02/28/18 WHO IS THE NEEDY ONE?
If you get bothered by someone enjoying spiritual victory,
Maybe you are the one who needs grace in your life.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
02/27/18 SHAKING MY HEAD IN DISBELIEF
02/27/18 SHAKING MY HEAD IN DISBELIEF
Reading some past articles and conversations...
Amazed at the arguments AGAINST OBEYING God...
IN THE NAME OF SOVEREIGNTY.
?SMH?
02/27/18 SING UNTO THE LORD
02/27/18 SING UNTO THE LORD
I have been listening, over and over, to the beautiful songs and singing of the Ladies Trio in our church. Most of the songs were written by members of our music ministry through the years. Some of those folks are still part of our ministry today (either here or in other places), some are serving God elsewhere. Each one made a great contribution to my own walk with Jesus and the ministry of our church. I often reflect on those who put the great truths of God's fullness and faithfulness into song. I am glad for the folks with whom I still fellowship, and I miss the others.
There are people who deny the deeper, victorious, holy life and never listen to songs of victory and power and purity. HOW SAD. If you do not feed your soul on Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, you will lack the spiritual nourishment and guidance that God wants to give us.
The Psalms are Divine revelation in song.
Hymns focus on the teachings, the nature, the works and the person of God.
Spiritual songs relate the personal encounter with God and His saving power.
It is not surprising that those who don't believe the truth of victory and never listen to the songs of victory don't enjoy the life of victory over sin.
I will mention some of the wonderful songs you can listen to in my MELODY IN OUR HEART group. The singers do a very nice job of presenting the music and the words. I am really pleased that nothing more than a smartphone for sound and a guitar for accompaniment is so well captured and presented online. Just consider these titles and you can see how much help they can be in our daily walk.
TITLES... (this only includes songs which were written by believers from those who were part of our church at one time, and who experienced the realities of the songs). The Lord willing I will be adding more of these songs, as well as those written by popular Christian writers, which our people sing.
I have also added a number to the song titles sung by our ministry singers, to make it easier to find these songs in the "Search this group" bar near the top of the page.
#12 I WANT TO SERVE THE MASTER
#10 IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME
#8 MY CHRISTMAS SONG
#7 MORE OF YOU
#6 I WANT TO BE LIKE YOU
#5 STEADFAST MAN
#3 I’M FREE
#2 FOLLOW YOU
#1 WALK IN VICTORY
I hope you will click on some of our music and SING UNTO THE LORD as we make MELODY IN OUR HEART.
I have been listening, over and over, to the beautiful songs and singing of the Ladies Trio in our church. Most of the songs were written by members of our music ministry through the years. Some of those folks are still part of our ministry today (either here or in other places), some are serving God elsewhere. Each one made a great contribution to my own walk with Jesus and the ministry of our church. I often reflect on those who put the great truths of God's fullness and faithfulness into song. I am glad for the folks with whom I still fellowship, and I miss the others.
There are people who deny the deeper, victorious, holy life and never listen to songs of victory and power and purity. HOW SAD. If you do not feed your soul on Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, you will lack the spiritual nourishment and guidance that God wants to give us.
The Psalms are Divine revelation in song.
Hymns focus on the teachings, the nature, the works and the person of God.
Spiritual songs relate the personal encounter with God and His saving power.
It is not surprising that those who don't believe the truth of victory and never listen to the songs of victory don't enjoy the life of victory over sin.
I will mention some of the wonderful songs you can listen to in my MELODY IN OUR HEART group. The singers do a very nice job of presenting the music and the words. I am really pleased that nothing more than a smartphone for sound and a guitar for accompaniment is so well captured and presented online. Just consider these titles and you can see how much help they can be in our daily walk.
TITLES... (this only includes songs which were written by believers from those who were part of our church at one time, and who experienced the realities of the songs). The Lord willing I will be adding more of these songs, as well as those written by popular Christian writers, which our people sing.
I have also added a number to the song titles sung by our ministry singers, to make it easier to find these songs in the "Search this group" bar near the top of the page.
#12 I WANT TO SERVE THE MASTER
#10 IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME
#8 MY CHRISTMAS SONG
#7 MORE OF YOU
#6 I WANT TO BE LIKE YOU
#5 STEADFAST MAN
#3 I’M FREE
#2 FOLLOW YOU
#1 WALK IN VICTORY
I hope you will click on some of our music and SING UNTO THE LORD as we make MELODY IN OUR HEART.
02/27/18 SALVATION IN TENSES...
02/27/18 SALVATION IN TENSES...
We were saved in the past,
We are saved in the present,
We shall be saved in the future.
#1 of 2 parts... SALVATION IN TENSES
(be sure to see #2, I WAS, I AM, I SHALL BE)
PAST
Luke 7:50
(50) And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
2 Timothy 1:9
(9) Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Titus 3:5
(5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
PRESENT
Luke 13:23
(23) Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
1 Corinthians 1:18
(18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 15:2
(2) By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
2 Corinthians 2:15
(15) For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
Ephesians 2:5
(5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Ephesians 2:8
(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
FUTURE
Matthew 10:22
(22) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Matthew 24:13
(13) But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mark 13:13
(13) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Luke 8:12
(12) Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
John 3:17
(17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 10:9
(9) I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
1 Corinthians 3:15
(15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
1 Corinthians 5:5
(5) To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
(be sure to see #2 below, I WAS, I AM, I SHALL BE).
#2 of 2 parts... SALVATION IN TENSES
I WAS, I AM, I SHALL BE
I share this because people sometimes focus on one aspect of personal salvation, rather than seeing the panorama of salvation.
There are people who recoil when they hear a person say that they have been saved, or that they know they have been saved, as a previous and completed event. Contrary to the Holy Bible, these people hold to a predestination that says God has predetermined who will be saved, therefore we cannot claim to either having been saved or being saved at the present. Our salvation is future.
On the other hand there are people who say that once a person has been saved in the past then they cannot be "unsaved" or "unborn of God." While this may seem to be reasonable and clever the idea that a person is saved either by a unilateral, unconditional decree of God or saved by a one time act of faith, is not Biblical.
Salvation is the work of God's grace, saving us from sin and eternal separation from God, received by a person through faith, saving faith, present and ongoing faith. When faith is present (as in the past or in the now) then that person is saved at that point and shall be saved throughout eternity if they die in a state of saving faith. There is no personal salvation for anyone, aside from active faith. We are children of God by faith.
This makes it possible for people to say, "I was saved," referring to a time in the past when they trusted Christ for salvation from sin and judgment. However, if people turn from faith then they are no longer saved. Salvation is dependent on God's grace, which He provides to those who trust Him for salvation.
A past event, becoming a present reality and continuing in our lives will eventuate in our salvation. I have eternal life now, as long as I have Jesus, because Jesus is my life, He is eternal life. A person cannot have eternal life without a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Some folks assume that a past faith implies and insures a future salvation. They also err by thinking that the verse, in which God is quoted as saying, "I never knew you," proves that the person was never saved. However, the same thought, in reverse, is found in the fact that God does not "remember" the sins of those who are saved. It is not that the saved person never sinned, but rather that those sins are atoned for, by the blood of Christ, and are not remembered against the redeemed person. LIkewise, the person who was saved, but eventually turned from faith, from Jesus, from God, from salvation is told by God, "I never knew you." The same Divine selective memory, "forgets" our former sins of the past as well as our former faith of the past.
Therefore I can rightfully say...
I was saved as a child and I knew that I had a right relationship with God, and if I died, I would go to heaven.
I am saved at the present time, by faith and I know that if I die I will go to heaven.
I will be saved in the future, through faith in Jesus Christ, which will take me to heaven.
I also know that I can turn from God, deny Him, disobey Him, grieve Him, quench HIm, resist Him, forsake Him, betray Him.
Therefore I am grateful that I WAS SAVED BY FAITH, but I know that I must LIVE BY FAITH now, and I also know that God is a very present help in trouble and as long as I do not deny Him, He will not deny me.
I received eternal life when I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, by faith.
I have eternal life now as I trust in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior by faith.
I will have eternal life forever, by denying myself, taking up the cross, following Him and enduring to the end.
We were saved in the past,
We are saved in the present,
We shall be saved in the future.
#1 of 2 parts... SALVATION IN TENSES
(be sure to see #2, I WAS, I AM, I SHALL BE)
PAST
Luke 7:50
(50) And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
2 Timothy 1:9
(9) Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Titus 3:5
(5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
PRESENT
Luke 13:23
(23) Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
1 Corinthians 1:18
(18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 15:2
(2) By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
2 Corinthians 2:15
(15) For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
Ephesians 2:5
(5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Ephesians 2:8
(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
FUTURE
Matthew 10:22
(22) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Matthew 24:13
(13) But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mark 13:13
(13) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Luke 8:12
(12) Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
John 3:17
(17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 10:9
(9) I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
1 Corinthians 3:15
(15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
1 Corinthians 5:5
(5) To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
(be sure to see #2 below, I WAS, I AM, I SHALL BE).
#2 of 2 parts... SALVATION IN TENSES
I WAS, I AM, I SHALL BE
I share this because people sometimes focus on one aspect of personal salvation, rather than seeing the panorama of salvation.
There are people who recoil when they hear a person say that they have been saved, or that they know they have been saved, as a previous and completed event. Contrary to the Holy Bible, these people hold to a predestination that says God has predetermined who will be saved, therefore we cannot claim to either having been saved or being saved at the present. Our salvation is future.
On the other hand there are people who say that once a person has been saved in the past then they cannot be "unsaved" or "unborn of God." While this may seem to be reasonable and clever the idea that a person is saved either by a unilateral, unconditional decree of God or saved by a one time act of faith, is not Biblical.
Salvation is the work of God's grace, saving us from sin and eternal separation from God, received by a person through faith, saving faith, present and ongoing faith. When faith is present (as in the past or in the now) then that person is saved at that point and shall be saved throughout eternity if they die in a state of saving faith. There is no personal salvation for anyone, aside from active faith. We are children of God by faith.
This makes it possible for people to say, "I was saved," referring to a time in the past when they trusted Christ for salvation from sin and judgment. However, if people turn from faith then they are no longer saved. Salvation is dependent on God's grace, which He provides to those who trust Him for salvation.
