01/31/18 CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE ATTENDING

01/31/18 CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE ATTENDING

Won't attend where they say:
*Jesus did not die for everyone

*Sin does not separate from God, and

*God does not separate from sin.

01/31/18 FOR FOLKS NEEDING A BIBLICAL CHURCH

01/31/18 FOR FOLKS NEEDING A BIBLICAL CHURCH

This addresses the problem of Christians not having a Biblical church to attend in their area. We do not need to see eye to eye on every minor and minute detail, but we must be in agreement with the basic doctrines of the local body and the leadership. Sometimes we cannot find a local church and/or pastor who is faithful to the fundamental and essential truths of the Bible, therefore we must be faithful to God and His word. This might require us to form the nucleus of a new local ministry, modeled after New Testament doctrine and practices, and led by the Holy Spirit.

I have a few thoughts that go together, but they have to be introduced and explained separately. I know I will not address every issue fully, and I know that I may leave a false impression with some folks. I hope you will be patient and kind. Well, here goes.

VIDEO CHURCHES ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A LOCAL CHURCH. (this definitely needs explaining)
I have seen "churches" spring up in recent years that do not have an actual pastor, but rather they are part of a network that meets to watch a teaching or preaching ministry on video, though they may have live music and some other ministries.

Here is my problem with this. God's plan is for a local church to have leadership as well as fellowship. The church may be in a situation that an individual man (yes, I said MAN) or a group of individual men (yes, I said MEN) serve and lead, other than a called and gifted PASTOR. That church should be praying for and looking for God's man to serve in that capacity. But a TV evangelist or preacher is not a substitute for God's plan. Neither is a Video "pastor" who is dedicated to being a video pastor. There may be good teaching and preaching in recorded format, but a pastor is a God appointed shepherd of a local body of believers, who cares for his parishioners as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

This is not to say that a pastor cannot use video, or that a pastor cannot lead separate local congregations. I am saying that a "video church" with a "video pastor" is not a substitute for an actual local church with an actual pastor. Until there is an actual pastor of a local church, then that congregation, that body of believers needs to have a someone serve and lead as one who is appointed by God. It is also accurate to say that God is in the midst of a group of two or three meeting in His Name. It is not necessarily true that such a group qualifies as a N.T. church. The objective for such a group is that they become a church.

If that group does not have Biblically qualified leadership at the time, then that group can and should still meet, rather than not meet. The man who leads such a group may become an Elder (meeting Biblical criteria) or a Deacon (also meeting Biblical criteria), as that group moves toward being a local church.

IT IS BETTER TO MEET IN A SMALL HOME GROUP THAN BE PART OF A GROUP THAT TEACHES AGAINST FUNDAMENTAL BIBLICAL TRUTHS.

I know this is a "hot button" issue. Some folks think that if a Christian does not attend an established, organized local congregation that they are not being Biblical.

There is no verse in the Bible that tells us we must meet with any group that teaches and preaches and lives contrary to the revealed word of God. In fact, we are told to come out from among those who are not faithful to God and His word.

Our allegiance is to God, His word, His Son, His salvation, His Holy Spirit, His Church.

The purpose of this article is not to examine the doctrines or practices of any given group. The purpose is to show the Biblical principle in meeting together with other Bible believers, whether as a church or as a group. The fact is that sometimes Bible believers do not have Bible believing churches in their area, which they are able to attend.

HERE ARE EXAMPLES OF BELIEVERS NOT HAVING LOCAL CHURCHES.

BELIEVERS IN THE FIRST CHAPTERS OF ACTS.
There were people who were visiting Jerusalem during Passover and got saved after the resurrection of Jesus and after the Day of Pentecost, in the book of Acts. When some of these new believers went back to their homelands, they did not have any Jewish Christians to meet with, and they certainly did not have a local church or pastor. They must have met with other friends or family, sharing the good news and seeking God together, as they studied the word of God. Many of the early converts were part of a Synagogue, but some were Gentiles, having no background or connection with the Christian heritage or mission.

CONVERTS ON NEW MISSION FIELDS.
There have been missionaries throughout history that have gone to unreached areas and people, making new converts. On occasions there have been great responses and on other occasions some believers were alone, having no other fellow believers or preachers or teachers. Those individuals became lone lights in a dark community. They had to evangelize, convert and disciple other people in the fundamentals of salvation. They did not have a local church to be a part of, initially.

Likewise, the converts made by the converts in new fields did not always have churches or pastors or elders. They were new converts that had to seek God alone, until they were able to gather other new converts together.

PERSECUTED BELIEVERS IN OPPRESSED LANDS
In the past and in the present, believers have suffered persecution in certain parts of the world. This could include social and even political attacks on local churches. Sometimes several or all of the pastors in a geographical region have been either imprisoned or killed (both are forms of martyrdom), leaving churches and individual Christians without pastoral leadership, and sometimes without fellowship. This resulted in the individual believers seeking God on their own or seeking and worshiping God as a small group of Christians, until they had leadership.

THE REMNANT OF BELIEVERS IN AN AREA THAT HAS ABANDONED THE FAITH, TURNING TO LIBERALISM OR HUMANISM OR SOME OTHER RELIGIOUS VIEW.
There are parts of the world that have become so antagonistic toward the Holy Bible and all that it offers, that only a few believers may exist in a community. Those few believers may not have a pastor, or even other believers living nearby. Those believers need to seek God and meet with whatever believers they can. Sometimes they are reduced to their own family or even themselves individually.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Sadly, there are communities in the USA where there are only a few faithful followers of Christ. The "churches" around them have become Liberal or they were based on false teachings from the beginning. Those who love Christ and His word still need to set aside a day for special focus on the word and fellowship and worship. Even when there is no like minded congregation or faithful pastor nearby, the believer needs to find and meet with other believers.

Some communities actually have a number of good churches and faithful pastors in their area. However, it is getting harder to find a true body of believers. Rather than going somewhere that will poison your mind, and the minds of your family and the minds of your friends and the minds of those that you lead to Christ, you need to get out of those religious institutions which are called Christian, but in reality are called, "Ichabod."

WHAT TO DO.
Well, this brings us back to the beginning of this post. DON'T settle for a "reasonable facsimile) and don't be herded into an anti-Bible group, just because others are less discerning than you are.

Meet weekly in your home. Study the word. Use the writings, and videos of solidly based teachers and preachers.

Look for someone who is well grounded in the truth and reflects the likeness of Christ, to help you lead your small gathering, your small group. Be praying for God to send you the pastoral leadership you need.

Reach out to other believers who are tired of the lies being taught by established religious groups in the area. Invite them to meet with you for prayer, praise, study, testimony.

Always be seeking spiritual guidance and Biblical leadership. Beware of cult leaders and groups. If someone comes in to your small group that brings a divisive message or attitude, just let them know that they cannot do that in your fellowship.

OKAY, I told you that you might not like what I have to say. I wish I did not have to say it. I wish that there was a good church in every community. I wish there was a good church in every region. But just in case there is not, or until you find one, you should not be submitting yourself or your loved ones or your friends to false doctrines that are damnable. Neither should you be giving your money or time or talents to that which is counter productive to the true message of God.

Your immediate responsibility is to worship and serve God and to keep yourself unspotted by the evil one. Your next and ongoing job is to find the fellowship and the leadership that will build you up into the local church God wants you to be. If you know pastors or other believers, in whom you have great confidence, seek their counsel. Don't be in a hurry to join any denominational group. There are good people and good churches that are part of some denominations, but today denominations are not of one mind and they are not always governed by Biblical directives. BE CAREFUL. There is no reason to jump readily into a potentially dangerous association.

Just in case I have not answered legitimate questions you may have, does not mean that they don't exist. Who knows, I might even know the answer, but just failed to write it down.

01/31/18 THE LANDSLIDE STARTS WITH A WEAK FOUNDATION

01/31/18 THE LANDSLIDE STARTS WITH A WEAK FOUNDATION

Folks reject the Bible because they think END TIMES prophecy is too absurd.

