Tag: Faith Love Trust Obedience

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” Matthew 12:30

The “neutral ground” is a strip of land running through the middle of a two-way street, most commonly known to other American cities as a median. During the early 1800s, neutral grounds were canals used for transporting goods throughout the city; others were used for rail and streetcar lines. Although the city of New Orleans has incorporated the use of neutral ground in its development, neutral ground in the 21st century, for the most part, constitutes an area that is of little use or purpose.

Many individuals have taken the position of neutrality: “I don’t get involved in that.” Throughout their lives, they take the stance of doing nothing by never actively participating for or against any problems facing humanity. Yes, they will readily engage in conversations regarding the pandemic, family issues, social injustices, poverty, political dissent, and civil unrest. But the bottom line is they have created a purpose for neutral ground, it is their comfort zone, and they do not intend to budge from that location.

The problem with living on neutral ground is that they “see and don’t see.” The focus of their lives is inward. It is a “me, myself, and I” proclamation of self-preservation. Neutrality produces inactivity. For the most part, human behavior is predictable. If a person has a selfish spirit, they can’t reach out and alleviate others’ suffering, nor is it possible for them to wholeheartedly serve God. Standing on neutral ground is a sinful character defect. It is a deal-breaker for receiving the reward of eternal life.

To substantiate these statements, we must refer to the scriptures.

1. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:36-39
2. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20
3. He has told you, mortal one, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
4. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17
5. Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:17

Since the pandemic, neutrality has also invaded the body of believers. There are church leaders and members who have done relatively little to reach out to other members and their community suffering from emotional and physical losses.  We readily utilize our cell phones for multiple purposes, but not to call and provide spiritual encouragement. Our love for others is an indication of our love for God. To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). If you have heard that line of wisdom, you know it means we are held responsible for what we have. If we have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and the like, it is expected that we benefit others. https://law.utk.edu/2016/05/10/

In creating humanity, God has defined the purpose of our lives. We must look beyond ourselves with a spirit of obedience, and one of active participation. Being employed on a 40-hr per week job does not fulfill God’s divine purpose for our lives. God directs us to observe the ants who are always busy with their activities of intent and purpose.

1. Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. Proverbs 6:6
2. There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: 25 Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer. Proverbs 30:24-25

Even so, animals do not have free will. They instinctively act from the innate nature that God created them with. On the other hand, God has provided us with guidance and His expectations through the Bible, His Holy Word. We have the option not to follow God’s commandments and instructions; however, there is a high price to pay for the disobedience of doing nothing and standing on neutral ground. “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.” Revelation 22:12. Still, we can easily remove ourselves from the lose-lose situation of neutrality by loving and obeying God, and meeting the needs of others. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:17

Love (and Obey) God, Love Others, and Love Yourself!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission. 

What does the word “Christian mean to you?” For me, it means Christ-like, possessing Jesus’ character, and following Him even unto death. I recognize that prayer to God is the only way to communicate with God, and I can boldly approach the throne of grace without mediation from a pastor, priest, or human-made idol.

As a follower of Christ, I possess love, faith, trust, and obedience to all of God’s commandments, including Saturday, the seventh-day Sabbath. I believe in the Trinity Godhead-God, the Father, Jesus Christ, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. I acknowledge and accept that the Bible, the Word of God, was written by men of God under Divine Inspiration and has never changed and is still valid. And the Bible is where our focus will be today.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle (the smallest letter or stroke) will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Matthew 5:18

The lack of desire to diligently study the Word of God is not a new phenomenon. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. Hosea 4:6

Living by God’s truth requires consistent effort:

Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

What exactly defines a “Catch-phrase Christian? One that does not possess knowledge of the Bible and filibusters by using their own opinions as answers.

Just yesterday, we had an insurrection against the democratic system of the United States of America. Was your response similar to any of these responses?

It’s a shame what is going on in the United States.

Nothing surprises me anymore.

The President is at fault.

This is what happens when you cheat someone that should rightfully be the President for the next four years.

They are taking a stand to Make America great again.

If so, then you are a Catch-phrase Christian who is unaware that biblical prophecy is being fulfilled and these events indicate the closing of this earth’s history. Nor are you preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus because studying, hearing, and obeying the scriptures is a mandated part of serving God.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man (or woman) of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

For those of us who are studying the Holy scriptures, we know why the insurrection happened:

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 2 Timothy 3:1-4

If we only performed part of our job duties, our employer would institute a Performance Improvement Plan’s disciplinary action, and further non-compliance would lead to termination. Yet, for many, they choose how they will serve the Most-High God. If they read the Bible at all, the search is for feel-good scriptures. But feelings do not last, and the disobedience of not studying all of the Bible leaves us with anxiety, worries, and depression. We cannot have the peace of God when we have no idea who God is, and disregard the only method of gaining knowledge of God. We cannot have personal relationships with strangers.

The Apostle Paul tells Timothy about the Catch-phrase, counterfeit Christians: They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:5

God has provided us with all of the knowledge we need to prepare for the times of persecution that are upon us. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13, But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 2 Timothy 3:12-13

Ephesians 6:11-18 admonishes us to put on the whole armor of God, which includes the diligent study of the Bible.

The continuation of the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy:

14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:14-16

Human Effort: As soldiers in the Army of God, the scriptures, along with prayer, faith, trust, and obedience to God, equip us to stand against Satan, the enemy of humanity. The study of the Word of God has a definitive purpose: God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:17

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22

We do not have to blend in with unbelievers by being a Catch-phrase Christian. Stand out by proclaiming the Word of God. Yes, you will be shunned by others, maybe even those who profess to be believers. But we must not concern ourselves about what others think about us. Know this, everyone did not reject Jesus Christ. When we boldly proclaim the scriptures, they will not be heard only by the scoffers. Many individuals are just waiting for someone to tell them that there is a Savior, Jesus Christ, who provides love, peace and unspeakable joy to those who faithfully serve Him.

The diligent study of the Bible will prevent us from the pitfalls of “Catch-phrase Christianity.” Study, pray, and witness by proclaiming the Word of God. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13

God, we thank you for the scriptures that provide the knowledge that we need to live holy and obediently. We ask forgiveness for not studying the Bible. Please reveal the meaning of your words, and give us wisdom for a spiritual transformation. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. 

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10

Prayer: Lord, we desire to serve you and to live according to your will. We thank you for the mercies of a new day. Please forgive us for our sins. We ask for your blessings upon our lives. We pray this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary. As I listened to this song of dedication and commitment to God, I asked myself, “Are you willing to serve God with all that you have to give?” My answer to God was through a heartfelt prayer that included, “Create in me a clean heart, O, God and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

In the past, I have possessed self-reliance, made many mistakes from disobedience, failed to diligently study the Bible, and had a hit-and-miss prayer life. But today, my prayer of consecration was to give my heart, soul, and mind to serve God for the remainder of my life. 

I encourage you to make a complete commitment to God. He truly loves us and is sending Jesus, His Son, for us very soon.

6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.