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.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
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.
02/11/18 DANGEROUS LEADERS
02/11/18 DANGEROUS LEADERS
It is one thing for a person who professes faith in Christ to sin, to falter in their walk with God, since no one is saved from the attack of Satan. (of course, no one has to sin, because God has given us His word, His Spirit, His grace).
BUT IT IS ANOTHER THING ALTOGETHER for a person to turn back to sin and excuse their sins, especially their horrific sins, such as the murder of Servetus by John Calvin. Not only did Calvin murder him, he claimed to have Divine right to kill Servetus and he excused his murder in the name of Christ. Also remember, this action was not contrary to the beliefs and the teachings of Calvin.
Even a murderer may say the RIGHT thing or even do the RIGHT thing at some point in their life, but when the wrong thing is said or done in the name of God, then we are taken to a different level of wickedness, especially when that person is leading others. However, no such person should ever be considered a champion of the faith and no such person should be followed in his teachings, which lead a person to such depths of degradation.
As far as I know, Calvin never apologized or repented for murdering Servetus. This should tell you something about his faith in Christ.
By the way, Jacobus Arminius (1560 -1609) did not murder anyone that I know of, and he certainly did not murder anyone in the name of Christ.
I was trying to remember:
Exactly when did J. Arminius murder
someone in the name of Christ?
It is one thing for a person who professes faith in Christ to sin, to falter in their walk with God, since no one is saved from the attack of Satan. (of course, no one has to sin, because God has given us His word, His Spirit, His grace).
BUT IT IS ANOTHER THING ALTOGETHER for a person to turn back to sin and excuse their sins, especially their horrific sins, such as the murder of Servetus by John Calvin. Not only did Calvin murder him, he claimed to have Divine right to kill Servetus and he excused his murder in the name of Christ. Also remember, this action was not contrary to the beliefs and the teachings of Calvin.
Even a murderer may say the RIGHT thing or even do the RIGHT thing at some point in their life, but when the wrong thing is said or done in the name of God, then we are taken to a different level of wickedness, especially when that person is leading others. However, no such person should ever be considered a champion of the faith and no such person should be followed in his teachings, which lead a person to such depths of degradation.
As far as I know, Calvin never apologized or repented for murdering Servetus. This should tell you something about his faith in Christ.
By the way, Jacobus Arminius (1560 -1609) did not murder anyone that I know of, and he certainly did not murder anyone in the name of Christ.
02/11/18 "ACTS 2:17"
02/11/18 "ACTS 2:17"
TOO MUCH OF WHAT IS,
AIN'T
"THIS IS THAT,"
OR EVEN SHOULD BE.
02/11/18 DREAMING GOD'S DREAMS
02/11/18 DREAMING GOD'S DREAMS
Acts 2:16-21
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
We need "DREAMERS" who
DREAM GOD'S DREAMS.
Acts 2:16-21
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
02/10/18 WAS JUST THINKING...
02/10/18 OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A HEAVENLY INFLECTION...
Spiritual rebellion starts with personal REJECTION,
But its ultimate plan is demonic INSURRECTION.
God gave His word as Divine DIRECTION,
Shielding His children with faith and PROTECTION,
Training us with truth, love and CORRECTION,
To make us bold at the time of INSPECTION,
Preparing us for the First RESURRECTION.
Spiritual rebellion starts with personal REJECTION,
But its ultimate plan is demonic INSURRECTION.
God gave His word as Divine DIRECTION,
Shielding His children with faith and PROTECTION,
Training us with truth, love and CORRECTION,
To make us bold at the time of INSPECTION,
Preparing us for the First RESURRECTION.
02/10/18 DECEPTION AND DENIAL
02/10/18 DECEPTION AND DENIAL
Salvation is of the Lord,
but it is a Deception of Satan,
and a DENIAL of SCRIPTURE
to say that we have no part in our salvation.
02/10/18 DON'T BREAK THE CHAIN
02/10/18 DON'T BREAK THE CHAIN
The message of salvation, deliverance, rescue from sin and separation from God, is sent from God to us through these links.
God sends His Holy Spirit to convict, call and convert us.
God provided His Word, to shows us our sin, our need, His provision, His salvation.
God sends His chosen messengers (pastors, parents, teachers, godly friends, seasoned saints) to tell us His word.
God speaks to us through our inner man; reason, desire, emotion, conscience and will.
When our inner man is receptive and responsive to God's message of salvation, we accept it by faith and follow Jesus.
