07/07/09

Physical / cosmetic changes do not matter but spiritual changes matter

1 Corinthians 7:18,19,20 - Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

This scripture has been misused by many to continue in their fleshly (carnal) way of life. Jesus and even John the Baptist; not excluding even the Men of God of the Old Testament like Moses, Jeremiah, Isaiah etc. first asked the people to repent and change their way of life and then come to the Lord. Changes in their way of life did not mean just physical / cosmetic changes but changes in the core - their character and spiritual ways.

People misuse this scripture to continue to keep Satan while putting on the mask of a Christian. This is the reason we have gay priest or priest who taken oath to celibacy and yet have marital affairs behind people's backs. Let's not look at them alone, but also at ourselves, what we project unto others as Christians.

Is being a Christian mean putting on a mask of Jesus? As true Christian do we have Christ in us and do we project this light of Christ unto the world? When people come to you preaching the Gospel of Christ do you support them? Or do you dissuade them and become a hurdle for Christ?


[ Prayer Starter ]

Lord God, I thank You for showing me the Light in Jesus Christ. Lord, help me overcome myself, the old man in me. Help me put on Christ and let Christ dwell in me and through me show Christ unto others...

This we ask in Jesus' Name,Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]

Jesus
Matthew 4:17
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

John the Baptist
Matthew 3:1-3
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Moses
Exodus 12:8
8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

Isaiah
Isaiah 3:4-9
4 And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.
5 And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.
6 When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, saying, Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand:
7 In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.
8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.
9 The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

Isaiah 42:24-25
24 Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the LORD, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law.
25 Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart.

Jeremiah
Jeremiah 2:31-37
31 O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?
32 Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.
33 Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways.
34 Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these.
35 Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.
36 Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.
37 Yea, thou shalt go forth from him, and thine hands upon thine head: for the LORD hath rejected thy confidences, and thou shalt not prosper in them.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)