A past event, becoming a present reality and continuing in our lives will eventuate in our salvation. I have eternal life now, as long as I have Jesus, because Jesus is my life, He is eternal life. A person cannot have eternal life without a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Some folks assume that a past faith implies and insures a future salvation. They also err by thinking that the verse, in which God is quoted as saying, "I never knew you," proves that the person was never saved. However, the same thought, in reverse, is found in the fact that God does not "remember" the sins of those who are saved. It is not that the saved person never sinned, but rather that those sins are atoned for, by the blood of Christ, and are not remembered against the redeemed person. LIkewise, the person who was saved, but eventually turned from faith, from Jesus, from God, from salvation is told by God, "I never knew you." The same Divine selective memory, "forgets" our former sins of the past as well as our former faith of the past.
Therefore I can rightfully say...
I was saved as a child and I knew that I had a right relationship with God, and if I died, I would go to heaven.
I am saved at the present time, by faith and I know that if I die I will go to heaven.
I will be saved in the future, through faith in Jesus Christ, which will take me to heaven.
I also know that I can turn from God, deny Him, disobey Him, grieve Him, quench HIm, resist Him, forsake Him, betray Him.
Therefore I am grateful that I WAS SAVED BY FAITH, but I know that I must LIVE BY FAITH now, and I also know that God is a very present help in trouble and as long as I do not deny Him, He will not deny me.
I received eternal life when I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, by faith.
I have eternal life now as I trust in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior by faith.
I will have eternal life forever, by denying myself, taking up the cross, following Him and enduring to the end.
Monday, February 26, 2018
02/26/18 THINKING CLEARLY?
02/26/18 THINKING CLEARLY?
After reading a passage of Scripture have you ever been accosted with wild and strange thoughts that contradict your beliefs and training? Let me give you some examples. I will quote the passage and then mention the thoughts that may have come to your mind, (with tongue in cheek blurbs from me).
PASSAGE
Matthew 5:6
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
THOUGHTS
It is possible for me to actually hunger and thirst after righteousness.
(crazy ain't it? but if you ask God, maybe He will forgive you for thinking heretically),
Jesus was saying that I could actually be filled with righteousness.
(reckon where these thoughts come from)?
People who want to be and expect to be righteous are BLESSED OF GOD.
(don't get carried away now).
PASSAGE
Matthew 5:8
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
THOUGHTS
It is possible to be pure in heart.
(you know that can't be right, right)?
But Jesus said it is possible.
(yes, but what did He really mean)?
PASSAGE
Matthew 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
THOUGHTS
But I can not do good works.
(yeah, hold on to that thought, what does Jesus know, anyway)?
PASSAGE
Matthew 5:48
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
THOUGHTS
No one can be perfect.
(well, He was talking about PERFECT IN LOVE, but it is all the same. Jesus just got carried away. He was preaching here, not really telling the truth).
But He said perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.
(see, you know that can't be right, it goes against your training, your beliefs and the teaching of your HEROS IN THEOLOGY... but it still bugs you, doesn't it)?
PASSAGE
Matthew 6:15
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
THOUGHTS
This sounds like a condition, but I know it cannot be, or I know it cannot apply to me, or I know that it cannot mean what it says.
(yeah, sure wished these confusing verses were not in the Bible).
But this implies "works salvation."
(too bad Jesus wasn't more precise and accurate in His teaching, like the great Bible teachers that explain this passage away).
WELL, IT GOES ON AND ON AND ON.
Don't be drawn into sinning religion, as Eve was. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul said,
2 Corinthians 11:2-4
2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
I just thought I would address some passages that get explained away by sinning religion. I don't really explain the passages as much as I mock the foolishness in denying what the Bible actually says. You know me. I kind of approach things a little differently.
After reading a passage of Scripture have you ever been accosted with wild and strange thoughts that contradict your beliefs and training? Let me give you some examples. I will quote the passage and then mention the thoughts that may have come to your mind, (with tongue in cheek blurbs from me).
PASSAGE
Matthew 5:6
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
THOUGHTS
It is possible for me to actually hunger and thirst after righteousness.
(crazy ain't it? but if you ask God, maybe He will forgive you for thinking heretically),
Jesus was saying that I could actually be filled with righteousness.
(reckon where these thoughts come from)?
People who want to be and expect to be righteous are BLESSED OF GOD.
(don't get carried away now).
PASSAGE
Matthew 5:8
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
THOUGHTS
It is possible to be pure in heart.
(you know that can't be right, right)?
But Jesus said it is possible.
(yes, but what did He really mean)?
PASSAGE
Matthew 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
THOUGHTS
But I can not do good works.
(yeah, hold on to that thought, what does Jesus know, anyway)?
PASSAGE
Matthew 5:48
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
THOUGHTS
No one can be perfect.
(well, He was talking about PERFECT IN LOVE, but it is all the same. Jesus just got carried away. He was preaching here, not really telling the truth).
But He said perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.
(see, you know that can't be right, it goes against your training, your beliefs and the teaching of your HEROS IN THEOLOGY... but it still bugs you, doesn't it)?
PASSAGE
Matthew 6:15
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
THOUGHTS
This sounds like a condition, but I know it cannot be, or I know it cannot apply to me, or I know that it cannot mean what it says.
(yeah, sure wished these confusing verses were not in the Bible).
But this implies "works salvation."
(too bad Jesus wasn't more precise and accurate in His teaching, like the great Bible teachers that explain this passage away).
WELL, IT GOES ON AND ON AND ON.
Don't be drawn into sinning religion, as Eve was. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul said,
2 Corinthians 11:2-4
2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
I just thought I would address some passages that get explained away by sinning religion. I don't really explain the passages as much as I mock the foolishness in denying what the Bible actually says. You know me. I kind of approach things a little differently.
02/26/18 A GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT
02/26/18 A GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT
It has always been a great disappointment
to lose friends and family to the Enemy.
Sunday, February 25, 2018
02/25/18 NOT LIKELY
02/25/18 NOT LIKELY
I support the idea of "Billy Graham Day,"
as in, "Martin Luther King Day."
But despite Graham's immeasurable service, it ain't likely.
02/25/18 THE PREDESTINED ROUTE FOR GOD'S CHILDREN
02/25/18 THE PREDESTINED ROUTE FOR GOD'S CHILDREN
Along with my earlier "PREDESTINATION" posts:
Mt. 5:1-12 is God's predetermined route for His children.
The way, the life of a Christian is more than a momentary trust in God. There must be a moment of time when a person puts his/her trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus for salvation, but that moment must be followed by a life of faith.
We saved by grace through faith (Ep. 2:8-9),
CRINGING (Poor in Spirit). The route of salvation begins with the realization that we are totally bankrupt before God. We have violated His law, we are guilty of rebellion and we have no way to satisfy the justice of the Living God.
MANIFESTED GRIEF (Mourning). This true guilt leads us to a grief that is too great to conceal and results in mourning, weeping, open misery. Again, this is a situation that has no other relief than through trusting Christ alone for deliverance.
Often the enemy of our soul fights us at this very point. Satan knows that godly sorrow for sin will lead us to faith in Christ.
DETERMINED GENTLENESS (Meekness). Realizing our lost estate and God's Gift of love, we gladly humble and yield ourselves to the mighty hand of God. We become willing and happy servants (slaves) of God as well as blessed children of God. As His child, I gladly yield to His will and His way.
Sadly, I believe that some folks allow pride to rise up and hide or squelch their mourning or reassert their independent stance after having been snatched from the jaws of Divine judgment, as if they are able to stand in the presence of the Living God, on their own merit.
PURSUIT OF PERFECT PURITY (Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness). It is as natural for a new believer to desire life giving sustenance as it is for a natural infant to desire air, food, drink, love, comfort. The healthy newborn believer wants the milk of the word, and the healthy growing believer wants the meat of the word. The want of a healthy Christian is a strong drive, an obsessive desire.
When a believer finds himself/herself without a strong desire for the things that lead to and increase righteousness, then that person is spiritually sick and actually turning away from God. We should never lose our hunger and thirst for God. Even though we are filled, we are always desiring more of God and His holiness.
COMPASSIONATE, TENDER HEARTED (Merciful). The person who is transformed...
from a cringing and condemned anarchist to a loyal subject of the King;
from upheaval to peacefulness and joy;
from a boasting usurper to a satisfied servant:
from a sinner to a saint, is also transformed...
from a brash, intolerant, unsympathetic, self oriented, judgmental person into a loving, sensitive, tender hearted, compassionate, merciful person. Salvation changes us from the inside out, changes us into the likeness of Christ, changes our view and what we do.
Too often people see these Christlike qualities as weaknesses. Also these qualities must be held onto tightly, since the ways of the world and the wiles of the wicked one want to obliterate them from our lives. The communicable traits of God are despised and rejected by the world. However, the way of the faithful is the way of God. In fact, Jesus is the WAY, and in Him we see God.
PURITY OF HEART (Pure in Heart). This is where the path of God takes the faithful. We are born again so that we might be purified. God purifies His people through the blood of His Son, through the consuming fire of the Holy Spirit and through the washing of the word (the Holy Bible). This is the goal of salvation for the earthbound believer. This is the qualifier for heaven. This is the requirement for seeing God.
Purity of heart, entire sanctification is often denied by those who claim to be Christians. However, the Bible is totally clear that holiness of heart is God's requirement for here and heaven; holiness of heart is the provision of God, through His Son, His Spirit and His word; holiness of heart is the proof of our relationship with God; holiness of heart is the predestination for any and all who will come to Christ for salvation. Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.
AGGRESSIVE NONVIOLENCE (Peacemaker). Nonviolence is the New Testament standard of Christian faith. When we trust God, we do not trust the arm of flesh. When we love God with the whole heart, we love our enemies. When we are forgiven, we forgive.
This does not make us antagonistic to law and order or justice and punishment. We recognize we live in a fallen world that requires human force to combat evil. But God provided the State with the tools and charged the State with the responsibility to protect the righteous and punish the wicked. At the same time, God has called HIs people to peace and mercy and longsuffering and kindness in the face of hatred and violence.
As the confessing church has turned to human confessions and contrivances, the truth of Christian nonviolence (not to be confused with pacifism) has been been traded away and lost. However, from the time of the Church's birth until today, those who move into the depths of Christlikeness realize that believers are to be givers of life rather than takers of life. We are not to do battle with sword or carnal weapons, but with the sword of the Spirit. The World is to deal justly and definitely with evil as the keeper of the peace. The Church is to fight spiritual battles and wield spiritual weapons, conquering darkness and making peace with the enemies of God.
