The Embraced deception called SERVICE- Revised

^“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

There is much talk today from countless pulpits across the country and around the globe that greatly grieve the work of the Holy Spirit; the talk of “spiritual gifts” and it’s relation to “SERVICE”.

“In the well-defined purpose-centered atmosphere of the postmodern church, discovery and development depend more on human plans and management formulas than on faith in God and the silent work of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps that's why Pastor Warren suggests,

"Begin by assessing your gifts and abilities. Take a long, honest look at what you are good at and what you're not good at. Ask other people. Paul advised, 'Try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities.' [Romans 12:3b, The Message]  Make a list. Ask other people for their candid opinion.... Spiritual gifts and natural abilities are always confirmed by others."

They are? What if your spiritual gift has nothing to do with your natural talents or personal preferences? What if God gave you gifts that would show His exceeding greatness, not yours? In stark contrast to Pastor Warren's view of spiritual gifts, the apostle Paul said,

"I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Did you hear that? God uses weak but faithful believers who will demonstrate His power, not their own talents. In fact, our own talents are often the opposite of our spiritual gifts. History shows us how some of God's most powerful messengers served in total weakness, all the more demonstrating the amazing power of the Holy Spirit.  Now as then, many of His servants come to Him as quiet, shy introverts who would fear speaking their name in a group and would shudder at the improbable thought of ever speaking in front of a group.”  Excerpt from- ‘Spiritual Gifts and Community Service’ By Berit Kjos - July 2004

Berit Kjos nailed it biblically! Since when did Christ command us to do the work ourselves or rely upon our own strength to accomplish anything He’s required? Since when did our “spiritual gifts” have anything to do with serving those around us and being responsible in ourselves for the work of the Lord? Is it not by HIS POWER AND MIGHT? It’s ALWAYS been about JESUS; to compromise for the sake of “church growth” is wrong! Service or not there is little to no emphasis on Salvation in Christ alone for fear of scaring away the crowd. This talk of SERVICE is nothing more than a glorified rally for the Antichrist false global religion volunteers. Remember Jesus said, “And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.” Matthew 10:21 Precisely what’s being FORMED!
Those who practice such guile are doing just as the word says. “…deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ…” Sadly, very few within these church walls care enough to seek the Lord actually know that this is the exact opposite of Christ. The Word continues- “no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness…” Jesus Himself knew when Satan was trying to tempt Him, lie or deceive Him. He wants us to be aware also, and it’s only possible through His Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”John 14:16-17
To the born again, spirit filled - Christ follower, who has and does daily die to self:
Service is about our Love to Christ and His Spirit grants us a desire to do that which is pleasing before God. If He is not our first Love; we have strayed too far, and thus resulting in selfish ambitions that don’t necessarily regard Him as our initial reason in doing.  
“Beware of anything that competes with loyalty to Jesus Christ," wrote Oswald Chambers. "The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for Him.... “Are we being more devoted to service than to Jesus Christ?" If so, we have lost our first love...” Berit Kjos
Below is an excerpt from”Walking with God” The Andrew Murray Trilogy on Sanctification

                “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; ...” Revelation 2:2-5

“In His work for us Christ gave us before and above everything His love, the personal tender affection of His heart in our work for Him and He asks us nothing less. There is such a danger of work being carried on, and our even bearing much for Christ’s sake, while the freshness of our love has passed away. And that is what Christ seeks. And that is what gives power. And that is what nothing can compensate for. Christ looks for the warm loving heart, the personal affection which ever keeps Him the center of our love and joy. Christian workers, see that all your work be the work of love, of tender personal devotion to Christ Jesus.”-Andrew Murray

“We love him, because he first loved us.”1 John 4:19 Just as Christ first loved us; it is purely by His love IN us that we are able to serve others.

