Do I need to repent????

First of all in order to repent, you need to know what it actually means to repent and what it consists of. First, repent means to turn away from or to change. Second, it consists of you making the decision that pleasing God is of most importance in your life. Sometimes there are things that come between you and God that get in your way of fully serving His purpose for you. And as your walk of faith matures, so does the light that you walk in. As you reach out to God He will start to show you things by the Holy Spirit which is in you, things you need to change, or repent. The thing that you need to remember is that the reason why you did these things in the first place was because you were walking alone. But now you are filled with the Holy Spirit, and you need to tap in to that anointing and let Him take over. I remember when I realized the power of the Holy Spirit. It was when I quit chewing tobacco by supplementing the urge to chew with prayer. And just a couple days the urges were almost nonexistent. Satan knows that is one of my weaknesses so from time to time he tempts me to revert back to my old ways, and he will do it to you too. But James 1:2-3 says to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." Now the hard to discuss part, these next few things I am going to mention may offend some people but this needs to be discussed for the Bible declares that if you are guilty of these than you will not inherit the kingdom of God. So these are very important to yours' and my salvation. So I am not scared one bit to talk about these. If you know anyone that may be partaking in any of these you may need to make them aware as well. An easy way for you to tell them would be to send them to this blog and let me do it. And before we get started I just want to say that these are forgivable if you truly repent. Turn to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and you will find that in Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth that he makes mention of certain things that will keep you out of the kingdom of God. I'll go right down the line and give you the definition of each one. Fornicator- someone who consorts with prostitutes. Idolater- someone who worships idols. Adulterer- someone who has sex voluntary with someone other than their spouse. Homosexual- someone who engages in sexual orientation with others of the same sex. Sodomite- someone who practices anal sex (can be male or female). Thieve- someone who steals. Covetous- wrongly desires wealth or possessions; greedy. Drunkard- someone that is habitually or frequently drunk. Reviler- someone speaks abusively or uses abusive language. Extortioner- someone who uses his official position or powers to obtain property, funds, or patronage- (the control of or power to make appointments to government jobs or the power to grant other political favors). Friends, every word in the Bible is of great importance, however these things that are mentioned above are not to be taken lightly. These are essential to eternal life. I know that this topic isn't the most fun to talk about but I am just being led by what I feel the Spirit leads me to type. I know some of my family and dear friends that fall into this category, and it bothers me that the tempter has deceived them. Perhaps you feel the same way. Now this is going to come as a harsh word to many people however this also needs to be discussed. The leader of our country has come out publicly and has said in his speech to the American people on civil rights that his goal is to desensitize people's beliefs to where people look upon same sex marriage as admirable! Are you listening people! This is what our nations president said! If this is true, then where is the line drawn? What is next, men who use abusive language to women will be declared respectable? Or fornication is to be legalized in all 50 states? The body of Christ needs to step up and voice God's Word! Folks don't be fooled by what is going on. It is written nation will rise against nation kingdom against kingdom. During these days we can not afford to be uninformed on these things. Saints I urge you to pray earnestly for our nation, soldiers fighting the war, and pray the prayer of faith. If you need to repent, do not waste another minute, do it right now. I can say that it is the most important decision you'll make outside of being saved. Now praise God and give Him glory! AMEN!

In Christ,

Eric R. Cox

Scripture to meditate on:

Romans 1:18-32 NKJV

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[a] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[b] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Discipline in Public

