CAN A TRULY BORN-AGAIN PERSON WALK AWAY FROM HIS SALVATION? Part 1

"Can a person who is truly saved by God's grace and mercy as described in God's Word walk away from his salvation?" Some say yes, some say no. What makes the question even more interesting are the discussions containing various Bible verses.

If the question was asked, "Can anything outside ourselves pull us away from Christ?", we would immediately refer to Romans 8:31–39 (ESV) — 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

But can a person take himself out of the equation? I recently had this discussion with some friends of mine and we were challenging each other to think through the scripture. I love our discussions because they cause us to think through the scriptures even more than normal. One of the verses that popped up was 2 Peter 2:22 (ESV) — 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” In fact, I have even heard all of the following section to be used in asking that question: 2 Peter 2:20–22 (ESV) — 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

I was going to save this part for last but now I see that I should go ahead and point you towards the pronouns used in 2 Peter chapter 2. Answer these questions:
1. Who is Peter writing to?
2. Who is Peter talking about?

Peter is writing to "those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ" [2 Peter 1:1 (ESV)] and you will notice the second-person pronoun "you" in the following verses:
2 Peter 1:2 (ESV) — 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you...
2 Peter 1:4 (ESV) — 4 ... so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature...
2 Peter 1:5 (ESV) — 5 ...make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue...
2 Peter 1:8 (ESV) — 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:10 (ESV) — 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

2 Peter 1:11 (ESV) — 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:12–13 (ESV) — 12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder,

[underlining added for you]

So who is Peter talking about in chapter 2 when he changes from second-person pronouns to third-person pronouns such as "they" or "them"? Start at verse 22 and work backwards.

2 Peter 2:22 (ESV) — 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them...

2 Peter 2:21 (ESV) — 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.

2 Peter 2:20 (ESV) — 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.

2 Peter 2:19 (ESV) — 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption...

2 Peter 2:18 (ESV) — 18 ...they entice by sensual passions of the flesh...

2 Peter 2:17 (ESV) — 17 ...For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved.

2 Peter 2:12–15 (ESV) — 12 But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, 13 suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. 14 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! 15 Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing,

2 Peter 2:2–3 (ESV) — 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

[underlining added for you]

So who are "they" that Peter is talking about? Who are "they" that are going to be like the dog going back to its vomit or the sow getting back into the mud in 2 Peter 2:22? The answer is in 2 Peter 2:1 (ESV) — 1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. [underlining added for you] Not the born-again Christians described in chapter 1, but the false teachers. If you read chapter 2 with the words "false teachers" replacing the third-person pronouns, it would read like this:

2 Peter 2:1–22 (ESV) — 1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon [the false teachers] swift destruction. 2 And many will follow [the false teachers] sensuality, and because of [the false teachers] the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in [the false teachers] greed [the false teachers] will exploit you with false words. [the false teachers] condemnation from long ago is not idle, and [the false teachers] destruction is not asleep...12 But [the false teachers], like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which [the false teachers] are ignorant, will also be destroyed in [the false teachers] destruction, 13 suffering wrong as the wage for [the false teachers] wrongdoing. [the false teachers] count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. [the false teachers] are blots and blemishes, reveling in [the false teachers] deceptions, while [the false teachers] feast with you. 14 [the false teachers] have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. [the false teachers] entice unsteady souls. [the false teachers] have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! 15 Forsaking the right way, [the false teachers] have gone astray. [the false teachers] have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, 16 but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. 17 [the false teachers] are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. 18 For, speaking loud boasts of folly, [the false teachers] entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. 19 [the false teachers] promise them freedom, but [the false teachers] themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 20 For if, after [the false teachers] have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, [the false teachers] are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for [the false teachers] than the first. 21 For it would have been better for [the false teachers] never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to [the false teachers]. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to [the false teachers]: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

There are several other factors to look at here as well. For example, what about the idea of "escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" followed by the phrase "again entangled in them and overcome"? That sounds like how Jesus described the 'thorny soil' in Luke 8:14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.

And why would it have better for them "never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered"? Is it not because they believed that they were indeed saved by God when the fact is that they were not? And if they thought they were already saved by God, they would believe that they already live by the gospel when the truth is that they are distorting the gospel as shown in 2 Peter chapter 2?

