Christian Universe

Home | Christian Resources | Christian Links | Links | Site Map

Scriptural FAQ's

Scriptures

Sermons

Thoughts

Topical Studies

Electronic Greetings

God's Earth

Daily Devotion Archive

June, 2000

Back To Dated Archive Index

Back To Topical Archive Index

If You Love Me

By Bernie Parsons – June 1, 2000

 If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15

Hello, Family & Friends,

In our discussion of love, it would be improper to ignore the fact that Jesus said that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments.

1 John 5:2-3 "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

God does not ask us to do the impossible, neither that which is improper. Therefore, we should keep the commandments of God. We must study the scriptures daily to understand what God would have us do with our lives.

John 5:39 "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."

Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

Let us study God's will, keep it in our lives and thereby show Him that we love Him. In doing so, we will find ourselves loving others as we adopt the attributes of God.

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top

His Commandments Are Not Grievous

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 2, 2000

 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:3 KJV

Hello, Family & Friends!

The Bible teaches us that if we love God, we will keep His commandments. It also says that His commandments are not grievous--in other words, He does not ask the impossible of us.

Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

To devote our entire body and life to God is reasonable, the Apostle Paul wrote. After all, God does desire our complete commitment to Him.

Mat 22:35-39 "Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

We see that the outgrowth of loving our neighbor springs from loving God with all our physical, mental and spiritual being. It is also impossible to love our neighbor correctly if we do not love ourselves.

That is why it is important to heed what God says, and to believe in Him and His son Jesus, and their promises. This prompts us to repent of our own wayward lives, yielding instead to the Almighty God. Then we gladly confess our faith in the Lord, knowing He will confess us before His heavenly Father. After that, we are born again of water and spirit, washing away our sins and calling upon our Lord.

This is only the beginning as we embark upon the new life in Christ. We then must walk always in His ways, repenting as we sin, seeking forgiveness in the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God.

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

 Back to the Top 

Walk In Newness Of Life

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 5, 2000

 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 KJV


Hello, Family & Friends,

Born again in Christ, of the water and the spirit, we become new creatures.

2 Corinthians 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."

Once we are born again, we are to grow toward maturity in the Lord, just like a baby in this life has to eat and grow to maturity.

1 Peter 2:2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:"

1 John 2:5-6 "But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."

Let us first feed upon the words of our Lord, the word of God. Then, let us walk in the Lord daily, letting our light shine before our fellow man, growing up into maturity in the Lord.

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top

Walk in the Light

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 6, 2000

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 1:7 KJV

Hello, Family & Friends,

When we walk in Jesus, we walk in the light.

John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Matthew 5:14 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."

Not only are we in the light when we walk in Jesus, but His light is in us, so that we become a light to the world.

Philippians 2:15 "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;"

What a great treasure, to bear the words of life to a world stumbling in darkness of sin and ignorance.

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."

Let us daily shine the light of truth in Christ Jesus into the dark corners of the lives of others. The world will be a brighter, better place for our having done so!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top

The Light Shines In Darkness

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 7, 2000

 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:4-5 KJV

Hello, Family & Friends,

Life is in Christ Jesus, and He is the light of men.

John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Those who love truth and look forward to eternal life. walk in the light, Jesus Christ. Those who love sin and resist the will of God love darkness and avoid the light.

John 3:19-21 "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

Let us approach the light, and walk in it, that we may have eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The prophet Jeremiah wrote: Jeremiah 10:23 "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."

David wrote in Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

John 14:2-4 "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."

If we follow Jesus, we will go where He is--in Heaven!

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top

He Cares For You

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 8, 2000

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 KJV

Hello, Family & Friends,

Sometimes we get really dragged down by problems in our lives. We need a friend to talk to, someone who can listen, and someone who can help.

Don't forget the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

We can find peace to our souls in Christ Jesus--not the peace that the world offers, but the peace of the Son of God. The world's idea of peace is an uneasy truce between armed combatants. Our Lord's peace comes from being able to forgive, of being forgiven, and with the realization that God loves everyone and wants everyone to come to Him.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Men may harm us, but they cannot touch our souls.

Matthew 10:28 "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

When we put fear out of our lives, then we can have peace.

1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

What are you afraid of? If you yield your life and soul to God, there is nothing left to fear. Instead, there is eternal bliss in heaven at the end of this short but rocky road that we call life on earth.

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top

 The Greatest of These

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 9, 2000

1 Corinthians 13:9-13 "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."

Hello, Family & Friends,

It is easy to get bogged down in the cares and troubles of this life if we don't understand what is really important.

The Apostle Paul wrote that of three enduring things--faith, hope, and charity--that charity is the greatest. What is that which is perfect? Charity--love that is extended regardless of whether or not the recipient deserves it.

We demonstrate spiritual maturity when we understand and practice charity. According to 1 Corinthians 13:7, charity " Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

When you think you can no longer bear a situation, charity covers you and makes it bearable. When you find your faith shaken, charity rebuilds it. When you lose hope, charity restores it. When you think you cannot get through a trying problem, charity sees you through.

