Boasting

Boasting
“Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians1:31

Boasting is a sin! So say many and such is the position held by many Christians. Boasting is often seen to be birthed from pride and arrogance. In this context it is seen as bringing attention to the individual instead of bringing attention to Christ.
As such, the church has, for at least the last five decades, taught the opposite of boasting, humility. The practice of humility is supposed to be the antidote for pride and arrogance.
Sadly, like many things taught in religious circles, the teaching that boasting is a sin is inaccurate. Boasting, in and of itself, is not a sin. The object of the boasting is more the point of the issue. Yes, boasting can spring from arrogance and pride. Yet it can also spring from humility, as an act of worship.
In the scripture passage quoted above, Paul quotes a statement of Yahweh written in Jeremiah 9:23-24. “Thus says Yahweh, ‘Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am Yahweh who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares Yahweh.” This passage clearly identifies the boasting that is sin and the boasting that is not.
There is literally so much darkness in the world today that even those not spiritually attuned are aware of it. Listen to the news, look at the economic conditions around you, look at human relationships, and listen to the dreams that are shattered by human failure, failure brought about by each person living for himself. The life of greed, pride and self-promotion isn’t working anymore, never did really. Man’s boasting in his wisdom, might and riches is being revealed to be hollow. Families are torn apart, businesses are failing, and finances are crashing down around the ears of those who only a year ago thought they were living the American dream.
Spiritual leaders need to teach those God has given them how to boast in the Lord. This boasting must be practiced and modeled in the same way as the other spiritual disciplines. The world needs to hear of the lovingkindness, justice and righteousness of our almighty loving Father. They need to hear about the things which delight Him and see the personal intimate relationship one can have from those who understand and know Him.
Boasting is a must in the Christian walk! Boast in the Lord!


© Written by Richard L. Roberts, director of Life Focus Ministries.

Godly Sorrow

What Kind of Sorrow?
“For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

It is vital for spiritual leaders to understand the difference between the sorrow of the world and Godly sorrow. This passage in Second Corinthians shares the importance of understanding the difference and the two ways to measure what kind of sorrow you observe. You can measure sorrow by it roots and by its results.

The root of Godly sorrow is the heart of God. What does He value? How does He see mankind? Knowing the will of God and seeing the way in which man is living contrary to that will brings Godly sorrow. To watch man glory in the refuse and rags of sin when he can be living in the blessings of God brings with it Godly sorrow.

The result of Godly sorrow is repentance and salvation. When God reveals sin in your life and you recognize that sin is harming your relationship with Him, you willingly turn from the direction you are going to the direction He is going. Aware of your sin you sorrow at your sin while rejoicing in salvation. Godly sorrow is your motivation. Being made into Christ-likeness is your goal.

This repentance comes without regret. It’s like trading in a pound of manure for ten pounds of diamonds. No one in their right mind would regret that kind of trade. Leaving the darkness of sin behind you to walk in the light of Christ is just such a trade. There is never a hint of regret.
Finally, Godly sorrow leads to salvation. There are many ways in which this is true. First, when the things of God bring you sorrow those around you see that your values and your concerns go much deeper than your own interests. They see Jesus in you. Second, when your sorrow is the sorrow of God, your conversations with others will be toward meeting their need in Christ. Your discussions with others go to the root of conflict in people and Christ is praised.

What kind of sorrow do you have? What are the results of your sorrow? Has your sorrow led to repentance, yours and others? Does your sorrow come with regret? Has your sorrow brought you freedom in Christ, knowing that His sorrow is of value to you? Have you asked yourself, “Is this sorrow ‘according to the will of God?’”

© Written by Richard L. Roberts, director of Life Focus Ministries

Reality of The Holy Ghost

“I had known the Holy Ghost as a heavenly influence to be invoked, but somehow I had not grasped the truth that he is a Person of the Godhead who came down to earth at a definite time and who has been in the church ever since, just as really as Jesus was here during the thirty and three years of His earthly life. . . .”

Dr. Adoniram Judson Gordon
They Found the Secret, pg 49-50
By V. Raymond Edman

The Truth

“Since sin entered the stream of history man has created that which he calls truth but which is not. Furthermore, he has perverted, blunted, diluted, and corrupted that which was originally true truth that did come from God.”

Basic Theology, page 25
Charles C. Ryrie