Home Purification

 

    Home purification is part of your self-examination and purification process.  It is creating a physical space to match the space you make for God in your heart.  It is a choice to honor God in and with your home.  Within your home you need a place designated to prayer and time with God.  It is like your body is the home of the Holy Spirit, but He resides in your heart and soul.  Your prayer room (space) the heart and soul of your home.

    To purify your home you start with yourself, then you dedicate your home, then you find your space to be alone with God.  Just like you clean your home to maintain it, you use your time with God to maintain your Christian walk with Jesus.  Declutter and clean your home as you do your mind and heart.  Read and pray over scripture to keep your priorities in line with God.  This is how you can approach God's Table with confidence.  

    Purifying your home helps you approach God, but it also prepares your family.  It can be a way to introduce God to family and friends.  Make your home welcoming for anyone who wants to know God better.  Prayerfully make it a safe place for yourself, family, and anyone who enters.  

    You are free to approach God at anytime.  You have a close relationship with Him, but do not forget who God is.  Do not become so comfortable that you become too casual with Him.  Being casual puts you at risk to become complacent and make God an accessory.  He is not an accessory.  He is meant to be your primary relationship.  You need to make yourself acceptable for God.  He is not going to change for you.

    You purify your home through consecrating it to God.  Then you remove all things that He declares evil from your home.  Confess any practices or habits that God does not approve of and repent so you can change.  When you start to realize who God really is, you want to get rid of anything that is unholy to make more room for Him.  

    God sees everything.  He knows everything about you.  You may have things hidden or forgotten about from yourself, but God never forgets and remembers exactly where you put it.  This applies to you and your home.  This is why you prayerfully ask if you have anything that would bring you shame.  When the Holy Spirit brings it to your recollection, repent or remove.  In the home it could be paganism, idols, books, movies, games, substances, clothing, or any other material things.  

    When you identify what you need to remove from your home to purify it, then confess and repent the evil you tolerated and ignored.  Ask God to release you from the desire for the evil thing(s).  Ask Him to reveal how you can be more obedient in replacing what was evil with what is pure.  Make a pledge to Him to be faithful in your love to Him.  Then thank God for loving you and giving you the Holy Spirit to live within you.  If you want, then you can anoint your home to God with oil, prayer, and scripture as you declare that your home to belongs to God.

Exodus 19:10-20, 40:9-11, Joshua 24:14-15, 2 Chronicles 29:3-19, Psalm 51:7-11, Proverbs 3:33, Acts 19:17-20, 1 Corinthians 11:27-30, & 1 John 1:8-10

Removing Idols

 

    To partake in the Lord's Supper you should examine your heart, confess sins, and remove all known idols.  It is a time to remember Jesus' sacrifice, focus on your relationship, and prepare for what is to come.  You can't move forward if idols are holding you back.  God can't have your whole heart if you give any of it to anything else.  You can love people, but do not put them before God.

    Idols are stumbling blocks because they are your first love.  It could a thing, attitude, something that takes your time, or a relationship.  If you are not intentional about keeping Jesus first, then your idols will come between you and God.  The first commandment is to keep God first.  It was placed first for a reason.  If you don't, then you can't keep any of the other commandments.

    Idols are a reason why churches have so many issues.  The love of money, worldly mentality, and glamour get in the church and the church starts looking like the world.  It can be difficult not to become materialistic because of ideals, advertising, and social media makes it look like everyone has more than you or a better life.  The world equates materialism to success and a good life.  God never did.  Your have to be walking close to Jesus not to get distracted.

    When you discover idols in your heart, then you need to confess it as a sin.  Ask God to reveal your idols, then ask for His help to remove them.  For an example is food is an idol, you can't just stop eating.  You have to find a way to put the value of food in it's proper place.  If it is a relationship, then you don't need to destroy the relationship.  You need to put God in the center.

    Idols make you impure just like all sins.  If your idol is a thing, then remove it all together.  For an example internet.  You can turn off your internet for a season or remove the computer from your home.  If it is an object you can destroy it.  If statues, art, religious artifacts are an idol, then you can destroy them so they never hurt anyone else.  If a hobby becomes an idol, then you can stop until you are made right with God again.  It is important to periodically do an evaluation and cleans your home and life.  

    It is okay to have nice and fancy things in life.  The point is to make sure they do not come before God.  If you live a certain lifestyle to impress other people, then you may want to consider a few changes.  It is better to live a simpler life and be close to God, than have everything you want without Him.  If you are struggling to give up something, then that particular idol has a strong hold.  

    You will need the help of the Holy Spirit to remove it.  Ask God to reveal the truth and if it is an idol, then ask Him to remove the desire for it from your heart.  When it comes to idols you need to ask for discernment.  You need to know what is important in your life and why.  Some things that hold value are not necessarily an idol.  You need the Holy Spirit to help you see the truth.  The most important thing is that you are willing to sacrifice anything for your relationship with God.

