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By: Rich Puckett
My studies, comments are in yellow
. The White is the Bible; light green is from Matthew Henrys and Believers Study Bible commentary.Gen 24:63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.
med·i·tate
(m
d
-t
t
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v. intr.
I heard someone preaching on TV the other day about our place with God as being we are Gods righteousness. During his message, he gave a definition of meditation as one who preplay's the future. Moreover, remembering as one who replays the past. He didn't spend a lot of time on this but as I lay in bed those thoughts kept coming to me and so with the help of the Spirit of God I would like to share with you some thoughts on this.
First think of the things in you mind like a video tap you might have in your VCR. The parts you would rewind is the past or your memories, if you fast forward to the blank part of the tape it's the part that would be for your planned program.
I have served in various levels of management over the years. One thing I have learned is that a good manger looks at the big picture not just, what is in the narrow vision he can see in front of him. Think of it this way, if you are playing a game of checkers and you sit on your side of the table you see things from the perspective of the game your playing and your pieces, try standing up and looking down on the board, you now see the whole board and all the pieces. It gives you a totally different view of the game. A good chess or checker player is always looking at the game and trying to anticipate the opponents moves and then plan how he would counter that move.
In the management you try to look at the big picture of what is going on and the bigger picture of what direction you are heading for tomorrow. You have to have some vision of where you want to go and then decide the best way to get there. You want to have in mind the issues that will come up on the journey and how you will handle them before time.
Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
Luke 14:30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
Luke 14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
One of the tools we need to learn is to meditate, or plan ahead, look at the big picture and see where we fit into day and how we will fit in tomorrow and so on. I spent some time building new homes, I found that often someone would have a desire for a new home and would go listen to the sales person who could show them all the features and how wonderful the house would be for their family. The sales person did not really care about the needs of the family though he talked as if he did what he cared about was making the sale and getting paid his commission. Sure he would look at the folks and show them how they would now have all new appliances no cost to worry about for years to come on buying a new cook stove or dish washer. Come see the nice bathroom, sure it has one for you and one for the kids, and just think how nice it will be sitting on you nice big front porch watching the sun go down. It all sounds so easy and so good, you begin to feel yourself in that new house and enjoying all the wonderful things a new home will have. You can almost smell the new carpet and fresh paint picture the fireplaces burning. That is the sales person's job to put your mind and heart in that new house. Most folks have some doubts, they look at each other and say so sheepishly but can we afford it? A good salesmen is quick to jump in and say, sure we wouldn't want you into a situation that you couldn't afford lets go look at the numbers and see what we can do. If you do not have the money for this house or design, I am sure we can find a model that will fit your needs and not over tax your income. Do you think he really cares about you and your family and you needs, no, he only wants to make sure he finds a model that you can be financed?
Therefore, you go into his office, he runs a credit report on you, and he looks at your income and says you know folks I think you can do this. You work all your life's to have some nice things why not now make it pay off, I can put you in this model of house and looking at your present job and incomes, past credit we can make this work. Next thing you know you are going home having signed a contract dreaming of the glorious day you move into that new home. You see yourself sitting on the porch with that glass of iced tea. You will not have to wait to use the shower anymore, life is looking up.
The dream does not last long, the day of reckoning comes on a lot quicker then you can believe. You find the building process is full of decisions and that things just do not go as you dreamed they would. The company made it sound as if in less then ninety days you would be sitting on that porch. Yet you find that you are waiting the issues start coming up, the company has to survey your property, the health people go out and you find that the standard septic system won't work on the ground you picked to build on and instead of the $1,500.00 the sales man showed you for cost it has now jumped to $5,000 to 10,000. The ground soil type is not good for a foundation and a engineered pad will have to be used or pumps to get rid of the water. The electric company is charging more to put in new poles then priced because your new house is so far off the road and on and on. You find when you start to go pick out the carpet the price for the good stuff the stuff that will last for years is way more then the money you have to spend and if you get the cheap stuff you will be replacing it after only a few years and you are already starting to pay on loans for a new house your not into yet and instead of the $600.00 a month you thought it was going to be the day you walked out so happy, there is now the new rates because you had to raise the loan to get that septic system or pad. Now you are paying $1000.00 and you only clear 2,000.00 a month. The old car starts breaking down, and where is the money going to come from for a new one? You begin to fight between yourselves over the costs, and the things that need done, the curtains are too much or you do not like the color your spouse wants. What about that old couch how can you put that into this nice new home and not spoil the effect of that fireplace. The salesman justifies all this in that he only sold you what you wanted, after all, you came to him and he found something you had money to cover.