If you are a parent of a toddler this question most likely has crossed your mind a time or two. Also you have probably heard several opinions on this subject. And being a parent, my wife and myself have always tried to do what the children specialist have recommended. Nowadays there are even TV shows to help you raise your kids. And each one of these has their views on rather or not publicly disciplining your child is appropriate. Of course that was was B.C. (Before walking with Christ). We searched high and low and in between for the most acceptable answer, however we decided that if needed, disciplining in public was what we were willing to do. Now everyone has experienced it before, there is that one kid throwing a fit usually in the grocery store cereal isle wanting the chocolate fruity pebbles and mom says no. However since the world says that it is not okay for you to discipline your child in public because it could be possibly be detrimental to the child's development, the mom in fear of being judged just ignores or reasons with him, or worst yet rewards his behavior by giving in to him and giving him what he wants... Since I truly gave my life to Christ I learned you have what they say, what you think, then there is the Bible. So what does the Bible say about it? I am glad you asked lets take a look. Well first off when a child acts out you have to look at it like this, is this child acting this way because he just doesn't know (ignorant) or is it out of rebellion. If the child is acting out of ignorance then he needs instruction and guidance. Just as we are children of God this is the way God handles us. Now if that child is acting out in rebellion and knows better, then that behavior requires discipline. Now there is all kinds of discipline, and not everything in my opinion is deserving of a spanking, however use your best judgment. We start with a time out then if that doesn't work we take privileges away and if that isn't enough we spank our kids. Now watch this, what is rebellion? It's choosing to disobey authority. When you allow a child to have his way when he is choosing to rebel, what you are doing is teaching that child that it is okay to rebel against authority. You see where I am going with this? As we raise kids we are to show them how to respect authority and you need to hold your ground and stand firm on your word. How a child deals with his parents is how he will deal with God. If he can push mom or dad around and get what he wants and get you to yield to him, he's going to think that God is the same way. So which is more detrimental now, public humiliation when they are 4 years old or grow up to conform God to their views? If you go back to the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament book of Esther 1:10-20, I'll summarize but make sure you read this for your self, King Ahasuerus was having a party and wanted to show his beautiful queen off at the party but when he sent for her she rebelled and did not come. How many know when God calls on you and you do not come there is going to be consequences? The queen disobeyed the king and in verse 17-18 He says "For the queen's behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come. This very day the Nobel ladies of Persia and Media will say to all the king's officials that they have heard of the behavior of the queen. Thus there will be excessive contempt and wrath." Now if the the king would have let this go then these things would have come to pass, how ever if you read further you find out because she chose to rebel, that choice cost her her crown. Folks, the point is if your child acts out in rebellion, it is your job to make it cost them. It may cost them their favorite toy now, but that is nothing compared to what it could cost them later. Don't be led by what the world says is acceptable be led by the Holy Spirit and find out what God says by opening up that Bible and reading it.

In Christ,

Eric R. Cox

Scripture to Meditate on:

Proverbs 13:24 NKJV

He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

Be BOLD for Christ!!!

Does anybody out there feel that they are the only ones out there proclaiming the gospel? If you do then keep on shouting it on the house tops. Today the world has people scared to offend anyone by saying the wrong thing and it is getting ridiculous. Nowadays the world ridicules you if you discipline your children in public, or if you voice your beliefs about abortion when you are the one being asked, or being asked about your beliefs about other moral issues. Has anyone else noticed that all these things that people are being scrutinized over are all biblical issues? Think about it, every time you hear about something in the news about someone being offended it is directed at Christianity. People do not be fragile and fold like a house of cards when you are pressured by the world's views on things. Do not conform to the ways of the world because you feel that your alone, you are not alone. The spirit of God is with you and as Psalm 32:8 says "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." Don't be surprised when the world mocks you and looks down on you, just remember before the world hated you they hated Him. Stand up for what you believe in, take a stand for Jesus. Don't be shaken by what the media says. As Christians we are to walk by faith, and not be moved by what we see. Get your Bible out and read it 10-20 min a day so you can keep the sword sharp. I believe in these final days all these attacks against Christians will become more abundant. Just remember where you stand. If you don't know where you stand, get your nose in the Bible and don't come out till you get it figured out. In the book of Revelation 3:15-16 Jesus says, " I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." That is a harsh way to say it, but it leaves out guessing what Jesus thinks aout those who live one way at church on Sunday, and another way during the week. Think about it, pray about it, and be led by the Holy Spirit.

In Christ,

Eric R. Cox

Scripture to meditate on:

Luke 10:8-12 NKJV

Jesus was talking to the to the seventy disciples. "Whatever city you enter, and they recieve you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, The kingdom of God has come near to you. But whatever city you enter, and they do no recieve you, go out into its streets and say, The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you. But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city."