Have you been watching events in Europe and Mideast?

The Mideast is becoming the main actor in end times. I remember when folks did not even know where the Mideast was located or what countries were part of the Mideast.

Europe (at large) rejected God, His Son, His Holy Spirit, His Holy Bible, His salvation a long time ago, and the landslide of chaos began. It is probably too late to shore up the eroding social, political, economic, religious and spiritual areas of Europe. It is fast becoming the revived Roman Empire of Biblical prophecy and the domain of the rising world leader, known as The Beast.

Britain (at large), has denied and rejected the true and living God, it has pursued false gods and is now being mastered by a marauding, blood thirsty and insatiable religion, which was also recognized as a long time enemy of Europeans, Christianity, and western civilization.

America (at large) is now blindly following the lead of Europe's blindness. The Holy Bible has been discarded, God has been betrayed, Christ has been denied and mocked, salvation is scoffed and, Christianity is despised.

Europe, the Mideast, North Africa now appear to be poised for the battles prophesied by Ezekiel and John. I don't think America figures into the end times scenario as a major player because I believe America will be a byword because of its internal strife and rejection of the True and Living God. After all, look what has happened to America, especially in the last ten years.

The point is, the "wild eyed" vision of Revelation is beginning to look like just another day at the office, for a world gone mad.

01/31/18 TO REACH YOUR DESTINATION

01/31/18 TO REACH YOUR DESTINATION

*Directions must be accurate.

*Guides must know the way.

*You must follow the map.
(see you in heaven?)

Sadly, people think they can get to heaven with...

INACCURATE INFORMATION,

MISGUIDED PREACHERS,

IGNORING THE BIBLE.

There are people who are blazing their own way to heaven, but are actually going to blazes, literally.

There are people who are following the blind into eternity, without God.

There are people who reject Christ, the Holy Bible, God's salvation, and mistakenly thing they will still get to heaven.

God did not give His Son as a gesture, but as a Sacrifice for our sins.

God did not give His Holy Bible as a suggestion list.

God does not give His Salvation randomly, but to WHOSOEVER WILL and to NO ONE ELSE.

John 14:6

6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

01/31/18 THE WHAT CHAPTER?

01/31/18 THE WHAT CHAPTER?

I was talking with a group of preachers one time and I mentioned, "The Love Chapter" in the Bible. Confusion covered their faces and they asked me, "the what chapter?" I kind of laughed, because it did not cross my mind that they could be serious. As I tried to explain it they became even more confused. Then I realized that they did not call it The Love Chapter because they were KJV only believers, and they had no idea that the word, which is translated as "Charity" in the KJV is actually the word in the New Testament that refers to Godlike, Holy, Pure, Self Sacrificing LOVE. I don't think they were impressed with the Greek word that God chose to use. They chose to stay with the word "Charity."

Of course, Paul made it clear that he was writing about holy love rather than charity, because he (by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) put the action of love in stark contrast with the reality of Divine love, when he said,
1 Corinthians 13:3
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Bestowing goods to feed the poor is "charity," which is not the same as the quality, which Paul was emphasizing, called "agape" (uh gah pay), Godlike, self denying love (unfortunately translated as "charity) in the KJV. Remember, Paul implied that it was possible for a person to have charity for someone, to be compassionate, to care about social welfare and a person's temporal needs, without being either filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit.

My intent, when I started this post, was to talk about the power of love, as it is described in 1 Corinthians 13. But I will address that on another occasion (The Lord willing). However, if you read 1 Corinthians 13, asking God to enlighten your heart concerning the length and breadth and depth and height of holy love, God will impart His love to your heart and flow through you to others.

01/30/18 FOR EXHORTATION AND EDIFICATION

01/30/18 FOR EXHORTATION AND EDIFICATION

FIND MY EXHORTATION AND EDIFICATION POSTS FOR PERSONAL AND MINISTRY USE ON MY BLOG
pastordlgouldmusings2018.blogspot.com

You will also find links on the right side of the page, which will take you to hundreds more of my writings from 2009 to 2017. I hope you will use these for your own growth, understanding and ministry to other people. Thank y'all.

01/30/18 PROOF TEXTING

01/30/18 PROOF TEXTING

A "Proof Text" is used to prove a Biblical, Theological or Doctrinal point, whether the person uses a verse, a chapter, a cook or a Testament.

Accuracy is a different subject. Scripture can either be twisted or honestly applied in a discussion. Sometimes the misuse of Scripture is not due to dishonesty, but rather to lack of knowledge.

Jesus and the Apostles gave Old Testament tests to prove their points. However, as someone has pointed out,

"A text used out of context is a pretext."

In order to properly use a text to prove or support a point, the passage must either address the subject being discussed or there must be Biblical principles in the text, which are applicable to the subject. This indicates that an overall knowledge and understanding of the Bible is necessary for valid proof texting.

Entire libraries are filled with error, based on faulty knowledge, understanding, application of Scripture. I find it interesting that those who complain the most about Christians who Proof Text are the ones who use larger portions as of Scripture as proof text (although inconsistent with the context) as if extended portions of twisted Scripture nullify a single verse that is consistent with the nature of God and the rest of the Bible.

01/30/18 GOD'S WORK

01/30/18 GOD'S WORK

Electronic ministry is like "serving tables" (Acts 6). But even more essential b/c IT IS proclamation. Time consuming & tiring.

GOD'S WORK
I believe I said several years ago that I would put electronic ministry (audio, video, computing, social media, publication etc.) along with evangelism, missions, music, education, as a primary ministry department in the proclamation of the word.

Today the need is greater, and the time of usefulness is probably numbered. The tools and avenues and needs are greater than ever before, but the attack on Biblical proclamation and ministry is more prominent, and greater resistance and oppression to Christ and His Church are on the rise.

In fact, now is the time for every Christian to be
Filled with perfecting graces,
Abundantly producing the Fruit of the Spirit,
Empowered by the indwelling Spirit of God,
Actively exercising the gifts and talents and skills, and abilities endowed by the Holy Spirit.

John 4:34-38 (NASB 1971)
34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.
35 "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest '? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.

Romans 13:11-12 (KJV)
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

01/30/18 BEWARE THE FALSE NARRATIVE

01/30/18 BEWARE THE FALSE NARRATIVE

Climate Change takes place. It has for a long time. Global warming and cooling takes place. But here are three problems with the FALSE NARRATIVE.

1. This false narrative is presented as if modern, western man is the cause. The science does not support this. And even if it could be proved that there would be no problem along these lines if the human element of progress was removed, the fact is that modern western life is not the only contributor, or even the greatest contributor. The drive has been to reduce the western world to the level of the rest of the world rather than raise the rest of the world to the western (American) way of life. To be honest, the honchos of this false narrative live lifestyles that are contradictory to their public outcry. This is called hypocrisy. If they really believed it themselves, they would apply the corrective principles to themselves.

2. The false narrative is more of a political football and a money making industry than a real issue. It is stirring to hear some of these self styled messiahs cry out against certain things and call for certain other things, but then we see them getting filthy rich promoting programs and projects that often are scams more that solutions, while at the same time promoting other issues which are "part of the problem" according their rhetoric.

3. The false narrative is also a RED HERRING, a MISDIRECTION, a SMOKE AND MIRRORS attempt to lead people away from the actual, the real, the vital issues of life.

Christians are the stewards of God's creation.
Some things we cannot change, for several different reasons.
Some things we can change, and should.
Some things we can change, but it is not essential.
Some things are presented as contradictions to Biblical revelation. These are the things that the unregenerate and blinded person commits himself to support and they become the paths that lead the unsuspecting away from the Bible, away from Christ, away from salvation, away from the message and people of God.

These false narrative issues are presented as "social justice," humanitarian, scientific, "Christian concerns," while more weighty and helpful concerns are not only "set on a back burner," they are thrown into the garbage.

