12/31/16 WHY WE MEET GOD'S STANDARDS
Being a Christian is not a matter of following a blueprint found in the Bible.
Being a Christian is a matter of being transformed into a new creation, being conformed to the image of Jesus and therefore living the life that is guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
It is not that Christians meet the Biblical standards in order to be Christians, it is that they are Christians and therefore meet the standards.
Friday, March 3, 2017
12/31/16 POPULAR HERESY CONFRONTED
12/31/16 POPULAR HERESY CONFRONTED
Here is a quote from a highly respected Bible scholar, and then a passage from God's word, which sets the record straight. I share this so that you will see how a person's theology can shade their understanding of the Holy Bible and the Christian faith.
Kieth L. Brooks (summary of each chapter of each book of the Bible).
The Summarized Bible
Brooks gives an outline of each chapter, using this as his outline.
Contents
Characters
Conclusion
Key Words
Strong Words
This outline is taken from, James 1:1-27
Conclusion: Such as have a true title in Jesus Christ through faith may expect to be called upon to endure many tests of faith, but the genuineness of their calling will be manifest by their stability in trial, their fidelity to God and the principles of Christianity, their activity in good works and the control of the carnal nature at all times. God is the source of wisdom and power continually.
Notice at the end of the first sentence, Brooks said that the genuineness of a believers calling is, "manifest by their... control of the carnal nature at all times."
Actually he said more than this, which is accurate, but this one statement, though it reflects popular theology, is inaccurate. No man can control the carnal nature. Notice what God said...
Romans 8:5-8
(5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
(6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
(8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Notice that verse 7 says that even the law of God cannot control the carnal mind, the carnal nature.
The answer to the carnal nature, the carnal mind, according to Paul, is not control, but crucifixion. The Old Man must be crucified with Christ. The Carnal mind cannot be purified or controlled, it must be eradicated.
Sadly there are very few preachers telling their churches about God's full salvation from sin, which includes deliverance from the carnal nature, the carnal mind. But the fact is, the same Blood that provides justification for all men also provides entire sanctification for all believers, who are willing to trust God for His deliverance.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
(23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Here is a quote from a highly respected Bible scholar, and then a passage from God's word, which sets the record straight. I share this so that you will see how a person's theology can shade their understanding of the Holy Bible and the Christian faith.
Kieth L. Brooks (summary of each chapter of each book of the Bible).
The Summarized Bible
Brooks gives an outline of each chapter, using this as his outline.
Contents
Characters
Conclusion
Key Words
Strong Words
This outline is taken from, James 1:1-27
Conclusion: Such as have a true title in Jesus Christ through faith may expect to be called upon to endure many tests of faith, but the genuineness of their calling will be manifest by their stability in trial, their fidelity to God and the principles of Christianity, their activity in good works and the control of the carnal nature at all times. God is the source of wisdom and power continually.
Notice at the end of the first sentence, Brooks said that the genuineness of a believers calling is, "manifest by their... control of the carnal nature at all times."
Actually he said more than this, which is accurate, but this one statement, though it reflects popular theology, is inaccurate. No man can control the carnal nature. Notice what God said...
Romans 8:5-8
(5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
(6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
(8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Notice that verse 7 says that even the law of God cannot control the carnal mind, the carnal nature.
The answer to the carnal nature, the carnal mind, according to Paul, is not control, but crucifixion. The Old Man must be crucified with Christ. The Carnal mind cannot be purified or controlled, it must be eradicated.
Sadly there are very few preachers telling their churches about God's full salvation from sin, which includes deliverance from the carnal nature, the carnal mind. But the fact is, the same Blood that provides justification for all men also provides entire sanctification for all believers, who are willing to trust God for His deliverance.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
(23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
12/30/16 WITHOUT RESERVATIONS
12/30/16 WITHOUT RESERVATIONS
We all want a leader who is willing to charge boldly into the battle (when necessary), without hesitating and without wavering.
What most folks don't want is to be under that leader's authority.
I find it interesting that some people who have weak and incompetent pastors will admire and say that they want strong leadership, but some people who have strong pastors choose not be be strong followers.
We all want a leader who is willing to charge boldly into the battle (when necessary), without hesitating and without wavering.
What most folks don't want is to be under that leader's authority.
I find it interesting that some people who have weak and incompetent pastors will admire and say that they want strong leadership, but some people who have strong pastors choose not be be strong followers.
12/30/16 CHRISTIANS LEAD INTO TRUTH
12/30/16 CHRISTIANS LEAD INTO TRUTH
So sad. So true. Sometimes we cannot help the other person do the right thing, BUT REMEMBER,
If you are a Christian, you don't wait for the other person to do the right thing,
If you are a Christian, you are willing to go the extra miles,
If you are a Christian, you are willing to forgive, time and again, and again, and again,
If you are a Christian, you don't have to win, in order t be a winner,
If you are a Christian, you will follow in the steps of Jesus,
If you are a Christian.
If you are a Christian, you don't wait for the other person to do the right thing,
If you are a Christian, you are willing to go the extra miles,
If you are a Christian, you are willing to forgive, time and again, and again, and again,
If you are a Christian, you don't have to win, in order t be a winner,
If you are a Christian, you will follow in the steps of Jesus,
If you are a Christian.
12/29/16 FIRE AND URGENCY
12/29/16 FIRE AND URGENCY
(or, I could have titled it, Welcome To Laodicea)
I just re-posted a silly video I produced a couple of years ago about people "getting into their electronic devices." There is great truth in that idea. HOWEVER there is equal truth in the fact that CHRISTIANS HAVE NOT GOTTEN INTO INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS ENOUGH.
I have addressed this issue many time, so I won't rehash it again.
Suffice it to say, we need people with a vision for mass communications through the internet. The affinity that people have with electronic devices is not to be confused with a vision for implementing electronic devices in the work of God.
BTW, it is not as if the vision for using the internet in ministry is un-necessary and overshadowed because most Christians are so caught up in other visions of ministry. With all of the good things that we see around us, concerning the message of Christ in this world, the fact is that I have never seen less fire and urgency than today.
(or, I could have titled it, Welcome To Laodicea)
I just re-posted a silly video I produced a couple of years ago about people "getting into their electronic devices." There is great truth in that idea. HOWEVER there is equal truth in the fact that CHRISTIANS HAVE NOT GOTTEN INTO INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS ENOUGH.
I have addressed this issue many time, so I won't rehash it again.
Suffice it to say, we need people with a vision for mass communications through the internet. The affinity that people have with electronic devices is not to be confused with a vision for implementing electronic devices in the work of God.
BTW, it is not as if the vision for using the internet in ministry is un-necessary and overshadowed because most Christians are so caught up in other visions of ministry. With all of the good things that we see around us, concerning the message of Christ in this world, the fact is that I have never seen less fire and urgency than today.
12/29/16 DON'T EVER FORGET, John Calvin murdered in the name of Christ.
12/29/16 DON'T EVER FORGET, John Calvin murdered in the name of Christ.
This does not negate everything Calvin said concerning the Bible. After all, even the Pope of Rome is right sometimes. However, I would not base anything I believe on the teachings of a man who was ruled by anger and hatred and self promotion, and then blamed God for his misdoings. Just as a Mormon and a Seventh Day Adventist needs to totally abandon the history and the heresies of their false religions, when they become Bible believing Christians, so a believer needs to cleanse his mind from Calvin's lies and start with Biblical truth.
This does not negate everything Calvin said concerning the Bible. After all, even the Pope of Rome is right sometimes. However, I would not base anything I believe on the teachings of a man who was ruled by anger and hatred and self promotion, and then blamed God for his misdoings. Just as a Mormon and a Seventh Day Adventist needs to totally abandon the history and the heresies of their false religions, when they become Bible believing Christians, so a believer needs to cleanse his mind from Calvin's lies and start with Biblical truth.
12/29/16 SOMETIMES YOU CAN'T TELL THE PLAYERS WITHOUT A PROGRAM
12/29/16 SOMETIMES YOU CAN'T TELL THE PLAYERS WITHOUT A PROGRAM
There is no such thing as a moderate Christ follower (or Moderate Christian), or being a little saved, any more than there is any such thing as being, "a little pregnant."
Moderate Muslims are full fledged Muslims "in waiting." For the most part, Moderate Muslims would not be Moderate Muslims if they did not fear Islamic reprisals for abandoning Islam. Moderate Muslims are silent supporters of so-called, "Radical Muslims." A better term for Radical Muslims is Fundamentalist Muslims, because they live by the fundamental teachings of Islam.
Supposed Moderate Christians are non believer, non followers of Christ, which are simply Nominal Christians (Christian in name only), or Religious Christians (followers of a religious form of Christianity). Nominal Christians and Religious Christians are those who profess faith in Christ, but do not have saving faith in Christ. They may have adopted the religious trappings associated with Christianity, but they have not turned from sin, and turned to Christ. Nominal Christians will quickly abandon their profession of faith when they are required to either die for Christ or deny Christ. Some Religious Christians will die for their religious beliefs, much the same way other lost people will die for their religious beliefs.
Matthew 15:8-9
(8) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
(9) But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 23:27-28
(27) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
(28) Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
2 Timothy 3:5
(5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Titus 1:16
(16) They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Jude 1:4
(4) For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:3-11
(3) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
(4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
(6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
(7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
(8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
(10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
(11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
There is no such thing as a moderate Christ follower (or Moderate Christian), or being a little saved, any more than there is any such thing as being, "a little pregnant."
Moderate Muslims are full fledged Muslims "in waiting." For the most part, Moderate Muslims would not be Moderate Muslims if they did not fear Islamic reprisals for abandoning Islam. Moderate Muslims are silent supporters of so-called, "Radical Muslims." A better term for Radical Muslims is Fundamentalist Muslims, because they live by the fundamental teachings of Islam.
Supposed Moderate Christians are non believer, non followers of Christ, which are simply Nominal Christians (Christian in name only), or Religious Christians (followers of a religious form of Christianity). Nominal Christians and Religious Christians are those who profess faith in Christ, but do not have saving faith in Christ. They may have adopted the religious trappings associated with Christianity, but they have not turned from sin, and turned to Christ. Nominal Christians will quickly abandon their profession of faith when they are required to either die for Christ or deny Christ. Some Religious Christians will die for their religious beliefs, much the same way other lost people will die for their religious beliefs.
Matthew 15:8-9
(8) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
(9) But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 23:27-28
(27) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
(28) Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
2 Timothy 3:5
(5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Titus 1:16
(16) They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Jude 1:4
(4) For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:3-11
(3) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
(4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
(6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
(7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
(8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
(10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
(11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
12/28/16 DECISIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES
12/28/16 DECISIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES
Those who do not surrender to the Lordship of Christ and believe His word (the Holy Bible) are endorsing and enabling the kingdom of darkness, which will continue to intensify its effort to enslave and violate your children and grandchildren.
Those who do not surrender to the Lordship of Christ and believe His word (the Holy Bible) are endorsing and enabling the kingdom of darkness, which will continue to intensify its effort to enslave and violate your children and grandchildren.
12/27/16 CELEBRATING TOO EARLY
12/27/16 CELEBRATING TOO EARLY
Obama, Jew haters other enemies of Divine revelation are celebrating too early.
No matter what your theology is (provided you believe in the historicity of the Bible) you cannot deny that Israel as a people, is the historical resident of the land of Israel.
It is interesting that the Jew and Israeli haters resort to a totally false narrative in order to dispossess the Jews of their God given land. This is because the Jew haters realize that if the Bible is accurate, then Israel has been the owners of the land of Israel for 3800 years. But they also deny the Bible record concerning Israel, because, if the Bible is right concerning Jewish occupancy, it is right concerning other issues, which exposes that that a "Palestinian" claim to the land is totally bogus (historically, religiously, nationally).
