Why Christians are Hypocrites

No one likes a hypocrite—someone who says one thing and does another. Among all hypocrites, the Christian hypocrite is perhaps most unlikable and most visible. Shouldn't those named as followers of Jesus Christ be, instead, most able to follow through on the beliefs they uphold?

No matter who you are, you have certainly been hurt or offended by a "Christian hypocrite." The blame belongs entirely to us, and not to Jesus. At least three reasons explain the problem.

1. The person claiming to follow Jesus Christ isn't a true Christian

There are two kinds of false Christians: those who are deceptive, and those who are ignorant.

"Beware of false prophets [preachers], who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruit."
~ Jesus, Matthew 7:15-16 (NKJV)

The person is downright dangerous who uses God's name or words as leverage to advance personal agenda. Although cult leaders fall into this category, so do many other appealing religious personalities, whose message never actually exalts Jesus Christ as Lord and God.

Jesus taught that the way to discern between true and false teachers is to examine the fruit of their lives. Whatever their good deeds, however successful or persuasive, false teachers fail to produce the spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) of thankful joy, peace amid affliction or conflict, patience (with trying people and situations), active kindness, goodness in response to evil, faith to confront uncertainty, humble gentleness, self-control (rather than gratification of unhealthy desires), and, above all, selfless love.

Like the devil himself, false preachers are agents of darkness who masquerade as ministers of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Such people, and their message, are to be rejected.

Other false Christians, however, are trying to be right. But they are going about it the wrong way, according to their own definition of right and wrong, in ignorance of God's definitions.

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
~ Romans 10:3 (NKJV)

Regrettably, true Christians can also display ignorance—a second reason for hypocrisy.

2. Christians are ignorant

Please note that doesn't say "some" Christians.

Every single Christian has knowledge of some incredible truths about Jesus Christ, which make possible the faith that creates an entirely new person. Those incredible truths get us Christians pretty excited. In fact, we can sometimes latch onto one truth at the expense of other truths, or even at the expense of the most important truths.

Without balance, any truth can become error.

Example: God is love. Love does good. God's love coexists with His allowance of suffering. Without understanding both truths, Christians either expect not to suffer, or see suffering as occasion to question God's love and goodness. A balanced knowledge of God's love sees that He allows pain for our benefit. (Hebrews 12:6-11; Romans 8:18,28; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

No matter how much truth about God that we gain, we Christians remain ignorant of far more. And if we're also ignorant of our ignorance, we can start to think that the truth we do have makes us wise enough …

For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion …
~ Romans 11:25 (NKJV)

… which is a third and probably most significant reason that Christians display hypocrisy.

3. Christians are incomplete

Human nature does things our own way. A Christian accepts God's ways as best. God puts in our hearts not only this understanding, but the desire and ability to do things His way.

Yes, I know that nothing good lives in me—I mean nothing good lives in the part of me that is earthly and sinful. I want to do the things that are good, but I do not do them. I do not do the good things I want to do, but I do the bad things I do not want to do.
~ Romans 7:18-19 (NCV)

Though Christians want to do things God's way, we continue to battle against the sin that goes to the core of our hearts. The more Christians grow in knowledge and understanding and faith, the more complete we become in a new, spiritual nature—the more we become like Christ Himself.

This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him.
~ Ephesians 4:13 (CEV)

When Christians think we've already become what we're supposed to be, we cannot deny the label of hypocrite. But when we transparently admit our ignorance and imperfection, our failings and sin; when we acknowledge that we simply aspire to be like Jesus Christ; when we put the emphasis on Him rather than ourselves (or—God forbid!—on the sin of others), then we grow less and less like hypocrites.

I rely upon this: that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 1:6

No matter who you are, please have patience with Christians, who are still becoming mature in producing that spiritual fruit mentioned above. And please, beware of listening to the false Christians, who have no such fruit.

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2013, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

What is Born Again

How does someone "get saved"?

How do I know if I'm saved?

What does it mean to be "born again"?

"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."
~ John 3:16 (NKJV)

The Christian life involves many steps of believing—of faith. Exactly which step assures that a person has been eternally saved from sin's death penalty and been born again as a child of God, becoming an heir to everlasting life and all of God's spiritual gifts?