Do not allow God's chain of communication to be shut down.
Remember, the CONSCIENCE is the doorway through which God comes to us. Do not allow your conscience to be hardened, seared, corrupted.
Keep your conscience alert, sensitive. Do not become cynical, callous, cold.
1 Timothy 1:5
5 Now the end of the commandment is charity (love) out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1 Timothy 1:19
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1 Timothy 3:9
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
Titus 1:15
15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
Links to salvation:
God's Spirit, God's Word,
God's messenger, your inner man.
Don't break the chain.
The message of salvation, deliverance, rescue from sin and separation from God, is sent from God to us through these links.
God sends His Holy Spirit to convict, call and convert us.
God provided His Word, to shows us our sin, our need, His provision, His salvation.
God sends His chosen messengers (pastors, parents, teachers, godly friends, seasoned saints) to tell us His word.
God speaks to us through our inner man; reason, desire, emotion, conscience and will.
When our inner man is receptive and responsive to God's message of salvation, we accept it by faith and follow Jesus.
Do not allow God's chain of communication to be shut down.
Remember, the CONSCIENCE is the doorway through which God comes to us. Do not allow your conscience to be hardened, seared, corrupted.
Keep your conscience alert, sensitive. Do not become cynical, callous, cold.
1 Timothy 1:5
5 Now the end of the commandment is charity (love) out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1 Timothy 1:19
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1 Timothy 3:9
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
Titus 1:15
15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
Friday, February 9, 2018
02/09/18 SANCTIFY YOURSELVES... INTRODUCTION
02/09/18 SANCTIFY YOURSELVES... INTRODUCTION
SANCTIFY YOURSELVES
(this article is addressed to those who have already been saved by grace through faith and created by Christ Jesus for the purpose of doing good works, Ep. 2:8-10).
INTRODUCTION
WARNING WARNING WARNING
(if you think that obedience to God is legalism and if you think that God does not require anything from believers, you might want to walk away from the computer. If you venture any further, you might need to take drugs, just to keep from blowing a gasket)
GOD REQUIRES US TO PURIFY OURSELVES IN ORDER FOR HIM TO ENTIRELY SANCTIFY US.
This Divine principle is evident in Paul's words to the Philippians.
Philippians 3:7-16
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
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,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
TO SANCTIFY is to SET APART.
NO, I am not referring to works of the flesh or legalism. I am referring to the Biblical view (Old and New Testaments) of believers being SET APART.
NO, I am not saying that we impart the Holy Spirit to ourselves or that we fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit, which results in the purifying of the heart, and the removal of evil from the heart, and filling the heart with love.
I am saying, in agreement with the word of God, that we must make the deliberate choice to receive the purifying work of God by "cleansing ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Co. 7:1).
THE PLAN OF GOD IS TO SET HIS PEOPLE APART
Apart FROM Sin (the negative work of removing sin) and
Apart TO God (the positive work of adding God likeness).
God will do the purifying of the heart, but He will only sanctify those who consecrate (dedicate) themselves and sanctify themselves. Yes, God requires, enables and expects His children to turn completely from sin and completely to God if they want to be conformed to the image of Jesus (Ro. 8:29). We are enabled by God's grace to do that which He requires.
SAVING and ENABLING GRACE
In our path to perfecting holiness, God gives us...
Grace (Ro. 6:12-14),
Abounding grace (Ro. 5:20),
Abundant grace (2 Co. 4:15),
All grace (2 Co. 9:8)
Exceeding grace (2 Co. 9:14),
Great grace (Ac 4:33),
Manifold grace (1 Pe. 4:10),
More grace (Ja. 4:6),
Sufficient grace (2 Co. 12:9),
True grace (1 Pe. 5:12).
FALLEN FROM GRACE
Those who have turned back to self saving works of the flesh have fallen from grace (Ga. 5:4).
Those who do not follow peace with all men and holiness, have failed at grace, actually have fallen from grace or fallen back from grace (He. 12:15).
NO GRACE
It does not take any grace to sin.
It does not take any grace to refuse to move forward.
It does not take any grace to slide backward.
It does not take any grace to presume on God.
It does not take any grace to walk against the light.
THIS IS THE POINT OF THIS ARTICLE
Here is where we run into something interesting. In order to experience the purifying, empowering grace of God, we need to personally turn from the beggerly things of this world.
If we want God to do the miraculous work of purifying our hearts and our lives, we must walk in the light that He is presently providing.
