SUBSTITUTE IS NOT THE SAME AS EQUAL
Keep in mind.
* Jesus is our sacrifice for sin.
* Jesus is our satisfaction for sin.
* Jesus paid a price, He died.
* Jesus removed our penalty through His death and resurrection.
* Jesus did not pay our penalty.
* Jesus did not pay our payment.
* Jesus was not our penal substitute.
* His sacrifice satisfied, removed our debt, penalty, payment.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Monday, March 7, 2016
2/1/16 HATE SIN NOT SINNERS
HATE SIN NOT SINNERS
Guess who wants you to be angry with sinners.
That's right, Satan. (aren't you glad God loved sinners?)
Guess who wants you to be angry with sin.
That's right, God. (funny thing about Satan, he wants you to love sin.)
Guess who wants you to exude love and not anger toward your neighbor.
Right again (provided you said God).
Remember, we are sent to be WITNESSES, not policemen or judges or prosecutors. We can love the sinner and hate the sin, but they need to see it in us, ALL THE TIME.
If the people of God, don't convey the message of God, how are the ungodly going to perceive God, receive God and please God?
That's right, THEY AIN'T.
Romans 10:13-15
(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!
Guess who wants you to be angry with sinners.
That's right, Satan. (aren't you glad God loved sinners?)
Guess who wants you to be angry with sin.
That's right, God. (funny thing about Satan, he wants you to love sin.)
Guess who wants you to exude love and not anger toward your neighbor.
Right again (provided you said God).
Remember, we are sent to be WITNESSES, not policemen or judges or prosecutors. We can love the sinner and hate the sin, but they need to see it in us, ALL THE TIME.
If the people of God, don't convey the message of God, how are the ungodly going to perceive God, receive God and please God?
That's right, THEY AIN'T.
Romans 10:13-15
(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!
2/1/16 THIS IS NOT JUST QUIPPY
THIS IS NOT JUST QUIPPY
God Seeks and Saves the sinner,
God Sanctifies the saved,
God Sends the sanctified.
Remember, Christ directed the believers, the disciples, to wait in Jerusalem for the sanctifying fullness of the Holy Spirit before they were to go into all the world, preaching the gospel and making disciples and teaching faithfulness to converts.
Luke 24:46-49
(46) And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
(47) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
(48) And ye are witnesses of these things.
(49) And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Acts 1:4-8
(4) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
(5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
(6) When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
(7) And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
(8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 15:7-9
(7) And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
(8) And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
(9) And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
This is because the saved are equipped to quit sinning, but they still need to have their hearts purified, they need to die to self.
The carnal Christian is not qualified to take the gospel to the lost.
A believer should be purified, and empowered by the Holy Spirit before engaging the devil on the battlefield, for the souls of men.
It is not...
How much we know about the Bible and Christian living, but
How much we grow in grace and knowledge of Christ, and
How much we show the power and purity of Christ in our daily lives, which qualifies us for service.
The old saying is,
I don't care how much you know, until I know how much you care.
Ministries are defeated before they get started, when the believers are not conformed to the image of Jesus.
God does not grade on the curve. He is looking for those who walk the walk and do not simply talk the talk.
PROGRESSIVE OR INSTANTANEOUS?
(The idea that sanctification is a life long process has a truth in it, but it is not true in and of itself, and in fact it is a great hindrance to a vital Bible truth concerning holiness of heart and life. Therefore I add this comment. I am going to add the comment as a post, since this is such a misunderstood and misleading concept that keeps millions of Christians from ever being purified, even as Christ is pure.)
SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification is both SET APART and MADE HOLY (cleansed).
Sanctification is INITIAL... ENTIRE... CONTINUOUS.
INITIAL... Converts are initially sanctified (set apart and cleansed from sins committed) at regeneration, which is essential.
YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN.
ENTIRE... Believers are entirely, completely, instantaneously sanctified, in a moment of time. It is not a process but is a crises experience, subsequent to conversion, at which time the believer is purified 100%. Entire Sanctification is essential.
CONTINUOUS (process)... After conversion there is growth in grace until entire sanctification, then there is unfettered growth in grace that continues throughout the obedient life of the pure in heart. Growth in grace, based on walking in the light, is essential.