Consider skydiving, which requires faith in a parachute.

A first step of faith is skydiving lessons. Other necessary steps are putting on the parachute and getting in the airplane. Depending on the skydiving school and rules involved, a person may take other steps of faith such as being harnessed to an instructor (for a beginner's tandem jump), attaching a line to the airplane (for a static line jump), or walking out onto the wing.

None of these steps proves faith in the parachute. When the moment of truth arrives, a few people decide to make the trip back down in the plane rather than release the plane. A person may have claimed to believe in the parachute, and may have even taken some steps to demonstrate it, but they never actually put faith in the parachute.

The person who does jump out of the plane has no recourse in the airplane, nor in an ability to sprout wings and fly, nor in forgiveness from gravity. For better or for worse, for life or for death, all reliance—all faith—has been placed in the parachute.

Sometimes "rely" is a more active word than "believe" and a more tangible word than "faith."

Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
~ 2 Corinthians 1:9 (ESV)

Believing in Jesus involves a number of steps of faith. Various denominations emphasize different steps. The Bible (God's Word) describes two defining steps of faith:

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
~ Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)

God accepts neither "claim" or false confession. To confess "Jesus is Lord" is to truthfully testify that Jesus is Lord and God of my life. To believe Jesus is raised from the dead is to transfer my reliance upon things which are seen but dying and put my reliance upon the unseen yet living Jesus.

“The cross isn’t just something God did. The cross is the very essence of who God is.”
~ Robert Mulholland

Being born again acclaims not merely me and what I get, but most especially Jesus and what He gives.

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
~ Romans 14:8-9 (NKJV)

When Jesus is Lord of my life, I receive His resurrection life. And I have assurance that I have been saved from sin and sin's penalty of Hell because I have the heart of a new creature.

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 (KJV)

~ ~ ~

This is the first in a series on Christianity Basics, to include topics such as
"What is the Holy Spirit?"
"Why are Christians Hypocrites?"
"What is Holiness?"
"What Should a Christian Look Like?"
"Why Hasn't Christianity Worked for Me?"

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2013, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Façade of Grace

For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
~ John 1:17 (NKJV)

To live under the moral law is to live under an intolerable burden of fear and guilt, inequity and judgment, condemnation of self and neighbor. One who lives by this law sees unrighteousness everywhere and is miserable at the sight.

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill."
~ Matthew 5:17 (NKJV)

To make an exchange of my life for the life of Jesus Christ is to live under moral law fulfilled, in the freedom under the law of the Spirit of life …

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
~ Romans 8:2 (NKJV)

… in the freedom of being an eternal debtor to grace.

Living as a debtor to the moral law—the law of sin and death—is torment. Living as a debtor to the law of grace is to comprehend the price paid for freedom from the former law, to revel in new-found worth and gratitude, to indulge in lavishing grace and love upon others.

"Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."
~ Matthew 24:11-12 (NKJV)

The lawless person refuses to acknowledge a debt to any law. If knowledgeable enough to hear that forgiveness of sins is available through Jesus, but unwilling to conduct the transaction of life for life with God, such a person is compelled to build for himself a façade of grace. He will assert—indeed, he may demand—an entitlement to grace from God and fellow man alike.

Such a one is unacquainted with grace and has rejected truth. He would be better off as a slave to the moral law, that he might hunger for freedom.

"Then Jesus said to those who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
~ John 8:31-32 (NKJV)

Father, thank You for sending Truth to us. Lord Jesus, thank You for paying the price of freedom. Holy Spirit, thank You for unfathomable grace.

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

No Shame

This post is seventh and final in the Psalm 127 series "Live Like a King."

~ ~ ~

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:56 (NKJV)

With sin comes death and shame.

God said of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, "In the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." Worse than the slow physical death which began on that day they tasted sin, Adam and Eve experienced an immediate spiritual death and its accompanying spiritual barrenness. Fig leaves became a pitiful substitute for the clothing of righteousness.

