Ronald Trujillo's Blog

And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer  and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from, then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. Luke 13:22-28

Before we ask ourselves why Jesus rejected those whom He declares would be indicating sincerity in being accepted, let’s look at what Jesus says we ought to do to enter in His kingdom. This question asked Him may have been prompted by many factors. The great multitudes that had once followed Christ were subsiding to a faithful few (John 6:66). Great crowds still came to hear, (just like today), but committed followers were increasingly scarce. Also Christ’s messages often discouraged the half-hearted followers. And now, here in our text, Jesus Himself states, that the way is so narrow that few find it (Matthew 7:14). This contradicted the Jewish belief that all Jews, except for tax collectors and other notorious sinners, would be saved. Strive— This word indicates a great struggle against conflict. And He is not suggesting that anyone could merit heaven by striving for it. No matter how rigorously a person labored, sin-laden man cannot save themselves (Ephesians 2:8-9). But entering in the narrow gate is nontheless difficult because of the cost in terms of human pride. Only those willing to count the cost and invest all they have or had in His kingdom were worthy to enter in. This speaks of something far more than mere abandonment of one’s material possessions; it is an absolute, unconditional surrender to Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior. His disciples were permitted to retain no privildges and make no demands to those who were in authority in the Roman government. They were to safeguard no cherished sins; treasure no earthly possessions; and cling to no secret self-indulgences. There committment to Him must be without reservation.

Beloved friend, I know this is more than enough Scripture and reference to think carefully of the cost to follow after Christ, but there can not be one reason why it shouldn’t cost us everything, when Jesus gave us His life in exchange for our forgiveness. Let us not be like those religious in name only who think they can merit their way into God’s kingdom. For this is about our relationship to the Father, through the sacrifice of His Son, whom God says He is well pleased with (Matthew 4:17).

May the Lord bless your walk!

 

We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth (Colossians 1:3-6)

Paul’s epistle to the church in Colosse is filled with great insight. First he specifically addresses those who have been separated from sin and set apart to God —the believers in Colosse. Giving thanks for other believers in Christ is a great way to intercede in prayer to the Lord, Paul also brings the designation that Jesus was one in nature with God, it was an affirmation of Christ’s deity. Hope laid up for you — The believer’s hope is inseparable from his faith, because the believer’s hope is a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3) which Pauls points out is awaiting in heaven. These Christian saints have already heard the gospel, which is the good news of Christ’s victory over Satan, sin, and death. The gospel was never intended for an exclusive  group of people; it is rather good news intended to reach the whole world by transceding all ethnic, geographic, cultural, and political bounderies. Paul also notes that their growth in maturity as a Christian, is marked by their fruit-bearing life.

Beloved friend, if you were visited by a long ago friend, would they see conditions of a changed or transformed life in you? Do you have a reputation of being a faithful believer in Christ? Does your hope go beyond this life, and is set in eternal life with Him? These are just a few questions we can ask ourselves about our Christian life, and the fruit bearing effect of our maturity in Christ. Remain steadfast in your faith and trust in His grace to help in all areas of life.

May the Lord bless your walk today!

 

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The present tense verb translated “is sufficient” reveals the constant availiability of divine grace. While God would not remove the thorn, as Paul requested (vv 7-8) He would supply him with grace to endure it. Think about this, God hears your prayers when you cry out to Him. He sees what is transpiring in your life. He knows what lies ahead of us, yet, He would say to us, “Trust Me, I know what I am accomplishing in you.” Suffering is the vehicle which brings God’s virtuous power of strength and stamina through grace in our life. Every Christian is endowed with God’s grace. Why? Because we’ve entered into a personal relationship with God our Father, through His Son, Christ the Lord.

The Bible says, There is a race that is marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1-2), and we are to run with endurance, but where do we find our endurance? It comes from the supernatural power of God’s grace in His Word. The Bible is our source of all truth, truth about God, and His plan of salvation. Truth about ourselves and our dire need of Him in our lives. To know how much strength you’ll have need of is to be completely in reliance upon Him. He knows who we are and what were made of, because He created us to be His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). The weaker the human instrument, the more clearly God’s grace shines forth. This is what Paul discovered in our text, Paul took no pleasure in the pain itself, but turned his focused rather in the power of Christ that was being revealed in him. This is a great example for us today, we are all going to suffer in one way or another, but by God’s grace we can overcome through the grace and mercy of our risen Lord.

Beloved friend, let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9). The strength that we can rely on comes to those who completely depend on God’s grace which we know is ours to trust in, because His Word tells us. In Christ our Lord I firmly stand, all other ground is sinking sand , lyrics to an old Christian hymn.

May the Lord bless your walk!

