What if I Stumble…

We like music around our house.  Good music, edifying, pointing us to look up to the Lord, music that praises Him, or that helps us grow in our walk with Him in some way.  We listen to a variety of so called christian artists, a quick scan of the Sing Praises to the Lord category will give you a quick idea of some of our favorites.  We are somewhat selective about our choices, after all whatever we hear, or see, makes it’s way to our hearts.  So we choose carefully, forgoing the popular rock and country artists of today for Crowder, Newsboys, King and Country, Mercy Me, etc.  Which let me to discover DC Talk, a classic christian rock band.  I missed them back in the day, wasn’t raised in a christian home, never went to church, only had a couple christian friends who never talked about God much and listened to the same hard rock, glam bands, and metal music I did, so somehow I completely missed out on a good thing.  Now DC Talk is on our playlists – even our son likes them – and he is a unique kid, loves Jesus and God with all his heart, and his country is a close second so he likes politically/ historically themed music as well as classic country – like Johnny Horton kinda classic.  Anyway a while back I was putting music on during chore time and he asked for this song, said he liked it cause it helped him remember that we all stumble, we all fall, and that we just gotta look up, get up, keep our eyes on the Lord and keep on following Him.  Considering I was having a bit of a stumble day it struck a chord with me.  Today wasn’t a stumble day but for some reason the songs been in my head all day and I thought maybe someone else could use the reminder in an old school cool kinda way.

My Victory

I told you last night about the incredible bringing of the word we were treated to last night at church, God was in that little ole country church for sure.  There wasn’t but about 12 of us there but let me tell you God was with us, he spoke to us through that guest preacher and it was a message a want to share with you.  Now I’m not a preacher, I just try to be a teacher, and a friend for any who may have questions, need spiritual support and guidance, or who just want to praise the Lord for all he is doing in their life.  That’s really what it’s all about, praising Him!  Well, let me tell ya that little church was a filled with praises to our King, our Lord, our Savior last night.  My prayer is I can reflect some of the same spirit tonight in my words.

The text was Revelation 21: 1- 8 a much loved passage of mine written by John around 90AD.  I love all of scripture, I spend hours each day studying it, pouring over it to better understand God, to know His heart, to draw nearer to His Son, to let Him ever abide in my heart.  Of all the wonderful books of the Bible, I do have my favorites, pretty much all the books of prophecy that includes many Psalms, Daniel, and all 4 Gospels as well the major and minor prophets.  But of all the prophecies contained in the Bible, and there are many, Revelation is I think the most captivating.  It is the culmination of the greatest love story ever told – Jesus and his bride, the Church, God and his people.  It’s a story some 6,000 years in the making and it has the most beautiful ending imaginable.  And that ending starts with chapter 21.

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  Revelation 21:1

Think of it, a new heaven and earth for this old earth with it’s battle scars from man’s sin and wars and rebellion will pass away, gone, a brand new glorious start for eternity with the Lord.  Now I know that Jesus sorta gives this old world a makeover of sorts at the start of the millennial kingdom but that won’t hold a candle to what He has ins tore for us in eternity.  I can hardly wait!  Just read what scripture has to say about it.

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.  Isaiah 65:17

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  2 Peter 3:13

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  Revelation 20:11

This old world isn’t just gonna pass away, it’s gonna flee.  When God comes down on the great white throne to judge those who were not believers in Christ, not washed in the blood, sealed, secured and redeemed by the precious Lamb, this old heaven and earth can’t be in the presence of such holy purity and it flees.  Skeedadles right on out of God’s presence and you what there was no place found for it, it is gone!  Gone like yesterday.

 

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  Revelation 21:2

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.  Galatians 4:26

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.  Hebrews 11:10

For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.  Isaiah 54:5

What a sight this new city, this new Jerusalem will be coming down from God,  prepared as bride for her groom.  It’s a city with foundations laid by God himself, He is the almighty builder, the maker of our future heavenly home, our home in glory.  A free home, where we truly belong.  We don’t belong here in this old world filled with sin, temptations, trials, tribulations, war, disease, hate.  That’s not who we are anymore, we are like the new Jerusalem, we are new creatures, washed clean by the blood of Christ, we truly are brides adorned for our groom, our Lord, our Savior.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  Revelation 21:3

And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.  Leviticus 26:11

And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places.  Ezekiel 43:7

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.  2 Corinthians 6:16

Did you get that, we are the temple of the living God, us!  He is going to dwell with us, in us, he will be our God, holy and true, and we will be his people!