So like the barren tree which also attempted to cover itself with fig leaves (Matthew 21:19), mortals came under God's curse. The labor to bring forth fruit from earth and womb are trivial next to our struggle for the soul's spiritual fruit. And as if the consummate penalty—God's face being hidden from us—were not sufficient, we also have an accuser who day and night recounts the details of our sins (Revelation 12:10), making a case for our condemnation before God.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
~ Romans 8:31 (NKJV)

The Ten Commandments were kept inside the Ark of the [Old] Covenant, beneath the mercy seat of God, covered with atonement blood and glory of YHWH—all of it merely representative of the true mercy seat in Heaven's court, where the law which condemns is covered with the atonement blood of Jesus Christ's New Covenant.

Now.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
~ Romans 8:1-2 (NKJV)

The accuser —(both "satan" [from the Hebrew śâṭân] and "devil" [from the Greek diabolos] mean "accuser")—must make his case based on the law. Once we are adopted as children of our Father in Heaven, we become subject to His paternal discipline for our sinful words, actions, thoughts, and feelings, but we are no longer subjects to the law, its demands, or its penalties (Matthew 17:25-26).

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
~ Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

During every mortal's sojourn in this world under curse, a case is now being built: our lives compile evidence and give testimony in a case for condemnation under law, or a case for faith under the blood of Jesus.

Our spiritual fruit is evidence of the Holy Spirit within us (Galatians 5:22-23). Our word of testimony to the blood of Jesus overcomes testimony of the accuser. (Revelation 12:11) Our spiritual clothing, clean and bright, is our righteous acts (Revelation 19:8).

They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
~ Psalm 127:5 (NKJV)

Though we experience the consequences of sin during our sojourn, we who are Christ's can live like royalty, secure in the knowledge that we stand in the gates of God, accused by our enemy's words and yet bearing no shame.

Right now.

Thank You, Lord. Thank You for covering our shame with royal garments of righteousness. Please give us courage to cooperate with all that You work on the inside.

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Enough!

This is the first in a series of posts planned on the theme "Enough!"

Throughout my five arduous decades, I've consistently been more of a fighter than a quitter. But sometimes a situation just wears a person out, provoking a declaration of "Enough!"

There's no doubt that the Lord can sustain a person through the most discouraging or exasperating situation. But of course, one must actually go to the Lord to obtain that sustenance.

"And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' "
~ Jesus, from the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Matthew 25:1-13

Many heroes and heroines of the faith before us have reached the place of feeling they've run out of light. Their examples teach us not only that there is only one place to obtain spiritual oil (John 6:68), but also that our anointing has a supply of sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The Lord said we would be tested. Trials make known those who are truly His, and those who only appropriate His name and His gifts. The Bible warns of the peril for those who merely "taste" of God's spiritual gifts—those content to partake in the Holy Spirit and Word of God to the extent that pleases themselves—whose "end is to be burned" (Hebrews 6:4-8).

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."
~ Jesus, from the Parable of Two Builders, Matthew 7:21-27

Some churches preach that a person needs only speak a sinner's prayer to obtain eternal salvation, and then "once saved, always saved."

Some churches preach a person can sin and lose one's salvation, but can always repent to regain it—"revolving door salvation."

Jesus assures that no one snatches His sheep out of His hand. He also identifies His sheep as those who know His voice and follow Him. (John 10:1-15)

To know Jesus is to identify with not only His name but His entire character. To declare Jesus "Lord" is to accept His spiritual life in displacement of a life lived for Self.

If I accept Jesus, I refuse to deny Jesus when He allows suffering to show up at my door and prove whether or not I'm really His.

"Blessed is any weight, however overwhelming,
that God has been so good as to fasten
with His own hand upon our shoulders."
~ Frederick W. Faber

Good and loving Shepherd, we are but weak sheep. For Your name's sake, help us not grow weary in doing good.

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Faith That Trembles

Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him ... for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
~ John 12:42-43 (NKJV)

These rulers believed in Jesus. But if Paul's words of Romans 10:9-10 are taken into account, then their failure to confess Jesus indicates they were also not yet saved.

Saving faith is not a private matter, between a human and God alone. To believe without works and confession is no more than the useless knowledge of truth that a demon possesses (James 2:17-19)—and James says that even demons have the sense to tremble.