PERSECUTED FOR THAT WHICH IS RIGHT (Righteousness Sake) There are two kinds of persecution that Christians suffer. Christians suffer for doing the right thing. This means that they do not even have to mention the name of Christ, and still be oppressed and abused for doing that which is right. Christians suffer socially, financially, vocationally, relationally, physically, educationally, medically. This has been true since the early Church, when believers could not take certain jobs, because society and government had interwoven idolatry into medicine, education, sports, business. As a result Christians were considered to be enemies of society and the State and religion. We see this today with society and government forcing Christians out of business because they refuse to do that which is either morally or spiritually wrong.
PERSECUTED, REVILED AND FALSELY ACCUSED (for Christ's sake). Believers who stand for the name and cause of Christ are persecuted at different levels. Persecution can include financial as well as physical assaults. Christians are lied about and falsely accused by the enemies of the cross. Satan wants to destroy the witness of believers, in spite of the facts. Actually, the word MARTYR comes from a Greek word which means "witness." To be an honest and active witness for Christ is to be a martyr, at some level.
Along with my earlier "PREDESTINATION" posts:
Mt. 5:1-12 is God's predetermined route for His children.
The way, the life of a Christian is more than a momentary trust in God. There must be a moment of time when a person puts his/her trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus for salvation, but that moment must be followed by a life of faith.
We saved by grace through faith (Ep. 2:8-9),
We live by faith (Ro. 1:17; He. 10:38) and
We only continue to be the children of God by faith (Ga. 3:26).
Signposts and Mile Markers Along the Way
Signposts and Mile Markers Along the Way
CRINGING (Poor in Spirit). The route of salvation begins with the realization that we are totally bankrupt before God. We have violated His law, we are guilty of rebellion and we have no way to satisfy the justice of the Living God.
MANIFESTED GRIEF (Mourning). This true guilt leads us to a grief that is too great to conceal and results in mourning, weeping, open misery. Again, this is a situation that has no other relief than through trusting Christ alone for deliverance.
Often the enemy of our soul fights us at this very point. Satan knows that godly sorrow for sin will lead us to faith in Christ.
DETERMINED GENTLENESS (Meekness). Realizing our lost estate and God's Gift of love, we gladly humble and yield ourselves to the mighty hand of God. We become willing and happy servants (slaves) of God as well as blessed children of God. As His child, I gladly yield to His will and His way.
Sadly, I believe that some folks allow pride to rise up and hide or squelch their mourning or reassert their independent stance after having been snatched from the jaws of Divine judgment, as if they are able to stand in the presence of the Living God, on their own merit.
PURSUIT OF PERFECT PURITY (Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness). It is as natural for a new believer to desire life giving sustenance as it is for a natural infant to desire air, food, drink, love, comfort. The healthy newborn believer wants the milk of the word, and the healthy growing believer wants the meat of the word. The want of a healthy Christian is a strong drive, an obsessive desire.
When a believer finds himself/herself without a strong desire for the things that lead to and increase righteousness, then that person is spiritually sick and actually turning away from God. We should never lose our hunger and thirst for God. Even though we are filled, we are always desiring more of God and His holiness.
COMPASSIONATE, TENDER HEARTED (Merciful). The person who is transformed...
from a cringing and condemned anarchist to a loyal subject of the King;
from upheaval to peacefulness and joy;
from a boasting usurper to a satisfied servant:
from a sinner to a saint, is also transformed...
from a brash, intolerant, unsympathetic, self oriented, judgmental person into a loving, sensitive, tender hearted, compassionate, merciful person. Salvation changes us from the inside out, changes us into the likeness of Christ, changes our view and what we do.
Too often people see these Christlike qualities as weaknesses. Also these qualities must be held onto tightly, since the ways of the world and the wiles of the wicked one want to obliterate them from our lives. The communicable traits of God are despised and rejected by the world. However, the way of the faithful is the way of God. In fact, Jesus is the WAY, and in Him we see God.
PURITY OF HEART (Pure in Heart). This is where the path of God takes the faithful. We are born again so that we might be purified. God purifies His people through the blood of His Son, through the consuming fire of the Holy Spirit and through the washing of the word (the Holy Bible). This is the goal of salvation for the earthbound believer. This is the qualifier for heaven. This is the requirement for seeing God.
Purity of heart, entire sanctification is often denied by those who claim to be Christians. However, the Bible is totally clear that holiness of heart is God's requirement for here and heaven; holiness of heart is the provision of God, through His Son, His Spirit and His word; holiness of heart is the proof of our relationship with God; holiness of heart is the predestination for any and all who will come to Christ for salvation. Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.
AGGRESSIVE NONVIOLENCE (Peacemaker). Nonviolence is the New Testament standard of Christian faith. When we trust God, we do not trust the arm of flesh. When we love God with the whole heart, we love our enemies. When we are forgiven, we forgive.
This does not make us antagonistic to law and order or justice and punishment. We recognize we live in a fallen world that requires human force to combat evil. But God provided the State with the tools and charged the State with the responsibility to protect the righteous and punish the wicked. At the same time, God has called HIs people to peace and mercy and longsuffering and kindness in the face of hatred and violence.
As the confessing church has turned to human confessions and contrivances, the truth of Christian nonviolence (not to be confused with pacifism) has been been traded away and lost. However, from the time of the Church's birth until today, those who move into the depths of Christlikeness realize that believers are to be givers of life rather than takers of life. We are not to do battle with sword or carnal weapons, but with the sword of the Spirit. The World is to deal justly and definitely with evil as the keeper of the peace. The Church is to fight spiritual battles and wield spiritual weapons, conquering darkness and making peace with the enemies of God.
PERSECUTED FOR THAT WHICH IS RIGHT (Righteousness Sake) There are two kinds of persecution that Christians suffer. Christians suffer for doing the right thing. This means that they do not even have to mention the name of Christ, and still be oppressed and abused for doing that which is right. Christians suffer socially, financially, vocationally, relationally, physically, educationally, medically. This has been true since the early Church, when believers could not take certain jobs, because society and government had interwoven idolatry into medicine, education, sports, business. As a result Christians were considered to be enemies of society and the State and religion. We see this today with society and government forcing Christians out of business because they refuse to do that which is either morally or spiritually wrong.
PERSECUTED, REVILED AND FALSELY ACCUSED (for Christ's sake). Believers who stand for the name and cause of Christ are persecuted at different levels. Persecution can include financial as well as physical assaults. Christians are lied about and falsely accused by the enemies of the cross. Satan wants to destroy the witness of believers, in spite of the facts. Actually, the word MARTYR comes from a Greek word which means "witness." To be an honest and active witness for Christ is to be a martyr, at some level.
02/25/18 FACT SHIFTING AMERICAN GUN VIOLENCE
02/25/18 FACT SHIFTING AMERICAN GUN VIOLENCE
I've researched violence in America often and the facts always refute anti gun rhetoric. You don't want to know the real problem.
OK, you and some others do want to know the real problem, but those who want to attack American freedom and the 2nd Amendment don't want to know. hehehe They would rather fuel their false narrative with false information.
Obviously I can't give the data in a short comment and I have actually avoided this subject for a while because it is complex and controversial. Basically it has to do with race in America, illegals in America, lack of law enforcement in America (because of politics and and other reasons), it has to do with failed American government, it has to do with rejected Christianity in America, it has to do with a failed judicial system, it has to do with Liberalism, it has to do with the unspoken racism in other countries and the lack of basic freedoms in other countries, and a few other hot topics.
I've researched violence in America often and the facts always refute anti gun rhetoric. You don't want to know the real problem.
OK, you and some others do want to know the real problem, but those who want to attack American freedom and the 2nd Amendment don't want to know. hehehe They would rather fuel their false narrative with false information.
Obviously I can't give the data in a short comment and I have actually avoided this subject for a while because it is complex and controversial. Basically it has to do with race in America, illegals in America, lack of law enforcement in America (because of politics and and other reasons), it has to do with failed American government, it has to do with rejected Christianity in America, it has to do with a failed judicial system, it has to do with Liberalism, it has to do with the unspoken racism in other countries and the lack of basic freedoms in other countries, and a few other hot topics.
The numbers do not support the accusations against responsible gun ownership. After all of the data is on the table, the problem is not the "right to bear arms" or even too many guns. Other countries look down on America and attack our violence problem as if they understand it or as if it is what it appears to be on paper, plus they have major problems that they refuse to talk about. The answer to violence is not removing guns or promoting gun ownership. The answer is much deeper.
There are problems on both sides of the gun issue, but the picture of American gun violence is the result of fact shifting.
02/24/18 FACT SHIFTING
02/24/18 FACT SHIFTING
I have often researched gun violence in America.
I have often researched gun violence in America.
The facts always refute anti gun rhetoric.
You don't want to know the real problem.
OK, you and some others do want to know the real problem, but those who want to attack American freedom and the 2nd Amendment don't want to know. hehehe They would rather fuel their false narrative with false information.
Obviously I can't give the data in a short comment and I have actually avoided this subject for a while because it is complex and controversial.
OK, you and some others do want to know the real problem, but those who want to attack American freedom and the 2nd Amendment don't want to know. hehehe They would rather fuel their false narrative with false information.
Obviously I can't give the data in a short comment and I have actually avoided this subject for a while because it is complex and controversial.
Basically it has to do with race in America, illegals in America, lack of law enforcement in America (because of politics and and other reasons), it has to do with failed American government, it has to do with rejected Christianity in America, it has to do with a failed judicial system, it has to do with Liberalism, it has to do with the unspoken racism in other countries and the lack of basic freedoms in other countries, and a few other hot topics.
The numbers do not support the accusations against responsible gun ownership. After all of the data is on the table, the problem is not the "right to bear arms" or even too many guns. Other countries look down on America and attack our violence problem as if they understand it or as if it is what it appears to be on paper, plus they have major problems that they refuse to talk about. The answer to violence is not removing guns or promoting gun ownership. The answer is much deeper.
There are problems on both sides of the gun issue, but the picture of American gun violence is the result of fact shifting.
02/24/18 HOWEVER
02/24/18 HOWEVER
LIBERALISM, by definition, history, leadership, documents, actions is not Christian or Islamic, yet claims to speak for both.
HOWEVER
Liberalism is so anti-Christian that it promotes a whitewashed image of Islam and an imaginary reformed Koran, which are actually against the supposed Liberal dictums of freedom, equality, dignity.
At the same time, Liberalism attacks Biblical Christianity, in spite of the fact that...
Christianity has lifted the social, medical, educational, economic levels wherever the gospel has been preached and received. Christianity has championed the poor, the oppressed, the sick, the imprisoned and even justice for those accused of crime.
Christianity has sacrificially provided for the needs and care of countless millions for centuries.
Though the Holy Bible is the best foundation for a moral society, Christian tolerance has allowed for Freedom of Speech and has not taken violent action, even when the champions of evil were invading and imposing hostility on Christians.
The followers of Liberalism have chosen to follow one of the most anti-Christian movements in history. It is not going to get better, because very few are going to turn to Christ and follow Him.
Matthew 7:13-14
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
LIBERALISM, by definition, history, leadership, documents, actions is not Christian or Islamic, yet claims to speak for both.
HOWEVER
Liberalism is so anti-Christian that it promotes a whitewashed image of Islam and an imaginary reformed Koran, which are actually against the supposed Liberal dictums of freedom, equality, dignity.
At the same time, Liberalism attacks Biblical Christianity, in spite of the fact that...
Christianity has lifted the social, medical, educational, economic levels wherever the gospel has been preached and received. Christianity has championed the poor, the oppressed, the sick, the imprisoned and even justice for those accused of crime.
Christianity has sacrificially provided for the needs and care of countless millions for centuries.
Though the Holy Bible is the best foundation for a moral society, Christian tolerance has allowed for Freedom of Speech and has not taken violent action, even when the champions of evil were invading and imposing hostility on Christians.
The followers of Liberalism have chosen to follow one of the most anti-Christian movements in history. It is not going to get better, because very few are going to turn to Christ and follow Him.
Matthew 7:13-14
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
02/24/18 THE NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED
02/24/18 THE NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED
1 Peter 2:13-14
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
'cause it's politically correct
(I posted a clip from, "Have Gun, Will Travel," in which a sheriff was taking guns away from everyone in town, and leaving the citizenry unprotected from the bad guys, including a potential "throat slitter." When the sheriff was told about the danger he was ushering in, he said, "What does that mean.")
(I posted a clip from, "Have Gun, Will Travel," in which a sheriff was taking guns away from everyone in town, and leaving the citizenry unprotected from the bad guys, including a potential "throat slitter." When the sheriff was told about the danger he was ushering in, he said, "What does that mean.")
Actually, it is because American Government has rejected God's will in Romans 13:1-5 and 1 Peter 2:13-14. The Bible teaches that it is Government's job, through law enforcement and military, to protect the righteous and punish the wicked. (please read the two passages below).
I am not a gun enthusiast, but the right of the citizens in this country to bear arms to resist all enemies, domestic and foreign has kept oppressive Government at bay. The Second Amendment is not the right to shoot squirrels or robbers, but rather to stop oppressive Government, including domestic. Of course, most people who boast about the right to bear arms are following a wicked, Christless Government in the ruin of themselves, their children and our nation.
While our Government gives preference to those who hate our history and our way of life they are giving up the citizens as sacrifices on the altar of "self serving."
If the Government would deal with evil doers there would be no such foolishness as thinking about arming teachers or having veterans police the schools. Come on people. There are some wonderful and law abiding citizens who are teachers and/or veterans, but there are some nut cases also, as well as people in law enforcement. Government needs to do the responsible thing by protecting and punishing; by enforcing law and by choosing and training law enforcement properly and by punishing (stopping) law breakers.
Romans 13:1-5
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
I am not a gun enthusiast, but the right of the citizens in this country to bear arms to resist all enemies, domestic and foreign has kept oppressive Government at bay. The Second Amendment is not the right to shoot squirrels or robbers, but rather to stop oppressive Government, including domestic. Of course, most people who boast about the right to bear arms are following a wicked, Christless Government in the ruin of themselves, their children and our nation.
While our Government gives preference to those who hate our history and our way of life they are giving up the citizens as sacrifices on the altar of "self serving."
If the Government would deal with evil doers there would be no such foolishness as thinking about arming teachers or having veterans police the schools. Come on people. There are some wonderful and law abiding citizens who are teachers and/or veterans, but there are some nut cases also, as well as people in law enforcement. Government needs to do the responsible thing by protecting and punishing; by enforcing law and by choosing and training law enforcement properly and by punishing (stopping) law breakers.
Romans 13:1-5
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
1 Peter 2:13-14
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
02/24/18 THE PATH OF THE PREDESTINED
02/24/18 THE PATH OF THE PREDESTINED
JESUS SAID,
Matthew 5:1-12
1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes is an overview
Not a street view
Of the Christian life.
GOSPEL IT
GOSPEL IT
JESUS SAID,
Matthew 5:1-12
1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
02/24/18 THE PATH OF THE PREDESTINED
02/24/18 THE PATH OF THE PREDESTINED
God has predestined the cringing, crying, mild, parched and hunger driven, miserable, pure, peacemaking, persecuted to be saved.
This is the meaning of the opening words of Jesus in His Sermon On The Mount (Mt. 5:1-12).
This flies in the face of conventional wisdom. In fact, it requires the work of God to bring us to these qualities, without which we will not and cannot come to God.
Remember, PREDESTINATION has to do with the how we must be saved. We either get saved according to God's will and way or we will not be saved.
However, people resist the fact of their lostness and they reject God's way of salvation.
Some people deny their helpless and hopeless condition. They think they can help themselves, they think they can save themselves. They think they need to improve themselves.
Some people deny the plan of God to save us. They want His salvation, but on their own plan, without being driven to their knees.
Some people enter in through humility, but then they are puffed up and filled with self rather than filled with the presence, power and purity of God.
Salvation is a way, not simply an entrance. Humility and submission are Christian traits throughout our lives.
1 Peter 5:4-7
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
THE WAY UP IS DOWN.
God has predestined the cringing, crying, mild, parched and hunger driven, miserable, pure, peacemaking, persecuted to be saved.
This is the meaning of the opening words of Jesus in His Sermon On The Mount (Mt. 5:1-12).
This flies in the face of conventional wisdom. In fact, it requires the work of God to bring us to these qualities, without which we will not and cannot come to God.
Remember, PREDESTINATION has to do with the how we must be saved. We either get saved according to God's will and way or we will not be saved.
However, people resist the fact of their lostness and they reject God's way of salvation.
Some people deny their helpless and hopeless condition. They think they can help themselves, they think they can save themselves. They think they need to improve themselves.
Some people deny the plan of God to save us. They want His salvation, but on their own plan, without being driven to their knees.
Some people enter in through humility, but then they are puffed up and filled with self rather than filled with the presence, power and purity of God.
Salvation is a way, not simply an entrance. Humility and submission are Christian traits throughout our lives.
1 Peter 5:4-7
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
THE WAY UP IS DOWN.
02/24/18 IT IS BETTER TO DROP THAN BE DRIVEN
02/24/18 IT IS BETTER TO DROP THAN BE DRIVEN
The first truth Jesus declared in His Sermon On The Mount (which I call, "The State of the Kingdom Address") was the essential quality of accepting our own personal bankruptcy before God. Sometimes we do not realize our inner need to bow until we have been bowed by the crushing events of life.
In His two Sermons (on the Mount and on the Plain) Jesus referred to this poverty. On the Mount He stipulated spiritual poverty, but on the Plain He only stated poverty. Sometimes we do not realize our own spiritual poverty until we are aware that we are without hope in this world, without the ruling presence of God. Even though it is the kindness of God that afflicts us, it is better to drop than to be driven to our knees.
Notice, Jesus attaches blessedness (spiritual, godly, lofty happiness) to the person who cringes, crouches in utter destitution (the actual meaning of the Greek word), and then He aligns that person with Divine rule, by saying that "the kingdom of heaven," (in the Sermon on the Plain, in Luke, it is the kingdom of God).
Matthew 5:3
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
To stand against the word of God, to resist the way and will of God does not show courage or strength, but rather, ugly stupidity.
Crouching, cringing awareness of utter destitution precedes God's blessing.
It is better to drop than be driven to our knees.
The first truth Jesus declared in His Sermon On The Mount (which I call, "The State of the Kingdom Address") was the essential quality of accepting our own personal bankruptcy before God. Sometimes we do not realize our inner need to bow until we have been bowed by the crushing events of life.
In His two Sermons (on the Mount and on the Plain) Jesus referred to this poverty. On the Mount He stipulated spiritual poverty, but on the Plain He only stated poverty. Sometimes we do not realize our own spiritual poverty until we are aware that we are without hope in this world, without the ruling presence of God. Even though it is the kindness of God that afflicts us, it is better to drop than to be driven to our knees.
Notice, Jesus attaches blessedness (spiritual, godly, lofty happiness) to the person who cringes, crouches in utter destitution (the actual meaning of the Greek word), and then He aligns that person with Divine rule, by saying that "the kingdom of heaven," (in the Sermon on the Plain, in Luke, it is the kingdom of God).
Matthew 5:3
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
To stand against the word of God, to resist the way and will of God does not show courage or strength, but rather, ugly stupidity.
Friday, February 23, 2018
02/23/18 TOUGH AND TENDER
02/23/18 TOUGH AND TENDER
Two sides of salvation.
HANGING TOUGH.
BEING TENDER.
Both/And, not, Either/Or.
02/23/18 FAITH IN ACTION
02/23/18 FAITH IN ACTION
If you won't walk the walk,
Then don't talk the talk.
Victory is not just a word.
It is faith in action.
02/23/18 THE DANGER OF ANGER
02/23/18 THE DANGER OF ANGER
Anger is blinding, deafening and deadening.
It is possible to Sentence Yourself to
A Lifetime of Anger and
An Eternity of Torment.
02/23/18 CHRISTLESS MEANS CARNAL, CARELESS AND CAUSTIC
02/23/18 CHRISTLESS MEANS CARNAL, CARELESS AND CAUSTIC
WARNING
The further a person drifts or pulls away from Christ,
the more carnal, careless and caustic
is their walk and talk.
02/23/18 DID I SAY ADVANTAGE?
02/23/18 DID I SAY ADVANTAGE?
while he begins his eternity in torment..
02/23/18 DISTORTED LENSES
02/23/18 DISTORTED LENSES
I usually review my videos before I post them to the public (of course LIVE presentations are a different matter). As I reviewed my KAYAKING video yesterday I thought about how confusing the video portion could be for someone.
The front facing camera on an ANDROID shows a mirror image, while the back camera on an Android shows a true-to-life image (IPHONE shows a correct view in both cameras). When I give a description of the area using the back camera then everything appears to be aligned, as if you were standing with me at that location. But when I am using the front camera and I point left, it is actually to my right. Words will be in reverse order in the Android "selfie mode."