Stop and count the costs, meditate the future, know what you are getting into. I'm not trying to get you not to build a new house but I'm saying before you do count all the costs, look at all the things that might happen and if in fact you really have the money and patience to do this thing.
In our spiritual lives people often do the same thing. We want what we want when we want it. Many times they know something is wrong in their lives and believe me you know when your heart is not right with God. Therefore, you start looking for answers to heal your heart. When our bodies are sick we go to a doctor, most folks ask others whom is a good doctor until they find one they like. Finding a doctor for the heart is not the issue you see there is only one Doctor, Jesus Christ, and he works for God and his surgeon is the Holy Ghost. (Holy Spirit) The bigger issue is finding a hospital (church) where he really works at.
I have some good news, ONE, he makes house calls and brings all he needs with him. TWO. The hospital is for long care treatment and follow up, sometimes out patient care but the doctor makes house calls no matter where you are.
Now before I rush off to a doctor, I no my money is tight so I have acted to help make sure I will have the money, I took out insurance. I planned ahead in case some big medical problem would come along in my life and being I hate pain I wanted to be able to run in get the pill or surgery and not worry about how I could pay for it.
You may know this but you have insurance already for your spiritual sickness, the doctor himself paid the price long ago. Jesus died on the cross to bear in him you sins and to pay all the costs of every wrong no matter how great or small.
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Therefore, you see every man is sick and needs the doctor. When I was a child, they gave me shots to keep me well from certain decease that I was likely to get. In this case because you are born in the flesh and because the flesh will die, we are all born with a disease and its called sin. The decease if left untreated will surely kill you.
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Heb 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The good news is that sin is curable the doctor does so much when you come to him its more then just a two minute shot and zoom you go away and never hear from him again. You see the cure is sin is removed and you receive a new heart. Then the follow up care of that new heart becomes so important if you are to stay well. I have a cousin that was given a kidney transplant, now he has to take pills everyday and will till he dies, he has to be careful of the things he does and what he is around so as to keep infections and things that would cause disease from springing up.
When you let, the doctor (JESUS) gives you a new heart, (
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.) He gives you also the comforter or the Holy Ghost a part of himself to live with in you and help fight off sin that would attack you.Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Sin is the disease that is the destroyer of our souls and spirit, but then Christ is the cure, the doctor the Holy Spirit is the medicine the power with in us to walk with God. Moreover, God is the great overseer he watches our progress, gives instructions to us by the Spirit and his word. There is much more that can be said here but for the point of where I am going let me move forward at this point.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
God is not a respecter of persons; he does not care what country you are in or what color you skin is or what sex you are he cares only about your heart condition. In Gods eyes, there are Three kinds of people, that is all.
1 Pet 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
1. Righteous in simple terms is those whose heart is right with God, this is also shown thought out the Bible as RIGHTEOUSNESS which is the state of right living and relationship with God.
2. Sinner though this is sometimes debated would seem to be those who sin. And if you study out sin in the bible it would go farther it would appear to be in direct relationship to one that has come to know right (Gods will) from wrong, (Satan will). Sinners are those who know a thing they are doing is not what God wants or expects from them but go ahead and do it anyway.
3. Ungodly are those who worship no God or admit any role of God in their lives at all. So if you never accept that there is a God then there would be no right or wrong will as far as they are concerned. These bible call dead. We are all dead until we become alive by accepting the knowledge of God.