Allegiance to a FALSE NARRATIVE is a "noble" way of being a rebel against God. Submission to a FALSE NARRATIVE AGENDA is an excuse for not being submitted to the Revelation and Lordship of Christ. Promotion of a FALSE NARRATIVE is the salvation message of the Liberal. At best they really cannot save anyone.

"SAVE THE PLANET" is the outcry, but the attitude is, "LET THE WORLD GO TO HELL."

01/29/18 ALCOHOL TESTIFIES AGAINST ITSELF

01/29/18 ALCOHOL TESTIFIES AGAINST ITSELF

While, "out and about," today I saw a sign on the side of a commercial vehicle that said, "Good beer brings people together."

I thought, "That is true, but a good wrecker service and a good Rescue Squad can get them apart."

01/29/18 EDIFY ONE ANOTHER

01/29/18 EDIFY ONE ANOTHER

I saw/heard a harmonica in a Gospel group, I picked up my own "harp." Seeing successful folks encourages us.
Think about it.

PASSAGES...
Hebrews 10:23-25
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Romans 14:19
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Romans 15:1-3
1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Colossians 3:16-17
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

I play (around with) a harmonica, but I am not very good at it. Still, I like to play it from time to time. I would like to be able to play it well. Seeing someone do a good job with one stirs me up to practice.

How much more should we be encouraged when we see others living victorious lives. How much encouragement are we to other people, when they see us live victoriously.

01/29/10 THE BRAIN IS SPACE DUST. REALLY?

01/29/10 THE BRAIN IS SPACE DUST. REALLY?

Thank you Allen for posting this textbook article. The college textbook author ridicules religions, including Christ and the Bible, in the name of science. In this article he claims that the human brain is the result of atoms formed by "countless far flung stars, billions of years ago." He went on to say that these particles drifted through the universe until they bumped into each other, and formed human brains. Now these pieces of stardust, in the form of human brains, can ponder the stars that eventuated in brains.

SAY WHAT?

The farther men venture into deep space without God, the further from Truth they get and the deeper their darkness. However, this article does seem to indicate that there is a connection between the great expanse of empty space in the starry sky and the empty space in the brain composition of those who worship "science." Or, to be more Biblical, there is chaos (Ge. 1:2).

WOW, I just looked up info on the guy who wrote the article I shared earlier. I researched him because I figured he had a religious background steeped in mythology (Hinduism) that teaches the earth sits on top of a turtle. I was right. No wonder he rejects religion, based on such absurdity. I watched a snippet from one of his lectures, and read other ideas related to him, and he should write an autobiography entitled, "I AM CHAOS." He is a man of the future, which tells us that the future of man looks darker than the world when it was in total darkness.

01/29/18 SMART???

01/29/18 SMART???

Denying the reality of Christ is deliberate rejection of the truth, whether it comes from a Smart Device or a not so smart sinner.

01/18/18 NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS

01/18/18 NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS

SOMETIMES THE BEST ANSWER FROM GOD,

OR FROM A PARENT OR A PASTOR OR A MENTOR IS,

"IT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS."

BE WISE
After three years of teaching, after His death and physical resurrection, after several weeks of Jesus leading His dedicated followers in personal evaluation and mission planning, they asked Jesus if He was going to restore the kingdom to Israel at that time. This was His response.

Acts 1:7-8
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

It is none of your business.

You are asking the wrong question.

You should be focused on what I told you, immediately after my resurrection, to, "go into all the world and make disciples of all nations." (Mt. 28:18-20)

Too often people are at the train station, "waiting for their ship to come in."

Instead of listening intently to the Master, their mind is marching into an unauthorized battle.

It is possible to ask a good question at a bad time.
It is possible to drown out the voice of God with our own carnal curiosity.
It is possible to miss Divine revelation and enlightenment because our eyes are turned toward the temporal.

Effective discipleship requires...

Biblical knowledge and submission,

Humility and obedience,

Spiritual hunger and discernment.

God does not need our insights, our advice, our agenda.
God wants our trust, our allegiance, our surrender.

Follow in Jesus' steps closely, constantly, continuously and consistently.

01/28/18 GROUND FLOOR OPPORTUNITIES

01/28/18 GROUND FLOOR OPPORTUNITIES

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

is still a

MINISTRY FRONTIER,

in either a

PERSONAL or SUPPORT ROLE

for various forms of outreach, such as

ART, WRITING, VIDEO, MUSIC AND SOCIAL MEDIA.

DON'T MISS GOD'S CALL OR YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE GOD, HIS PEOPLE AND A LOST WORLD.

Vision, Talent, Calling, Anointing, Leading

01/17/18 WE ARE BLESSED

01/17/18 WE ARE BLESSED

I love being a preacher. Thank you Jesus.
I love being a pastor. Thank you Lord.

My "job" is to spend time in His word, in prayer, in study.
My "job" is to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ, to teach God's people, to guide God's flock.
My "job" is to defeat the devil, to drive back the darkness, to deliver the defeated.
My "job" is to comfort the disturbed, to disturb the comfortable, to encourage the challenged, to challenge the warriors, to strengthen the weak, to train the children, to feed and lead the body of Christ, to confront and console the needy.

woooooooooooo, I have the best "job" in the world.

I have advantages, but we all have the opportunities to slip off with Jesus and fall at His feet in praise and adoration.

He waits for us around the bend, in the quiet of the night, in the face of conflict, in the shadow of death, on the mountain, in the valley.

Don't miss His call,

don't miss His leading,

don't bypass His presence or

His blessing, or

His correcting, or

His outpouring, or

His nudging.

Wow, we are the most blessed people in the world.

Take time to be holy.

Take time to be humbled.

Take time to be exalted.

Take time to be thankful.

Take time to worship in spirit and in truth.

Y'all have a GREAT LORD'S DAY TOMORROW. If you don't have a place to worship, we would love to have you. And listen, this area is blessed with several good men of God and good churches. MAKE TOMORROW THE LORD'S DAY IN YOUR LIFE.

01/27/18 MEDITATE ON THE VERSES AT THE END OF THIS POST...

01/27/18 MEDITATE ON THE VERSES AT THE END OF THIS POST...

Conservatives are such hypocrites. They whine and cry and pressure young people to clean up their lives and activities, then those same conservatives complain when the kids start eating detergent pods. You just can't please some people.

Of course, to be fair, conservative people might have a fear that those same kids are growing up to be Liberals/Democrats. After all, most of what young people see in entertainment, music, "news," politics, society and politically correct religion and education, as well as the internet, is mindlessness. Consider...

Hollywood,

the lyrics and the performers in teen oriented music,

Liberal news agencies,

leading Liberal and "Conservative" Politicians,

social structures and policies and agendas,

Humanistic and "Democratic Christianity" and "Public Education,"

along with Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Silicon Valley.

All of that crowd (as a group) I just mentioned are anti-Bible and they resist and reject the God of the Bible. REMEMBER, THE FEAR OF GOD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM. With this crowd there is no fear, no respect, no reverence for the Bible, the God of the Bible, the people of the Bible

Psalms 111:10
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Proverbs 1:7
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 8:13
13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward (deceitful) mouth, do I hate.

Proverbs 9:10
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Proverbs 15:16
16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Proverbs 16:5-6
5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Proverbs 23:17
17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

2 Timothy 3:1-5
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

01/26/18 BETTER THAN SWEET

01/26/18 BETTER THAN SWEET

SALVATION IS...

LIFE, FORGIVENESS, CLEANSING, PURITY, POWER, PEACE, JOY, LOVE.

IT IS...

"GOOD AND PLENTY" AS WELL AS, "NOW AND LATER."

SCRIPTURE VERSES...
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

That which was a secret with God has been revealed to those who are born of the Spirit, who live in the Spirit, who walk in the Spirit. This is why it is called, SO GREAT SALVATION.

