Posted by: missionventureministries | May 25, 2022

BIBLICAL INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO THINK CORRECTLY – Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) 

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christian community he established in Philippi to exhort them to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel and to imitate the humility of Jesus in everything they do. He was writing to them from prison in Rome. The purpose for writing them was to show them through his personal example and testimony that it was possible to make it through any situation with the right outlook and attitude. He was a true disciple of Jesus; and was a tremendously disciplined Christian, since an un-disciplined life is not worth living. The foundational word for disciple is discipline and it takes tremendous discipline to live the Christian life. 

Paul faced many hardships as a Christian but was always allowing the Spirit of God to give him strength in his continual walk with the Lord. His instructions were from personal choices that he had already been practicing himself and loved to share with others, since he knew the effectiveness and success of such living. 

The main message of Philippians 4:8 is to transform one’s thinking in order to have peace of mind since our thoughts become our habits and our habits become our reality and way of life. 

This verse is a guideline for continual growth and transformation in the life of a Christian since refusing to dwell on negativity and purposely focusing on positive thoughts are elements God uses to allow peace to grow and turmoil to diminish. 

Our lives are surrounded with demands that often take our focus away from God; therefore we should keep Philippians 4:8 in mind as a guideline of how to think and ultimately live according to God’s purposes for our life. 

Let’s take a look in more detail at this amazingly list of empowering thinking. 

  • Whatever things are true: Refers to sincerity, honesty and truthfulness. Jesus said: “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Truth was exemplified in Jesus Christ through His earthly ministry and His words teach us that: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Truth is whatever conforms to the gospel and the revelation of God’s will in his Word. 
  • Whatever things are noble: Refers to what is honorable, esteemed and revered in a person’s character. “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17) and “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown…” (Proverbs 12:4). Paul has in view things that lift the mind rather than dragging it through the mud. 
  • Whatever things are just: Meaning things that are honest and righteous. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). It refers to man’s relationship with others, dealing fairly with them in business and in day to day living. 
  • Whatever things are pure: Refers to things that are unblemished and incorrupt. Christian should strive for purity of the mind and body, since, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). 
  • Whatever things are lovely: Denotes to what is pleasing and precious to life, as Colossians 1:10 tells us, “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
  • Whatever things are of good report: Meaning actions that are commendable. This includes respect, kindness, and graciousness. It speaks of an outward expression that others can see emanating from a Christian’s heart. Things that are reputable and worthy of respect. “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake…” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). 
  • If there is any virtue: Refers to conforming one’s life and actions to pure and righteous life practices produced through obedience to God’s Word. The fruit of the Spirit produces virtue in the lives of believers. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23). 
  • If there is anything praiseworthy: Points to things that are done correctly but not for gaining personal glory for doing something well. Paul is talking about deeds and thoughts that by their very nature move people to admiration and praise. 
  • Meditate on these things: Means to give careful consideration to the topics you are focusing on. Transformation is essential in the life of every true Christian, since salvation is meant to change Christians and save them from the things that want to hold them in bondage. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). What Paul describes here is a practical way to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 

Philippians 4:8 is a great tool for decision-making, since, when we are confronted with a difficult choice, we must ask, “Is it true? Is it consistent with the moral and theological principles of God’s Word? Is it an honorable thing? Is it right and just? Does it make think lovely and pure? Is it the sort of thing we could recommend to others? Does it encourage us to pursue excellence? Do we hear Christ-loving people praising our decision?” 

Remember that when we put good things into our mind, they stay there and then are communicated in a positive way. That is why Paul reminds us that we must constantly reject those things that do not draw us closer to God and to consciously focus on the things that bring us closer to Him, since we have the ability to choose what we think about. 

As we see, these excellent and praiseworthy principles should be the ones to dominate our thinking and if we do, God promises His peace in our life. Paul is reinforcing what Jesus taught that if He is the Lord of our life, out of our hearts will flow streams of living water and everyone that you meet will be refreshed because the love and holiness of Jesus is flowing through your life. 

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Posted by: missionventureministries | May 18, 2022

ARE YOU WATCHING FOR THE RETURN OF CHRIST? – Matthew 24:42, 44

Return of Christ - Matthew 24 vs 42

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. . . So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” (Matthew 24:42, 44) 

When Jesus said, “Keep watch,” He used a very significant word that deserves a deeper examination. The Greek word for “watch,” means, “To give strict attention, to be cautious, active, to pay attention, so that the calamity does not suddenly overtake us.” The word appears 23 times in the New Testament and in every case we get the sense of the urgency and importance of paying attention. 

