KEEP IT REAL

‘Keep it real’ is a slang  term used today in jails and prisons. It means to be truthful and usually relates to  giving what you have to another. I have often heard “keep it real” when Joe is attempting  to get a postage stamp, soup, or cigarette from Mike; and Mike  is reluctant to share his cache with Joe. More often than not, Joe has no intention of repaying Mike anyway.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, no matter your environment or situation, You must remember to ‘keep it real’. and be who you are in Christ all of the time. Quit trying to be more than you are in Christ. When we act as if we have 'it' all together and we know we are being deceitful, we're lying about our relationship with Jesus to others that can see the truth in you. 

We get ahead of God when we try to put on airs and be more religious than we are. We find that we are acting instead of worshipping.

Our pride has caused us to ‘front’ on God. We become hypocrites.

As we are changed to be more like Christ,  we are changed from the inside-out, not outside-in. When we try to change ourselves instead of being lead by God in changing, we are putting ourselves back into slavery to the works Christ died to deliver us from.

2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 So in changing, we get a glimpse of who He is and try to get our mind to follow after what we think He wants for us without even consulting Him. If we could have did this from the beginning, Jesus had no reason to die. It is only because of our inability to think and be like Him on our own that we need Him. We cannot save our selves. Just like we can’t follow Christ without the guidance of The Holy Spirit.  

Heb 10:16-17  This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

If God is great enough to save us, then surely, He is great enough to change us to be like  Him.

Thru our obedience to the Holy Spirit, as he moves us,

1. We are changed through prayer.

Col 1:9  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Eph 6:18  Praying always  with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 2. We are changed through Bible Study.

2Ti 2:15  Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

3. We are changed through fellowship with other believers.

Heb 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Church is not just FOR us it is also for others to LEARN FROM us. We go to church as lead by God for worship and to turn young believers into effective disciples.

AND without our daily choosing to be obedient to the Holy Spirit, and continually seeking God, our fellowship with him suffers.

We loose sight of his will for our life and we become hypocrites and pretend to be following Christ.

Remember to be who you are in all situations, apologise as fast as you transgress and Confess instantly so that your relationship with Jesus will remain pure.

Remember to 'Keep It Real'

Think on how we Study the Bible.

What is the objective of Bible Study?

1) Past Scripture is for examples as the way God had worked and dealt with people before this present end time.

      1Co 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

      1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

2) Present Scripture (i.e. The Word given to Paul for us Gentiles and Jews alike) is for direction on how to live today.

      2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2Ti 2:15  Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

      For Paul Says:

     1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.  (study and follow his walk and directions because he was the first Christian to understand the finished work of Christ. He gained this revelation from God himself.)                                              

                                     

3) Paul was a instrument of God because of the divine revelation he received from God:

     Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

4) Paul shares his new revelation:

       Eph 2:1-9 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by (grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.

6) We are given a new responsibility that is greater than any commandment ever given before:

      Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

7) How can we maintain such high standards?

      2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

      Heb 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; Simply by letting go and let God.  We are to simply put our spirit before our flesh and be obedient to God as He directs our path thru guiding our heart. We are now a member of the Body of Christ.

8) Paul confirms this message of us now being part of the Body of Christ when he corrects Peter for teaching the wrong gospel. :

      Gal 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. Gal 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself fearing them which were of the circumcision.

9) And condemns anyone that would teach anything contrary to what God had given him by Revelation.

      Gal 1:8-9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

10) THEREFORE, any teaching prior to Paul’s must agree with what Paul taught or it is of a past dispensation. An example is the Jews without the law before Moses and the Jews while under the law. or the command to sacrifice in the old covenant and that Jesus was the last sacrifice in the new:

      

1Co 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Eph 3:1-3 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,   If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

      

       Col 1:25-26 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.

The Narrow Path

Wide is the way to destruction, Narrow is the way to Salvation.

                                                         Matt. 7:13 & 14

The biggest secret, if you will, to staying on the strait and narrow path lies in the instruction book.

2Ti 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

We cannot even begin our journey down any path or, even through the ‘narrow gate’, without first laying a solid foundation of a true salvation thru the faith of Jesus Christ.

First, after we have laid our foundation, we start our journey with Jesus and find community fellowship with others of our same beliefs.

        Heb 10:25  not staying away from our meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.  We are to fellowship to learn AND teach as we grow in Christ.

Spending time with other believers teaches how to live Christian - like.

Second, Commit your life to a time of daily prayer.

Col 1:9 

For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven't stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,

Eph 6:18  With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

Prayer is a ‘two way street’

You can talk to God and He will answer you as you devote time to prayer and Bible study.

Third, Commit to a daily personal Bible study time.

2Ti 2:15 Study diligently to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly dividing the word of truth.

You can’t fool God so, Don’t play with him.

Forth, Commit every area of your life to Jesus.

