Parental Pressures within Christendom

In my last blog I talked about separation from the world for every believer in Christ.  Now I'd like to talk about the pressures we may and will experience within the Christian community.  Specifically I am talking about well-meaning people who sweetly and sincerely tell you how you should run your life.  In short, they will subtly pressure you to do things that really are not on your heart to do, or encourage you to try and be someone you are not.  They think that they know what is best for you and end up running your life if you let them.  When we receive all sorts of outside pressure from family or other well-meaning people that we love and trust, and we feel we can't measure up to their high expectations, we start to feel crushed, and in many cases will experience burn-out, anxiety, depression, and in some cases feel suicidal.   

Sometime people under extreme pressure do inconceivable things.  This week a terrible, unthinkable tragedy happened.  A young mother killed her two year old girl and two month old baby boy by drowning them in the bathtub.  She apparently called 911, and then she ran away and has still not been found to date.  Authorities are suspecting she had a severe case of Postpartum Depression, to a dangerous level of psychosis where she literally lost all sense of reality.  Many related articles have been appearing in the newspaper regarding this terrible disease that afflicts some young mothers who are not sleeping because they are constantly tending to and overly worrying about their baby, and without rest (among other things) cannot handle the pressures of being a mother, new or not.  As I have been following this terrible tragedy and see it unfold, the issue of parenting has kept coming to mind, not just for people who have children, but for people who do not. 

I do not believe that every single person or couple is meant to have children, but I strongly suspect that there are a majority of people that do believe there is something wrong with you if you don’t have children.  In Christendom it seems to be expected that if you are married you will have children and this goes without saying and the right thing to do.  But obviously, not everyone has children - some can't have them even though they'd love to, some don't have them because of their life's calling, and some know inside (although they'd be too afraid to admit it) that they were never meant to be a parent and probably shouldn't be.  So for couples who are childless, there seems to be a stigma attached that they haven't done their part or measured up, or in some cases, were too selfish to consider taking care of anyone other than themselves.   

This is not to say that the still-missing woman who drowned her children shouldn't have had children, but it is to say that perhaps the pressure she felt to be a model parent was so great she felt she had no place to turn and so escaped in a state of complete madness and brought a horrible end to the suffering, but went unspeakably too far.  One article said that women who suffer with PPD often will not seek out help because of the stigma attached to reaching a high standard of being a model or super parent, and that if they don’t measure up, they are seen as a failure.  

As Christians, we must be careful how we judge others, and how we project our own ideals and purposes on another human being, whether they are Christian or not.  When couples say they are not planning on having children, we should leave it at that.  There must be a good reason for it, and it is really no more of our business.  If we see that they don't have children, it is still none of our business if they don't offer us an explanation.  If we judge a childless couple and think that they are wrong for not having children (or adopting them) and convey our judgements and opinions on them, we have no idea the damage we could be doing.  How do we know that they haven't wanted children or maybe cannot have them?  Maybe they have agonized over the issue.  This is also an issue for single people who are not married and would love to find the right one and then start a family.  Rather than judge, we need to be very careful to be led by the Holy Spirit and speak only those words that He would want us to say.  Maybe we should say nothing at all because, again, it is really none of our business. 

As for pressure for parents that do have children and are struggling, what are we doing to come alongside and help them?  This is what the Body of Christ is for - to come alongside and help parents wherever possible and wherever there is a need that we can fill.  We may not always know what the needs are, and this is where we need to develop rapport somehow.  And rather than pre-judge that someone is not a good parent, we need to ask if we can help or at least pray for them and be available for them.  Truly, every child belongs to God, and we are all responsible for the welfare and well-being of children whether we have birthed them or not.  So to put pressure on caregivers or parents to perform or live up to certain expectations does absolutely nothing to help in raising children, but only adds to the stress and pressure that is already probably there.  This is also true in the teaching profession where people (many times the parents themselves) will blame the teacher if a child is failing.  Yet both parents and teachers must work together to see that a child succeeds. 