Are you like the "you" in chapter 1 who is indeed a Christian or like "they" in chapter 2 who are false teachers that will be destroyed [v.12] and suffer for their wrong doings [v.13]?

TODAY'S SNOW REMINDS ME OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

How does this snow remind me of the local church? Think about the beauty you see each time it snows... before anyone has made any tracks in the snow... you see a huge blanket covering everything. Now think for a moment how big a snow flake is. Just one. One snow flake can easily fit on the tip of your finger but when it joins other snowflakes, you can have a large snowfall like today. Some folks are reporting 20 or more inches of snow in their yard.

So what does that have to do with the local church? It is another great example that God has given us about the need for our church family. On our own, we are not able to do as much work. On our own, we are very vulnerable to temptation and destruction. On our own, we are very weak. But when the local church comes together, it is beautiful to see all of the relationships growing stronger, it's members working together to fulfill the Great Commission and the local church can accomplish so much more than any one individual.

Consider this passage of Scripture.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (ESV) — 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

How is "two" better than "one"? Here are four reasons we need each other.

9 ...because they have a good reward for their toil. 

Imagine a dump truck lost part of its load at the end of your driveway and now you have 1,000 pounds of rock keeping you from being able to go anywhere. Let's say that each rock weighs 50 pounds each and because of their size and shape, you can only carry one at a time. That would mean you would have to pick up 20 rocks before you could drive your car!

But what if your neighbor saw what happened and came over to help? Now you only have to pick up 10 rocks apiece. Just by adding one person. What if three other guys saw what you were doing and came to the rescue? Then you would only have to pick up 4 rocks each! THAT'S A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 20 TRIPS AND 4 TRIPS.

Being a pastor for the last 20 years, I have seen many people trying to pick up 20 rocks when all they had to do was ask their church family to help. If they had gotten 20 people to do the task, each one would only have to pick up ONE ROCK!

WHAT IF THERE WAS ONLY ONE ROCK IN THE DRIVEWAY AND IT WEIGHED 1,000 POUNDS??? Using this example, one person couldn't do it by themselves but 20 people working together could do it.

10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 

This verse alone speaks volumes why we need our church family! When we isolate ourselves, it is so much harder to get up when we fall into temptation or discouragement. We have no one to see us fall, we have no one to protect us and no one to encourage us. 

But when we have our church family around us, they notice when we are down or hurting. They also notice when we start to drift away or fall back into some dangerous patterns in our lives. We can love and be loved. We can help each other remember that no matter what happens in our lives, we are not alone. We can remind each other of God's faithfulness and power. 

Speaking from experience, I can't tell you how many times somebody from our church family has encouraged me, challenged me to grow, reminded me of the big picture and so much more. Don't miss out on these benefits. 

11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 

Sometimes my wife speaks a few words that I am supposed to recognize as many words. For example, at a cinema, she may say, "I am cold." which is translated in Rhondaese as "I am cold so get closer and let me snuggle up to you and warm up." If I don't get that message, she will repeat herself and say, "Honey, I said I am cold." then a light bulb goes off above my head and I understand what she wanted me to do.

Think about what happens when you are alone (more than you want to be). Time drags on. No interaction with anyone. Your mind begins to run in every possible direction... "What if...", "I hope...", "I don't think I can...", etc. Mary Teresa once said, "Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty."

While I was writing this post, I searched Google for images under the title "loneliness". So many of those photos show sorrow, pain and suffering with no one around to help them. Just look at this pic I found and see what I mean...

Now contrast that photo with these photos...

This is what it is like to be a part of a local church. Enjoying each other. Celebrating each other. Helping each other in times of need. Loving others warms them up.

12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

When training for overseas mission trips, we were told to always pair up with someone in our group and never wander off from your group alone. So many news reports have shown where someone was abducted because they were an easy target. When somebody pulls away from the group, nobody is there to protect them from trouble.

The same is true in local church. We have each other to help protect us from trouble. Every one of us will be attacked by the evil one but thank God for our church family. We can pray for each other and hold each other accountable. We can protect each other from wandering away from the faith. We need each other. You can't make it on your own. God knows that and this is why He gave us this list of "one anothers" in scripture. I hope that you will take the time to look through this list and see why we need each other so much.

