Palabras De Consuelo

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Los últimos años han sido extremadamente devastadores para muchas personas en todo el mundo, que han perdido a sus seres queridos por el virus del covid. Personalmente, sentí el dolor de perder a alguien cercano de Covid, y no es una sensación fácil de aprovechar. La gente muere a diario, ya sea por enfermedad, dolencia, o por otras causas inesperadas, pero Dios está más preocupado por el bienestar espiritual de una persona que por la forma en que deja esta vida. “Y como está establecido para los hombres morir una sola vez, pero después de esto el juicio” (Heb. 9:27). Todos saldremos de esta vida algún día, y solo hay dos destinos a los que se designará a cada alma. Aunque hay muchos que no creen en el cielo y el infierno, pronto experimentarán por sí mismos la verdad de la otra vida. ¿Cómo está viviendo hoy para asegurarse de que su futuro se pasará en la eternidad con Dios? ¿Te preparas, como si tu último día pudiera ser mañana? ¿O intentas vivir tu “mejor vida” ahora, mientras descuidas solidificar un futuro con Dios? Insisto a todos los que lean esto a que se reconforten al saber que Jesús hizo posible que todos los que vienen a Él eviten la condenación eterna y vivan en paz con el Padre. Aunque muchos han rechazado y seguirán rechazando el mensaje de salvación, los que perseveren hasta el final serán recompensados y su labor no será en vano. No te preocupes por dónde pasarás la eternidad, si estás caminando en obediencia a Dios, pero hay de todos los que hacen la vista gorda a la verdad y siguen los placeres del mundo.

Gone Too Far… Smh

John 13:31-35

This lesson’s text is filled with so many teaching points, that I would be writing for days expounding upon them all. Instead, I prefer to bring your attention to verse 31. At first glance, many would skip to verse 32, without noticing a valuable lesson written in plain sight in this verse.

Jesus was the most true, honest, reliable, and dependable friend anyone could have ever asked for. His obvious connection to God should have been a dead giveaway of the character one could expect from sharing experiences with Him, and those who shared the most experiences with Jesus during His ministry were, His disciples. Jesus selected 12 ordinary men, and empowered them to perform some of history’s most extraordinary works. Can you imagine, walking, talking, laughing, crying, and enjoying all the experiences of life, but in the presence of Christ? I can’t fathom how that would feel, but I am certain that every disciple who followed after Jesus, was changed from the moment they gave up their past, to the very instant they saw His power in action.

Although Jesus proved to His followers that He indeed was sent by God to save the world, this amazing truth did little to influence a man who shared in those amazing works and experiences with the Son of God. Judas Iscariot, was handpicked by Jesus, to become one of the chosen disciples. In the same way as the other 11, Judas also left all, to follow Christ, but his experience was on a level his brethren knew nothing about. If Jesus had not known the thoughts of Judas, I’m apt to believe, He would have carried Himself a different way. But, from the beginning, to his betrayal, Jesus knew full well, the heart of Judas had been hardened to the point of no return. It’s sad to fathom how a man can become so consumed with the cares of this world, that even God in the flesh, could not influence him to change.

Judas had gone too far, and although he was blessed with power to do things ordinary men could only dream of, he couldn’t let go of his lust for the world, which caused him to make the most devastating decision of his life. Yes, God’s plan was that Christ be sacrificed, but maybe… just maybe, it could have been triggered by someone other than Jesus’ disciple.

No man will ever face betrayal on a level as Jesus did, but I’m 175 percent sure, that someone in your “circle of friends” has been holding a blade, and waiting for the opportunity to stab you in the back. Unlike the average human, Jesus showed love to Judas, despite knowing He was never really true to his confession.

Will you continue to love those who you know hate your guts, but haven’t been bold enough to confess it yet? Those in your life who have gone too far, and allowed the opinions of others to dictate their perspective of who you are, can you still smile, hug, and shower them with the love of Christ?