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  Revelation 21:4

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.  Isaiah 25:8

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  1 Corinthians 15:26

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  Revelation 20:14

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.  Isaiah 35:10

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.  Isaiah 65:19

Praise the Lord!  Have any more joyful, more happy, love filled verses been written than that the Lord God himself will dry our weary weeping, tear filled eyes.  Eyes that have seen so much pain and suffering here in our temporary home, eyes that have poured out overflowing with longing for our true home, our eternal home where we will dwell forever with our Creator, with our Savior, with our God.  Where we will never weep bitter, burning tears again for there will be no more sorrow, no pain.  Praise Jesus, that does sound so good.  There is so much pain in this world – I weep over it, pray for it, so many lost, denying their Lord, their Savior, rejecting Him and the true peace – only real peace- He is longing to give them.  So much death, sickness, wickedness.  Not for long though, one day our God is gonna cast death and hell into that lake of eternal fire and they are gonna be gone!  They won’t trouble us no more, never again will they darken our eyes, dim our joy.  Instead we will rest forever in the light and love of God!

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.  Revelation 21:5

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.  Isaiah 43:19

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  2 Corinthians 5:17

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.  Revelation 21:6

And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.  Revelation 16:17

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.  Revelation 1:8

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.  Isaiah 12:3

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.  John 4:10

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.  John 7:37

There won’t be any seas on this new earth because we won’t need them.  Nope, we get to drink the living water straight from the throne of God when we are thirsty there.  Pure, clean, sparkling, refreshing, water of life.  And cold too, I bet it’s perfectly cold.  I have this thing about water, I love it, drink it constantly as long as it’s icy cold, but let me tell you what if we run out of ice that water just don’t taste the same, it tastes stale, lifeless, bleh.  The ice changes the taste somehow.  But I won’t want ice there, cause that water is gonna taste so good, so sweet, it’s gonna taste ice cold.

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  Revelation 21:7

And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.  Zechariah 8:8

I used to read this passage and think he that overcometh? overcometh what?  The judgements, the tribulation?  Yea it means all those things and trust me it’s gonna be a miracle any might overcome the things that will come upon this earth in the last days.  I pray for all who wait to long to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and allow Him into their heart to change them and make them new.  Cause one day He is coming back for His church, His people, His bride and we’re gonna be out of here.  Gone in an instant, a twinkling of the eye.  Whether we go through the rapture or the grave those who believe and put their faith in Jesus are going to be winners either way.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52

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.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

earth globe facing asia with sun halo

The believers, followers of Christ, those who are His redeemed are going to be gone and the Holy Spirit with us.  I pray that all of you will be in the clouds with me on that glorious, most wonderful day, when I meet my Lord, my Savior and I can praise Him, thank Him, worship at His feet.  Cause the picture is terrifyingly bleak for those not called up yonder, whose names are not written in the Lambs book of life when God says to Him to get down here and get His people out.  Those left here, those who for whatever reason weren’t washed in the blood, they are going to face hell on earth, literally.   And believe me there will be a lot left here, don’t believe me read the rest of the book of Revelation starting with chapter 5.  It tears my heart just thinking that so many will face the most horrific times this earth will ever know.  Times so bad that Jesus himself said that but they were cut short no flesh would survive!  Please read these last few passages and make sure that you are not numbered among the multitude of transgressors.  Jesus spells it out who will be left here on the earth when He comes to claim His own. If you are already saved then just guard your heart and soul that that old slew foot devil don’t trick you into backsliding and cursing the name of the one who saved you.  And if you or someone you know isn’t among the number of the blessed then please remedy that situation today, right now this second.  You never know what might happen, at some point waiting one more second is going to be waiting too late.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.  Revelation 21:8

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  1 Corinthians 6:9

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  Galatians 5:19-21

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Ephesians 5:5

Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,  1 Timothy 1:9
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;  1 Timothy 1:10

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.  Revelation 20:15

The descriptions above fit us all in some way at one time or another for none of us are perfect, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  But that sin doesn’t have to define us, it’s not who we are, at least it doesn’t have to be.   Right now pray and admit to God that you know you are a sinner, that you repent of your sins, are sorry for them, that you know that He sent Jesus his son here to die for you so that you could be made new, restored to rightness with God through Jesus blood, thank Him for saving you and then rejoice in your new found, eternal hope.  Eternal Joy.  Peace.  Your Victory!

