Saved... Now what?

"From the apostles and the spiritual leaders, your brothers. To their non-Jewish brothers and sisters ...
Dear brothers and sisters,
We have heard that some individuals who came from us have confused you with statements that disturb you. We did not authorize these men to speak. ... The Holy Spirit and we have agreed not to place any additional burdens on you. Do only what is necessary by keeping away from food sacrificed to false gods, from eating bloody meat, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual sins. If you avoid these things, you will be doing what’s right. Farewell!" (Acts 15:23-29 GW) "But we know that no one is made right with God by following the law. It is trusting in Jesus Christ that makes a person right with God. So we have put our faith in Christ Jesus, because we wanted to be made right with God. And we are right with him because we trusted in Christ—not because we followed the law. I can say this because no one can be made right with God by following the law." (Galatians 2:16 ERV) " I want you to put your foot down. Take a firm stand on these matters so that those who have put their trust in God will concentrate on the essentials that are good for everyone." (Titus 3:8 MSG)

Believer or Saved

"You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" (James 2:19) But they aren't saved - everybody talkin' about heaven ain't going there! Want to be sure we are? "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only." (James 2:23-24) "...because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” (Genesis 26:5) 

Surety comes not just by believing the Word of God, but by OBEYING it, through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit ..., having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,..."(1 Peter 1:22-23) Christ Jesus explained it best, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but you don’t do what I say? The people who come to me, who listen to my teachings and obey them—I will show you what they are like: They are like a man building a house. He digs deep and builds his house on rock. ... But the people who hear my words and do not obey are like a man who builds a house without preparing a foundation. When the floods come, the house falls down easily and is completely destroyed.” (Luke 6:46-49 ERV)

Marriage Done Well

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord." (Proverbs 18:22) Marriage done well is a blessing from God! "...because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. ... But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife. ... But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband." (1 Corinthians 7:2, 33, 35) "Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." (Ephesians 5:33) "Marriage is honorable in every way, so husbands and wives should be faithful to each other. God will judge those who commit sexual sins, especially those who commit adultery." (Hebrews 13:4 GW)

(fully clothed couple in the sun's glare)

Listen to: Paul Sheppard "Getting Married, Staying Married" (November 2017 archives tab):

https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/destined-for-victory/listen/

Being Single Well

"There are different reasons why some men don’t marry. Some were born without the ability to produce children. Others were made that way later in life. And others have given up marriage because of God’s kingdom. This is for anyone who is able to accept it.” (Matthew 19:12 ERV) It is possible to be single and do it well! "Now for those [believers] who are not married and for the widows I say this: It is good for you to stay single like me. But if you cannot control your body, then you should marry. It is better to marry than to burn with sexual desire. ... I want you to be free from worry. A man who is not married is busy with the Lord’s work. He is trying to please the Lord. ... A woman who is not married or a girl who has never married is busy with the Lord’s work. She wants to give herself fully—body and spirit—to the Lord. ... I am saying this to help you. I am not trying to limit you, but I want you to live in the right way. And I want you to give yourselves fully to the Lord without giving your time to other things." (1 Corinthians 7:8-9, 32, 34-35 ERV)

 

Listen to: Paul Sheppard "Getting Married, Staying Married" (November 2017 archives tab):

https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/destined-for-victory/listen/

Sexual Morality

“Your own members are aware that there is sexual sin going on among them. This kind of sin is not even heard of among unbelievers…” (1 Corinthians 5:1 GW) “Stay away from sexual sins. Other sins that people commit don’t affect their bodies the same way sexual sins do. People who sin sexually sin against their own bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:18 GW) “Surely you must know that people who practice evil cannot possess God’s kingdom realm. Stop being deceived! People who continue to engage in sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, sexual perversion, homosexuality, fraud, greed, drunkenness, verbal abuse, or extortion—these will not inherit God’s kingdom realm. It’s true that some of you once lived in those lifestyles, BUT now you have been purified from sin, made holy, and given a perfect standing before God—all because of the power of the name of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, and through our union with the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 TPT) We have to decide if what we want to do is more important than what God has called us to be! “Here is the reason: I am the Lord your God. You must live holy lives. Be holy because I am holy. …” (Leviticus 11:44, 45, 19:2, 20:7, 26; 1 Peter 1:16 GW)