Jesus repeatedly made it plain that no one can determine the date of His coming; and that even He, while in His human limitations, did not know when the Father would send Him again in the future. Therefore, He advised us to be watchful: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come” (Mark 13:32-33). 

Many times throughout His ministry Jesus counseled to watch and be ready for His return. He did not tell us to watch for the Antichrist or the Roman Empire’s revival or a great apostasy or anything else, but just for Him! Therefore, we need to “abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming” (1 John 2:28). 

Of course, it is very difficult to keep our eyes on the sky while doing our daily work. Watching however is to be prepared, to know God’s Word and therefore, not be deceived! 

Today as throughout history, if we believe the lies that are part of the great brainwashing campaign behind the philosophy of the world, we will become blinded and tragically self-deceived. The only defense is a continuous, reliance on the truth of God, revealed to us by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). That is why we desperately need the Word of God, and the Spirit of God to apply what the Word says to our daily life. 

Consequently, the only defense against deceit is a willing mind that follows the promptings of the Holy Spirit to hear God’s truth.   

A true born again Christian looks to Him while enjoying His presence and experiencing His power. Yes, He is coming again, and yet He is with us now. 

The longing we may feel to see His face and to be with our Savior is directly proportionate to the joy we have of His presence on a daily basis, and our yearning for His coming comes from wanting to be with Him one day for all eternity. 

Now, if the idea of Jesus’ return is a frightening thing to you, then unfortunately you know very little or nothing of His presence and need to give the matter great consideration. 

We are living in a time that is described in the Bible as the “days of evil” or perilous times. These are times in which man is living according to what is right in his own eyes like they did whey Israel had no king (Judges 17:6, Judges 21:25). It is a time when God has been forgotten and the world and all of its ungodly pleasures have taken front row seat in the lives of many, including some of those who once confessed Christ. 

The day will come when the world and all its pleasures will be no more (Revelation 18:22-23). What will you have then, if your soul is lost and you die apart from God?

Understanding the brevity of life is very important, since we should live each day of our life to it’s fullest for God, as we do not know when the Lord will return. 

Sadly, many throughout history live their life as if they planed to be on earth forever like the rich fool in the parable in Luke 12:13-21. These think only of themselves and make no preparation for the day they leave earth and stand before Christ to be judged. 

Since our days on earth are numbered and none of us know when we will take our last breath, it is imperative that we prepare daily for the day when we face Christ. 

When we stand before Christ all that will matter is what we did for Him while we lived. Did we have a personal relationship with the Father through Him? Did we do our best in obeying what He commanded of us in loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind and our neighbor as ourselves? (Matthew 22:37-39). 

At the end of our journey called life, what will we hear Christ say concerning us? Good and faithful servant? (Matthew 25:23). We hope so! 

Are you living for today only, with no regard for the Master’s return and the accounting that He will demand? Are you foolishly putting it out of your mind by thinking, “I’ve got time”? Jesus says that we should be “like men who are waiting for their master when he returns” (Luke 12:36-40). We should live each day with an eye on that future day when “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16), and we will be blessed if the Master finds us ready when He comes. 

So, to be ready for Christ’s return, make sure that He is your Master; be involved in serving Him every day and live as if you expect Him to come back at any moment! 

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Posted by: missionventureministries | May 11, 2022

HOW CAN WE HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD – John 10:27

Hearing God's voice

The first thing we must understand is that to hear God’s voice we must belong to God. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). 

Those who hear God’s voice are those who belong to Him, those who have been saved by His grace through faith in the Lord Jesus. His sheep are the ones that hear and recognize His voice, because they know Him as their Shepherd. 

So how can we hear the voice of God? We hear His voice when we spend time reading the Bible and studying His Word. The more time we dedicate to God and His Word, the easier it is to recognize His voice and His leading in our lives. We should be so familiar with God’s Word that when someone speaks error to us, we immediately know that it is not from God. 

Unlike in the Old Testament when God spoke audibly more often, today He speaks primarily through His written Word. God’s leading comes through the Holy Spirit; it can also come through our conscience, through circumstances, and through the wisdom of other Christians. Therefore, it is only by comparing what we hear to the truth of Scripture that we can learn to recognize God’s voice accurately. 

Samuel heard the voice of God, but did not recognize it until he was instructed by Eli (1 Samuel 3:1–10). Gideon had a physical revelation from God, and he still doubted what he had heard to the point of asking for a sign, not once, but three times (Judges 6:17–22, 36–40). 

