Christian

A Closer Walk

It’s not about going to Church. It’s not about following a set of rules. It’s about having that personal relationship with Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Have you heard this before? The above is a direct quote from the television show, 7 Brides Who Portray the Bride of Christ, Christ in Prophecy, but sadly it’s nothing new. I’ve heard it before.

Do you desire a relationship with Jesus?

A few ways you can actually build a relationship with Jesus:

  • Go to Church – to learn, to sing, to fellowship with Jesus and other believers.
  • Follow God’s set of rules. In John 14:15, Jesus said, If you love me, keep my Commandments. A good place to start is Exodus 20, with the Ten Commandments you’ve heard your whole life.

Relationships take time, but just as in any relationship, be careful where and from whom you get your advice.

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Christian

Study and Verify

I believe the best way to learn God’s law is to read about it in the Holy Bible King James Version yourself. You can even pray for guidance and understanding as you read and study. James 1:5

When a preacher or teacher says, “the Bible says…”, you are better prepared having read the Bible to verify that statement. Don’t be afraid after Church to ask for a direct verse if you have a question about one of your pastor’s points. Send an email or make a phone call. They may even appreciate your interest.

There is a lot of errant doctrine out there and ultimately you are responsible for your own salvation.

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Christian, Inspirational

CLE

Lawyers take CLE, continuing legal education, classes yearly to keep their bar credentials valid and current.

The idea – in keeping current, there’s always room for improvement. We’re never too old to learn new material or to refresh our memory of something we have already learned.

Galatians 3:25 KJV says But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Faith then is our diploma.

Faith, primarily my faith, calls me to try to read the Holy Bible daily. We could call that continuing legal education. God himself recommends CLE. See 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, and 1 Peter 3:15 KJV … be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:.

My faith tells me the Holy Ghost will teach me himself. There are things in the Bible I still don’t understand. There remains wisdom to gain everyday. And there remains room to grow in faith.

James 1:5 KJV If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Mark 9:24 KJV
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

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Christian, Inspirational

Practice makes Perfect

Galatians 3:24-25 KJV
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. [25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

I have heard these verses used by some to argue that we are no longer under the law. I have a few questions for them.

Did you graduate?

What did you learn?

Won’t you carry it with you, forever?

When we put into practice what we have learned from our schoolmaster, the law, we can identify sin, choose the right over the wrong, and move through faith into perfection.

Matthew 5:48 KJV
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

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Christian, Inspirational

Relationship

I’ve heard preachers and people on-line say Christianity isn’t about rules and regulations.

What does Jesus say?

1 John 2:3-4 KJV
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

If we want to have a relationship with Jesus we need to keep his commandments. Let no one dissuade you. Commandments are rules and regulations. The Ten Commandments can be found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. Read your Bible. There are other rules and regulations in the Old and New Testament that we should follow.

When you hear someone say it’s not about rules and regulations stay away from them – they are liars. If you want true relationship with Jesus you have to read what he said, you have to learn, you have to do.

Proverbs 19:16 KJV
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

John 14:21 KJV

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

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