 Notice the attitude that characterizes a Christian. It is one of total devotion and motivation despite of any loss to gain Christ. It is a singular focus and desire to be found in Him no matter the cost.
This compelling and obsession that marks a Christian is because of the weight and gravity of the love of God to have you as His own, in spite of your sinful works against Him. John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Hosea 11:4 I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them. Jeremiah 31:3 the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. John 6:68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, Luke 14:23 And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Acts 3:25-26 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' (26) God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness." 1 Corinthians 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Philippians 3:8-21 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ (9) and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- (10) that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (11) that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (12) Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (13) Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. (16) Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (17) Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. (18) For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. (19) Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. (20) But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (21) who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Psalms 110:3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours. When you consider your own conversion, always remember to ask yourself the question, “Why did I come, why did I see the great need for a Savior?” The answer is clear. God Himself, by His love, mercy, and grace, compelled you by the Holy Spirit and the Power of His Word to rescue you from your sin. He sovereignly gave you a new heart that would be able to respond to the Gospel call and be saved. Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
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 “"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14 ESV Devotional: Since the True Light of Jesus Christ has been shed onto our hearts, we now have the gracious privilege of sharing that light with everyone around us. The sun cannot help but shine, and a Christian cannot help but tell of the great works Jesus has done. Prayer: Father, use my life today to bring glory to Jesus. Allow me the privilege to shine the light of Christ through my words, actions, thoughts, and intentions - that You alone would be glorified - in Jesus' mighty name I ask - Amen. 2 Ways You Can Share The Light:
Philippians 2:13 "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Song: Click to Hear: Casting Crowns - Until the Whole World Hears Additional reading concerning evangelism: In him was life, and the life was the light of men. - John 1:4 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? - Romans 10:14 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. - Acts 8:31  Christ Healing the Blind Man by Andrey Mironov, 2009 Study the verses below and consider God's Word concerning what standard He uses to open the eyes of those who are spiritually blind.
Romans 9:11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad--in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls-- Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, If all of us have fallen short from God’s perfect standard, then what would God use as a measure to choose who to save? John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (28) I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (29) My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. (30) I and the Father are one." Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. John 10:16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. Ephesians 1:11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, Romans 8:28-30 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (29) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (30) And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Ephesians 1:4-5 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love (5) he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, Romans 9:10-21 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, (11) though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad--in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls-- (12) she was told, "The older will serve the younger." (13) As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." (14) What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! (15) For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." (16) So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. (17) For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." (18) So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. (19) You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" (20) But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" (21) Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? So election is based on any decision He saw you make. It’s based on something else...Love. Jeremiah 31:3 the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Deuteronomy 4:37 And because he loved your fathers and chose their offspring after them and brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power, Deuteronomy 7:8 but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Psalms 25:6-7 Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. (7) Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! Summary: God does not base His election on anything He sees in the individual other than the fact that He made a commitment to them before they were even born. He chooses the elect according to the loving intention of His will (Eph. 1:4-8; Rom. 9:11) without any consideration of merit within the individual. Nor does God look into the future to see who would pick Him. Also, as some are elected into salvation, others are not (Rom. 9:15, 21). Next let's look at who exactly Jesus suffered, died, and was resurrected for...  And he said to them, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'Put your sword on your side each of you, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill his brother and his companion and his neighbor.'"
Exodus 32:27 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 Watch your fellowship… Jesus said to them, "Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Mat 16:6 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." 1Co 15:33 The Truth about the Worlds Sickness is That We Must Die… 34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:34-39 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. Eze 18:20 Because he has despised the word of the LORD and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt will be on him.'" Numbers 15:31 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Romans 7:10-12 8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. 12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, Timothy 1:8-12 You Must Be Born Again… and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Rom 7:24 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 1Co 15:31 It’s The Gospels Job to Slay You That You Will Become New… For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Rom 8:13 Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5 14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand? 15 Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. Job 13:14-15 "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Isaiah 1:18 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:13-17 13 Did that which is good (the law), then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. Romans 7:10-14 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:10-18  By Desi Najera, Jr.
What Does the Bible Say About the Condition of Our Hearts, Wills, Desires, Choices, Understanding? Is there anything redeemable or of eternal value in our hearts before being born again? Ps 53:1-3 1fool has said in his heart, "There is no God," They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; There is no one who does good. 2God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men To see if there is anyone who understands, Who seeks after God. 3Every one of them has turned aside; together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, not even one.… Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Eph 2:1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins Eph 2:5 made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! Col 2:13 When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses, Gen 6:5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Gen 8:21 And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Matt 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. Prov 20:9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”? 1John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Is 53:2-3 2God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men To see if there is anyone who understands, Who seeks after God.3They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. Rom 3:12 All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. What Does the Bible Say About Our Ability To Choose Godly Choices? John 3:3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Rom 3:11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 1Cor 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. John 14:17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and He will be in you. Joshua 24:19 But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. Jer 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil. Isaiah 1:5 Where will you be stricken again, As you continue in your rebellion? The whole head is sick And the whole heart is faint. Jer 4:22 For My people are foolish, They know Me not; They are stupid children And have no understanding. They are shrewd to do evil, But to do good they do not know." Ecc 7:20 Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins. Rom 5:6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Do any bible stories illustrate these verses? Noah’s Ark – Noah was unable to survive without God’s warning, ability in gathering, imparted wisdom, favor, leading and instructions Jonah – Swallowed by a fish to accomplish God’s will, because he was unwilling Fall of Jericho – God gave them instructions on exactly what to do, they did not have the strength or wisdom or ability within themselves Passover – God sets them free by plagues and protection Parting of the Red Sea – God secures Israel’s release by miraculous works Jesus work on the cross – We were unable to help ourselves or even realize that we needed help Can you think of others?  Tonight, Wednesday at 7pm, we will be exploring the concepts of predestination, election, Calvinism, Arminianism, and many other controversial topics concerning how God saves people. People's understanding of how God saves people only fall in two categories, by free choice, or God's choice. What does the Bible say about this? Many people often turn to Google or other people to find their answers. Let's join together to see what God Himself says about this topic. The format is an open discussion and everyone is free to share their ideas and ask questions. We hope to see you!