So, when we are listening for God’s voice, how can we know that He is the one speaking? Today we have the complete Bible, the inspired Word of God, to read, study, and meditate on. And since the Bible tells us that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17), we have and instruction Book that we can always access when we have doubts or questions that need answers. It is the best source for any decision or questions that we might have since God will never lead us contrary to what He has taught in His Word (Titus 1:2). 

The more time believers spend in the Word, listening to God, and dialoguing with Him thru prayer, the easier it will be to recognize His voice and His leading in our lives. 

We should know God so well through the Scriptures that it will be obvious to us when He guides our conscience by the Holy Spirit to do something that we will know that it is He who is speaking to us. 

We should not hesitate to ask God to speak to us because, He cares about every detail of our life, so we need to pray about everything and expect Him to respond. We need to approach God through prayer with confidence, knowing that He wants to hear from us and will answer at the right time. 

We need to ask God to help us discern the difference between His voice, our own voice, other people’s voices, and the enemy’s voice speaking to us. Therefore we need to stay in touch with Him on a day to day basis to keep our relationship with Him alive and strong.

Listening to God and rightly identifying His voice is based on the solid basis of familiarity, established through constant and sustained interaction. Just as we are able to recognize a loved one’s voice from a distance the Lord provides the necessary tools to recognize His voice so that we can listen to and discern His will. And once we do, we must also be willing to obey Him when He speaks because Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). 

If we find that God has stopped speaking to us regarding a certain issue, one of the possible reasons could be that He’s waiting for us to first obey Him on what He has already told us on the matter, before He tells us what the next step is to take. If we do not desire to obey God when He does speak, why would He keep speaking to us when we keep ignoring Him? 

However, when we experience the delight of recognizing His voice, our joy will be complete when we obey and follow Him in the way He calls us to walk. Therefore, whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). 

The prophet Jeremiah wrote: “Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3). 

Therefore, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

Remember that, if we expect God to hear us and guide us we must be completely humble as God has promised that He will listen to and guide those who are humble as they walk in holy and unbroken fellowship with Him. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6). 

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Posted by: missionventureministries | May 4, 2022

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE UNSURE OF WHAT GOD HAS IN MIND FOR YOUR LIFE – Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3 vs 5-6

As Christians, our overall direction in life is determined by our commitment to God, and we must remember to ask Him to direct our life in everything we do. 

When we are unsure of God’s will for our life we should pray and meditate on His word because His Word reveals and teaches us how to ask: 

“Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul” (Psalm 143:8). 

“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:5). 

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). 

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7). 

If I obey you Lord “The Spirit of truth will guide me into all truth” (John 16:13). 

If I am making a wrong decision Lord please let your Holy Spirit agitate my conscience and if I am leaning towards the right decision give me peace and encourage me to proceed according to Your will because “You my Lord will guide me always” (Isaiah 58:11). 

Lord, if You are calling me to take a leap of faith, encourage me with Your presence for Your word says that: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). 

And please help me to remember to, “cast all my anxiety on You because You care for me” (1 Peter 5:7). 

I need to “Trust in you dear Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding, and in all my ways acknowledge You, and You will direct my paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

If (state your request) is what You have in mind for me to do, than please give me the peace that transcends all understanding and open up the way; and if not, show me another direction that You already have in mind for me because, I will trust in the Lord everything I do, so that my plans will be successful (Proverbs 16:3). 

So while you might be unsure of what you are supposed to do in certain areas of your life, you must remember that as a Christian you are called to glorify God, to love God, to love people, and to advance his Kingdom by spreading the gospel in both word and deed. 

So when you don’t know what to do, remember to always glorify God, because that is our ultimate purpose as Christians. 

And finally thank Him for guiding you and for showing you the way you should go.   

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Posted by: missionventureministries | April 27, 2022

DO NOT ADD TO GOD’S WORDS – Proverbs 30:5-6

Proverbs 30 vs 5-6

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words or He will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6 

The Bible is the source for our existence. Its content have been “for ever . . . settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89) and were transmitted to men on earth through God-called prophets, whose writings were given to them by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16), thru a designated period of time in human history. 

John was the last of the apostles and prophets when he wrote Revelation, and at the end of the completed inspired Scripture he is told to writes these words: “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book”

(Revelation 22:18). This sober warning was given by the glorified Lord Jesus Himself (Revelation 22:20), so it should be taken very seriously. 