After Judas had left the table, Jesus said to those who remained faithful, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (vs. 35). Judas betrayed the Son of God, yet the Son never stopped loving him…and the Son will never stop loving you, but you must give the same love to one another.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Sharp Truth

John 4:27-29, 39-42

When it comes to believing whether or not the Bible is true, there are two types of people groups usually involved. On the one hand, there are those who are willing, and on the other, there are those who are willingly ignorant. The Bible declares in 2 Peter 3:5, “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:” When the truth of the Gospel is preached to any man, undefiled and unadulterated, either that person is left pierced in the heart from conviction, then willingly surrender themselves to God, or they purposely reject the truth, in favor of their own lusts and sinful desires. When a person truly seeks change, they’ll not pass up the opportunity to receive help. On the contrary, when a man is comfortable in his sinful state, it’ll be a struggle to pry him away from the lusts that have him bound.

Many in our text were changed, and convinced that the way of holiness was right. Some were converted from hearing the testimony of a woman, whereas many others were changed from hearing the message of the Gospel from the mouth of Jesus. Men try hard to win the hearts and minds of others by using different strategies and cunning ideas, but the Bible alone is convincing enough to prick the heart of anyone seeking a better life. Trust that God’s Word can perform its intended work on all men, and there’s no need to spice or butter it up, in order to make it more appealing. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

The Unpopular Gospel

Matthew 10:16-23

Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ has never been popular in the world. Since the days of the disciples, even now, men have chosen to go after the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, rather than submit themselves to the authority of God. Knowing that the world will always reject the Word of God, presents problems for those who make attempts to deliver it. Jesus warned His disciples, as they went out to preach, they’d no doubt suffer persecution, because those who were actually supposed to support them, were only using religion to gain status, and relevance among men. The message of the Gospel goes against the selfish doctrines men set as the authority during the time of Christ. But, Christ knew it would not be easy for His disciples to be accepted, and forewarned them of their inevitable opposition.

Majority of biblical events happened for a certain people, and a particular time, but this text can be applied to our day, as there are stark similarities in how Jesus described the people back then, to how men are today. Men who preached the Bible according to God’s command, were never accepted by the wolves who lurked in assemblies, seeking only to make profit off the people of God. Despite how impactful the Spirit of God works through a man, it’ll never penetrate the heart of someone unwilling to repent. The message of the Gospel also caused divisions in families, because while some had a heart to follow after righteousness, others loved darkness, rather than light. Jesus continued to warn His disciples how they would be hated by the world, but for His name’s sake, and if they endured to the end, they would be saved.

A true messenger of God will not deliver words to make a person feel good. Instead, they’ll try hard to convince all who are gathered in their midst, that the Word of God is true, sin separates men from God, and salvation is mandatory, in order to see the Lord in peace. Out of all the words that spew from a man’s lips, if his intentions are focused more on profit and prosperity, rather than soul salvation, then he’s more likely a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Handling temptation

Mark 9:42-48

Receiving salvation freely from God is one of the simplest, and best decisions a person will ever make in their entire lives, but maintaining that same salvation is even more important. The value of Jesus’ sacrifice for all mankind is immeasurable, and no one else has the capacity to love us as He does. Just as men lock away and keep valuable items in a safe please, so that no one can steal them, believers are to guard their salvation and keep it protected, so as not to lose it by falling into temptation. Our adversary, the devil, knows full well that the only way to enjoy eternity with God is by being born-again of the Spirit, so he makes it his business to distract all who seek righteousness with various temptations and wicked schemes. Jesus Himself said that anyone who puts a stumbling block or impediment in the way of a child upon which they could trip and fall, or cause them to begin to distrust and desert the one whom they are to trust and obey, were better off dead. In His own words, Jesus said, “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea” (verse 42). From my limited understanding, this was a reference to Greek and Roman punishment. In any case, it’s a dangerous thing for anyone, including satan, to cause men to turn away from God.