Is it not the foolish things in this world that God uses? Is it not the weak He chooses to be glorified in and through? “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:” 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 If we rely on what we think we do well then we are far from relying upon His strength, and instead placing focus upon self once again. Aren’t we commanded consistently throughout the Word to rely not upon ourselves, but rather to let go of the world and white knuckle grip the Living Word of God; faithfully carrying our cross! Let the Word of God be the foundation to which all things are compared to! All things else will lead you away from the straight and narrow and permit you to place the spotlight upon self. Jesus deliberately told us what was required to be His.“…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

SELF or THE CROSS – It’s a choice we all must make. Ask yourself, what is the purpose of this service? Am I being used in a way that screams GOD IS WORKING THROUGH me for HIS GLORY or am I relying upon my own strength for my gain? All the more reason to seek the Lord’s face in prayer and His Word! If we don’t know the Truth we cannot know nor recognize the false counterfeit which is so blatantly horrific within the church today!

It’s time to get back to the basics… BACK TO OUR FIRST LOVE- JESUS! In Him all intentions are pure as well as all glory is rightly His! AMEN!

“If we give God service it must be because He gives us grace. We work for Him because He works in us.” C.H. Spurgeon

The Embraced Deception called SERVICE

^“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

There is much talk today from countless pulpits across the country and around the globe that greatly grieve the work of the Holy Spirit; the talk of “spiritual gifts” and it’s relation to “SERVICE”.

“In the well-defined purpose-centered atmosphere of the postmodern church, discovery and development depend more on human plans and management formulas than on faith in God and the silent work of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps that's why Pastor Warren suggests,

"Begin by assessing your gifts and abilities. Take a long, honest look at what you are good at and what you're not good at. Ask other people. Paul advised, 'Try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities.' [Romans 12:3b, The Message]  Make a list. Ask other people for their candid opinion.... Spiritual gifts and natural abilities are always confirmed by others."

They are? What if your spiritual gift has nothing to do with your natural talents or personal preferences? What if God gave you gifts that would show His exceeding greatness, not yours? In stark contrast to Pastor Warren's view of spiritual gifts, the apostle Paul said,

"I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Did you hear that? God uses weak but faithful believers who will demonstrate His power, not their own talents. In fact, our own talents are often the opposite of our spiritual gifts. History shows us how some of God's most powerful messengers served in total weakness, all the more demonstrating the amazing power of the Holy Spirit.  Now as then, many of His servants come to Him as quiet, shy introverts who would fear speaking their name in a group and would shudder at the improbable thought of ever speaking in front of a group.”  Excerpt from- ‘Spiritual Gifts and Community Service’ By Berit Kjos - July 2004

Berit Kjos nailed it biblically! Since when did Christ command us to do the work ourselves or rely upon our own strength to accomplish anything He’s required? Since when did our “spiritual gifts” have anything to do with serving those around us and being responsible in ourselves for the work of the Lord? Is it not by HIS POWER AND MIGHT? It’s ALWAYS been about JESUS; to compromise for the sake of “church growth” is wrong! Service or not there is little to no emphasis on Salvation in Christ alone for fear of scaring away the crowd. This talk of SERVICE is nothing more than a glorified rally for the Antichrist false global religion volunteers. Remember Jesus said, “And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.” Matthew 10:21 Precisely what’s being FORMED! Those who practice such guile are doing just as the word says. “…deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ…” Sadly, very few within these church walls care enough to seek the Lord actually know that this is the exact opposite of Christ. The Word continues- “no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness…” Jesus Himself knew when Satan was trying to tempt Him, lie or deceive Him. He wants us to be aware also, and it’s only possible through His Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”John 14:16-17


To the born again, spirit filled - Christ follower, who has and does daily die to self:
Service is about our Love to Christ and His Spirit grants us a desire to do that which is pleasing before God. If He is not our first Love; we have strayed too far, and thus resulting in selfish ambitions that don’t necessarily regard Him as our initial reason in doing.  “Beware of anything that competes with loyalty to Jesus Christ," wrote Oswald Chambers. "The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for Him.... “Are we being more devoted to service than to Jesus Christ?" If so, we have lost our first love...” Berit Kjos