If we have confessed with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, do our actions offer the same testimony and give glory to God? Do we have enough sense to tremble as we work out our salvation?

... that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore ... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
~ Philippians 2:10-12 (NKJV)

Belief is of little value until it becomes more than academic and gives glory to God.

Please permit me to be so bold as to suggest that you to stop and think about whatever truth has God most recently revealed to you.

What have you done to act upon it, so that your faith is more than that of Pharisees?

Father God, thank You for the truth and light You give. Please increase our faith! Please give us enough fear to act upon faith. Please make our love for Your glory to abound.

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Failing a Miracle

And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted.
~ John 6:11 (NKJV)

This miracle—of Jesus multiplying five barley loaves and two fish to feed 5,000 men—is one of the few events in Jesus' life which are depicted by all four Gospels.

Each account begins by highlighting a different aspect of the miracle's context. Matthew, Mark and Luke also depict the disciples pointing out to Jesus the problem of feeding a large crowd late in the day, in a deserted place where provisions are unavailable. John gives us a fuller perspective—the disciples were responding to a test:

Jesus said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
~ John 6:5-6 (NKJV)

As a demonstration of Jesus' power as Son of God, all four Gospels show the miracle as a huge success. But John also shows us that for many of Jesus' disciples—people who had indicated their commitment to follow in His footsteps—the miracle results in a dramatic "FAIL":

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
~ John 6:66 (NKJV)

Determining the measure of our belief or identity of His true disciples is never something God proves to Himself, since He already sees a person's heart (verse 64). God's tests serve to continually show us where we do not believe, and then asks if we will persist in unbelief, or will now choose to believe and follow.

Failure lies not in recognizing our lack of faith, but in what we do with that knowledge. Many disciples turn back. Others choose to take a new step of faith:

Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
~ John 6:67-69 (NKJV)

Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Question of the Week: How do I Recognize the Kingdom of God?

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What is the Kingdom of God, how do I get there, and how do I know it when I see it?
Russell Holloway, blog host

The last two weeks described what God's kingdom is and how to enter it now. This week's conclusion examines how we recognize the presence of God's kingdom.

Now when [Jesus] was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."
~ Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV)

Here are two excerpts from this week's answer ...


There are modern day Pharisees who attempt to create a kingdom defined by culture—certain ways of speaking, dressing, behaving. There are modern day Sadducees who would make a kingdom of this world by using God's name as excuse to pursue connections, pleasure, and control...


We recognize the presence of the kingdom wherever –
• sacrificial love overcomes apathy and hatred
• joy brings strength amid affliction
• perfect peace prevails amid turmoil
• patient longsuffering meets irritation and trial
• active kindness is antidote to condemnation and bitterness
• obedient goodness challenges evil
• trusting faithfulness confronts doubt
• meek gentleness faces pride
• temperate self-control overcomes lust for immediate gratification

The remainder of the answer appears at Bullets & Butterflies.

: : :

Question of the Week and Anne will take a break for several weeks. In the meantime, you can find answers to plenty of Bible questions at the site Bible.com. You're also welcome to email Anne anytime and say hello at buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com


© 2011 Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

The Time to See Jesus

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"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.
~ Matthew 25:31-32 (NKJV)

We await the day when we look upon Jesus in His glory, seated as King upon His throne. The choice we make now between Light and Darkness determines whether we find ourselves on His right hand or His left.

We prove that choice with the actions of faith.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
~ Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

Some of us will be called to take a stand for Christ's righteousness, which will require us to lay down our lives so that others might see Jesus in us.

"Then the King will say to those on His right hand,
'Come, you blessed of My Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you ...
for I was hungry and you gave Me food;
I was thirsty and you gave Me drink;
I was a stranger and you took Me in;
I was naked and you clothed Me;
I was sick and you visited Me;
I was in prison and you came to Me...
Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it
to one of the least of these My brethren,
you did it to Me.' "
Matthew 25:34-40 (NKJV)

But all of us can simply see Jesus in those around us.

Lord Jesus, until the day our eyes look upon Your glory, please give us the courage to make You seen, and to see others with sufficient love to recognize You.

Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Separation and Divorce

This world is enamored with shades of gray, intercourse of yin and yang, tolerance of everything but absolutes.

What communion has light with darkness? ... Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
~ 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 (NKJV)

Jesus spoke of sharp distinctions which require a choice:
Truth or lies
Rock or sand
Narrow or wide gate
Trust in God or trust in material wealth
Righteousness or sin
Light or darkness
Life or death

Jesus likewise described people as:
For Him or against Him
Seeing or blind
Wise or foolish
Children of God or children of the devil
Producing good fruit or bad fruit
Profitable or unprofitable servants
Sheep or goats
Wheat or tares

" 'Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn." ' "
(From Matthew 13:24-30, NKJV)

Christians go through unusual trials these days. In my conversation with another respected Christian about wheat and tares, he notes seeing a time of unprecedented separation and divorce among churched people.

If we are faithful to make the distinctions Jesus did, perhaps we should expect conflict—the Great Separation of this age's last hours before Divorce becomes final.

Lord, amid this week's thoughts on the return of Your Son, please lead us to consider how it might affect the way we live.

Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

God Does Not Bluff

Silk Apple Blossoms

God Does Not Bluff

"And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead... He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels." ' "
~ Revelation 3:1,5 (NKJV)

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
~ James 2:14 (NIV)

There are some realistic-looking plants which look nice and require no attention. They also bear no fruit, fragrance, or even life.

Jesus walks, sees and works in the spiritual realms of angels (stars) and Spirit. He looks beyond outward appearances to the heart. There is no exuberant praise, no eloquent prayer, no abundance of works which can adequately cover for dead faith which lacks spiritual fruit.

I don't pretend to fully understand what the Lord Jesus means when He says, “I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life.” But I cannot think He speaks in only hypothetical terms. God does not bluff. His Word is to be considered with upmost regard.

There are too many places in the New Testament which speak of spiritual loss** to not at least entertain the notion that a person’s name might actually be recorded in the Book of Life and then be blotted out because spiritual life has not been cultivated.

What is certain is that “Christian” is not just a name for good reputation among people, but an identity established by life in Christ, so that He confesses our names before His Father and angels.

Father in Heaven, please let us revere You, Your Word, and the spiritual life You give. Please let us not be content to appear good, or to imply to other believers that it is sufficient to claim faith without spiritual life and fruit. Please guard us from hypocrisy. Please reveal truth to us.

** Other passages which refer to being cut off from God or loss of spiritual life include:
Luke 8:13
Hebrews 10:29
Hebrews 6:4-6
2 Peter 2:20-21
John 15:2
Matthew 22:11-14
Revelation 3:16
1 Timothy 5:12
Romans 11:22

I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
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To Make It or Break It

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For a random Thursday post, bedroom decor seems as good a subject as any. I’ve encountered blog posts which featured photos of beds shrouded in romantic light and buried in pillows of decorator linens, worthy of a Better Homes and Gardens cover.

This is not one of those posts.

The bedroom in my cozy home has a decor which can best be called eclectic. Faux-finish of navy blue frames the double window’s northern light, and navy blue carpet acts as magnet for every piece of lint in the house. The antique curio cabinet was my great-grandmother’s, and the antique rotary phone on one side of the bed is flanked by a cordless on the other. The doors and frames are all a light honey, while the furniture is gradient shades of dark mahogany.

The bed is, of course, the reason for a bedroom. Our four-poster used to have a lovely quilt, but it didn’t fare well with kids and was replaced by a hunter green blanket of wool. The foot of the bed has a Mexican blanket to remind me of Colorado sunshine back home, and the head of the bed is buried in pillows of warm colors to counter the chills of Michigan winter and summer AC. Across the room is the antique chair everyone fights to relax in and at the foot of the bed is a bench. All three are draped with children each night for bedtime prayers. If I occasionally sleep in after a late night of writing, I’ll wake up to cuddly kids in my bed as well—even better than sunrise birdsong for an alarm.

Clean laundry gets cleared from the bench when I tire of digging for it. The ceiling fan is dusted when it gets fuzzy enough. A vacuum is run when the lint starts to look like snow.

