Trying Hard Enough

Have you ever heard that person who said Christianity is impossible to live because it is impossible to sin? Well part of what they are saying is correct, even though they are wrong. What I mean by that is that it is absolutely impossible for someone not to sin, but not impossible for someone to be a follower of Jesus.
   A follower of Jesus does not mean that they do not sin. In fact, it is quite the opposite in the sense that Jesus became sin so that we could become His Righteousness. That is why we are His Righteousness. For what we consider our righteousness by works is like filthy rags, literally translated to the culture of that time, menstrual rags.
   So the point is, Christianity doesnt come by trying hard enough not to sin, for it is impossible not to sin. But it does come from the forgiveness that has already been attained, true Righteousness, not what we consider to be righteous. You are the True Righteousness of God!

Not a Drill

   Have you ever seen the person that goes through Christianity like it is a game, or a drill? I like to look at it like this. They go through Christianity like it is a practice quiz of some sort, not really thinking that it matters. For example, we just had a fire drill here at my school.
   During the drill, everyone got out of the building as if there were a fire, but because no one actually saw flames, no true urgency was detected. It was relatively relaxed in fact. Sure, everyone still made it out in a timely fashion, but there wasnt a huge urgency.
   Christianity is not something to be treated as a drill. Its not a practice test. Jesus was not tortured so that you could treat life a practice test, but so that you could go through the REAL test with Him as your guide and help! Its not a drill. Live life as if it is a real test, everyday, with God as your guide!

Gather

   Matthew 12.30- ""He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters." The words of Jesus as He is talking to the Pharisees. This is an astounding statement, two in fact. However, I would like to focus on the second part of this statement. "He who does not gather with me, scatters."
   It is a necessity to gather with Christ, both privately and publically. In fact, without it, scattering is promised. Scattering from the foundation of Christ, the Solid Foundation. So what does that mean for us?
   Privatley we must seek Him. We must stay in His Word, following the guidance of His Statutes and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We must meet with Him daily and continue in a pure relationship with the Living God. Pubilically we must gather with others, with the same goal as to reaching and abiding in Him. These are necessities, commands even! Gather!

Never Changing

   Have you ever tried to grow a flower in a pot without soil? Just putting the seeds into a pot full of water and hoping for the best? Im assuming the answer to that question is probably not. Have you ever thought as to why that is the case?
   Well, among many other obvious reasons, there is one that stands out to me. The position of the soil never changes, but water moves freely about in the pot alone. A plant can grow in soil because it is rooted to something, something nutrient rich that remains the same.
   We are rooted in Christ and He is not as weak and fragile as water, but He is full of all that we need, and remains constant to dwell in like the soil. God is a Rock and He is never changing. His Word remains constant and His promises True! Rejoice, for our God will always be God!

In His Grip

   You know, at the church that we attend, there is a minister there that likes to use the phrase "In His Grip" after his text messages and emails. At first, some may think it is a tad bid over zealous as a way to spread Faith and such, but if we actually take time to analyze, it is a remarkable phrase.
   As we know, we all have sinned. I have probably sinned at some point already this morning or am close to it. However, even though the wages of sin is death, because of Christ, I am not kicked out of the Kingdom.
   You see, even though we may let go of Him at times, through our sin and shame, He never lets go of us. He doesnt let us fall by the wayside because of our mistakes, for they have all already been paid for! Praise be to God, for we are in His Grip!

Power Not to Sin

   In recent posts, I have talked about encouragement when it comes to our sin. Not encouragement to sin of course, but encouragement that it is not the end of \the world once a sin is committed, because all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.
   Another in that was this not being a way to get away with sinning. It is not. In fact, when we read the Word of God, we know that we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. That means that from Him comes POWER to follow His ways and not sin against His Word.
   Does it mean we are perfect? No. But it does mean that we are not in this battle alone, and that through Christ, we have strength, both not to sin and to get back up and follow Him after we have sinned. For our strength in this battle comes from Him!

Winner

   I know from personal experience, sometimes it may seem as if you have failed. As if no matter how hard you try, no matter what you decide to do in life, sin is always present. It may seem as if all you are trying to do is serve the Lord, full steam ahead, but yet in something you do, you sin and feel as you have failed.
   But I have some news for you, ALL have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. This is no excuse for sin but because of Jesus, you have already been forgiven. EVEN MORE, you are more than conquerors in Christ. You have already overcome, because Jesus did.
   Even though you may sin, for we all do, I encourage you to press forward proclaiming His Name and serving His purpose! You are such a winner and more than a conqueror, for you have overcome!