A person can never process into purity of heart (entire sanctification). Purity of heart is the Divine work of God's grace, not the result of our effort or endeavor. The process of sanctification (to progress in sanctification) is based upon a cleansing that takes place at the time of our salvation experience and the heart purification that takes place when a person dies to sin and surrenders everything, unreservedly to Christ. We cannot grow in a grace we do not possess. We cannot progress in a sanctification we have not obtained.
If we are satisfied with process sanctification after conversion, we will never be entirely sanctified, because heart purity is not attainable or obtainable by maturity. Maturity and Purity are not the same.
John Wesley stated it something like this...
Entire Sanctification is something we approach gradually,
Enter into suddenly,
And grow in forever.
Without...
initial sanctification (cleansing us from sins committed),
instantaneous entire sanctification (cleansing us from the sin nature), and
increasing sanctification (cleansing us in our daily walk with God),
we will not be saved.
Remember,
without THE SANCTIFICATION (He. 12:14), no man shall see the Lord.
God sanctifies us ENTIRELY, BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT, in a moment, which is intended to be, once for all (1 Th. 5:23-24).
No matter how much we grow, we can only be entirely sanctified in a moment.
Growth comes before entire sanctification and after entire sanctification.
If we come to the our own Kadesh Barnea, and refuse to enter the Promised Land of Entire Sanctification, Holiness, Purity of Heart, we will be die in the wilderness journey and be cut off from God and the land of the living.
God Seeks and Saves the sinner,
God Sanctifies the saved,
God Sends the sanctified.
Remember, Christ directed the believers, the disciples, to wait in Jerusalem for the sanctifying fullness of the Holy Spirit before they were to go into all the world, preaching the gospel and making disciples and teaching faithfulness to converts.
Luke 24:46-49
(46) And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
(47) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
(48) And ye are witnesses of these things.
(49) And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Acts 1:4-8
(4) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
(5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
(6) When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
(7) And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
(8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 15:7-9
(7) And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
(8) And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
(9) And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
This is because the saved are equipped to quit sinning, but they still need to have their hearts purified, they need to die to self.
The carnal Christian is not qualified to take the gospel to the lost.
A believer should be purified, and empowered by the Holy Spirit before engaging the devil on the battlefield, for the souls of men.
It is not...
How much we know about the Bible and Christian living, but
How much we grow in grace and knowledge of Christ, and
How much we show the power and purity of Christ in our daily lives, which qualifies us for service.
The old saying is,
I don't care how much you know, until I know how much you care.
Ministries are defeated before they get started, when the believers are not conformed to the image of Jesus.
God does not grade on the curve. He is looking for those who walk the walk and do not simply talk the talk.
PROGRESSIVE OR INSTANTANEOUS?
(The idea that sanctification is a life long process has a truth in it, but it is not true in and of itself, and in fact it is a great hindrance to a vital Bible truth concerning holiness of heart and life. Therefore I add this comment. I am going to add the comment as a post, since this is such a misunderstood and misleading concept that keeps millions of Christians from ever being purified, even as Christ is pure.)
SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification is both SET APART and MADE HOLY (cleansed).
Sanctification is INITIAL... ENTIRE... CONTINUOUS.
INITIAL... Converts are initially sanctified (set apart and cleansed from sins committed) at regeneration, which is essential.
YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN.
ENTIRE... Believers are entirely, completely, instantaneously sanctified, in a moment of time. It is not a process but is a crises experience, subsequent to conversion, at which time the believer is purified 100%. Entire Sanctification is essential.
CONTINUOUS (process)... After conversion there is growth in grace until entire sanctification, then there is unfettered growth in grace that continues throughout the obedient life of the pure in heart. Growth in grace, based on walking in the light, is essential.
A person can never process into purity of heart (entire sanctification). Purity of heart is the Divine work of God's grace, not the result of our effort or endeavor. The process of sanctification (to progress in sanctification) is based upon a cleansing that takes place at the time of our salvation experience and the heart purification that takes place when a person dies to sin and surrenders everything, unreservedly to Christ. We cannot grow in a grace we do not possess. We cannot progress in a sanctification we have not obtained.
If we are satisfied with process sanctification after conversion, we will never be entirely sanctified, because heart purity is not attainable or obtainable by maturity. Maturity and Purity are not the same.