The world we occupy now is a temporary destination, whereas the new Heaven and earth are eternal, so we should not allow anything to keep us from arriving at that eternal place of glory. Even in instances where we have to cut some things off that seem to be important to us, if those things will keep us from seeing God, then they’ve got to go. If a relationship with someone causes you to lose focus on godliness, then it’s got to go. If what you watch on television is unhealthy to your soul, it’s got to go. If the music you enjoy on a regular basis distracts you from communing with God, then it’s got to go. If your job has you stressed to the point where you are unable to even pray consistently, then it’s got to go. If the church or religious organization you attend is teaching false doctrine, and leading you away from what the Bible teaches, then it’s got to go. There’s not one thing on this planet that’s more precious than your soul, so it’s essential that you protect yourself from all things that are not in favor of your salvation, even it hurts to do so.

Walk in love,

Ell

Deliverance from the law

Romans 7:24-8:4

During my journey through life, I often heard some say before they accepted Christ Jesus as their savior, they lived a miserable life of sin. Most of them were only repeating what they heard someone else say, because if the truth be told, they actually enjoyed their former lives of lavish living and sinful activities. The reason it’s hard for some people to turn away from sin is, the devil presents things that are attractive, appealing, and enticing to the eyes. In the same way Adam and Eve were presented something seemingly worthwhile in the Garden of Eden, is how we are approached today. Very rarely will a man be tempted with something that isn’t favorable to his eyes and offers wealth and prosperity, but at the end of every temptation is a snare awaiting to capture all who carelessly walk into it. Even the apostle Paul realized how lost and wretched men are when they’re not connected to God. After his conversion, he came to the realization that only through Christ, was he freed from the law of sin and death, and was no longer condemned by the law and its judgments, and sin could no longer keep him bound.

In Christ, we walk after the Spirit. In other words, our thoughts, motives, ideas, and actions are all motivated by what God’s Spirit prompts on the inside of us. We never jump ahead of God, and make attempts to do things without first acknowledging Him concerning the matter. Our deliverance from sin also gives us access to spiritual strength that helps us overcome the lusts of the flesh, and all things that tempt us to do evil. Although we live in flesh bodies, we are free to use our bodies to live righteously, because Jesus condemned sin in all flesh, and made a way whereby no flesh had to continue in sin.

The full benefits of being a Christian are only experienced when the believer truly commits themselves to following Christ, and walking after the Spirit, and not the flesh. The following are 33 blessings that are guaranteed to those who are in Christ: Redemption, freedom from condemnation, Spirit of life, love of God, truth, unity, faith, sanctification, wisdom, righteousness, hope, security in death, resurrection, joy, establishment in God, triumph, uncorrupt Word, law abolished, new creation, simplicity, liberty, all spiritual blessings, power, heavenly places, nearness to God, eternal purpose, self-humbling, high calling, perfection, eternal life, grace, salvation, and preservation.

Walk in love,

Ell

Endure temptation, receive Crown of Life

James 1:12-15

Have you ever wondered why athletes put their bodies through strenuous and seemingly endless workout regimens year after year? One reason that many train so hard is because of their passion for their sport. They may not win many trophies or championships, but they strive hard nonetheless. Other athletes practice hard because winning is their only priority. To these select few, losing brings nights of frustration, coupled with the mindset to train even harder. The key to an athletes success is not only putting in hard work, but also ignoring the distractions surrounding them. The more an athlete’s name swells in the media, the more temptation follows close behind. To those who stay the course, while avoiding all temptation, winning is usually the end result.

Living holy is far from futile, as the world presumes. There is purpose in the lives of those who belong to the body of Christ. For this reason, it is essential for believers to maintain a healthy physical, and spiritual life in order to receive their crown of life in the end. Just as athletes commit to staying in shape, Christians should do the same spiritually. Reading the Bible only, does little to promote spiritual growth, but studying and meditating on the Word of God is what builds spiritual muscle. Some people read the Bible only to memorize verses for selfish reasons. These people can be compared to those body builders who have an impressive upper body, but little twig legs that struggle to hold them up. When we take the time to carefully study what we read about God in His Word, this is equivalent to doing reps in the gym. We increase in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God and His purpose for us, the more we study.