01/25/18 ESSENTIAL TRUTH

01/25/18 ESSENTIAL TRUTH

IF THE BIBLE RECORD OF THE NATURE AND PERSON AND ACTS OF GOD IS ACCURATE,

WE BETTER KNOW WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS.

BECAUSE, OUR ETERNAL DESTINY DEPENDS ON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THAT GOD.

01/25/18 TEAMING

01/25/18 TEAMING

TEAMING in the church

(includes)

Supporting after failure.

Encouraging during play.

Praising when successful.

If people put even half as much SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT AND PRAISE into their local CHURCH as they do into sports, politics, business, academics, music, fishing, interneting, then THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT WOULD SHOW UP because folks would think THE CHURCH IS ON FIRE.

But shouldn't the body of Christ, the family of God get MORE TEAMING THAN ANY OTHER entity?
When you love your team, you do these three things.
When you love your school, you do these three things.
When you love your job and co-workers, you do these three things.
When you love your family, you do these three things.
When you love your mongrel dog, you do these three things.

WHEN WE LOVE THE PEOPLE OF GOD, WE WILL DO THESE THINGS.

Don't get upset with the preacher for pointing this out. If you are going to get upset with someone, get upset with yourself. You can't even blame this on the devil.

01/25/18 REAL BONDAGE TO SIN

01/25/18 REAL BONDAGE TO SIN

If you subscribe to sinning religion,

you can't ask God, in faith, to make you

righteous, holy, pure or good.

Now that is bondage.

01/24/18 "THAT WHICH IS GOOD"

01/24/18 "THAT WHICH IS GOOD"

If you don't think that believers can do, "that which is good," then you might want to click off of this page before you read something God said. I hate to be a cause of rebellion.

For anyone who may choose to read this post, look for the phrase, "that which is good," in each passage, then ask God to help you apply these great truths to your heart and life.

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.

01/24/18 EDUCATED BEYOND THEIR INTELLIGENCE

01/24/18 EDUCATED BEYOND THEIR INTELLIGENCE

A half wit who believes and lives by the simple truths of the Bible is wiser than a scholar who explains God's word away.

01/24/18 WARNING!01/24/18 SOME THOUGHTS ON PRIDE

01/24/18 SOME THOUGHTS ON PRIDE

WARNING!

WE ARE BORN WITH PRIDE.

WHEN IT IS NURTURED IN CHILDREN IT MAY DESTROY THEM AS ADULTS.

Pride is not to be confused with reasonable but positive confidence.

Pride is INORDINATE SELF ESTEEM.
Pride is THINKING MORE HIGHLY OF ONESELF THAN ONE SHOULD.

Pride was a major contributor to the rebellion and fall of Lucifer.
Pride was a major contributor to the disobedience and fall of Adam.

Psalms 10:4
4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

Proverbs 11:2
2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10
10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 14:3
3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

Proverbs 16:18
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23
23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Mark 7:20-23
20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

1 John 2:16
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.

01/24/18 GAIN OR LOSE, IT'S WHAT YOU CHOOSE

01/24/18 GAIN OR LOSE, IT'S WHAT YOU CHOOSE

WOW! This is just a sliver from an introduction to one of my points in a new document I am writing. (the WOW is not about my writing, but the revealed truth concerning human responsibility in salvation).

From Philippians 3:8
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

DLG note…
Vs. 8 Paul “suffered the loss of,” refers to Paul willingly and actually self surrendering everything, so that he might win Christ, so that he might gain Christ, so that he might lay hold of Christ.

Vs. 8 Paul’s desire was to “win Christ,” or “gain Christ.” Paul said (in vs. 7) that the gain, the advantage, the prize of all earthly position and possessions was a loss, but he chose, he willed, he took steps to lose everything in order to gain Christ.

Remember, Jesus said, “what shall a man PROFIT, if he should GAIN the whole world and LOSE his own soul.”

We gain or lose based on our,

Desires,

Decisions and

Direction.

God requires an obedient response.
God does not require from us anything that we cannot give, by His help, His provision, His grace, His power.
God does not do for us, that which He requires from us.
God does not excuse us for refusing to follow Him in obedience.
These gains and losses are not forced upon us by God. They are made possible by free choice and action.

I am still working on this article, which actually refers to ten passages in the New Testament. God provides GREAT SALVATION, and GREAT GRACE, and GREAT REWARD, but God requires us to ENDURE A GREAT FIGHT OF AFFLICTION.

01/23/18 THAT EXPLAINS ALOT

01/23/18 THAT EXPLAINS A LOT

Y'ALL THINK ABOUT IT. 

HUMANISTS TURN TO THE NATURAL DESIRES OF HUMANS FOR THEIR MORAL COMPASS.

NO WONDER THE USA IS A MESS.

01/23/18 THE FOUNDATION OF DECEIT

01/23/18 THE FOUNDATION OF DECEIT

YES, IT BOTHERS ME WHEN ANYONE LIES.

BUT I AM SHOCKED WHEN LIBERALS DON'T LIE.

Because LIBERALISM is based on Secular Humanism.

SECULAR indicates separation from religious, spiritual, sacred.

HUMANISM indicates that humanity is the ultimate authority and standard for life.

THE AMERICAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION has a motto.

"GOOD WITHOUT A GOD"

THE AMERICAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION has a purpose.

"ADVOCATING PROGRESSIVE VALUES AND EQUALITY FOR HUMANISTS, ATHEISTS, AND FREETHINKERS"

American Secular Humanism has been championed by men like...

John Dewey (atheist, an original signer of the Humanist Manifesto, and the Father of Modern Education).

Francis Bellamy (author of the Pledge of Allegiance, though he was a Baptist preacher, he was primarily a proponent of "Christian Socialism" and Public Education and taught that Jesus was a Socialist).

Joseph Fletcher (Humanist of the Year in 1974, author of Situation Ethics and proponent of abortion, infanticide, ordained Episcopal Priest and an atheist).

Secular Humanism, Socialism, Naturalism, Materialism Pragmatism, Progressivism all became foundation stones in the Public Education System, which molded the minds of "Modernistic" Americans, and Modernist Christianity. Remember, these all belong to the same worldview of rejecting and denying Biblical Christianity and the doctrines of God.

01/22/18 DIVINE GUIDANCE THROUGH OTHERS

01/22/18 DIVINE GUIDANCE THROUGH OTHERS

One of the greatest heartaches

(for parents and pastors)

is when people shut out or refuse,

rather than seek or accept,

Biblical counsel.

God has given His word, trained His pastors, enlightened godly parents, equipped faithful servants to teach, lead, counsel, encourage, reprove, rebuke and perfect younger believers.

What a shame that all that God puts into those old saints is ignored or rebuffed by hardheaded, self sufficient, pride blinded younger people.

The costly lessons of life are passed by when younger folks ignore or ridicule those who have followed God through the struggles of life into victory and wisdom.

01/21/18 DID YOU SAY SOMETHING?

01/21/18 DID YOU SAY SOMETHING?

"DID YOU SAY SOMETHING?"
TUNING SOMEONE OUT CAN BE THE COSTLIEST THING YOU EVER DO.
GOD COULD BE TALKING THROUGH THEM.

DON'T MAKE THIS MISTAKE

TUNING SOMEONE OUT CAN BE THE COSTLIEST THING YOU EVER DO. 

GOD COULD BE TALKING THROUGH THAT PERSON.

I have seen old folks, children, parents, spouses, pastors, parishioners ignored, brushed aside because it was supposed that what they were trying to say was NOT THAT IMPORTANT. Maybe the person had become repetitious, irritating, boring, or "too old school." Maybe they really were out of touch and shallow. However, that is not a reason to shove them out of your life.

Shoving someone out of your life,

diminishes your relationship,

hurts the other person and,

robs you of whatever they have to offer.