Why? Because none of us deserves God's love, yet God loves us and shows it all the time. We sometimes feel that we cannot love others for what they say about us, or do to us. But charity covers a multitude of sins. Once we realize that it is not about what someone deserves, then we can truly show love as it is meant to be shown.

Once we truly practice charity as the mainstay of our lives, we see a reduction in guilt, stress and anxiety. Remember, "Perfect love casts out fear."

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top

And Have Not Charity

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 12, 2000

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."

Hello, Family & Friends,

The Apostle Paul wrote that our lives are meaningless unless we have charity. That is a pretty strong statement--nevertheless, a true one.

Special abilitlies amount to nothing if not coupled with charity. Depth of knowledge is worthless unless used for charity. Great faith is wasted without charity. Personal sacrifice to serve others accomplishes nothing, if not charity driven.

Bold and sobering words, indeed! Our entire life and being is for nothing if we do not understand charity and live in it.

Is your life built on charity? Do you have a charitable attitude? What motivates you? What are your goals? What is important to you?

Romans 13:8 "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."

1 John 3:11 "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another."

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top

Saved By Faith

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 13, 2000

 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8 KJV

Hello, Family & Friends,

Recognizing that charity is the underpinning of God's relationship with us we can understand the Apostle Paul's statement in his letter to the church at Ephesus.

Romans 5:6-10 "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 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."

When the Bible says we are saved by grace through faith it means that God saved us, not because He found the world to be holy and righteous, but because the world was so overtaken by sin that we needed a savior, a deliverer--one who could restore us to God in a state of righteousness. That one was Jesus, the Son of the Almighty God.

It was by God's grace (His willingness to show love even though we did not deserve it) and through our faith (trust in Jesus as the Son of God, and as our Savior) that this restoration takes place.

Romans 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."

2 Corinthians 5:18 "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;"

This does not mean there is nothing for us to do. When guilt-stricken Jews asked of the Apostle Peter on Pentecost, Acts 2:37 "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

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."

As Jesus said in John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Philippians 2:12 "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

We cannot save ourselves (devise our own plan of reconciliation) apart from the grace of God and the blood of the Lamb of God--Jesus. But we must do God's will in order to avail ourselves of His great charity.

Philippians 2:13 "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

We work out our salvation within the will and the commandments of God, not outside them.

The same Jesus who said, John 12:32 "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." also said, Matthew 7:13 "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:"

Let us therefore reconcile ourselves to God through His son Jesus, keeping the commandments of God. 1 Peter 1:16 "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy".

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top

Be Ye Holy

By Bernie Parsons  Jun 14, 2000

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16 KJV

Hello, Family & Friends,

It was also the Apostle Peter who wrote, "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:" 1 Peter 1:24

And James said this, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." James 4:14

It is precisely because of the brevity and uncertainty of life that God has called us to repentance and obedience to His will. If all we had to look forward to is what we get in this life, life would hardly be worth living.

Job 14:1-2 "Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not."

1Cor 15:17-21 "And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. "

The Apostle Paul wrote that if our hope lay in this life only, we are of all men most msierable. But we have the hope of eternal life in heaven with Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Titus 3:5-8 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."

We are saved by the grace of God and through faith in Jesus when we listen to and obey the instructions of our God and Father. Only then do we have the hope of eternal life. The good news is that if we die in the Lord, we shall go to be with Him and loved ones gone before who died in Him.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

Revelation 14:13 "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,

Bernie

 Back to the Top

Impossible For God To Lie

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 15, 2000

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Hebrews 6:18 KJV


Hello, Family & Friends,

Have you ever considered that it is impossible for God to lie? He knows all truth, and speaks only the truth.

Titus 1:2 "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;"

There is no reason for Him to deceive or lie, as He controls all things.

1 Corinthians 10:26 "For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof."

Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."

People lie, deceive and cheat because they want to increase their power, their money or their name. Since God holds it all, He has no need for or inclination toward these hurtful attributes. He is Almighty (all powerful), owns it all, and has a name above all names!

God is righteous because He is true, and He is the only one "calling the shots".

Romans 3:4-6 "God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?"

That is why God can judge where we cannot. We tend to show partiality, our reasoning is flawed, we are often driven by emotions out of control or some quirk of childhood that created in us a particular mindset.

Acts 17:30-31 "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 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."

God, in His righteousness, has called for all men to live in righteousness. He wants to be our heavenly Father, and to adopt us as His spiritual children. And, like any good father, expects His children to listen to Him and obey Him, for He wishes only good for us.

Hebrews 12:9 "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?"

1 Peter 1:14-17 "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:"

Ecclesiastes 12:13 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

 Back to the Top

Put On The New Man

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 16, 2000

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:24 KJV

Hello, Family & Friends,

When God called us to righteousness, He asked that we change drastically. So much so, that the Apostle Paul referred to it as becoming a new man, or a new creature. Jesus described this as being born again of water and of the spirit, John 3:5 "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Just as a new human comes into this world amidst water, blood and a new spirit of life, so the Christian is born again of water, blood, and a new spirit.