If they recognize the historical rights of Israel, based on the Biblical record, then they will have to address the fact that Israel not only has legal claim to the land, they will have to recognize that Israel has Divine claim to the land.
The Bible records the Divine assignment of the land of Israel into the hands of the Jews.
The Bible records the historical presence of Israel in the Land of Promise for 3800 years
The Bible records God's future plan for Israel and the city of Jerusalem and the destruction of all anti God religions
As a result, Obama, the Jew haters and all other enemies of the revelation of God will have moments of satisfaction, believing that they have come up with the FINAL SOLUTION to the Jew problem, but God will faithfully and miraculously fulfill His promises to Israel.
America is following the multitude of nations that hate the Jew, because America is taking the same anti-Christ and anti-Holy Bible path to eternal destruction.
Standing against Israel as God's chosen heir of the promises God made to Abraham, is to deny God, His word and His plan for the end of the ages.
No matter what your theology is (provided you believe in the historicity of the Bible) you cannot deny that Israel as a people, is the historical resident of the land of Israel.
It is interesting that the Jew and Israeli haters resort to a totally false narrative in order to dispossess the Jews of their God given land. This is because the Jew haters realize that if the Bible is accurate, then Israel has been the owners of the land of Israel for 3800 years. But they also deny the Bible record concerning Israel, because, if the Bible is right concerning Jewish occupancy, it is right concerning other issues, which exposes that that a "Palestinian" claim to the land is totally bogus (historically, religiously, nationally).
If they recognize the historical rights of Israel, based on the Biblical record, then they will have to address the fact that Israel not only has legal claim to the land, they will have to recognize that Israel has Divine claim to the land.
The Bible records the Divine assignment of the land of Israel into the hands of the Jews.
The Bible records the historical presence of Israel in the Land of Promise for 3800 years
The Bible records God's future plan for Israel and the city of Jerusalem and the destruction of all anti God religions
As a result, Obama, the Jew haters and all other enemies of the revelation of God will have moments of satisfaction, believing that they have come up with the FINAL SOLUTION to the Jew problem, but God will faithfully and miraculously fulfill His promises to Israel.
America is following the multitude of nations that hate the Jew, because America is taking the same anti-Christ and anti-Holy Bible path to eternal destruction.
Standing against Israel as God's chosen heir of the promises God made to Abraham, is to deny God, His word and His plan for the end of the ages.
12/27/16 MAKE NO MISTAKE
12/27/16 MAKE NO MISTAKE
It is easy to jump to these two faulty conclusions.
It is easy to jump to these two faulty conclusions.
* Might Makes Right.
* Strong Makes Wrong.
* Strong Makes Wrong.
12/24/16 GOD'S GIFT OF FREE WILL
12/24/16 GOD'S GIFT OF FREE WILL
The doctrine of, "Free Will," does not mean, does not include the false notion that humans can will or do whatever we want. Such an interpretation is absurd. Free will simply means that God has given us the right and enabled with the power to choose from among options offered. We choose to either accept or reject God's offer of salvation. To reject or neglect God's directives brings God's judgement. Satan wants us to presume on God's grace rather than receive God's grace.
The doctrine of, "Free Will," does not mean, does not include the false notion that humans can will or do whatever we want. Such an interpretation is absurd. Free will simply means that God has given us the right and enabled with the power to choose from among options offered. We choose to either accept or reject God's offer of salvation. To reject or neglect God's directives brings God's judgement. Satan wants us to presume on God's grace rather than receive God's grace.
12/23/16 WHY WE SHOULD LEAD CHILDREN TO CHRIST
12/23/16 WHY WE SHOULD LEAD CHILDREN TO CHRIST (and the sooner the better).
God saves children. I am not referring to His sovereign and benevolent act of atonement for all pre-born babies or new born babies or infants; I am talking about His redeeming act of salvation for children who have rebelled against God and then sought reconciliation.
Yes, I said, "reconciliation." No, a child will probably not know the word, and he will not be able to explain the theology of the doctrine of reconciliation, but being reconciled to God is exactly what happens when a child gets saved. A child who has godly sorrow for sinning does not simply seek forgiveness. A child who is truly sorry for his disobedience to God wants to please God, and this means, STOP DISOBEYING GOD.
There are various advantages in getting saved at an early age, but let me also mention something that might be overlooked.
Getting saved as a child will shape a person's attitude and point of view and habits, which determine the kind of adult that child becomes.
Obviously getting saved as a child can save that child from
becoming a slave to various sins that will destroy him/her.
Obviously getting saved as a child will help that child mature without the baggage of a mind cluttered with sinful images and ideas.
Obviously getting saved as a child gives a person a greater amount of time and more opportunities to develop his spiritual and moral and social standards and relationships.
Obviously getting saved as a child provides more time to serve God and share Christ with others.
But getting saved as a child can save a person from attitudinal and world view corruption. For instance...
* A saved child will not allow deceit to fill his life. If a child is deceitful, sneaky, duplicitous, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his dishonesty.
* A saved child will not allow anger or hatred or meanness to fill his life. If a child is angry, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his anger and hatred and meanness.
* A saved child will not allow selfishness to fill his life. If a child is self oriented, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his self will.
* A saved child will not allow negativity to fill his life. If a child is negative, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his negativity.
* A saved child will not allow perversity to fill his life. If a child is twisted, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his deviance.
* A saved child will not allow arrogance to fill his life. If a child is prideful, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his exaggerated self esteem.
* A saved child will not allow selfishness to fill his life. If a child is self oriented, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his selfishness.
* A saved child will not allow resistance to authority to fill his life. If a child is rebellious, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his lawlessness.
* A saved child will not follow a false Christ, or a false spirit or a false revelation. If a child is a follower of false doctrine, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his false religion.
These are just a few examples of the importance of letting Christ form a child into the adult that God wants him to be.
A salvation that only forgives us of our sins is no salvation at all.
A salvation that only forgives a child of his/her sins is no salvation at all.
God not only wants to forgives us of our sins, but He wants to, "lead us not into temptation" (He wants to lead us away from temptation) and form us into the person we were meant to be, and the sooner we start, the better.
God saves children. I am not referring to His sovereign and benevolent act of atonement for all pre-born babies or new born babies or infants; I am talking about His redeeming act of salvation for children who have rebelled against God and then sought reconciliation.
Yes, I said, "reconciliation." No, a child will probably not know the word, and he will not be able to explain the theology of the doctrine of reconciliation, but being reconciled to God is exactly what happens when a child gets saved. A child who has godly sorrow for sinning does not simply seek forgiveness. A child who is truly sorry for his disobedience to God wants to please God, and this means, STOP DISOBEYING GOD.
There are various advantages in getting saved at an early age, but let me also mention something that might be overlooked.
Getting saved as a child will shape a person's attitude and point of view and habits, which determine the kind of adult that child becomes.
Obviously getting saved as a child can save that child from
becoming a slave to various sins that will destroy him/her.
Obviously getting saved as a child will help that child mature without the baggage of a mind cluttered with sinful images and ideas.
Obviously getting saved as a child gives a person a greater amount of time and more opportunities to develop his spiritual and moral and social standards and relationships.
Obviously getting saved as a child provides more time to serve God and share Christ with others.
But getting saved as a child can save a person from attitudinal and world view corruption. For instance...
* A saved child will not allow deceit to fill his life. If a child is deceitful, sneaky, duplicitous, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his dishonesty.
* A saved child will not allow anger or hatred or meanness to fill his life. If a child is angry, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his anger and hatred and meanness.
* A saved child will not allow selfishness to fill his life. If a child is self oriented, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his self will.
* A saved child will not allow negativity to fill his life. If a child is negative, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his negativity.
* A saved child will not allow perversity to fill his life. If a child is twisted, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his deviance.
* A saved child will not allow arrogance to fill his life. If a child is prideful, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his exaggerated self esteem.
* A saved child will not allow selfishness to fill his life. If a child is self oriented, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his selfishness.
* A saved child will not allow resistance to authority to fill his life. If a child is rebellious, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his lawlessness.
* A saved child will not follow a false Christ, or a false spirit or a false revelation. If a child is a follower of false doctrine, then he will probably continue to be the same as an adult, but to a greater degree. Also, the adult will find it progressively more difficult to turn from his false religion.
These are just a few examples of the importance of letting Christ form a child into the adult that God wants him to be.
A salvation that only forgives us of our sins is no salvation at all.
A salvation that only forgives a child of his/her sins is no salvation at all.
God not only wants to forgives us of our sins, but He wants to, "lead us not into temptation" (He wants to lead us away from temptation) and form us into the person we were meant to be, and the sooner we start, the better.
12/22/16 WELCOME ABOARD THE SHIP OF FOOLS
12/22/16 WELCOME ABOARD THE SHIP OF FOOLS
Sin makes you stupid. Once a person starts to reject the clear revelation of God and the standards of God then it is all downhill from there.
Welcome to a world where Islam, the most violent organized religion in history, is fallaciously referred to as a peaceful religion.
Welcome to a world where people believe that it is normal and right to allow men into female bathrooms, locker rooms and shower rooms.
Welcome to a world where people believe that it is normal and healthy for males to have sexual relations with other males, and for females to have sexual relations with other females.
Welcome to a world where people think you're weird for standing against such stupidity and wickedness as these three examples of Bible rejection.
12/22/16 YOU CAN LEARN A LOT FROM A SHEPHERD
12/22/16 YOU CAN LEARN A LOT FROM A SHEPHERD
When the shepherds heard about the Savior of the world being born in Bethlehem, they sought Him out. (vss. 8-16)
After the shepherds visited the stable, they returned and retold the news of Jesus' birth to their neighbors in such a way that people were amazed. (vss. 17-18)
The Shepherds understood the Divine significance of the newborn Jesus, and they continued to glorify God and praise God, telling others what they had seen and heard. (19)
Luke 2:8-20
(8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
(9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
(10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(15) And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
(16) And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
(17) And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
(18) And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
(19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
(20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
When the shepherds heard about the Savior of the world being born in Bethlehem, they sought Him out. (vss. 8-16)
After the shepherds visited the stable, they returned and retold the news of Jesus' birth to their neighbors in such a way that people were amazed. (vss. 17-18)
The Shepherds understood the Divine significance of the newborn Jesus, and they continued to glorify God and praise God, telling others what they had seen and heard. (19)
Luke 2:8-20
(8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
(9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
(10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(15) And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
(16) And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
(17) And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
(18) And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
(19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
(20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
12/21/16 GOD’S MULTIFACETED GRACE
12/21/16 GOD’S MULTIFACETED GRACE
(please look up the reference verses, thank you)
When someone (even a self proclaimed elect person) tells you that it is impossible to be holy or to live a holy life...that person is speaking for himself and testifying to his own lack of grace. That person is not speaking for God.
Instead, here is God’s provision for spiritual victory...
God's abounding gift of grace (Ro. 5:15).
God's abounding grace (Ro. 5:20).
God's abundant grace (Ro. 5:17).
God's all grace (2 Co. 9:8; 1 Pe. 5:10).
God's all sufficient grace (2 Co. 12:9).
God's atoning grace (He. 2:9).
God's choosable grace (Ac 13:43).
God's common and unifying grace (1 Pe. 3:7).
God's empowering and powerful grace (2 Tm 2:1).
God's enabling grace (He. 2:16).
God's end times grace (1 Pe. 1:13).
God's establishing grace (He. 13:9).
God's exceeding abundant grace (1 Tm. 1:14).
God's exceeding grace (2 Co. 9:14).
God's exceeding riches in grace (Ep. 2:7).
God's equipping grace (He: 12:28).
God's exchangeable grace (Ju. 1:4).
God's exclusive grace (He. 12:15).
God's fruitful grace (Co. 1:6).
