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Month: December 2012

7 Steps in Christian Life :: Step 7 – Agree (Be of One Accord)

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On December 11, 2012

In 7 Step Program, Christian

Christian life begins with Christ and continues with Christ, but as we live for Christ, what are some of the steps one has to take.

The word ‘agree’, stems from the Old French a gre meaning “at pleasure, at will” and is used to mean to be in harmony, of one accord, in conformance and not contention.

Step 7 in Christian life is to Agree i.e., be in one accord with Jesus Christ, conforming to his image (Romans 8:29). As we continue to walk in The Light, with the newness of life, we must be in one accord, not only with one another, but in one accord with Jesus Christ himself. In other words, our life should be all about him and his will for us. He should be the host in our life and not the guest. Jesus must increase and we must decrease (John 3:30), so much so that when we see him face to face, the change then, would not have to be substantial.

Points to ponder:
The Bible asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). We cannot walk in the newness of Life (Romans 6:4), in the Light, having fellowship with Christ Jesus (1 John 1:7), unless we agree (act in accordance) with him. And when we do, we shall walk like Enoch walked, until God took him (Genesis 5:24) i.e., we shall walk for his pleasure, at his will, in harmony, without any contention, but in total conformance and be found in him, not having our own righteousness, but that which is through faith in Jesus Christ (the righteousness of God by faith). (Philippians 3:9-11). Are you and I in agreement with God? Two cannot walk together, unless they are both agreed! In other words, can it be said of you and me, “He/she agreed with God so much so that God took him.”?

Amos 3:3(KJV)
3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Philippians 3:9-11 (KJV)
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

7 Steps in Christian Life :: Step 6 – Associate

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On December 10, 2012

In 7 Step Program, Christian

Christian life begins with Christ and continues with Christ, but as we live for Christ, what are some of the steps one has to take.

The word ‘associate’, has several other words in the Thesaurus to describe it. Some of these words include accessory, accomplice, aid, ally, assistant, accompany, amalgamate, etc., all of which are reflective of “friendship”. To be an associate of someone is to be their friend. Abraham believed God and it was imputed unto him for righteousness and he was called the friend of God (James 2:23). The Bible records that God spoke with Moses face to face as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11). Moses in faith believed God, esteeming the reproach of Christ to be greater than the treasures of Egypt, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God (Hebrews 11:24-26). He gave up his allegiance and friendship with the world (Egypt) in order to be associated with (be a friend of) God and God spoke with him as a friend.

Step 6 in Christian life is to Associate – be the friend of Jesus Christ. This means that in order to associate with Jesus Christ, we need to have faith in him and we need to be disassociated from the things of this world, for the friendship of the world is enmity with God (James 4:4). Jesus himself said, you are my friends, if you do as you are commanded (love God and love others) and I no longer call you my servants, because a servant does not know what the lord (master) does, but I call you friends, because you are in my Father’s business. From being servants of God, we need to graduate to be friends with God, as was Abraham by faith (believing) and Moses by forsaking (breaking worldly ties), so that God can speak with us and confide with us his matters (the only ones that matter).

Points to ponder:
The Bible says, that there is a friend who sticks closer than his brother (Proverbs 18:24) and this friend is Jesus Christ. Jesus said, greater love has no one than this, that a man lays down his life for his friends (John 15:13) and he demonstrated even greater love than what he expressed us to personify, by dying for us, while we were still sinners and enemies of God (Romans 5:8). We need to graduate from being mere servants to being friends with God, i.e.,be associated with him, having faith in him and forsaking the treasures of this world. In other words, as we mature in our Christian life, we need to be willing to give our life for Jesus, our friend, for there is no greater love than that. Can Jesus call you and me, his friend i.e., to say can he trust you and me to give our life for him as he did for us?

James 2:23 (KJV)
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Exodus 33:11 (KJV)
11 And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

Hebrews 11:24-26 (KJV)
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

John 15:12-14 (KJV)
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

7 Steps in Christian Life :: Step 5 – Act

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On December 7, 2012

In 7 Step Program, Christian

Christian life begins with Christ and continues with Christ, but as we live for Christ, what are some of the steps one has to take.