1. Be at peace with one another (Mk 9:50)

2. Love one another (Jn 13:34)

3. Be joined to one another (Ro 12:5)

4. Be devoted to one another (Ro 12:10)

5. Honor one another (Ro 12:10)

6. Rejoice with one another (Ro 12:15)

7. Weep with one another (Ro 12:15)

8. Live in harmony with one another (Ro 12:16)

9. Accept one another (Ro 15:7)

10. Counsel one another (Ro 15:14)

11. Greet one another (Ro 16:16)

12. Agree with each other (1 Co 1:10)

13. Wait for one another (1 Co 11:33)

14. Care for one another (1 Co 12:25)

15. Serve one another (Gal 5:13)

16. Carry one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2)

17. Be kind to one another (Eph 4:32)

18. Forgive one another (Eph 4:32)

19. Submit to one another (Eph 5:21)

20. Bear with one another (Col 3:13)

21. Teach, admonish each other (Col 3:16)

22. Encourage one another (1 Th 5:11)

23. Build up one another (1 Th 5:11)

24. Spur one another on (Heb 10:24)

25. Offer hospitality to one another (1 Pe 4:9)

26. Minister gifts to one another (1 Pe 4:10)

27. Be humble toward one another (1 Pe 5:5)

28. Confess your sins to one another (Jas 5:16)

29. Pray for one another (Jas 5:16)

30. Fellowship with one another (1 Jn 1:7)

WHY WE SHOULD BE THANKFUL WHEN GOD SAYS "NO"

Think about a time you were praying about something that you felt very strongly about and how you were sure that God was leading you that direction. If God said "No" to that prayer, how did you feel? Surprised? Discouraged? Confused?

Ron, Judy, Sue, Darlene, myself and Matthew

I had that happen to me earlier this year and it wasn't until this week that I found out why God said "No". I was making arrangements for us to go to the Philippines again this year and suddenly, the trip was cancelled. Our partner told us that he couldn't work with us again. I was very surprised, very discouraged and very confused because I had already been four times and was looking forward to working with more Filipino pastors and preaching more revivals, this time in Mati and other regions. But now, that plan was gone.

Pastor Joe, Juliet, Darlene, Sue, Richard and me on the way to Mati in 2014

Preaching a street revival in one of the compounds

For several days, I really wondered what happened... why weren't we going to the Philippines again. But then after talking and praying with my wife, family and friends, I had peace with it knowing that everything happens for a reason.

This week, I saw the reason in a new email from my partner, Pastor Joe. Here is part of what he said... 

"I am sorry to inform you that Mati City Police Camp or Head Quarter was attacked last Sunday February 15 by the Communist New People's Army. A gun battle errupted. It is not very safe to travel now for American visitors. Also, and encounter with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and our Special Action Force last January 25 have resulted to 44 killed of our Policemen. Again, the Peace and Order situation in our island of Mindanao is not conducive for travels and visitors like Americans. I can not encourage you to come. It is very dangerous... Both the New People's Army and Muslim Rebels are very active and unpredictable in their struggles to achieve their goals. This means as far as I am concerned it is no longer safe to invite Americans to conduct ministries open to the public.  this is the issue that we really worked wisely and with prudence when we tried to work with American preachers and missionaries." 

Another American pastor and I would have been traveling to that area in less then four weeks had God not said "No". Matthew would have joined us a few days later. As soon as I read that email, I thought, "God, You are my deliverer!"  

Psalm 18:1 (ESV) I love you, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

The next time God tells me "No", I hope I remember this lesson and thank Him for His guidance and protection instead wondering why. God is so good and His love endures forever!!!

Psalm 100:5 (ESV)  For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. 

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "KNOW" THE WILL OF GOD? by Chuck Fannin

What does it mean to “know” the will of God?

Knowing the will of God isn't the impossible task that some like to describe.  If we stop to think about it, we were given some specific ideas about this when Amos said "can two walk together except that they agree?"  If we are to walk with God, we must mold our minds and thoughts into the same patterns of His.  You must understand, God cannot change - we must.  So, if we wish to change - to learn the will of God - we must do several things.  Let's look at a few – six sounds like a ‘nice round number’.

1.   You must be able to surrender your will to the Father.

When God specifically told the people that they could not have any idols, he meant exactly that (cf. Exo 20:4-60).  Most people consider an idol as an image that you bow down to.  This is not necessarily true.  Webster's tells us that an idol can be anything that is we are devoted to or excessively admired.  What this means is that anything that you put before God becomes an idol. 