And cutting them off may very well be closing God out of your life because God chooses His vessels differently than we do.
1 Corinthians 1:25-29
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Sometimes it is not the the ignored person or even their input that causes others to shut them out. Sometimes it is the narrowness or self centeredness of the hearer. Whatever the reason, it is inexcusable. Remember, we are directed to treat others in the way we want to be treated. I know it is never going to happen, BUT WHAT IF one day, people shut you out and mute your wisdom because they think you and your input have become insignificant?

Another aspect to this tragedy is that people allow their own exaggerated self esteem and tunnel vision to assign Divine enlightenment to the "circular file" of life. God not only speaks through the seemingly "foolish" and "weak" and "base things" and "despised things," but God also speaks through the simple (childish) things, the "old school" things.

In fact, the wisdom that comes with age and experience (especially in Christians) is often ignored or ridiculed. The very truths and guidance that could save and deliver people from untold misery is cast off, because of disdain for the person through whom God chooses to share it.

Don't throw away true treasures just because they are not as smart as you are.

01/20/18 THE DARKNESS WILL NOT OVERCOME THE LIGHT

01/20/18 THE DARKNESS WILL NOT OVERCOME THE LIGHT

Some of y'all already think I am crazy. Let me support your view.

I think it was shameful that the Church in 1950s and 1960s America became so weak and lifeless that it allowed Secular Humanism to rule in the United States Supreme Court by removing the Holy Bible and Prayer from Public Education and by making the murder of the pre-born a legal status, protected and promoted by law in the early 1970s.

The depth of these failures should have been a wake up call to American Christians, calling us to Biblical lifestyles. But instead the darkness rolled in like a tidal wave, destroying every vestige of Christianity from our society, our government and our religious institutions, and left us with Westernized, Liberalized Christianity in America.

With that being said, I also believe that God showed mercy, even in the midst of His judgments agianst America for expelling officially led prayers and traditional study of the Bible, from our classruooms.This fackfire has actually protected our children from the marauding hordes of Humanists who would were intent on leading more American students into the darkness of Secularism.

Keep in mind, the overthrow of the American School system was the result of the plan and deliberate actions of the Socialistic and anti-Christian intentions of John Dewey, the Father of Modern Education in America. That was a defeat to American Christianity.

On the other hand, we were not only spared the concerted effort of the Liberal agenda, we have been spared the negative impact of anti-Semitism and anti-Christianity which is now burstinginto our society by the teachings of Fundamentalis Islam. Remember, the Scripture clearly says that God has caused the evil intentions of evil men to be used for God's good purposes.

Yes, it was sad that America lost its way and its alignment with God and His word in the twentieth century, but God has spared us from some of the bold and virulent attacks by enemies of the cross.

Stay tuned and read the Bible, He rides upon the storm, and He is coming back.

1/20/18 WRONG RESPONSE

1/20/18 WRONG RESPONSE

SOME FOLKS WANT BIBLE CLASSES BACK IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
REALLY?

WHO DO YOU THINK WILL BE TEACHING IT?

GET YOUR KIDS OUT INSTEAD.

01/20/18 NEED TO KNOW THE O.T.

01/20/18 NEED TO KNOW THE O.T.

The O.T. reveals God, His will, His plan.

Knowing this helps us

Stand Firm, Resist Temptation and Flee Idolatry.

SCRIPTURE
1 Corinthians 10:11-14
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

01/20/18 CHAPTER AND VERSE, PLEASE

01/20/18 CHAPTER AND VERSE, PLEASE

THINK ABOUT THIS...

WHAT WILLFUL, DELIBERATE DISOBEDIENCE

DO YOU HAVE TO DO,

IF YOU TRUST JESUS?

(according to the Bible)

01/19/18 SIN LESS TO SINLESS

01/19/18 SIN LESS TO SINLESS

JUST THINKING...

IF GOD CAN ENABLE US TO SIN LESS...
THEN WHY WOULDN'T HE ENABLE US TO BE SINLESS?
(i.e. no willful rebellion)

01/19/18 MEN FAIL, SOCIETY COLLAPSES, BUT JESUS NEVER FAILS

01/19/18 MEN FAIL, SOCIETY COLLAPSES, BUT JESUS NEVER FAILS.
(just some personal reflections from the past and instructions for tomorrow. It may not be very interesting).

Just thinking back over the years. I remember when our church contacted one of the most famous US Senators in American history and he turned his back on our little church, at a time when America was starting to lose its way spiritually, morally, socially and politically. He chose not to stand, but we stood firm.

At the same time I approached a very well known and highly esteemed US Representative, also from my State, asking him to stand with us for traditional vaules and the right of the church to be the church (as it always had been in our country) without Government intrusion. He too (along with the aforementioned Senator) agreed with us that an injustice was being leveled against our church and against religious freedom, but he also pulled his skirts up and ran.

I also remember that one of the leading men in our church approached a local State Representative who was a popular "Christian." He actually got straight to the point when he told us that he would not help us and that we just needed to leave the State.

To his credit, the Governor of the State contacted us in those days and asked what he could do to help us. But when I told him what needed to be done, he sadly said that it was something he could not get the State to do because of financial influences.

I remember approaching a world famous "evangelical" minister (who was also a lawyer and was the head of a "Christian Television Network") and asked for his support in standing against government intrusion and oppression. He agreed that our cause was sound, but he was busy running for President of the United States.

I remember contacting one of the best and most solid evangelical ministers, who often addressed the problem of government creep into the church and the dangers of State control. He slso had a popular TV ministry (located in Florida), though he did not fit the stereotypical image of a TV preacher. He also agreed that we were being unfairly and illegally attacked, but he did not have time to help us.

Another world famous minister (he was of the fundamentalist Baptist background), who led a national movement that has had untold influence for good in America, also refused to stand with us.

As it turned out, we did leave the State. But Jesus never left us. He never failed us. He never brushed us off with, "be ye warmed and fed." He kept us even in the midst of a changing society and a deteriorating religious time.

As the years have moved ahead, our nation has abandoned its foundation more and more every day. Now look what we have. All of the political figures I mentioned earlier were known for their commitment to Christianity. All of the ministers I mentioned were known for their courageous stand against the State, in favor of traditional values and Christian principles. Yet none of them stood with us. In fact, I remember watching the national news when some of these great champions of the faith took a stand in Congressional meetings to support Sun Myung Moon, a false prophet, a man who claimed to be the second coming of Christ, fuffilling prophecies, which Jesus failed to fulfill. But I don't remember them being there when the State threatened to take our children away from us, when the State threatened to raid and shut down our church, when the State threatened to take me out of the pulpit and put me in jail.

They were not there, but Jesus was. I remember, in those days, parishioners who were willing to stand firm and were even willing to put their families on the line for the Lordship of Christ over His church.

Time has passed. Some things have changed. Those men who failed to stand then, never did stand. But Jesus has not failed. We are in for some rough seas ahead. Make sure that your aboard the vessle (The Old Ship of Zion) that will weather the storm. Make sure that your Captain is the One Who made and rules the seas. Make sure that you stand firmly on deck as the storms rage.

01/19/18 PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE NOT WHERE YOU WANT TO BE IN LIFE

01/19/18 PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE NOT WHERE YOU WANT TO BE IN LIFE

(ok, my metaphore is long. I know. But if you are discouraged or disappointed with life, you can afford a few minutes to read this. In fact, it might not be that bad for anyone to read this.)

A METAPHORE AND AN EXPLANATION.
Both are really important. The metaphore comes from a reality I am dealing with this morning. I sometimes fail to do my exercise routine... but...

METAPHORE
I have always loved sports and exercise since I was a child. Although I was not involved in "organized" sports I did fairly well in the activities I enjoyed. Among other things, when I was about 14 years old (1961-2) and working out at my dad's health studio in Morehead, I weighed about 125# and I could one arm snatch 125#. A one arm snatch is grabbing the barbell with one hand and raising it quickly, in one motion, over your head, locking your arm so that you are standing upright with your arm straight over your head and body. I could actually snatch 100# cold. In other words, without any warm up or preparation, simply walk up to a fully loaded hundred pound set and snatch it at any time. As I said, I was 14 and one arm snatching my body weight.