John Wesley stated it something like this...
Entire Sanctification is something we approach gradually,
Enter into suddenly,
And grow in forever.
Without...
initial sanctification (cleansing us from sins committed),
instantaneous entire sanctification (cleansing us from the sin nature), and
increasing sanctification (cleansing us in our daily walk with God),
we will not be saved.
Remember,
without THE SANCTIFICATION (He. 12:14), no man shall see the Lord.
God sanctifies us ENTIRELY, BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT, in a moment, which is intended to be, once for all (1 Th. 5:23-24).
No matter how much we grow, we can only be entirely sanctified in a moment.
Growth comes before entire sanctification and after entire sanctification.
If we come to the our own Kadesh Barnea, and refuse to enter the Promised Land of Entire Sanctification, Holiness, Purity of Heart, we will be die in the wilderness journey and be cut off from God and the land of the living.
1/31/16 LAUNCH OUT AND HOLD FAST
LAUNCH OUT AND HOLD FAST
For my adult Sunday School class, I addressed the evolving, the devolving and the revolving of church structure and government and presence, since the days of the New Testament. (this is not a review of that lesson, but a quick comment).
The New Testament gives us the Foundation and the building blocks of God's Church, but it allows for changes to take place, provided there is no veering from the Divine guidelines.
There have been changes without number through the years and cultures and needs and problems of the Church. Some of the changes in the visible Church were not Biblical and were devised to accomplish human agendas rather than fulfill God's plan. Other changes were legitimate accommodations and adjustments within the framework of Biblical revelation.
Changes took place as the Church moved from the Biblical model to the Catholic model.
Changes took place in the Eastern Church and the Western Church.
Changes took place in the "back to the Bible movements," such as the Mennonite and Friends and Brethren movements, as well as in the Reformation or Protestant movement.
Changes took place as the Church moved from congregational to episcopal forms.
Changes took place as the Church moved from persecuted to State approved.
Changes again took place as persecution and State authority has targeted Biblical Christianity.
Some of the changes were for the purpose of fulfilling the Great Commission. I refer to those changes as, "evolving." Those changes did not change the Church, but simply adapted the Church to a changing world.
Some of the changes were for the purpose of circumventing Biblical directives and the Headship of Christ over His Church. I refer to those changes as, "devolving." Those changes did change the nature and Authority and mission of the Church, and often aligned with pagan principles and practices.
Some of the changes were a recovering of old practices and structure, because they old ways were actually needed for a constantly changing world. I refer to those changes as "revolving." Those changes were not new, but they were different from the norm of a given culture and time.
Unfortunately, most folks settle for the comfortable and the convenient when faced with choosing either a Biblical form, or a Statist form of church structure, government and ministry.
I personally have been part of various forms of Church change through the past 60+ years of my life. Changes do not always facilitate success, at least success in the eyes of the world or the eyes of worldly minded believers.
God wants His Church to grow, but not at the expense of losing truth or compromising Biblical standards. Christians are not excused for their failures, as they turn out the lights of evangelism and shut themselves into a cloistered community, in the name of "holding the fort."
I anticipate some changes taking place in our local church in the near future. Sadly, some of the changes we have gone through, have caused people to discount us as an actual church, because we did not look like, or function like the "brick piles" and the "steeple houses" around us. They judged us by worldly standards and not by Biblical standards. In fact, some of the things that caused people to think we were not a real church are the Biblical principles practiced by untold millions of Christians around the world today and practiced by Christians of all cultures throughout Church history.
I will make some changes, not because our present structure is wrong, but because the changes will be more suited to problems of a changing society. We will not change the structure or government or mission or churchmanship from the Biblical model, but we will seek to fulfill the Great Commission by adapting to a society which is moving faster and further from God.
Just as a reminder, here is the Great Commission.
Matthew 28:18-20 (ASV)
(18) And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.
(19) Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:
(20) teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
I have not always succeeded, and certainly not to the level I desired. But going to the lost, making disciples of those who believe, initiating them into the body of Christ, leading them into the fullness of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to be obedient followers of Christ, and declaring to them the whole counsel of God, has been and still is my calling and mission.
LAUNCH OUT AND HOLD FAST
AS AN ADDENDUM...