This does not matter, for the most part. HOWEVER, when I show an area with the back camera and then switch to the front camera, everything gets reversed. One camera puts the sailboat on the left and the fishing vessel on the right, then right after that scene the other cameral puts the same sailboat on the right and the fishing vessel on the left. I imagine there are folks who see it and wonder what is wrong. They may not even realize what contradiction they are seeing, but they know something is not right.
SAME-O SAME-O with the Scriptures and the Christian life. Viewed through the wrong lense things can appear to be contradictory or nonsensical. This is why we need to have a solid understanding of the Bible and why we need to not listen to those who disbelieve the Bible.
I just saw this demonstrated on the HUFFINGTON POST. The Liberal media speaks with "great authority" about issues that they completely misunderstand. This is true with Liberalism at large. Liberalism (among the many errant views concerning the Holy Bible and Salvation) sees through a mirror lense, giving them a distorted view of life. People who see things reversed and inverted, mistakenly see the false view of Liberalism to be incontrovertible and obvious. This can be true for those who view the word of God through any lense, other than the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit.
In these last days, be sure to find a strong Bible teaching church and pastor, otherwise a distorted view of God and His word will lead you in the wrong direction.
I usually review my videos before I post them to the public (of course LIVE presentations are a different matter). As I reviewed my KAYAKING video yesterday I thought about how confusing the video portion could be for someone.
The front facing camera on an ANDROID shows a mirror image, while the back camera on an Android shows a true-to-life image (IPHONE shows a correct view in both cameras). When I give a description of the area using the back camera then everything appears to be aligned, as if you were standing with me at that location. But when I am using the front camera and I point left, it is actually to my right. Words will be in reverse order in the Android "selfie mode."
This does not matter, for the most part. HOWEVER, when I show an area with the back camera and then switch to the front camera, everything gets reversed. One camera puts the sailboat on the left and the fishing vessel on the right, then right after that scene the other cameral puts the same sailboat on the right and the fishing vessel on the left. I imagine there are folks who see it and wonder what is wrong. They may not even realize what contradiction they are seeing, but they know something is not right.
SAME-O SAME-O with the Scriptures and the Christian life. Viewed through the wrong lense things can appear to be contradictory or nonsensical. This is why we need to have a solid understanding of the Bible and why we need to not listen to those who disbelieve the Bible.
I just saw this demonstrated on the HUFFINGTON POST. The Liberal media speaks with "great authority" about issues that they completely misunderstand. This is true with Liberalism at large. Liberalism (among the many errant views concerning the Holy Bible and Salvation) sees through a mirror lense, giving them a distorted view of life. People who see things reversed and inverted, mistakenly see the false view of Liberalism to be incontrovertible and obvious. This can be true for those who view the word of God through any lense, other than the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit.
In these last days, be sure to find a strong Bible teaching church and pastor, otherwise a distorted view of God and His word will lead you in the wrong direction.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
02/21/18 IT IS REAL
02/21/18 IT IS REAL
IF OUR VICTORY IS
BASED IN GOD'S NATURE,
PROVIDED IN HIS ATONEMENT,
ENABLED BY HIS SPIRIT,
REVEALED IN HIS WORD,
IT IS REAL.
BASED IN GOD'S NATURE,
PROVIDED IN HIS ATONEMENT,
ENABLED BY HIS SPIRIT,
REVEALED IN HIS WORD,
IT IS REAL.
02/21/18 GO CONQUERORS
02/21/18 GO CONQUERORS
DEPENDING ON YOUR TEAM,
I AM EITHER A CHEERLEADER OR A NUISANCE.
GO CONQUERORS.
02/21/18 WHAT YOU HOLD, HOLDS YOU
02/21/18 WHAT YOU HOLD, HOLDS YOU
You can't grab hold of God and His blessings
While gripping the anchors that drag you down.
PERIOD
YOU CAN'T SEE
THE PROMISE, PLAN AND POWER OF GOD
WHILE FOCUSING ON
THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE.
02/21/18 NUTS OR NOT
02/21/18 NUTS OR NOT
Even if I am nuts, it is still AN AMAZING SALVATION.
WOW, I JUST REVIEWED SOME OF MY POSTS AND VIDEOS.
I AM EITHER NUTS, OR,
WHAT A SALVATION!
Even if I am nuts, it is still AN AMAZING SALVATION.
02/21/18 ONE PERSON AND ONE TEAM
02/21/18 ONE PERSON AND ONE TEAM
The potentiality of one totally dedicated believer is amazing.
A team of living sacrifices is revolutionary.
Be a part, not apart.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
02/20/18 BROKENNESS TO WHOLENESS
02/20/18 BROKENNESS TO WHOLENESS
Until we get deathly sick of faithless defeat
We will never live in victory.
Brokenness precedes Wholeness and Holiness.
02/20/18 TRUE VICTORY
02/20/18 TRUE VICTORY
TRUE VICTORY IS NOT
A MOTORCYCLE OR SERMON TOPIC OR
SONG IDEA.
TRUE VICTORY IS A VERY RARE TREASURE.
A MOTORCYCLE OR SERMON TOPIC OR
SONG IDEA.
TRUE VICTORY IS A VERY RARE TREASURE.
02/20/18 MY MAIN POINT IS...
02/20/18 MY MAIN POINT IS...
When I was around 11 years old I decided to see how fast I could get my bike to go from the far end of the block to my house (approx. 235 feet). As I remember it, I got up to 35 mph (according to the speedometer on my bike). I peddled like crazy and checked my speed when I got in front of my house. I had not thought about my finish. UH OH. After reaching full speed I decided to turn into the driveway next to my house, which only allowed me about 30 feet to make a 90 degree turn (going over 30 miles an hour). Needless to say, I did not make the turn. I went down and skidded past the driveway.
When I was around 11 years old I decided to see how fast I could get my bike to go from the far end of the block to my house (approx. 235 feet). As I remember it, I got up to 35 mph (according to the speedometer on my bike). I peddled like crazy and checked my speed when I got in front of my house. I had not thought about my finish. UH OH. After reaching full speed I decided to turn into the driveway next to my house, which only allowed me about 30 feet to make a 90 degree turn (going over 30 miles an hour). Needless to say, I did not make the turn. I went down and skidded past the driveway.
Here are two thoughts about that event.
1. It is a good idea to know how to finish a project, as well as how to run the course.
2. Once you build up speed, it might not be easy to change directions.
The 2nd point is my main point in this post. Both "speed" (as in a jet plane, or my bike hehe), and "mass" (as with a train or a ship) it takes a long distance to stop or to turn around.
The faster you go into sin and the more baggage you add to your life, the harder it will be to turn your life around. In fact, you may get your soul saved, but your life may end up being a heap of wreckage. Get saved early and avoid the ruin of your life.
1. It is a good idea to know how to finish a project, as well as how to run the course.
2. Once you build up speed, it might not be easy to change directions.
The 2nd point is my main point in this post. Both "speed" (as in a jet plane, or my bike hehe), and "mass" (as with a train or a ship) it takes a long distance to stop or to turn around.
The faster you go into sin and the more baggage you add to your life, the harder it will be to turn your life around. In fact, you may get your soul saved, but your life may end up being a heap of wreckage. Get saved early and avoid the ruin of your life.
Monday, February 19, 2018
02/18/18 THE WORLD THINKS CHRISTIANS ARE NUTS
02/18/18 THE WORLD THINKS CHRISTIANS ARE NUTS
(and that is dangerous)
I keep seeing and hearing about the "mental illness" of the shooters and other murderers. People must be crazy to label all of this sinful violence as mental illness (yes, I know what I just said). Christians are making a major mistake when they let Secularism and Humanism define violent acts that are increasing in our society, as mental illness.
Stop and think about where the mental illness industry got its start. It started with Humanistic Psychology. Humanistic Psychology is the Bible haters way of explaining human thinking, relationships and behavior. Read this carefully.
H U M A N I S M. Consider the fathers of Humanistic Psychology. The persons and the original principles involved with psychology were antagonistic to the revelation of God and the Scriptures, concerning sin, human responsibility.
Though Joy Behar recently referred to Vice President Pence as being "mentally ill." because he claimed Jesus talked to him, this is not a new false accusation leveled at Christians. In a list (from 1864 to 1889), addressing the reasons for being admitted into an insane asylum, some of the reasons mentioned are basic religious behavior, such as; religious enthusiasm, over study of religion, Salvation Army. AND BY THE WAY, after a few visits home, during my first few months of Bible College, some of the folks very close to me questioned my sanity, as well as people in my home church who went to our pastor and suggested to him that I might be suffering mental illness because of my beliefs and resulting behavior.
In other words, Humanism has been wanting to label Christianity, Bible believers as mentally ill, so that society can take action against those who have a living relationship with Jesus. Christians are making a major mistake promoting such a lie as Humanistic Psychology.
It is not mental illness that causes these killers to unleash such destruction on society. And the solution to this problem is a right relationship with God.
It is a good idea to check the Biblical soundness of your ideas before you espouse and promote them.
(and that is dangerous)
I keep seeing and hearing about the "mental illness" of the shooters and other murderers. People must be crazy to label all of this sinful violence as mental illness (yes, I know what I just said). Christians are making a major mistake when they let Secularism and Humanism define violent acts that are increasing in our society, as mental illness.
Stop and think about where the mental illness industry got its start. It started with Humanistic Psychology. Humanistic Psychology is the Bible haters way of explaining human thinking, relationships and behavior. Read this carefully.
H U M A N I S M. Consider the fathers of Humanistic Psychology. The persons and the original principles involved with psychology were antagonistic to the revelation of God and the Scriptures, concerning sin, human responsibility.
Though Joy Behar recently referred to Vice President Pence as being "mentally ill." because he claimed Jesus talked to him, this is not a new false accusation leveled at Christians. In a list (from 1864 to 1889), addressing the reasons for being admitted into an insane asylum, some of the reasons mentioned are basic religious behavior, such as; religious enthusiasm, over study of religion, Salvation Army. AND BY THE WAY, after a few visits home, during my first few months of Bible College, some of the folks very close to me questioned my sanity, as well as people in my home church who went to our pastor and suggested to him that I might be suffering mental illness because of my beliefs and resulting behavior.
In other words, Humanism has been wanting to label Christianity, Bible believers as mentally ill, so that society can take action against those who have a living relationship with Jesus. Christians are making a major mistake promoting such a lie as Humanistic Psychology.