I continued to work out sporadically through the years, with lapses and lay offs coming because of sickness or responsibilities. Still I did fairly well.

THIS PART IS IMPORTANT. But there came a time when I did not work out on a regular basis and eventually I seldom worked out at all. It seems that each time I made good headway, something would happen that interfered with my routine (health problems, moving, extra jobs). I continued to be physically active when my health allowed (a lot of respiratory problems from my childhood), and there were periods when I would get back into very good exercise routines.

When I was about 38 years old (1985) I was hitting the weights (along with other sports) consistantly, and getting back into pretty good condition. The guys in our church, who were also lifting, would meet once a month to "max out" for fun and mutual encouragement. Though I was never into "heavy lifting," I did like "weight training." I worked on my Bench Press from time to time. During that period I weighed 175# (which was heavier than I wanted to be), but I was improving my health and strength, being at my best condition since I was 22 years old (1969). At 175# I was able to do a strict Bench Press with 255#, which was only 8# short of one and a half times my body weight. Not bad.

Well, we moved again and it was quite a while before I ever got back into a regular routine. We lived in Greensboro, until we were run out of the State by the government. We moved to Texas for several years and then to Tennessee. My exercise program was only occasional during that time. Needless to say, my physical condition was pretty bad. At the age of 58 (2004) we were living in Tennessee, when I started walking and lifting again. By 2005 I had dropped my body weight, my breathing improved dramatically and my over all condition was the best I had been in since 1985 (at age 38).

THEN IT HAPPENED. I got West Nile Virus. It almost killed me. Doctors pretty much gave me up for dead, because they could not do anything to help me. In order to improve my breathing situation, we moved to Myrtle Beach. In fact, three of my children (with their families) also moved there, along with some of our parishioners. I played a lot of Pickleball, Raquetball, kayaked and lifted weights, just to stay alive and restore my health and strength. Then we moved to Beaufort in 2016.

I have spent a lot of time fishing and kayaking, and I have been fairly faithful with the iron. But sometimes I miss a workout, for various reasons. Then I miss another workout, and before you know it, I can miss several months. The reasons may be valid (health, other worthy activities, busy) but the missed workouts take a toll on my overall health. I feel bad about missing. It is discouraging to have to start all over again. It is disturbing to think about where I could have been if I have not failed to workout.

BUT FRETTING KEEPS
YOU FROM GETTING.
So, I choose not to fret about it. I just jump back in and get at it again.
NO, I never become what I could have become, but at least I stay in the game and I make the game worth playing.

HERE IT IS.
HERE IT IS.
HERE IT IS.
EXPLANATION

The point in this metaphore is that the same thing can happen in any sphere of life, INCLUDING THE SPIRITUAL.

If we focus on where we could have been or what we could have become, we will only bury ourselves in self pity.

When you see an area lacki'n,
Or see your foundation crack'n
It's not the time for slack'n,
You need to start attack'n.

There is no time for sit'n,
Set your teeth to grit'n.
Step up and start your hit'n,
And do the thing that's fit'n.

NO, YOU MIGHT NOT BECOME WHAT YOU COULD HAVE BECOME OR YOU WANTED TO BECOME.
BUT AT LEAST YOU CAN SAVE YOURSELF FROM THE TRASH HEAP OF LIFE, IF YOU DO THE RIGHT THING NOW.

Remember, God is the God of New Beginnings. God redeems that which is lost.

This is true in so many areas, but of course, my main concern for you is your life in Christ.
You can be the man, or you can be the woman God wants you to be NOW.
You can be the husband, father; you can be the wife, mother God wants you to be NOW.
But only if you slam the door on failure and walk through the door of NEW BEGINNINGS... NOW.

It's time to cope,
Not time to mope.
Start to hope.
He is the Anchor,
Now hold the rope.

01/18/18 WARNING!

01/18/18 WARNING!

I seldom click on an FB "SUGGESTED VIDEO."

But I did watch

"ENCOURAGING LOVE MINISTRIES."

Not Good News. It is BAD NEWS.

DON'T BE SUCKERED
It will appeal to some folks but it is a little truth mixed with a lot of lies. It denies the Bible, attacks the Bible, twists the message of Christ, rejects true salvation, while it uses Bible and Christian catch phrases. Perfect for those who thrive on sound bite Christianity, sound bite salvation and sound bite Bible.

01/18/18 NEITHER REJECT NOR NEGLECT

01/18/18 NEITHER REJECT NOR NEGLECT

NOT ONLY will we be lost if we REJECT Christ and salvation:

We will NOT ESCAPE judgment if we NEGLECT His Great Salvation.

SCRIPTURE...
Hebrews 2:1-3
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

01/18/18 REWORKING ARTICLE

01/18/18 REWORKING ARTICLE

God requires believers to "purify" themselves.

NO, I CAN'T DO GOD'S PART, but I must do mine.
I have written an article that addresses the fact that God requires human response, obedience, cooperation in salvation. God does not need our help, but God is just and God is wise and God is true. He has sovereignly decided for man to have freedom of will to sin or to repent. God enables humans to act freely in choosing or refusing salvation.

Likewise, after salvation, God still requires human response, obedience and cooperation in bringing believers to the fullness of the Holy Spirit. God demands certain standards, God requires human participation, God enables obedience.

This new article will focus on the passages, where God requires believers to purify themselves. To purify ourselves simply means to do the things within our power that separates us from sin and separates us to God.

We are able to stop certain behavior and we are able to initiate and pursue certain behavior. THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT GOD REQUIRES. Those are the steps of obedient faith that align us with God's will and prepare us to receive God's purifying work.

01/16/18 "PROOF TEXTING"

01/16/18 "PROOF TEXTING"

"PROOF TEXTING" IS USING SCRIPTURE TO SUPPORT A BELIEF.

IT CAN BE MISUSED. SOME PEOPLE PREFER HUMAN WISDOM INSTEAD.

EXPLANATION
While there is a need for scholarly studies, the fact is that scholars often twist Scripture in the name of academics. The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible.

I have seen highly educated teachers build arguments on tomes of research and win arguments in the name of scholarship. However, it still comes back to what God said. We can examine and explain a passage until Paul would not even recognize it.

When God's word seems to say one thing, through only one or a few verses, but God's word clearly and repeatedly says something different, then we should interpret that rare and - or vague passage in the light of the many clear passages which agree. Remember, the vague or rare passage is not wrong, it is simply difficult to understand or it stands alone. It must be understood in the light of the clearer passages. Entire systems of error are built on misused passages.

By the way, the clearer passages are the ones that openly agree with what the rest of the Bible says. The correct interpretation of a passage is not that which disagrees with the rest of Scripture, and reflects the wisdom and expertise of anyone other than a Bible writer.

Don't be caught up in the hoopla of Dr. Hootchibob.

01/16/18 BORN AGAIN, TO DIE

01/16/18 BORN AGAIN, TO DIE
(short excerpt from next post on stepping into the will of God)

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.

Being crucified with Christ is...
Death to self (Ga. 2:20),
Death to sin (Ro. 6:6),
Death to the sin nature, the flesh (Ga. 5:24),
Death to the world and the world to us (Ga. 6:14).

But remember, though we are called to be crucified with Christ, we are not called to live the supposed "Crucified Life."
Crucifixion is not a life, it is a death. It is a painful, humiliating death. It is hard to die to self, to sin, to the sin nature (the flesh and its affection), to the world system and have the world system die to you. But it is a death to the things that bring death to you. For once you are dead to those things, you can be completely alive to God.

Just as Christ was born to die (for us), we are Born Again so that we might die with Him.

Having been crucified with Christ we are dead to...
the world,
the flesh,
sin,
self,
so that we can live the abundant life.

Remember, Jesus said that in order for a grain to produce, it must die.