Rom 12:1-2  Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this world, but be changed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Fifth, Systematic, repetition of steps one thru four will continue to help you build upon the foundation of your salvation; and with each repetition the steps grow broader and stronger with the increase of knowledge and understanding you receive.

So, STEP OUT enjoy the journey and God Bless,

Ten Ways to Help Get the Most Out of Bible Study

1. The foundation is that the Bible is a spiritual Book for spiritual people; its  full understanding can only be discerned spiritually – 1Cor. 2:14

2. Don’ t let your heart become hardened; approach God’ s words believing as a little child – Mark 8:17-19, Mark 10:13-15 & Luke 11:52

3. Memorize and learn– Mark 8:17-19

4. Be open and receptive to understanding given from God thru the Scripture, Don’t preclude an understanding ‘just because’ – Luke 8:18

5. Ask the God to help you in your understanding of the Scriptures prior to starting each session of study– Luke 24:31-32, 45

6. Understand how important it is for you to comprehend God’ s words – Luke 10:38-40

7. Interpretations belong to God and he helps confirm your correct understanding by giving peace to the reader– Gen. 40:8, Dan. 2:28-30, Dan. 5:12, Pro. 1:16, Eccl. 8:1, 2Pet. 1:20

8. All Scripture is profitable (2Tim. 3:15-16):

9. We Cannot become a mature Christian without Studying the Word – Acts 20:27; Heb. 5:11-13

10. We MUST Read, Study & Rightly Divide for a clear understanding of Gods plan and design for our life. – 2Tim. 2:15

Help in Knowing and Understanding God

Because God allows us the liberty of choice, we may choose to or, not to believe in Him and His Son, Jesus. He also gives to us, based on our desire of a relationship with Him, our ability to understand His Word and our willingness to comprehend His eternal knowledge. In other words, both understanding and wisdom is given in direct proportion to the level of faith and commitment that we have allowed God to have in our life. God is capable of giving us so much that the information would be mind boggling, but He will only give to us, that part in which we can understand.

So, the more we study His Word and Pray, the closer we will be to God and the more God will share of His knowledge and His will, His purpose, and His desires for our life. If we submit and commit, pray, study His Word as he dictates, then and only then, can we have the peace and comfort of living in His Spirit. Then we can be filled with the Spirit. Then we can produce fruits of the Spirit. Then is when we grow in Gods knowledge. Gain understanding and wisdom that God wants for us as it is explained in Job 28.

Job 28 starts by describing worldly things and valuing them. Then this value is compared to the value of understanding and wisdom that is given by God.

Given as a gift to those that grow and nurture a relationship with him. We are on a grow to know basis with God. We cannot input more than we can understand, even if it is offered, but as we grow in a relationship with Him, we grow to understand.

Finally, please read and study Paul’s prayer for followers: Col: 1:9-12. Pray that each follower will be blessed as Paul prayed these be blessed. Blessed in a greater knowledge and understanding of Jesus and wisdom as God sees to administer. And to learn and understand how God changes us read Romans chapters 5-8.

                                                                  For Christ, 

OUR CHOICES TODAY

Some of us Choose to follow Christ as he draws us to himself.

I am slowly changed by God from my heart outward when I confess Jesus as my savior.

Eph. 4:17-24 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

We are directed by God to change our outlook on life.

Next, the more I learn about Him and the closer our fellowship becomes, the more I am changed to be more like Him. Changed because I now have a desire inside myself         (called faith ) to be like Him.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

As I grow in Christ, On one level (spiritual), I strive to be obedient to The Holy Spirit because I desire to know and spend time with Jesus. But, on another level (flesh–Bodily), I look around with lust for what the world has to offer.

The Problem.

Now, Here’s the dilemma that so many people have a problem with.

Just How much do you believe?

– or, to put it another way,

How strong is your faith ?

The answer to this question is found in your own personal experiences with both life and your desire to live a spirit filled life. HOWEVER;

If you choose to pay more attention to the attractions of life and ignore prayer, Bible study, Etc. then, you probably don’t really believe that Jesus is who he said he is anyway.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation , that light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.

If you disagree and confess him as your personal savior, then know this: He will not be used as fire insurance. His grace is sufficient enough to keep you until judgment. But believe, We will all be judged.

Sinners Judgment

Rev 20:11  And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. Rev 20:15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Believers Judgment.

We who believe will not be judged as the sinners in unbelief, but will be held accountable for what we did with all that Jesus gave us while we were on this earth. We will answer to him. We will give account of all our works - both good and bad - that we performed , or refused to perform, after we were saved. This judgment is apart from, and totally separate from, salvation. You will receive rewards for good stewardship and fire will destroy those works that are unworthy of presenting to God as offering.

1Co 11:31  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

1Co 11:32  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

I Cor. 3:14-15 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. II Cor 5:10-11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

How much will you have to give Jesus?

How great will be your reward?