• About LoveDemonstrated
  • What I Believe
  • How To Be Saved
  • About Cory
  • My Marriage Story
  • Recursos Biblicos En Espanol

LoveDemonstrated

~ A blog dedicated to Jesus Christ, and the love God demonstrated through Him.

LoveDemonstrated

Monthly Archives: June 2013

Separation Leading to Salvation

28 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by corykilgus in Acts, GENERAL, New Testament, THE WORD

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Acts, Apostles, Cory Kilgus, Jesus Christ, Love Demonstrated, relevent, Salvation

Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.  And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women -Acts 5:13-14

These verses depict the church when she was just getting started. The disciples were full of the Holy Spirit, boldly preaching the Gospel, and performing miracles. These disciples were also distinctly different from the world around them, yet highly respected by unbelievers. Most importantly, through their witness and preaching “multitudes” were being added to the Lord. Why do I bring this up?

In today’s Christianity there is a temptation by many of us to try to reach out to a new generation with what I perceive be that light of Christ masked by the world’s darkness. I understand the motivation, and I even think the heart behind the action is good. We want people to know Jesus, we want people to be saved. I get that, and I desperately want that too. But, the question is how do we do this? And, do the ends justify the means? Is being relevent or cool the path that leads to reaching a generation that is turned off to the Church? I think these verses help us with those questions, and give us an example to follow in order that multitudes of every age would be added to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The first thing we see is ” none of the rest dared join them” Does that sound like the disciples were focusing on being relevent? No, I don’t think it does. They were focused on Jesus Christ, and they were one with Him (as Jesus prayed they would be in John 17). They did this by living with simplicity of heart, loving Jesus and being one with those who also loved Jesus with a pure heart. The disciples stayed steadfast in prayer, the apostles teaching, fellowship, and communion (Acts 2:42). Then they prayed for boldness, and used every God-ordained opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ. As they kept a simple focus on the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit was working powerfully through their lives, and the light of Christ was beaming from their congregation. The power of the Holy Spirit was so evident, and their lives were so radically different and honorable to Jesus Christ that people were actually afraid of them. Now, the first thing that pops up in my mind when I write this is that people being afraid of Christians can’t be a good thing for evangelism. But, we must first make sure the people are a little wary for the right reasons. Unbelievers should never be afraid because Christians are judgemental, unwelcoming, violent, busy-bodies, gossips, harsh, self-absorbed, or corrupt just to name a few. No, they should be wary because the light of Christ, His love and holiness, is so apparent that it would be shocking, and unlike anything this world has to offer. The reason an unbeliever should be wary of Christians is because what is going on in the Christian life and congregation is radically different.

The next thing we see is although no one dared join them, “the people esteemed them highly”. So the unbelievers were afraid, but they held the Christians in great respect. Why is that? Imagine if you saw a group of people who loved one another so fervently that the other person’s well-being was always at the forefront of each persons mind. Imagine a group of people laying down their lives in every way for the friends around them. Imagine a group of people who never cheated anyone, didn’t get involved in sexual immorality, that never lied to one another, that never slandered one another, didn’t covet money, but coveted loving and honoring their Holy God, and loving each person around them with an absolute humility and lowliness of mind. Basically, imagine a group of people really, really living like Jesus. Now, I am not saying these people were perfect, but they way they lived was different and it was honorable, and this life they lived was lived out-loud. Although, many people may not have agreed with these Christians, and some people would be greatly offended, the fact that these Christians were filled with an above reproach love had to be honorable in some degree. Could you imagine a conversation between someone trying to explain why they hate those Christians:

“I hate those Christians. I just can’t stand them.”

“Why do you hate them? What have they done?”

“Well, they are just so loving. They love their wives too much. They care about each other waaaay too much. They won’t lie about anything. They work really hard, and they seem to have no worries. They just worship that Jesus all the time”

“They sound like pretty up-standing citizens to me”

“Well maybe, but they just make me mad. I can’t figure it out, but they have to go”

“O……K…..”

Finally, we see that this lifestyle of loving and worshipping Jesus, and not being conformed to this world, but being transformed (Romans 12:2) led to believers being added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. So back to the beginning, we want to see people come to Jesus Christ and experience His love, grace, and forgiveness. We want people to be saved, right? Well this lifestyle of abiding in Christ and being focused on Him  in every aspect led to just that. These disciples were not sitting around trying to figure out why more people aren’t coming to the Lord, and trying to be more appetizing to an unregenerate world. The early disciples were a group of radicals set apart from the world, and people could tell they were different. They loved Jesus, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and shared the Gospel boldly. There focus was on pleasing God, not men. That is how people are added to the Lord, not by being cool or being relevant.

Let the words of Paul seek deep into our hearts, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” and “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” Love and abide in Jesus Christ because He loves us, and then let His life flow through each on of us in the power of the Holy Spirit, so that He might add many to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus and Same Sex Marriage

28 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by corykilgus in GUEST WRITERS, Homosexuality, THE WORD

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Cory Kilgus, homosexuality, Jesus, Joe Dallas, Love Demonstrated, marriage

This is an article by Joe Dallas, and is very helpful for seeing Jesus’ view of same sex marriage, and helpful to us Christians when we are asked the tough questions about the Bible’s view on homosexuality. I hope it is blessing you.