It is not mental illness that causes these killers to unleash such destruction on society. And the solution to this problem is a right relationship with God.
It is a good idea to check the Biblical soundness of your ideas before you espouse and promote them.
02/18/18 DELIVERANCE FROM PRIDE IS ESSENTIAL
02/18/18 DELIVERANCE FROM PRIDE IS ESSENTIAL
From Lucifer/Satan until now, pride is the great destroyer. When pride begins in a child and goes unchecked and continues throughout life the person sees himself as being above all others and becomes resistant to legitimate authority. When pride takes over then sef orientation, hard heartedness, mean spiritedness rise up in the name of "righteousness." Youthful pride has longer to permeate a person and gets a tighter grip as the years pass. They resist and reject parental authority, pastoral leadership, submission to the body and ultimately they set themselves against God. The "great" tyrants (religious or otherwise) throughout history fit this description,
The only answer is DEATH.
Death on the cross.
Death with Christ.
Death to the Old Man (the Self).
Death to a mind that is molded after the world rather than after Christ.
This death is part of God's work of grace referred to as Entire Sanctification (total purging away of the sinful nature) or the Fulness of the Holy Spirit. Pride is not controllable. It must be destroyed or it will destroy its host. Entire Sanctification takes a deep searching of the Spirit of God, an honest awareness and acceptance of the carnal Christian, and a complete surrender and trust in the consuming power of God. Then it takes a daily walk of humility and Christlikeness. This is true holiness: holiness of HEART as well as life.
(it is one thing to be born of the Spirit, is another to be crucified with Christ)
Philippians 2:5-8
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Romans 6:6-7
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Galatians 2:20
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 5:24-26
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 6:14
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
(these two passages are a more comprehensive view of the work of sanctification in the believer)
Ephesians 4:22-32
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:5-14
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Youthful pride that continues through life
makes you unteachable, unapproachable,
unloving, unkind.
Death to "self" is essential.
From Lucifer/Satan until now, pride is the great destroyer. When pride begins in a child and goes unchecked and continues throughout life the person sees himself as being above all others and becomes resistant to legitimate authority. When pride takes over then sef orientation, hard heartedness, mean spiritedness rise up in the name of "righteousness." Youthful pride has longer to permeate a person and gets a tighter grip as the years pass. They resist and reject parental authority, pastoral leadership, submission to the body and ultimately they set themselves against God. The "great" tyrants (religious or otherwise) throughout history fit this description,
The only answer is DEATH.
Death on the cross.
Death with Christ.
Death to the Old Man (the Self).
Death to a mind that is molded after the world rather than after Christ.
This death is part of God's work of grace referred to as Entire Sanctification (total purging away of the sinful nature) or the Fulness of the Holy Spirit. Pride is not controllable. It must be destroyed or it will destroy its host. Entire Sanctification takes a deep searching of the Spirit of God, an honest awareness and acceptance of the carnal Christian, and a complete surrender and trust in the consuming power of God. Then it takes a daily walk of humility and Christlikeness. This is true holiness: holiness of HEART as well as life.
(it is one thing to be born of the Spirit, is another to be crucified with Christ)
Philippians 2:5-8
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Romans 6:6-7
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Galatians 2:20
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 5:24-26
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 6:14
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
(these two passages are a more comprehensive view of the work of sanctification in the believer)
Ephesians 4:22-32
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:5-14
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Saturday, February 17, 2018
02/17/18 FOLLOWED THE WRONG FOR SO LONG
02/17/18 FOLLOWED THE WRONG FOR SO LONG
Society has followed the wrong
For so long that
Few of them will receive salvation,
Which is found only in Christ.
02/17/18 FALSE CAUSES, FAKE NEWS and HATE TALK
02/17/18 FALSE CAUSES, FAKE NEWS and HATE TALK
People are so caught up in
False causes, fake news and hate talk
That they are deaf and blind to the
Truth that can set them free.
02/17/18 EVERYBODY CAN BE A WINNER
02/17/18 EVERYBODY CAN BE A WINNER
YOU AIN'T BAD ENOUGH, and THERE AIN'T NO EXCUSE FOR SIN
(Don't trip over the grammar, the theology is the real focus.)
I preach and teach and testify to the victorious life in Christ. I am sure some folks think I am either deluded, proud or have an easy life. Actually, I am just as vulnerable as everyone else, and maybe more so than you. I acknowledge my own desperate need for God and realize that without Christ I am of all men, most miserable. BUT MY VICTORY, MY FAITH, is the work God does in this needy recipient.
It would not take any of the presence of God to wallow in weakness, to falter in failure, to doubt in disbelief, to succumb to sin. BUT GOD HAS GIVEN US HIS SON, HIS HOLY SPIRIT, HIS WORD and His people to lead us in triumph and righteousness. In fact, He has given us everything necessary for life and godliness.
Groveling in the dirt is for the snakes and worms of the earth, soaring to new heights is for the eagles of God. As long as we choose to hold onto the things of this world we will remain bound by the tainted, and ensnared by the temporal.
It does not matter how deep we have sunk in sin, or how far we have strayed in darkness: God and His salvation is greater than all of our corruption. The only regret that anyone ever has, in coming to salvation from sin through Christ, is that they did not come sooner.
COME ON IN, YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID.
WOW, THIS IS AWESOME
2 Peter 1:3-11
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
YOU AIN'T BAD ENOUGH, and THERE AIN'T NO EXCUSE FOR SIN
(Don't trip over the grammar, the theology is the real focus.)
I preach and teach and testify to the victorious life in Christ. I am sure some folks think I am either deluded, proud or have an easy life. Actually, I am just as vulnerable as everyone else, and maybe more so than you. I acknowledge my own desperate need for God and realize that without Christ I am of all men, most miserable. BUT MY VICTORY, MY FAITH, is the work God does in this needy recipient.
It would not take any of the presence of God to wallow in weakness, to falter in failure, to doubt in disbelief, to succumb to sin. BUT GOD HAS GIVEN US HIS SON, HIS HOLY SPIRIT, HIS WORD and His people to lead us in triumph and righteousness. In fact, He has given us everything necessary for life and godliness.
Groveling in the dirt is for the snakes and worms of the earth, soaring to new heights is for the eagles of God. As long as we choose to hold onto the things of this world we will remain bound by the tainted, and ensnared by the temporal.
It does not matter how deep we have sunk in sin, or how far we have strayed in darkness: God and His salvation is greater than all of our corruption. The only regret that anyone ever has, in coming to salvation from sin through Christ, is that they did not come sooner.
COME ON IN, YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID.
WOW, THIS IS AWESOME
2 Peter 1:3-11
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
02/17/18 DISAPPEARING TROUBLES
02/17/18 DISAPPEARING TROUBLES
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Our troubles loom large
At the moment of trial,
But they usually fade from memory
In our tomorrows.
TRUST HIM
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
02/15/18 SUDDEN DEATH IS NOT A GAME
02/15/18 SUDDEN DEATH IS NOT A GAME
DEATH could be a swallow away.
A morsel could be our last meal,
Taking us unexpectedly, and
Unable to call on God.
Are You READY?
02/15/18 THREE QUICK THOUGHTS
02/15/18 THREE QUICK THOUGHTS
Blaming politics while denying the
Biblical view of man's sinful condition
is like
Pointing the posse west
When the bad guy went east.
Pointing the posse west
When the bad guy went east
Makes you complicit
With the bad guy.
When you see where
Disobedience to God
Is taking you and your nation,
It is time to give up false hope
and GET SAVED.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
02/14/18 HE LOVES US THAT MUCH
02/14/18 HE LOVES US THAT MUCH
If a 60 year rebel calls on Christ,
He is as acceptable to God
As a 60 year faithful follower.
He is as acceptable to God
As a 60 year faithful follower.
DO NOT DELAY.
HE'S THE ONLY WAY.
02/14/18 GREAT IS THE LORD
02/14/18 GREAT IS THE LORD
I realize that in me, that is, in my inherent and independent self, there is nothing good.
I realize that I was lost and without hope until Jesus sought me, God called me and the Holy Spirit enabled me..
I realize that God initiated reconciliation because of His great love.
I realize that there is no salvation without the will, the love, the mercy, the grace and the sacrifice of God.
HOWEVER...
In Christ I can be and do that which God wants me to be and do.
I can do that which is beyond my wildest imaginings and loftiest dreams.
Because in Him I am a new creation.
Because in Him I am more than a conqueror.
Because in Him I can keep His commandments and do that which is well pleasing in His sight.
Not only does He give me victory over sin and the world, He makes me excel far beyond my own capabilities.
Others may not see or be impressed with me and my life, but I know who and what I am without Him and I stand amazed because of what Jesus is doing in me.
He has seen me through the valley of the shadow of death.
He has calmed the raging seas that threatened my well being.
He has fed me when there was no food.
He has never left me nor forsaken me.
He has forgiven, cleansed, regenerated me.
He has reclaimed, restored, renewed, refreshed me
He has blessed me and even used me in His service.
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praise.
I realize that in me, that is, in my inherent and independent self, there is nothing good.
I realize that I was lost and without hope until Jesus sought me, God called me and the Holy Spirit enabled me..
I realize that God initiated reconciliation because of His great love.
I realize that there is no salvation without the will, the love, the mercy, the grace and the sacrifice of God.
HOWEVER...
In Christ I can be and do that which God wants me to be and do.
I can do that which is beyond my wildest imaginings and loftiest dreams.
Because in Him I am a new creation.
Because in Him I am more than a conqueror.
Because in Him I can keep His commandments and do that which is well pleasing in His sight.
Not only does He give me victory over sin and the world, He makes me excel far beyond my own capabilities.
Others may not see or be impressed with me and my life, but I know who and what I am without Him and I stand amazed because of what Jesus is doing in me.
He has seen me through the valley of the shadow of death.
He has calmed the raging seas that threatened my well being.
He has fed me when there was no food.
He has never left me nor forsaken me.
He has forgiven, cleansed, regenerated me.
He has reclaimed, restored, renewed, refreshed me
He has blessed me and even used me in His service.
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praise.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
02/13/18 NOT WHAT THEY HOPED
02/13/18 NOT WHAT THEY HOPED
TWO RESPONSES BY OBAMA SUPPORTERS,
WHEN THE TRUTH BREAKS THROUGH.
"DELIGHT" BY TRUE LIBERALS.
"DISGUST," BY THE DECEIVED.
WHEN THE TRUTH BREAKS THROUGH.
