Category: Christian Growth

When God Seems Far Away
When God Seems Far Away

When God Seems Far Away

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As a Christian, it is inevitable that you will most likely have seasons of your life when you feel far from God. There are times when you simply feel like Jesus is far away for no reason at all. You find it difficult to pray. Or you pray and cry out to God but it seems that God is deaf because He doesn’t answer. You’ve lost motivation to get into His Word or you read your Bible but it does not speak to you. You seek God but it seems as if He has hidden His face from you.

If you have experienced either of these situations, let me assure you that it is completely normal. I don’t know a single Christian who hasn’t felt this way in one way or another. There will be times in the life of every Christian, when even though you are walking by faith and there is no known sin in your life, God seems far away.

You’re Not Alone

David, the man whom God called “a man after My own heart,” had that experience which he expressed in Psalm 13:1-2. There is no indication in these verses that David sinned and yet out of the depths of his heart he repeats four times the haunting cry, “How long?” While David’s enemy was about to get him, God seemed unavailable (Psalm 13:3-4). It seemed as if God had forgotten David.

Jesus understood more than David did how it meant to be forsaken by God. Jesus’ last three hours on the cross as He was bearing upon Himself the sins of the world, was characterized by silence and darkness and God’s seeming deafness to the pleas and cries of His Son (Matthew 27:45-46).

Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1 as an expression of the worst horror of human misery; namely, the feeling of being forsaken by God.

When God Seems Far Away

Often times we overlook the fact of Jesus’ humanity. On the cross, Jesus expressed the ultimate cry of desolation and despair which is enough for us to know that He understands how painful and heartbreaking this experience can be.

The cry of desperation is our response to how our circumstances look to us – God seems so far away and has forsaken us.

Has this ever happened to you? You desperately called out to God for help, but He seemed to be on an extended vacation. What are you supposed to do?

Call to the Lord and Trust in His Unfailing Love

Psalm 13:5-6 tells you what to do when God seems far away. David stopped crying out in anguish. Instead, he praises the Lord and finally rests in the joy of knowing that God will answer him. When God seemed far away, David learned to call to Him and trust in His unfailing love.

Did the Father forsake His Son and remained distant? No! Perhaps God looked away from the sin Jesus carried when He was dying on the cross but did not actually abandon Him. Jesus was innocent and had done nothing to forfeit the favor of God.

When God Seems Far AwayIn times when it seems God has turned His back, we must learn to trust the fact that He loves us with unfailing love. Let us have confidence in God’s promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), even though it may seem that way for a while.

There will be times when we have to wait for God’s answer to our petition and we are uncertain how long it would take. But the problem is that we are often in a hurry when God isn’t but His timing is always perfect.

Seek God especially when He Seems Far Away

It’s very unfortunate that many Christians do not grow to maturity because when God seems far away from them, they do not call out to Him. Instead, they just shrug their shoulders and go right back into the world. Let us learn from David who called to God despite feeling being forsaken by Him. We must seek God especially when He seems far away.

When God Seems Far AwayDid you know that the real test of your faith is not when God’s presence is real and when you see God at work in your life?

The real test of your faith is when God seems far away and you are left wondering why. Do you seek God when you come to the point where you can no longer feel His presence near you? Or do you look somewhere else for a quick fix?

Seek the Lord and You will Find Him

God gives us a divine promise that when we seek God with all our heart, we will find Him (Jer. 29:13; Deuteronomy 4:29). Jesus also promised not to cast out anyone who comes to Him (John 6:37). So even though God seems distant, just keep seeking Him. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).

Oh and by the way, while you’re seeking God, you might feel as if you’re doing all the seeking but the truth is, God Himself has seeded within you the hunger for Him. Your longings for God are proof that He is actively working in your life. It might seem like this is due to the influence of friends and circumstances, but in reality, God is just using them as means.

Keep an Awareness of God and the Enemy at All Times

When God seems far away
Photo Credits: The Beacon

When I gave my life to Christ, I gained the most wonderful and most powerful Friend in the whole wide world. However, I also gained a fearsome foe – Satan and his demons.

Yes, Satan is nothing compared to God as he’s not as smart and not as powerful; he is nevertheless, a superhumanly powerful, evil genius. He uses the power of deception to fool new believers into doubting God’s power and reality in their lives by trying to manipulate their feelings.

As a new Christian, I felt nothing at first. Although I enjoyed the music during praise and worship and loved the messages/sermons delivered by the speakers, I did not really feel like I was in contact with God. I looked around me and saw people crying, singing, worshiping in tongues and enjoying God’s presence. And I thought, “Why am I not feeling it? What is wrong with me?”

I only realized later on that it will take some time for a new Christian to receive more and more evidence and awareness of God’s presence. Like the growth of a tree, much of God’s work is not immediately obvious. It takes time to realize that God is right here with us and is actually working in us and through us. Well, the enemy will do anything in his power to deceive us but other than the power of deception, he can do nothing else.

As I continued to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus, I began to feel His nearness and constant presence in my life. I learned that communication is key to keeping God close at hand. Spending more time with God will keep us conscious of His love and His presence with us all the time.

Feelings Vs. Reality

We may feel different when we go from a valley to a mountaintop experience, but little or nothing in us has actually changed. All that happens when we’re on a peak is that we can see further with our own eyes. Being highly conscious of God’s love will keep us aware of His constant presence in our lives. One important thing we need to realize is that feelings and spiritual reality often do not coincide.

When God Seems Far AwayIn times when we can’t see God’s love and goodness and we feel nothing, we need to learn that although the weather changes, people change or feelings change, God remains solid rock, totally true and dependable forever. God wants us to learn to trust Him rather than trusting our emotions.

God has promised to love us, be with us, forgive us and hear our prayers, but not once has He promised we will “feel” anything. So stand on the promises of God and not on what He has not promised.

Despite what we feel during periods of spiritual loneliness, God’s faithful presence with us is an unchanging and eternal reality. We are never alone because Jesus promised that He will be with us always even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20). This doesn’t mean we will never feel like God is far away because throughout Scriptures we see experiences of spiritual loneliness.

Conclusion

In times of difficulty, men reason, “If there is a loving Father God, why does He seem far away? Why does He allow bad things to happen?” 