In the book of Galatians, there were people trying to persuade the Galatians to live according to the law, and not according to grace, faith or love.  Any time we put pressure on someone to live up to OUR expectations, we are doing the same thing.  Look at the following: 

Gal 5:4    Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Gal 5:5    For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Gal 5:6    For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Gal 5:7    Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

Gal 5:8    This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

Gal 5:9    A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

Gal 5:10    I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

Gal 5:11    And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

Gal 5:12    I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

Gal 5:13    For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Gal 5:14    For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

True Christianity finds expression in serving one another, not heaping expectations on them. May we look for every opportunity to be a part of the solution to someone's difficult situation, and not add to the burdens that are already weighing them down.

 

Separation from the World?

I would like to begin this blog by saying thank-you to the many readers from across the globe who are reading my blogs.  It makes it all worth-while to me even if only one or two catch the messages that I believe God keeps putting on my heart.  Today the Lord has been speaking to me about what it means, as a Christian, to live a life separated from the world.  When I first re-dedicated my life to the Lord, I remember how this idea confused me.  I just couldn't grasp what it could mean, since it seemed so contradictory that we are commanded to go out into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature (see Matthew 28:19-20)  Yet,  the following verses talk about separation, a deliberate act we consciously do: 

2Co 6:14    Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2Co 6:15    And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

2Co 6:16    And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2Co 6:17    Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 2Co 6:18    And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

The key to understanding the concept of separation in the above verses has to do with those in the world who practice idolatry (verse 16), that is, they serve another god, and not the God we serve.  They will try to entice us to participate in their sin so that they don't have to come to terms with their own sinful practices and repent (see Galatians 6:12-14).  For example, has someone repeatedly offered you strong alcohol even when you don't drink?  Have they made you feel foolish because you don't like swearing and off-color jokes?  Have they tried to convince you that it's okay to have sex before marriage, or that you are being unkind if you openly disagree with a gay or lesbian lifestyle?  While we must keep love for others at the forefront, we must never love what God considers unholy and unrighteous just to try and fit in with those who practice sin and think nothing of it.  We need to take a stand and do so boldly and yet graciously.  Anything we allow into our lives that disrupts our communion with God must be severed.  Anything that does not bring glory to God where He is exalted is an idol and a thing of the world that we must not embrace.  Idolatry has to do with what we come to love and what we allow into our heart.  In the following verses, we are warned that if we love the world (not the people in the world), we do not love the Father: 

1Jn 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1Jn 2:17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.  

What happens when we go into the world and participate in the things of the world is that soon we can become enslaved to the very things that we were once set free from, or we become enslaved to something that has always tempted us and we give in to it.  We lose relationship with God, our testimony becomes ineffectual, and in the end, we find ourselves in worse shape than we could ever possibly imagine.  This is what happened to the children of Israel time and time again.  God had already set them apart for His glory, but they refused to follow His ways, became hardened of heart and participated in the most sinful and vile pagan practices imaginable.    Psalm 106 sums up the plight of the children of Israel.  I am only quoting a part of it here, but it is well worth reading all of Psalm 106 to see the progression of their downfall through an obstinate attitude and disobedience to the Lord. .

Psa 106:34    They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:

Psa 106:35    But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.

Psa 106:36    And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.

Psa 106:37    Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, Psa 106:38    And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.

Psa 106:39    Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.

Psa 106:40    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.

Psa 106:41    And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.

Psa 106:42    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.

Psa 106:43    Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

Psa 106:44    Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:

Psa 106:45    And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies. 

If we are to study the entire history of Israel we would discover that whenever Israel failed to obey God according to the covenant agreement He had made with them, it also had to do with unbelief.  So disobedience starts with unbelief and if we participate in the sins of the world, we become hardened in heart and then able to do despicable, ungodly and unholy things.  This leads to bondage to sin, which can come in the form of depression, oppression, and isolation from fellowship, severed relationships, loss of health, loss of purpose, finances, and in some cases, loss of life!  This should never happen for children of the most High God! 