Below is an excerpt from”Walking with God” The Andrew Murray Trilogy on Sanctification

                “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; ...” Revelation 2:2-5

“In His work for us Christ gave us before and above everything His love, the personal tender affection of His heart in our work for Him and He asks us nothing less. There is such a danger of work being carried on, and our even bearing much for Christ’s sake, while the freshness of our love has passed away. And that is what Christ seeks. And that is what gives power. And that is what nothing can compensate for. Christ looks for the warm loving heart, the personal affection which ever keeps Him the center of our love and joy. Christian workers, see that all your work be the work of love, of tender personal devotion to Christ Jesus.”-Andrew Murray

“We love him, because he first loved us.”1 John 4:19 Just as Christ first loved us; it is purely by His love IN us that we are able to serve others. Is it not the foolish things in this world that God uses? Is it not the weak He chooses to be glorified in and through? “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:” 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 If we rely on what we think we do well then we are far from relying upon His strength, and instead placing focus upon self once again. Aren’t we commanded consistently throughout the Word to rely not upon ourselves, but rather to let go of the world and white knuckle grip the Living Word of God; faithfully carrying our cross! Let the Word of God be the foundation to which all things are compared to! All things else will lead you away from the straight and narrow and permit you to place the spotlight upon self. Jesus deliberately told us what was required to be His.“…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

SELF or THE CROSS – It’s a choice we all must make. Ask yourself, what is the purpose of this service? Am I being used in a way that screams GOD IS WORKING THROUGH me for HIS GLORY or am I relying upon my own strength & talents? All the more reason to seek the Lord’s face in prayer and His Word! If we don’t know the Truth we cannot know nor recognize the false counterfeit which is so blatantly horrific within the church today!

It’s time to get back to the basics… BACK TO OUR FIRST LOVE- JESUS! In Him all intentions are pure as well as all glory is rightly His! AMEN!

“If we give God service it must be because He gives us grace. We work for Him because He works in us.” C.H. Spurgeon

For the full article quoted from above by Berit Kjos go to:
http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/04/5-purpose-gifts.htm

9 Blessings IN Christ

“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; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:3-14

There is none other worthy to be praised than God alone. His love is unending and His rewards cease not! He’s not only chosen and predestined us to be His Beloved, but He’s gives us so much more! How could we even fathom anything more than this?

Here are 9 Spiritual blessings we are given by being IN Christ:

1.      In Christ He has chosen us (v.4)

a.      And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

b.      “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.” Deuteronomy 14:2

c.      “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Mathew 22:14

d.      “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

e.      “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29

2.      Adopted into His family (v.5)

a.      “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12

b.      “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.” 1 John 3:1

3.      Bestowed upon us His grace (v.6)

a.      “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10

b.      “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.“ John 1:17

c.      “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:17

d.      “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,” 2 Thessalonians 2:16

4.      We are redeemed (v.7) “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace,” Ephesians 1:7

a.      “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrews 9:12

b.      “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 1 Corinthians 1:30

c.      “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:14

5.      We are granted wisdom and insight to His future Will and plan (v.8-9)

a.      “Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:” Ephesians 1:8-9

b.      “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” Colossians 1:27

6.      We are reconciled unto Him (V.10)

a.      “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.” Romans 5:10

b.      “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled” Colossians 1:21

7.      We’ve been made His treasure (v.11)

a.      “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.” Romans 8:17

b.      “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:” Exodus 19:5

8.      We are granted the Holy Spirit (v.13)

a.      “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13

b.      “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” 2 Corinthians 1:22

9.      We are ASSURED of our Salvation (v.14)

                a.      “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of                    the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:14

b.      “And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Hebrews 10:21-23

 What an astounding list of blessings! All available IN Christ! Apart from Him we are nothing, nor can we do anything… much less, expect anything from the Living God. He is faithful and full of Love for His children! Most of all we read this phrase: “according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself”. It is pleasing to Him to bestow upon us these things. It’s always been His plan to restore us to Him; which is why He gave us Jesus! Such perfect HARMONY IN Christ! He never intended on making “another” way. His flawless Son, impeccable plan and beautiful blessings that stem from His overall design are uncomparable to anything this world offers. Have you tasted His goodness and these received His unending blessings? Riches far beyond our comprehension and they’re all made possible in JESUS!