The story of the disciples on the boat at sea gives us a picture of the natural reaction of humans when we feel like God isn’t there (Matthew 8:23-27). The disciples are on a boat, and a storm suddenly appears. What did they do? They immediately panicked because Jesus was asleep. They woke Him up and Jesus rebuked them as if He was saying, “Guys, did you think I wasn’t present just because I was asleep? I was still there with you and I was fully aware of the storm.”

God will never leave your side, even when you feel like He’s so far away. He wants to assure you that He is with you, He has always been and He always will be. He will never leave your side – whether you feel that way or not. What a comfort that no matter how we are feeling, good or bad, God is above it all.

Recommended Resource: When Heaven Seems Silent: How to Wait on God’s Promises by Mark and Tammy Endres

When God Seems SilentWe know God’s plans and timing are perfect—but what do we do in the meantime? Why does God make us wait, knowing it can be so difficult? Why doesn’t He act when time seems to be running out? Why does He answer some prayers in a moment and yet fulfill other promises after having us wait days, years, or even decades before the promise comes to pass?

Mark and Tammy Endres have asked these questions and more. Though Mark was born with only one functioning hand, God has told them—again and again—that His plan is for complete healing.

In When Heaven Seems Silent they share the lessons they have learned as they wait—lessons that have forever changed their perspective of God and how He works in the lives of His children.

Through their inspiring story you will discover how to:

·          Hear God’s voice
·          Overcome disappointment
·          Wait without anger or offense
·          Face your emotions
·         Hold on to God’s promises, and much more!

Do you need to be baptized in order to be saved
Do You Need to be Baptized in Order to be Saved?

Do You Need to be Baptized in Order to be Saved?

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Water baptism is an important topic that often arouses much controversy and confusion. Many Christians around the world are asking whether or not water baptism is necessary for salvation. Do you need to be baptized in order to be saved? Some say that baptism is a requirement for salvation while others say it is not. But what does the Bible teach?

What is Water Baptism?

Baptism comes from the Greek word “baptizo,” which comes from bapto, meaning “to dip,” “to immerse,” “to plunge under” or “to change the identification of.” Among the Greeks, when a piece of white cloth was to be dyed, it was plunged under the colored liquid until changed into the color of the dye.

The idea of identification is central to the meaning of baptism because when an object is dipped or immersed, it becomes totally identified with the substance in which it was placed. When John the Baptist baptized Jesus, he publicly identified Him who was sinless with sinners in anticipation of His death and resurrection as their sin-bearer. Jesus referred to His own impending death as a “baptism” which He had to undergo (Mark 10:38-39; Luke 12:50).

Did you know that the rite of baptism was a ritual in the Jewish culture from the beginning? Ceremonial washing of priests and the dipping of temple utensils into water was part of the law. For instance, before a priest takes his office as priest, he is first baptized in order to dedicate and identify him in his position. The baptism of the priest set him apart to take part in the temple and worship sacrifices while the baptism of the utensils set them apart for a specific use in worship.

In the same way, the baptism of John the Baptist was an Old Testament economy baptism which only signified the participant’s willingness to confess his sin. John’s baptism was not for salvation because when the Jews came to him, the Lord Jesus had not yet paid the price for sin. John the Baptist’s baptism was for repentance (Acts 19:4).

Does Water Baptism Save?

Although there are some verses that seem to indicate the necessity of water baptism in salvation, the Bible clearly tells us that salvation is a gift that is received by grace through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ; no external act is necessary for salvation because it is only by divine grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:22-30; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9).

If we are saved by faith, then we are saved by faith when we believe and not when we get baptized. Otherwise, we are not saved by faith. To require anything else in addition to faith in Jesus Christ for salvation is a works-based salvation. It’s like saying that Jesus’ death on the cross was not sufficient to purchase our salvation.

If baptism is necessary for salvation then anyone who receives Christ on his deathbed and who confesses Jesus as Lord and Savior of his life would go to hell if he doesn’t get baptized before he died. And also all babies who die go to hell since they weren’t baptized. Because when we say that baptism is necessary, there can be no exceptions – otherwise it isn’t necessary.

To say that one needs to be baptized in order to be saved is to say we must add our own good works and obedience to Christ’s death in order to make it sufficient for salvation. So how do we deal with some verses that seem to indicate that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Christian Jewelry and Wall Decors - Lord's Guidance

The Necessity of Water Baptism in Salvation

There is a belief that’s been going around for quite some time now which teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation; it’s called “baptismal regeneration.” Those who hold to this view are quick to quote 1 Peter 3:21 (NIV) as proof text because it says, “baptism that now saves you.” But is this really what Peter was saying? If this were so then Peter would be contradicting many scripture passages that show people being saved prior to being baptized or without being baptized at all.

A closer look at 1 Peter 3:21 shows that Peter is not actually saying that water baptism saves. He says, “Not the removal of dirt from the body, but an appeal to God for a clear conscience.” Water can only remove dirt from the flesh but it is the blood of Christ which removes the filth from our hearts because, without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22).

The apostle Paul in Titus 3:5 seem to be saying that God saves us through the washing of regeneration, but in the immediately preceding words he says that “God saved us not by the works of righteousness we have done.” How can Paul say something contrary to what he just said earlier in the same verse?

The New Testament On Water Baptism

If everyone who comes to Christ must be baptized in order to be saved, we would expect to find it stressed whenever the Gospel is presented in Scripture. But that is not the case. The apostle Paul never made water baptism any part of his Gospel presentation. Paul gives a concise summary of the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and there is no mention of baptism.

Paul even said in 1 Corinthians 1:17 that “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel.” (It is important to note that Paul only baptized a few.) If baptism is part of the Gospel and is necessary for salvation, Paul would have made it a central theme of his ministry. If one needs to be baptized in order to be saved, why didn’t Paul baptize every one of those who received the Gospel message?

What good would it have done for Paul to preach the Gospel but not baptized? No one would have been saved! Clearly, Paul understood that water baptism is separate from the Gospel, and hence in no way efficacious for salvation.

What about Peter? Yes, Peter mentioned baptism in his sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38). But when he spoke from Solomon’s portico in the Temple, he made no reference to baptism (Acts 3:12-16). Instead, he linked the forgiveness of sin to repentance (Acts 3:19).

Mark 16:16 is another verse that is often quoted to prove the necessity of baptism in salvation. Aside from the fact that many textual scholars think that Mark 16:9-20 are not an authentic part of Mark’s Gospel, verse 16 is actually a proof of the opposite.