We cannot focus our affection and loyalty in two different directions.
We cannot take hold of God tightly if we are fondling the world.
We cannot love God with the whole heart if we are maintaining a dalliance with another "lover."
God requires human response and participation and God tells us what we must do. Here are seven passages, which address the need for believers to purify themselves in obedience to God and His plan to Sanctify them Entirely.
SANCTIFY YOURSELVES
(this article is addressed to those who have already been saved by grace through faith and created by Christ Jesus for the purpose of doing good works, Ep. 2:8-10).
INTRODUCTION
WARNING WARNING WARNING
(if you think that obedience to God is legalism and if you think that God does not require anything from believers, you might want to walk away from the computer. If you venture any further, you might need to take drugs, just to keep from blowing a gasket)
GOD REQUIRES US TO PURIFY OURSELVES IN ORDER FOR HIM TO ENTIRELY SANCTIFY US.
This Divine principle is evident in Paul's words to the Philippians.
Philippians 3:7-16
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
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,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
TO SANCTIFY is to SET APART.
NO, I am not referring to works of the flesh or legalism. I am referring to the Biblical view (Old and New Testaments) of believers being SET APART.
NO, I am not saying that we impart the Holy Spirit to ourselves or that we fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit, which results in the purifying of the heart, and the removal of evil from the heart, and filling the heart with love.
I am saying, in agreement with the word of God, that we must make the deliberate choice to receive the purifying work of God by "cleansing ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Co. 7:1).
THE PLAN OF GOD IS TO SET HIS PEOPLE APART
Apart FROM Sin (the negative work of removing sin) and
Apart TO God (the positive work of adding God likeness).
God will do the purifying of the heart, but He will only sanctify those who consecrate (dedicate) themselves and sanctify themselves. Yes, God requires, enables and expects His children to turn completely from sin and completely to God if they want to be conformed to the image of Jesus (Ro. 8:29). We are enabled by God's grace to do that which He requires.
SAVING and ENABLING GRACE
In our path to perfecting holiness, God gives us...
Grace (Ro. 6:12-14),
Abounding grace (Ro. 5:20),
Abundant grace (2 Co. 4:15),
All grace (2 Co. 9:8)
Exceeding grace (2 Co. 9:14),
Great grace (Ac 4:33),
Manifold grace (1 Pe. 4:10),
More grace (Ja. 4:6),
Sufficient grace (2 Co. 12:9),
True grace (1 Pe. 5:12).
FALLEN FROM GRACE
Those who have turned back to self saving works of the flesh have fallen from grace (Ga. 5:4).
Those who do not follow peace with all men and holiness, have failed at grace, actually have fallen from grace or fallen back from grace (He. 12:15).
NO GRACE
It does not take any grace to sin.
It does not take any grace to refuse to move forward.
It does not take any grace to slide backward.
It does not take any grace to presume on God.
It does not take any grace to walk against the light.
THIS IS THE POINT OF THIS ARTICLE
Here is where we run into something interesting. In order to experience the purifying, empowering grace of God, we need to personally turn from the beggerly things of this world.
If we want God to do the miraculous work of purifying our hearts and our lives, we must walk in the light that He is presently providing.
We cannot focus our affection and loyalty in two different directions.
We cannot take hold of God tightly if we are fondling the world.
We cannot love God with the whole heart if we are maintaining a dalliance with another "lover."
God requires human response and participation and God tells us what we must do. Here are seven passages, which address the need for believers to purify themselves in obedience to God and His plan to Sanctify them Entirely.
02/09/18 NOTICE OF NEW ARTICLES
02/09/18 NOTICE OF NEW ARTICLES
A few weeks ago I added a new project to my schedule. Actually, it started out as a simple little document, but it grew and grew and is still growing. The simple document was addressing the fact that God requires us to take steps TO SANCTIFY OURSELVES, TO PURIFY OURSELVES. Normally this would be covered by the idea of CONSECRATION (dedication) In fact, the standard explanation is that God does the SANCTIFYING (PURIFYING) and humans do the CONSECRATING (DEDICATION TO GOD). This is still a valid viewpoint, but it becomes obvious that the human part of consecration is not simply passive compliance or trust, but rather it involves vigorous sacrificial action on our part. While we must be the recipients of God's benefits, it is also true that we must personally make demanding decisions.