God's great grace (Ac. 4:33).
God's increasing grace (2 Pe. 3:18).
God's jealous grace (He 10:29).
God's justifying grace (Ti.3:7).
God's manifold grace (1 Pe. 4:10).
God's more grace (Ja. 4:6).
God's much more grace (Ro. 5:15).
God's multiplied grace (2 Pe. 1:2).
God's rich grace (Ep. 1:7).
God's reigning, righteous grace (Ro. 5:21).
God's saving grace (Ep. 2:5).
God's submitting grace (1 Pe. 5:5).
God's true grace (1 Pe. 5:12).
God's working grace (1 Co. 15:10).
God's up-building grace (Ac. 20:32).
God's universally offered grace (Ti. 2:11).
God's grace teaches us to live godly lives (Ti. 2:12).
God's visible grace (Ac. 11:23).
Whoever denies that the grace of God makes us more than conquerors is lying.
That person is telling you Satan's word.
That person is not telling you God's word.
God says,
1 John 5:3-5
(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?
12/20/16 THEN YOU KNOW...
12/20/16 THEN YOU KNOW...
If you have a HOLY BIBLE...
If you are following THE NEWS...
THEN YOU KNOW...
That the international events are lining up for a final showdown. (no, I am not setting a date, but I am not ignoring the evidence).
THE NEWS is filled with RUSSIA... IRAN... TURKEY... SYRIA, which
THE HOLY BIBLE reveals to be among the main players in end time events.
A GENERATION AGO most people could not even tell you where Iran, Turkey, Syria, or Libya, or Jordan was located.
TODAY most people cannot tell you anything about the Bible.
SATAN has bamboozled the world using a wide arsenal of weapons, including Christ hating Liberalism, Christ hating Islam, Christ hating Humanism, Christ hating Cultism. Come to think of it, whatever is Christ hating is in the devils quiver.
SO, IF YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH...
living in ignorance, living in delusion, living in opposition to God,
THEN
don't get saved,
don't go to a strong Bible preaching church,
don't give up your worldliness,
don't enlighten your mind and heart with Bible study,
don't be conformed to the image of Jesus,
don't live in harmony with the people of God.
ON THE OTHER HAND, if you are ready...
to turn from sin,
to trust Christ only and fully for your salvation,
to be the person (the man or woman, the husband or wife, the parent the single) you should be,
LET me know and I will share God's truth with you and help you learn God's truth and walk in God's way.
If you live in Carteret County and need to get into Bible study, I will try to set something us for you and your friends and family.
DON'T DELAY, it is later than you think, but it is not too late to rethink your eternal destiny.
If you have a HOLY BIBLE...
If you are following THE NEWS...
THEN YOU KNOW...
That the international events are lining up for a final showdown. (no, I am not setting a date, but I am not ignoring the evidence).
THE NEWS is filled with RUSSIA... IRAN... TURKEY... SYRIA, which
THE HOLY BIBLE reveals to be among the main players in end time events.
A GENERATION AGO most people could not even tell you where Iran, Turkey, Syria, or Libya, or Jordan was located.
TODAY most people cannot tell you anything about the Bible.
SATAN has bamboozled the world using a wide arsenal of weapons, including Christ hating Liberalism, Christ hating Islam, Christ hating Humanism, Christ hating Cultism. Come to think of it, whatever is Christ hating is in the devils quiver.
SO, IF YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH...
living in ignorance, living in delusion, living in opposition to God,
THEN
don't get saved,
don't go to a strong Bible preaching church,
don't give up your worldliness,
don't enlighten your mind and heart with Bible study,
don't be conformed to the image of Jesus,
don't live in harmony with the people of God.
ON THE OTHER HAND, if you are ready...
to turn from sin,
to trust Christ only and fully for your salvation,
to be the person (the man or woman, the husband or wife, the parent the single) you should be,
LET me know and I will share God's truth with you and help you learn God's truth and walk in God's way.
If you live in Carteret County and need to get into Bible study, I will try to set something us for you and your friends and family.
DON'T DELAY, it is later than you think, but it is not too late to rethink your eternal destiny.
12/19/16 FEW TRUE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST
12/19/16 FEW TRUE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST
When Muslims do not raise their voices against Islamic groups for Islamic terrorism, then those so-called moderate Muslims are complicit in the atrocities against non Muslims.
LIKEWISE
When people, who call themselves Christians, do not raise their voices against man's inhumanity against others, whether it is the actual perpetrators or political encouragement or social silence, then those supposed Christians are complicit with the enemies of Christ, God, His word and His salvation.
By the way, Christians DO NOT WAGE VIOLENCE against anyone, even the enemies of the cross. God has given the SWORD of protecting the righteous and punishing the wicked, to the State, not to His Bride. This fact is going to become more important in the days ahead.
When Muslims do not raise their voices against Islamic groups for Islamic terrorism, then those so-called moderate Muslims are complicit in the atrocities against non Muslims.
LIKEWISE
When people, who call themselves Christians, do not raise their voices against man's inhumanity against others, whether it is the actual perpetrators or political encouragement or social silence, then those supposed Christians are complicit with the enemies of Christ, God, His word and His salvation.
By the way, Christians DO NOT WAGE VIOLENCE against anyone, even the enemies of the cross. God has given the SWORD of protecting the righteous and punishing the wicked, to the State, not to His Bride. This fact is going to become more important in the days ahead.
12/19/16 NO TIME FOR INSURGENTS
12/19/16 NO TIME FOR INSURGENTS
If I did not know w(W)ho was going to win, I would really be negative about the condition of the world. Yes, the world is really in a negative condition, but I know what the Holy Bible says (and it is being proved accurate every day), therefore I know that those who follow Christ, even if we have to follow Him into death, will reign with Him, and His kingdom of righteousness will stand forever and ever, while the kings of this world and the kingdoms of this world will be cast away from Him forever and ever. I also know that those who are playing at being Christian are lost and need to turn from their lukewarmness and become a firebrand for Jesus. The way of God is the way of holiness of heart and life.
2 Timothy 2:19
(19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Psalms 2:1-12
(1) Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
(3) Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
(4) He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
(5) Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
(6) Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
(7) I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
(8) Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
(9) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
(10) Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
(11) Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
(12) Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
If I did not know w(W)ho was going to win, I would really be negative about the condition of the world. Yes, the world is really in a negative condition, but I know what the Holy Bible says (and it is being proved accurate every day), therefore I know that those who follow Christ, even if we have to follow Him into death, will reign with Him, and His kingdom of righteousness will stand forever and ever, while the kings of this world and the kingdoms of this world will be cast away from Him forever and ever. I also know that those who are playing at being Christian are lost and need to turn from their lukewarmness and become a firebrand for Jesus. The way of God is the way of holiness of heart and life.
2 Timothy 2:19
(19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Psalms 2:1-12
(1) Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
(3) Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
(4) He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
(5) Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
(6) Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
(7) I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
(8) Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
(9) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
(10) Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
(11) Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
(12) Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
12/19/16 PERVERTED
12/19/16 PERVERTED
Well, North Carolina, perversion is about to attack one of the most reasonable things government has done in recent times. The Liberal new Governor and the anti-family left is planning to remove a wall of protection, by repealing the law that is designed to help keep children and women safe from sexual perverts who want to have free access to any rest room, regardless of their biological gender.
One of the excuses for such a deviant move is that it is an economic issue since it has gotten a negative reaction from organized perverts. who have threatened economic sanctions against the state of North Carolina. The Bible tells us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil .
Well, North Carolina, perversion is about to attack one of the most reasonable things government has done in recent times. The Liberal new Governor and the anti-family left is planning to remove a wall of protection, by repealing the law that is designed to help keep children and women safe from sexual perverts who want to have free access to any rest room, regardless of their biological gender.
One of the excuses for such a deviant move is that it is an economic issue since it has gotten a negative reaction from organized perverts. who have threatened economic sanctions against the state of North Carolina. The Bible tells us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil .
12/19/16 BE NOT WEARY IN WELL DOING
12/19/16 BE NOT WEARY IN WELL DOING
When Christians quit contending for the faith, which was once for all delivered to the saints,
* we deny God,
* we renounce salvation,
* we abandon our loved ones and neighbors to darkness and eternal torment,
* we deliver our children and grandchildren into sin's bondage and Satan's lies.
Jude 1:3
(3) Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
1 Corinthians 15:34
(34) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
2 Corinthians 11:3-4
(3) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
(4) For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Acts 4:10-12
(10) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
(11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
(12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
2 Timothy 4:1-4
(1) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
(2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
(3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
(4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
When Christians quit contending for the faith, which was once for all delivered to the saints,
* we deny God,
* we renounce salvation,
* we abandon our loved ones and neighbors to darkness and eternal torment,
* we deliver our children and grandchildren into sin's bondage and Satan's lies.
Jude 1:3
(3) Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
1 Corinthians 15:34
(34) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
2 Corinthians 11:3-4
(3) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
(4) For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Acts 4:10-12
(10) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
(11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
(12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
2 Timothy 4:1-4
(1) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
(2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
(3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
(4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
12/18/16 SOME PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
12/18/16 SOME PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
I address the problem of sin as a nature and sin as an action; I point out that the atonement of Jesus was for everyone, and in fact pre-born, new born and infant children are covered by the atonement; I point out that everyone who was saved from the pollution of inherited sin eventually sins against God and therefore they need to come to saving faith personally; I point out that salvation is available to all men, through faith, repentance, confess and following Christ. At the end I give a passage that makes it clear that we are saved from our sins, not saved in our sins.
* ONE PROBLEM,
* THE SOLUTION,
*ANOTHER PROBLEM,
* THE SOLUTION
* ONE PROBLEM
All of humanity (all of the children of Adam) have inherited Adam's sinful nature, propensity to sin, evil disposition. Though God created Adam in His own image, Adam corrupted his own nature and the nature of his descendants, when he chose to sin, to rebel against God.
We are all born with a propensity to disobey God. We are born with a spiritual flaw as the result of Adam's personal sin. As Psalm 51 says, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." We are inherently predisposed to sin, to be self oriented, self serving, self aggrandizing and self asserting. This sin disqualifies us from dwelling in the presence of God.
At birth, we are not sinners by personal disobedience, but rather we are sinners by nature. Regardless of how we became sinners by nature, the fact is that a child of Adam is not fit, is not worthy, is not qualified to enter heaven. Even a pre-born, a new born, an infant is corrupted, polluted by Adam's sin, being in Adam's likeness.
Though the pre-born, the new born has not chosen to disobey God's will or practice lawlessness, the child is separated from God because of inherent sinful nature.
* THE SOLUTION
God loves His creation. God loves the human race. God loved us before the world began. God love us before we were born. God loved us before we sinned. God loved us, knowing we were going to sin. God loved us after we sinned. God loved us while were in sin.
In His love for fallen and separated mankind, God provided salvation, He provided a way out of our sin and into a right relationship with Himself. God did not create us to be lost forever. He created us with the plan to rescue us from our sin. Since before the foundation of the world, God intended for us to be with Him in eternity.
This plan, this provision, this salvation, this redemption, this rescue, this deliverance would take place through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God's Son. God does not want anyone to be separated from Himself. God does not want anyone to be lost. God loved the whole world and His plan, His provision, His salvation included all men.
Even though children are conceived and born with a sin nature, with spiritual corruption, Christ came to take away the sin of the world, including the inherited corruption of the sinful nature. Christ is the satisfaction for the whole world, including the inherent sin disposition of children.
God said,
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 taught clearly that children are part of the kingdom of God. This is not because they are inherently pure, but because they were atoned for in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus is the Savior of ALL MEN, therefore little children are made acceptable to God and have salvation, by God's sovereign will.