In light of the Supreme Court’s recent decisions on same sex marriage, the question of what defines a marriage becomes more relevant than ever, and no doubt we’ll see a host of talking heads discussing the issue. I’m wondering how it would play out if Jesus was interviewed on the subject, so just for fun and, hopefully, a little clarity, here’s my take on how the interview would go based on what the Lord has already said about life, humanity and marriage.

Interviewer: Now, Jesus – uh, do you prefer being called Lord?

Jesus: You call me master and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. (John 13:13)

Interviewer: Or Christ? God? Savior?

Jesus: I am He. (John 18:6)

Interviewer: OK, so your popularity is higher than ever, and people look to You as the final authority. Tell us, then, where do You stand on gay marriage?

Jesus: From the beginning He created them male and female. (Mark 1:5)

Interviewer: Surely that’s a throwback to the Old Testament, though. Isn’t the old law of Moses a bit antiquated for today’s discussion?

Jesus: Think not that I came to destroy the law. I came not to destroy it, but to fulfill it. (Matthew 10:34)

Interviewer: Aha! Then doesn’t it say in Leviticus that homosexuals should be put to death? Is that what You’re advocating?

Jesus: Let him that is without sin cast the first stone. (John 8:7)

Interviewer: That would be nobody.

Jesus: It is as you say. (Luke 23:3)

Interviewer: So You’d prefer we stick to the traditional Ozzie and Harriet style family arrangement? How would that play out in 2012?

Jesus: For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife. What God has joined together, let no man set asunder. (Mark 10:7-9)

Interviewer: That’s it? Stuck for life? What if both the man and the woman are miserable together?

Jesus: I say unto you, if a man put away his wife for any cause other than fornication, he causes her to commit adultery. (Matthew 5:32)

Interviewer: You probably just lost at least half of our listeners.

Jesus: This is a hard saying. Not every man can receive this saying. (Matthew 19:11)

Interviewer: No, and not every person will agree with it, either. In fact, based on what You just said, a lot of people would call for Your resignation.

Jesus: Everyone practicing evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds be exposed. (John 3:20)

Interviewer: Well, You’re promoting a pretty rigid definition of family, not to mention morality. I mean we’re all sexual creatures. I can’t help but be turned onto a beautiful woman when she walks by. Surely You don’t have a problem with that?

Jesus: If a man looks upon a woman to lust after her, he has committed adultery in his heart. (Matthew 5:28)

Interviewer: Now you lost me. I do that almost every day.

Jesus: Son, be of good cheer. Your sins are forgiven. (Matthew 19:2)

Interviewer: That’s nice, but a lot of gays and lesbians don’t feel very forgiven by You or Your followers. What would You say to those who claim that God doesn’t condemn them for being gay?

Jesus: Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more. (John 8:11)

Interviewer: So You’re not against them?

Jesus: God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:17)

Interviewer: Perhaps, but the world is coming to understand that homosexuality is a natural variation of human sexuality. Most educated people agree on that.

Jesus: Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because iniquity will abound, the love of many will wax cold. (Matthew 24:11-12)

Interviewer: But aren’t you condemning something that goes to the very nature of so many people? Whether we’re gay or straight or bi, isn’t that just an indicator of what’s truly inside us?

Jesus: For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.  These are the things which defile a man.  (Matthew 15:11)

Interviewer: So You would call on people to simply deny who they really are rather than simply be themselves and relate in the way that’s most natural to them?

Jesus: If any man come after Me, let Him deny Himself, take up his cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)

Interviewer: Even if that means saying “no” to a person’s most basic desires? Would you really ask that of anyone, even Yourself?

Jesus: Foxes have holes, and the birds have their nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head. (Matthew 8:20)

Interviewer: I’m sure You realize that even now people are blogging about Your words. You’re going to lose a lot of support because of Your positions.

Jesus: Woe unto you when all men speak well of you. (Luke 6:26)

Interviewer: But what would You say to those who believe in You but also identify themselves as gay, and are in same sex relationships?

Jesus: Why do you call me ‘Lord Lord’ and do not what I say? (Luke 6:46)

Interviewer: A lot of Your followers agree with You, but You’ll notice they’re getting a lot of heat for it. Anything You’d like to pass on to them?

Jesus: Let not your hearts be troubled. If they world hate you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. (John 14:1; 15:19)

Interviewer: And You’re still accepting new converts?

