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Matthew 16:26 “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul”? Introduction Greeting in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, The topic of “Between the Porch and the Altar” was first mentioned in one of Bishop Roland Binda’s sermons. I was really motivated to write about this topic, because we are living in a time when the decisions we are about to make will, not only have an impact on our daily lives, but most of all, these decisions will determine our final destination. Which way to turn? The bible describes it as, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). When I extrapolate this verse, we are left with two directions (the porch or the altar) where the altar is in the direction of the Lord and the porch causes us to be in direction of the Ungodly; the problem with a double minded state of mind, as mentioned in the verse, is that it will cause us to be at a standstill or in other words “lukewarm”. The bible describes a person who is “between two opinions” as an individual who has no direction or as one who is unstable in all his ways. As an individual, which way should I personally turn? It is very important to understand that regardless of which way we may turn, whether it is towards the porch or to the altar, both directions will definitely be a life changing experience. One step of faith in the right direction can bring a change individually and perhaps hope to the household and even to a generation “And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah” (Genesis 13:10). There are many distractions in life that can draw us away from God. For Lot it was the plains of Jordan, he saw a foundation that was pleasing to the natural man, one that he can build a future on. The Bible says that he "pitched his tent towards Sodom"; Sodom became his focal point, his main attraction and his goal. Where am I pitching my tent, what am I focusing on and where am I heading? "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death". Proverbs 16:25 (KJV) Am I heading in the right direction? Heading towards the altar is accepting Jesus to be the Lord of my life, but heading towards the porch is rejecting Him; rejecting Christ of being the Lord of my life. At the altar is life and life abundant; towards the porch is death and destruction of mind, body and soul. By allowing Him to be Lord of my life I can now experience Him in His fullness, I can know His plan for my life and be able to live a life of victory unto victory. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you"(Matthew 6:33). Am I seeking things that were meant to be added? When I seek the things of God whole heartedly I will experience the peace of God which passeth all understanding, love that is abounding and His grace which is sufficient. The way to the porch will lead us to things that satisfy the physical man, but prosperity in the natural realm will only last for a season. Am I heading in a direction where I am enjoying spiritual prosperity? Joy of knowing Him The two thieves on the cross is not just an Easter message, but rather it also reminds us that one of those thieves chose the way towards the altar, while the other chose the way to the porch. One made the greatest decision in the worst moment of his life. That thief stated in Luke 23:42-43 "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom" and Jesus replied "today shall thou be with me in paradise". Both were in God's presence, both had the same opportunity, but only one had the desire for God's grace and mercy to be upon his life. The second thief reminds us that we can come so close in seeing the grapes and not eat it, seeing the demonstration of God's power and not experiencing it, or knowing the word and have the inability to apply it. The joy of knowing Him is when I am able to stand upon His word, claiming every promises and watch it fulfilled in my life. God has a great plan for each and everyone of us, but it starts when I, as an individual, will take that first step towards Him. Knowing Him is to have new life, new direction, new destination and a purpose for living. God Bless Robert
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