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_pQ7qafQcA

 

 

Listen to: Paul Sheppard "Grace or Disgrace" (November 2017 archives tab):

https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/destined-for-victory/listen/

 

Labor That Earns Time Off

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing. On the seventh day, he stopped the work he had been doing. Then God blessed the seventh day and set it apart as holy, because on that day he stopped all his work of creation. … Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to farm the land and to take care of it.” (Genesis 2:2-3,15 GW) Daysoff/weekends/holidays/vacations are a temporary break from our labor; but, “… If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) Let’s be thankful we have a job/school that we’re able to go to; and, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve.” (Colossians 3:23-24 GNT)

Happy to Give Thanks!

"Don’t drink wine excessively. The drunken path is a reckless path. It leads nowhere. Instead, let God fill you with the Holy Spirit.When you are filled with the Spirit, you are empowered to speak to each other in the soulful words of pious songs, hymns, and spiritual songs; to sing and make music with your hearts attuned to God; and to give thanks to God the Father every day through the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed for all He has done." (Ephesians 5:18-20 VCE) "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." (Colossians 5:15-17 NLT) HAPPY TO GIVE THANKS!

 

 

God Speaks, Our Hearts Hear

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” (John 1:1-2) God’s Word spoke from the beginning of time, before words were written on paper; God convicts man’s conscience, even without the written word! “God’s anger is revealed from heaven against every ungodly and immoral thing people do as they try to suppress the truth by their immoral living. What can be known about God is clear to them because he has made it clear to them.” (Romans 1:18-19 GW) “The heavens declare the glory of God; … There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” (Psalm 19:1-4) God isn’t silent if the Bible is closed!

God's Seal vs. Satan's Mark

“You must not cut your body for the dead [a pagan sign of mourning; Deut. 14:1; Jer. 16:6; 41:5] or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:28 EXB) We must be careful of the marks we choose to bear, especially if we are sealed! Satan will mark man physically; “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark [Rev. 13:17-18, 14:9-11, 15:2, 16:2, 19:20, 20:4]…” (Revelations 13:16) But, God seals man Spiritually; “…in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,…” (Ephesians 1:13) “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)

The Just Died for the Unjust

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited…” (1 Peter 3:18-20) “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) If we grieve over the loss of a mortal body, how much more does God grieve over the loss of an immortal soul!

Wise and Faithful Stewards

“Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) We must be wise stewards, managers of our God given time, treasures, and talents. We must use our temporal gifts in a way that will benefit us eternally. “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17) “If we get this straight now, we won’t have to be straightened out later on. Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery confrontation later.” (1 Corinthians 11:31-32 MSG)

Judge Not, or Judge Righteously

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37) BUT, do practice “…speaking the truth in love, …” (Ephesians 4:15) What is the “truth”? “[God’s] WORD is truth.” (John 17:17) “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) Christ Jesus said, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the WORD that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48) God loved us too much to lie to us; we should have that same love one to another!

Grace, Forgiveness and Consequences

So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” ... And Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear!" (Genesis 4:6-7, 13) Grace offers warnings and subsequently forgiveness, but it does not remove the consequences. Choose wisely...

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+4&version=NKJV

 

What's Wrong With Religion? Jesus Makes it Very Clear!

What's wrong with religion? The same thing that's wrong with every organized entity in the world...people are in it, with our imperfect selves! People with our self imposed ideas and traditions lead to over 30,000 denominations within the Christian religion. But, it's not just the Christian religion: the Islam religion has over 100,000 sects and sub-sects; Judaism has several sects; Buddhism has a few different sects. Even non-religious groups have different sub-groups: there are at least 17 different forms of Atheism and Agnosticism. Just like in a place of business, there are different departments, and within those departments, their are smaller "cliques".