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:  Hebrews 12:14

My Victory, intro

We had a guest preacher at Church tonight who really brought the word.  As we were driving home my son, who had not been thrilled when the scripture announced was Revelations 21 – he loves bible study but the end times parts freak him out a bit, talked for about 20 straight minutes about what a great sermon it was.  He talked about how he really felt the spirit, I even heard a couple amens out of him during the sermon.  It was preaching old school and it was all about our victory in Christ.  A victory I want to see all take part in.  Listen to the words of this song, soak them in, think on em, and then go read about the reward for our victory in Rev. 21.  I’ll have a post on it tomorrow night the Lord willing.

Feed My Sheep

I seem to be on a disciples theme this week.  Tonight it’s Peter I was reading about and thinking on.  Peter is like a lot of us, he talks a good game till he feels put on the spot, pressured, persecuted.  Then he has a moment of weakness.  It’s not good, and he repents, is grieved to the heart at what he had done for he truly does love Jesus. So that’s why when Jesus tells him to feed His sheep it is such a real moment, one I am sure many can relate to, we all can.  We have all had a moment of weakness, when we let the world and it’s lies dim our vision temporarily and we may let our dear Lord and Savior down.  But we like Peter can make it right, we can truly repent and seek the Lord’s forgiveness.  As we see in the following excerpts from the Gospel of John.

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.  John 21:15

The reason Jesus asks this was, because he had some time ago declared, though all the disciples were offended at Christ, and should deny him, he would not; and had just now thrown himself into the sea to come to him first, as if he loved him more than they did: which question is put, not out of ignorance, or as if Christ knew not whether he loved him or not, and what was the degree of his affection to him; but because the exercise of this grace, and the expressions of it, are very grateful to him; and that Peter also might have an opportunity of expressing it before others, who had so publicly denied him.  Peter answers simply “Yes, thou knowest I do.” Meaning not in word and tongue, but in deed and in truth; in sincerity, and without dissimulation, fervently and superlatively; for the truth of which he appeals to Christ himself; for he was so conscious to himself of the reality of his love, and the sincerity of his affection, that he chooses to make Christ himself judge of it, rather than say any more of it himself; though he modestly declines saying that he loved him more than the rest of the disciples did, having had an experience of his vanity and self-confidence. He was sure he loved Christ heartily; but whether he loved him more than the rest did, he chose not to say.  Jesus does know and simply replies “Feed my sheep” who are to be nourished, comforted, and strengthened, by feeding them with the milk of the Gospel, and by administering to them the ordinances and breasts of consolation. These Christ has an interest in, and therefore calls them “my lambs”, being given him by the Father, and purchased by his blood, and for whom he has a tender concern and affection; and nothing he looks upon as a firmer and clearer proof and evidence of love to him, than to feed these lambs of his, and take care of them.

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.  John 21:16

Jesus asks again this time leaving out the words, “more than these”; he saw Peter’s heart, and observed the modesty of his answer, and would not urge him any more in that comparative way, only required a repetition of his sincere and hearty love to him:
Peter replies once more unto him, “Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee” expressing himself in the same language as before; and it is, as if he should say, Lord, what can I say more? I can say no more than I have done, and by that I abide.  Again  Jesus responds unto him, “Feed my sheep”; meaning both the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and his other sheep among the Gentiles, whom the Father had given him, and he had paid a price for, and must be brought in; these being called, he would have fed with the word and ordinances, with the bread of life, and water of life, not lorded over, and fleeced, and much less worried and destroyed; every instance of care and love shown to these, he takes as a mark of affection and respect to himself.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.  John 21:17