1 John 5:5-8 "Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one."

Romans 6:3-6 "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 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."

The Apostle Paul likens baptism to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The old sinner who was gone astray from God is killed off, and "buried" in baptism. A new creature arises (is resurrected) from that "tomb" to walk in newness of life. This is the creature born of water, blood and spirit.

The water of baptism, the blood of the Son of God and the Holy Spirit that takes up residence in the cleansed temple, the body.

We are given a new name. Isaiah 62:2 "And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name."

Revelation 3:12 "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name."

Acts 11:26 "And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."


God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top

Washing of Regeneration

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 19, 2000

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:4-7 KJV

Hello, Family & Friends,

Jesus said that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, we must be "born again of water and of the spirit". Becoming a Christian is referred to as being born again, and of becoming a new creature, a "babe" in Christ. Water is associated with childbirth, as well as with purification. Thus it is part of the spiritual rebirth.

1 John 5:8 "And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." The three work together as a non-believer is reborn into a Christian ("born again").

Saul of Tarsus--later known as the Apostle Paul-- was told in Acts 22:16 "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." We know that the blood of Jesus is that which takes away sins, but it works in agreement with the water and the Spirit as well.

Romans 3:23-26 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 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; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."

Colossians 1:12-14 "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"

Acts 8:35-38 "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."

Water is used for purification purposes. John 3:22-27 "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

For John was not yet cast into prison.

Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven."

According to the Apostle Peter, this is not just a ritual "cleansing of the flesh" like the Jews practiced. 1 Peter 3:21-22 "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him."

Ephesians 5:25-27 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

The water, the blood and the Spirit work in conjunction with one another for the cleansing of the sinner, to reconcile him to God through the grace of God and faith in the blood of His Son, Jesus.

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top

The Sons Of God

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 20, 2000

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 2:28-3:2 KJV

Hello, Family & Friends,

John wrote that we are the sons (children) of God. When we are born again, we become spiritual babies, as it were. We are purified like the little newborn that has not yet been exposed to the sinful world.

1 Peter 1:22-23 "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."

When we listen to God (His word) and do what He says, we are born again, in a pure state. Our sins, no matter how grievous, have been washed away by the blood of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 6:11 "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

Revelation 1:5 "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,"

Revelation 7:14 "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

1 John 2:29-3:10 "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 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.

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. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother."

God has called us to repentance, to the realization that we sin, and that the blood of Jesus is necessary to cleanse us from our sins. Having been born again into the kingdom of God, purified by the blood of Jesus, John tells us that we are to sin no more. We are to walk in righteousness because He is righteous. Peter says we are to keep ourselves pure.

As the children of God, let us be like our heavenly Father.

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top 

We Are The Children Of God

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 21, 2000

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Romans 8:16 KJV

Hello, Family & Friends,

When we are born again into the kingdom of heaven, we become the children of God. Some say that "We are all the children of God". That is true in the sense that we are His creation. But a father expects his children to obey him and follow his guidance. Our Heavenly Father expects no less. When we listen to His voice and obey His will for us, then He adopts us to be His spiritual children.

Romans 8:13-17 “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

Ephesians 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

Since God adopts us to be His children, we should do everything in our power to learn of His will for us, to follow His lead and to obey His voice.

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

 Back to the Top

As A Little Child

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 22, 2000

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. Mark 10:15 KJV

Hello, Family & Friends,

When we first become Christians we are born again. That means that we are babies in Christ. Jesus said that we are to receive the kingdom of God as a little child. That means we are to enter into the kingdom in wonder and awe, full of questions, willing to study the word of God and seek God's will. We must learn and grow from our infancy into spiritual maturity.

1 Peter 1:25-2:3 "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious."

The milk of God's word and will is enough at first, but then we must grow by discovering what God wants us to do with our lives.

Hebrews 5:12-14 "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

Ephesians 4:11-15 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

1 Corinthians 14:20 "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men."

Colossians 3:9-10 "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:"

After being born again of the water and of the spirit, we need to feed upon the milk of God's will at first. As we gather spiritual strength, we need to dig into the meat of God's will to see what He really expects of us, and what He has promised to give us.

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top

Become As Little Children

By Bernie Parsons - Jun 23, 2000

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-3 KJV

Hello, Family & Friends,

It seems that one of the hardest things for a new Christian to do is to become humble as a little child.

Matthew 18:1-4 "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

We must humbly accept the teaching of God when born again into the kingdom of God, just as we humbly accepted the teaching of mother and father when we were born into this world.

Romans 6:11-13 "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."

Born again of the water and of the spirit! Dead unto sin, alive unto God! Thank God! We no longer yield to the flesh, to sin, but yield to God, for righteousness.

God bless all!

Love, in Christ,
Bernie

Back to the Top

He That Shall Humble Himself

 By Bernie Parsons - Jun 26, 2000