Everyone, especially ministers of the Gospel, should study the Bible and understand what God says in His Word, since it is imperative that no one add to His Word or subtract from it. No one should exaggerate what the Word tells us because you will be proven a liar, since exaggerating means ‘overstating the truth.’ Instead, we need to stick to the facts since doing otherwise will lead the flock to false teaching. Basically we must not make the Bible say what God is not saying. Therefore we need to be careful to differentiate between our opinions or views and what God says in His Holy Word. For that reason, beware of presenting your opinions as if they are God’s Words. 

Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” 

And the Lord said to Jeremiah, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that My word is fulfilled.” (Jeremiah 1:12). God is watching so if it is not in the Bible don’t teach it – instead, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). 

There are ministers and teachers who, for different reasons add or take away from the Word of God in their message, which shows their lack of fear of God and even worse contempt for God by acting as if they know more than God and end up confusing or misleading their flock.   

If a pastor does not understand the message, just declare the Word and don’t mislead the congregation who probably believe that since it is the minister that is teaching that he knows the truth of God’s word and therefore take literally everything what he says as truth. Sadly most churches lack Bereans (Acts 17:11) or someone that will challenge their pastor to show them where what he preached or taught it is written in God’s word. Book, chapter, verse please!   

Please understand that when we confront someone about God’s truth we should do it in love and God’s Word gives guidance on how we should do this. “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:25). Note that the manner is specified ‘with gentleness’ as well as the motivation ‘that God would grant repentance.’ 

Paul confronted Peter when he learned that Peter was behaving hypocritically with respect to gentile believers (Galatians 2:11–14). This was a helpful confrontation because it was motivated by love and a passion for the health of the church. In the Old Testament, God sent Nathan the prophet to confront David about his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1–14). This confrontation resulted in David’s repentance and restoration. Nathan’s confrontation was not selfish because it was motivated by his best interest toward David.

If Paul had not confronted Peter, Christianity may have veered off course in the first century and dissolved into legalism or a form of Judaism. If Nathan had refused to confront David when the Lord sent him, David may have never been restored to fellowship with God and the nation of Israel would have suffered. As we see there are times when confrontation is necessary, because evading it is not good especially when it comes to declaring the truths found in God’s Word. 

The most important point is to confront caringly, for this shows respect and that you want what’s best for everyone. Trust God to help you, knowing He will give you the grace you need to obey Him. Trust also that He will work in the heart of the other person. 

Second Peter 1:20-21 says that no prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 

God said in Deuteronomy 4:2, “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I am commanding you.” 

Again, He says in Deuteronomy 12:32, “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” 

The attitude of a person to the Word of God shows how much regard they have for God. By adding to His Word or subtracting from it does not show that they honor God who has exalted above all things His name and His word (Psalm 138:2). 

We need to learn to interpret Scripture correctly since New Testament passages affirm that Christians have the Holy Spirit to “understand the things freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:10, 12). The letter to the Ephesians teaches that God has made known to Christians “the mystery of His will” (Ephesians 1:8) and, in that letter, Paul prayed that Christians would receive “a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17). We should therefore use these passages, to avoid possible well-meaning misuse of anything in the Bible and especially of the Old Testament passages addressed to Israel. 

The reason God is so adamant on this is because “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments is everlasting” (Psalms 119:160). 

Christians are called to renounce error and proclaim truth, even when it feels confrontational to the hearer; because, when confrontation is clothed in love and humility, it can accomplish a lot of good. 

Therefore, take time to familiarize yourself with this Magnificent Book and to draw nearer to God. When others teach you, make sure that you are getting the absolute truth from God’s Word by taking time to search the Scriptures for yourself just as the Bereans did “for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). 

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Posted by: missionventureministries | April 20, 2022

DOES A TRUE BELIEVER LIVE CONTINUALLY IN SIN? – 1 John 3:6

1 John 3 vs 6

No one who remains in Him sins continually; no one who sins continually has seen Him or knows Him. (1 John 3:6) 

If a person claims to be a Christian but lives in defiance of God’s Word, then that person is showing the world that they are unsaved. No one who continues to live in deliberate sin knows God. Because, continual sin is incompatible with new life in Christ since living in unrepentant sin is proof that no regenerative work of the Spirit has yet taken place in the heart of that person, regardless of whether they try to prove otherwise. 

John continues by giving us the reason why believers do not continue to sin: “No one who has been born of God practices sin, because His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin continually, because he has been born of God” (1 John 3:9). Here we have the biblical answer why a genuine Christian will not deliberately, knowingly, and habitually sin. 

In his first epistle John describes various qualities of the genuine believer. If a person knows Christ and is growing in grace, they will be generally marked by the following qualities. 