Having been crucified with Christ I don't live on a cross.
I died on the cross with Him and I was buried to rise and,
to walk in newness of life,
to walk in the Spirit,
to walk in the light,
to walk in love,
to walk in truth,
to walk in joy,
to walk in peace,
to walk honestly,
to walk by faith,
to walk wisely,
to walk in obedience to God,
to walk worthy of our calling,
to walk as He walked,
to walk in a way that pleases God.

01/16/18 NOT MEANT TO TORTURE (HEHEHE)

01/16/18 NOT MEANT TO TORTURE (HEHEHE)

WHEN YOU SEE MY LONG POSTS, DON'T FREAK.

THEY ARE HERE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

HOPEFULLY THEY MAY HELP SOMEONE.

01/16/18 DIEHARD FANS

01/16/18 DIEHARD FANS

SOME FANS REFUSE TO SEE, HEAR, THINK ANY NEGATIVITY ABOUT THEIR TEAM.

SINNING RELIGION IS THE SAME: IN SPITE OF THE BIBLE.

01/16/18 FOLLOW UP TO PREVIOUS, "ATTENTION" POST

01/16/18 FOLLOW UP TO PREVIOUS, "ATTENTION" POST

Here are brief answers to the doctrinal errors, which were stated recently by a person in response to specific questions I asked of him. These answers are provided here, for you. I did not enter into an argument with the person who made them.

In this post, I will preface each answer he gave with the actual question I asked, then give his response, then I will answer his stated errors such as...

DLG question...
(for my questions).

RESPONDENT...
(for the other person's answers to my questions).

DLG answer to error...
(my answers)

My answers to his errors are brief. I actually wrote and rewrote and reworked this article, trying to be clear, yet concise.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

RESPONDENT...

Let me briefly answer your questions to my beliefs of the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:264).

#1 QUESTION TO RESPONDENT
DLG question...
Do you believe that Jesus died for all men or do you believe in sovereign election?

RESPONDENT...
1. I believe that that Jesus Christ died ONLY for the Elect; otherwise, if He died for all men, EVERYBODY would be saved in that His being Effectual for the salvation of sinners, would mean that everybody would be saved.

DLG answer to the error...
God is not willing for anyone to be lost.
2 Peter 3:9
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

God would have all men to be saved.
1 Timothy 2:4
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Christ died for the whole world.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Christ died to make satisfaction for the whole world.
1 John 2:2
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Jesus is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe.
1 Timothy 4:10
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Jesus' free gift for all of lost humanity.
Romans 5:18
18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

The provision and offer of salvation is made for the whole world. The actual atonement of the sinner is dependent on the sinner's acceptance of the gift, by faith.
Ephesians 2:8
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

IT IS A FALSE NARRATIVE TO SAY THAT WHOEVER JESUS DIED FOR MUST, BY DIVINE NECESSITY BE SAVED. THIS VIEW OF CHRIST'S DEATH IS A MAN MADE INTERPRETATION OF THE ATONEMENT.

#2 QUESTION TO RESPONDENT
DLG...
Do you believe that a person who has been saved can go back into sin and fall away from grace finally or do you believe in Once Saved Always Saved (eternal security or perseverance of the saints)?

RESPONDENT...
2. I believe that everyone of God's Elect have been saved "in the Lord with an everlasting salvation" which is a guarantee, not because the Elect are able to keep their salvation, nut are "are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

DLG answer to the error...
The promise of salvation is made to those who believe. To believe in the Biblical sense is to follow, is to walk in the light. The salvation of God is eternal and everlasting life, but it is not imposed on anyone and it is not promised to anyone other than those who remain faithful.

It is possible to believe for a while and then FALL AWAY.
Luke 8:13
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

The test of discipleship is CONTINUING IN HIS WORD.
John 8:31
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

The END result of salvation in this life is EVERLASTING LIFE.
Romans 6:22-23
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We are saved by the gospel which we received and in which we presently stand and are saved, IF WE HOLD FAST TO WHAT WE HAVE LEARD LEST WE HAVE BELIEVED IN VAIN.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

We, as reconciled believers, WILL BE PRESENTED HOLY AND UNBLAMABLE AND UNREPROVEABLE, IF WE CONTINUE IN THE FAITH AND WE ARE NOT MOVED AWAY FROM THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL.
Colossians 1:21-23
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

It is possible to LOSE FAITH and MAKE SHIPWRECK.
1 Timothy 1:19
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

If we neglect our great salvataion and if we let our light slip, WE WILL NOT ESCAPE GOD'S JUDGMENT.
Hebrews 2:1-3
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

We, as believers, are His house IF WE HOLD FAST FIRM UNTO THE END.
Hebrews 3:6
6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Christians need to TAKE HEED, LEST AN EVIL HEART OF UNBELIEF, IN DEPARTING FROM THE LIVING GOD.
Hebrews 3:12-13
12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

Believers are MADE PARTAKERS OF CHRIST IF WE HOLD OUR CONFIDENCE STEADFAST UNTO THE END.
Hebrews 3:14
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

Believers need to remain faithful and focused in their service to God, LEST WE FALL AWAY, LIKE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.
Hebrews 4:11
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Believers need to SHOW THE SAME DILIGENCE TO THE FULL ASSURANCE OF HOPE UNTO THE END, and we must follow through with faith and patience IN ORDER TO INHERIT THE PROMISES OF GOD.
Hebrews 6:11-12
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Believers must HOLD FAST WITHOUT WAVERING, and we must PROVOKE ONE ANOTHER TO LOVE AND GOOD WORKS, along with other spiritual disciplines of life, SO THAT WE WILL NOT SIN WILFULLY AND BE LEFT WITHOUT A SACRIFICE FOR SINS, RESULTING IN ETERNAL JUDGMENT.
Hebrews 10:23-29
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Christians MUST NOT THROW AWAY THEIR CONFIDENCE, WHICH RECEIVES REWARD, and we need to DO THE WILL OF GOD IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE PROMISE OF GOD.
Hebrews 10:35-36
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Christians must LIVE BY FAITH, and they MUST NOT DRAW BACK TO PERDITION, but we must REMAIN STRONG FOR THE FINAL SAVING OF THE SOUL.
Hebrews 10:37-39
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

We must live a life of faithfulness OR FAIL OF THE GRACE OF GOD, allowing a ROOT OF BITTERNESS TO SPRING UP AND DEFILE US, lest we find ourselves, as Esau, SEEKING GOD'S BLESSING BUT BEING REFUSED BY GOD.
Hebrews 12:14-17
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

It is possible for believers to ESCAPE THE POLLUTIONS OF THE WORLD THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST AND BE ENTANGLED IN THEM AGAIN AND OVERCOME, WHICH IS WORSE THAN TO NEVER HAVE KNOWN CHRIST, AND THEN TURNED AWAY FROM THE HOLY COMMANDMENT.
2 Peter 2:20-21
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

It is possible for believers to be LED AWAY WITH THE ERROR OF THE WICKED AND FALL FROM OUR STEADFASTNESS.
2 Peter 3:17
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

#3 QUESTION TO RESPONDENT
DLG...
Do you believe that a saved person will live without sinning or do you believe that a saved person is going to sin?

RESPONDENT...
3. I believe that every one of God's Elect still has "sin that dwells in (them); and that this is true of every one that has been saved in Christ Jesus. The apostle John makes this very clear in his first epistle where he writes: "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins..." (1 John 2:1-2ff.).

DLG answer to the error...
The Biblical position is that we were all born with...
HUMAN NATURE (the nature to be human), which includes
The Body or our "other awareness" (seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling),
The Soul or our "self awareness" (reason, emotion, desire, conscience, will),
The Spirit or our "God awareness (which is out of communication with God because we are dead in our sins and trespasses).