For the purpose of my points here we will put sinners and ungodly as being combined into one word sinners. The reason being both have the same end in judgement.
I want you to do something for me at this point, meditate, and think a head about your self and where you are going. Which one of these groups do you fit in? The past is a good thing, no matter how bad it is or what has happened you can use that past to know where you once were and can use the mistakes to learn from them and not make them again.
The real issue is how do you build a future.
The first step is to take a good look at where you want to go. See often I have seen people run to a church, hear a touching message, say oh my yes I am a sinner, and want to be saved. They did not look ahead and look at what are the things you have to do once you have a heart transplant. Moreover, I am sorry those who say you do not have to do anything or change any thing in your life are doctors that should be sued for malpractice. God gave his son for your sins; the price has been paid in full for you to receive a new heart and life. The insurance has it covered, but like with any surgery full recover goes on past the placement of a new heart. You get certain new things and rights with this surgery but in order for it to be a success you have some things you need to do. You are going to build a new life with a new start there are things you must do different or you end up with the same old house you were in.
I have heard people say, "I'm a sinner saved by grace" I do not think they really mean it or understand what they are saying. If you are a sinner then you are still sick. The bible says repeatedly when we become a new creature with him the past is gone from our record.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Rom 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Rom 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Rom 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Rom 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Note: This is very important the nature of your thinking changes with the new heart. The thing is that your heart now will have love in it like never before. In addition, because you love God you will not want to hurt him or do anything where by that would be offensive to him. If I was still carnal or lets say did not have the spirit of God in me then I would still be of the old heart.
Now back to my point of all this. You now have a new life what are you going to do with it.
1 Tim 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
1 Tim 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
It is very important to look ahead and see where you are going.
Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Put on the things you need to win and not allow Satan back into your life.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Eph 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Eph 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
The bible says it well here, if we look and think on the things of God and his word then there is no place for Satan to enter into.
Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
1 Sam 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
1 Sam 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you.
1 Sam 12:25 But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.
1 Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1 Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
1 Th 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
1 Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1 Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
I want you to know you will make mistakes no matter how well you plan and how much you pray, study, go to church, and do all the right things. You are human and there is a sin not unto death, what I like to call mistakes. You will grow in the lord but while you grow you will make errs and sometimes just plain do something you know is wrong. Yet the difference is you are not a sinner, the reason is simple you had a family change you are now a part of Gods family so you last name is his name you are married to him and his spirit and are at one with him. This is not an excuse to do wrong just a lesson that you understand you will. God does not kick you out of his family because you make a mistake he will reprove you and rebuke you.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1 John 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
1 John 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
So then if you go back to your old way and build not upon the rock of Christ and build in the elements of your old life then you become a sinner not just one who made a mistake and that my friend will cause God to let you die and no longer be alive in his family.
Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Jude 1:13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
I want you to understand that you need the Lord, you need the power of God in your life to pass from death to life. I would like you to enter this looking ahead, pressing forward, and knowing that when you are a member of any family you have responsibilities and rights. In this family, you are a part of it because you are adopted into it not by any works you have done because of faith. Faith is the a word that encompasses many things, its more then just believing. Believing is a word that sounds like there is room for some doubt but faith goes beyond that. I believe it will be sunny today, but it might not happen, faith is when you know. To have faith in God and his son you must also have love. It works as our body you can have all the parts to make it work but take away the air we breathe and it dies. Love it the oxygen of our faith, it keeps the fires burning and helps guide the decisions we make. Faith in Gods love for us lets us know we can obey him in all things with out fear. The result of his love for us is TRUST. You will not let God lead you where you need to go if you do not trust him, so in many ways the trust is our spiritual eyes. The word says we serve him by faith and we walk by faith, which is trust. Faith is the sum of Love + knowing + Trust = Faith. This combination allows you to grow and develop in living a holy life. Faith is given to all of us by measure based on who we are and what we can handle but it has another great thing, it grows, the word says faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. So the more you use it, the more you read and study his word, the more you go to church and edify God and others the more your own faith will grow.
Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Luke 5:20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Luke 17:19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Luke 18:42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
Faith begins and allows the forgiveness of sin and healing of spiritual body and often the natural body, not faith in ourselves but faith in God and his Son Jesus.
Luke 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Luke 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
Luke 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
Luke 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Faith will allow us to trust God to meet all our needs, just as a baby has to trust its mother for food and meeting its needs we are to trust God.
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Acts 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
God gives us our faith but it is a tool we are to use and share and help each other grow there by.
Acts 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
I mentioned earlier in this writing about finding the right doctor, who is Jesus, you need to find the right hospital, the right one that has all the emergency room care, out patent care, excise room and is a spiritual store house. I am sure I will mention more on this later but for now, the hospital is the church, its one of the places the doctor (Jesus) uses his surgery on us. The first thing you want to look for in any hospital is the reputation of its staff and effectiveness to provide the needed services. The very first thing a good hospital (church) will have is Faith. You will know it is a people that trust in God, show love, a church that talks with God and walks with him. You go to a hospital that is treating patents they all have something in common that medicine smell. A church that is built on faith you will no by the feeling of love and peace that is there. If the people do not love each other how can they love God who is not there and believe me if there is no love between each other he is not there. I expect to see doctors and patents being treated at a hospital, in a church I expect to feel the Holy Spirit, see folks getting cleansed from sin, healed of sickness, taught his word, I expect to see men filled with the Spirit leading and teaching us all things we have need of. Why go to a hospital that cannot meet the needs of the things you need to grow and be healed by?
Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sin is sometimes defined as missing Gods mark for you in your life. Repentance is to turn from the direction you are going and go the opposite way. Repentance is the very act of being sorry, sorry enough to change what you were doing and not do it anymore. A testimony is the very act of witnessing what God has done in you life and is doing. Repentance is a must, before you can be treated by the doctor you have to realize your sick and then willing to take what ever actions needed to be made whole.
Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
To be forgiven you have to be willing to forgive. I suggest you read my works on victory through forgiveness. Jesus sets the perfect example for us no matter how many times we make mistakes (sin not unto death) once we are in his family he will forgive you if you repent. Remember repentance is to see your wrong direction, go the opposite way, and not go back the old way again. In addition, as he forgave us we are to forgive others.
Acts 2:38 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 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
This set of verse show a few important things. One is that conviction is something that comes from the Spirit of God and when you feel and hear him in your hearts telling you that you need him. Then is the time to come to him. He does call you, he knows you and all your need and all you past. Second besides repentance he tells us of the need to be baptized. This is one of the first steps you take in testifying and being a witness for the change that Christ has made in you. I think because the word means submerged and it shows the dying and being buried with Christ and now you are raised with him into life everlasting, you should be submerged. You also see the words for the remission of sins. The total forgiveness of your past, showing the price that has already been paid, and it gives you further promise. The way to stay clean and build a future, the medicine that lives in you and keeps you whole, the gift of the Holy Ghost. In addition, what is so cool it was not just for those of that day but the promise is for you, our children, and me. At no cost to you except that you receive it and accept the gift of God.
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
This doctor forgives all that is in the heart and makes it new and you are born in to his family. He never will leave you, only you can walk away from him.
Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
So then your heart is made pure by faith.
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
He opens our eyes so we can see our sin, he turns us from the dark path we are on and put us on the road of light. He removes us from the power of Satan and takes us to a place where we have power with God. You receive forgiveness of all your past sins. In addition, you get an inheritance of heaven and eternal life. There is a key word used here sanctified, which means to be set aside holy, by faith.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Rom 3:22 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:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Rom 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
The law does not save you; I have heard many time people say I keep the Ten Commandments, that is not faith its obedience to the law. Repentance and faith in Christ save you.