  • They enjoy fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ and His redeemed people (1 John 1:3). 
  • They admit and confess their sin because, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). 
  • They obey God’s Word and walk just as He walked. “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever follows His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says that he remains in Him ought, himself also, walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:3–6). 
  • They love God rather than the world. “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). 
  • Their life is characterized by doing what is right because, “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness also has been born of Him” (1 John 2:29). 
  • They seek to maintain a pure life (1 John 3:3). 
  • They maintain a clear conscience and in doing so “have confidence before God” (1 John 3:21). 
  • They experience victory in their Christian walk because “whoever has been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith” (1 John 5:4). 

We need to understand that a born again believer is a person who has responded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit (John 6:44) by putting their whole faith in the finished work of Christ for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:15-18). Christians are those who have repented of their sin and have made Jesus Lord of their lives (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38). They are born again by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:6-7). 

We, who believe in Jesus Christ, have been saved through God’s mercy.  We have been cleansed, sanctified, and justified in and through Jesus, our Savior. And the indwelling Holy Spirit is constantly cleansing us and renewing our minds as Paul states: “But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God”  (1 Corinthians 6:11).

We need to keep our mind focused on what the Scriptures tell us that, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7). 

We come to the Lord in need of salvation and forgiveness and He accepts us in our sinful state and cleanses us by His shed blood, sanctified by the Spirit, and justified by God.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).  

Remember that the evidence of conversion is a changed life because conversion without change is no conversion at all. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20). 

First Peter 1:15-16 tells us: But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 

Being holy isn’t natural, and it isn’t something we can do under our own strength. Walking in holiness requires receiving the Holy Spirit, and when we accept the Lord Jesus Christ into our heart, we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Holiness is only possible when we put on the new self and live life as the new creatures God ordained us to be. Although holiness isn’t natural to us, we are instructed in Scripture to pursue holiness. 

As a result of being born again and given a new heart, a true Christian loves God and their brothers in Christ. A true Christian is not dominated and controlled by the sin nature, but wages war against sin with the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and pursue righteousness and holiness for the love and glory of God because without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). 

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Posted by: missionventureministries | April 13, 2022

GOD OUR LOVING FATHER – Luke 15:11-31

Luke 15 vs 11-32

The parable of the prodigal son gives us a beautiful perspective on God’s forgiveness in Luke 15:11-32. 

“There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.” 

In the Old Testament for a son to come to his father and say, “give me my inheritance,” was similar to him saying, “Dad, I want you dead.” Typically, a son would receive his inheritance at the time of his father’s death. The fact that the younger brother instigated the early division of the family estate showed a rebellious and proud disregard for his father’s authority, not to mention a selfish and immature attitude. However, instead of rebuking the son, the father divided his wealth between them. The father knew that the son made a foolish and greedy request; nevertheless he did not stop him and gave him his share. At times a loving father needs to let their children learn their own lessons just as God does also. 

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.” 

While on his journey the younger son squandered his whole estate living irresponsibly and when the money ran out, he had to find a job. Pigs were unclean animals and Jews were not even allowed to touch them. However, the only job he could find was feeding pigs, even eating their food to fill his belly. This reveals that he had fallen as low as he could possibly go. This son represents a person living in rebellion and disobedience to God until something tragic happens to wake him up. 

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 

Sometimes we have to hit rock-bottom before we come to our senses and recognize our sin or wrong doings. Fortunately, the son came to his senses and thought about the servants in his father’s house who were treated better than what was happing to him at the moment. He was very remorseful so he got up and went to his father’s house. While on his way home, he was thinking of all the things he had done and probably began to think completely differently about his father, himself and his home. As we see he was very repentant of what he had done. 

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” 

The father’s love waited in anticipation for his son to return one day, and when he saw him he ran which was unusual for grown men in the Jewish culture of the day. The father in this parable illustrates God the Father’s sheer joy when a prodigal child returns – rather than wait for them to get to Him, He will run towards them, longing to welcome them home. God waits patiently, with loving compassion to restore us when we return to Him with humble hearts. 

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” 

When the son started to confess his sins his father in his joy of having the son back tells his servants to take care of him because in the father’s eyes his full restoration has already been granted. This act would have been culturally completely unexpected after what the son had done, yet he is given back his full status as a son. The father holds nothing back to receive or to celebrate his son. 

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 

Here we see that the older brother is informed of what was happening as he is drawn by the sound of the party as he learns from a servant that his younger brother had come home. The servant explains that everyone is celebrating because the father has received his younger son back full of joy and has granted him forgiveness. 