"DELIGHT" BY TRUE LIBERALS.
"DISGUST," BY THE DECEIVED.
02/13/18 CHOOSE A SURE FOUNDATION
02/13/18 CHOOSE A SURE FOUNDATION
THE INTERNET:
WHERE DECEPTIONS ARE FOUND, ABOUND, CONFOUND.
ONLY GOD'S WORD IS SOLID GROUND.
02/12/18 DON'T FOLLOW THAT LEADER
02/12/18 DON'T FOLLOW THAT LEADER
By 2013, London City Hall Chapel
had been given over to Islam.
Now London City Hall
is given over to Islam.
America follows UK.
02/12/18 YOU MIGHT NOT WANT IT YOUR WAY
02/12/18 YOU MIGHT NOT WANT IT YOUR WAY
The Old Testament record shows us...
God turns rebellious people over to their chosen gods.
BEWARE USA.
It never turns out good.
Monday, February 12, 2018
02/12/18 TRUTH
02/12/18 TRUTH
TRUTH
John 8:31-32
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Since this world rejects God's revelation and His incarnation, it is no wonder our world is in such consternation and disconsolation.
I don't think the world is going to come to Christ, as in the time of the Philadelphian Period (circa 1600 to 1990). I do think that from this point on there will be pockets of Philadelphian Open Door ministry and Smyrnan Persecution suffering, but more and more there will be Laodicean "if any man" ministries taking place.
The world (the Christ rejecting population) is becoming more intolerant and hostile to the Word of God (both Inscripturated and Incarnated) and the people of God are going to face more persecution as this present evil time winds down.
2 Timothy 3:12-13
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
1 Timothy 4:1-2
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
2 Peter 3:3-7
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
Scripture, when interpreted in the light of
the nature, teachings and ministry of Jesus,
is the measure for all truth.
TRUTH
John 8:31-32
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Since this world rejects God's revelation and His incarnation, it is no wonder our world is in such consternation and disconsolation.
I don't think the world is going to come to Christ, as in the time of the Philadelphian Period (circa 1600 to 1990). I do think that from this point on there will be pockets of Philadelphian Open Door ministry and Smyrnan Persecution suffering, but more and more there will be Laodicean "if any man" ministries taking place.
The world (the Christ rejecting population) is becoming more intolerant and hostile to the Word of God (both Inscripturated and Incarnated) and the people of God are going to face more persecution as this present evil time winds down.
2 Timothy 3:12-13
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
1 Timothy 4:1-2
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
2 Peter 3:3-7
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
02/12/18 WHAT TO DO?
02/12/18 WHAT TO DO?
Do you ever ask yourself,
"WHAT SHOULD I DO TODAY???"
Here is what Jesus did.
Acts 10:38
38 ... God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
We should follow Jesus by doing
THAT WHICH IS GOOD
At least that is what the New Testament says.
(look for "that which is good," and think about how it applies to you).
Luke 6:45
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Romans 12:9
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Romans 13:3
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Romans 16:19-20
19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Ephesians 4:29-30
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1 Peter 3:10-16
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
3 John 1:11
11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Do you ever ask yourself,
"WHAT SHOULD I DO TODAY???"
Here is what Jesus did.
Acts 10:38
38 ... God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
We should follow Jesus by doing
THAT WHICH IS GOOD
At least that is what the New Testament says.
(look for "that which is good," and think about how it applies to you).
Luke 6:45
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Romans 12:9
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Romans 13:3
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Romans 16:19-20
19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Ephesians 4:29-30
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1 Peter 3:10-16
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
3 John 1:11
11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Sunday, February 11, 2018
02/11/18 SANCTIFY YOURSELVES #1
02/11/18 SANCTIFY YOURSELVES #1
FIRST PASSAGE
2 Corinthians 7:1
1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
THESE PROMISES
The promises Paul referred to are the ones stated in the previous chapter. Paul had been talking about the importance of believers being separated to God and then he said,
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
God promised...
vs. 16
I will dwell in them.
I will walk in them.
I will be their God.
They shall be His people.
vs.17
I will receive you (IF you come out from the world, and IF you will be separate, and IF you touch not the unclean thing).
vs. 18
I will be a Father to you.
You shall be my sons and daughters.
Now, in the seventh chapter Paul says, "since we have these promises, LET US CLEANSE OURSELVES OF ALL FILTHINESS OF THE FLESH AND SPIRIT, PERFECTING HOLINESS IN THE FEAR OF GOD." This is what God expects and requires of us.
God reveals through Paul, the conditions He requires for believers to enter into this holy relationship. We must "CLEANSE OURSELVES from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit," which leads to "PERFECTING HOLINESS." God wants the whole person, all the time. God will not share His love with another. God is a jealous God. The believer is called to cleanse himself, rid himself of any and all relationships and affections which hinder God's perfect unity with us.
CLEANSE OURSELVES OF ALL FILTHINESS
To cleanse requires a negative action and a positive action
The negative side of our sanctification is the removal of that which is corrupt, polluted, defiled. This includes anything that corrupts the mind or life of a believer. This includes anything that is in opposition to the revealed moral code of God. We can know the things that God forbids by knowing God and knowing His word. We cannot let society determine what it is that offends God because society has a moral code that slides according to the worldview of the day. God has given moral laws and spiritual standards, by which we can determine the filthiness that needs to be removed.
Notice too, we should remove, cleanse out, the pollutants from our physical life and our spiritual life.
"... cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the FLESH AND SPIRIT."
THE FILTH OF THE FLESH is that pollution which is related to the outer man, corrupting or defiling our thoughts, our words or our deeds. We are reminded of the child's song, "Be careful little eyes what you see" (and ears, what you hear; feet, where you go; tongue, what you say; hands, what you do).
Remember that the physical man has five components: seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting and smelling. There are the five gates that Mansoul had to guard in Bunyan's City in The Holy War. We must guard ourselves from the sins associated with the physical man. Sometimes it is not the gratification of physical needs that are sinful, but rather the manner or the extent to which we satisfy our needs. Eating is not sin, but gluttony is sin. Intimacy is not sin, but adultery and fornicatioin are sins.
THE FILTH OF THE SPIRIT is that pollution which is related to the inner man, including our reason, our desire, our emotion, our conscience and our will.
We must be careful with what we feed our minds. We must be careful with how we use our minds. We must be careful to develop our minds. These principles are also true concerning our desires, our emotions, our conscience and our will.
When sin, willful disobedience, is allowed to occupy a place in our physical or soulish life, then our spiritual life is violated.
When it comes to making our calling and election sure, it will involve the components of our flesh and our spirit.
TWO REASONS GOD REQUIRES SANCTITY OF OUR BODIES
1. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
God will not dwell in an unholy, polluted temple. God is holy and everything related to God is holy, including His temple. Worship and service are given to God in His temple. Therefore, as His temple, we must not allow anything to defile our body.
Paul addressed this in First and Second Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
1 Corinthians 6:19
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
God's temple is holy and our bodies are considered the temple of God. God tells us that He will destroy the person who defiles His temple. We are bought with a price, the Bible says. We are not our own. Our earthly body inherently unclean. It is true that our earthly body is not in its redeemed or glorified condition, STILL, GOD CLAIMS the human body as His temple and He calls us holy. God will judge those who defile His temple by allowing it to be an instrument of sin.
2. We are espoused to Christ.
This relationship of Bride and Groom demands the strongest kind of fidelity. God made it clear from the beginning of creation that He intended for marriage to be between a male and a female for a lifetime. God placed terrible judgment on the violation of the marriage relationship. God likened His relationship with Israel as a Husband and wife. God likens His relationship with the Church as a Husband and wife. God is a jealous God. God clearly said that friendship with the world is spiritual adultery, and that makes the violator the enemy of God.
James 4:1-4
1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
1 John 2:15-17
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
We must never forget that our body is the Temple of God and therefore it must be carefully guarded against carnal pleasures. We are not our own, we are bought with a price, therefore we are given the responsibility to protect and care for our body.
THE REASON FOR PERSONAL CLEANSING
At this point Paul tells us why we, as Christians, must take these personal steps of cleansing ourselves, ridding ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. It is preparatory for perfecting holiness, bringing to completion the work of God's cleansing.
THE BEGINNING OF CLEANSING
Life and spiritual cleansing began when we received Christ into our lives. We were cleansed from the filth we brought into our lives through our willful rebellion against God. Christ cleansed us from all our sins by His blood, His death, His atonement. Through our justification we were legally and spiritually as if we had never sinned. However, we still had the inbred, inherited, inherent corruption of a sinful nature (the Old Man, the Double Mind, the Carnal Mind).
We were completely forgiven of every sin we had ever committed. The reason we retained the SINFUL NATURE after confession and repentance is because we can only be forgiven of our own guilt, we cannot be forgiven for an inherent inclination to sin. The Old Man must be cleansed out, purged out, crucified dead with Christ.
A DELIBERATE CHOICE ON OUR PART
Just as God did not force the unsaved to be justified from his own acts of rebellion, neither does God force the believer to be purified from the inherited corruption of the Old Man.
After our justification we experience the power of God to save us from our sins, to deliver us from the wicked one, but we still found a natural bent (propensity) to sin, warring against our New Man, our regenerated self. This inner and personal spiritual battle is described in Romans chapter seven. We want to do that which is pleasing to God but another law rises up in rebellion, This inner battle robs us of the perfect peace of God ruling in our hearts and is the cause of our faltering.
Paul asked Who would deliver him from this "body of death," and God gave him the answer, causing Paul to rejoice that Jesus Christ not only forgives of SINS, He delivers from SIN as an inherent nature.
Romans 7:14-24
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
PERFECTING HOLINESS
Once we, as Christians, realize that there is Divine deliverance, cleansing from the inner resistance to God, we are directed to rid ourselves of everything that stands in opposition to the complete rule of God in our lives. We become aware of the fact that things which are not inherently evil can be hindrances to our relationship with Christ and our growth in grace. We begin to hunger and thirst for righteousness in a new and aggressive way. We begin to break down the walls of separation between God and our self.
Just as we, as sinners, were awakened to our need for forgiveness and a new life, and the need to turn from sinful living, so too, we are awakened as believers to the need to be delivered from the inner corruption that rebels against the rule of Christ in our lives. We come to the realization that we must break down every idol and cast out every foe, in order to be perfected in holiness.