Reading the verse more carefully, one should notice that the basis for condemnation is not the failure to be baptized, but only the failure to believe. Baptism is mentioned in the first part of the verse because it was the outward symbol that always accompanied the inward belief. Water baptism is certainly important and required of every believer. However, the New Testament does not teach that baptism is necessary for salvation.

Conclusion

Sixteen years ago today I was water baptized, four months after I got saved. Did I have to be baptized in order to be saved? No! And you don’t either. Saying that we need to be baptized in order to be saved is dangerous because it is saying there is something we must do to complete our salvation. We cannot rest our hope of salvation on something that we can do for ourselves. We must recognize our need of a Savior and accept the Lord Jesus’ finished work for our redemption.

If water baptism were not necessary for salvation, why then would one be baptized? Baptism is the symbol of what has already occurred in the heart and life of one who has trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an important step of obedience that every Christian should take as an act of testimony to others and a public declaration of the reality of our personal identification with Christ.

Scripture is also clear that genuine saving faith results in obedience. Thus, every true believer who has opportunity will be baptized in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is the result of salvation, not the means to it.

If you have a different understanding, I encourage you to study the Bible for yourself to see what it really teaches about water baptism and salvation. We must rely on Scripture alone as our authoritative standard, not Church tradition.

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The importance of praying for others
The Importance of Praying for Others

The Importance of Praying for Others

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Prayer is the lifeblood of a Christian life, it sustains our walk with Jesus. While every Christian has his unique prayer lifestyle, prayers differ in quality from one another depending on the depth of our personal relationship with Jesus.

However, without particularity, if we consistently soak into deeper experiences of a sincere prayerful life, the Holy Spirit not only empowers us in our prayers but in our whole Christian life. Through our earnest and unceasing prayers, we unleash tons of endless adoration, confessions, thanksgiving, and supplications.

When praying becomes a mere recitation and not devotion, we are most likely inclined to pray wholly for ourselves. If we can only play back our prayers and listen, many among us will hear a parrot in ourselves with the first person pronouns “I,” “me,” “mine” and “my.”

Praying for Our Needs

There is nothing wrong in praying for oneself because the Bible teaches us to nourish and cherish ourselves, just as the Lord does the church (Ephesians 5:29). However, it is our unceasing perseverance in praying for others that aligns us with God’s will of a far-reaching and matured Christian prayerful life. It is in an intercessory prayer where we lift supplications and thanksgiving for others to God. It is transiently forgetting oneself and pleading to God for others.

While we tend to show our support in prayer for our friends and others, we shall also be cautious with the words that we speak. When comforting those who are going through trials and frustrations, it will be sensibly better to refrain from saying, “I will pray for you” if you really cannot or do not intend to do so.

Saying those words of encouragement may lighten the conversation at the moment but it turns up that it’s an empty statement if it was just said without sincerity. You have failed not only your friend but above all, you have failed God by withholding His power from administering in the life of your friend. Remember that saying the right words with sincerity is like offering gold on a silver platter (Proverbs 25:11).

The Intercessors Then and Now

In the Old Testament times, the Levitical or Aaronic priests are the mediators between God and man. Under the Mosaic Law, Aaron and his sons were ordained to perform priestly duties in the holy Tabernacle (Exodus 28:1-3). They intercede for the people and are the only ones permitted to enter the holiest place. They assist in burning and offering sacrifices for the atonement of their own sins and the sins of others. Their priesthood is passed on exclusively within the tribe of the Levites.

Under the New Testament, Jesus is the only high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17; Hebrews 4:14 and Psalm 110:4). His holy priesthood is fitted only for the righteous King.

Jesus is our intercessor then, now, and forever (Hebrews 7:25). He has been the offering once and for all, for the atonement of our sins. Jesus died and He has risen in resurrection for the salvation of mankind, our great priest, the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

Through His death and resurrection, He has clothed us with His robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), and He has chosen our generation, a royal priesthood, a Holy nation, and His own special people (1 Peter 2:9). As Jesus’ followers today, we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).

Who Must be Praying for Whom?

In the first letter of the Apostle Paul to Timothy, he encourages the Christians of the church in Ephesus that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, kings, and all who are in authority.

Praying for others is an important sacrificial ministry introduced to us by Jesus Himself (John 17:1-26). Invitations for intercessory prayer are often announced in churches, only to be ignored by many. Most, if not all members of the church shrug their shoulders in apology, taking it as an invitation intended exclusively for the so-called “prayer warriors.” Is everyone not a prayer warrior? Anyone who from his heart believes that God does answer prayers would be an intercessor, an effective prayer warrior, if he wills.

Following the steps of Jesus, we too are ordained to pray for all men. When it is written “for all men,” it means we need to pray universally not only for our friends and relatives but we must pray for our enemies too. We pray for those who curse and persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Would God hear our prayers of destruction for our enemies? Certainly not! God in all His goodness will rebuke such desire and prayer (Luke 9:53-56).

We need to pray for and in submission to the authority of our community and church leaders whom God has appointed to lead us (Romans 13:1). God directs the hearts of them that He appoints (Proverbs 21:1). Let us pray for God’s wisdom to be upon them, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life.

Our leaders need our prayers for enlightenment and direction. For it is written that a blind man cannot lead the blind (Luke 6:39, see also Matthew 15:14).

Why Do We Intercede for Others?

Different people have different motives for praying for others. In some cases, naively demeaning the powers of the one true God. As an example, some people say that they pray for others to generously help God as He works in answering prayers. When intercessory prayers are answered, they boast of being part of the process. They are sometimes subtly slow in remembering that God knows the thoughts and plans that He has for everyone (Jeremiah 29:11).

In His Divinity, He does not need our contribution to make what He thinks is appropriate to happen. Remember that apart from God; we cannot do anything (John 15:5). With or without us, God He can make things happen, according to His will from eternity (Isaiah 14:24).

Similarly, in His gift of Salvation, man’s only contribution is sin.

More so, some of us pray for others with the hope of fast-tracking God’s answers. Have we forgotten that God answers prayers in his own time (Isaiah 65:24)? Do we know better than Him as to when He has to answer our prayers?

We Intercede Because We Care

In many other instances, we seem to show we care for others. In times, when they pray the least, we heroically step in interceding, with thoughts of covering up for them. Is God just like one of us who plays the games we play? There should be nothing such as a deliberate delegation of prayer. Neither is there prayer by substitution.