The question is put to Peter a third time, that by these three testimonies, out of his mouth, the thing might be established, and be out of all doubt.  Jesus is making it clear, through questioning, that indeed Peter loves him with a love so hearty and sincere as Peter says, and it may be depended upon.  This grieves Peter though because it put him in mind of his having denied his Lord three times; the remembrance of which cut him to the heart and it added to his grief, that his love, which he knew was unfeigned, notwithstanding his conduct, should seem to be suspected.  So he replies in true sincerity and some anguish, he appeals with great warmth and earnestness to him, as the omniscient God, and the searcher of all hearts, who knows all persons and things, and the secret thoughts, dispositions, and affections of men’s minds, for the truth of his love to him; for though he knew the treachery of his own heart, and durst not trust to it; and therefore chose not to be determined by his own assertions, and was well aware that the sincerity of his love might be called in question by fellow Christians, because of his late conduct; but as everything was naked and open to his Lord, with whom he had to do, he lodges and leaves the appeal with him: so every soul that truly loves Christ, whatever Satan, the world, professors, or their own hearts under unbelieving frames, may suggest to the contrary, can appeal to Christ, as the trier of the reins of the children of men, that he it is whom their souls love; and though their love may be greatly tried, and they themselves be sorely tempted by Satan, and suffered to fall greatly; yet their love to Christ can never be lost; the fervency of it may be abated, the exercise of it may be very languid, but the principle itself always remains, as it did in Peter.
One last time, Jesus saith unto him, feed my sheep. It may be observed from the repetition of this phrase following upon Peter’s declaration of his love to Christ, that such only are proper persons to feed the lambs and sheep of Christ, who truly and sincerely love him: and in doing which they show their love to him: and who indeed would be concerned in this service, but such? since the work is so laborious, the conduct of those to whom they minister oftentimes is so disagreeable, the reproach they meet with from the world, and the opposition made unto them by Satan, and all the powers of darkness: it is true indeed, there are some that take upon them this work, and pretend to do it, who do not love Christ; but then they are such who feed themselves, and not the flock; and who feed the world’s goats, and not Christ’s lambs and sheep, and in time of danger leave the flock; only the true lovers of Christ faithfully perform this service, and abide in it by preaching the pure Gospel of Christ, by administering his ordinances, in their right manner, and by directing souls in all to Christ, the heavenly manna, and bread of life.
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.  John 21:18

Beginning with a way of speaking often used by Christ, when about to deliver anything of considerable moment, partly to raise the attention, and partly for the more strong asseveration of what is spoken; and may have reference both to what went before, confirming Peter’s declaration of his love, which would be demonstrated by dying for him, and the testimony of his omniscience, by foretelling his death, and the kind of it; and to what follows after, which contains an account of Peter in his younger years, and a prophecy of what should befall him in old age.  The phrase when thou wast young does not mean that he was old now, and capable he was of doing, and he did do.  What our Lord ascribes to his younger years refers to a time he could put on his clothes himself, and gird them about him with a girdle, as was the custom of the eastern nations, who usually wore long garments; and as he, a little before, had girt his fisher’s coat about him, and walked where he pleased; denoting the liberty of his will in things natural and civil, which every man is possessed of, though not in things spiritual, without the grace of God; and also his freedom of doing what was most grateful to him, without being hindered by, or obliged to ask the leave of others.  But when thou shalt be old; implies, that he should live to a good old age, and be continued to be useful and serviceable in the cause of Christ, in preaching his Gospel, and feeding his lambs and sheep, as he did; for he lived to the times of Nero, under whom he suffered, about forty years after this.  The last portion refers not so much to an inability through old age to gird himself, and therefore should stretch forth his hands, that another might with more ease do it for him, and which would be the reverse of his former and present case; for the word gird is used in another sense than before, and signifies the binding of him as, a prisoner with cords, or chains; so “girding”, with the Jews, is the same as “tying and binding”  referring to either the stretching out of his hands upon the cross, when he should be girt and bound to that; for persons were sometimes fastened to the cross with cords, and not always with nails or, possibly, to his carrying of his cross on his shoulders, with his hands stretched out and bound to the piece of wood which went across;  indeed, either will fit well with what comes next.  Carry thee whither thou wouldst not; that is to a painful, cruel, shameful, and accursed death, the death of the cross; not that Peter in spirit would be unwilling to die for Christ, nor was he; but it signifies, that he should die a death disagreeable to the flesh.

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.  John 21:19

By the above words Christ not only intimated that Peter should die, not a natural, but a violent death, or that he should die a martyr in his cause, but the very kind of death he should die, namely, by crucifixion; and that Peter was crucified at Rome, history confirms, when Christ was magnified, and God was glorified by his zeal and courage, faith and patience, constancy and perseverance to the end.  After Jesus has thus spoken concerning the usage and treatment Peter should meet with, the sufferings he should undergo, and death he should die for his sake, for the present trial of him Jesus rises up, and ordering him to come after him; and yet as a sign of his following him, in a spiritual sense, exercising every grace upon him, discharging every duty towards him, faithfully and constantly performing his work and office, as an apostle and preacher of the Gospel, in which he had now reinstated and confirmed him, and patiently bearing and suffering all kind of reproach, persecution, and death, for his name’s sake.