Denominations, sects, "sub-groups", "cliques" are all basically the same thing - a smaller group (sect, cult, movement, body, branch, persuasion, order, school, etc.) of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them. The only separation that Christ Jesus taught was that His "church" be sanctified, set apart from the world by the Truth, the Word of God; "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth." (John 17:15-19)

So, what's the "church" vs. religions and denominations? The first time the world "church" is used in scripture, Jesus is talking with His disciples and asks, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:13-19)

The "church" is the body of believers built on the "rock", the foundation of Christ Jesus, the Son of the living God, who have an eternal assurance, the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And, the church has the commandment from Jesus to teach the "gospel", the truth of who He is to the world regarding what He did for the world, just as Jesus had done from the beginning of His earthly ministry. (numerous scriptures) The Apostle Paul explained the gospel in this way, "Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time." (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)

The church continued to grow and grow, And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47) But as it grew, ...a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1) However, this was necessary in order that "... this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations,..." (Matthew 24:14) Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. (Acts 9:31)

The church never called itself any other name. During the church's persecution, people outside of the church gave them the name "Christian"; ... And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. (Acts 11:26) When the Jewish religious leaders were trying to get Paul persecuted for preaching the gospel, after Paul explained his religious background and conversion to "the Way", as the followers of Christ Jesus were described, Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” (Acts 26:28) Because of the amount of persecution that the church was suffering and the amount of followers that were being martyred, the Apostle Peter instructed them, "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." (1 Peter 4:16) These are the only three times the word "Christian" is used in the scripture.

So why is it used now? The same reason that any other religious group uses the name it uses, to create separation from others and to not readily allow others to join them. This was true from the beginning of civilization on the earth outside of the Garden of Eden. It was evident throughout every race and nation of people throughout scripture. That's why, when Christ Jesus started His earthly ministry, He continued to harshly chastise the Jewish religious leaders. His most stern chastisement was towards the Scribes and the Pharisees. 

Scribes were a group of Jewish leaders who flourished from the time of the Exile until the destruction of the Jewish state by Titus (70 a.d.). Originally their name was used merely of clerks whose function was to copy royal and sacred manuscripts. Pharisees comes from the Hebrew and Aramaic parush or parushi, which means "one who is separated." It may refer to their separation from Gentiles, sources of ritual impurity or from irreligious Jews. The Pharisees were considered the most expert and accurate expositors of Jewish law. (Bible dictionary definitions)

In Matthew 23, Jesus issues many "woe" warnings to these Jewish religious leaders: Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ 8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves,nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. 15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ 17 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? 18 And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ 19 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 20 Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. 21 He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. 22 And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.

23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 24 Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, 30 and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ 31 “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. 

33 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? 34 Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation."

Jesus made it very clear what was wrong with religion - the religious leaders and people's self-imposed traditions and beliefs! James explained in his letter to the church, "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. ... Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist,confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (James 3:1,13-18) This clearly summarizes what Jesus explained to the Scribes and Pharisees was their problem, and the problem with many religious leaders today.

Many religious leaders start out with good intentions, but Jesus describes what oftentimes eventually happens; “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 7 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men..." (Mark 7:6-8) The Apostle Paul reiterated this; Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. ... having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:8,13-15)

So should we quit participating in religious forms of worship within denominations or non-denominational churches? Not at all! The Apostle Paul said, 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. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:22-25) For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:33)

The key is to do your research and not just follow the "traditions of men" or traditions of our families. The first step is to study about and visit different churches and make sure of the following things before making a decision:

- Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. (Hebrews 13:7) Learn about the leaders within the church, how they conduct themselves not just in church, but also outside of the church. The Apostle Paul gave clear instruction about leadership within the church; If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise deacons must be... (1 Timothy 3:1-8)

- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. (Hebrews 13:8) Make sure the Truth is being taught, clearly and accurately, as the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy when he became a new leader in the church; Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. (2 Timothy 2:15-17) Paul also warned the members of the church, For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! (2 Corinthians 11:2-4)

- Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17) Most people don't like the words obey and submit, but that is necessary in Christ Jesus church. But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:22-23) 

Christ Jesus relationship to the church is just like a husband to his wife. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. (Ephesians 5:22-29)

Just as a wife should not have a problem obeying and submitting to a husband who love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, a church member should not have a problem obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Just make sure to considering the outcome of their conduct. Be very careful to choose very wisely anyone, whether personal or spiritual, that we put between us and Christ. We know the head of Christ is God, so we have to be very sure the head of every man is Christ before we put ourselves under submission to anyone.

