We hear it all the time, “I’m a Christian, but God understands why I [am always drunk, why I use drugs, why I live with my boyfriend/girlfriend,” or insert your favorite sin here]. God does understand that all humans are sinners, but by blatantly embracing sin while claiming to be a Christian, you’re creating a god that suits you. You’re making a god that sees sin as something that’s no big deal. In spite of our sin, God loves us, but He doesn’t love our sin. He doesn’t want us to live sin-filled lives. By embracing sin, a Christian will live a defeated life and pull away from God.

God’s plan for marriage was established in the Garden of Eden. God created Adam first and gave Adam the first rule. Adam was expected to teach that rule to his wife. The rule was not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, or else they would die. The Apostle Paul understood the need to obey God. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Eve allowed herself to be beguiled by the voice of Satan and ignored God’s command. Adam dropped the ball by standing by and allowing Eve to contradict God’s plan. Of course, the serpent lied to her. “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:4-5). 

This evil being convinced Eve that God lied and they wouldn’t die if they sinned. He said they would be as gods. Since that time, mankind has created gods that suited them; gods in mankind’s image instead of man in God’s image. Don’t be beguiled by Satan’s lies. Jesus is the only way into Heaven.

It seems as if the word of God has gone missing in many congregations. Instead of preaching line upon line and precept upon precept (beginning in Genesis), many pastors tickle ears and try not to bring up sin. Sin is serious. Jesus forgives repentant sinners, but a person must not hold onto the sin they claim to have repented of.

In order to recognize the sin in your life, you must study Scripture. Many pastors won’t teach from the Old Testament, but that is where the foundation of God’s truth is found. We will always wrestle with our sin nature while we live on this side of Heaven, but it’s God’s will that needs to be submitted to, not sin. Again, we can draw wisdom from Paul. “I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

It is reasonable that you submit your life to God and turn from sin when you repent and ask Jesus to forgive you. He gave His life for you. Your sins are nailed to the cross where Jesus died. He gave everything He could give, so why is it hard to give up the sin you hold so tightly to? Like Eve, do you think disobedience to God Almighty will make you a god? It didn’t work out so good for Adam and Eve, and we’ve been sinning ever since they were exiled from the Garden of Eden.

There is only one path that leads to eternal life, and that path is Jesus. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). 

Jesus had walked and talked with His disciples for 3 years, and had taught them what it meant to follow Him. Few pastors disciple new Christians and encourage them to turn from sin. They are expected to figure it out all on their own. Jesus loved people, and still does. He willingly gave His life so that we can live. So, why is it that many Christians insist on picking and choosing the parts of following Jesus that suit them? Why do they design a god that encourages their sin?

Many people want “fire insurance” by saying they are Christians but want to live by their own rules. Of course, we humans have a sin-nature that clouds our thinking, but we also have a brain to think with. If we study Scripture, we can understand what God considers sin, and make the choice to turn from sin.

The Ten Commandments give us a good solid idea of what God considers sin, but we can read more in the New Testament. Jesus explained some things that defile (make unclean) a person. “And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, and evil eye, blasphemy, pride foolishness: All these evil things come from within and defile the man” (Mark 7:20-23).

Some of those words aren’t common to our modern language, but the sins are all too common. I encourage you to look them up in a Strong’s Concordance or a good Bible dictionary.

Being “woke” isn’t approved by God. There is no sin that won’t be forgiven, but first you must recognize that you are a sinner, then change your mind about the sin(s) you embrace. Jesus is the only way to eternal life, and we need to follow the path He has shown us. There are various lists throughout the New Testament of evils that aren’t acceptable to God.

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).

Again, look up the words that aren’t familiar to you; many of these are of a sexual nature. Remember God created Adam and Eve, and they are His example of marriage. One man and one woman.

Is there any hope for mankind? Yes, there is. The only hope is Jesus. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-18).

You may make a god that suits you, but only God Almighty can save you. When you finally come to the realization that you’re a sinner in need of salvation, that’s when you ask for God to forgive you by the blood of Jesus and to cleanse you of all sin. You aren’t in the battle alone. You have the Holy Spirit sealed within you. No self-created god can do that. As you become stronger in your walk with Christ and draw closer to Him, you’ll notice that your desires have changed and people will notice. You’ll have begun to show the fruit of your faith.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25).

Any god that you think will suit your lusts cannot forgive your sin nor offer salvation.

Everyone will stand before God in judgment, so in that sense, whatever god you design or path you choose will lead to Him. There will be two thrones of judgment. Those who live by their own rules will face the Great White Throne judgment, where they will be judged by their works. They will have to have come up to God’s idea of perfection in every aspect of their life in order to obtain eternal life. That’s impossible. These souls will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire.

Christians will face the Bema Seat judgment, where their works will be judged for rewards. Only a Christian will be found righteous, but not by our own efforts. “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:21-24).