What then is the righteous motive in praying for others? Praying for others should have the very basic reason for loving others. Second to loving God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind, is His commandment to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). If we could only love others just as the commandment says we should, it follows that selflessly interceding for them is as easy as praying for ourselves. Moreover, glory is brought back to God where it belongs, with the praises of thanksgiving from many whose prayers on their behalf are answered (2 Corinthians 1:11).

God Never Changes but the Prayers of the Righteous Avail Much

As we move around expectant hearts in prayer for others, a popular question of all times can’t be helped being prominent. Can (intercessory) prayers change the mind of God? Many will turn their lips mum on this simply because of not want to create chaos more than clarity. Setting argument aside, let us try to seek answers from the scriptures and not from our own intelligence.

In Numbers 23:19; it is written that God is not man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent. He will do as He has spoken to make it good. We learned that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8,) and with Him, there is no variation or shadow for turning (James 1:17). His essential being, Deity, character,r, and attributes will never change.

Change is the result of an addition, alteration, or deduction. God has been, is, and will forever be perfectly complete in Himself without a need to change. If He was made perfect only after the change, then His perfection doesn’t validate His nature being God. God does not need change while there is a lot of changing in us waiting to be done.

Prayer Matters

Do the prayers of the righteous matter? God hears the prayers of the righteous and avails much (1 Peter 3:12, see also James 5:16). He knows what is there in the beginning and what will be there in the end. The prayers of the righteous touch the hearts of our ever-loving and merciful God. Because of his great love for us, He allows intermediate events to change between the beginning and the end but works on things in alignment with the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11, see also Isaiah 46:10).

Under any circumstances, if the response to our prayers that is appropriate within His Deity, calls for mercy, reformation, rebuke, punishment, blessings, or whatever the fulfillment of His promises would require, that is surely what He will do.

Lastly, God is sovereign and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Our ways are not His ways. His thoughts and ways are higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). Being such, there will and will always be questions left unanswered within the intelligence of man.

If there is one question here not to be left unanswered, let it be asked within us. Do you love God and would obey His commandment to love your neighbor as yourself? If your answer here is a “Yes” just like mine, continue praying for others with love!

Recommended Resource:

Understanding the Purpose and Power of Prayer: How to Call Heaven to Earth by Myles Munroe

Understanding the Purpose and Power of PrayerWhether you know it or not, you have the authority to change the world through prayer. When God said, “Let mankind rule over all the earth,” He was arranging the dominion of the world so that the partnership of mankind was essential for the accomplishment of His purposes. 

All that God is—and all that God has—may be received through prayer. Everything you need to fulfill your purpose on earth is available to you through prayer.

The biblically based, time-tested principles in this book will ignite and transform the way you pray.

Be prepared to enter into a new dimension of faith, a deeper revelation of God’s love, and a renewed understanding that your prayers can truly move the hand of God.

Abraham and Isaac
When God Tests Your Faith

When God Tests Your Faith

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Above any other gauge used to test the quality of anything with measurable properties, God’s standard for testing our faith is way beyond comparison. When God tests our faith He may bluntly have us face the blank side of the wall without any clue on what’s waiting for us on the other side. His ways of putting our faith to the test are not within the limited boundaries of mankind’s comprehension.

Within man’s understanding, God’s sovereign ways may seem to be unreasonable and perhaps, sometimes felt to be unjustifiable. For what then is meant for Him to be the God of the universe, the Creator of heaven and earth, the King of kings if He makes no difference from the ways of men? Who are we to question His ways?

Responding to God’s Test of Faith

As believers and faithful followers of Jesus, we face different levels of intensity in the testing of our faith. Yours may be different from mine and different from the others. But every test of faith is a chance to show your trust, obedience, and love for God. When God tests your faith, take it as an opportunity for you to achieve a most-deserved promotion in His kingdom.

When God tests your faith, He neither looks after your age nor how long you have been born again. In the life of Abraham, at a biologically elderly age, he too was not spared from what I consider a paramount kind of testing for his faith. In Genesis 22:1-19 (paraphrased here below), Abraham’s faith in God is well described and teaches us how we too should respond when we face our own test of faith.

Abraham’s Faith in God is Sensitive

It was most likely that whenever God calls Abraham, He is into something really big! With his usual readiness to get into service, Abraham reported on duty to His master, “Here I am!” (Genesis 22:1) He presented himself in promptitude as God called his name.

It could be a calling, a request, a command, or an instruction that God has called out your name. We have to be always sensitive to God’s calling no matter our situation, circumstances, or time. He calls you for a purpose — to grace you with His blessings!

Let our response be the same as Abraham’s, “Here I am!” (See also Isaiah 6:8.)

Abraham’s Faith is Submissive

“Take, go and offer Isaac” (Genesis 22:2). To Abraham at that time, God’s vivid instruction could have been similar to the reverberating sound of a gunshot in the air. I can only imagine the ticking of the clock frozen at that very moment. The instruction was perhaps beyond Abraham’s ingenious understanding.

However hard it was to understand, it was with God’s grace, that the instruction never got over his submissiveness to God. Just like how it would be to any father of a beloved son, Abraham surely was pondering with a somewhat disturbed heart. Yet, his quiet response with submissiveness was on top of the situation.

Many among us while claiming to be followers of Jesus, submit indiscriminately to God’s instructions. We rather choose to submit only to that which will not hurt us. We tend to turn our eyes and ears away from anything that could mean giving up our precious possessions, status in life, and our pride. “Anything Lord, tell unto me and I will follow.” (See also Psalm 143:10.)

Abraham’s Faith is Enthusiastic

Without further delay and without wasting any single moment, Abraham rose early morning the very next day. Nobody less than himself prepared the firewood and saddled his donkey for the journey to the offering place, the mountains of Moriah (Genesis 22:3).

What an enthusiastic manner of obeying God’s instruction! It was the same instruction that might have madly made his heart beat faster, that he is enthusiastically obeying that early morning of the very next day! Abraham knows God’s business so well. He knew who gave the orders and who carried them out. He knew that there was no point in lying back on his couch while hoping that God would change His mind.

Whenever God sends us the signal and raises His mighty hand, let us believe in Him and get it done. Never put aside for some other time what God wants you to do this very moment. Get yourself ready the way He wanted it to be and say, “I am ready Lord, let’s go!”