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
This is important, if you do not know rather you should or should not do something but you have doubt that God would be ok with it don't do it. Why? Because faith is knowing that those things you do in you life are a good witness for God and will not be something he would not want you to do.
1 Cor 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Faith is not based on what man says or if you can prove it. In fact, if you are trying to prove God or the bible using the knowledge of what we learn in school and find salvation and mercy from those ideals it will not happen. Accepting the forgiveness and fullness of God comes only from your faith and trust in him. Then when you believe you are filled with all his goodness and that experience if ever had you can never deny in your heart because you have tasted his mercy, felt his power, and know that indeed he is true and his love for you. You have a father in heaven right now you are a orphan but you can know your father and feel his love if you will but come to him.
1 Cor 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Gal 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
1 Tim 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1 Tim 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
1 Tim 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1 Tim 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
1 Tim 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
1 Tim 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Faith gives us hope and the working of faith in us and accepting the work of the Holy Spirit will and must change a heart that was once cold and with out love to one that is full of love. One thing every single person that is of God will have in common is love. If you go to a church and can't feel love then its just a empty building and not worth your time or effort, there is no healing power there, there is no way to grow found in that place, and it is nothing but a grave yard with lots of dead folks there.
1 Cor 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
1 Cor 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity.
2 Cor 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
You can only be forgiven and healed of your sin by faith in Christ. It is a gift of God and will generate love in you for others.
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
With faith you have the power to defeat sin and turn away from the evil things Satan would try and tempt you with.
Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
If you go to a doctor because you are sick and he gives you medicine, it will only work if you take all of it until you are well again. Serving God is the same way, if you make it to the end to receive you inheritance then you have to continue in his faith and live according to his word. Any one who tells you that all you do is have to make a confession and just believe is lying to you. You have to produce the things that prove the change in your heart.
2 Th 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
2 Th 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
1 Tim 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1 Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
2 Tim 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
2 Tim 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Heb 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
The need of being with others who share faith and love and good works can not be expressed enough. You must learn, grow, and help others to grow as well. In a family, none has to work to hard or carry the whole load when every one gives a hand to the chores to be done. In church, the same holds true it is all of working together that make us what we must be for God. It is not up to the pastor or the teachers or others its up to you to do your part.
Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Once having started there is no place to quit. A runner in a race who does not finish does not receive the prize and so the same is for us, we start we finish and we win if we finish.
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
So then, you need to plan a head and always in your life be looking at the big picture. You are only a small part of the over all painting that God is doing but none the less important. What would a painting of a person be if it failed to show the eyes? I do not know what role God will use you in but I do know he wants to use you.
Let me sum this up with a few last thoughts.
A house if you are going to build it has to have the right kind of soil to build upon. So must our hearts be prepared for God to work in us?
Jer 4:3 For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.
Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
Next, you must lay a foundation that will hold all the rest of the house, one that will stand the storms and not wash away.
Mat 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Next he must pick and plan the materials he is going to use to build the house. We must build using Christ and his word in our life and then when the storms come we will still stand, and when the fire come our way we will still stand and receive a full reward. Not only life with him but the rewards of him saying enter in thou good and faithful servant.
1 Cor 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
1 Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Cor 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
1 Cor 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
1 Cor 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1 Cor 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Then as all of this said before we must maintain the house we have built. Maintenance is the purpose of the church. We grow and we learn to do the tasks that keep us in good repair, we learn to pray and sing. We learn the value of giving and what all those words like mercy and grace really are. You need a place and family to be apart of here so that you learn and teach others. The real joy of having something good is the being able to share it with others. Plan and think upon what you are now and where you would like to go with your life. Why not let God take you to places and see sights you only dream about. If you give yourself to God he will give you a real home, and peace, love, joy and my friends you will never have to walk alone again in this life or the one to come.
Please study, this is long and I have not begun to scratch the surface of all that needs to be said. Just you can sit and replay your past and never move forward. Or you can began today make the future happen in a way that you have something for your labor that will not ever fade away or be stolen from you.