But making the bed is for every day.

A friend convinced me years ago that the bed makes or breaks the bedroom atmosphere. Everything else can be neat as a pin, yet spoiled by an unmade bed. On the other hand, the average mess is quite tolerable when the blankets and pillows are in place.



I so want the same to be true of me. The pretty professional portrait on my sidebar makes me look nice and decent. I think I’m fairly proficient stringing words together. When I publish a post, I want the ideas to look neat as a pin.

All the while, I try to be transparent enough for my audience to know that I have kids and a marriage and a life that’s not perfect. I lose my temper and yell sometimes and speak words unworthy of a voice. I think things that ought not be thought.

Even so, just one thing makes or breaks the atmosphere of my life—love.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
~ 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV)

Everything else in my life could look neat as a pin, yet be spoiled by absence of love.

On the other hand, my average mess is quite tolerable when love is in its place.

Make it so, dear Lord. Please, make it so.

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Scorch of Heat

The theme for today’s blog carnival (hosted by Bridget Chumbley) is "Summer." You're invited to visit her site for other related thoughts. :D

"Find the Lord before you need Him."
~ Randy Travis, from Don't Ever Sell Your Saddle

Scorch of Heat

"Some [seed] fell on stony ground ... and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away."
~ Mark 4:5-6 (NKJV)

"Find the Lord before you need Him" could easily be read as no more than "get converted to Jesus before you die, lest you face Hell's fire."

Scorch of heat shows up way before you die, as does some form of death.

It might be the death of a dream, of a job, of health. It might be the death of a relationship or loved one. Death travels with sin, and you can plan to encounter the two often in this world. When they arrive, plan on a forecast of heat.

"But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away."
~ Luke 8:13 (NKJV)

Those who declare faith in Jesus but then fail to build their lives upon Him will be like plants without deep roots. They may look good for a short time. But when scorching heat comes, they quickly wither.

We are a pampered people with little tolerance for heat. (Anyone remember the days when air conditioning was an option on cars rather than standard equipment?) Pain need not be tolerated when an array of medication is available. Health care is expected to remedy any affliction. No money? Buy now with no payments until you've forgotten they're due. Has disaster struck? Sue someone or elect new politicians. Relationship difficulty? Move on.

Or so says the culture.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes ..."
~ Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NKJV)

The person who has learned to trust in the Lord in the everyday difficulties will know how to find Him when facing life's deaths, when true heat arrives.

And you can plan that scorching heat will come, as surely as summer does.

Refiner, help us to trust Your fire. Help us to cooperate with Your work of testing us, refining us, proving us, assured that You will not burn us. Put words of praise in our mouths at all times.

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: severe-wx.pbworks.com

Good Investment Return

"Try not to become a man of success
but rather to become a man of value."
~ Albert Einstein

Good Investment Return
#discipleship

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.
Why should the Gentiles say,
"So where is their God?"
~ Psalms 115:1-2 (NKJV)

"But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant ... you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest."
~ Matthew 25:26-27 (NKJV)

"You are the light of the world... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
~ Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV)

Ever hear just a portion of a sermon and that's really all you need? I recently caught part of a message which asked the rhetorical question, "What do you expect when you make an investment?" Obviously, we want a good return.

The Lord does not simply hope for, but expects a good return on the time, treasure and talents He's invested in us. The parable of the talents stresses that the Lord considers the servant who gives no return to His master not merely lazy but also wicked.

For what return does the Lord look? The Word of God planted as seed and watered by the Spirit should produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, patient longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Yet all of these qualities are not to build up a good name for ourselves, but so that whatever name we have exalts our sole Investor—our soul Investor.

It is not good Christians the world must see, but a good God.

Lord, I pray today especially for those of us who use social media to speak through the internet. Please make us ever mindful that we represent You, Who has entrusted to us access to the world. May our words make manifest to the world Your mercy and truth and glory.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from eastcoastwineries.blogspot.com

Identity

"Salvation is free. Discipleship will cost you your life."
~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Identity
#discipleship

The name of Amram's wife was Jochebed the daughter of Levi, who was born to Levi in Egypt; and to Amram she bore Aaron and Moses and their sister Miriam.
~ Numbers 26:59 (NKJV)

And God said to Abraham: "... This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised ... and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised ..."
~ Genesis 17:9-12 (NKJV)

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
~ Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

Movies such as "Ten Commandments" and "Prince of Egypt" dramatize how Moses might learn he was Hebrew. My own theory is that his parents made his identity clear.