To abide in Christ and to be aligned with his will, falls short in the Christian life, when one does not act. God is very explicit about this as one of his disciples, James makes it clear that “Faith without action is dead.” (James 1:17; James 2:26) The founder of Jeet Kune Do, Lee Jun-fan (known to many as Bruce Lee) is attributed to have quoted “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.” To will to do God’s will without doing is not enough. Jesus was not only known for the things he preached but also for the mighty acts he did (Luke 24:19). We must be ACTive for Jesus Christ.

Step 4 in Christian life is to Act – act in accordance to his will, in service to him. What kind of service are Christians called to? We are called to serve one another, but not merely as servants, but soldiers as well.

To be a servant of Christ Jesus does not necessarily mean, being a slave to him (although being called a bondservant (slave) of Christ would indeed be one of the highest accolades, active Christians can be honored with). It is not a sign of weakness but a sign of meekness and power, because as a servant of Christ, Christians are not called to be a doormat to be trampled upon, but they are called to bear the mighty weapons of God as soldiers for Christ. We are enlisted in God’s army and we serve behind enemy lines, fighting not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, because the god of this world (the devil) has blinded the minds of many. The spirit of the antichrist is already in the world denying the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in flesh (1 John 4:3) and so when Christian act in service to Jesus Christ, claiming his birth, death and resurrection, it is diametrically contrary to what the devil uses his servants to proselytize, and only logical for the battle to get into full swing. As Christians, we need to be put on the full armor of God, so that we may be able to withstand and stand. We must fight without fighting against flesh (people), and fight without ceasing against spiritual forces, so that the casualties of warfare are not those who are under the bondage of the adversary (the devil), who used to have the power of death, but is now a lame duck (Hebrews 2:14). We must fight hate with love. We must fight by obeying and submitting to God for the battle and victory belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47; Proverbs 21:31) and our God shall fight for us (Nehemiah 4:20).

Points to ponder:
On one hand, as servants of Jesus, we need to do his work (serving him) and on the other hand, as soldiers of Jesus, we need to carry the mighty weapons of God to tear down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Nehemiah 4:17). We must Act to be in ACTive duty for the Lord so that when we face him face-to-face, he who sought to find faith in this world, would find our faith alive and not dead. Stand up for Christ Jesus and act by serving him as servant and soldier.

The first book after the gospels in the New Testament is appropriately named ‘Acts’ (of the followers of Jesus Christ). If one was to write your acts (not just your words/messages/preaching) for the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, what would they write? There is a time for everything and we were made for such a time as this … this is the time to act!

Nehemiah 4:14-20 (KJV)
14 And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
15 And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.
16 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.
17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.
18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.
19 And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another.
20 In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.

James 1:17 (KJV)
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

1 John 4:3 (KJV)
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

7 Steps in Christian Life :: Step 4 – Align

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On December 6, 2012

In 7 Step Program, Christian

Christian life begins with Christ and continues with Christ, but as we live for Christ, what are some of the steps one has to take.

Jesus said, if you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask what you will and it shall be done to you (John 15:7). While this may seem from the outset as a ticket to get our way with God, what it is really about is about God’s words abiding within us. In order for us to know what God is speaking, we need to tune into him and his message that he speaks (to us and for us) in these last days through his Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:2), the written Scripture (Bible) which is his inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16) and his servants who faithfully act on his commission of reconciliation (Numbers 12:6).

Step 4 in Christian life is to align ourselves with God. When we align ourselves with God, it is akin to tuning into the frequency by which we can hear his voice speak to our hearts, and his words of eternal life can find a place in us (John 6:68).

Points to ponder:
Am I aligned with God? Are you aligned with God? In other words, do we have the words of eternal life in us? Where else can we go? What’s more is that when we align with God, his words abide in us and his will becomes ours. This way, whatever we will, it shall be done to us because it is essentially his will. Jesus said, not my will, but yours God be done (Matthew 26:49). Jesus aligned with God and so should we.

John 15:7 (KJV)
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Luke 22:42 (KJV)
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

John 6:68 (KJV)
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 

7 Steps in Christian Life :: Step 3 – Abide

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On December 5, 2012

In 7 Step Program, Christian

Christian life begins with Christ and continues with Christ, but as we live for Christ, what are some of the steps one has to take.