Needless to say, the changes we will make will probably do more to make us less palatable to the worldly minded. I don't make the adjustments or adaptations to be more acceptable, but to be more productive in His work.
FOUR ESSENTIALS
Though we may make changes or adjustments or adaptations in our ministry, here are four fundamentals that are essential to a Biblical church and ministry.
The message of the word, through preaching, teaching and witnessing.
The spirituality, fellowship, and unity, of the body.
The Lordship of Christ over His church.
The vision and work of the Great Commission.
Though there are other essentials, I wanted to emphasize these four, which do not change. These should be central for every church.
For my adult Sunday School class, I addressed the evolving, the devolving and the revolving of church structure and government and presence, since the days of the New Testament. (this is not a review of that lesson, but a quick comment).
The New Testament gives us the Foundation and the building blocks of God's Church, but it allows for changes to take place, provided there is no veering from the Divine guidelines.
There have been changes without number through the years and cultures and needs and problems of the Church. Some of the changes in the visible Church were not Biblical and were devised to accomplish human agendas rather than fulfill God's plan. Other changes were legitimate accommodations and adjustments within the framework of Biblical revelation.
Changes took place as the Church moved from the Biblical model to the Catholic model.
Changes took place in the Eastern Church and the Western Church.
Changes took place in the "back to the Bible movements," such as the Mennonite and Friends and Brethren movements, as well as in the Reformation or Protestant movement.
Changes took place as the Church moved from congregational to episcopal forms.
Changes took place as the Church moved from persecuted to State approved.
Changes again took place as persecution and State authority has targeted Biblical Christianity.
Some of the changes were for the purpose of fulfilling the Great Commission. I refer to those changes as, "evolving." Those changes did not change the Church, but simply adapted the Church to a changing world.
Some of the changes were for the purpose of circumventing Biblical directives and the Headship of Christ over His Church. I refer to those changes as, "devolving." Those changes did change the nature and Authority and mission of the Church, and often aligned with pagan principles and practices.
Some of the changes were a recovering of old practices and structure, because they old ways were actually needed for a constantly changing world. I refer to those changes as "revolving." Those changes were not new, but they were different from the norm of a given culture and time.
Unfortunately, most folks settle for the comfortable and the convenient when faced with choosing either a Biblical form, or a Statist form of church structure, government and ministry.
I personally have been part of various forms of Church change through the past 60+ years of my life. Changes do not always facilitate success, at least success in the eyes of the world or the eyes of worldly minded believers.
God wants His Church to grow, but not at the expense of losing truth or compromising Biblical standards. Christians are not excused for their failures, as they turn out the lights of evangelism and shut themselves into a cloistered community, in the name of "holding the fort."
I anticipate some changes taking place in our local church in the near future. Sadly, some of the changes we have gone through, have caused people to discount us as an actual church, because we did not look like, or function like the "brick piles" and the "steeple houses" around us. They judged us by worldly standards and not by Biblical standards. In fact, some of the things that caused people to think we were not a real church are the Biblical principles practiced by untold millions of Christians around the world today and practiced by Christians of all cultures throughout Church history.
I will make some changes, not because our present structure is wrong, but because the changes will be more suited to problems of a changing society. We will not change the structure or government or mission or churchmanship from the Biblical model, but we will seek to fulfill the Great Commission by adapting to a society which is moving faster and further from God.
Just as a reminder, here is the Great Commission.
Matthew 28:18-20 (ASV)
(18) And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.
(19) Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:
(20) teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
I have not always succeeded, and certainly not to the level I desired. But going to the lost, making disciples of those who believe, initiating them into the body of Christ, leading them into the fullness of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to be obedient followers of Christ, and declaring to them the whole counsel of God, has been and still is my calling and mission.
LAUNCH OUT AND HOLD FAST
AS AN ADDENDUM...
Needless to say, the changes we will make will probably do more to make us less palatable to the worldly minded. I don't make the adjustments or adaptations to be more acceptable, but to be more productive in His work.
FOUR ESSENTIALS
Though we may make changes or adjustments or adaptations in our ministry, here are four fundamentals that are essential to a Biblical church and ministry.
The message of the word, through preaching, teaching and witnessing.
The spirituality, fellowship, and unity, of the body.