Christians are sinners just like the unsaved, but our righteousness is through our faith in Christ. A true Christian doesn’t dream up a god that doesn’t see sin as sin. Only Christ can make us righteous through our faith in His sacrifice on the cross.

The world, run by Satan, takes joy in sin, so the people of the world have contrived a god who finds no sin in carnal lifestyles. The world says it’s not a sin to be a drunkard or cheat on your wife. Much of worldly entertainment encourages and condones sinful behavior. The world has created a god that suits its lifestyle. The name of that god is Satan.

There is only one true God, and He has a very different view of sin than the world. God gave Moses a set of Commandments (not suggestions) which were written with God’s own finger on stone tablets. Which part of “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3) don’t you understand? Not all paths lead to salvation.

I’ve heard some very disturbing things directly from the lips of a famous pastor of a mega church. He said that he believes in Jesus but can’t say that people of other faiths aren’t saved. Obviously, he hasn’t read Scripture. Or, if he’s read it, he doesn’t believe it. What else could Jesus have meant when He said “…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6b). That verse has never confused me, but apparently some pastors don’t understand plain English.

Also, on the night of His arrest, Jesus prayed that if there was any other way, that the cup would pass from Him. Jesus is the only way of salvation. It’s only by faith in His death, burial, and resurrection that we are saved. “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” (John 1:12).

You can’t work for it, and you can’t buy it. Only faith brings salvation. If you follow a god you made up in your mind, then you are on the wrong path.

Time is running out. The time of great tribulation is soon to come upon the earth and all who dwell here. Don’t try to dream up a god that suits you. Only Jesus can save, and He is the same today, tomorrow, and forever.

God bless you all

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com

www.prophecyupdate.com

www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

 

Quite often, people have a hard time talking about important things. We can discuss the weather, or talk about the latest blockbuster movie, but are those things really important? Married couples sometimes have trouble discussing finances, and children are often afraid to speak to a parent about some trouble they have. Is it the fear of being ridiculed or laughed at that stops us? It’s the same when it comes to talking to someone about why you are a Christian.

Are you afraid of losing a friend if you share your testimony? Do you think that you’ll be laughed at if you speak of Jesus as something more than a cuss word? Maybe you might think that your faults will hinder your testimony. We all have failures in life, but if you’re like me, you’re trying to turn away from the sin that hinders you. I’ve heard many testimonies in my life, and I can tell you right now that no Christian is perfect. We all have a story of how we came to full faith in Jesus.

I don’t think I have an exciting testimony. I was raised having no doubts about Jesus. When I was a child, I didn’t have deep answers to questions anybody might ask, but I had a solid foundation. At a very young age, I had a desire to please Jesus. Was I a perfect child? No, I wasn’t. Was I a perfect teenager? No, I wasn’t. Am I a perfect adult? No, I’m not. Still, my testimony can help encourage others.

There were many times that I wondered if I really was saved because I didn’t have an amazing testimony, but then I read the testimony of a well-known pastor, and his testimony was much like mine. What he said opened my eyes to the fact that we don’t have to go through drug addiction, alcoholism, gang membership, or Eastern Mysticism to have a testimony that can strengthen others. Tell your story and give God the glory!

As we study Scripture, we can see that only Jesus was perfect. When He chose the twelve men to be His closest disciples, we can see that He chose men who had imperfections. They also had strong characters and learned enough in only three years to spread the Gospel and establish the Christian faith. First, let’s take a look at Peter.

Who would have ever thought that he would be a pillar of faith? He spoke before thinking and leaped before looking. He said things that everybody was thinking but weren’t bold enough to say out loud. It was Peter who saw Jesus walking on water and wanted to walk with Him. The others saw Jesus and were amazed, but kept their silence.

Peter said, “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” (Matthew 14:28).

Jesus told Peter to come, and Peter actually walked on water. He had faith that he could walk to Jesus until he noticed the storm. That’s when he failed.

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30). 

Instead of keeping his focus on Jesus, he saw the storm. How often do we trust Jesus until we see the storms around us? This testimony can help us to turn to Jesus during the storms in our own lives. Peter called out to Jesus, who saved him. We can chuckle at Peter’s failure, but Peter did step out in faith. He learned from his mistakes, and so must we learn from our own mistakes. It was Peter who first boldly proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ. When Jesus asked who people said He was, it was a general question. But then He got personal.

“And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ” (Mark 8:29). 

It might have been easy for Peter to make that declaration because he was among like-minded friends and didn’t fear the consequences. If he had been standing in the middle of a group of Pharisees, would he have been so bold? Maybe that’s a good reason for us to have fellowship with like-minded believers rather than surround ourselves with non-believers.

At the final meal they all shared together, Peter swore that he would defend Jesus with his life, but Jesus knew better. “And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice” (Mark 14:30). 

And it was true. Many of us are like Peter. We have great intentions, but soon hide our faith. “Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus” (John 18:10). 

Peter did boldly defend Jesus, but after that, he hid in fear and denied knowing Jesus. We all have fears in our walk with the Lord, but Jesus is always ready to call us back to Him.

There is no sin too great that Jesus won’t forgive. Peter never lost his status as a disciple, but he did lose his fellowship with our Lord. It wasn’t until after the resurrection that he listened to Jesus with all his heart when Jesus told him to feed the flock. Peter’s life was changed. His bold talk was now directed to bold truth rather than boasting. On the day of Pentecost, after being filled with the Holy Spirit, he was able to clearly speak the words of God, and many came to salvation. His life became a testimony not filled with fear, and his boldness had a purpose. Peter still had moments of failure, but because we know his testimony, we are strengthened in our own faith.

Do you ever doubt? Most Christians have gone through periods of questioning. That’s not a bad thing as long as you’re truly seeking truth, and not some “feel good” answer that says your sin is acceptable. Thomas was a disciple who had doubts and asked questions. When Jesus told the disciples that He was going away, He told them, “And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know” (John 14:4).

He expected them to understand, but they didn’t. It was Thomas who asked questions. “Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5).

Jesus gave him an answer that we must remember. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

If you have doubts as to whether all faiths go to heaven, or get sidetracked by some false teaching, remember these words. Only faith in Jesus will bring salvation.

Soon, Jesus was crucified. Thomas knew He was dead and buried. Like the others, he feared for his life. The disciples were gathered together in a locked room, but Thomas had not been with them. Three days had passed since Jesus was crucified. Peter and John had found the tomb empty, and that caused quite a stir. That night they had a lot to talk about, and fear ran high. Suddenly, Jesus entered the room. Can you imagine the emotions? Joy, astonishment, fear all at once. Jesus showed them the marks of His crucifixion, then breathed on them. He gave them the Holy Spirit, the promised Comforter. What a testimony these men had. When Thomas heard what they had experienced, he had doubts. You see, even close friends can question your testimony.

“The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).

Never think that Jesus doesn’t hear us when we speak. Eight days later, Jesus appeared to them again, and Thomas was there. “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27).

Now all of the disciples knew that Jesus Christ was risen from the dead and that He is Lord! Thomas had no more doubts. “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:28-29). 

These men all had a testimony, and they shared it. They changed the world.

What about Judas? He had the same opportunities as the others, but used his experiences with Jesus for evil. Jesus knew Judas’ heart, but allowed Him to be a part of the disciples. Sadly, this fulfilled prophecy, but Jesus knew it had to happen just as it did. Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He had remorse, but wasn’t repentant.

“And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5).

Judas could have had a far different ending if he had allowed Jesus to change him. His testimony stands as an example of a false follower of Christ. We must always be aware of people who pretend to follow Christ, but their hearts are full of deceit and lies. We can learn from a bad testimony.

One of the greatest transformations was the Apostle Paul, also known as Saul. His life was full of hatred and murder. He had no love for Christians and thought he was serving God by persecuting people who had turned from the Jewish religion to the Christian faith. Jesus knew him, even in his sin, and knew he could and would change. It took dramatic circumstances to get Saul to recognize his need for Jesus. Saul had obtained permission to go to Damascus and arrest men and women for professing Christ for salvation. On the way, suddenly a bright light came from heaven.

“And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou me?” (Acts 9:4).

Remember, when you witness to someone and share your testimony, if they laugh and mock you, it’s Jesus they are mocking, not you. “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). 

It was Jesus whom Saul was persecuting, not the people. This experience changed Saul, and he is known as the Apostle Paul who became the best example of missionary work throughout the ages. His testimony is an example to all of us.

Many people found in Scripture have amazing testimonies. One was Mary Magdalene. She was one who followed Jesus. “And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance” (Luke 8:2-3).

These women all had testimonies and services to give to Christ, but that place isn’t in leadership or the pulpit. Then there was the man born blind who was healed by Jesus, and then called before the Pharisees. His testimony was questioned, and his parents were brought in as witnesses. He stood firm on his testimony even though the Pharisees had lots of opinions about Jesus.

“He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25).

Read about ten lepers who met Jesus and cried out for mercy. “And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass that, as they went, they were cleansed” (Luke 17:14).

Jesus answered their prayer, but only one said thank you. I’d like to know more about the man who was possessed by demons in the country of the Gadarenes. This man had a legion of demons possessing him, and Jesus cast them out and allowed them to possess some swine. The man who had been healed wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus had a mission for him.

“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:19). The man obeyed and shared his testimony.

How about you? What has Jesus done for you? Is your testimony a simple statement of faith that you know to be true, or do you have a miraculous conversion story? Each is important, and you need to share what Jesus has done for you. Read through the Gospels and learn about each person who was touched by Jesus. There are many; I’ve only scratched the surface here. Then take a look at your own testimony. Do you have friends who could benefit from hearing it? Write it down if you need to and read it over. Jesus loves you enough to rescue you from eternal death, so you are important in His eyes. Share your story with others. The end of all time is approaching quickly, and your testimony may bring someone to salvation before it’s too late.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com

www.prophecyupdate.com

www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).