Luke 18:15-17
(15) And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
(16) But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
(17) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
* ANOTHER PROBLEM
However, sin separates us from God, and since everyone has sinned against God, the children who were covered by atoning grace eventually fall into sin, when they rebel against God and His moral law, and then are separated from God; for the wages of sin is death.
Children are spiritually polluted, corrupted by Adam's sin, but they are not guilty for the sins of their fathers. People are only guilty for their own rebellion against God.
Ezekiel 18:19-20
(19) Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.
(20) The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
The atoning work of Christ provides cleansing from the sin nature and forgiveness of sins committed. All men (as children) have been saved from separation through the atonement but all men have willfully chosen to do that which they know to be wrong, therefore everyone has been saved by the grace of God and then have fallen away from God. All saved people have lost their salvation at least one time. All men need to believe, repent, confess and follow Jesus.
* THE SOLUTION
This is not a different solution from the one previously addressed. The solution to personal sins, to sins committed is the same solution for the sin nature, and for sin inherited. Jesus' death and resurrection atones for sin as a nature and sin as an act of rebellion. Remember the passage earlier,
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.
Notice the two distinct groups referred to in this passage: ALL MEN, and ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO BELIEVE. The, "all men" includes all children conceived, but, "those who believe" refers to those children who eventually sin against God and need to receive salvation by faith.
Jesus is the only way to God. Faith in His atoning death and victorious resurrection is required for a person to be reconciled to God. There is no other way. God has not unilaterally and unconditionally elected any disobedient person, against his/her own will, to be saved. But God has made provision for all who believe, repent, confess and follow Him to be saved from all sin.
1 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.
I address the problem of sin as a nature and sin as an action; I point out that the atonement of Jesus was for everyone, and in fact pre-born, new born and infant children are covered by the atonement; I point out that everyone who was saved from the pollution of inherited sin eventually sins against God and therefore they need to come to saving faith personally; I point out that salvation is available to all men, through faith, repentance, confess and following Christ. At the end I give a passage that makes it clear that we are saved from our sins, not saved in our sins.
* ONE PROBLEM,
* THE SOLUTION,
*ANOTHER PROBLEM,
* THE SOLUTION
* ONE PROBLEM
All of humanity (all of the children of Adam) have inherited Adam's sinful nature, propensity to sin, evil disposition. Though God created Adam in His own image, Adam corrupted his own nature and the nature of his descendants, when he chose to sin, to rebel against God.
We are all born with a propensity to disobey God. We are born with a spiritual flaw as the result of Adam's personal sin. As Psalm 51 says, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." We are inherently predisposed to sin, to be self oriented, self serving, self aggrandizing and self asserting. This sin disqualifies us from dwelling in the presence of God.
At birth, we are not sinners by personal disobedience, but rather we are sinners by nature. Regardless of how we became sinners by nature, the fact is that a child of Adam is not fit, is not worthy, is not qualified to enter heaven. Even a pre-born, a new born, an infant is corrupted, polluted by Adam's sin, being in Adam's likeness.
Though the pre-born, the new born has not chosen to disobey God's will or practice lawlessness, the child is separated from God because of inherent sinful nature.
* THE SOLUTION
God loves His creation. God loves the human race. God loved us before the world began. God love us before we were born. God loved us before we sinned. God loved us, knowing we were going to sin. God loved us after we sinned. God loved us while were in sin.
In His love for fallen and separated mankind, God provided salvation, He provided a way out of our sin and into a right relationship with Himself. God did not create us to be lost forever. He created us with the plan to rescue us from our sin. Since before the foundation of the world, God intended for us to be with Him in eternity.
This plan, this provision, this salvation, this redemption, this rescue, this deliverance would take place through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God's Son. God does not want anyone to be separated from Himself. God does not want anyone to be lost. God loved the whole world and His plan, His provision, His salvation included all men.
Even though children are conceived and born with a sin nature, with spiritual corruption, Christ came to take away the sin of the world, including the inherited corruption of the sinful nature. Christ is the satisfaction for the whole world, including the inherent sin disposition of children.
God said,
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 taught clearly that children are part of the kingdom of God. This is not because they are inherently pure, but because they were atoned for in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus is the Savior of ALL MEN, therefore little children are made acceptable to God and have salvation, by God's sovereign will.
Luke 18:15-17
(15) And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
(16) But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
(17) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
* ANOTHER PROBLEM
However, sin separates us from God, and since everyone has sinned against God, the children who were covered by atoning grace eventually fall into sin, when they rebel against God and His moral law, and then are separated from God; for the wages of sin is death.
Children are spiritually polluted, corrupted by Adam's sin, but they are not guilty for the sins of their fathers. People are only guilty for their own rebellion against God.
Ezekiel 18:19-20
(19) Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.
(20) The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
The atoning work of Christ provides cleansing from the sin nature and forgiveness of sins committed. All men (as children) have been saved from separation through the atonement but all men have willfully chosen to do that which they know to be wrong, therefore everyone has been saved by the grace of God and then have fallen away from God. All saved people have lost their salvation at least one time. All men need to believe, repent, confess and follow Jesus.
* THE SOLUTION
This is not a different solution from the one previously addressed. The solution to personal sins, to sins committed is the same solution for the sin nature, and for sin inherited. Jesus' death and resurrection atones for sin as a nature and sin as an act of rebellion. Remember the passage earlier,
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.
Notice the two distinct groups referred to in this passage: ALL MEN, and ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO BELIEVE. The, "all men" includes all children conceived, but, "those who believe" refers to those children who eventually sin against God and need to receive salvation by faith.
Jesus is the only way to God. Faith in His atoning death and victorious resurrection is required for a person to be reconciled to God. There is no other way. God has not unilaterally and unconditionally elected any disobedient person, against his/her own will, to be saved. But God has made provision for all who believe, repent, confess and follow Him to be saved from all sin.
1 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.
12/18/16 WITHOUT QUALIFICATION
12/18/16 WITHOUT QUALIFICATION
One of the ways to gauge or evaluate our own tenderheartedness, kindness, gentleness, humility, compassion is to ask other people if they think of us in these terms, without qualifying or explaining their answer. In other words, if they say something like,
"yes, I think you are a compassionate person, but it is hidden beneath a gruff, demanding and insensitive exterior,"
then we really need to adjust our demeanor and our interaction with people.
Being strong and being gentle are not mutually exclusive. Both qualities were clearly seen in Jesus, and should be clearly seen within us, without qualification.
One of the ways to gauge or evaluate our own tenderheartedness, kindness, gentleness, humility, compassion is to ask other people if they think of us in these terms, without qualifying or explaining their answer. In other words, if they say something like,
"yes, I think you are a compassionate person, but it is hidden beneath a gruff, demanding and insensitive exterior,"
then we really need to adjust our demeanor and our interaction with people.
Being strong and being gentle are not mutually exclusive. Both qualities were clearly seen in Jesus, and should be clearly seen within us, without qualification.
12/17/16 WHA 'BOUT YOU?
(reading this should take less than three minutes, but it could impact you for a lifetime)
I really like to fish, to kayak, to kayak fish.
I also really like racquetball, pickleball, weight training.
At various times in my life I have really liked ping pong, surfing, sailing, traveling, attending concerts, watching and playing football, basketball.
I have also really liked having pet dogs, building houses, coaching youth soccer.
And at the top of my lists have been family and friends and ministry.
Needless to say, I was eager to engage in conversations associated with any of these topics.
This is true for all of us. We like to talk about the things we like, and the things that intrigue us.
It could be work, finances, politics, music, sports, history, movies.
Sometimes people are obsessed with negative issues.
Sometimes people are consumed with perverse things.
Still, whatever captures our interest is what we like to talk about.
I could also mention the Bible or Christianity or theology or spirituality. But these topics are in a special category. Some people have a special interest in these subjects, but their interest is not based on a relationship with God through Christ; it is simply academic, cultural, moral.
It is really rare to encounter people who eagerly, enthusiastically, passionately, lovingly converse about spiritual topics because they are...
* so closely related to Jesus,
* so totally transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit,
* so excited by the revelation of God,
*so in love with the Body of Christ,
*so concerned about the lost,
*so burdened for a world in darkness.
I have lived through the fifties and sixties, when there was seldom more than a head knowledge and a cultural interest in salvation.
I have lived through the seventies and eighties, when there was an evangelical excitement concerning salvation in our nation.
I have watched since the nineties, as the social interest and personal passion for Christ, His word, His salvation, His Body, His work, has waned and is no longer spoken with fervor, with unction, with conviction, with love and expectation.
My concern is not the lack of conversation concerning Christian issues. My concern is the lack of excitement and commitment that should be present when "believers" have the opportunity to sit together in heavenly places, to feast at the table of heavenly fare.
It is not a matter of more attention, or more knowledge, but a matter of closer relationships with Christ. It is a matter of LOVING JESUS, and being alive in Christ. Remember, we want to talk about that which we love.
Psalms 39:3
(3) My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
Acts 4:20
(20) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
(reading this should take less than three minutes, but it could impact you for a lifetime)
I really like to fish, to kayak, to kayak fish.
I also really like racquetball, pickleball, weight training.
At various times in my life I have really liked ping pong, surfing, sailing, traveling, attending concerts, watching and playing football, basketball.
I have also really liked having pet dogs, building houses, coaching youth soccer.
And at the top of my lists have been family and friends and ministry.
Needless to say, I was eager to engage in conversations associated with any of these topics.
This is true for all of us. We like to talk about the things we like, and the things that intrigue us.
It could be work, finances, politics, music, sports, history, movies.
Sometimes people are obsessed with negative issues.
Sometimes people are consumed with perverse things.
Still, whatever captures our interest is what we like to talk about.
I could also mention the Bible or Christianity or theology or spirituality. But these topics are in a special category. Some people have a special interest in these subjects, but their interest is not based on a relationship with God through Christ; it is simply academic, cultural, moral.
It is really rare to encounter people who eagerly, enthusiastically, passionately, lovingly converse about spiritual topics because they are...
* so closely related to Jesus,
* so totally transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit,
* so excited by the revelation of God,
*so in love with the Body of Christ,
*so concerned about the lost,
*so burdened for a world in darkness.
I have lived through the fifties and sixties, when there was seldom more than a head knowledge and a cultural interest in salvation.
I have lived through the seventies and eighties, when there was an evangelical excitement concerning salvation in our nation.
I have watched since the nineties, as the social interest and personal passion for Christ, His word, His salvation, His Body, His work, has waned and is no longer spoken with fervor, with unction, with conviction, with love and expectation.
My concern is not the lack of conversation concerning Christian issues. My concern is the lack of excitement and commitment that should be present when "believers" have the opportunity to sit together in heavenly places, to feast at the table of heavenly fare.
It is not a matter of more attention, or more knowledge, but a matter of closer relationships with Christ. It is a matter of LOVING JESUS, and being alive in Christ. Remember, we want to talk about that which we love.
Psalms 39:3
(3) My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
Acts 4:20
(20) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
12/16/16 SATAN'S LIE
Do not let anyone deceive you into believing that the God given responsibility, and the God enabled ability to believe the gospel and be saved is an act of self righteousness or "works salvation," or that it is a "work of the flesh."
Those false accusations from Satan are designed to keep people from trusting in God. Remember, IT IS GOD Who requires us to believe, to receive, to confess, to repent, to trust, to follow, to deny ourselves, to obey.
Satan uses his subtlety to confuse us and mislead us into rejecting the simple and clear revelation of God, but rather to follow Satan's lie. To call anyone sinful or self asserting or self righteous for doing what God requires is just another trick of Satan to get people to disobey God. (Remember the Garden?)
2 Corinthians 11:3
(3) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Do not let anyone deceive you into believing that the God given responsibility, and the God enabled ability to believe the gospel and be saved is an act of self righteousness or "works salvation," or that it is a "work of the flesh."