The celebration is because of the father’s incredible display of grace. 

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. 

What was the older brother’s problem? To put it simply, he was jealous, and the news of his brother’s return made him angry rather than joyful. In his mind his younger brother broke with Jewish law and deserved punishment, not grace and forgiveness. As such he refuses to go into the feast because, if he entered, it would look as if he was honoring his younger brother, which was not the case and he refused to do. 

So his father went out and pleaded with him. 

True to his nature, the father comes out and offers love and grace. He comes to help the older son understand. Sadly, the elder brother confronts the love and forgiveness of the father with bitter resentment and jealousy and answers his father quite defiantly. 

“Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!” 

He accuses the father of favoritism and insults his brother. He’s irritated and upset that his brother has returned and that the father had taken him in. In this sense he was a perfect illustration of the religious leaders who were angry that Jesus received tax collectors and sinners. This son was also a prodigal since he lived in the father’s house but failed to understand the father’s heart. Even though he lived with him he was a stranger to him. 

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” 

Again in his merciful heart the father reassures the elder brother that his rights are protected – “everything I have is yours.” He wants him to understand that extending grace to his brother did not affect his inheritance or the love he had for him. 

“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” 

He’s trying to help the elder brother understand the meaning of grace. 

In this parable we see God’s amazing forgiveness, love and patience for each of his children. 

The prodigal son demonstrated a repentant heart that was broken when he came to his senses and decided to return home to his father. Repentance is a brokenness and change of life-direction marked by: 

  • Hunger for restoration. He longed for something more than what he had available to him when he was focused on greed and sin. He longed to go home.
  • Humble remorseful confession. He willingly acknowledged that he has sinned against heaven, and against his father and that he was no longer worthy to be called his son.
  • Pleading for mercy. He recognized that he deserved nothing and pleaded for mercy, to serve as a slave, without a demand for restoration to his previous position in the family. 

The older son is an illustration of the self-righteous Pharisees – they looked faithful and upright on the outside, but their inner attitudes were prideful, greedy, and self-indulgent. The older son’s words and actions show us his lack of love and respect for his father and brother when his brother returns. 

He was so focused on himself that he only perceived injustice in the situation and could not have joy in having his own brother repent and return to the family. He had no compassion or forgiveness in his heart. 

The Pharisees thought their works in keeping the law would earn them blessings and eternal life. Neither the older son nor the Pharisees had any understanding of the grace of God or the meaning of forgiveness. 

This forgiving father shows us a beautiful picture of our heavenly Father and His loving concern for the lost of the world. Jesus wants us to respond like the father in the story. When others make mistakes, we shouldn’t respond in anger or condemn them. We are to run towards them with forgiveness and grace just as our Father in heaven does every time one of His children stumbles and falls. 

We need to remember that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 

The message is clear – be happy when the lost are found, when they repent and come home to the Father. 

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Posted by: missionventureministries | April 6, 2022

WE CAN NEVER DO WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE FOR US – Ephesians 2:1-10

Ephesians 2 vs 1-10

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) 

These verses state that we should trust what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us and that there is nothing we can do to pay the eternal debt for sin. Everything the all-sufficient Savior has done is gloriously revealed throughout the Bible, while trusting in what man must do – opposes the Word of God. “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work” (Romans 11:6). 

Good works and religious rituals can never satisfy divine justice for sin because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). We were destined for condemnation by all that is righteous and we are accountable for all our unrighteousness until we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and make Him the Lord of our life. “Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5). 

Our eternal prospect changed from utter hopelessness, darkness and despair into wonderful hope and joyful amazement. It is God who has done these great things for us. Therefore, what a finite man could never do, the eternal Son of God has done. The eternal sin debt was nailed to His cross (Colossians 2:13-14). Jesus Christ, who is God’s perfect man and man’s perfect God, died as a substitute to satisfy divine justice for those who trust in Him alone. 

The glorious Gospel of grace is to believe what Christ has done and repent of what man thinks he must do. 

Only those who trust in what Jesus Christy has done can receive the gift of eternal life. It can never be merit by what man thinks he must do, because it would never be enough. God does not save people based on the deeds they do. “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4-5). 

Many however state the verses that James wrote in Chapter 2:14-18. “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 

First we need to understand that even though James was Jesus’ half brother he was writing to the Jewish people who were still steeped in the Mosaic Law and their belief involved both faith and works. 

James spent considerable time explaining the difficult truth that no one is justified by the works of the law. He declares to his fellow Jews that even if they try their very best to keep all the various laws and rituals, doing so is impossible, for whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it (James 2:10). 