May we all be as Peter, may we all feed Jesus’ sheep and may we all follow Him!

*Commentary taken in part from John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible

 

 

My Lord and My God

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  John 20:28

I was reading Reveling Through Revelations by J. Vernon McGee this evening and near the end of the commentary on chapter 11 he began talking about how the world will increasingly deny Christ and their need for Him as their Lord and Savior.  He ended by saying he wanted to be like Thomas saying My Lord and my God.  It stuck with me, I have read the story of doubting Thomas dozens of times but those words somehow slipped past me as I read it.  Maybe it helped seeing them out of their actual context, separated from the scene.  But for whatever reason they stood out to me tonight, got me to thinking about Jesus – my Lord and my God – and about Thomas with his skepticism and questioning.

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.  John 20:24-25

See Thomas reminds me of many folks today.  He couldn’t just trust and believe through faith.  Nope, he wanted proof, hard evidence that the man his friends said was Jesus, the man before his eyes really was Jesus.

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.  John 20:26

This verse always makes me think of how it was when I was saved, how I knew He was with me that day, talking to me, right there with me when I gave my heart to Him, whispering Peace child, I am giving you peace, love, hope, eternity.  Fear not anymore, for I am with you always.  I bet Thomas felt sorta the way I did that day.

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.  John 20:27

Ok, well maybe not quite.  Thomas meant it when he said he wanted hard proof that it was Jesus,guess it had to be real for him.  Jesus knew this and He let it get really real, maybe too real, no way, never gonna need that kinda proof. Thomas did though and Jesus understood, just like He understands us today with our doubts, confusion and fears.  I mean it’s hard to step out in faith as a believer, it’s harder still considering that the world is not exactly a walk in the park, bowl full of roses for true believers.  When you live out your faith it convicts others, it heaps those burning coals upon their heads, sets an example for them.  And the more you let Jesus into your heart and let Him change you, cleanse you the more His light shines out, pours out of you into the dark world.

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  John 20:28

The world is full of Thomas’ and we are the proof of Jesus’ love to them.  We are declaring boldly just as Thomas did.  But we are also blessed, more so than Thomas who had been a disciple of Christ, one of the twelve who were closest to Him.  An eyewitness to His miracles, testimony, preaching, to Him!  Didn’t matter though, Thomas just couldn’t make that leap of faith and simply believe.  Believe as a child does that Jesus lives, loves him, and is his Lord and God.  He had to touch Him, touch the proof that He was who he said.

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.  John 20:29

Jesus tells us through Tomas to believe, to have faith, trust, hope and believe even though we have not seen Him as Thomas did.  But the world today is full of Thomas’ demanding proof, wanting to touch His wounds to be sure He is real.  They can’t just believe in faith.  Many may even say they believe, they talk a great game, church most weeks, tell you they’re praying about it (whatever need it may be at that moment), they might even read the Bible.  But they don’t walk the walk, their lives don’t reflect what they say.  They wear Jesus on Sunday and the rest of the week they wear the world because deep down in their hearts they are Thomas, needing to touch His wounds, needing proof.

Jesus told us that this day would come, that in the later days we would see the growth of the apostate church. A church where they focus on the window dressings – the ceremony, the music, what to wear, how fancy the church building is, how much money is in the offering each week, adding more activities, more drama – while cutting out talking about sin and the need for our Savior.  It’s all about routines – planned confessions of faith complete with counseling and training class first, planned testimonies, etc. for them in some churches today.  It hardly seems to be about Jesus at all really.  Now not all churches or all believers are like this, but it is a growing concern.

Or maybe they don’t even say they believe, maybe the

y openly reject Christ as scoffers, unbelievers, as lost sheep searching desperately for the Shepherd they deny needing.  One need only look at the state of the world today to see the evidence.  Whether it is the violence in the world, the disregard for human life especially the most innocent and defenseles

s of lives, the sexual promiscuity and immorality, the lies taught our children in schools – Jesus and God are relegated to Sunday’s only the rest of the week it’s secular so called science which is more of a faith based religion than being a God fearing Christ follower is. They are banned from our schools while other religions are taught along with revisionist histories, skewed biased theories are taught as fact, liberal so called progressive ideas are taught as being the mainstream ideas our nation was founded upon.  They are deniers of Truth in every sense.