Genesis 22:1-18, 35:2-5, Exodus 34:12-14, Deuteronomy 12:2-3, 30:17-18, Ezekiel 14:1-5, Matthew 6:24, 22:37-40, 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, 11:27-32, 1 John 2:15-17, 5:21, & Revelations 2:4-16

Self-Aware

 

    It is important to be self-aware so you understand your role in the world, your life, and who you are in Jesus.  You have weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and struggles with temptation.  It would be foolish to pretend otherwise.  When you are self-aware with the input of the Holy Spirit you are no longer a slave to sin.  You become obedient to God out of love and devotion.  Nothing you do will make you righteous.  That comes from your faith in Jesus and choosing to follow him for the rest of your life.

    Be self=aware so you can earnestly seek to be worthy of the position you hold in the family of God.  You are not strong enough to do it on your own.  You need the Holy Spirit living in you and a Christian community to support, teach, and redirect you as needed.  They need you too.  You need to pray for each other to help in grieving, pain, suffering, and share in many types of joy.  

    After the last supper Jesus delivered a warning.  The warning applies to you too.  Do not become arrogant in your relationship with Jesus.  You will face trials and tribulations that will sift you.  They will refine your faith or reveal what is lacking.  When you fall short, repent so you can be forgiven and move on.  Do not allow sin to trap you.  Keep moving forward with Jesus, but learn from your past sins.

    Be self-aware so you can pray specifically over what you need and want in life.  Pray protection even if it is from yourself.  You are your own worst enemy when it comes to being blind to your faults and sinful nature.  Ask God to reveal what you have hidden.  

    Allow your prayer life to keep you humble, honest, and faithful so you do not fall into temptation.  When you do it will reveal your weaknesses and that means you can become stronger.  Do not allow sin to cripple you.  You are not a victim.  Accept responsibility, surrender it to God, and pray on how to move forward to walk closer with Jesus.  Listen to the Holy Spirit as He guides, teaches, and corrects you.

Psalm 139:19-24, Matthew 26:36-41, Luke 18:13-14, 22:31-34, Romans 6:15-18, 12:3-5, 2 Corinthians 13:5-6, Ephesians 4:1-4, & James 1:22-25

Judging Yourself

 

    Judging yourself is an important process of a Christian.  It is where you have examined aspects of your life and see your sin as sin.  Once you are able to identify your sin you need to repent and move forward with God.  It is that simple, but in the world you may have to pay the consequences.  Face it and do not turn away so that you can honor God in moving forward.

    Judge your faith.  If you are lacking, then turn to God.  It is your choice.  He will never take away your free will.  Anyone who tells you differently is lying to you.  Face judgment today, so that you do not have to face God to be judged.  

    If you examine your life and discover that you are doing it right, but the world is judging you, then remember what Jesus said.  He said that the world will hate you because it hates me.  The judgment of the world is twisted, manipulated, and fits the needs of the judge.  It means nothing in comparison to God's judgment.  

    As a Christian you need to be able to judge yourself.  You need to pray and learn to see yourself the way God sees you and loves you.  Know that righteous judgment is about correction and turning to God.  It is not about humiliation, punishment, or hurting you.  If you judge yourself, then you can keep yourself from going down paths that are unholy.  Ignore the responsibility and you could become weak, sick, or die earlier than needed.

    You are Jesus' representative in the world.  Fear God in a healthy way that keeps you from wanting to ignore His direction or correction.  You can love God, but without holy fear of God it is easy to ignore His rules because you don't think there will be consequences.  There are always consequences to sin.  God's light always reveals sin.  It is better for you to not bother trying to hide it.  Be honest with yourself and God.

    If you do not judge yourself appropriately, then God will discipline you in love to get you back on track.  His discipline may seem harsh, but it is for the good of all who are watching including yourself.  Jesus paid a high price for your freedom.  Do not abuse that gift.  Live in God's truth and your sinful nature will start to change to look more like Jesus.  Confess and repent of your sins.  God will cleanse and restore your relationship with Him.  You have the Holy Spirit to convict you before you sin.  Do not ignore Him.  

    Before partaking to the Lord's Supper confirm with yourself that you are a true Christian.  Make sure you do not hold onto any sin.  Pray to God to reveal any hidden sin, so you can repent before making the honorable table dirty.  Being complacent about remembering Jesus at the table is an insult to God and Jesus.  If you are not ready to partake, then wait until next time.  Worry more about what God thinks than the people inside the church.

Proverbs 28:13-14, Isaiah 43:25-28, Lamentations 3:40-45, Micah 7:18-20, John 3:18-21, Romans 8:1-4, 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, 2 Corinthians 13:5-6, Galatians 6:4-5, 2 Timothy 2:19, Hebrews 12:5-6, & 1 John 1:5-10

Self-Examination

 

    Before you participate in the Lord's Supper you need to take a little time to examine your heart.  You do not need to partake if you are dealing with hard feelings toward another, doubting your faith, or are not a Christian.  You are welcome to come to the Lord's Table, but you are not invited to eat until you have accepted the invitation and prepared yourself to follow Jesus.  That means you do not partake in an unworthy manner.  It is an act of worship and keeping yourself holy.