2.  You cannot depend upon 'your feelings'.

In Judges 17:6, we find that the Israelites did 'that which was right in his own eyes'.  They decided what was correct and what was not without God.  Deuteronomy 12:8 specifically forbids us to 'whatsoever is right in his own eyes'!  Do you remember the very first sin?  Adam partook of the tree of knowledge - the tree that would allow him to have the ability to 'know' right from wrong.  He decided that God needed help in understanding right from wrong.  He decided that he didn't need God anymore to decide right from wrong.  Well, he was wrong!

Often, many people feel they have sufficient information to decide a course of action.  Without the FULL story, we can never make a completely error free decision between what is right and what is wrong.  It seems to me that only God has the "whole story"!

3.  Study of the Word will often explain his will for you.  

We find that the people favored of God actively pursued knowledge of Him and willingly suffered whatever was necessary in order to gain more understanding.  Can we do any less? (2 Tim 2:15 & Acts 17:11)

4.  Take note of providential circumstances.

We find that God says the people will look for Him and not find Him. We, humans, 'demand' an empirical definition for everything.   We seemingly cannot accept that God often works in our lives in a purely natural manner (i.e. storms, gifts, peace of mind, etc.).

5.  Ask God to reveal himself to you. 

Then accept the 'pruning' that comes from God (John 15:1-4).   This principle is often overlooked.  We are 'saints' of the most high because we are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb - Jesus Christ!  Being a saint requires that I be made holy unto God.  God will not coexist with evil.  He reconciled me to him.  We are made a new creature (creation) through this rebirth.  The old man is put away.  We are part of the vine of Jesus Christ.  God is the Husbandman.  There are two types of branches on a vine;  one that bears good fruit and one that does not.  Those that do not bear good fruit "he takes away".  More important is the one that bears good fruit.  New growth on a limb that is pointed the WRONG DIRECTION is cut off - pruned!  It is the same with us.  Every time we exhibit new growth that is contrary to the will of God, he will prune that branch.  If we persist in going in the direction that he cuts off, we get chastised (Hebrews 12:5-8).  

6.  Wait on him with patience.

One of David's psalms very plainly tells us to learn patience.  Learn how to accept that God is going to answer all prayers in one of three ways.  He will either answer 'yes', 'no', or 'wait'.  Most of us can easily handle the yes answer.  Many can handle the no answer.  Most, however, cannot handle the 'wait' answer.  The 'wait' answer always seems to be silence on God's part - thus we are left feeling like we have been forsaken, forgotten or not important enough for God to pay attention to us (Psalm 25:4 - 5).

The bottom line?   To "know" God until we must accept him and his guidance.  As Jesus said, if you love me, you'll keep my commandments.  So it is with our belief that we can "know" God.  We must strive to be 'like' God to 'know' God!

[Chuck Fannin is the Young Adult's Sunday School teacher at Rolling Fork Baptist Church]

DOES JESUS THINK YOU ARE DOING YOUR "SELFIES" WRONG?

If you have facebook, twitter or any other form of social media, you have seen selfies every day, haven't you? The "bathroom mirror" shot, the "duck-lips" shot, the "look-down-my-shirt" shot, the "I'm-laying-down-and-looking-sexy" shot, the "look-at-my-new-shirt" shot, the "look-how-long-my-tongue-is" shot, ...you know what I am talking about.

One website I saw described taking too many selfies as "selfitis" and here is how to tell how bad you have it...

• Borderline selfitis : taking photos of one’s self at least three times a day but not posting them on social media
• Acute selfitis: taking photos of one’s self at least three times a day and posting each of the photos on social media
• Chronic selfitis: Uncontrollable urge to take photos of one’s self round the clock and posting the photos on social media more than six times a day

Why are people so obsessed with selfies? Is it because nobody else is taking their photos as often as they want them done? Is it because we are so obsessed with ourselves? As if selfies weren't popular enough, now you can use a "selfie stick" to get more angles of perspective in your photos! 

Would Jesus Do A Selfie?

At first, you may quickly respond with a "no" but think for a minute about how He lived here on earth. Yes, I agree that He wouldn't take photos of only Himself and post words like "Look at how great I am" or "Who can walk on water? THIS GUY!" But what if He used selfies for another reason? (I know, this is a stretch but hang with me for a minute.)