So, the conclusion regarding religion is this - no one religion or denomination is perfect because they're all filled with imperfect people, just like no company, business or any other entity is perfect for the same reason; but, that doesn't stop us from working or joining or participating or becoming a member of the worldly things, and the worldly things are temporary, For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

If we can invest so much time and energy in the worldly things that won't last, we shouldn't stop attending and participating in the church, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. 25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,... (Hebrews 12:23-25)

We just have to make sure to do our "due diligence" to find the right church for us -  where the whole counsel of God is taught, all the books of the Bible; one that has a leader who is blameless and without reproach; and, where you enjoy the style of worship, regardless of denomination or non-denomination. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Being a "Streetwise" Christian!

When I initially read Luke 16:1-13, I didn't get it...

He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2 So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’

3 “Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.’

5 “So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ 8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.

9 “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. 10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? (Luke 16:1-12)

Initially, it seemed that Jesus was teaching it's okay to lie, steal and bribe so that we can receive favor from man - of course He wasn't; but after reading the passage in various other translations, the Message version made it very clear...

Now here’s a surprise: The master praised the crooked manager! And why? Because he knew how to look after himself. Streetwise people are smarter in this regard than law-abiding citizens. They are on constant alert, looking for angles, surviving by their wits. I want you to be smart in the same way—but for what is right—using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to concentrate your attention on the bare essentials, so you’ll live, really live, and not complacently just get by on good behavior.” 

10-13 Jesus went on to make these comments:
If you’re honest in small things,
you’ll be honest in big things;
If you’re a crook in small things,
you’ll be a crook in big things.
If you’re not honest in small jobs,
who will put you in charge of the store?
No worker can serve two bosses:
He’ll either hate the first and love the second
Or adore the first and despise the second.
You can’t serve both God and the Bank. (Luke 16:8-13 MSG)

God wants us to be wise in making daily life decisions. Before we were saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, ...you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8-10) The "steward" or "crooked manager" in the passage was still operating in darkness, but we who are saved, we are no longer to operate in darkness; however, we are to take certain survival skills we learned while we were in "darkness" and use them in the "light", ...using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival,...

The definition of being streetwise is having the experience and knowledge necessary to deal with the potential difficulties or dangers of life in an urban environment; and street-smart is a person who has alot of common sense and knows what's going on in the world. This person knows what every type of person has to deal with daily and understands all groups of people and how to act around them. This person also knows all the current things going on in the streets... and knows how to make his own right decisions, knows how to deal with different situations and has his own independent state of mind. A street smart person isn't stubborn and actually listens to and understands things. 

Some examples of using our streetwise or street-smart senses towards becoming "soul wise" are the following:
- pay attention to our surroundings - These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying:... “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men,..." (Matthew 10:5,16-17)
- be careful who our friends are - Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (I Corinthians 15:33)
- try not to make any enemies - If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18)
- spend less and save more - The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5)
- don't borrow unless necessary and only what we can afford to pay back - The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7)

- don't use our name as a guarantee for someone else - One with no sense shakes hands on a deal, securing a loan for a friend. (Proverbs 17:18 CEB)

- take care of our bodies - Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

- treat others the way we want to be treated - “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. 13 “You shall not murder. 14 “You shall not commit adultery. 15 “You shall not steal. 16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 17 “You shall not covet ... (Exodus 20:12-17)

- live each day with the end in mind - For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. (2 Peter 2:20-21)
- put first things first - Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
- etc...

The main problem with the manager in the passage was, and the same is for everyone who uses crooked methods to seek personal gain, For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18-19) "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36)

We who are saved have to keep in mind that this life isn't the end. God created all mankind with an eternal soul, and ...we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10) So when we see people appear to be getting what they want in this life by practicing the ways of darkness, remember Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house is increased; 17 For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him. 18 Though while he lives he blesses himself (for men will praise you when you do well for yourself), 19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. 20 A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, is like the beasts that perish. (Psalm 49:16-20)

Jesus concluded the teaching about the manager saying, 13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.(Luke 16:13-15) AMEN!

The ONLY One Worthy of Ascension!