SINFUL NATURE (the nature to sin), which is a corrupted attitude, inclination, brought into the human family by Adam's sin.
The sinful nature is known by several different names or titles in the Bible, including...
The Old Man (Ro. 6:6)
The Body of This Death (Ro. 7:24)
The Law of Sin (Ro. 7:25)
The Law of Sin and Death (Ro. 8:2)
The Carnal Mind (Ro.8:7)
The Flesh (Ro. 8:8) This refers to the attitude or inclination toward self satisfaction and should not to be confused with the physical flesh.
The Evil Heart of Unbelief (He. 3:12)
The Root of Bitterness (He. 12:15)
The Double Mind (Ja. 1:8).

THE HUMAN NATURE AND THE DIVINE NATURE ARE NOT ONE AND THE SAME. This is a mistake that is made by many who believe in (what I call) sinning religion.

It is not human nature that is sinful, since God made human nature, and Adam had human nature before he sinned, and also Jesus was human, with a human nature, also, when we are in heaven, we will still be human (thus have human nature), but of course we will not have sin or sinful nature.

When we are Regenerated (at the time of our Justification, Conversion, Salvation), we become partakers of Divine Nature, which is the nature to be like God (not to be confused with the actual nature of God or the potential for becoming God).

Justification does not remove the Sinful Nature, and therefore a battle between the Old Man (Sinful Nature) and the New Man begins. Sinful Nature battles with the Divine Nature, seeking to influence our Human Nature.

Though we are enabled to live in obedience to God at the time of our Salvation, we are not delivered from the evil propensities of the Sinful Nature (which is what we read about in Romans chapter seven).

However, God provided for us to be set free from the tyranny and pollution of inward, indwelling Sin (the Sinful Nature). God not only saves us and cleanses us from our sins (at time of our salvation), He will then purify our hearts by faith, when we trust in the fulness of the Holy Spirit, which makes us holy, even as God is holy and righteous, even as God is righteous and pure, even as Christ is pure.

Respondent is wrong in saying that God does not deliver us from indwelling sin. He is wrong in saying that 1 John 2:1-2 confirms the idea that God does not cleanse us completely.

Here is what 1 Jn 2:1-6 actually says.
John 2:1-6
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

First notice, it does not even address the problem of the Sinful Nature.

*Second notice that the entire passage says just the opposite of Respondent and Reformed Theology and Calvinism (sinning religion).

Thirdly (as a side note) also notice that verse three actually says that Jesus is the propitiation, satisfaction, sacrifice FOR THE WHOLE WORLD.
Let's look at my *Second point.

Verse 3
If we know Christ (as our Savior) WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS.
Verse 4
If a person claims to be a Christian, and does not keep God's commandments, HE IS A LIAR AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN HIM.
Verse 5
Whoever keeps God's word, obeys God's word, IN HIM IS THE LOVE OF GOD PERFECTED...
and
THIS IS HOW WE KNOW THAT WE ARE IN CHRIST.
Verse 6
The person who claims to be a Christian OUGHT TO LIVE IN THE SAME WAY AS JESUS.

#4 QUESTION TO RESPONDENT
DLG...
Do you believe that a saved person can be delivered from the sinful nature in this life, through the purifying work of the Holy Spirit, or do you believe that the Christian will have a double mind, be carnal, will struggle with the sinful nature throughout this lifetime?

RESPONDENT...
4. I believe that a saved person will not be free from their sinful nature until glorification when they Christ "shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body." In the meantime, we will continue to sin as long as we have this "body of death."

DLG answer to the error...
I have already addressed some of this in #3 (DLG answer) above.

Respondent is wrong in saying that God does not deliver Christians from their sinful nature until glorification. The Bible clearly says...

He was named Jesus, FOR HE SAVES HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR "SINS" (Mt. 1:21)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,
FOR THEY SHALL BE FILLED (Mt. 5:6)

Blessed are the PURE IN HEART (Mt. 5:8).
Jesus is the Lamb of God, WHO TAKES AWAY THE "SIN" OF THE WORLD (Jn. 1:29)

Our hearts are PURIFIED BY FAITH (Ac. 15:9)

Christians are to CLEANSE OURSELVES FROM ALL FILTHINESS OF THE FLESH AND SPIRIT, PERFECTING HOLINESS (1 Co. 7:1)
If we draw close to God, we will, CLEANSE OUR HANDS AND PURIFY OUR HEARTS. (Ja. 4:8)

We PURIFY OUR SOULS BY OBEYING THE TRUTH (1 Pe. 1:22)

The Bible talks about us being
PURE, EVEN AS HE IS PURE,
RIGHTEOUS, EVEN AS HE IS RIGHTEOUS,
HOLY, EVEN AS HE IS HOLY,
CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF JESUS.

The Bible talks about us being
DEAD TO SIN,
CLEANSED FROM ALL SIN,
DELIVERED FROM SIN,
AS HE IS, SO ARE WE,
OBEYING, KEEPING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS,
CRUCIFIED TO THE WORLD AND THE WORLD TO US and we have CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH IT AFFECTIONS AND LUSTS.

AND THE LIST GOES ON, AND ON, AND ON.

Respondent is wrong in equating our physical body with the body of death. It that was the case, then Jesus also had sin.

RESPONDENT SAID.

We must continue in sin.

PAUL SAID,
Romans 6:1-2
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

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.

Romans 6:11-14
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 6:15-18
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Romans 6:20-22
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

JOHN SAID,
1 John 1:5-7
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 2:3-6
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

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.

1 John 2:29
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

1 John 3:3-10
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

1 John 3:24
24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

1 John 4:4-6
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

1 John 5:2-5
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

1 John 5:18-19
18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

#5 RESPONDENT CONTINUED
DLG...
I am guessing that this 5th answer is related to my previous question, since I only asked 4 questions.

RESPONDENT
5. I believe that a saved person can by God's Grace and the purifying work of the Holy Spirit "flee from sin" and be holy in His life, even though continuing to struggle with sin. Depending on the "growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" determines how holy they will be by walking as our Savior walked! Amen.

DLG answer to the error...
Respondent is on solid ground concerning the possibility of fleeing from sin and being holy. But his legs wobble when it comes to standing firm for the fullness of salvation that cleansed us from all sin and with the fact that Christ has conquered the Old Man, the Double Mind, the Flesh. God has made it possible for us LOVE GOD WITH OUR WHOLE HEART, MIND SOUL AND STRENGTH, and our neighbor as ourselves, which is THE FULFILLING OF THE LAW (Mt. 22:37-40).

Respondent makes a really strange and inaccurate comment, when he said, "... determines how holy they will be walking as our Savior walked!"

Sorry, that does not even make any sense. There are not any degrees of holiness. To be 99% holy means we are not holy. To be 99% pure means we are not pure. If we walk as our Savior walked WE WILL DO NO SIN (1 Pe. 2:21-24).

#6 RESPONDENT CLOSED WITH THIS STATEMENT...
David, I pray that my answers to your questions will help you to see what I believe; and that all of what I have said is ALL due to the Free Grace given to us in Christ Jesus from the God of ALL Grace. Amen.

DLG answer...
Respondent used the term "FREE GRACE" in the context, which it has come to be associated with, for nearly 100 years. Regardless of the original usage of the term, "Free Grace" it has been redefined and packaged as an explanation that salvation is free from anything and everything. In other words, God bestows His grace according to His own choices, with no human participation at all, including repentance. I would use the term differently, but it is deeply ingrained in theological circles to be very closely aligned with Reformed Theology.

Wesleyan and Arminian doctrine recognizes that God's grace is the sovereign gift of God and the gift of salvation is freely given. We have done nothing to deserve salvation and we can do nothing to earn salvation. In this sense we consider salvation to be FREE GRACE.

But, like so many other words and phrases and terms, usage seems to be the standard of defining those terms. Therefore, when we talk to people about the things of God, we must always remember that they may not be thinking the same thoughts that we are thinking. We must define our terms.

I hope this article has been helpful in understanding the beliefs of "Respondent."