The Lordship of Christ over His church.
The vision and work of the Great Commission.
Though there are other essentials, I wanted to emphasize these four, which do not change. These should be central for every church.
1/31/16 SO MUCH TO LEARN
SO MUCH TO LEARN
Every now and then, I wonder how things use to be in the "olden days," and would like to ask an "old timer" some questions. Then I realize, there are almost no old timers around anymore, at least the old timers from the time when I was a youth. Now the old timers are me and my age group. What a shame that a wealth of information and wisdom passes with each generation, usually untapped by the next generation.
REASONS THEY DON'T LEARN
The younger generation fails to learn from the older generation because the younger generation is "smarter." At least that is the view of the younger generation.
The younger generation fails to learn from the older generation because it doesn't listen when the older generation tries to inform, teach, guide them.
The younger generation fails to learn from the older generation because they trust the newer, "more informed" voices, popular voices, "successful" voices.
Yes, improvements in life can be made, but not at the expense of the tried and true and basic principles of life. Improvements are built upon true principles. The problem with missing the old ways is that it takes a long time to re-discover some of those old ways, and in fact, some of the old ways (old paths) are never found again.
Every now and then, I wonder how things use to be in the "olden days," and would like to ask an "old timer" some questions. Then I realize, there are almost no old timers around anymore, at least the old timers from the time when I was a youth. Now the old timers are me and my age group. What a shame that a wealth of information and wisdom passes with each generation, usually untapped by the next generation.
REASONS THEY DON'T LEARN
The younger generation fails to learn from the older generation because the younger generation is "smarter." At least that is the view of the younger generation.
The younger generation fails to learn from the older generation because it doesn't listen when the older generation tries to inform, teach, guide them.
The younger generation fails to learn from the older generation because they trust the newer, "more informed" voices, popular voices, "successful" voices.
Yes, improvements in life can be made, but not at the expense of the tried and true and basic principles of life. Improvements are built upon true principles. The problem with missing the old ways is that it takes a long time to re-discover some of those old ways, and in fact, some of the old ways (old paths) are never found again.
1/31/16 WEIGHING THE OPTIONS
WEIGHING THE OPTIONS
I started to write about the commendable aspects of the life of a sinner (as evaluated by the sinner).
But as I wrote one of the imagined "advantages," several attending disadvantages came to mind.
As a result, I cannot commend the life outside of Christ.
So, you either need to get saved or you need to continue in salvation.
It is up to you.
1/30/16 NO EXCUSES ACCEPTED
NO EXCUSES ACCEPTED
I get so tired of hearing people excuse their failures in Christian living on the fact that they are human beings. HUMANNESS IS NO EXCUSE FOR SIN. That is the devils lie that people have bought into. Remember Eve?"
YES, as humans we have inherited a human nature (the nature to be human), which was part of God's original plan, and God declared it to be "very good." After the fall of Adam, the human nature was corrupted and incapacitated and in need of the redemptive work of Christ, including but not limited to prevenient grace (the grace that goes before salvation).
And YES, again, as humans we have ALSO inherited the sinful nature (the nature to be sinful), from Adam. All men are sinful by nature and also by action.
However, after saving faith takes hold of God and His word, the human nature is enabled to be submissive to God, though the sinful nature cannot ever be made subject to the law of God. But being born again, being regenerated by the salvific work of Christ enables and empowers believers to obey God, to keep God's commandments. He that IS BORN OF GOD DOES NOT COMMIT SIN.
If a person continues to walk with God, he/she will come to the realization that God not only forgives, regenerates, justifies, cleanses, adopts, empowers and leads a believer, but he/she will also realize that God will purify the heart of the double minded believer to the extent that the believer will be pure, even as Christ is pure and the believer will be conformed to the image of Jesus (this is entire sanctification).
I get so tired of hearing people excuse their failures in Christian living on the fact that they are human beings. HUMANNESS IS NO EXCUSE FOR SIN. That is the devils lie that people have bought into. Remember Eve?"
YES, as humans we have inherited a human nature (the nature to be human), which was part of God's original plan, and God declared it to be "very good." After the fall of Adam, the human nature was corrupted and incapacitated and in need of the redemptive work of Christ, including but not limited to prevenient grace (the grace that goes before salvation).