    If you partake in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner it will affect your spiritual life, but it could also affect your health.  Some people become weak, sick, or die.  Judge yourself according to God's Word to walk in confidence.  Learn to be self-disciplined and judge yourself, so that there is no room for others to judge you and you can face God without doubt.

    Now is the time to self-examine.  Now is the time you can fix erroneous thinking, face doubt, and get your salvation worked out.  Now is the time to start building your relationship with God.  If you wait, then you are at risk of eternal separation and no more second chances.  You are not prepared for the Lord's table is you are not a Christian.  Following Jesus in faith is what makes you worthy.  

    The first step in self-examination is to question your faith.  Is it real, inherited, a title, or something you rejected?  Do you see Jesus in your life?  Do you have any doubts in your faith?  These will answer the questions if you are a true Christian or not.  If you are not a true Christian, then now is the time to come to Jesus.  If you are, then now is where you identify where you still need to work out your faith.  

    You have the Holy Spirit living within you if you are a true Christian.  He testifies about your spirit.  You obey Him because you love Him.  It is your obedience that reveals your salvation.  He is what makes you worthy to partake in the Lord's supper.  There is no other way to approach God, but through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 22:11-13, Romans 8:15-17, 2 Corinthians 11:27-33, 13:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-2, James 3:1-2, 1 Peter 1:10-11, 1 John 2:3-6, 3:23-24, 4:13-16

Blood on the Cross

 

    At the last supper Jesus basically laid out what was going to happen to him.  There is no way the apostles would understand at the time, but it became clear at some point after seeing Jesus on the cross beaten and bloody.  It was horrible, but it was the final steps Jesus had to take to defeat death the break the bondage of sin.

    Sin is what put Jesus on the cross.  If you deny that you sin, then you are denying the truth.  Accepting the truth opens your eyes on how things can be different.  You see justice in a new way.  You become thankful for Jesus shedding his blood to give you the opportunity to have a relationship with God.  His blood is the only way to eternal forgiveness.

    Jesus enduring what he did and dying on the cross empowered the new church to form.  It created the way.  It justifies anyone who chooses to follow by making you righteous.  It brings you closer to God because salvation makes you at peace with God.  It enables you to have a clear conscience from your past sins and leads you in a way you do not have to sin anymore.  Jesus' blood purified your sins, so you can live free.

    Accepting the truth is simple.  It is not complicated, but it can be hard for some to believe in something that seems impossible.  This is why you are called to come to Jesus like a child.  You need to be open to the truth, accepting love, and changing through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  

    There was never a more loving act than what Jesus did for you.  There is no words that are adequate.  The only way to really display your understanding and gratitude is in how you choose to live once you encounter Jesus at the cross.  Do not be afraid of the truth about love.  

Matthew 1:20-21, 26:26-30, Luke 2:8-12, Acts 20:28-31, Romans 5:6-11, 1 Corinthians 1:20-29, Ephesians 2:11-13, Colossians 1:15-20, Hebrews 9:13-22, 1 John 1:5-7, & Revelations 1:4-6

The Garden of Gethsemane

 

    The Lord's Table is a where we go to remember what happened to Jesus on the cross.  It started with the Passover dinner and ended with victory over death, but the middle was horrible.  Jesus who never sinned died in a way that was kept for the worst criminals.  It was brutal and it lasted for hours, but it was his choice.  He chose obedience to God and love for you over his own comfort.

    Today you get to partake in the Lord's supper because Jesus gave you the way to calvary.   It is the best kept secret because it is so obvious.  You only have to believe, repent, and follow Jesus.  Salvation is easy, following Jesus requires giving up comfort.  

    Jesus had a great last meal with a lot of meaning and unseen impact with his apostles.  After dinner the 11 that remained went on a walk with Jesus.  Judas had already left to betray Jesus.  Jesus knew what he was up to, but the apostles never suspected their friend of deceit.  They went for a walk in the Garden of Gethsemane.  This Garden now represents the quiet place you go to pray.  Jesus prayed for strength, resist temptation, and for a change of plan.  Then he accepted what needed to be done and faced it.

    This walk in the garden was him facing what was about to happen.  He needed strength and time with God, so he went to be alone to pray.  The apostles were near and were to keep watch and pray.  The only difference is that they were not away of the urgency, so they kept falling asleep.  It was late and they had full bellies.  The excitement was over and their bodies were relaxing.  However, Jesus did know.  He knew the temptations they would be facing in the next few hours.

    Jesus was in anguish.  He did not want to endure what he knew he had to face.  He prayed so fervently that his sweat had blood in it.  He knew he had to face it alone.  He knew that his friends would scatter to save their own lives.  He knew Peter would deny him, but he was willing to face it to be obedient to God.  It is the ultimate act of love.  He also forgave the 11 before it happened because it didn't come from a place of evil, but fear.  In the end they would all turn to him in faith.  Judas was cursed because he rejected Jesus' authority.

Matthew 10:37-39, 26:36-46, Luke 9:23-27, 22:14-46, 1 Corinthians 1:18-19, & Colossians 2:11-14