Jesus told us these days would come and I pray for all those who are not true believers, who are doubters like Thomas or out right deniers that they realize quickly that they are sinners, they truly are whether they realize it yet or not.  All have sinned and fallen short in God’s eyes – ALL!  We have all sinned in some way whether it is telling a lie – even a little one, committing adultery – Jesus said you didn’t have to touch to be guilty just look with the desire to do so, blaspheming – and yes that popular 3 word phrase starting with “o” is blaspheming, and that’s just three of the ten commandments.  We really are all guilty, and we are all separated from God who is just, righteous, Holy  – who can not be in the presence of sin.  We will all die because the wages or cost of sin is death.  It’s the judgement handed down since Adam in the garden that sin will bring death.  Unless a substitute is made on our behalf, a perfect lamb spotless and without blemish, sinless.  Luckily that substitution was made for us when Jesus – God’s only son – came down to earth fulfilling the prophecies of old (over 200 of them) to live a perfect life free from sin so that He could die on the cross at Calvary and then be raised form the dead three days later, conquering forever the bonds of death, setting all who believe in Him free, offering them eternal life, eternal reconciliation to God the Father in heaven.  All we have to do is ask Him into our hearts, to forgive our sins, to wash us clean, make us whole, to accept us as we are and make us new, to save us that we can spend eternity with Him.

In a growing apostate world I  want to be a voice proclaiming as Thomas did “My Lord and my God.”

I Wanna Be Guilty

I wanna be guilty!  I pray that my life brings honor and glory to His precious name, that those who come in contact with me can see by my words and actions that I am a follower of the One True King, Jesus my Lord and Savior.  That my life reflects His light into the darkness of this world, that sparks may catch in others in order to become a bright flame of believe washing clean their souls.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16

I have thought on this often lately.  There have been several circumstances in my life of late that brought the idea of living out my faith for the world to see.   Of walking the walk not just talking the talk.  There are a few verses I keep going back to, I find them strengthening as I face each day trying to be in the world and a light unto it without allowing it to draw me in, dim my light, hide me, overcome me.

 

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

 

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.  John 1:9

But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.  Matthew 10:33

 

 

Battle Ready!

A couple of years ago we memorized Ephesians 6 as part of my son’s bible studies.  It was hard especially by the time we got all the way into the armor of God in verses 10-20.  Since those verses were so important, so helpful in our walk with Christ, I really wanted him to remember them.  Now he is an auditory kinesthetic learner so I use music a lot in our school time. I had used songs for bible memory verses before so I started looking for one to help with this long passage. The song I found wasn’t a strict word for word one but it was well done, catchy, easy to remember and effect as a reminder. I like it as much as my kid even though it is technically a children’s song, it’s just good. Give it a listen if you want before I get into the real meat of this post, being a soldier for God, armed to the hilt.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.  Ephesians 6:10-20

Being strong in the Lord isn’t always easy, sometimes we face challenges, scoffers, persecution that leaves us feeling weak, unsure, powerless.  At those times we need to remember these words, make them our inner battle cry as we walk courageously in faith with Christ.  When we put on His armor we can withstand anything even the rulers of the darkness of this world!  We know we will face all the things mentioned in 6:12 as followers of Christ, but we also know that our Lord and Savior is bigger than them all and He defeated them on that cross at Calvary.  We know we can stand in our darkest days, facing whatever evil the wicked try to throw our way and shoot it down, standing strong in our faith in Jesus with His word and His strength to lead us, guide us, shield us, protect us.

We know that God is mighty, wise, all powerful, the creator of all things including us and he is complete control of all things, nothing happens outside His great will.  Thus knowing we are putting on our armor, ready to take the light of Christ out into the world knowing the following:

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.  Matthew 17:20

When we arm ourselves with God’s spiritual armor and humbly, sincerly seek His will, guidance and strength through earnest prayer and supplication then we can be assured that God will hear us in heaven and answer our requests.  Granted He doesn’t always answer the way we think he should but He’s God and he kinda knows all so we can trust that even what at the time feels like a not good thing, really is a great thing in the end.

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.  Psalms 4:1

 

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.  Matthew 21:21-22

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  Philippians 4:6

 

Salvation of the O.T. Saints

I have been studying Revelations lately and 6:9-11 always causes me to ponder who those under the throne are.