Though I started my little project with a couple of passages, it quickly exploded into seven points, and threatens to become even lager. My problem was that I had planned to post my short document quickly. But of course, I have abandoned any such hope. Now I intend to post the articles on each of the passages separately, eventuating in a larger, single document, and then I am hoping to do a series of videos, for those who may choose to watch them.
I realize that such a project may not draw very many readers. That is fine. But for the few that might be interested, the documents will be available. I will start the series of messages with my next post, which is the INTRODUCTION of the article.
A few weeks ago I added a new project to my schedule. Actually, it started out as a simple little document, but it grew and grew and is still growing. The simple document was addressing the fact that God requires us to take steps TO SANCTIFY OURSELVES, TO PURIFY OURSELVES. Normally this would be covered by the idea of CONSECRATION (dedication) In fact, the standard explanation is that God does the SANCTIFYING (PURIFYING) and humans do the CONSECRATING (DEDICATION TO GOD). This is still a valid viewpoint, but it becomes obvious that the human part of consecration is not simply passive compliance or trust, but rather it involves vigorous sacrificial action on our part. While we must be the recipients of God's benefits, it is also true that we must personally make demanding decisions.
Though I started my little project with a couple of passages, it quickly exploded into seven points, and threatens to become even lager. My problem was that I had planned to post my short document quickly. But of course, I have abandoned any such hope. Now I intend to post the articles on each of the passages separately, eventuating in a larger, single document, and then I am hoping to do a series of videos, for those who may choose to watch them.
I realize that such a project may not draw very many readers. That is fine. But for the few that might be interested, the documents will be available. I will start the series of messages with my next post, which is the INTRODUCTION of the article.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
02/08/18 BEWARE THE GREAT IMPERSONATOR
02/08/18 BEWARE THE GREAT IMPERSONATOR
Reason, Integrity, Justice, Love, Mercy, Grace, Revelation, all take a backseat to supposed "sovereignty" in sinning religion.
The combined influences and principles of the Bible are reduced to empty contradictions by the fallacies ascribed to a god who is credited with the right to do anything, even when it contradicts his own words and nature and history in human affairs.
All of Divine nature and revelation are swept away by a false definition of sovereignty, which allows its god to do abominable deeds for his own glory, while hiding behind a wall of immunity that forbids any questioning of those deeds, though they contradict his nature, declarations and his recorded behavior.
Reason, Integrity, Justice, Love, Mercy, Grace, Revelation, all take a backseat to supposed "sovereignty" in sinning religion.
The combined influences and principles of the Bible are reduced to empty contradictions by the fallacies ascribed to a god who is credited with the right to do anything, even when it contradicts his own words and nature and history in human affairs.
All of Divine nature and revelation are swept away by a false definition of sovereignty, which allows its god to do abominable deeds for his own glory, while hiding behind a wall of immunity that forbids any questioning of those deeds, though they contradict his nature, declarations and his recorded behavior.
02/08/18 FALSE AND TRUE
02/08/18 FALSE AND TRUE
Don't mistake Puppetry for Sovereignty;
Selection for Election;
Payment for Atonement;
License for Liberty.
The god of false religion masquerades as the true and living God.
The puppet master god only survives when he does not have actual enemies.
The puppet god of false sovereignty only rules in an imaginary world of no rebellion.
Selection is the unilateral, preferential and unconditional choosing of the god of sinning religion.
Biblical Election is God's way of designating the chosen ones from among the called ones, through faith and obedience.
Payment or penal satisfaction is the imagined, strict and legalistic exchange of one life for another.
Biblical Atonement is the satisfaction of judgement through the sacrifice of a worthy Offering. based in the love of God.
Licence is the special privilege given to preferred individuals or groups of people, which is being a respecter of persons.
Liberty from sin is Divine deliverance from the penalty, pollution and power of sin through a living relationship with God through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
The god of false religion masquerades as the true and living God.
The puppet master god only survives when he does not have actual enemies.
The puppet god of false sovereignty only rules in an imaginary world of no rebellion.
Selection is the unilateral, preferential and unconditional choosing of the god of sinning religion.
Biblical Election is God's way of designating the chosen ones from among the called ones, through faith and obedience.
Payment or penal satisfaction is the imagined, strict and legalistic exchange of one life for another.
Biblical Atonement is the satisfaction of judgement through the sacrifice of a worthy Offering. based in the love of God.
Licence is the special privilege given to preferred individuals or groups of people, which is being a respecter of persons.
Liberty from sin is Divine deliverance from the penalty, pollution and power of sin through a living relationship with God through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
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