Upon taking the step of confessing our sins and acknowledging that Jesus is Lord, the word of reconciliation is committed unto us and we are ordained to be ambassadors for him (2 Corinthians 5:20). But in order for us to be effective ambassadors of Christ Jesus the King, we need to first ‘abide’ (submit and be grafted) in him.

Step 3 in Christian life is to Abide in Jesus. Jesus said, that he came into the world so that whoever believes in him should no longer abide (remain) in darkness (John 12:46) and prayed that God’s Holy Spirit may abide with us forever (John 14:16). He cautioned that unless we abide in him, we will be ineffective (fruitless) in our commission as his ambassadors (John 15:5). In order for us to abide in him, we need to allow Jesus to abide in us, so that the Spirit who is willing overcomes over the flesh that is weak and contrary to the Spirit.

When we do not abide in Jesus, we are only fit to be cast out (John 15:6). We need to keep our fleshly lusts and desires under subjugation, lest by any means, when we have shared God’s words with others, as his ambassadors, we ourselves should be a castaway (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Points to ponder:
Do you and I abide in Jesus? In other words, do we have Jesus abiding in you? Step 3 is to Abide in Jesus Christ, lest we be a castaway!

Romans 10:2-11 (KJV)
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession [acknowledgment] is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

1 John 1:8-10 (KJV)
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess [acknowledge] our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV)
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

7 Steps in Christian Life :: Step 2 – Acknowledge

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On December 4, 2012

In 7 Step Program, Christian

Christian life begins with Christ and continues with Christ, but as we live for Christ, what are some of the steps one has to take.

While Step 1 in Christian life is to accept (receive) the Lord Jesus Christ, Step 2 in Christian life is “to confess” or to “Acknowledge.” For with the heart, man believeth (accepts) unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession (acknowledgment) is made unto salvation.

Acknowledging has two parts to it.  One is to acknowledge one’s fallen state in sin, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:9). The second is to acknowledge one’s personal need for the Savior Jesus Christ. We need to acknowledge our sins and acknowledge our Savior.

Points to ponder:
Have you believed (accepted) in your heart, that the Jesus Christ is Lord and an equally important question is have you acknowledged (confessed) your need of him or are you going about trying to establish your own righteousness, not submitting to the righteousness of God that is imputed on us when we believe in Jesus? Acknowledge today! For if we confess [acknowledge] with our mouths, that Jesus is Lord, we will be saved (Romans 10:9-10) and if we confess [acknowledge] our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

And to fellow Christians, let us continue to keep the faith and be strong in the Lord, fixing our eyes on Jesus, not wavering in his purpose, acknowledging our perpetual need of him and for him, as he sanctifies us, until his coming to reign as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Romans 10:2-11 (KJV)
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession [acknowledgment] is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

1 John 1:8-10 (KJV)
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess [acknowledge] our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

7 Steps in Christian Life :: Step 1 – Accept

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On December 3, 2012

In 7 Step Program, Christian

Christian life begins with Christ and continues with Christ, but as we live for Christ what are some of the steps one has to take.

The first time the word “Christian” was used in Antioch, it was used to mean “Christ Ones” (Acts 11:26). In other words, it was meant to designate those who belonged to Christ Jesus. Step 1 in Christian life is “to belong” or to “Accept” (receive) the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible affirms that to as many as those who received (accepted) him (Jesus Christ), even to them that believe on his name, he gave them the power to become the sons of God (belong to God’s family).

Points to ponder:
Step 1 in Christian life is to Accept Jesus Christ by receiving the gift of God (John 3:16).

The prodigal son who was first with the Father, chose to be in control and go his own way. After wasting his substance, he was in want and was sent to feed swine, only to find himself groveling with the pigs. He realizes his folly amidst the famine and recognizes that his only sensible option was to return to the Father, and seek to be hired as a servant (not a slave). The Father who was waiting for him eagerly, accepts him with open arms, despite his rebellion, not as a servant but as his son.

You can choose to receive Jesus Christ or reject Jesus Christ but to them that received him, he gave them power to become the sons of God. The choice is yours – but remember, even if you reject him, he is willing to receive (accept) you. I took the first step to belong to Jesus Christ over two decades ago and am unashamed to be called a Christian. Have you taken YOUR first step?

John 1:12 (KJV)
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Luke 15:11-32 (KJV)
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

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