Spots and Blemishes

"So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him" (II Peter 3:14). Spots and blemishes, we all have them, we don't necessarily appreciate them, we try to hid them, cover them, remove them or just put up with them. When we read about "Spots and blemishes" in the Bible its not talking about warts, moles, scars or liver spots. Its talking about the false teachers who were infiltrating Christianity. These Charlton's twisted the Scriptures "To their own destruction." These false teachers were deceived deceivers who did their best to lead others away from the truth. With this background Peter tells us to make very effort to avoid the shame of the false teachers. How do we do that? By dealing honestly with every personal sin and failure in our lives. Jesus had raised the question "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth" (Luke 18:8)? He left the question hanging in the air, waiting for each hearer to answer in his own heart. I believe the answer to that question depends on us. The upshot of this Biblical passage is posed in the question, how will we be found when Jesus returns? Will our faith be firmly planted in God and His Promises? The coming of the Lord is a glorious event that should have a present effect upon our lives. The knowledge of the coming blessedness of the Lord should keep us in peace, without spot, and blameless. Peter is saying God's future promises should give us present power for holy living. The prospect of Jesus coming should motivate us to keep seeking Him, and as a result we will stay away from that which would distract us from Christian duty and would seek to disturb our soul. Peter is saying "Stay away from the faith killers". We are challenged with the question, how will He find us when He comes? Lets be found "Spotless, blameless and at peace with Him." Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Who Ownes You

The subject of ownership is an interesting one. Ask a stranger, who owns the new car he's just stepped out of, he will say with pride it's mine. But is it really? Truth be known, it probably belongs to the bank and he is paying a monthly fee to use it. Does it really belong to the bank? As Bible believers we know everything belongs to the Lord. He is the Creator and sustainer of all things. There is Theological truth, and then there is the "Truth" we practice in daily life, what we really believe comes out in daily living. Who do we really belong to. We can only answer that question by asking ourselves "Who are we living for?" Many will, in an honest moment say they are living for self. Self interests take precedence over everything. The Lord may get some attention on Sunday Morning, or during a crisis, or illness. However in the general flow of life, He is kept in the background. Pau tells us “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8. Abraham is an example of a man of faith who knew he belonged to the Lord, God, Almighty. God came to him and said "Follow Me." Abraham (Abram) before God changed his name, followed "Not knowing where he was going." Every place Abraham pitched his tent he built an altar. Why? Because he worshiped the Lord. Who owns us? "We are bought with a price." The Lord owns us. That means God takes responsibility for that which is His. The Lord feeds us, heals us, gives us strength, wisdom, understanding, friends, family and so much more. He is the one who smiles upon us, He lifts up our heads when we are down cast, He is our encouragement, He always loves and accepts us, He never leaves us alone. As we "Present our bodies as a living sacrifice." He accepts our offering as an reasonable act of spiritual worship. Today lets rejoice in the knowledge that we belong to Jesus.