As sinners we turned from a life of sin. In our justified state we must turn from a life of inner turmoil and resistance. Our Old Man (our inherited predisposition to rebellion) must be crucified with Christ, we must die to the world and the world to us, we must allow God to purify us by His infilling. This is the beginning of perfecting holiness.
As it has been said, this life of holiness or this fullness of the Holy Spirit is something that we approach gradually, enter into suddenly and grow in forever.
ACCEPTANCE OF DEEPER CLEANSING
The unsaved person stands in need of being cleansed from sins committed and is not even aware of his need to perfect holiness. This awareness comes to those who have been forgiven and have started along the way of righteousness. Just as the sinner must make the deliberate choice to repent of his sins, so also must the believer make the deliberate choice to oust the rebellious spirit of self.
It is at this point that the believer discovers that God not only wants to rid us of that which is inherently evil, He wants to rid us of every potential pretender to the throne of our heart.
Total surrender, complete faith in God's ability to purify and empower us to live in purity begins at this point. We will need to continue to keep our total commitment on the altar, but we will not have to be in an ongoing inner battle against the self nature.
IN THE FEAR OF GOD
Notice that we are to take these steps of self cleansing and perfecting of holiness, IN THE FEAR OF GOD.
We must not take this directive lightly. We must not give it half hearted response. We must realize the gravity of the situation and realize that God will hold us accountable for this new light of total commitment.
Total commitment is no less obligatory to the believer than repentance and faith are obligatory to the sinner. We must not take a careless or Cavalier attitude toward self cleansing and perfecting holiness.
As daunting as this may seem to the believer, it is no more difficult that the steps of repentance, faith and confession at the time of our conversion. It is not a matter of anyone taking these steps on his own or by his own power. God is the One who works in us to will and to do His good pleasure. We must make the surrender, based on the fact that we want God in our lives, above anything or anyone else.
Just as the justified believer testifies to the simplicity of salvation, so the totally committed believer will testify to the simplicity and ease that comes with total commitment.
FIRST PASSAGE
2 Corinthians 7:1
1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
THESE PROMISES
The promises Paul referred to are the ones stated in the previous chapter. Paul had been talking about the importance of believers being separated to God and then he said,
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
God promised...
vs. 16
I will dwell in them.
I will walk in them.
I will be their God.
They shall be His people.
vs.17
I will receive you (IF you come out from the world, and IF you will be separate, and IF you touch not the unclean thing).
vs. 18
I will be a Father to you.
You shall be my sons and daughters.
Now, in the seventh chapter Paul says, "since we have these promises, LET US CLEANSE OURSELVES OF ALL FILTHINESS OF THE FLESH AND SPIRIT, PERFECTING HOLINESS IN THE FEAR OF GOD." This is what God expects and requires of us.
God reveals through Paul, the conditions He requires for believers to enter into this holy relationship. We must "CLEANSE OURSELVES from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit," which leads to "PERFECTING HOLINESS." God wants the whole person, all the time. God will not share His love with another. God is a jealous God. The believer is called to cleanse himself, rid himself of any and all relationships and affections which hinder God's perfect unity with us.
CLEANSE OURSELVES OF ALL FILTHINESS
To cleanse requires a negative action and a positive action
The negative side of our sanctification is the removal of that which is corrupt, polluted, defiled. This includes anything that corrupts the mind or life of a believer. This includes anything that is in opposition to the revealed moral code of God. We can know the things that God forbids by knowing God and knowing His word. We cannot let society determine what it is that offends God because society has a moral code that slides according to the worldview of the day. God has given moral laws and spiritual standards, by which we can determine the filthiness that needs to be removed.
Notice too, we should remove, cleanse out, the pollutants from our physical life and our spiritual life.
"... cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the FLESH AND SPIRIT."
THE FILTH OF THE FLESH is that pollution which is related to the outer man, corrupting or defiling our thoughts, our words or our deeds. We are reminded of the child's song, "Be careful little eyes what you see" (and ears, what you hear; feet, where you go; tongue, what you say; hands, what you do).
Remember that the physical man has five components: seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting and smelling. There are the five gates that Mansoul had to guard in Bunyan's City in The Holy War. We must guard ourselves from the sins associated with the physical man. Sometimes it is not the gratification of physical needs that are sinful, but rather the manner or the extent to which we satisfy our needs. Eating is not sin, but gluttony is sin. Intimacy is not sin, but adultery and fornicatioin are sins.
THE FILTH OF THE SPIRIT is that pollution which is related to the inner man, including our reason, our desire, our emotion, our conscience and our will.
We must be careful with what we feed our minds. We must be careful with how we use our minds. We must be careful to develop our minds. These principles are also true concerning our desires, our emotions, our conscience and our will.
When sin, willful disobedience, is allowed to occupy a place in our physical or soulish life, then our spiritual life is violated.
When it comes to making our calling and election sure, it will involve the components of our flesh and our spirit.
TWO REASONS GOD REQUIRES SANCTITY OF OUR BODIES
1. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
God will not dwell in an unholy, polluted temple. God is holy and everything related to God is holy, including His temple. Worship and service are given to God in His temple. Therefore, as His temple, we must not allow anything to defile our body.
Paul addressed this in First and Second Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
1 Corinthians 6:19
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
God's temple is holy and our bodies are considered the temple of God. God tells us that He will destroy the person who defiles His temple. We are bought with a price, the Bible says. We are not our own. Our earthly body inherently unclean. It is true that our earthly body is not in its redeemed or glorified condition, STILL, GOD CLAIMS the human body as His temple and He calls us holy. God will judge those who defile His temple by allowing it to be an instrument of sin.
2. We are espoused to Christ.
This relationship of Bride and Groom demands the strongest kind of fidelity. God made it clear from the beginning of creation that He intended for marriage to be between a male and a female for a lifetime. God placed terrible judgment on the violation of the marriage relationship. God likened His relationship with Israel as a Husband and wife. God likens His relationship with the Church as a Husband and wife. God is a jealous God. God clearly said that friendship with the world is spiritual adultery, and that makes the violator the enemy of God.
James 4:1-4
1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
1 John 2:15-17
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
We must never forget that our body is the Temple of God and therefore it must be carefully guarded against carnal pleasures. We are not our own, we are bought with a price, therefore we are given the responsibility to protect and care for our body.
THE REASON FOR PERSONAL CLEANSING
At this point Paul tells us why we, as Christians, must take these personal steps of cleansing ourselves, ridding ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. It is preparatory for perfecting holiness, bringing to completion the work of God's cleansing.
THE BEGINNING OF CLEANSING
Life and spiritual cleansing began when we received Christ into our lives. We were cleansed from the filth we brought into our lives through our willful rebellion against God. Christ cleansed us from all our sins by His blood, His death, His atonement. Through our justification we were legally and spiritually as if we had never sinned. However, we still had the inbred, inherited, inherent corruption of a sinful nature (the Old Man, the Double Mind, the Carnal Mind).
We were completely forgiven of every sin we had ever committed. The reason we retained the SINFUL NATURE after confession and repentance is because we can only be forgiven of our own guilt, we cannot be forgiven for an inherent inclination to sin. The Old Man must be cleansed out, purged out, crucified dead with Christ.
A DELIBERATE CHOICE ON OUR PART
Just as God did not force the unsaved to be justified from his own acts of rebellion, neither does God force the believer to be purified from the inherited corruption of the Old Man.
After our justification we experience the power of God to save us from our sins, to deliver us from the wicked one, but we still found a natural bent (propensity) to sin, warring against our New Man, our regenerated self. This inner and personal spiritual battle is described in Romans chapter seven. We want to do that which is pleasing to God but another law rises up in rebellion, This inner battle robs us of the perfect peace of God ruling in our hearts and is the cause of our faltering.
Paul asked Who would deliver him from this "body of death," and God gave him the answer, causing Paul to rejoice that Jesus Christ not only forgives of SINS, He delivers from SIN as an inherent nature.
Romans 7:14-24
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
PERFECTING HOLINESS
Once we, as Christians, realize that there is Divine deliverance, cleansing from the inner resistance to God, we are directed to rid ourselves of everything that stands in opposition to the complete rule of God in our lives. We become aware of the fact that things which are not inherently evil can be hindrances to our relationship with Christ and our growth in grace. We begin to hunger and thirst for righteousness in a new and aggressive way. We begin to break down the walls of separation between God and our self.
Just as we, as sinners, were awakened to our need for forgiveness and a new life, and the need to turn from sinful living, so too, we are awakened as believers to the need to be delivered from the inner corruption that rebels against the rule of Christ in our lives. We come to the realization that we must break down every idol and cast out every foe, in order to be perfected in holiness.
As sinners we turned from a life of sin. In our justified state we must turn from a life of inner turmoil and resistance. Our Old Man (our inherited predisposition to rebellion) must be crucified with Christ, we must die to the world and the world to us, we must allow God to purify us by His infilling. This is the beginning of perfecting holiness.
As it has been said, this life of holiness or this fullness of the Holy Spirit is something that we approach gradually, enter into suddenly and grow in forever.
ACCEPTANCE OF DEEPER CLEANSING
The unsaved person stands in need of being cleansed from sins committed and is not even aware of his need to perfect holiness. This awareness comes to those who have been forgiven and have started along the way of righteousness. Just as the sinner must make the deliberate choice to repent of his sins, so also must the believer make the deliberate choice to oust the rebellious spirit of self.
It is at this point that the believer discovers that God not only wants to rid us of that which is inherently evil, He wants to rid us of every potential pretender to the throne of our heart.
Total surrender, complete faith in God's ability to purify and empower us to live in purity begins at this point. We will need to continue to keep our total commitment on the altar, but we will not have to be in an ongoing inner battle against the self nature.
IN THE FEAR OF GOD
Notice that we are to take these steps of self cleansing and perfecting of holiness, IN THE FEAR OF GOD.
We must not take this directive lightly. We must not give it half hearted response. We must realize the gravity of the situation and realize that God will hold us accountable for this new light of total commitment.
Total commitment is no less obligatory to the believer than repentance and faith are obligatory to the sinner. We must not take a careless or Cavalier attitude toward self cleansing and perfecting holiness.
As daunting as this may seem to the believer, it is no more difficult that the steps of repentance, faith and confession at the time of our conversion. It is not a matter of anyone taking these steps on his own or by his own power. God is the One who works in us to will and to do His good pleasure. We must make the surrender, based on the fact that we want God in our lives, above anything or anyone else.
Just as the justified believer testifies to the simplicity of salvation, so the totally committed believer will testify to the simplicity and ease that comes with total commitment.
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