Abraham’s Faith is Endurant

It would have only taken a bit of Abraham’s effort to pull the donkey tack and say “It’s over, let us go back.” Within the three-day journey to the mountains of Moriah (Genesis 22:4), every single second of it could have been an unbearable torment to Abraham. It is a long journey towards the place where he has to lay down his burnt offering, who is no lesser than his beloved son, Isaac.

Throughout the journey, his head must have been spinning with thoughts of how he would eventually make his way back to his wife Sarah without Isaac, their beloved son. Instead of turning back, he obediently endured all the pain and heartaches a father would undoubtedly have felt about what awaited them.

The inevitable is a step closer to every move they make. Albeit the long journey, there is no point of return without carrying on his obedience to the God he believes in and serves.

Many amongst us will turn back, halfway to the place where the Lord is leading us. We can barely endure life’s torment along the rocky road we need to take. But we need to look forward to the glory that’s waiting for us rather than looking back at the torment we have been through. “I will keep pressing forward knowing that the Lord is waiting there at the end.” (See Phil 3:13.)

Abraham’s Faith is Determined

Abraham is so determined to obey what God told him to do that he will take away any obstacle that may cut through his way. Ascending the mountains would have been much easier with the help of his two servants to take the load of the firewood they brought.

Knowing that his servants would surely get in his way and do whatever it took to stop him from offering Isaac, he told them to stay behind (Genesis 22:5). Abraham got rid of the obstacles in carrying out what he had to.

Life is full of distraction, full of obstacles in getting things done the way we were told to. We tend to forget to focus on our goal and get influenced by our surroundings, the people, and the surrounding circumstances. “Where He leads me, I will follow, no turning back.” (See Deuteronomy 5:32 & Luke 9:62.)

Abraham’s Faith is Steadfast

Abraham’s steadfast faith in God gave him the strength to raise the knife and aim to stab Isaac after binding him on the offering altar (Genesis 22:9-10;). I can just imagine the pain he must have felt in his heart as he raised the knife toward his very own beloved son. This he bears, with the strong faith in the One who told him to do as he did.

He believes that God will fulfill His promise that he will be blessed with many nations through Isaac. If so, how can he aim to kill his son, the channel of God’s promise? Abraham believed that no matter what, God would restore Isaac to fulfill His promise! (see Hebrews 11:17-19). He must obey and believe. The rest is up to God.

Our faith in God must be unconditionally steadfast. We cannot say “I believe” with a single spot of doubt in our hearts, for this is foolish in God’s eyes. When God says so, He means so. “Lord, help me sustain my faith” (see also Isaiah 41:10).

What about Your Faith in God?

When God tests your faith, do you spend more time focusing on complaining rather than obeying? Do you keep your mind busy thinking about what God needs to do for you rather than thinking about what you can do for Him? Just like Abraham, we too need to raise the knife in our own test of faith and aim steadfastly without doubting that God is watching on how we trust Him.

God saw how faithful Abraham was up to this point where he needed to give up his beloved son in obedience to God’s instruction of test. God, through his angel, stopped Abraham from killing Isaac and provided a substitute offering utilizing a ram (Genesis 22:11-14). With an enduring display of faith, God has affirmed His promise to Abraham to bless him with many nations through his son Isaac (Genesis 22:15-19).

Abraham clearly showed his obedience with faith. Why did God put Abraham to the test when he had already proven to be a faithful servant of God? Only God knows the real answer to this. Based on the scriptures, we can only suppose that God tested him to know if He was still sovereign in Abraham’s life notwithstanding Abraham’s immeasurable love for his son, Isaac.

Abraham did not only obey but he firmly believed in the promises of God. Did God bless Abraham because of his obedience? God fulfilled His promise that Abraham and his offspring will be heirs of the world because of his righteousness that comes from faith (see Romans 4:13-14).

Recommended Resource: 

The Testing of God’s Sons – eBook

By Gregory S. SmithThere exists a general lack of biblical understanding for the idea of “testing” that emerges in the Old Testament as a significant theological theme. The faithful from both Old Testament and New Testament times are tested for their faith.

This kind of experience often involves enduring hardship and difficult times. While often confused with the biblical idea of “temptation,” the biblical idea of testing stems from a metallurgical background and carries a unique covenantal function. Testing will be at the center of how God responds to the rebellion of his people and reveals God’s primary concern for the faith of his saints.

The Testing of God’s Sons focuses on the language of testing and explores the semantic range for the idea of testing that draws from both the biblical context, as well as the world of the ancient Near East.

This study then focuses on the often-overlooked Joseph narrative and its unique contribution to the theology of testing that is presented by the rest of the Pentateuch.

Finally, the remainder of the biblical texts are investigated on the theme of testing. The last chapter shows the fact that God tests His sons – Adam, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Job, Israel, and even Christ.

It is through the experience of God’s tested sons that believers are invited to more fully and deeply understand their own experience of testing.
Politics and the Bible: Are they compatible?
Politics and the Bible: Are they compatible?

Politics and the Bible: Are they compatible?

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Have you ever had someone tell you that Christians and the Church should not get involved in politics?

Because accordingly, it’s in clear violation of the policy on separation of church and state. Some also argue that Jesus Christ never got involved in politics so neither should Christians. Still, others say that Christians should just focus on preaching the Gospel instead of meddling with matters of human government.

Christian involvement in politics has been a much-debated subject. And many Christians believe that they should not engage in politics because “faith and politics do not mix.” Probably as a result of the complex history between the two, Christianity and politics have since become a complex subject that often evokes strong opinions.

Fact or Fiction?

A few centuries after the birth of the church, Christianity became intimately intertwined with the politics of the Roman Empire. This happened immediately after Emperor Constantine made Christianity the empire’s official state religion. What took place over the subsequent centuries was not only unhelpful but damaging for Christianity. The fusion of religion and politics created an empire that in many ways did not reflect the values held and taught by Jesus Christ.

And that is why today, many Christians shy away from politics. Pastors do not talk about it from the pulpits and more and more believers do not cast their ballots anymore. They prefer to stay home during the elections because they see politics as nothing more than a “dirty game.”  

They believe that most politicians seek government offices as a means to gratify their greed and hunger for position, money, and power.

Should Christians Get Involved in Politics?

If the answer is yes, to what extent?

While some may argue that we should just preach the Gospel and not be involved, others imply that having conservative Christian candidates elected is of utmost importance. So let us look at what the Bible says as regards politics and government.