 

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (Colossians 1:15)

The Greek word for “image” is eikon, from which the English word “icon” derives. It means, “copy” or “likeness.” Jesus Christ is the perfect image — the exact likeness —of God and is in the very form of God (Philippians 2:6) and has been so from all eternity. So why didn’t the Israelites see Him clearly? The Old Testament had given the Jewish people plenty of information to prepare them for the Messiah’s arrival, the reason for their disconnect can be a caution for us all. First off, clearly this problem impacted the ability of the religious leaders of the first century so that they didn’t recognize that Jesus was their Messiah. Despite the unchanging teachings of Moses and the prophets, they slowly added a complicated oral tradition to what the Scriptures actually said. Many of these additions to the Law seemed, on the surface, to honor the Scriptures, but all too often the changes focused on the issues of outward conformity rather than on the heart and spirit of the Law. End result was the religious leaders found ways to excuse their own wrong motives by focusing on ritual rather than Spirit revealed truth. Many people today, like the religious leaders of Jesus day, assume that they can be right with God on their own terms, and by their own strength and self-righteousness. There is a principle of closeness to God, that enables us to see and be aware of our own sin, weakness, and unworthiness, that comes with the closer we are to God. However, the further we are from God, the more clearly we see the sin, weakness, and unworthiness in others. This is where the religious leaders were during Jesus day, and where many are at today, who confess themselves to be Christians.

Dear friend, Let the Lord lead you this day in furthering your commitment to Him, and in the studying of His Word. It is how we discern truth from error, and will help us not walk in the strength of our flesh, but rather in the power of God.

May the Lord bless your walk today!

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

A geniune Christian walks habitually in the light (truth and holiness), not in darkness (falsehood and sin). The Christian’s walk, as a result, has cleansing from sin as the Lord continually forgives His own. Since those walking in the light share in the character of God, they will be habitually charcterized by His holiness which is indicating their true fellowship with Him. True fellowship with God  also allows true fellowship with other believers in Christ. Members of the body of Christ, have a unique connection that characterizes God’s love, encourages each other’s faith. — As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27:17). The benefits of spiritual and theological discussion encourages joy in acknowledging the Lord’s goodness, and eternal hope we receive when we quote the Scriptures, producing an enriched fellowship with fellow Christians. A genuine Christian does not walk in darkness, but only in the light. — Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelivers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14) : An illustration taken from the OT prohibitions given to Israel regarding the work-related joining together of two different kinds of livestock (Deuteronomy 22:10) — An ox and a donkey, the ox a “clean” animal, the donkey “unclean.” These two different animals couldn’t work together and plow a straight furrow. Their temperments, and natural instincts, and physical characteristics made it impossible. By this analogy, Paul taught that it is not right to join together in common spiritual enterprise, ie, business or personal, with those who are not of the same nature (born-again) as we are. Such arrangements could not be done to God’s glory.

Beloved friend, Do not take the Lord’s rebuke lightly or irresponsibly, For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives (Hebrews 12:6). This is where every genuine believer begins their walk with the Lord.

May the Lord bless your walk with Him!

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in world—-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—-is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

Although John often repeats the importance of love and that God is love, he also reveals that God hates a certain type of love; love of the world. The evil world system that opposes God, the adulterous mistress in a man’s relationship with God is the world,  it’s values, and it’s practices. When God sees a man loving the priorities and practices of a godless world’s society, while professing publicly to love Him, He sees an adulterous affair and a trampling of the love He so generously has given. It’s a temptation that’s tough to resist without the power of God’s Holy Spirit to help us. Our world constantly invites us to go with our feelings over our faith. The world exalts image over substance, comfort over character, indulgence over ethics. It confuses net worth with self worth. It values things over people. All of these misguided priorities destroy our relationship with God. So how do we witness to our family and friends the type of relationship God is seeking from us?  James wrote, Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27)  If you have never placed your faith in Jesus as your Savior, it’s important to understand the greatness of salvation. The Son of God came in human flesh to give His life as a ransom payment for our sins that had created a barrier between us and God.

Dear friend, In all of life’s circumstances, we are reminded to place His reputation in the forefront of our thinking. In doing that, may we seek to put Jesus first, and point the world to Him. That’s the  kind of love God wants us to have.

May the Lord bless your walk!

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was  in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary. And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” Then Lord said, “hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-8)

I can’t help but think every time I read this passage, that the Lord has something to say to us, Let me explain. Prayer is a common theme in the NT but it’s the attitude in our prayer, and to Whom our prayers are addressed to, where our faith lies. I believe this where Jesus is leading for us to examine ourselves. The judge is not given as a symbol of God but rather in contrast to Him. If such an unjust man would respond to persistent pleas, would not God, who is not only just, but also loving and merciful, do so more readily? Weary me – – – Litterily ” hit under the eye.” What the judge would not do out of compassion for the widow or reverence for God, he would do out of sheer frustration with her incessant pleading. Hear what the unjust judge says – – – Listen to the point of the story! Namely that God, who always does what is right and is filled with compassion for believers who suffer, will certainly respond to His beloved ones who cry for His help (v.7). He may delay long, but He does so for good reason for He is sovereign in all His ways, and when He acts, His vengeance is swift. Will He really find faith – – – This suggests that when He returns, the true faith He is looking for in man will be comparatively rare, as in the days of Noah (Luke 17:26), when only 8 souls were saved. The period before His return will be marked by persecution, apostasy (a falling away from faith) and unbelief (Matthew 24:9).