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.  Revelation 6:9-11

Then one day recently in my husband came home excitedly , he’s pondered over it as well, and said he thought he had it figured out.  He had been using a word by word study guide and it pointed to the old testament saints – those who believed in faith and whom Jesus preached to when He was in the belly of the earth for three days.  Well, that was one of those AHA moments.  It clicked, made perfect sense.  It also got me to wondering just how many of those in the old testament are recorded as being believers in the salvation of the Lord, of faith in the coming of Jesus.  Turns out theirs a lot!  Something like 115 distinct old testament references to salvation and almost all refer to Jesus and His grace.  So I read through them and found a few choice ones to share.

The song of Moses shows that he was a believer in salvation, his faith was strong.  He obeyed the Lord and led the Israelite’s for 40 long years.  He was so favored of God for his faith that God hand chose him, equipped and prepared him, and even blessed him by allowing him the rich privilege of being the recorder of the beginning of the Jews, the beginning of Jesus’ story.

Hannah that early saint, early believer in the salvation of the Lord, the crusher of the serpent’s head, who would one day come and make all things new prayed a prayer of praise to the Lord.

And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
1 Samuel 2:1

Let us not forget that man after God’s own heart, David.  He referred to Christ so often, more than any spoken of in the old testament save the prophets. He has far to many references to share them all so I am just including my favorites, delve into the storyies and psalms of David and see our Savior through his eyes.

And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.  2 Samuel 22:2-3

 

He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.  Psalms 24:5

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalms 27:1

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.  Psalms 40:10

Isaiah gives us probably the clearest, most precise references to Jesus’ gift to us all of salvation in many of his prophecies and preachings.  I chose two that showed, in my opinion, his great faith.

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Isaiah 12:2

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.  Isaiah 49:6

I can’t forget the rest of the prophets which Israel rejected and killed are waiting there as well, and had such strong faith, and whose words are a source of strength, hope and encouragement today.

And finally one of the great verses of prophecy fulfilled by Christ as he rode triumphantly into Jerusalem just a few short days before His death and subsequent victory over the grave!

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.  Zechariah 9:9

Just think that one day we will meet these blessed saints in glory, in heaven.  These saints who believed in faith, believed in hope, believed in Jesus!

How Excellent is Thy Name

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.  (Psalms 8:1)

“Oh Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth.” ~Psalm 8:1

He truly has set His glory in the heavens!  Our science this year for our son has been geology and now we are doing astronomy, it is absolutely breathtaking to look into the heavens!  The beauty, majesty, sheer glory of it.  The heavens do declare the glory of God.And His name truly is proclaimed in all the earth.  Maybe not by man just yet, although one day we know that every knee shall bow to Him, but the very rocks cry out the name of their creator.  We as a family learned so very much from our geology studies the first half of the school year about the wonders of God’s incredible creation.

Many of the resources we are using are of a creationist worldview and they have many references to Psalms which has sent us numerous times reading through that beautiful book of the Bible for more nuggets of truth upon which to grow our understanding of the Lord and our world.  Tonight I would like to share a few of our favorite psalms and verses.  Maybe they will bless you in these long winter days as much as they have us.

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!  (Psalms 8:1-9)

This entire psalm is deeply thought provoking, making take not of the glory of all the Lord has made and our own place within it.  Even though we are a little lower than the angels God humbled himself to become one of us, a precious babe that grew in a family of little stature, just a carpenter’s son, to change the world with His teachings, to die to take away the sins of this once perfect creation that is now groaning in misery and suffering that all who believe in Him might have eternal life, eternal freedom.

 

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.  (Psalms 19:1-14)

David most certainly had a way with words, and a true understanding of God’s works.  He was a man after God’s own heart and it shows in Psalm 19.

The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
(Psalms 24:1-10)

The earth is the Lord’s, he hath founded it – such power in those words, such hope, promise, love.

The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn. The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory. The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever. The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.  (Psalms 29:3-11)

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
(Psalms 33:6-9)

Another of our favorites these verses struck a chord with me, the very thought of the heavens and that is in them being spoken into being – a universe a single spoken sentence.

But this one is by far the one I call to mind most often.  Maybe too often during school time, particularly during math and grammar when there is much wailing and gnashing of teeth happening some days.  I just repeat this verse to myself over and over, well it starts out to myself by the end I am sometimes am praying it aloud!

He has made each and every day, numbered and counted them all, knows them from beginning to end.  That alone is reason enough to rejoice!  Let us be glad and sing praises to the glory of God the creator and keeper of all things, including us!