And YES, again, as humans we have ALSO inherited the sinful nature (the nature to be sinful), from Adam. All men are sinful by nature and also by action.
However, after saving faith takes hold of God and His word, the human nature is enabled to be submissive to God, though the sinful nature cannot ever be made subject to the law of God. But being born again, being regenerated by the salvific work of Christ enables and empowers believers to obey God, to keep God's commandments. He that IS BORN OF GOD DOES NOT COMMIT SIN.
If a person continues to walk with God, he/she will come to the realization that God not only forgives, regenerates, justifies, cleanses, adopts, empowers and leads a believer, but he/she will also realize that God will purify the heart of the double minded believer to the extent that the believer will be pure, even as Christ is pure and the believer will be conformed to the image of Jesus (this is entire sanctification).
THERE IS NO ROOM OR EXCUSE FOR SIN IN THE OBEDIENT BELIEVER.
YES, YES, YES, it is possible for the saved and entirely sanctified believer to go back into sin. But the choice to go back into sin is because men still have free wills and will always be responsible to make the right decisions for Christ, by the power of Christ working in them.
God does not ignore sin or sins. We may say that His blood covers us, but if we are walking in sin, God does not cover us.
Quit bemoaning your own choice to disobey God. Face up to it and repent. It is only in surrender that we find victory.
YES, YES, YES, it is possible for the saved and entirely sanctified believer to go back into sin. But the choice to go back into sin is because men still have free wills and will always be responsible to make the right decisions for Christ, by the power of Christ working in them.
God does not ignore sin or sins. We may say that His blood covers us, but if we are walking in sin, God does not cover us.
Quit bemoaning your own choice to disobey God. Face up to it and repent. It is only in surrender that we find victory.
Quit telling people how weak you are and how vulnerable you are and how much of a failure you are. THIS TALK DOES NOT GLORIFY GOD.
Instead, confess your sin(s) to God and then trust God to give you victory and make you more than a conquer.
The song says,
"Rise up on men of God,
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength,
To serve the King of kings."
When it comes to serving God,
"NO WIMPS ALLOWED."
If you do not hear the message of victory over sin every week, you need to quit frequenting the failure factory, which you call a church.
The song says,
"Rise up on men of God,
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength,
To serve the King of kings."
When it comes to serving God,
"NO WIMPS ALLOWED."
If you do not hear the message of victory over sin every week, you need to quit frequenting the failure factory, which you call a church.
1/30/16 BUT WITH GOD
BUT WITH GOD...
The Christian life, which is, as the Bible says, "Christ in us...," is something that we can never have, no matter how much we want it, or how hard we try to attain to it, UNLESS we have been miraculously transformed by by the saving grace of Christ and we are presently surrendering to the empowering and ruling presence of the Holy Spirit.
If we are not being conformed to the image of Jesus, we are not saved.
If we are not growing in grace and knowledge, and in the image of Christ, and going from level to level in our walk with God, we are not saved.
1/30/15 WINK WINK
WINK WINK
Some folks are so confused.
Differently than the unsaved people around you,
Differently than the way you use to act,
Differently than the way you would act if you did not let the Holy Spirit produce kindness and humility in your life,
Some folks are so confused.
They think being a Christian causes and enables you to act...
Differently than the unsaved people around you,
Differently than the way you use to act,
Differently than the way you would act if you did not let the Holy Spirit produce kindness and humility in your life,
AND...
They also think that being a Christian enables you to live in a state of love, even with those who hate you.
WHERE DO THESE FOLKS COME UP WITH THIS STUFF?
They also think that being a Christian enables you to live in a state of love, even with those who hate you.
WHERE DO THESE FOLKS COME UP WITH THIS STUFF?
1/30/16 LOOK BEYOND THE SOUND BITES
LOOK BEYOND THE SOUND BITES
If we go by the old adage, "Your actions are so loud that I cannot hear what you are saying," then we can eliminate the front runners from the Presidential race. People have followed voices in the past that have led them to destruction. Sometimes the most appealing voices promises you deliverance from your problems, but then rob you of your treasures.
The people of Hamelin were overrun by rats and they engaged the Pied Piper to rid them of those rats. But the piper used his power to lead away their children. Americans are betraying their children because they like the sound of the Presidential Pipers.