Knowing what we need to avoid is one thing, but what do we need to do to live a life of separation from the world?  I have heard some people say that it means that we should isolate ourselves from the outside world, and not allow anything in our midst that hints of ungodliness.   The Apostle Paul addressed this very same thing.  If we completely isolate ourselves from the world, then we really serve no divine purpose here.  We are merely taking up residence. 

1Co 5:9    I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

1Co 5:10    Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 

If we shun people in the world who do these things and who do not know The Lord, then how can we possibly hope to reach them?  Rather than shun the people of the world for whom Christ died,  I believe instead we are to shun evil and the not adopt the ways of the world and blend in with them.  We have to stand out and be different for the sake of the Gospel.  How do we do this?  It is quite simple.  Look at the following: 

Rom 12:2    And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

In Old Testament times, the children of Israel were to welcome the stranger and house and clothe and feed those in need.  

Deu 10:17    For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Deu 10:18    He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.

Deu 10:19    Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Exo 22:21    Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Exo 22:22    Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.

Even today they are taught to respect anyone not of the Jewish faith.  And if you have ever met or befriended a Jewish person, you would likely find this to be true.  They are most gracious.  Can Christians say they do the same?

We live in a world desperately in need of a Savior.  We must not be afraid of falling into the slippery clutches of the world and so fail to reach out to the many unsaved people who need a Savior.  For we have the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct us, and to protect us.  In the following verse, we have an amazing promise: 

Jud 1:24    Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

 

Should we Avoid the Supernatural?

 

Currently, I have been hearing and reading about the New Age movement creeping into the Christian church, "Christian" being defined as followers of Christ based on the Greek and Hebrew Biblical interpretation and model.  I haven't seen it happening personally, but if this is true, then this is nothing short of witchcraft, idolatry and doctrines of demons.  New Age is associated with spirit guides, humanism (where man is glorified and considers himself a supreme being or "little god"), and seeking paranormal experiences outside of what is true and acceptable according to the Bible.  We must never seek the supernatural, paranormal or metaphysical experiences outside of the safe confines of what Scripture teaches.  In fact, we are to seek a relationship with the Holy Spirit first and foremost, and not just supernatural occurrences for the sake of the experience.   

Yet, some people are perhaps too concerned about anything happening in the supernatural and fail to receive the many gifts and experiences God wants to freely give.  This also goes against Scripture since it could be considered unbelief, fear and lack of understanding of Scriptures.  We are to be open to the leading and promptings of the Holy Spirit, and not refuse what He wants to do in our lives and in the lives of others.  Look at the following: 

1Th 5:19    Quench not the Spirit.

1Th 5:20    Despise not prophesyings.

1Th 5:21    Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1Th 5:22    Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

This is a balanced view of Scriptures.  How do we quench the Spirit?  I believe it is by not allowing Him free reign in our life.  We must trust Him to lead and guide us and it will always agree with Scripture.  Prophecy is necessary for the edifying of the Body of Christ.  The Lord knows how difficult it is when we are treading along on the narrow road with many temptations, pitfalls, discouragements and persecutions, and He wants us to hold each other up along the way.  God most often works through other believers.  Shouldn't we be open to His workings and in whatever way He wants to work? 

People that are liberally minded and believe that every religion is okay will often rebuke Christians for saying theirs is the only true religion.  But these same people are missing the point.  Christians aren't saying that theirs is the only true religion, we are simply saying that we serve the only true and living and AWESOME God, able to save our soul and do supernatural and awesome works in and through us, and in whatever way He chooses.  Unlike other pseudo, so-called gods, our God is a loving God and loves us unconditionally and takes us as we are, mistakes, flaws and all.  In fact, according to Him, we are lawless, rebellious and at enmity with Him until we turn to Him, the One who created us in the first place!  He is the only God able to hear and answer our prayers, and He cares about everything that concerns us (see Matthew 10:30-31.) 