Jesus: Come unto Me all ye that labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Here is a link to Joe’s original website: http://joedallas.com/blog/index.php/2013/06/26/jesus-and-same-sex-marriage/

The Little Korah

24 Monday Jun 2013

Posted by corykilgus in Numbers, Old Testament

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Cory Kilgus, Envy, Korah, Love Demonstrated, Numbers, Self-Ambition

Then Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi: Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to serve them;  and that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking the priesthood also?  -Numbers 16:8-10
I may be speaking to myself only, but the lesson here is this: Do not despise the perceived “small things”. Be so grateful that Jesus has called us out of the darkness and brought us near to Him, and given us the honor of serving Him in normal, day to day life. Don’t let self-ambition and envy creep into our hearts under the banner of service to the Lord, but be content to lay down our lives day by day with thanksgiving, joy, and contentment. And remember we are all bent towards being self-absorbed, and a little Korah lives inside each one of us. Be careful to watch for any signs that this might be happening our hearts, and put to death that little Korah immediately.

Believe in Your Heart

06 Thursday Jun 2013

Posted by corykilgus in Charles Spurgeon, G. Campbell Morgan, Quote for the Day, Romans

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Cory Kilgus, Faith, G. Campbell Morgan, Jesus, Love Demonstrated, Romans, Spurgeon, surrender, yield

As I was studying Romans 10 to teach the young adult group at my church I came upon verse 9, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This is God’s simple way to be saved from His wrath on the basis of God freely giving life and forgiveness through putting one’s faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, is it enough to just believe that Jesus existed? Or is it enough to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of the world in your head?

I have had a family member that does not  know Jesus look me straight in the eye and say I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sins. Yet, there is no fruit at all in their life regarding being born-again, being a new creation in Christ, or having a relationship with the living God. So what gives? They said they believe, didn’t God say whoever believes in Jesus will be saved? I think C.H. Spurgeon helps with the confusion,

“We believe everything which the Lord Jesus has taught, but we must go a step further, and trust him. It is not even enough to believe in him, as being the Son of God, and the anointed of the Lord; but we must believe on him . . . The faith that saves is not believing certain truths, nor even believing that Jesus is a Savior; but it is resting on him, depending on him, lying with all your weight on Christ as the foundation of your hope. Believe that he can save you; believe that he will save you; at any rate leave the whole matter of your salvation with him in unquestioning confidence. Depend upon him without fear as to your present and eternal salvation. This is the faith which saves the soul.”

Ah, this helps me so much. I have tried to clearly communicate what believing really means to several, but Spurgeon does a masterful job here. Someone can’t just acknowledge Jesus’ existence or who He was, but a person must trust in Him alone as their only hope for salvation. I hope this will help someone else who has battled the same problem I have encountered, and that we would be mutually encouraged to continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ with more and more people because it is the Gospel of Christ that is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe, and faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. If you have not trusted in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, than you can do that right now and be forgiven and saved. I pray that you would even now. God bless you.

*** This is something I found written by G. Campbell Morgan that I thought was extremely helpful,

“As a matter of fact, we never really believe anything until we surrender ourselves to it. It is possible to say, “I believe in God the Father Almighty.” Do we? Saying it in the sanctuary does not prove it. The life through the week proves the reality of the faith affirmed, or disproves it. Intellectual conviction is not saving faith; but apart from it there can be no saving faith. We must have the facts, grasp them intellectually, and then yield to them”

I would add to this that the last phrase is the most important part of what Morgan is saying. We must yield to the truth of Jesus, and come to a humble turning away from our old ways, and turn to Jesus alone for our salvation, trusting only in Him , and yielding completely to Him.

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Post Categories

  • Apologetics
  • GENERAL
    • Definitions
    • Devotional
    • Homosexuality
    • Personal Experience
    • Quote for the Day
    • Reaching the Lost
  • GUEST WRITERS
    • Charles Spurgeon
    • G. Campbell Morgan
    • Matt Moore
  • THE WORD
    • New Testament
      • 2 Corinthians
      • Acts
      • Ephesians
      • Hebrews
      • John
      • Luke
      • Mark
      • Matthew
      • Romans
    • Old Testament
      • 1 Kings
      • 1 Samuel
      • Exodus
      • Haggai
      • Hosea
      • Isaiah
      • Job
      • Judges
      • Lamentations
      • Numbers
      • Psalms
  • UPDATES
    • CCFB
    • Ministry
    • My Life

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Resource Links

  • Always Be Ready Apologetics Website Apologist and Pastor Charlie Campbell’s website which has a vast amount of information and resources that pertain to defending the faith, answering questions, and equipping the body of Christ.
  • Calvary Chapel Fort Bragg Home Website CCFB’s website with information on our church, and a library of teachings from Pastor Kevin Green.
  • Calvary Chapel Modesto Website CC Modesto’s website complete with Pastor Damian Kyle’s Bible studies free to listen and download. Damian’s teachings have ministered to my heart in a powerful way time and time again, and he has become one of my very favorite teachers of the Bible.
  • Gospel South America The missionary blog of my wife and I as we serve the Lord in South America. We will be updating our preparation and work, as well as journaling our thoughts and experiences. Come have a look!
  • The Blue Letter Bible The Blue Letter Bible is an amazing resource complete with the entire Bible online, numerous commentaries, and much more.

Archived Posts

  • January 2019
  • November 2017
  • September 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • July 2015
  • May 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • July 2014
  • May 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • April 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011

LoveDemonstrated RSS

  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments

Blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy