Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

To get pearls, one must dive deep!

Christian Senses :: To See

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On July 11, 2011

In Christian, Christian Senses

The lyrics of one of the songs, I learned in my childhood days was “O be careful little eyes what you see, for there is a Father up above and He is looking down with love, so be careful little eyes what you see.” But what is such a simple truth, instilled in us, when when we were children, is still extremely relevant, even today, to all ages. We must be careful with our eyes, what we see.

The Bible records that when satan beguiled Eve, she saw the fruit of the tree and it was good and pleasant to her eye, and desiring to gain wisdom, she took it and ate it (Genesis 3:6), directly disobeying God. With the seeing and partaking of what was forbidden by God, did mankind lose their relationship with God. But interestingly, it is with the seeing and partaking of the ONE who was forsaken by God, does mankind gain their relationship back with God. Jesus was the one forsaken of God (Matthew 27:46) so that God did not have to forsake us and only those who partake of Jesus can one be reconciled back to God. To partake of Jesus is to believe in him. Only those who have believed in Jesus are sanctified and made pure by the blood that He shed on the Cross, by which there is remission of sin (Matthew 26:28) and when one is made pure in heart, they can see God (Matthew 5:8).

In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus tells us that the rich man saw from hell, what was transpiring above in the heaven, but it was too late for him (Luke 16:23). If we choose not to see Jesus, while we are on earth, as our Lord and Savior; as our Salvation, it will be too late for us, to see Jesus as our Savior, from hell. Only after the seeing of the Lord Jesus as one’s Salvation can one truly depart (from this world) in peace (Luke 2:25-30).

Points to ponder:
With our eyes we can choose to see the lust and lures of this world or we can choose to see the Lord God, the Salvation. Choose ye, this day what/whom you shall see, but as for me and my house, we will see the Salvation of the Lord (Luke 2:30).

Luke 2:25-32 (KJV)
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Luke 16:22-24 (KJV)
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Independence Series :: Liberty not License

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On July 8, 2011

In Christian, Independence Series

Unfortunately, today, many take the grace of God and trample it under foot, by willful disobedience and a lifestyle that displeases God. I will be the first to admit, that I have been guilty of the same. Often we hear sermons, on the grace of God and the fact that there is no condemnation in Christ, but seldom are we told that the suffix to the “no condemnation in Christ” assurance, is that one ought to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. But sadly, the Liberty we experience in Christ, becomes a license to sin. We get churned into a wheel of sin – ask forgiveness – sin – ask forgiveness – ad infinitum.  Although everything is permissible, not everything is beneficial (1 Corinthians 10: 23) and the Liberty we have in Christ is one that must be exercised with restraint, especially if it could end up becoming a stumbling block to someone else.

Point(s) to ponder:
We may be free in Christ, but we are not at liberty to do what we please, even if it is permissible, when it hampers (becomes a stumbling block) another person’s ability to experience that same freedom in Christ.

1 Corinthians 8:9 (KJV)
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

Hebrews 10:26-29 (KJV)
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Independence Series :: The Spirit of Freedom

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On July 7, 2011

In Christian, Independence Series

The Bible states that the Spirit of the Lord is given as a gift to all who believe in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). The Bible also states that “we are the temple of the living God and the Spirit of God dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16)”. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). In other words, freedom is in us, if we believe; freedom from law, from the wages of sin, from condemnation. This is true independence.

Points to ponder:
Are you/I free? In other words, does the Spirit of the Lord dwell in you/me? Has our temple been cleaned by the blood of Jesus Christ, or does he have to take a whip to set things right before God? Only in a cleaned temple will the Spirit of the Lord dwell.

2 Corinthians 3:17 (KJV)
17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Independence Series :: Freedom to serve

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On July 6, 2011

In Christian, Independence Series

Interestingly, though many a times,freedom wars are fought so that one nation need not be in servitude of another, in Christianity, freedom (liberty) that is given, when one believes in Jesus Christ, is not so that one need not serve anymore, but in fact it is given freely so that one does serve. Liberty in Jesus Christ is given so that we will be obedient and willing servants of the Most High God. When we believe in Jesus Christ, we are made free from being slaves to sin to being servants of righteousness.

Points to ponder:
“Are you/I free?” In other words, that same question can be asked, “Are you/I a servant of God?”

1 Peter 2:15-16 (KJV)
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

1 Corinthians 7:22 (KJV)
22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.

Independence Series :: From yoking

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On July 5, 2011

In Christian, Independence Series

As Christ Jesus’ followers, we are not to be conformed to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, for we are set apart (sanctified) by the Holy Spirit of God (Romans 12:2, 1 peter 1:2). We are expected to be independent of the world, though we inhabit it, even if it is only for a short while, for all those who are friends of this world (system) are enemies of God (James 4:4). So on one hand, we are not to be yoked with the world. On the other hand, Jesus said, that His burden was light and His yoke was easy (Matthew 11:30). This implies that we are to be yoked with Jesus Christ and bear His burden (Matthew 11:29), which is the Salvation of all mankind, for God does not want anyone to perish, but that all must come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

In summary, our independence from the world must result in us being in dependence of Jesus Christ, i.e., our freedom comes from being freed from yoking to the world and from being yoked to Christ.

Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV)
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Independence Series :: True Freedom

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On July 4, 2011

In Christian, Independence Series

Today on the 4th of July, the United States of America celebrates its independence day, but sadly while freedom from tyranny and subjugation is celebrated, there are other forces that seem to subjugate and bring under bondage the inhabitants of this blessed land. The LA times, just a couple of days ago (June 29, 2011), stated that “drug addictions amongst teens is the #1 health problem in America today”.  Addictions to media, pornography, nicotine (tobacco), alcohol, marijuana, food, gambling, and even prescription drugs are very common in our day and age. So the question that begs to be asked is “Are we truly free?”

But before we can answer that question, we must first know “What is true freedom?” True freedom is freedom that goes beyond the grave. It is freedom that can be experienced and enjoyed by those who have no fear of death; not just the first (physical) death, but the second (spiritual) death as well. The only one who is truly free, is the one who believes in the Son of God; in Jesus Christ. For him/her whom the Son (of God) makes free, is the one who is free indeed.

So this independence day, ask yourself, am I truly free? If you cannot answer that with an affirmative “yes”, then believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for when Jesus makes you free (from sin, its wages which is death), you are free indeed (from any of the forces of this world or the one to come).

John 8:36 (KJV)
36 If the Son [Jesus Christ] therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Trinity of God :: In the Commission

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On July 1, 2011

In Christian, Trinity of God

The question that is asked in heaven is “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8). Notice, how the word “I” and “us” are used. This establishes both the Oneness of God (“I”) and the Trinity of  God (“us”). It further demonstrates the fact that the commission that is given to mankind is by the Trinity of God; by God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus affirmed this when he gave the great commission by commanding, “go ye and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18-19).

Points to ponder:
If you hear the voice of God asking you today, “Whom shall I send, who will go for us?”, what is your response going to be? Will it be, “Here I am God, Send me!”

Isaiah 6:8 (KJV)
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Matthew 28:18-19 (KJV)
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Trinity of God :: In THE Salvation

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On June 30, 2011

In Christian, Trinity of God

From the Bible, we learn that in the Salvation of man, which comes solely by believing in Jesus Christ, we see the evidence of the Trinity of God at work.

God the Father selects,
God the Son saves by the sprinkling of his blood by which we have remission of our sins and
God the Holy Spirit sanctifies (1 Peter 1:2).

Without the work of the Trinity of God, three persons in One, one cannot be saved.

Points to ponder:
God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Have you believed in Jesus Christ? i.e., Have you received the Spirit of Jesus who sanctifies and saves you, so that you can address God who has selected you as Abba, Father.

1 Peter 1:2 (KJV)
2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Trinity of God :: In the Baptism

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On June 29, 2011

In Christian, Trinity of God

When Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, we see the evidence of the Trinity of God. The voice of God (the Father) is heard from the opened sky, and we see the Holy Spirit of God, descending on Jesus Christ, God’s own Son (with whom God was well pleased), from heaven (Matthew 3:16-17). In baptism is the Trinity of God evident. Although belief in Jesus Christ and not the act of being dipped in water is essential for Salvation, the Apostle Peter writes that one must repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). We must be born of Water (Jesus the living water) and we must be born of the Spirit who is given as a gift upon believing in Jesus Christ and only when one is imputed the righteousness of Jesus Christ, can God then declare of that person, “this is my son/daughter, with whom I am well pleased!”

Point(s) to ponder:
If you were to be baptized today, what would God from heaven declare of you?

Acts 2:38 (KJV)
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 22:16 (KJV)
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Trinity of God :: In the Tower

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On June 28, 2011

In Christian, Trinity of God

The Bible records in Genesis 11, the attempt of man to reach God, by building a tower that reached unto heaven. This was a rebellious act of willful disobedience, for God had commanded the people to scatter and replenish the earth (Genesis 9:1), so that God’s name will be known to all the earth as these were the people of God, that came out of the flood (Genesis 10:32). But here the people rebelled to settle down in one place, in the land of Shinar (Genesis 11:1-2), wanting to make a name for themselves and not for God. But when the LORD saw this, the LORD said, “Let us go down” and God confused the language of the people making them babblers so that they could no longer be unified in their attempt to reach God by their own efforts.

From this account we can learn many hidden truths. The word “us” in “Let us go down” establishes the fact that the Trinity of God (God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit) came down to the tower and visited man. Secondly, we see that the act of willful disobedience against God’s commandments is not treated lightly and it warrants the Triune God in One to visit man. Thirdly, when we attempt to make a name for ourselves instead of making the name of God known, we can expect to have a visitation of Trinity that confound our plans. Fourthly and most importantly, man cannot reach God unless God comes down to man. This is evident in God’s plan of Salvation and redemption as well. Until God came down to the earth He created, in the form of a man, being born of virgin, in a manger, in the city of David, as a Savior and Christ the Lord, man did not have access to reach the throne of God in heaven. However, when God came to us, in the form of his very own Son, Jesus Christ, to be with us (Immanuel), all who put their trust in him, believing in him, have access to God the Father, through his Son. In fact, Jesus said, no man can come to the Father (God), except through Jesus (John 14:6).Point(s) to ponder:

Points to ponder:
Are you/I in willful disobedience to God’s given commandments?
Are you/I trying to make a name for ourselves, instead of making the Name of God known (to the ends of the world)?
Are you/I trying to reach God in our own efforts?
Without Jesus, you and I cannot reach God and there is no confusion around that, for it is not the plan of man, but it is the plan of God.

Genesis 11:1-9 (KJV)
1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.
2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.
8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

John 14:6 (KJV)
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

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