Matthew 19:13 (ESV)  Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14  but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 

When the people were bringing their children to Jesus, the disciples tried to stop them but Jesus said to leave them alone. In fact, look at what He said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them. I can see Jesus reaching out to the kids and laughing at their excitement. I think Jesus would say to them, "Hey, let's take a selfie together!". Why? To show the kids how much He loved them and to show the disciples that He valued everyone, no matter how old they were. 

How about Matthew 20:29 (ESV)  And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30  And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31  The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 32  And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33  They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34  And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him. 

The blind men were crying out to Jesus for help but the crowd rebuked them and told them to shut up. Jesus didn't treat harshly like the crowd did, He had pity on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they had recovered their sight! If you were one of the blind men, wouldn't you have been excited? Can't you just see them smiling and thanking Jesus for taking the time to help them? And can't you see Jesus smiling back at the two men who previously could not see anyone smiling at them? Maybe Jesus would say something like, "I am glad you two are so happy. I am excited for you. Hey, let's take a selfie together!" Why? To show the two men how much He cared about them and to show the crowd how you are supposed to treat people.

Let's do one more. John 21:15 (ESV)  When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16  He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17  He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 

Here is the touching story of how Jesus had focused on Peter after Jesus had been raised from the dead. If you think back in the scripture, you will remember that Jesus had warned Peter about the fact that he would deny knowing Jesus in Luke 22:31 (ESV)  “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32  but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33  Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34  Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” 

Peter denied Jesus just like He said he would in Luke 22:54 (ESV)  Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55  And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56  Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57  But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58  And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59  And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60  But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61  And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62  And he went out and wept bitterly. 

So in the passage from John 15, Jesus is showing love to Peter even though Peter had denied knowing Him. Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" The scripture doesn't show Him asking the rest of the disciples questions like that. I can imagine Jesus saying, "Soon I will be leaving here and going back to My Father but before I go, I want you to know something. I am proud of you and I am glad you are back." Maybe Peter was having a hard time believing that Jesus could forgive him for doing such a thing. And then to reassure Peter, Jesus might say, "Let's do a selfie to be a reminder of My love for you."

Now you may think that I am being sacrilegious but I promise that my intentions are pure. I am not trying to distort scripture, I am trying to emphasize to you how much Jesus loves us... even when others try to push us away. When we include others in our selfies, we are telling them "I love you".

Before I end this post, I want to validate something to you. Even though I have never seen Jesus take a selfie with someone or heard about Him doing so, I know that when I have taken a selfie with someone, I can feel His love flowing through us. Keep smiling. Here are a few of those selfies. And yes, I love these folks.

DO YOU WANT A CHURCH OR A WEDDING CHAPEL?

Every occupation has their stories. Doctors have them. Teachers have them. Office workers have them. And so do pastors. A few years ago, a pastor friend of mine was telling one of those stories and it went something like this... "One day, I was out in the yard when a car pulled up with a man and a woman in it. The man asked, "Are you the preacher?" So I replied, "Yes I am. How can I help you?" "Me and the woman here would like to get married this afternoon." he said."

As my friend tells that story, he explains to the man in the car that preachers meet with couples before they get married. We call them "pre-marital counseling sessions". The man in the car quickly replied, "We don't need any marriage counseling! We know all about it. In fact, we've both been married before so there ain't anything you can teach about marriage that we don't already know."

Needless to say, my friend didn't perform their wedding ceremony that afternoon. It is easy to see what is wrong in that story... that couple wanted to treat that church like it was a wedding chapel.

What is the difference between a church and a wedding chapel? First, let's look at what a wedding chapel is and then see how the church is so different from a wedding chapel.

How does Wikipedia describe a wedding chapel? "A wedding chapel is a place, other than a legal court, and usually also, other than a church, where couples can get legally married. A church may also be used as a wedding chapel, but churches are usually called that by the marrying couple when the ceremony only involves those contracting matrimony."

So far we see that a wedding at a wedding chapel is different than going to the courthouse. We also see that the wedding chapel is a different place than a church. There is an interesting phrase used in this description... "where couples can get legally married". So the wedding chapel is not a government office nor is it a local church, it's a business designed to help couples get legally married. 