Dear friend, There are signs all around us that our world today is becoming much like when the Lord said He will return, But the good news is, God is still compassionate, and does not want any to perish in their sins, but come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). So stay encouraged, keep praying for others to come to know Him, your faith will be strengthened and be rewarded one day, if you persevere.

May the Lord bless your walk today!

 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:3-6)

In His providential grace, God has already given believer’s total blessings which are in Christ to be ours now in this earthly life. What is required of us faith to believe, in it’s practical application. Let me explain. The same Greek word rendered here “heavenly places” , can be translated “heavenly Things”. Jesus, gave this analogy to Nicodemus, who had asked, “How can these things be?”  If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? Jesus focused on the unbelief that was in the heart of Nicodemus, failure to understand Jesus’ words centered not so much in his intellect, but rather his failure to believe Jesus words: Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  In both of these references the word signifies that which is heavenly as contrary to that which is earthly.

The apostle Paul wrote: The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together (Romans 8:16-17). The Christian saint is a heavenly person, who is to be more at home in heaven, and is a stranger and pilgrim on earth. When examined through the eyes of faith, this is what the Scriptures reveal to us who believe, and are born again. Paul also wrote; For our citizenship is heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His gloriuous body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:20-21)

Dear Friend, Stay encouraged by the revealed truth of the gospel, God has guaranteed our salvation through the person of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, through faith in Him, and believing in His Word, we are citizens of His kingdom. Walk in this world, no more in doubt or disbelief, the victory is already won!

May the Lord bless your walk.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

God who is our ultimate source for true comfort by His grace and mercy, is being praised by Paul who revealed Himself through His Son Jesus Christ. The Greek word for “comfort” is related to the familiar word paraclete, “One who comes alongside to help,” which is another name for the Holy Spirit. “Comfort” often connotes  softness  and ease, but that is not the meaning here. Paul’s praise was came from a grateful heart saying,  that God came to him in the middle of his sufferings and troubles to strengthen him and give him courage and boldness. Tribulation – Paul through his ministry became familiar with tribulation which means – crushing pressure. Throughout his life and ministry there was always something attempting to weaken him, restrict him, or confine his ministry efforts, even to the point of crushing pain to snuff out his life. But no matter what he had confronting him, Paul knew God would sustain him and strengthen him. Through God’s Holy Spirit, comes comfort and strength. Comfort from God enables believer’s to be used to comfort others when they are going through trials and times of testings. God’s comfort to believer’s extends to the boundaries of their sufferings for Christ. The more they endured righteous suffering, the greater the comfort they will experience, and will be given a future reward.

Beloved friend, times of trial and testing come to all who are in Christ, but the God of all comfort doesn’t leave us there to face it alone, He is always with you and His promise to you, My grace is sufficient for thee,  for My strength is made perfect in weakness. This enabled Paul to proclaim, Most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12 :9).

May the Lord bless your walk!

When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; (without partiality) for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay? But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” So they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”  They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  (Mark 12:13-17).

What makes this question even more intriguing is that it came from two opposing groups who had come together to test Jesus. The Pharisees were experts of Jewish religious tradition and resented Roman rule with its pagan idolatry and confession of Caesar as lord. They resented even more the idolatrous inscription on Roman coinage. So when the Pharisees asked Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, they had a mutual agenda against Christ. If He said that Jews should pay taxes to a caesar who was the focus of the Imperialist government, they would accuse Him of supporting Roman values and blasphemy. The Herodians on the other hand, brought another view point, an angle to the question. They focused on the political rather than the spiritual. They felt that the Jewish people should support the Roman appointed, and largely non-jewish Herodian dynasty, over which came sensual pleasures of Rome. The Herodians therefore, would accuse Jesus of treason if He said that the Jews should not pay taxes. Jesus showed how the people of God can live out their duel citizenship, instead of choosing between God and Caesar, He acknowledged Caesar’s rightful role as governor under the higher rule of God. Caesar was indeed owed taxes, But God alone deserved all worship and ultimate loyalty.

Beloved friend, Tax season has just ended, yet, for some it still continues. If your a Christian, don’t feel ashamed or angry because you still owe, Let God get all the glory, with  a heart that’s bowed to Him alone, and ask for His help to pay what you owe. Obedience to the governing laws is part of the Christian’s duties to remain loyal to a higher authority. An authority that has its kingdom not from this world. Which is your inheritance!

May the Lord bless your walk!