Moses was nursed by his own mother. Children of biblical times and culture were typically nursed three years—old enough for his mother to make sure he knew who he was. And his father would have circumcised Moses—the unmistakable, irreversible mark of a Hebrew.

Circumcision was not a practice of Egyptians, nor was sufficient privacy among males for Moses' identity to be hidden. For the Hebrews then and for Jews of every era, circumcision is the single common mark of identity among all males.

Christians are usually identified based on things like they go to church, regularly read and know the Bible, uphold certain standards, and affirm belief in Jesus as Savior. While such practices are common to Christians, all of them may also be practiced as mere religion—an outward mark.

My pastor, Dean Stewart, defines that those who truly belong to Jesus are His disciples, and therefore His followers. Pastor Dean says followers will be characterized by things such as:

• Followers are responsive to Christ's voice.
• Followers are recognized by their appetite and passion to be more like Jesus as they learn His mind and practice His ways.
• Followers are worshipers whose eyes have been opened to see a glimpse of our Lord's greatness, glory and holiness.

The classic poser asks, "If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be sufficient evidence to convict you?"

I ask today, what criteria do you think sufficient to positively identity a person as a follower of Christ?

Lord Jesus, I ask You to speak to our hearts, to show each of us if we have honored You in making clear that we follow You, and to show how we might follow You more closely.

NOTE: Please see my comment of 10:08, below, concerning motive in asking this question.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from movies.tvguide.com

Seven Saturdays

"Life isn't a journey to the grave, arriving safely ...
but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up and worn out,
loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a ride!' "
~ Bill McKenna

Seven Saturdays

My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.
~ Psalms 63:8 (NKJV)

I'd love to hear from you today. (Please?)

If you had a week to drop out of life
with all relationships and obligations happily on hold
to do anything you want (humanly possible)
to go anywhere you want (no time travel allowed)
with money, permission, or skill being no obstacle
(you could ride the space shuttle or perform at Carnegie Hall)
and you can keep only something you've created yourself
(do-it-yourself house remodel is a Yes, Porche is a No)
but there's no guarantee of safety ...

What would you spend your seven Saturdays doing?

And be sure to stop back for tomorrow's follow-up question.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

What Is Sin?

"Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great."

~ Mark Twain

Why do you show contempt for your brother? ... resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way... let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another... whatever is not from faith is sin.
~ Romans 14:10,13,19,23 (NKJV)

"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea."
~ Mark 9:42 (NKJV)

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."
~ Peter 4:8 (NKJV)

Whoever has been born of God does not sin ... In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
~ 1 John 3:9-10 (NKJV)

Romans is the greatest study of theology ever written. As Paul nears its conclusion, sin is brought down to simplest terms: If you cause someone to stumble—if you do whatever is not from faith—it is sin.

The opposite of causing another to stumble is to edify (literally "build up") another. It is motivated by love. When we walk in Real Love, our desire is to bring restoration and edification and strength to those around us. Even when they sin, love does not seek opportunity to condemn, but desires to do whatever will cover that sin.

Regardless of what the world says, not everyone is a child of God, but only those of blood—Christ's blood. This is how God's children are known: when we practice righteousness, and when we love our blood brothers and sisters.

Father, You've poured out upon us the greatest love. You are love personified. In You is all goodness. Please make us Your goodness and love to one another. Please keep us from sin.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Exhibit F: Counselor

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
~ Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
~ John 14:26-27 (NIV)

Paul's next compelling evidence in the case for Christ is His Spirit. The proof of the Holy Spirit's presence is not supernatural manifestation which may be duplicated by the enemy, nor is it easily manufactured emotion.

The presence of the Holy Spirit is manifest by Jesus Christ in human flesh. It first occurred at Bethlehem, heralded by a star and song of angels. It occurs each time divine light shines into the world's darkness through us, when songs of praise pierce through our pain to display peace.