Christ Jesus made a very profound statement to the disciples at their last supper together, ...before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. ... Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 13:1,14:6)

Is Jesus the ONLY way to salvation and reconciliation with God the Father? If so, why? There are many world faiths and religions, and, if they believe in God, they all feel that their way is THE way for mankind to reconcile their relationship with God. So, how could Christ Jesus make such a definitive declaration about Himself and Christianity continue to profess it? God has a requirement for ALL people who desire to have an eternal relationship with Him, ...He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (I Peter 1:15-16)

Let's briefly consider great leaders from other faiths and religions. The great "prophet" of the Islamic faith, Muhammad was a murderer, rapist, and bigamist; and after he died, he was buried and his remains are still in the grave to this day in a mosque in the city of Medina. Buddha was an exceptional person from a young age, but he was not  a perfect man; and after he died, he was cremated and his ashes distributed among eight temples. Bahá'u'lláh sought to know God in a very real way and even believed that there was only one God, but he was not a perfect man; and the Bahá’í faith teaches perfect unity between God, religion and humanity in this life. We can watch the daily news and know that's not true. After he died, he was buried and his remains are still in the grave to this day in Bahji.

We could go on and on - Mark Baker Eddy of Christian Science died, he was buried and his remains are still in the grave to this day in Cambridge; Confucius of Confucianism died, he was buried and his remains are still in the grave to this day in Qufu; Joseph Smith of Mormonism died, he was buried and his remains are still in the grave to this day in Nauvoo; L. Ron Hubbard of Scientology died and was cremated and his ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean; etc... None of these religious leaders were perfect and all of their remains can or have been physically handled.

All of those comparisons to make the first point, that no other faith or religion has a leader that could meet the "holy" requirements of God. All of them just as all of us were imperfect people.  However, the Apostle Peter quoted the Prophet Isaiah regarding Christ Jesus, “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth." (1 Peter 2:22; Isaiah 53:9) The Apostle John reiterated this truth, "And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin." (1 John 3:5) Even the criminal hanging on the cross to the right of Jesus when He was crucified said to the other criminal hanging on the left side, "And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23:41)

The second point is that since God is Holy and therefore, we can only have a relationship with Him if we are holy, we on our own could never meet the requirement God demands, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (I Peter 1:15-16); because, ...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and ...the wages of sin is death,... (Romans 6:23) That's why God instituted making sacrifices for sins with the children of Israel, because the system symbolized what was required, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul." (Leviticus 17:11)

An argument could be made that the faith and religious leaders mentioned previously were great men by man's standards and some may have even done some pretty wonderful and noteworthy things; but, none of them were perfect. They all had sinned and had to bear their own sins; therefore, they could not bear anyone else's sins! There was only one great Man, one Prophet, one person throughout human history who met the holy requirements of God, and therefore was able to bear the sins of all mankind. Proof of that is that Christ Jesus, just like all the other men mentioned, died and He was buried; BUT, His remains did not stay in the grave! 

King David prophesied about the future Messiah, " My flesh also will rest in hope.10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption." (Psalm 16:9-10) The Prophet Isaiah prophesied, ...For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of My people He was stricken. 9 And they made His grave with the wicked— but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. [John 19:38-52] 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. ... By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:8-12)

Christ Jesus knew His purpose for coming to earth in human form, and accepted it as the will of God; “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” (John 10:17-18) "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." (John 15:13) And to prove that He was indeed the ONLY Son of God and the ONLY way for mankind to be reconciled with God, "...God raised [Him] up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it." (Acts 2:24)

The Apostle Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost made it very clear about the difference between other great men (specifically King David) and Christ Jesus; “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses." (Acts 2:29-32)

God didn't leave Christ Jesus in the grave, as He had all the other self-proclaimed saviors of mankind, ...but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. (Hebrews 9:26-28)  "Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:40-43)

Beware of all the false teachers and traditions of men; as the Apostle Paul said, But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! ... For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.(2 Corinthians 11:3-4,13-15)

Jesus is the ONLY way! And, He is the ONLY One Who ascended back to heaven! "No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:13-17) AMEN!

Sermon Series worth listening to, "Christ Among Other Gods" by Erwin Lutzer:
https://www.moodymedia.org/sermons/christ-among-other-gods/

Family...

Family is an interesting thing. The Greek and Hebrew words translated family means a circle of relatives, tribe or people; paternal descent, a group of families or a whole race. We all have a family we're born into, just as Christ Jesus did; "...the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest;..." (Luke 1:30-32) "...After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21)

Even though Christ Jesus was Lord, God the Son in flesh, which Mary and Joseph knew from His incarnation, He was not "Beloved" by anyone other than the Father (Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22), and maybe Mary (Luke 2:19) and Joseph (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3).

Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
3 He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. (Isaiah 53:1-3)

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying:
“I will declare Your name to My brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”
13 And again:
“I will put My trust in Him.”
And again:
“Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:10-18)

Not only did Mary and Joseph know that Christ Jesus wasn't an "ordinary" child, but as He grew up, others came to realize it too...

Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” 49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. 51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:46-52) 

Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. 4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. (Mark 6:1-6, Matthew 13:53-58)

When Christ Jesus first started His earthly ministry, many disciples followed Him, but as He continued teaching and revealing more Truth to them, Jesus told them, "...It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more." (John 6:63-66)

Unfortunately, this will also happen in our own lives, if we continue to be faithful followers of Christ Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit of Truth. As we live our lives striving to be obedient to God's Word and under conviction of sin, righteousness and judgement (John 16:5-15), most people will turn away from us and only a faithful few remain. A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs18:24)

And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. 14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: 16 Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter; 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”; 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. (Mark 3:13-19; Matthew 10:1-4; Luke 6:12-16)

After the many disciples chose to turn away, Christ Jesus asked the remaining twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:67-69) However, even though His circle of many dwindled down to a circle of few, there was still one in the group that He knew wasn't there for the right reason, but he was there for God's purpose; Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve. (John 6:70-71) Sometimes God will still allow "haters" to be near us, but they too play a part in God fulfilling His plan for our lives, and theirs.

All of this to get to the point about family, who is our family? After we become Christians, "family" may not continue to be who we've always believed it to be. While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. 47 Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” 48 But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” 49 And He [looked around in a circle at those who sat about] stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! [My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.] 50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21)

This Truth is hard to accept because at some point we're all going to have to deal with letting go of people, including family members. When we become Christians, our first responsibility is to be obedient to the Word of God, and not only does He teach us to love (Mark 12:29-31) and forgive (Luke 17:3-4) and help those in need (Matthew 25:31-46); but He also teaches us to let go of the past (Philippians 3:12-15), shake off people who refuse to hear and believe the Truth (Mark 6:7-11) and change their lifestyle (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15), and those who try to or may tempt us to go back into our old way of thinking and living (1 Corinthians 15:33-34).

Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. (Matthew 10:34-39)

When Moses blessed the tribes of Israel before he died, he spoke the following blessing over the tribe of Levi, the tribe specifically chosen by God to serve Him exclusively in His tabernacle and intercede on behalf of all the children of Israel (Numbers 1:47-53)...
Then he told Levi:

“Give your Thummim to Levi,
your Urim to your faithful one—...
the one who said of his own mother and father: ‘I don’t consider them as such’;
of their siblings: ‘I don’t recognize them’;
of their own children, ‘I don’t know them’—
but who obeyed your words
and who guarded your covenant!
10 They teach your case laws to Jacob,
your Instruction to Israel.
They hold sweet incense to your nose;
put the entirely burned offering on your altar.
11 I pray that the Lord blesses Levi’s strength,
favors his hard work,
and crushes the insides of his enemies
so that those who hate him can’t fight anymore.” (Deuteronomy 33:8-11 CEB)

The Levites forsook everyone, even family, in order to serve God in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24) And if we have family who doesn't believe and may want to hinder us from following God's will for our lives, we may have to forsake them also. As the Apostle Paul made very clear, Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. ... 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:16-20)

Of course our desire is to be able to continue having relationships with all people we've called friends and especially our family members. But, it may become necessary to let certain relationships go, as the Apostle Paul explained, But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” (1 Corinthians 5:11-13)

However, we must pray for them, and if it be God's will, the Apostle Paul also instructs us to be reconciled with them once they repent. But if anyone has caused grief,... —not to be too severe. 6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. (2 Corinthians 2:5-8)

It may not be easy, but Christ Jesus never promised that anything about living this Christian life in this sinful world would be easy. (John 16:31-33) That's why He sent His Holy Spirit to fill us and empower us to live this life successfully, even when those close to us may turn away. (John 14-16) But, He also prayed to the Father for us, and we should meditate on these words and take comfort in them, knowing that no matter what, nor who comes and goes in our lives, we are not alone...

“I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. 9 I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours." (John 17:6-9)

"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth." (John 17:14-19)

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." (John 17:20-23) AMEN