What requirements does a wedding chapel have for each couple who wants to get married there? The "wedding chapels must usually require: a marriage license and proof of age of the couple." Vegas.com says "Easy peasy lemon squeezy. That's what it's like to get married in Vegas. No blood tests, no waiting period, no hassle. Just wham bam married ma'am."

How fast can you get married in a wedding chapel? "If you want to get MARRIED TODAY..... we can Help. We are available 24/7 to perform your Wedding (by appointment). We are world famous for performing Same Day Wedding Ceremonies. Simply walk in to our office and we issue you a Marriage License. Next, we go in to the Wedding Chapel and a couple of " I Do's" later, you are officially hitched! Walk in Single.......Walk out Married" says Great Officiants in Southern California.

HOW DOES A CHURCH WEDDING DIFFER FROM A WEDDING AT A WEDDING CHAPEL?

First of all, a church is not a business and a church is concerned about more than just getting you "legally married". The man performing the wedding ceremony is a minister, usually ordained by a church, who will give you marriage counseling, not just someone legally qualified to get you "officially hitched".  The counseling sessions are designed to help you prepare for your marriage. But there is so much more to consider here. The wedding ceremony is not viewed as an entertaining event, it represents Jesus Christ and His bride. Weddings are very serious and not to be taken lightly.

WHERE DID MARRIAGE COME FROM? Marriage is designed by and empowered by God Himself. Genesis 2:18–24 (ESV) — 18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” 19 Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. 21 So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

HOW SERIOUSLY DOES GOD VIEW MARRIAGE? God honors the union of man and woman in the covenant of marriage but punishes those who are sexually immoral and unfaithful. Hebrews 13:4 (ESV) — 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. God says that our prayer lives are directly affected by how we relate to our spouse. 1 Peter 3: 7 (ESV) —7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. God does not want you matched up with the wrong person. 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV) — 14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

HOW SERIOUS IS THE COMMITMENT BETWEEN THE HUSBAND AND THE WIFE? The relationship between the husband and the wife is to reflect the relationship between Jesus and His bride which is the church. Ephesians 5:21–33 (ESV) — 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. By meeting the sexual needs of each other, the husband and the wife are to protect each other from being disobedient to God because of sexual immorality. 1 Corinthians 7:3–5 (ESV) — 3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

As a preacher of the gospel, it is my goal to share these Bible verses and more with you to help you see the importance of a Biblical wedding. We will discuss what it takes to honor God in your ceremony and in your marriage. In order for your wedding to be blessed by God, you have to do things according His Word. A wedding ceremony is not a show, it is a time of worship and devotion. 

I hope this post will help you understand the difference.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LOVE OUR ENEMIES?

Luke 6:27 (ESV)  “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 
28  bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 
29  To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 
30  Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 
31  And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. 

Very few of us have taken the time to really understand the depth of this passage. Aren't we tempted to just skim through the passage and recognize the fact that we need to love everyone even if they are not nice to us? If we look closer at the wording, we will find this passage even more challenging to obey and also have a better understanding of how much we need Jesus Christ.

TRUE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE SUPPOSED TO SET THE EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW.

Looking at the phrases one at a time, we will see what kind of example we are supposed to be setting for others.

 

"Love your enemies," 

The word used for "love" here is the Greek word, agapao [ag-ap-ah'-o], which means "to seek the highest good in the one loved."  [The Bible Knowledge Commentary] Perhaps you are more familiar with the noun form of this word which is agape. Some people explain agape as a "God-kind of love". Agape is a much higher form of love than the Greek word, "phileō" which means to "to be a friend to, have affection for". Now contrast agape to the Greek word used here, "echthros" for enemies and you will discover that it means "to hate, to be hostile, an adversary". JESUS IS SAYING THAT WE ARE TO SEEK THE HIGHEST GOOD IN THOSE WHO ARE HATEFUL AND HOSTILE TO US. Let that sink in for a minute. That person who is hateful to you and acts hostile towards you is the very person that Jesus is telling you to love.

"do good to those who hate you"

Now we have the "kalōs" which means "well (usually morally)…honestly" and "miseō" which means "to detest (especially to persecute)". JESUS IS SAYING THAT WE ARE TO TREAT PEOPLE WELL EVEN IF THEY DETEST US AND TRY TO PERSECUTE US. Look at what Jesus said in Matthew 10:22 (ESV)  and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. If we are true followers of Jesus and we living like Jesus, then we are going to rejected and hated like Jesus was.