 

Watchman

So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
(Ezekiel 33:7-9)

God laid these verses upon my heart this week.  They are hard for me because I know God is telling me that I have to warn someone from their wicked way.  But that someone is a friend, and it will be hard.  They may be angry, hurt, offended, say I am judging.  But I’m not.  I’m just leading where the Lord wills.  So tonight I am writing about it, searching out the scriptures I may use, figuring out my approach.  I figure we will all face this type of call at one time or another and maybe you will find this useful as well.  I will stick to the scriptures and my thoughts on why I am choosing them if I can.  I’ll try not to tangent off in a wormhole on you.

So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
(Ezekiel 33:7-9)

These verses make it exceedingly clear that we are to watch out for one another as brethren in Christ, as the spiritual Israel, sounding a warning if we see a brother or sister walking wickedly or sliding into iniquity.  If we see one falling and fail to warn them then we will be held responsible, their blood will be on our hands as well as their own.  Now I do not want you to mistake me here, I don’t think a brother or sister straying, stumbling can cause us in anyway whatsoever to loose our own salvation, to face the final judgement of wrath.  I think however our rewards at the Great White Throne may be less if we fail to make the effort to show love and mercy to one of our own.  Jesus himself makes it clear that no man can snatch us from His hand, I believe that includes ourselves as long as we remain believers.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.
(John 10:27-30)
However, if we warn them in love, making the effort to spare them the folly, pain and suffering culminating in death, of their sin then we will deliver our souls from the judgement of theirs will face, freeing ourselves from the burden of their sin.  That alone is enough reason for me, but it doesn’t tell me how to go about it.  I mean let’s face it when we are in a backsliden condition we don’t like hearing about it, being judged or reminded of it.  Fact is folks don’t always take kindly to a gentle nudge (or a not so gentle one) to get back on the narrow path.  So I want to be well prepared with a method and approach straight from the scriptures.  After all we can’t argue with God, well I guess we could but seriously, why waste our time and his, He’s God he’s gonna win.

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.  (James 5:19-20)

This verse from James is another one that is explicitly clear that we need to have each others backs in this walk with Christ.  We are to love and support one another as brothers and sisters, offering guidance, encouragement, and teaching always but particularly when we see one of our own erring in some grievous way.

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.  (Romans 15:14)

The knowledge we are filled with and equipped with comes from God, found in His Holy Word.  When we rely on His lead and use the tools He has given us then we can teach and admonish with goodness, kindness, love – drawing any who would stray form the fold close within again by pointing them back to our cornerstone, Christ.

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.  (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

We must stand fast on our convictions, when they are firmly rooted in scripture, the infallible word of the Lord, for the Truth taught within is sure, just, and will correct without hurting in a malicious way our beloved brethren.

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
(2 Peter 2:20-22)

You may wonder why we would bother, in many cases to correct a fellow follower of the Lord, to warn our fellow sheep.  We warn them not just for the reasons mentioned in James and Ezekiel above but because we love them and we do not wish to see them come to the dire straights portrayed in these verses from 2 Peter.  That if one who has been saved, has a full knowledge of Christ and his wondrous gift of grace, mercy, his love but turns from it, from the Light of the world back to darkness then it is likened to a dog returning to its vomit, we are warned it will be worse for them in the end that had they never accepted Christ and been saved at all.  That’s a fate I do not want to see any come to, especially not my brothers and sisters in the kingdom.

So I will turn to 2 Thessalonians, Hebrews, and 1 Corinthians to guide my dealings with my brethern after admonishing them, as noted below.  I will continue to love them, pray for them, but I will refrain from keeping company with them that they will be ashamed.

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.  (Hebrews 10:38-39)

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.  (1 Corinthians 5:11-13)

I at first wondered why God would say to keep ourselves away from one who is struggling in his walk, then it hit me.

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
(1 Peter 2:7-8)

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
(James 3:9-12)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
(Philippians 4:8-9)

So you see when we admonish a stumbling brother or sister in love, with respect, dignity, kindness, sincerity, we are following God’s call.  We should not do so in a preachy, holier then thou, better than you, judgemental kinda way though, lest become a true stone of stumbling by dealing in any way less than love.  We should let Jesus’ example of how He dealt with His disciples be our guide, as well as taking into account the books of wisdom such as proverbs and psalms to back up our position, to support why we even bring the issue up, and to convict their hearts with the truth of God’s word.