Jesus' words that He leaves His peace with us were spoken in the context of us receiving the Counselor, and thereby receiving His reminder of Christ's words in the needed hour. This is compelling proof of divinity's existence: when we face what the world gives with untroubled hearts and no fear, grounded in the Word of God.

It may be had for the asking, and is ours when we yield to the Spirit's leading.

Lord Jesus, You know well the tribulation the world gives. You know well the darkness and pain of this world. You know well the joy and love of the Father's presence for which we long. Please draw our hearts to yield to Your Spirit, minute by minute, that we might know Your peace as well as You know us.

Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Exhibit C: Circumcision

What is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way!
~ Romans 3:1-2 (NKJV)

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared ... "Behold, My covenant is with you ... I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants ... and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you... And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant."
~ Genesis 17:1,4,6-7,11,14 (NKJV)

In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ ...
~ Colossians 2:11 (NKJV)

In establishing his case for Christ, Paul next puts forth the covenant of circumcision.

The act testifies to the existence of God because it is too unreasonable for men to come up with on their own. Whatever other manner a man might mark himself as set apart to God, taking a knife to his most vital piece of anatomy could only be done if he believed in Someone much bigger than himself.

Before Abraham put his son Isaac on the altar to demonstrate faith, he'd first shown his faith in God's covenant by accepting circumcision. God had promised a son, and Abraham did have a son of flesh, before circumcision, by Hagar. God is in part saying strip off the flesh where you reproduce, and watch how fruitful I will make you. In your faith you will reproduce not what is of the flesh, but a miracle which can only be of Me.

And so, the Christian must also be circumcised. Not by cutting the body with a knife, but by doing what can only be done by faith in Someone much bigger than ourselves, and act too unreasonable to come up with on our own. We mark ourselves set apart to God by cutting off the will of our own flesh, and accepting in its place His will. The one who believes in Christ no longer puts faith in being fulfilled and fruitful in the strength of human flesh, but will now fulfill desire and be fruitful in the strength of God's Spirit.

Love is number one on the list which describes the fruit of the Spirit.

How important is it to reproduce God's fruit by His Spirit? It is what marks us as His! Jesus said in Luke 6:43-45 that we prove ourselves believers by our spiritual fruit. And in John 13:35 Jesus says that we'd be known as His disciples by our love for one another.

Whatever brief pain may be involved to cut off our flesh in that which seems most vital to us, we receive far more from the Lord in return.

Lord YHWH, it seems unreasonable to exist as a living sacrifice. Too often we make it look painful. Please enable us to cut off the unnecessary flesh in our lives—and to recognize what You give in return—so that the fruit of love, joy, peace, and all else Your Spirit reproduces, will shine forth in testimony to You.

Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

The Way

The priest shall put [the blood] on the tip of the right ear of [the leper] who is to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.... [And] the priest shall put some [oil] on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.
~ Leviticus 14:14,17 (NKJV)

"Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
'This is the way, walk in it,'
Whenever you turn to the right hand
Or whenever you turn to the left."
~ Isaiah 30:21 (NKJV)

"Lord ... how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
~ John 14:5-6 (NKJV)

The ritual for cleansing one healed of leprosy involved putting blood then oil on the leper's right ear, thumb and big toe. The instructions in Exodus 29:20 for anointing the priests likewise required putting sacrificial blood on the right ear lobe, thumb and big toe.

It is thought that for the priests this represented the ability to hear the Lord's Word, touch the holy things, and walk into the holy place. Another thought—for the priest, leper, or follower of Christ cleansed by blood—is that a person demonstrates being cleansed by heeding God, which comes by hearing the command, acting upon it, and continuing to walk in the way of the Lord.

Jesus declared Himself to be The Way to the Father. Then—in case we missed the way to walk demonstrated by His actions—Jesus spoke clearly: "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

Lord Jesus, Your perfect love is our perfect example. We struggle to love the annoying, the offensive and the wicked as You did. Please enable such love. Please lead us to seek out Your Word, Your Spirit and Your saints that we might be encouraged to walk in Your way.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.