First, the Scriptures clearly state that governments by nature are God-ordained and thus accountable to God (Romans 13:1). Interestingly, believers who claim submission of their lives to Christ tend to forget about His lordship once the subject switches to politics. Christians must also allow Jesus to be Lord of their political views.

Romans 13:2-3 warns that those who resist authority are in effect resisting that which God has instituted. Consequently, they bring judgment on themselves for rulers will not punish those who do good but the evil.

Second, God ordains the government to promote justice for all (Romans 13:4 & 1 Peter 2:14). The government does this, at least partially, by legislating morality. Laws against murder, rape, assault, and many other crimes are moral issues commanded in the Bible to protect citizens.

Religious tolerance

The Issue on Moral Standards

Well, people might say, “Don’t try to impose your morality on me because I’m not trying to impose my morality on you.” Hey, you know what? You do not need the Bible to know that murder and rape are wrong. The question now is, which moral standards should the government legislate?

Third, the relationship between the church and government or state is not total separation nor total identification, but education and confrontation. There is no such thing as total separation of church and state. It’s important to note that the phrase doesn’t occur anywhere in the U.S. Constitution. It is a phrase that was made up to explain the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” 

There is nowhere in the constitution that forbids individuals from mixing faith and politics or from sharing their faith in a state-related function or location. Historically, no one interpreted the First Amendment to exclude religion from the political sphere. People have seriously misunderstood what “separation of church and state”  means.

The founding fathers created the First Amendment to keep the state out of the church, not the church out of the state.

Why Christians Should Be Involved in Politics

As Christians, we need to be involved because we believe in a God who cares passionately about this world and consequently how it is run. We should get involved because the Bible is hugely political – in that it is about how God wants people to behave and act towards Him. Does God have a hand in politics? Daniel 2:21 says, “It is God who sets up kings and deposes them.”

Politics gives all individuals the right to vote on issues that they believe will affect them, including Christians. Although Christians do not have to vote as their church or pastor tells them, they should be involved in the sense that they first seek to be informed and then make up their minds.

With all the present matters of human trafficking, persecution of minorities, tyranny, and many other cases of inhumane acts, the need for Christian involvement in politics should be obvious. It should also be evident that Christians are the most ideal people for this role.

Was Jesus a Political Person?

The Bible says that “only the righteous is concerned about justice for the poor” (Proverbs 29:7). Some may argue that Jesus Himself was never politically involved. But didn’t He often confront the Pharisees who were the religious and political leaders during His time?

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” 

The Bible also includes other incidents in which God was not opposed to His people’s using political influence. Bible greats such as Joseph, Daniel, and Esther were all elevated to positions of political power so that God could carry out His will. Even the apostle Paul’s Roman citizenship played a major role in the spread of the Gospel (Acts 22:25; 26:32).

It is, therefore, a mistake for Christians to completely isolate themselves from the realm of politics. When believers do not take it upon themselves to vote or run for office, they carelessly leave the fate of future generations in the hands of wicked and immoral men.

Christian Apologist Dr. Frank Turek explains further why Christians should get involved in politics.

Church Pastors and Leaders in the Political Arena

When Bro. Eddie Villanueva ran for the Philippine presidency for the first time in May 2004 many Church leaders supported him. Villanueva is the president and founder of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide (JILCW), one of the largest Bible-based, full-gospel Christian Churches in the world,

Indeed, church leaders did not directly advise their congregation and Church members to vote for Villanueva. But they encourage them to vote for a political candidate who is God-fearing and with high standards of morality.

Unfortunately, Bro. Eddie lost to then-incumbent President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who was seeking a full six-year term as President. Arroyo succeeded ousted President Joseph Estrada who was impeached with charges of plunder and corruption.

Bro. Eddie ran again for the 2010 presidential election and lost for the second time. This is despite the huge support from the Philippine Evangelical movement.

Philippine Presidential Election 2004

God’sWill in Politics

This led many born-again and evangelical Christians to conclude that it is not God’s will for church leaders and pastors to get involved in politics. Why? Simply because politics is a dirty game. They concluded that, yes, Christians must exercise their right to vote. But they should not run for public office because it is not God’s will for Christians to serve in the government.

Instead, they should just focus on sharing and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ because they might get compromised after exposure to politics.

There is some validity to this caution. Some believers entering the political arena have become so politically focused. As a result, they have compromised their teachings which are fundamental to the Christian faith.  Some Christians also made the mistake of resting all their hope on politicians and government at the expense of morality and godly living.

The Example of Daniel

Christians who hold positions in the government should follow the example set by Daniel. Daniel was given great authority in the ruling government of his day. He used his position to influence the king and others. But he never set his hope on Babylon, and this enabled him to be a prophetic witness towards Babylon. He was also able to serve under Persia.

Daniel used his influence as much as possible for good while never setting his hope in these kingdoms. This is because he understood that the advancement of the kingdom of God does not ultimately depend on political failures or political successes.

Politicians who are Christians should work as much as they can within their authority to promote righteousness and restrain evil. Yet they must never forget that the government cannot ultimately bring righteousness to the earth. Only God Himself can do that.

Christians Can Serve in the Government

The Bible shows us that God does put people in places of authority and influence for His sovereign purpose. However, it’s not a biblical mandate to seek authority and influence in government.

Senator Manny Pacquiao shares his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Christians must see government and authority in society as the means to advance the Gospel. At the same time, they should encourage Christians in authority to use their position for influence. If godly men and women can serve in places of leadership then, by all means, let them pursue it.

However, we should also not get disappointed when believers fail to come into places of influence. We should rejoice when a believer becomes president. Yet, we should not consider it a failure to advance the Gospel when a believer loses the election.

Conclusion

Yes, Christians must get involved. Christians must let their voice be heard by casting their ballots. They must, by all means, support, and vote for the candidate who could best represent them. Christians should elect those who will strongly stand for the right to religious freedom, the right to life for the unborn, and the God-ordained marriage.

And yes, Christians should spend time on their knees praying for the right candidate to win the elections. But they must also do their part by casting their vote.

One more thing, Christians must remember that although they are commanded to submit to the authorities and rulers and to pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2), their hope resides in the protection that only comes from God. Political entities are not the savior of the world.