Those false accusations from Satan are designed to keep people from trusting in God. Remember, IT IS GOD Who requires us to believe, to receive, to confess, to repent, to trust, to follow, to deny ourselves, to obey.
Satan uses his subtlety to confuse us and mislead us into rejecting the simple and clear revelation of God, but rather to follow Satan's lie. To call anyone sinful or self asserting or self righteous for doing what God requires is just another trick of Satan to get people to disobey God. (Remember the Garden?)
2 Corinthians 11:3
(3) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
12/15/16 PRINCIPLES OF DECEPTION
12/15/16 PRINCIPLES OF DECEPTION
Here is what I have seen through the years, when people try to prove that Biblical truth is not Biblical truth.
For instance, when I say that Jesus died to save everyone,
* SINNING RELIGION will give a long list of verses which address various issues, but they never quote a verse that says, THAT ACTUALLY SAYS, JESUS DID NOT DIE FOR EVERYONE.
* They will explain why the verses I quote (which actually do say that Christ died for the whole world) they will explain how those verses do not mean what they say.
* They will quote verses that do not say that Christ died for everyone, yet boldly assert that they do say such a thing.
* They will bring in a string of "authorities" that never really address the passage, but rather will explain away the passage, based on their theology.
The cults do the same thing.
* In some cases the violators of Scripture will point to the vast numbers of people who subscribe to their doctrine, supposedly establishing it as truth.
If the meaning of Scripture is determined by worldly wisdom or academic accomplishment or popular acceptance, then ANY major group can claim authority.
Here is what I have seen through the years, when people try to prove that Biblical truth is not Biblical truth.
For instance, when I say that Jesus died to save everyone,
* SINNING RELIGION will give a long list of verses which address various issues, but they never quote a verse that says, THAT ACTUALLY SAYS, JESUS DID NOT DIE FOR EVERYONE.
* They will explain why the verses I quote (which actually do say that Christ died for the whole world) they will explain how those verses do not mean what they say.
* They will quote verses that do not say that Christ died for everyone, yet boldly assert that they do say such a thing.
* They will bring in a string of "authorities" that never really address the passage, but rather will explain away the passage, based on their theology.
The cults do the same thing.
* They will avoid and contradict Biblical assertions by citing their own authorities rather than letting the Bible speak for itself.
* In some cases the violators of Scripture will point to the vast numbers of people who subscribe to their doctrine, supposedly establishing it as truth.
If the meaning of Scripture is determined by worldly wisdom or academic accomplishment or popular acceptance, then ANY major group can claim authority.
But the authority of Scripture and the meaning of Scripture is not for private interpretation.
* God said what He meant and He meant what He said.
* God's word is true, from A to Zed.
* Let God be true and every man a liar.
* Let God say what He wants to say, in the way He wants to say it and explain it however He wants to explain it.
* Don't be led astray by Satan's lies.
AND NOTICE, whatever God said should lead us to a life of holiness.
The fruit of truth is righteousness and the result of deceit is sin.
If a teaching leads to sin or opens the way to sin or makes sinning less abhorrent and damning, then it is a lie.
If a teaching is God's truth, it will lead to purity of heart and life.
Ephesians 4:13-16
(13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
(14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
(15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
(16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
1 Timothy 1:3-5
(3) As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
(4) Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
(5) Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
* God said what He meant and He meant what He said.
* God's word is true, from A to Zed.
* Let God be true and every man a liar.
* Let God say what He wants to say, in the way He wants to say it and explain it however He wants to explain it.
* Don't be led astray by Satan's lies.
AND NOTICE, whatever God said should lead us to a life of holiness.
The fruit of truth is righteousness and the result of deceit is sin.
If a teaching leads to sin or opens the way to sin or makes sinning less abhorrent and damning, then it is a lie.
If a teaching is God's truth, it will lead to purity of heart and life.
Ephesians 4:13-16
(13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
(14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
(15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
(16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
1 Timothy 1:3-5
(3) As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
(4) Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
(5) Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
12/15/16 GOD SAID IT, THAT SETTLES IT
12/15/16 GOD SAID IT, THAT SETTLES IT
Darkness hates light. When God's word clearly says something, then unrelated verses and human misinterpretations do not change the facts. Here are just a few examples of false claims that are made in the face of clear Scripture. I have only given a few verses for each example, but the verses are self explanatory and self evident.
WATCH TOWER RELIGION SAYS (so called Jehovah's Witnesses) that Jesus did not raise Himself physically from the dead.
THE BIBLE SAYS,
John 2:19-22
(19) Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
(20) Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
(21) But he spake of the temple of his body.
(22) When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
WATCH TOWER RELIGION SAYS that Jesus is not God.
THE BIBLE SAYS,
John 1:1-3
(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(2) The same was in the beginning with God.
(3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
(the J.W.s New World Translation refers to the last use of God (god) in verse to as "a god." However, the J.W.s claim to believe in only one God, yet they refer to Jesus as another god).
WATCH TOWER RELIGION SAYS that Jesus was not raised physically from the dead, but rather he was a spirit, a manifestation.
THE BIBLE SAYS,
Luke 24:36-43
(36) And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
(37) But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
(38) And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
(39) Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
(40) And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
(41) And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
(42) And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
(43) And he took it, and did eat before them.
FALSE RELIGION SAYS that Jesus did not die for all men.
THE BIBLE SAYS,
John 3:16-17
(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.
(17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
1 Timothy 2:3-6
(3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
(4) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
(5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
(6) Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
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.
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.
1 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.
1 John 4:14-15
(14) And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
(15) Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
Luke 2:10
(10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
SINNING RELIGION SAYS, Jesus does not save us from sin, but only from the penalty of sin.
THE BIBLE SAYS,
Matthew 1:21
(21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
John 1:29
(29) The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Acts 3:25-26
(25) Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
(26) Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
Titus 2:14
(14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Hebrews 7:25
(25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
1 John 1:7
(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 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.
Darkness hates light. When God's word clearly says something, then unrelated verses and human misinterpretations do not change the facts. Here are just a few examples of false claims that are made in the face of clear Scripture. I have only given a few verses for each example, but the verses are self explanatory and self evident.
WATCH TOWER RELIGION SAYS (so called Jehovah's Witnesses) that Jesus did not raise Himself physically from the dead.
THE BIBLE SAYS,
John 2:19-22
(19) Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
(20) Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
(21) But he spake of the temple of his body.
(22) When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
WATCH TOWER RELIGION SAYS that Jesus is not God.
THE BIBLE SAYS,
John 1:1-3
(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(2) The same was in the beginning with God.
(3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
(the J.W.s New World Translation refers to the last use of God (god) in verse to as "a god." However, the J.W.s claim to believe in only one God, yet they refer to Jesus as another god).
WATCH TOWER RELIGION SAYS that Jesus was not raised physically from the dead, but rather he was a spirit, a manifestation.
THE BIBLE SAYS,
Luke 24:36-43
(36) And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
(37) But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
(38) And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
(39) Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
(40) And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
(41) And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
(42) And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
(43) And he took it, and did eat before them.
FALSE RELIGION SAYS that Jesus did not die for all men.
THE BIBLE SAYS,
John 3:16-17
(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.
(17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
1 Timothy 2:3-6
(3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
(4) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
(5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
(6) Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
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.
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.
1 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.
1 John 4:14-15
(14) And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
(15) Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
Luke 2:10
(10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
SINNING RELIGION SAYS, Jesus does not save us from sin, but only from the penalty of sin.
THE BIBLE SAYS,
Matthew 1:21
(21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
John 1:29
(29) The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Acts 3:25-26
(25) Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
(26) Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
Titus 2:14
(14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Hebrews 7:25
(25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
1 John 1:7
(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 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.
12/15/16 CALLING ALL TEENS
(very few teens will see this.
(very few teens will see this.
SO, PLEASE, adults, share it with teens that you know).
Teens have incredible power, when they yield themselves to a greater power.
Teens have incredible power, when they yield themselves to a greater power.
Teens have incredible power, this is true when the power, to which they yield, is darkness, Satan.
We see this in violence, perversity, drugs, crime.
If it proves to be accurate, the horrendous Tennessee fires that destroyed homes, businesses, forests, animals and killed human beings was set by teenagers.
Teens have incredible power, this is true when the power, to which they yield, is Christ.
If it proves to be accurate, the horrendous Tennessee fires that destroyed homes, businesses, forests, animals and killed human beings was set by teenagers.
Teens have incredible power, this is true when the power, to which they yield, is Christ.
1 Timothy 4:12-16
(12) Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
(13) Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
(14) Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
(15) Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
(16) Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
WOW. RISE UP, O TEENS OF CHRIST.
(12) Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
(13) Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
(14) Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
(15) Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
(16) Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
WOW. RISE UP, O TEENS OF CHRIST.
12/15/16 BEWARE THE BIG BAD WOLF
12/15/16 BEWARE THE BIG BAD WOLF
No matter how the big bad wolf dresses, he is still the big bad wolf.
No matter how Planned Parenthood (which is actually Planned Unparenthood) dresses itself, it still chops babies, sucks babies apart, poisons babies, burns babies, abandons babies to death and beheads babies.
No matter how nicely Obama dresses, he is still a baby murderer, and he plans to extend his murderous hand on January 18 by forcing Planned (un)Parenthood on the people.
No matter how the big bad wolf dresses, he is still the big bad wolf.
No matter how Planned Parenthood (which is actually Planned Unparenthood) dresses itself, it still chops babies, sucks babies apart, poisons babies, burns babies, abandons babies to death and beheads babies.
No matter how nicely Obama dresses, he is still a baby murderer, and he plans to extend his murderous hand on January 18 by forcing Planned (un)Parenthood on the people.
12/15/16 IN THE BALANCE
12/15/16 IN THE BALANCE
The value of silver and gold and precious stones to a person depends on that person's recognition of the usefulness of the silver or gold or precious stones, whether intrinsic, practical or commercial.
Sometimes the value is present, but the awareness of the value is lacking.
Sometimes earthly concerns obscure the greater value of eternal treasures.
Sometimes people understand the value of eternal treasures, which puts the value of earthly concerns and treasures in perspective.
Proverbs 3:13-15
(13) Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
(14) For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
(15) She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
Proverbs 8:10-14
(10) Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
(11) For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
(12) I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
(13) The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
(14) Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
Proverbs 16:16-20
(16) How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
(17) The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
(18) Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
(19) Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
(20) He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.15/16
The value of silver and gold and precious stones to a person depends on that person's recognition of the usefulness of the silver or gold or precious stones, whether intrinsic, practical or commercial.
Sometimes the value is present, but the awareness of the value is lacking.
Sometimes earthly concerns obscure the greater value of eternal treasures.
Sometimes people understand the value of eternal treasures, which puts the value of earthly concerns and treasures in perspective.
Proverbs 3:13-15
(13) Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
(14) For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
(15) She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
Proverbs 8:10-14
(10) Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
(11) For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
(12) I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
(13) The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
(14) Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
Proverbs 16:16-20
(16) How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
(17) The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
(18) Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
(19) Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
(20) He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.15/16
12/14/16 GOD"S WORD TO US, TODAY
12/14/16 GOD"S WORD TO US, TODAY
How important are you in God's plan of salvation? God intends to use you in shining the light of Christ, so that others might see and be saved. If you do not shine your light, then those people may never have another person give them the opportunity to believe and receive Christ as Lord and Savior.
(please read and heed, receive and believe God's word)
Romans 10:13-17
(13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
(15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
(16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
(17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 Corinthians 15:34
(34) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
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.
1 Timothy 2:3-6
(3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
(4) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
(5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
(6) Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
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.
1 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.
How important are you in God's plan of salvation? God intends to use you in shining the light of Christ, so that others might see and be saved. If you do not shine your light, then those people may never have another person give them the opportunity to believe and receive Christ as Lord and Savior.
