Yeshua

The Nature of Sin

The Nature of Sin

There are many expressions in the Bible that define sin. Some include: missing the mark or aim, overpassing or trespassing of a line (to transgress), disobedience to a voice, falling where one should have stood upright, ignorance of what one ought to have known, diminishing of that which should have been rendered in full measure, non-observance of a law, lawless or anarchy (complete disregard for the law), and debt, failure in duty, and not meeting one’s obligation to God. The Bible also uses iniquity, godlessness, wickedness, unbelief, unrighteousness, injustice, and unholiness to define sin.

The Fruit of The Spirit

The Fruit of The Spirit

The fruit of the Spirit is the fruit of our character as we live a holy life dedicated to the Lord. It is the character of Christ produced by the Spirit of Christ within us and is the greatest treasure of the believer. We read: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23); “(The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:9-10); “Now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” (Romans 6:22).

The Works of Christ

The Works of Christ

Jesus said: “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working” (John 5:17); “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). Christ’s work of salvation is evident. God Himself, in the Person of His only Son, visited the creation to redeem out of it a people for His own possession. But Christ is more than just our Savior. He is our Prophet, Priest, and King. Each of these in the Old Testament was anointed into their offices with oil, symbolic of the Holy Spirit.

The Works of God

The Works of God

Scripture is clear regarding God’s Divine purpose in the creation. He is omniscient and knows every detail of humanity and the nations from the beginning through the end. All God’s works are sovereignly governed according to His plans and purposes. As we read: “God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne” (Psalm 47:8); “Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,' Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:10-11).

Are We In The Kingdom?

Are We In The Kingdom?

Yeshua ministered throughout all Judea, Samaria, and the Galilee, saying: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2). Was He inferring that the Kingdom of God had arrived and that we are now living in it? Not exactly.

Every Kingdom Divided

Every Kingdom Divided

Yeshua said: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?” (Matthew 12:25-26). Yeshua was speaking to the Jewish leaders in this verse, the Pharisees. But notice, He said, “every kingdom.” He was not just speaking of Israel.

Justice, Kindness, and Truth

Justice, Kindness, and Truth

Yeshua said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6). Yeshua is the way to eternal life. That is clear. But what is the truth? Pontius Pilot, the governor of the Roman province of Judaea, asked Jesus the same question.

Resisting God's Will

Resisting God's Will

It is written, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35 & 38-39). “For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Knowing the Will of God

Knowing the Will of God

I often hear Christians talk about following the Will of God over the Will of man. It’s a strange word, often used to express someone’s futurity about their express desire.[i] Sometimes I feel like I’m in a wrestling match with God— “I want to buy that new sports car. No, you can’t have it.”

In this context, God’s Will appears arbitrary and maybe even selfishly motivated. Is He the grand arbitrator up in the sky? My response to the car question: “Why can’t I have it?” “Because I said so. Next question, please?”

The Day of The Lord

The Day of The Lord

“The great day of the Lord is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the Lord is bitter; There the mighty men shall cry out. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of devastation and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness” (Zephaniah 1:14-15, NKJV).