The salvation of mankind is accomplished only through the life and works of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Recommended Resource: 

Politics – According to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture  by Wayne Grudem

Politics According to the Bible

A variety of perspectives exist within the Christian community when it comes to political issues and political involvement. Comprehensive and readable Politics According to the Bible presents a political philosophy from the perspective that the Gospel pertains to all of life and therefore argues that Christians should be involved in political issues.

In brief, this is an analysis of conservative and liberal plans to do good for the nation, evaluated in light of the Bible and common sense.

In this ground-breaking book, recognized evangelical Bible professor Wayne Grudem rejects five mistaken views about Christian influence on politics: (1) compel religion, (2) exclude religion, (3) all government is demonic, (4) do evangelism, not politics, and (5) do politics, not evangelism.

Grudem proposes a better alternative: (6) significant Christian influence on government. Then he explains the biblical teachings about the purpose of civil government and the characteristics of good or bad government. Does the Bible support some form of democracy? Should judges and the courts hold the ultimate power in a nation?

Wayne Grudem makes frequent application to the current policies of the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States, but the principles discussed here are relevant for any nation.

What is the First and Greatest Commandment of God
The First and Greatest Commandment of God

The First and Greatest Commandment of God

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The Ten Commandments of God are outlined in Exodus chapter 20: the first five being our moral duties to God while the remaining 5 are our moral duties to our fellow men. Going to the New Testament, the 10 commandments were reduced or summarized to just two. They are the following:

  1. Love God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul, and with all your strength, known as the greatest commandment of God.
  2.  Love your neighbor as yourself.

For this study, we’re only going to tackle and discuss the first and greatest commandment of God. You must love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This passage appears in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark but again in this study, we are going to use Mark’s interpretation.

Mark 12:28-30 “The First and Greatest Commandment of God”

One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; 30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

If we start reading from verse 18, Jesus was approached by the Sadducees and started to ask Him about the resurrection. The Sadducees were a group of religious leaders during Jesus’ time who did not believe in the resurrection, yet they were asking Jesus about it. Jesus then went on to correct their wrong notion about marriage at the resurrection. He told them plainly that at the resurrection people will neither marry nor are given in marriage.

Jesus Quoted the Shema

Jesus’  answer to the Sadducees sounded convincing to a scribe who happened to be in the crowd. And as it turned out, he had a question of his own. He wanted to know from Jesus what is the first and greatest commandment of all. As a Jewish teacher of the law, he knew very well that the Law consisted of not only 10 but 613 commandments.

What is the First and Greatest Commandment of God

And in response, Jesus essentially quoted Deuteronomy 6:4-5, the “Shema.” (The Shema is the Jewish declaration of faith which they recite every day: morning and evening.) So by quoting the Shema, Jesus reaffirmed that the requirement for God’s people has never changed and has always been the same. And indeed, it will always be the same.

So what then does it mean to love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength?

How to LOVE God with all Your Heart

In the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB), Proverbs 4:23 says “The heart is the source of life.” In other translations, it says that out of the heart springs the issues of life.

Now, why does the Bible say that the heart is the source of life? Simply because it’s your heart that keeps you physically alive. So it’s referring to physical life. Remember that there are 3 aspects of life namely: physical, spiritual, and eternal.

So as long as your heart is beating and performing its normal functions, you’re alive. But once your heart fails or stops, then you’re dead! That will be the end of your physical life.

The heart being the center of our life is also the control center of all our affections. And ultimately, it’s our heart that determines what actions to pursue based on our affections.

What does it mean to love God with all your heart?

1) To love God with all your heart is to set all your affections on Him; to desire God above all else as the deer longs for streams of water (Psalm 42:1). Notice how a deer is longing for water brooks. That’s how you would long for God if you truly love Him with all your heart. You would want to always be filled with the Holy Spirit and are always longing for His presence.

2) To love God with all your heart is to make Him number 1 in your life and love Him above all else. Do you long to communicate with God every waking hour? In this generation where technology is the new “thing” nobody seems to survive anymore without access to the world of information and communication.

Today we’re living in a society where people sit across the table but do not even talk to each other. They’re so hooked on their smartphones and tablets that they seem to not care about other people around them anymore.

What does it mean to love the Lord with all your heart

Love God Above Anything Else

To love God above anything or anybody else is to always make Him your number 1 priority. But how? How exactly are you going to do that? Well, if you can treasure God above anything or anyone else then you can say with confidence that you truly love God with all your heart. What or who is your priority?

A litmus test to know who or what your priorities are is to discern and identify what you treasure the most. You can easily determine where your affections lie by identifying what you treasure the most. It’s because your affections follow what you treasure. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

What Can’t You Live Without?

Now ask yourself, “What do I value the most that I cannot survive without? What do I treasure so much that I cannot and will never give up?” Is it money, your job, possessions, career, or family? If you say yes to any or all of these, then it’s time to reevaluate your priorities.

Do you choose to work on Sundays instead of going to your local Church to worship God to make more money? Are you going to listen to what your friends and family tell you knowing very well that they’re contrary to God’s word? Do you want to love Jesus completely?

Then you’ll have to treasure Him supremely. Think about God’s love, His goodness, and His grace. Always remember Jesus’ sacrifice and you will never have to worry about your heart being somewhere else other than with God.

How to LOVE God with All your Soul

If the heart is the control center of all our affections, the soul is the center of all our emotional activities. Our soul literally defines who we are. The soul is the inner self; it is our identity or personality. If loving God with all our hearts has to do with affection, loving the Lord with all our souls has to do with devotion.

Note: The soul is not the same as the spirit; they are connected but separable. The spirit is the immaterial aspect of man that connects with God. It enables us to have an intimate relationship with God.

How do you love God with all your soul?

1) To love God with all your soul means to be devoted to Him completely. We are talking here of a “wholehearted devotion” to God. It means total commitment to God to the point that you are willing to surrender your life to Him completely.

2) To love God with all your soul is to be passionate about Him; to be always on fire or zealous for God and not be lukewarm (Romans 12:1). And to love God with all your soul is to obey His commandments (John 14:15). Obedience is one aspect of our Christian life where we can show God we truly love Him.

What does it mean to love the Lord with all your soul

Do you want to love God with all your soul and follow him wholeheartedly? The cost of following Jesus is laid out in Luke 9:23-24. It talks about self-denial and taking up your cross daily. It means not caring about your life here on earth, your ambitions, wants, and desires, because you’re looking forward to an eternal life with Jesus.