"bless those who curse you" 

The original word for “bless” as it is used here is "eulogeō" which means "to speak well of... to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)". The word "curse" is from "kataraomai" and means "to curse, doom, imprecate [OR CALL FORTH] evil upon". JESUS IS SAYING THAT WE ARE TO SPEAK WELL OF PEOPLE AND PRAY FOR THEM EVEN IF THEY ARE ASKING FOR EVIL TO FALL DOWN UPON US.

"pray for those who abuse you." 

"Proseuchomai" is the Greek word used for pray in this passage and it means to "pray earnestly for". The "epēreazō" is the Greek word for "abuse" and it means "to insult, slander:— use despitefully, falsely accuse" JESUS IS SAYING THAT WE ARE TO PRAY EARNESTLY FOR THOSE WHO ARE INSULTING US AND FALSELY ACCUSING US.

"To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also" 

JESUS IS SAYING THAT WE ARE NOT TO SEEK RETALIATION OR REVENGE. Read these next passages and see what you discover. 

• Romans 12:17 (ESV)  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
• 1 Peter 2:19 (ESV)  For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20  For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21  For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22  He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23  When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

"and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30  Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back."

JESUS IS ALSO SAYING THAT WE ARE TO GIVE GENEROUSLY EVEN WHEN WE FEEL THAT WE ARE BEING RIPPED OFF. Why would Jesus say that? Because when we give, we are following God's example and we are to focus on pleasing Him instead of trying to keep score with those around us.

"And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." 

JESUS IS SAYING THAT WE ARE TO TREAT OTHERS AS WE WOULD HAVE THEM TREAT US. Many people call this the Golden Rule. But let's be really honest here. How many of us are really doing a great job with the Golden Rule? How many of us are loving our enemies the way that Jesus was describing? How many of us are truly blessing those who are trying to curse us?

SO HOW CAN WE LIVE OUT THIS PASSAGE?

Before we answer that question, read two more passages of scripture.

• Romans 5:1 (ESV)  Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5  and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
• Galatians 5:22 (ESV)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25  If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 

How do these passages answer the question "How do we love our enemies?" and the other phrases we looked at earlier?

1. BY REMEMBERING THE GRACE THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED. Romans 5:2  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand--I have sinned, you have sinned, everyone of us have sinned. We need to remember that before we start to look down on somebody else. What if God was only as merciful to us as we are to other folks? What is He was only as forgiving to us as we are to others? Remember that grace that God has shown you and then show that kind of grace to others.
2. BY REJOICING IN ALL SITUATIONS. Romans 5:2-3 and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings-- This doesn't mean that we are glad that someone hates us or that we are having a problem with someone but it does mean that even during our hard times, we are rejoicing in the fact that God is with us and will take care of us.
3. BY RECOGNIZING THE BENEFITS OF SUFFERING WHICH ARE ENDURANCE, CHARACTER AND HOPE. Romans 5:3-4 knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope-- Though we do not want to have trials and stressful situations, we need to remember that we grow stronger through them. We have more endurance, stronger character and brighter hope to help us get through the next battle.
4. BY DESIRING MORE OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT TO BE EVIDENT IN OUR LIVES. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.-- This is what God is looking for in each one of us. These qualities enable us to love those who are hateful towards us and wish the worst for us. As we focus on God instead our "enemies", we will please God more through our thoughts, words and deeds.
5. BY LIVING IN THE SPIRIT AND NOT OF THE FLESH. Galatians 5:24-25  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25  If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.-- Romans chapter 8 is a great passage to give more explanation to this section of scripture. Look at Romans 8:1-11. 
6. BY NOT BEING CONCEITED, AGITATING OR ENVIOUS. Galatians 5:26  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.-- Isn't it easier to get upset with someone who is arrogant towards you and agitating you than it is with someone who is humble and giving you some privacy? Sure. This verse tells us not to be arrogant, agitating or envious towards anyone else because it only leads to problems. 

Loving our enemies is obviously not easy but Jesus commanded us to do so. Who are you having a hard time loving right now? Would you pray about that situation and ask God to help you reconcile it? Would you pray for that person who has offended you and ask God to bless them? Remember, if we don't forgive others, God won't forgive us.