(please read and heed, receive and believe God's word)
Romans 10:13-17
(13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
(15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
(16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
(17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 Corinthians 15:34
(34) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
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.
1 Timothy 2:3-6
(3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
(4) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
(5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
(6) Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
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.
1 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.
12/14/16 THERE AIN'T ENOUGH
12/14/16 THERE AIN'T ENOUGH
How many times would I need to deny that the sun rises in the east and claim that the moon is made of green cheese before it would become fact?
Or
How many people would it take to deny that the sun rises in the east and claim that the moon is made of green cheese before it would become fact?
Or
How many lettered people, from how many leading universities would it take to deny that the sun rises in the east and claim that the moon is made of green cheese before it would become fact?
Or
How many religions, governments, organizations would it take take to deny that the sun rises in the east and claim that the moon is made of green cheese before it would become fact?
It does not matter how many of any group or if everyone agreed to a lie, because a lie is still a lie.
Likewise, a person can side with the "greatest people in the world" to deny the Holy Bible, to deny Christ, to deny Biblical salvation from sin, but that person would still be wrong and still be lost and would still be in need of the new birth.
THESE THINGS ARE REQUIRED
* You must be born again.
* You must be holy, even as He is holy.
* You must walk in the light, as He is in the light.
* You must be aligned with the Bible in faith and faithfulness
OR you will be lost forever.
Take no comfort in the numbers or the "intelligence" or the importance, of those who oppose God and His word.
THEY ARE ALL LOST AND BOUND FOR A DEVILS HELL.
Jesus did not die so that we would continue in sin, arrogance, self assertion or denial of His Lordship and His revelation.
Jesus died for all men and women, so that all men and women might come to salvation.
God allows and enables us to choose freely.
THEREFORE, YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TODAY TO BELIEVE, RECEIVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST.
How many times would I need to deny that the sun rises in the east and claim that the moon is made of green cheese before it would become fact?
Or
How many people would it take to deny that the sun rises in the east and claim that the moon is made of green cheese before it would become fact?
Or
How many lettered people, from how many leading universities would it take to deny that the sun rises in the east and claim that the moon is made of green cheese before it would become fact?
Or
How many religions, governments, organizations would it take take to deny that the sun rises in the east and claim that the moon is made of green cheese before it would become fact?
It does not matter how many of any group or if everyone agreed to a lie, because a lie is still a lie.
Likewise, a person can side with the "greatest people in the world" to deny the Holy Bible, to deny Christ, to deny Biblical salvation from sin, but that person would still be wrong and still be lost and would still be in need of the new birth.
THESE THINGS ARE REQUIRED
* You must be born again.
* You must be holy, even as He is holy.
* You must walk in the light, as He is in the light.
* You must be aligned with the Bible in faith and faithfulness
OR you will be lost forever.
Take no comfort in the numbers or the "intelligence" or the importance, of those who oppose God and His word.
THEY ARE ALL LOST AND BOUND FOR A DEVILS HELL.
Jesus did not die so that we would continue in sin, arrogance, self assertion or denial of His Lordship and His revelation.
Jesus died for all men and women, so that all men and women might come to salvation.
God allows and enables us to choose freely.
THEREFORE, YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TODAY TO BELIEVE, RECEIVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST.
12/13/16 EXPERTS IN CONFUSION
12/13/16 EXPERTS IN CONFUSION
It bothers me when I see someone boast in their supposed scholarship and faithfulness to the word of God, when in reality they are false prophets. John MacArthur boasts in his orthodoxy and his faithfulness to teach the truth about salvation, but he denies that Jesus died for everyone. GO FIGURE.
( a discussion ensued, the comments are my responses to others)
COMMENT
I do expect some people to disagree with me, because they have been misled by false teachers, but that does not change the fact that...
"...he (Jesus) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2)
and
1 Timothy 4:9-11
(9) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
(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.
(11) These things command and teach.
As far as an argument is concerned, I will be glad to communicate with people individually about the Bible, but NO, I am not going to allow false doctrine to be propagated on my Timeline.
COMMENT
God allows me to preach what I preach. I do not lift any man above Scripture. God gave us His word and NO MAN has the right to change it, no matter how clever he or she may be.
BTW, no one can read what I said and reasonably think that I am boasting in my authority. I stand on the word of God, not the doctrines of men, not the false doctrines of anyone.
COMMENT
Thank you for your response. As I said, I am willing to discuss it on a personal basis but of course, I will address these things on my Timeline, just as I have friends who address things on their Timelines.
I have friends that hold to various beliefs, with which I do not agree, but I do not go onto their page to argue with them, and very seldom comment on their Timeline to make comment concerning their error, therefore I am not being inequitable. Each of us can say what we want in our own house. I have actually been in churches when preachers have used their pulpit to attack me as a person, but still I did not retaliate at that time. In fact, I have sat quietly until the end of the service and then spoken privately with the preacher.
My post did address John MacArthur because he is a voice of authority concerning this error that Jesus did not die for everyone. I disagree with MacArthur, Spurgeon, Calvin, Luther and others concerning their blatant rejection of the revealed word of God. I also disagree with any teacher, preacher, "theologian" (whatever camp he is in) who chooses man's word over God's word. In MacArthur's case, he even contradicts himself on this particular issue.
Allen and I have discussed this, among other things, but we have not really debated anything, in the truest sense of the word. Internet debating, without clear guidelines is almost a waste of time. I would love to sit down and have meaningful exchange with folks.
I realize that folks think I am teaching false doctrine. Of course you think I am teaching false doctrine. That does not offend me. One of us is right and one of us is wrong. Either Jesus did die for the sins of the whole world (as the Bible says) or the doctrine of Penal Atonement is correct. I choose the Bible, not the teachings of Luther, Calvin, MacArthur, Spurgeon or anyone else.
However, I am not constantly quoting men or referring to doctrinal positions, as many other people do. I quote the word of God and I refer to Scripture. When it comes to Luther and Calvin (for instance), it is their lives and actions that witness against them, as well as their teachings.
I appreciate those who have sacrificed for the truth, whether they are Christians or not, but I owe my message and my right to preach my message to God.
Again brother, I appreciate you and your kindness, regardless of our differences. I also love you and have wished many times that we could sit down and share with one another.
Merry Christmas to you and your family also.
( a discussion ensued, the comments are my responses to others)
COMMENT
I do expect some people to disagree with me, because they have been misled by false teachers, but that does not change the fact that...
"...he (Jesus) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2)
and
1 Timothy 4:9-11
(9) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
(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.
(11) These things command and teach.
As far as an argument is concerned, I will be glad to communicate with people individually about the Bible, but NO, I am not going to allow false doctrine to be propagated on my Timeline.
COMMENT
God allows me to preach what I preach. I do not lift any man above Scripture. God gave us His word and NO MAN has the right to change it, no matter how clever he or she may be.
BTW, no one can read what I said and reasonably think that I am boasting in my authority. I stand on the word of God, not the doctrines of men, not the false doctrines of anyone.
COMMENT
Thank you for your response. As I said, I am willing to discuss it on a personal basis but of course, I will address these things on my Timeline, just as I have friends who address things on their Timelines.
I have friends that hold to various beliefs, with which I do not agree, but I do not go onto their page to argue with them, and very seldom comment on their Timeline to make comment concerning their error, therefore I am not being inequitable. Each of us can say what we want in our own house. I have actually been in churches when preachers have used their pulpit to attack me as a person, but still I did not retaliate at that time. In fact, I have sat quietly until the end of the service and then spoken privately with the preacher.
My post did address John MacArthur because he is a voice of authority concerning this error that Jesus did not die for everyone. I disagree with MacArthur, Spurgeon, Calvin, Luther and others concerning their blatant rejection of the revealed word of God. I also disagree with any teacher, preacher, "theologian" (whatever camp he is in) who chooses man's word over God's word. In MacArthur's case, he even contradicts himself on this particular issue.
Allen and I have discussed this, among other things, but we have not really debated anything, in the truest sense of the word. Internet debating, without clear guidelines is almost a waste of time. I would love to sit down and have meaningful exchange with folks.
I realize that folks think I am teaching false doctrine. Of course you think I am teaching false doctrine. That does not offend me. One of us is right and one of us is wrong. Either Jesus did die for the sins of the whole world (as the Bible says) or the doctrine of Penal Atonement is correct. I choose the Bible, not the teachings of Luther, Calvin, MacArthur, Spurgeon or anyone else.
However, I am not constantly quoting men or referring to doctrinal positions, as many other people do. I quote the word of God and I refer to Scripture. When it comes to Luther and Calvin (for instance), it is their lives and actions that witness against them, as well as their teachings.
I appreciate those who have sacrificed for the truth, whether they are Christians or not, but I owe my message and my right to preach my message to God.
Again brother, I appreciate you and your kindness, regardless of our differences. I also love you and have wished many times that we could sit down and share with one another.
Merry Christmas to you and your family also.
12/13/16 LET GOD LEAD, LET GOD DECIDE
12/13/16 LET GOD LEAD, LET GOD DECIDE
(This can be a quick read or a more extensive study, you decide for yourself)
MY GUESS IS, if you have ever fished with hook and line, you have gotten your line tangled. And if you have angled much, you have gotten a "bird's nest." Sometimes the only (or at least, the best) way to deal with a gargantuan tangle is to CUT IT OUT.
I DON'T LIKE CUTTING my line because it means I failed to clear up my mess, and it means losing some of my line and whatever tackle I have been using, and it may mean losing a fish. Still, there are times that I must be willing to lose line, tackle and fish in order to move ahead.
SOMETIMES LIFE turns into a, "BIRD'S NEST."
Some problems are so entangled that they cannot be straightened out or cleared up.
(This can be a quick read or a more extensive study, you decide for yourself)
MY GUESS IS, if you have ever fished with hook and line, you have gotten your line tangled. And if you have angled much, you have gotten a "bird's nest." Sometimes the only (or at least, the best) way to deal with a gargantuan tangle is to CUT IT OUT.
I DON'T LIKE CUTTING my line because it means I failed to clear up my mess, and it means losing some of my line and whatever tackle I have been using, and it may mean losing a fish. Still, there are times that I must be willing to lose line, tackle and fish in order to move ahead.
SOMETIMES LIFE turns into a, "BIRD'S NEST."
Some problems are so entangled that they cannot be straightened out or cleared up.
Sometimes we just have to, "CUT," and turn loose in order to move ahead.
* Sometimes we cause the mess we are in, and
* Sometimes it is the deliberate act of another person, and
* Sometimes it is, "an accident," and
* Sometimes it is the attack of Satan,
* Sometimes it is God's plan (as with Job).
In any case, God allows it.
* Sometimes we can avoid the tangle, sometimes we cannot.
* Sometimes we can clear up the tangle, sometimes we cannot.
Sometimes cutting the tangle is a good thing,
Sometimes cutting the tangle is a tragedy, but it is essential to moving forward.
IT IS BETTER if we don't get tangles, but sometimes they happen.
It is better if we can clear up a tangle, but sometimes that does not happen.
But sometimes it is better if we cut the tangle out of our lives.
BE CAREFUL... Let God lead you in dealing with the tangles of life.
* Do not hold on to a hopeless cause.
* Do not abandon the God ordained possibilities.
* We must not make decisions based on our own wisdom alone.
*We must not make decisions while in a fit of depression.
* We must make decisions in humble submission to God, rather than arrogant presumption on God.