God has given every believer the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Just as Christ did while on earth, we can also resist all temptation, because we share his Spirit. We have the power to overcome and subdue every wicked device of the enemy. We’re also equipped with the love of God that helps us see beyond a person’s evil deeds, and offer them a helping hand anyway. A sound mind is in perfect position to hear God’s instructions for our lives, by way of His Spirit that dwells in us. Knowing how spiritually prepared the believer is, or should be, makes me wonder how so many “church folk” fall into temptation. Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. Satan has no power over those who are in the will of God, but when believers lose focus on the end-goal, they expose themselves to be tempted of the devil.

Temptation comes in stages. First, the devil brings thoughts of evil to your mind. You then have the choice to cast down those vain thoughts and wicked imaginations, or allow them to simmer in your mind. Those marinating thoughts then turn into lust, that if left unchecked for too long, will manifest into those lustful thoughts being conceived. The last two stages of temptation are the most disheartening. After lust is manifested into action, then comes sin, and death in the end. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12).

Seek peace,

Ell

Aim to live by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26

Why do good people fall into temptation, and how do strong men and women grow weak, and give in to the lust of the flesh? Throughout Scripture, faithful men have bent to the will of sin for one reason, they walked not in the Spirit, but after the flesh. One of the greatest kings in the Bible, David, was led astray by the lust of the flesh when he decided to have feelings for another man’s wife. King David went so far as to have Bathsheba’s husband set up to be killed, so he could take her as his own. In his own words, David said, “Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.” This came from a man “after” God’s own heart, who also brought down Goliath, in the name of the Lord. Samson was seduced by a woman into giving up the secret to where his strength came from. King Hezekiah allowed his pride to become his ruin, even after pleading for God to extend his life, and he was granted 15 more years. He should have died as God planned, because prolonging his life proved unfruitful. Judas, one of the chosen few, privileged to follow Jesus closely, allowed money to persuade him to betray his master. He had a choice to choose wisely, and refuse to side with the enemy, and God’s plan of salvation still would have been carried out. But he walked according to the flesh, and his actions proved what was in his heart.

Paul’s states clearly that if you walk in the Spirit, or live according to godly standards, you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh, because the flesh yearns for things ungodly, and the Spirit shuns all things evil. It’s impossible for the two to mix or operate in union. The moment you allow yourself to be led of the flesh, you submit to its wicked devices, including but not limited to, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, idolatry, witchcraft, murders, drunkenness, and a host of others. Those who choose to follow after the works of the flesh, will not inherit the kingdom of God. They’ll miss out on the opportunity to live in the abundance of grace and goodness God offers those who follow after Christ.

The works of the flesh are in total contrast to the fruit of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, faith, meekness, and self-control. God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one, so in essence, these character traits represent the holy trinity, also how we should behave as God’s children. All true Christians aren’t deceived by the flesh, because they have crucified it, along with its affections and lusts. We aren’t so easily beguiled by the enemy, because we recognize the snares and traps set to make us stumble, which the Spirit helps us avoid. Walking in the Spirit also helps us guard against the three most common temptations of saints. These include desiring vain glory, provoking one another, and envying one another. If all glory belongs to God, what good would it do for us to desire it? I’m not insinuating that we are worthless and shouldn’t be appreciated, but that God is responsible for all good things, and we should acknowledge Him first, while directing all the credit to His name. Provoking and envying aren’t attributes the Christian should emulate. Rather than testing the patience of our brothers and sisters, we should edify and encourage them to grow in grace, and the knowledge of God.

The Spirit helps us to become more like God. We aren’t little gods roaming the earth, as many preach today, but we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). The works we do are a direct representation of the Spirit that abides in us. So continue to walk in the Spirit, and let your works make a difference in the earth.

Seek peace,

Ell