We should never be afraid of the supernatural when God is at work.  While some people feel very uncomfortable with the word "supernatural," yet any work that God does can only be described as supernatural because it is so beyond man that it is anything but "natural."  In fact Scripture says that the natural man (in his sinful state) cannot understand the things of God because he does not have the ability to discern what is of God and what is not because He doesn't have God's spirit indwelling him.  

1Co 2:14    But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

And even for a Christian, without a working knowledge and revelation of God's Word, he cannot understand the supernatural things of God either.  In fact, a Bible-believing Christian must not only know the Word of God, but has to live by it and act on it and experience it in order for it to become real and a part of the very fabric of his being.  And here is where many Christians disagree.  Fundamental Christians tend to shy away from anything to do with "experiential" Christianity, but those who are more open to receiving the many gifts and workings of the Holy Spirit, will tend to go deeper in their faith and in their walk with God.  Their experience, when it is genuine and received with trust in the work of the Holy Spirit, can always be backed up by Scripture.

 

At least this has been true in my own life.  So many things have happened to me that I could write a complete and lengthy book on all that God has done in my life, each event and each incident a miracle in itself.  I know my life has been spared from the jaws of death more than once.  If you read my books you will find such miracles that have happened to me.  Some things are hard to explain, but with the human mind, many things can never be explained.  How do you explain forever and ever?  How do you even begin to think of the fact that God has always been?  We think in terms of time.  God is outside of time - He is everlasting - the Alpha and Omega.  As spiritual beings created in His image, we too are everlasting - our soul lives forever.  Now that is supernatural and far beyond anything our mind can begin to grasp without going a little crazy.  Maybe we can think of 1,000 years, but what about 10,000 years or a million years, and even beyond that? 

If you think about it, every time someone becomes a born-again Christian, this is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.  People, on their own steam, cannot be saved because they are born with a sinful nature that is at enmity against God. 

Rom 8:6    For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Rom 8:7    Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Rom 8:8    So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 

No good works can ever save a single living soul.  It has to be by a supernatural work of God, and for every person presented with the Gospel, all they can do is receive it.  They cannot add to it or take away.  They must believe it and receive it. Then the Holy Spirit does the rest, indeed has already done the work through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.  

Tit 3:5    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; Tit 3:6    Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; Tit 3:7    That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 

Every time a prayer is answered, this is also a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.  Every time we change and grow in the things of God, this is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.  The fact of creation and how everything came to into being is a supernatural work of God.  The way the seasons change, a blade of grass grows, or leaves spring out from what looks like dead branches, this is also a supernatural work of Creator God.    Think of the billions of stars and the fact that the earth is suspended in space by gravity!  This is astounding!  Think of how a baby is formed in a mother's womb - this is beyond any human understanding how perfect the baby develops to maturity and is born.  Supernatural occurrences are every-day and are all around us for we are in the presence of a Holy and Awesome and all-powerful God!  There is no place we can escape and He is not there.  We may not "feel" His presence, but we are always in His presence.  That is an awesome supernatural miracle. 

So we must never be afraid of the supernatural when our great and mighty God is at work, for we are surrounded by the evidence of it everywhere!   And we must never quench the Holy Spirit and not allow Him to work in our lives, for He is counting on us to be willing to be used for His glory and according to His plan for each of our lives. 

 

Unity in the Body of Christ

In the last blog, I talked about divisiveness amongst believers and how we need to ensure that we handle our differences appropriately as blood-bought believers in Christ.  Today I'm going to go even further, delve into Scripture and see what it has to say about unity.   

Unity is what God puts together by His Spirit, not what man tries to piece together on his own frail efforts.  It is marked by humility and a willingness to be in agreement with one another regardless of differences of opinion.  When we start to become argumentative, then we have entered into the realm of the flesh, and in some cases, demonic activity.  Unity can rarely come from ourselves, but only from the power of the Holy Spirit.  Our part is to be willing to make things right with someone, regardless of who is at fault.  