PLEASE CONSIDER THESE VERSES
Romans 8:28
(28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Genesis 50:20
(20) But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Deuteronomy 8:2-3
(2) And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
(3) And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Deuteronomy 8:16
(16) Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;
Psalms 46:1-3
(1) .... God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
(2) Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
(3) Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
2 Corinthians 4:14-18
(14) Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
(15) For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
(16) For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
(17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
(18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Philippians 1:19-21
(19) For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
(20) According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
(21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Hebrews 12:6-15
(6) For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
(7) If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
(8) But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
(9) Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
(10) For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
(11) Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
(12) Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
(13) And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
(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;
James 1:3-5
(3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
(4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
(5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
1 Peter 1:7-9
(7) That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
(8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
(9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
* Sometimes we cause the mess we are in, and
* Sometimes it is the deliberate act of another person, and
* Sometimes it is, "an accident," and
* Sometimes it is the attack of Satan,
* Sometimes it is God's plan (as with Job).
In any case, God allows it.
* Sometimes we can avoid the tangle, sometimes we cannot.
* Sometimes we can clear up the tangle, sometimes we cannot.
Sometimes cutting the tangle is a good thing,
Sometimes cutting the tangle is a tragedy, but it is essential to moving forward.
IT IS BETTER if we don't get tangles, but sometimes they happen.
It is better if we can clear up a tangle, but sometimes that does not happen.
But sometimes it is better if we cut the tangle out of our lives.
BE CAREFUL... Let God lead you in dealing with the tangles of life.
* Do not hold on to a hopeless cause.
* Do not abandon the God ordained possibilities.
* We must not make decisions based on our own wisdom alone.
*We must not make decisions while in a fit of depression.
* We must make decisions in humble submission to God, rather than arrogant presumption on God.
PLEASE CONSIDER THESE VERSES
Romans 8:28
(28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Genesis 50:20
(20) But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Deuteronomy 8:2-3
(2) And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
(3) And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Deuteronomy 8:16
(16) Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;
Psalms 46:1-3
(1) .... God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
(2) Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
(3) Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
2 Corinthians 4:14-18
(14) Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
(15) For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
(16) For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
(17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
(18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Philippians 1:19-21
(19) For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
(20) According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
(21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Hebrews 12:6-15
(6) For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
(7) If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
(8) But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
(9) Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
(10) For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
(11) Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
(12) Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
(13) And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
(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;
James 1:3-5
(3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
(4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
(5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
1 Peter 1:7-9
(7) That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
(8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
(9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
12/13/16 TWO VIEWS THIS MORNING
12/13/16 TWO VIEWS THIS MORNING
(as I listened to the SIREN from an EMERGENCY VEHICLE)
#1 I am sad, as my heart and prayers go out for the people who are going through this difficulty.
#2 I am humbled and thankful, as I realize that God has spared me, my family and friends (yet again) from untold loss and misery, and I give Him praise.
Yes, I give Him praise for His goodness when, "all is well," but I also realize that His goodness is present even when He allows me to suffer, and I hope that I will praise Him in my troubles as well. Even in our trials God is good, God is kind, God is merciful. Still, I am thankful when God chooses to keep me from suffering, pain or loss.
We need to always give Him thanks. Often I have wakened in the morning and thanked Him and Praised Him because He spared me from the "midnight call" of tragedy.
Do not take the kindness and blessings of God lightly. We are not the recipients of blessings by chance. God is actively involved in every minute detail of our lives.
Ephesians 5:20
(20) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1 Thessalonians 5:18
(18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(as I listened to the SIREN from an EMERGENCY VEHICLE)
#1 I am sad, as my heart and prayers go out for the people who are going through this difficulty.
#2 I am humbled and thankful, as I realize that God has spared me, my family and friends (yet again) from untold loss and misery, and I give Him praise.
Yes, I give Him praise for His goodness when, "all is well," but I also realize that His goodness is present even when He allows me to suffer, and I hope that I will praise Him in my troubles as well. Even in our trials God is good, God is kind, God is merciful. Still, I am thankful when God chooses to keep me from suffering, pain or loss.
We need to always give Him thanks. Often I have wakened in the morning and thanked Him and Praised Him because He spared me from the "midnight call" of tragedy.
Do not take the kindness and blessings of God lightly. We are not the recipients of blessings by chance. God is actively involved in every minute detail of our lives.
Ephesians 5:20
(20) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1 Thessalonians 5:18
(18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
12/11/16 LET OTHERS DETERMINE YOUR RESPONSE TO LIFE
12/11/16 LET OTHERS DETERMINE YOUR RESPONSE TO LIFE
Far too often the negativity of people around us clouds our view, shapes our demeanor, directs our behavior. Even when we choose the higher road, Marley's chains weigh us down. We cannot ignore the life sucking pall that drapes our hopeless society. However, with the right influence, from the right People, we can rise above the suffocating shadows of the nether world. Therefore, the Holy Bible tells us that we should always allow the influence of these Three to fill the deepest chambers of our being.
The GRACE of the Son
The LOVE of the Father and
The ENABLING PRESENCE of the Holy Spirit
When we embrace these Three, we are more than over-comers and we become channels of love, light and life to others.
2 Corinthians 13:14
(14) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.2/16
Far too often the negativity of people around us clouds our view, shapes our demeanor, directs our behavior. Even when we choose the higher road, Marley's chains weigh us down. We cannot ignore the life sucking pall that drapes our hopeless society. However, with the right influence, from the right People, we can rise above the suffocating shadows of the nether world. Therefore, the Holy Bible tells us that we should always allow the influence of these Three to fill the deepest chambers of our being.
The GRACE of the Son
The LOVE of the Father and
The ENABLING PRESENCE of the Holy Spirit
When we embrace these Three, we are more than over-comers and we become channels of love, light and life to others.
2 Corinthians 13:14
(14) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.2/16
12/11/16 Pursuing A Life's Work
12/11/16 Pursuing A Life's Work
WORKSHOP TOPIC...
1. It is not too soon to pursue, "a life's work."
2. It is not too late to pursue, "an end of life's work."
WORKSHOP TOPIC...
1. It is not too soon to pursue, "a life's work."
2. It is not too late to pursue, "an end of life's work."
12/11/16 Born of the Spirit and Walking in the Spirit
12/11/16 Born of the Spirit and Walking in the Spirit
(I ask and answer three Questions essential to basic/victorious Christian living)
Q.
How powerful is the new birth (being born of the Spirit)?
A.
The new birth is so powerful that a believer does not sin, cannot sin, as long as he is presently born of God.
1 John 3:8-10
(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.
DLG note... Being born of the Spirit (born of God) is not only a past tense experience, it is a present reality. To be born of God delivers from sin. To sin is to be dead to God.
Q.
How powerful is the sinful nature (referred to in the Bible as The Old Man, The Flesh, Carnally Minded, Double Minded, Evil Heart of Unbelief) within a Christian?
A.
The sinful nature is so powerful that it corrupts the thinking, the desires and actions of a believer. As long as the believer still has the sinful nature (not to be confused with human nature), he is not only tempted by Satan from the outside, he is drawn to evil from within himself; as long as the believer still has the sinful nature (referred to in Romans 7 and 8 as, "the law of sin and death") he stands in jeopardy of being overcome by evil.
Romans 7:18-23
(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.
Romans 8:5-8
(5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
(6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
(8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
DLG note... Being Born Again imparts newness of life to the sinner, regenerates the believer through the Holy Spirit, forgives every sinful thought, word and deed committed by the repentant person, cleanses and empowers the person to walk in the light. However, initial salvation does not deliver from the sinful nature. This is why believers have an inward conflict after regeneration. Though they are enabled to follow Christ, they still need to have their hearts purified from all sin, by the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which comes to those who are willing to die to self and make full surrender to God.
Q.
How powerful is the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer who is totally surrendered to God and walking with God, by faith, every step?
A.
The Holy Spirit is so powerful that the totally committed believer is delivered from the penalty, the pollution and the power of sin; the believer is made clean and kept clean (cleansed from all sin) as long as he is walking in the Spirit; the believer is more than a conqueror.
Galatians 5:16-18
(16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
(17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
(18) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Galatians 5:24-25
(24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
(25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
DLG note... God's plan of salvation, for all men, has always been to justify freely and to sanctify wholly. God's plan has always been to save us from all sin. God's plan has always been to make us more than conquerors. God's plan of salvation...
Titus 2:14
(14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
(23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
(I ask and answer three Questions essential to basic/victorious Christian living)
Q.
How powerful is the new birth (being born of the Spirit)?
A.
The new birth is so powerful that a believer does not sin, cannot sin, as long as he is presently born of God.
1 John 3:8-10
(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.
DLG note... Being born of the Spirit (born of God) is not only a past tense experience, it is a present reality. To be born of God delivers from sin. To sin is to be dead to God.
Q.
How powerful is the sinful nature (referred to in the Bible as The Old Man, The Flesh, Carnally Minded, Double Minded, Evil Heart of Unbelief) within a Christian?
A.
The sinful nature is so powerful that it corrupts the thinking, the desires and actions of a believer. As long as the believer still has the sinful nature (not to be confused with human nature), he is not only tempted by Satan from the outside, he is drawn to evil from within himself; as long as the believer still has the sinful nature (referred to in Romans 7 and 8 as, "the law of sin and death") he stands in jeopardy of being overcome by evil.
Romans 7:18-23
(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.
Romans 8:5-8
(5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
(6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
(8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
DLG note... Being Born Again imparts newness of life to the sinner, regenerates the believer through the Holy Spirit, forgives every sinful thought, word and deed committed by the repentant person, cleanses and empowers the person to walk in the light. However, initial salvation does not deliver from the sinful nature. This is why believers have an inward conflict after regeneration. Though they are enabled to follow Christ, they still need to have their hearts purified from all sin, by the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which comes to those who are willing to die to self and make full surrender to God.
Q.
How powerful is the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer who is totally surrendered to God and walking with God, by faith, every step?
A.
The Holy Spirit is so powerful that the totally committed believer is delivered from the penalty, the pollution and the power of sin; the believer is made clean and kept clean (cleansed from all sin) as long as he is walking in the Spirit; the believer is more than a conqueror.
Galatians 5:16-18
(16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
(17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
(18) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Galatians 5:24-25
(24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
(25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
DLG note... God's plan of salvation, for all men, has always been to justify freely and to sanctify wholly. God's plan has always been to save us from all sin. God's plan has always been to make us more than conquerors. God's plan of salvation...
Titus 2:14
(14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
(23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
12/10/16 WORDS AND WALK SHOULD GO TOGETHER
12/10/16 WORDS AND WALK SHOULD GO TOGETHER
People don't mind referring to Christ as their "Savior" as much as they resist the idea of submitting their beliefs, their behavior and their bonds with other people, to the Lordship of Christ.
This explains why there are so many nominal Christians and so little presence of the body of Christ in our world.
People don't mind referring to Christ as their "Savior" as much as they resist the idea of submitting their beliefs, their behavior and their bonds with other people, to the Lordship of Christ.
This explains why there are so many nominal Christians and so little presence of the body of Christ in our world.
12/09/16 WE NEED EACH OTHER
12/09/16 WE NEED EACH OTHER
We need to face the fact that we need Divine intervention and that God often leads and delivers us through the ministry of other believers in the local church. This NOTE addresses this issue. Don't miss out on all that God has for you, by neglecting or rejecting God's leading through spiritual guidance and Biblical wisdom from other members of the local body.
DEPENDENCE ON GOD AND INTERDEPENDENCE ON OTHER BELIEVERS
OUTSIDE FACTORS
Throughout the years, I have had great numbers of people who were much smarter than I was, concerning many different issues, situations, areas of life. Certainly they were much more informed about their own areas of expertise. However, life is more than the fundamentals. Let me use an example from nature. One plus one does equal two (mathematically), but it can equal three or four or more, biologically. In other words, when an outside factor is added, it can change the formula and the outcome.
GOD’S PROVISION
In the natural realm, people can have the natural answers to the natural issues of life. However, the problems of life sometimes require more than a natural solution. This is where the wisdom of God enters. The wisdom of God can come through...