 By Desi Najera, Jr.
(1Timothy 1:3) "As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine," Paul was emphatic about doctrine. Why? He knew that without solid, biblical doctrine that the Church was powerless and that all ministry would be for nothing. We should be encouraged as pastors, teachers and small group leaders to make a doctrinal stance. Know what you know and ask God to reveal to you what you don't know. Like a good friend of mine says, "It's bad enough I didn't know what I didn't know!" Bad doctrine leads to the commitment to a false Jesus. Here are some key ways to find out if you are siting under false doctrine:
It is time that the Church rise up and come back to the true simple Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is worth defending and discovering for "it is the power of God unto salvation!" (Ro. 1:16)  The pain that comes with mental or physical affliction can bring frustration and confusion not only to a person who is sick, but also to those who pray and suffer along side them. The bible teaches us that we will be able to overcome the sufferings of this life by God's grace. Paul gives us insight into this grace when he cried out to God on several occasions to relieve him from something that was causing him great distress. And through this crying out and communication with God, Paul found grace that was sufficient to overshadow the "why's" that often accompany unexpected hurts, whether they be of the body or the soul. Consider these principals the next time you or someone you love finds themselves in the midst of suffering:
Article by Desi Najera, Jr. Calvinism is a way of teaching, summarized by men to describe how God saves people and redeems them from sin.
Calvinism doesn’t save people or cure people’s diseases. Calvinism is a name people gave to a summary of teachings from the bible that tell us that God is in control of all things at all times in all circumstances and that all those things are in the end good for His people. Kind of like how people describe the prayer that Jesus prays that begins "Our Father which art in heaven...", The Lord's Prayer or the Our Father. It's just a way to get people to understand what you are talking about without having to explain the whole thing each time. Unfortunately, over time people have fallen into debates and made accusations that if you believe that God is in control of everything then God must force people to believe and he predetermines certain people to go to hell. The bible is clear, "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18) So each individual must believe that God is and that God will do what He has committed to do. “Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Galatians 3:6) So, man must exercise, by God's grace, his own decision to trust by faith in Christ for their forgiveness and redemption from their sins. Sins our faith comes from God, when we exercise that faith to believe, He alone should receive all the credit. We are His creation, this is His world, it's His Kingdom, and ultimately it's His giving to us of faith that we use to believe in His Son! “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3) As Christians our desire is to glorify God, that He alone would receive all the credit and honor for saving us from our sins. Lastly, in God’s desire to rescue people who are lost and captured by Satan He also has revealed to us through His Word that some will freely choose to NOT believe. Those who refuse to believe that God Word is true are condemned to Hell for their unbelief. So then, God clearly does NOT choose for people to go to Hell. Those who refuse to believe the truth revealed by the Holy Spirit that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He came to be offered as a sacrifice for their sin and was resurrected as confirmation that His sacrifice was sufficient to conquer sin and the penalty of sin are condemned because there is nothing left to rescue them from their sinful state of unbelief. “…and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”(2Thes. 1:7-9) This is not a defense of Calvinism or reformed theology. This is an exposition of scripture that all of God’s people can rally around to give Him honor and glory for all of the wonderful things He’s done for us. Some understand the doctrine of Reformed Theology to be soft on holiness or worse, against it altogether. It's easy to understand why there are Christians that would feel that way concerning this theological position. If it is true that we are saved by grace and God is completely and totally sovereign in all things at all times and in all circumstances, then what responsibility do we have as God's people to "do" anything? We must remember that grace isn't the only doctrine associated with reformed theology. Reformed Theology is just a descriptor or summary of a theological perspective. Those of us that agree with the tenets of Reformed Theology believe that all the contents of the Word of God are important and that we are to exalt Jesus Christ through its preaching and the implementation of its teachings in our world. Holiness is a standard that all of God's people should align themselves to regardless of their doctrinal stance. “Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers met together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become 'unity' conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship.” - A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God As Tozer points out, if we would all collectively as a people willfully decide to align ourselves to God's Word as our only standard for worship, liturgy, academics, relationships and all the rest of life, we could definitely have a greater impact in our communities for the sake of Christ and His Gospel.
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