Just a word of caution -- when someone talks about unity and are thinking that they have to hold a group together by keeping others with a difference of opinion out, that is not unity!  That is showing partiality and is in no way Scriptural.   In such a group, godly unity as outlined in the Bible will not be possible.  Let's look at what Scripture has to say about it.  

Php 1:27    Only let your conversation [conduct] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

This is what I've been saying in previous blogs.  Regardless of our doctrinal differences, we are to "with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;".  We can only do this when we are in obedience to the above Scripture!  

Php 2:1    If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Php 2:2    Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Php 2:3    Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Php 2:4    Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Php 2:5    Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 

Making things right with someone is a choice, and choosing to think right thoughts about someone will align us more with the kind of thinking that pleases and glorifies God.  If our thoughts towards someone are laced with anger and condemnation, this is NOT the mind of Christ, is it? 

Almost everyone has encountered difficulties with another believer, whether a church attendant, a friend or even a family member (perhaps a spouse).  Many times it is difficult to forgive when we've been wronged or hurt.  But spiritual growth will not be possible until we have made things right with them and before God.  Forgiveness is so closely tied to our relationship with God, that without it, we walk in darkness. 

1Jn 2:9    He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

1Jn 2:10    He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

1Jn 2:11    But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. 

Mat 6:14    For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Mat 6:15    But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

Are we walking worthy of our calling?  Look at the following to see the kind of attitude we need to have towards one another. 

Eph 4:1    I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Eph 4:2    With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Eph 4:3    Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Eph 4:4    There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; Eph 4:5    One Lord, one faith, one baptism, Eph 4:6    One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 

In a previous blog, I also talked about churches that show preferential treatment to some members, but fails to give the same consideration to others.  In every church The Lord has gifted people to serve in different capacities, and not one person doing everything.  We notice this in verse 11. 

Eph 4:7    But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Eph 4:8    Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Eph 4:9    (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

Eph 4:10    He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Eph 4:11    And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Eph 4:12    For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Eph 4:13    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:

Eph 4:14    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; Eph 4:15    But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Eph 4:16    From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 

Have you ever wondered why your church may not be growing as it should be? Look at verse 16.  Every part needs to be working to make increase in a way that is edifying and done by love.  Is this what you see happening in your church?  Sadly, I have not seen this happen in some churches I have attended. 

Eph 4:17    This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Eph 4:18    Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Eph 4:19    Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Eph 4:20    But ye have not so learned Christ; Eph 4:21    If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

Eph 4:22    That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; Eph 4:23    And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Eph 4:24    And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Eph 4:25    Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Eph 4:26    Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Eph 4:27    Neither give place to the devil.

Eph 4:28    Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Eph 4:29    Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Eph 4:30    And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Eph 4:31    Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Eph 4:32    And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 

In the above verses, there is a lot to take in.  Basically, in verses 17-24, we have work to do.  We must not give in to the person we once were and become lazy when it comes to how we live and especially how treat other people.  Now we are different, we are children of light, and we must live a life that shows the love of God.  We must walk in newness of life.   

In verses 29-30, we see how we can grieve the Spirit of God - what comes out of our mouth!  What is He hearing today?  Is  it edifying?  Does it draw us closer to one another and to God?  If not, then are we grieving the Spirit of God?  We need to take inventory of our thoughts and actions towards others. Perhaps someone has come to mind and you know you need to make things right with that person.  If so, do not delay, for you will reap God's blessings if you make the first step. 

Act 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.

Act 2:39    For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Act 2:40    And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Act 2:41    Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Act 2:42    And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Act 2:43    And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Act 2:44    And all that believed were together, and had all things common; Act 2:45    And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Act 2:46    And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Act 2:47    Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 

May we have such an openness of heart and unity in Spirit today.