* spiritual awareness of Divine enlightenment (as with the Three Hebrew Children and Daniel),
* or it can come through the Divine light, contained in Holy Scripture,
* or it can come through personal leading of the Holy Spirit,
* or it can come through the counsel of a mature believer, whether a parishioner or pastor.
WORKING TOGETHER WITH GOD
On many occasions I have had intelligent, well informed, spiritual believers come to me, seeking spiritual counsel concerning guidance in a personal decision. They knew more about the subject and the circumstances than I did, but God gave me wisdom and understanding that added insight beyond the natural grasp of the person seeking help.
A MIRACULOUS LIFE
As a result, I have seen people experience Divine intervention, beyond the scope of human knowledge and ability, through pastoral counsel. After all, isn't the Christian life a life of Divine intervention and miraculous power and guidance? Isn't the Christian life a life of interdependence with other believers? Since when is the Christian life a private and self oriented endeavor?
HUMILITY
People who realize the Biblical concept of local church family and body life will readily seek help from spiritual elders and will yield themselves to leadership. When we succeed through Biblical unity and submission to others, we demonstrate the Divine factor and we are less likely to think that we succeeded in our own power or by our own wits.
CHOOSE CAREFULLY
We have seen body life and mutual interdependence in the local church break down in recent years. We have seen spiritual unity and fellowship and submission diminish greatly in the past several decades. Therefore it is not surprising that so few people have any idea about spiritual counsel and Divine intervention. When we choose to solve the problems of life with our own understanding and our own spiritual growth (even the basic problems of life) aside from special Divine leading and counsel through mature believers (including pastors), then we are resting in our own abilities, rather than submitting to God's provision.
DEPENDENCE ON GOD AND INTERDEPENDENCE ON OTHER BELIEVERS
OUTSIDE FACTORS
Throughout the years, I have had great numbers of people who were much smarter than I was, concerning many different issues, situations, areas of life. Certainly they were much more informed about their own areas of expertise. However, life is more than the fundamentals. Let me use an example from nature. One plus one does equal two (mathematically), but it can equal three or four or more, biologically. In other words, when an outside factor is added, it can change the formula and the outcome.
GOD’S PROVISION
In the natural realm, people can have the natural answers to the natural issues of life. However, the problems of life sometimes require more than a natural solution. This is where the wisdom of God enters. The wisdom of God can come through...
* spiritual awareness of Divine enlightenment (as with the Three Hebrew Children and Daniel),
* or it can come through the Divine light, contained in Holy Scripture,
* or it can come through personal leading of the Holy Spirit,
* or it can come through the counsel of a mature believer, whether a parishioner or pastor.
WORKING TOGETHER WITH GOD
On many occasions I have had intelligent, well informed, spiritual believers come to me, seeking spiritual counsel concerning guidance in a personal decision. They knew more about the subject and the circumstances than I did, but God gave me wisdom and understanding that added insight beyond the natural grasp of the person seeking help.
A MIRACULOUS LIFE
As a result, I have seen people experience Divine intervention, beyond the scope of human knowledge and ability, through pastoral counsel. After all, isn't the Christian life a life of Divine intervention and miraculous power and guidance? Isn't the Christian life a life of interdependence with other believers? Since when is the Christian life a private and self oriented endeavor?
HUMILITY
People who realize the Biblical concept of local church family and body life will readily seek help from spiritual elders and will yield themselves to leadership. When we succeed through Biblical unity and submission to others, we demonstrate the Divine factor and we are less likely to think that we succeeded in our own power or by our own wits.
CHOOSE CAREFULLY
We have seen body life and mutual interdependence in the local church break down in recent years. We have seen spiritual unity and fellowship and submission diminish greatly in the past several decades. Therefore it is not surprising that so few people have any idea about spiritual counsel and Divine intervention. When we choose to solve the problems of life with our own understanding and our own spiritual growth (even the basic problems of life) aside from special Divine leading and counsel through mature believers (including pastors), then we are resting in our own abilities, rather than submitting to God's provision.
12/09/16 WHY I HARP
12/09/16 WHY I HARP
I often write and post concerning AUTHORITY and OBEDIENCE and SUBMISSION. I usually apply the message to marriage, parenting and pastoral ministry (though it applies to all of life). The lack of submission and authority in these areas has undermined the stability and the order of our society at large and families and the ministry of the church.
It is not simply a personal issue with me, it is a Biblical issue that involves everyone personally. God's word gives us so much information, yet it is being rejected.
I don't expect a total turning around to take place in this world, but I hope some folks sees what I write and they decide to turn around, and I hope to be an encouragement to those who are already choosing to live by Divine directives, which have become despised standards to those who disobey God.
I often write and post concerning AUTHORITY and OBEDIENCE and SUBMISSION. I usually apply the message to marriage, parenting and pastoral ministry (though it applies to all of life). The lack of submission and authority in these areas has undermined the stability and the order of our society at large and families and the ministry of the church.
It is not simply a personal issue with me, it is a Biblical issue that involves everyone personally. God's word gives us so much information, yet it is being rejected.
I don't expect a total turning around to take place in this world, but I hope some folks sees what I write and they decide to turn around, and I hope to be an encouragement to those who are already choosing to live by Divine directives, which have become despised standards to those who disobey God.
12/09/16 ACCEPT, FOLLOW AND HONOR THE MESSENGER
12/09/16 ACCEPT, FOLLOW AND HONOR THE MESSENGER
If Satan cannot get a person to openly deny and resist the doctrines of Divine revelation, he will try to get the hearer to raise barriers of resistance against the messenger. When the hearer cuts off the messenger, he is also cutting off the message. This is because the hearer stops listening to the messenger, and therefore stops hearing what the messenger is saying. The result of hearing and accepting the message will strengthen the bond between messenger and hearer rather than weaken and nullify the relationship. God wants parishioners to honor their spiritual leaders.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
(12) And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
(13) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Hebrews 13:7
(7) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Hebrews 13:17
(17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
1 Timothy 5:17-20
(17) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
(18) For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
(19) Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
(20) Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
If Satan cannot get a person to openly deny and resist the doctrines of Divine revelation, he will try to get the hearer to raise barriers of resistance against the messenger. When the hearer cuts off the messenger, he is also cutting off the message. This is because the hearer stops listening to the messenger, and therefore stops hearing what the messenger is saying. The result of hearing and accepting the message will strengthen the bond between messenger and hearer rather than weaken and nullify the relationship. God wants parishioners to honor their spiritual leaders.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
(12) And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
(13) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Hebrews 13:7
(7) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Hebrews 13:17
(17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
1 Timothy 5:17-20
(17) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
(18) For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
(19) Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
(20) Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
12/08/16 HAPPY SUBMISSION SPRINGS FROM A LOVING HEART
12/08/16 HAPPY SUBMISSION SPRINGS FROM A LOVING HEART
Submission to authority is both an, "ought to," and a, "want to" action, response, behavior. The Spirit filled Christian obeys legitimate authority (especially Divinely designated authority) because we "ought to" and because we "want to."
As a child, and especially since I was a believer in my very early childhood, and therefore I loved my parents with Divine love, and because I was raised with the idea that children are supposed to obey their parents, I always felt the guilt and shame when I disobeyed mom and dad as a child. It broke my heart to hurt my mom or dad, because I loved them. I did obey from a sense of, "ought," but I also obeyed from a sense of, "want." My obedience arose primarily because of my love for them rather than my obligation. That is why my submission was a happy submission rather than a begrudged obedience. Obviously, my desire to obey and please my parents came as a result of a right relationship with God, which enabled me. Equally obvious, any disobedience or dissatisfaction I had was the result of my own rebellion against the Lordship of Christ.
With this as an example, let me point out that a happy, willful and trusting obedience to God is the goal of perfect love and the outgrowth of a pure heart. YES, we are obligated and expected to obey God, regardless of our understanding or our preferences in life, but joyful and wholehearted submission is the proof of sanctifying grace in our lives. We are expected to obey because of obligation, but we should surrender until we obey because of loving submission.
It is better to serve and follow and obey God because of desire than as a response to His demands.
Submission to authority is both an, "ought to," and a, "want to" action, response, behavior. The Spirit filled Christian obeys legitimate authority (especially Divinely designated authority) because we "ought to" and because we "want to."
As a child, and especially since I was a believer in my very early childhood, and therefore I loved my parents with Divine love, and because I was raised with the idea that children are supposed to obey their parents, I always felt the guilt and shame when I disobeyed mom and dad as a child. It broke my heart to hurt my mom or dad, because I loved them. I did obey from a sense of, "ought," but I also obeyed from a sense of, "want." My obedience arose primarily because of my love for them rather than my obligation. That is why my submission was a happy submission rather than a begrudged obedience. Obviously, my desire to obey and please my parents came as a result of a right relationship with God, which enabled me. Equally obvious, any disobedience or dissatisfaction I had was the result of my own rebellion against the Lordship of Christ.
With this as an example, let me point out that a happy, willful and trusting obedience to God is the goal of perfect love and the outgrowth of a pure heart. YES, we are obligated and expected to obey God, regardless of our understanding or our preferences in life, but joyful and wholehearted submission is the proof of sanctifying grace in our lives. We are expected to obey because of obligation, but we should surrender until we obey because of loving submission.
It is better to serve and follow and obey God because of desire than as a response to His demands.
12/08/16 Quick Self Exam.
12/08/16 Quick Self Exam.
One way to gauge our obedience level to God is to consider other people's evaluation concerning our submission level to human authority.
Do others see me as an offspring (any age) who honors and obeys parents?
Do others see me as church person who respects and follows pastoral leadership, counsel, authority?
Do others see me as a wife who honors, obeys and respects my husband?
Do others see me as a husband who loves and sacrifices for his wife?
Do others see me as a believer who submits to legitimate authority?
If others do not see loving submission in our lives, to legitimate authority, then we probably are not actually submissive to God, therefore we are not Christian.
One way to gauge our obedience level to God is to consider other people's evaluation concerning our submission level to human authority.
Do others see me as an offspring (any age) who honors and obeys parents?
Do others see me as church person who respects and follows pastoral leadership, counsel, authority?
Do others see me as a wife who honors, obeys and respects my husband?
Do others see me as a husband who loves and sacrifices for his wife?
Do others see me as a believer who submits to legitimate authority?
If others do not see loving submission in our lives, to legitimate authority, then we probably are not actually submissive to God, therefore we are not Christian.
12/07/16 REVERSE RACISM ACCEPTED
12/07/16 REVERSE RACISM ACCEPTED
I am about tired of the racism that the left heaps against white guys. There are lots of us white guys that do not hate on black people and we even resist racism. But somehow it is acceptable for bigoted people of all colors to speak against white guys.
I am about tired of the racism that the left heaps against white guys. There are lots of us white guys that do not hate on black people and we even resist racism. But somehow it is acceptable for bigoted people of all colors to speak against white guys.
12/06/16 WILL THE REAL LOW LIFE'S PLEASE STAND UP
12/06/16 WILL THE REAL LOW LIFE'S PLEASE STAND UP
The problem with these bleeding heart "Right To Life" folks is that they don't have the integrity, the morality or the compassion to help women with unwanted pregnancies. They should be more sensitive and more equitable and more moral, like the Liberals, like Obama and Clinton, who displayed a much higher standard by promoting the merciful act of delivering part the unwanted baby, then inserting a blade inside the mother, to saw off the head of that baby. Now that is compassion.
The problem with these bleeding heart "Right To Life" folks is that they don't have the integrity, the morality or the compassion to help women with unwanted pregnancies. They should be more sensitive and more equitable and more moral, like the Liberals, like Obama and Clinton, who displayed a much higher standard by promoting the merciful act of delivering part the unwanted baby, then inserting a blade inside the mother, to saw off the head of that baby. Now that is compassion.
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