James makes clear that saving faith in Christ is active and transformative. Salvation is about placing our trust in Christ; this transforms us in such a way that we begin to make new and different choices. He’s talking about doing good works that are consistent with loving other Christians and obeying the Father. That’s what those who trust in Christ begin to do.

Later when Paul writes to the Galatians we see where the Jewish Christians state their new understanding, “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified” (Galatians 2:15-16). 

Once you have been reconciled to God by trusting in what Christ has done, you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, to do the good works He has prepared for you (Ephesians 2:10). What you do for God as a born-again Christian will be motivated by your love and thanksgiving for all Christ has done. Therefore, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17). 

We need to understand that because salvation by works appeals to man’s sinful nature, it forms the basis of almost every religion except for true biblical Christianity. Proverbs 14:12 tells us that “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” 

Salvation by works seems right to men, which is why it is the predominantly held viewpoint by many religions. That is exactly why true biblical Christianity is so different from all other beliefs; it is the only doctrine that teaches salvation is a gift of God and not of works. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). 

1 John 2:2 says that on the cross every sin ever committed by man was paid for in full. “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” 

The Bible’s use of the word “propitiation” is an emphatic statement that man cannot earn God’s grace or salvation by works. The word means “full payment.” Christ is the full payment, not partial payment added to and completed by our good works. Thus man’s sin is removed totally by Christ based solely on His payment for our sins. God then imparts unmerited righteousness to the believer, when he by simple faith, believes in the Scriptures and trusts God. 

Consequently Christians are NOT saved by their good works.  Christians are saved to do good works and it is crucially important to know the difference. 

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Posted by: missionventureministries | March 30, 2022

KNOWING GOD VERSUS THE DANGER OF IDOLATRY – Acts 17:16-34

Acts 17 vs 22-23

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. (Acts 17:22-23) 

In Acts 17:15, Paul arrives in Athens after traveling approximately 250 miles from Berea. Athens is a city in Greece that was famous for having many gods. In that city was the Areopagus (Acts 17:19, 22), or Mars Hill, where a council of civic leaders met. This council, also called the Areopagus, had charge of religious and educational matters.

It is here that Paul gave a most important gospel lecture during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:16–34). It was where he addressed the religious idolatry of the Greeks who even had an altar “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” It was this altar and their religious idolatry that Paul used as a starting point in proclaiming to them about the one true God and how they could be reconciled to Him. 

We read that when Paul arrived in Athens he found a city “full of idols” (Acts 17:16). In his usual manner, Paul began presenting the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. He started by “reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers” (Acts 17:17) and then also proclaimed the gospel “in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there” (Acts 17:17). While at the marketplace he encountered some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers (Acts 17:18) who, having heard Paul proclaim the resurrected Jesus Christ, wanted to learn about “this new doctrine” he was teaching. So they “brought him to the Areopagus” to hear more from him (Acts 17:19–20) about this new and strange teaching he was proclaiming. 

Paul begins his message where the listeners are; and then presents the gospel in a logical and biblical fashion. Standing in the midst of the Areopagus, Paul’s presentation of the gospel is a great example for us, both as a pattern for how Paul identified with his audience and as an example of apologetics in action. His connection with his audience is seen in how he begins addressing those gathered at the Areopagus. He begins with the observation that they were “very religious,” based on the fact that they had many altars and “objects of worship” (Acts 17:23) including an altar “to an unknown god.” Paul uses that altar to introduce them to the one true God and the only way of salvation, Jesus Christ. 

In their ignorance, the Greeks had erected altars to many gods and included an altar to a god they might have unintentionally left out. Paul uses this altar as an opportunity to explain that this “unknown god” was the biblical God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who does not dwell in temples made with hands (Acts 17:24-26). Actually, God is the Source of life for all nations, and He is really the One they were unconsciously seeking. Paul says God is near; in fact, “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:27–28). 

His apologetic method and his awareness that they did not even know what God is really like leads him to go back to Genesis and to the beginning of creation. Having a completely wrong view of God, those gathered that day needed to hear what God really was like before they would understand the message of the gospel. Paul begins explaining to them the sovereign God who created all things and gives life and breath to all things, similar to what Daniel told King Belshazzar, “You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in His hand your life and all your ways” (Daniel 5:23). 

Paul continues to explain that it was God who created from one individual all men and nations and even appointed the time and boundaries of their dwelling (Acts 17:26). His message continues as he explains the closeness of God and their need to repent of their rebellion against Him.

