Seven Truths

I realize most hearts are all aflutter at the thought of God being their new found automated teller machine, an endless source of crisp hundred dollar bills, requiring only an upward glance and an enthusiastic 'money come to me now.'
Dreams of Italian cars with leather interiors, German really isn't up to snuff anymore, indoor and outdoor pools, and homes one can get lost in, are the stuff of many Christian's daydreams, holding tight to the promises of prosperity, sowing those faith seeds, and waiting.
I realize also that the hirelings are all too happy to continue preaching Christ less sermons, and a great majority of the sheep having itching ears love to have it so. Even when a shepherd's conscience gets the better of him, rare but it happens, he is quickly reminded of who signs his paychecks, and that the committee is meeting next month to vote on whether or not to extend his contract one more year, so he'd better scrap the sermon series on repentance, and stop talking about uncomfortable topics that make the newcomers squirm in their seats.
There is however a counterbalance to these teachings, a certain Book that is as a thorn in the side of many who hold it up to the cameras every Sunday, and within its pages we find certain truths, that try as one might cannot be expunged.
I'm sure some of you can think of more, but in a manner of minutes I found seven truths that are as relevant and important today, as the day they were penned by men inspired by the Holy Spirit. Truth has no expiration date, and even though the very bones of those who penned these words have long turned to dust, the truth remains, able to transform anyone who is willing to receive it.

1. Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.
Hebrews 9:22, "And according to the law almost all things are purged with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission."
Hebrews 9:27-28, "And as it is appointed for all men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation."

2. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

3. Without holiness, there can be no communion with God. Without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14, "Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."

4. Without chastening no one can be a son of God.
Hebrews 12:8, "But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons."

5. There is no faith without works.
James 2:26, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

6. Without love, there is no reward.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing."

7. Without Christ we are barren and can bear no fruit.
John 15:4-5, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing."

Any one of these scriptures, and these truths can be fleshed out, can be made into a sermon, or a sermon series, but since I have never enjoyed being superfluous, I will end this post with the following thought.
Truth is neither subjective or relative, it simply is. No matter how much men attempt to alter it, to twist it that it may fit their agendas, it always reverts back to its original form, being a witness and a testimony against those who attempted to pervert it on the day of judgment.
I would rather preach the truth to an audience of one, than preach a lie to an audience of ten thousand.

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea Jr.