sin against God.  We labor under sin.  Sin separates us from God. (Isaiah 59:2)  If we are laden with sin at our time of death or at the second coming of Christ; we will be separated from God for an eternity (Ezekiel 18:20, II Thessalonians 1:7-9).  Christ was sent in the flesh to bridge that gap between sinful humanity and a perfect God (Hebrews 9:28, 10:10).  So, Christ gives us rest through his atoning death–if we obey the gospel and keep His commandments.

Christ gives us an idea of how important it is to rid ourselves of the spiritual weights that belie us.  He symbolically teaches that if one of our fleshly parts causes us to sin, we should sever that part–that it is better for the offensive part to perish than for our souls to perish in eternal torment. (Matthew 5:29-30)

When we live our lives in accordance with God’s will, we follow Jesus’ example and thereby take His light yoke upon us.  Compared to an eternity in outer darkness, separated forever from the one true and Living God, the challenges of Christian life in the flesh are indeed light (I John 5:3).

We should resolve to lay aside those weights that so easily beset us, most of which we allow to beset us (Hebrews 12:1-2) and seek the same joy that Christ did.  He endured the most grueling trial of all time that we might enter into eternal joy.  Let’s lose our weights and anticipate like joy.

_________________________________________________________________

Find Christ-Taught t-shirts and other items at www.zazzle.com/christtaught and www.virtuousplanet.com/christtaught. 

Christ understood this clearly, as demonstrated by His words and actions during His earthly life.  Notice the many scriptures that highlight Christ’s deference to the will of His Father in heaven:

Matthew 6:10       

Matthew 7:21

Matthew 12:50     

Luke 12:27-28

John 4:34               

John 5:30

John 6:38-40         

John 9:31

Romans 12:2        

Ephesians 5:17

Ephesians 6:6      

Colossians 1:9

I Timothy 2:1-4    

Hebrews 10:36

Hebrews 13:21     

James 4:15

I Peter 2:15           

I Peter 3:17

I Peter 4:19           

II Peter 3:9

I John 2:17            

I John 5:14

The most poignant of such passages is found in the accounts of the Lord’s prayer in the garden of Gethsemane.  “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”(Luke 22:42)  Even during the most grueling set of circumstances—taking on the sin burden of humanity throughout the ages and knowing full-well what this entailed—Christ deferred to the will of God the Father.  How comparatively easy it is for us to obey the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25) come what may.

_________________________________________________________________

Find Christ-Taught t-shirts and other items at www.zazzle.com/christtaught and www.virtuousplanet.com/christtaught. 

Jesus of Nazareth is the Master Teacher of all time. His timeless doctrine has the power to render eternal life to those who hear and obey Him (John 14:23).

The scripture, Ephesians 4:21, is part of an exhortation the Apostle Paul gives, encouraging the church at Ephesus to put away their former sinful manner of life and begin living as if they were worthy of the calling of Christ.  This fourth chapter of Ephesians includes an admonition to the church to 1) attain unto the unity of the faith and 2) move on to maturity in the faith.

When we truly follow the teachings of Christ, we gladly fulfill these two requests.  We go out and speak uncompromised truth in love (v.15), persuading men, always mindful of God’s justifiable wrath (II Cor. 5:11).  We convince those in error to understand the unity of our system of faith (vv.4-6) and encourage them to study with us (II Tim. 2:15).  We encourage them to examine self, testing their own fidelity to the truth (II Cor. 13:5).  More importantly, we abide in the truth so that we set a strong example of life in Christ (Phil. 1:27) and hopefully we mature in the process (Heb. 6:1).

Whenever we compromise Christ’s teachings, grievous troubles begin.  In His masterful sermon on the mount, Christ taught:

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

Matt. 7:15-27

So then, eternal life cannot result from falsehood (sand/diseased doctrine), only the truth (rock/healthy doctrine).  Let’s always be mindful to speak as if God is speaking through us (I Pet. 4:11).  This is the example Christ set for us as He walked the earth (John 14:24).  It makes sense to follow that example and thus prove the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2).

_________________________________________________________________

Find Christ-Taught t-shirts and other items at www.zazzle.com/christtaught and www.virtuousplanet.com/christtaught.  Begin teaching as Paul exhorted the church at Ephesus to teach!

Please look for our shop, Christ Taught, in coming weeks.  Here, you will find apparel and other fun items that correspond to the lessons taught in the blog posts.  We will also have a shop that specializes in darker-colored apparel on Zazzle.  These items will be navy blue, forest green, Texas orange, chocolate brown, etc.

Since there are so many t-shirts, buttons, and bumper stickers out there, we figure the messages on these items have strong potential to teach lessons that offer insight into the most important aspect of human education — knowledge of God’s will.

Join us from time to time as we share the teachings of Christ.

… if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.  Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak the truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.

Ephesians 4:21-25