Sadly there are many today that practice this form of idolatry, in violation of God’s command. The best way to reach these people with the gospel of grace is to pray that the Holy Spirit will draw them and that they will respond to the Spirit’s leading. Their eyes and hearts are blinded by the false teaching they are continually hearing, and, until they begin to seek the truth, we must leave it in God’s capable hands. As we pray, we must keep teaching them and trusting that God will prepare the soil of their hearts (Luke 8:11-15), as we never give up hope; since the Holy Spirit does miracles every day. 

Paul completes his message by introducing them to the One before whom they would all stand one day and be judged – Jesus Christ, whom God had raised from the dead (Acts 17:31). 

Of course, many in the audience scoffed at the idea that Christ was crucified and rose from the dead on the third day because the idea of the resurrection to the Greeks was foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:23). Yet a few believed what Paul said and joined him. 

What happened at the Areopagus is important because of the many lessons that can be learned, not only from how Paul presented the gospel from a biblical worldview, but also in the varied responses he received. Some of those present that day believed and were saved, others mocked Paul and rejected his message, and still others were open-minded and desired to hear more. We can only hope that those who were open-minded were later convinced of the truth and also repented and believed. 

As with all men, those who were confronted with the truth of the gospel and did not respond in faith had no guarantee of a second chance. As Hebrews 3:15 says, “Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in rebellion.” Paul’s message to the philosophers at the Areopagus that day ended with a call to repentance and acceptance of the two fundamental truths of Scripture that Paul was committed to preach – the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul preached Christ crucified to them as he always did wherever he went (1 Corinthians 2:2). 

This “unknown God” desires to be known. That is why He speaks to us through His Word; that is why He sent His Son into the world (Luke 10:22), so that He can be known through faith in Jesus Christ. 

The Greeks were unable to find the true God on their own, so God in His great mercy came searching for them. 

Just as Paul did, we should also do the same that Jesus ordered all His disciples to do: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20) – Amen. 

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Posted by: missionventureministries | March 23, 2022

HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD – James 4:10

James 4 vs 10

“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10) 

Humbling oneself is necessary for salvation since eternal salvation is only available to those who humble themselves in the sight of the Lord. Proverbs 22:4 tells us that “The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life.” 

Like James, Peter repeats that same promise, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). 

The one who truly humbles himself in the sight of God is the one who makes himself lowly of heart before the Lord, by admitting the greatness of our God and acknowledging His magnificent Majesty. It means recognizing and confessing that without the Lord we can do nothing. It means to trust in Him in all things and relying on Him to carry out the good work that He has prepared for us for His ultimate glory. 

True humility is a fruit of the Spirit that buds and grows in the heart of someone who submits to God and walks in spirit and truth – someone who is growing in grace and maturing in the Christian faith.  

The humble person recognizes that all he has is a gift from God as 1 Chronicles 29:16 states: “O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own.” 

When we humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, our hearts continually seek after God, even when we fail. We confess our pride and faults to God and allow Him to transform us into Christ’s likeness. In response, God gives grace to the humble but resists the proud (James 4:6). 

Jesus talks about a prideful man that had to humble himself before he could reap the rewards God had for him, as he cites the story of Naaman the Syrian as an example of God’s concern for people of all nations: “And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian” (Luke 4:27). 

Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army who was stricken with an incurable and loathsome disease. Similarly, any natural man, no matter how powerful, is afflicted with the lethal disease of sin. 

Before this proud leader could be cured of his leprosy, he had to humble himself in several ways. First, he had to accept the advice of a slave girl from an enemy nation; then he had to travel to that nation where Elisha the man of God was. However, once there the prophet would not even go out to meet him and send him a messenger, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean.” Naaman, was furious and resentful to be so humiliated, however, since his condition was hopeless, he finally did all the things that he was told to do and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean (2 Kings 5:14). 

The lesson for us to learn is that we can willingly humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, or we can be humbled by God Himself, a process that will be more painful in the long run. King Nebuchadnezzar is a good example of what happens to someone that does not humble himself before God (Daniel 4:28-33). 

Proverbs 16:5 tells us that, “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” However, God promises the humble – riches, honor, and life eternal; therefore, there is no better way to live than to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). 

Humility negates our pride, sets aside personal jealousy and looks out for the good of another “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3). Instead of elevating ourselves, we should humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord and choose what is best for someone else. In this way, we represent Christ well by pursuing “peace with all people, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). 

Remember that instead of living a prideful life, we should humble ourselves and live by faith in the One who loved us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20). 

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