Praise in Prison

Acts 16:19-40 gives an account of Paul and Silas imprisoned for sharing the gospel, for teaching the things that Jesus commanded. They were stripped and beaten, publically ridiculed, rejected and sentenced to prison. There are a number of things they could’ve done such as retaliated or groaned and complained against their accusers! Instead, they chose to pray and praise God! “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” (v25) Even though they were persecuted for Christ they praised OUTLOUD!

So what happened? “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.” exclaimed, “Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.” (v27-28) It was this very moment that the keeper fell to his knees and accepted Christ as LORD of his life! By Paul and Silas praying and praising; giving God all the glory for their trials that this man came to accept Christ. He was SAVED! Paul & Silas could’ve been full of anger at the Lord for where they were, but instead they REJOICED!

These chains of events were all temporary circumstances these men of Christ HAD to endure. The Lord God wasn’t punishing them for doing what was right; rather they sustained their afflictions for the purpose of sharing their testimony! This could’ve been a test by God, allowing these measures to happen. There are countless reasons we endure pain, affliction, persecution and so on. Paul said, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:6-8  

Our response to things we face makes all the difference too! ”Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 The Lord was pleased that they chose to rejoice in the midst of what could’ve seemed unfair! How many times do we look at our situations and immediately begin to blame God?  Do we honestly pray and praise the Lord the moment difficulties arise? Do you understand that He has a greater purpose for that which we withstand?  “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:2  

This situation for Paul & Silas was a testimony unto the Lord! Will you boldly stand in the midst of adversity and REJOICE that the Lord is not only using the things you face to build your faith and reliance upon Him, but ALSO TO SPEAK TO THOSE AROUND YOU!

“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” Psalm 57:7

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:2-4

Life unto life or death unto death?

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

When Jesus died on Calvary the earth became comprised of two groups; those of Life unto life (those who have accepted Jesus as Lord) and those of death unto death (those who reject Christ).The moment Christ gave His life on the cross; it became the ultimate display of God’s infinite sovereignty. Choosing Christ means life everlasting while rejecting Him meant eternal damnation and separation from God!

Old Testament laws required meat/animal sacrifices “burnt offerings made by fire” for a covering of their sins. There was a specific sacrifice for all things done! All were done unto the Lord God and to Him it was a sweet savor. The problem was it was not cleansing, only a covering. God being sovereign and divine gracefully gave His Son Jesus to be the ultimate sacrifice; doing away with animal sacrifices as Jesus was the Lamb without spot or blemish (sinless), and it would be through His shed blood that all humanity could have the opportunity for redemption and total cleansing from sin!

His shed blood is the sweet smelling aroma that allows God to look upon those in Christ. Why? It is the beautiful aroma of grace, love, sacrifice, mercy and forgiveness! “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18. Our sins are no longer held against us… “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Proverbs 103:12. The stench we once carried has been exchanged for the precious blood; that priceless sweet smelling aroma!

Those who reject Him carry a stench of sin, self and the world that is completely offensive to the nostrils of the One True Living God. We know that sin equals death, and the Word says, “For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:35-36. How many actually think of their actions against God as sin & death? Very few! Death in any form, however simplistic or horrific, creates a horrid smell over time of rot and decay. Spiritually, it is sin that separates us from God!

Point to ponder: To what is the aroma you carry? No amount of incense, perfume or cologne can cover the stench of worldliness, self, rot and decay! Only the Blood of Christ can cleanse; which brings life, liberty, peace and forgiveness. Do you carry Life unto life or death unto death?