Sacrifice Equals Obedience

The word we’re looking for here is sacrifice. Can you set aside your wishes and desires to follow God? Are you willing to suffer and give your life for the sake of the Gospel? Can you honestly say that no matter what happens and despite the persecution and ridicule you receive from people of the opposing view, you will remain faithful to God?

Are you dedicated to keeping and obeying all of God’s commandments? Even if at times you will be put in a tough spot or end up in an impossible situation as a result of your obedience? Will you continue to serve God in your ministry even if your pastors and leaders continue to disappoint you with their words and actions?

Only you can answer these questions. And remember, God hears even the softest whisper of your heart.

How to LOVE God with All your Mind

The mind is the seat or center of our intellectual life. It is the origin of our ideas, our perspective in life, and our viewpoints. God has gifted each of us with a mind of our own which gives us the capacity to think and make decisions.

The mind is an amazing gift from God, and it can be everything from fairly feeble to an incredible genius.

What does it mean to love God with all your mind?

1) To love God with all your mind is to bring your mind under the lordship of Christ and pursue a mind that seeks the truth about God. This means that your intellect and thinking must be in strict subordination to God’s revelation of Himself.

We read in 2 Corinthians 10:5 how we are instructed to destroy all arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and every thought must be taken captive to obey Christ. It’s true; we will never get to a point where we will be able to grasp everything about God completely. It’s because we are finite, we must desire to keep learning more about Him through His revelation of Himself in the Bible.

What does it mean to love the Lord with all your mind

Although God’s thoughts and ways are so high we can’t fathom as it says in Isaiah 55:8-9, we are to submit to Him. We do this by allowing His Word to transform us by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2).

2) To love God with all your mind means submitting your mind, thought patterns, opinions, and decisions to God’s word. It means dedicating your mind to Him and not leaning on your own understanding (Proverbs. 3:5).

Often we tend to act on impulse; we make decisions according to what we think is right without consulting God first. Whenever you’re in a situation where you may need to make important and life-changing decisions, get to the Word first. You ask God, “Is this your will, Lord?” Because loving God with all your mind means you act not on what you think but in accord with the facts of the Word of God.

How to LOVE God with all Your Strength

Loving God with all our strength is perhaps the easiest to understand. Because while the heart, soul, and mind have to do with what’s on the inside of us, strength has to do with what’s on the outside of us. Strength refers to our abilities, talents, capacities, gifts, and physical powers.

In other words, strength is about what we can do and the things we have such as skills, money, and resources among many other things.

How are you to love God with all your strength?

1) Loving God with all your strength is to love Him with all your skills, abilities, money, and time.

You must surrender all these to God and use them for His glory. To love God with all your strength is to devote your capacity to God instead of being devoted to your wishes. This does not mean you cannot do stuff for yourself anymore; it just means that you devote what you have and what you do for yourself to God.

In Colossians 3:17, the word of God admonishes us to do everything in the name of Jesus our Lord with thanksgiving to God the Father through Him.

Ask yourself: What do I do with my time? What kinds of things do I read and what programs do I watch? Where do I spend time when I want to relax? What kind of entertainment do I enjoy? Is God glorified with the things I love to do and enjoy?

2) To love God with all your strength is to recognize God as your  “only” source and means for living. Let me make this clear. God is NOT a RESOURCE, He is our  “only” source. God owns everything (Psalm 24:1); your wealth, properties, and possessions including your life. Whatever you think you own belongs to God but He entrusted them to you. Now, how are you using God’s properties and money? Are you using them for God’s glory and purpose?

What does it mean to love the Lord with all your strength

You may think that it’s your ability that’s making you produce wealth. You think that because you’re working as hard as you can you own what you possess and you have every right to enjoy them or do whatever pleases you. But the Word of God says it very loud and clear. It is God who gives you the power or ability to produce wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).

The Old Testament vs. The New Testament

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were supposed to give 10% to God. The purpose of which was to demonstrate their love for God. They practiced tithing as a discipline to teach them that everything belongs to God. They received from God, held on to it, and then quickly gave the first part to God (Proverbs 3:9).

When we come to the New Testament, we Christians cannot do less. If you think that living under grace means you can give less, I believe that’s a mistake! We should be able to give more than just 10%, not because the Word of God compels us but because grace impels us.

3) Loving God with all your strength is not to lean on your own strength, but you use your strength as you lean by faith in Him. What does this mean? It means that you always trust in God to give you the strength to overcome any trial or difficulty. Yes, you are to make an effort but always acknowledge God to be the source of your strength because without Him, you can do nothing (John 15:5).

Every fiber of our being and every aspect of our lives are to be focused on God for He is the reason for our existence. We are living and breathing because of God’s love, mercy, and grace. In Go,d we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28a).

Related Article: Man: A Tripartite Being with Body, Soul and Spirit

Conclusion

In conclusion and closing, I would like to call your attention to how the words “with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” are not condensed as in “with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.”

Instead, the words “with all” are repeated with each noun to emphasize each faculty that we are to use in loving God. This strongly stresses the fact that there should be no holding back or incompleteness in our devotion and commitment to God.

We are to love God 110%. We must go all out and give it our best shot. We cannot divide our love, trust, and affection. Matthew 6:24 says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

So, does what you give of your money illustrate your true love for God? Does your giving of your time, talents, gifts, and strengths illustrate your true love for God? That’s between you and God.

At the end of the day, our purpose is to glorify God and to love Him with all our being. We may stumble and fall along the way but we’ll just have to live each day striving to perfectly love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength.

Recommended Resource:

The Foremost Commandment: How Your Life Changes by Loving God With All Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength by Howard Goldwaite

The Foremost Commandment: How Your Life Changes by Loving God With All Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength by Howard Goldwaite

In most areas of life, you start at the bottom and work your way to the top.

But when it comes to obeying God’s commandments, you start at the top and work your way down. There’s something uniquely remarkable about the commandment Jesus called the foremost of all. When you make obeying it your top priority, it helps all your other priorities fall into balance.

Similarly, when you obey the greatest commandment, you’ll find the lesser commandments tend to get obeyed right along with it. Obedience of this ultimate commandment is a Christian’s crowning achievement that you never stop achieving. And you’ll never reach your fullest spiritual potential without embracing it. If you choose to obey it, it requires giving all of yourself and every area of your life up to God.