Folks like the tune that the pipers play,
But the pipers' actions rebut what they say.
The price will be higher than folks want to pay,
They should judge the candidates in a different way.
If we go by the old adage, "Your actions are so loud that I cannot hear what you are saying," then we can eliminate the front runners from the Presidential race. People have followed voices in the past that have led them to destruction. Sometimes the most appealing voices promises you deliverance from your problems, but then rob you of your treasures.
The people of Hamelin were overrun by rats and they engaged the Pied Piper to rid them of those rats. But the piper used his power to lead away their children. Americans are betraying their children because they like the sound of the Presidential Pipers.
Folks like the tune that the pipers play,
But the pipers' actions rebut what they say.
The price will be higher than folks want to pay,
They should judge the candidates in a different way.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
1/29/16 NO HIDDEN MEANING HERE
NO HIDDEN MEANING HERE
I know this may sound strange, since I usually post about spiritual issues, but let me tell you, of all the ways I have ever fished (for fish), such as
HOOK AND LINE FISHING OR ANGLING... cut bait, live bait, artificial bait, lures, trolling, drifting, jigging, bottom, surf, pier, kayak, with rod and reel or hand line, offshore, inshore, river, lake, pond, estuaries and marshes,
or,
NET FISHING with... gill net, seine net, dip net, and cast net,
BUT MY TWO FAVORITE WAYS of fishing are kayak fishing and cast net fishing.
I worked on sports fishing boats and pulled nets for fun as a young person, and I have caught a wide variety of fish, nice sized fish and large numbers of fish but I did not kayak fish or cast net (throw net) fish until the past several years.
I not only enjoy doing these things, I want to introduce my grandchildren to these various activities and help them enjoy fishing, in various ways.
I have a four foot and a five foot cast net. but I need to get a three foot cast net to teach my small grandchildren.
I hope to be doing more of this this coming year.
(just talking about fishing)
I know this may sound strange, since I usually post about spiritual issues, but let me tell you, of all the ways I have ever fished (for fish), such as
HOOK AND LINE FISHING OR ANGLING... cut bait, live bait, artificial bait, lures, trolling, drifting, jigging, bottom, surf, pier, kayak, with rod and reel or hand line, offshore, inshore, river, lake, pond, estuaries and marshes,
or,
NET FISHING with... gill net, seine net, dip net, and cast net,
BUT MY TWO FAVORITE WAYS of fishing are kayak fishing and cast net fishing.
I worked on sports fishing boats and pulled nets for fun as a young person, and I have caught a wide variety of fish, nice sized fish and large numbers of fish but I did not kayak fish or cast net (throw net) fish until the past several years.
I not only enjoy doing these things, I want to introduce my grandchildren to these various activities and help them enjoy fishing, in various ways.
I have a four foot and a five foot cast net. but I need to get a three foot cast net to teach my small grandchildren.
I hope to be doing more of this this coming year.
1/27/16
REALITY GOES TO THE HEART
Wearing a label,
Is part of the fable,
For the darkened heart,
That is playing a part.
The Scripture tells us not to put our approval on anyone quickly, especially leaders. This is true for spiritual and political leaders.
1 Timothy 5:22
22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
THE BEST IS A POSTPONEMENT
The best we can get with a GOOD President is a postponement of the inevitable failure of humans and their systems. The Scripture tells us what is coming and it ain't whirled peas (so to speak), but it will be the most sophisticated world system in history, dedicated to resist and reject God, through a one world government, a one world economy and a one world religion. Even America has been introduced to a Bible hating despot, who has demonstrated how the office can serve a personal agenda rather than protect and punish.
EASILY SWAYED
I am amazed how easily conservative people in America are swayed to empower a man who has endorsed Liberalism and boldly contradicts Biblical principles in His words and action.
Trump could end up as a great President, but God has used donkeys before (as with Balaam, in Numbers 22). However Trump and Obama are like brothers from another mother. They both say one thing and do another and neither one sees himself as answerable to anyone, including God.
I agree with some things Trump says, but I don't trust him any further than I can throw his plane. I also have problems with things Trump says.
If your hope is in a man or woman, ir in a party or a system, YOU ARE HOPELESS. We need and want good leadership, but it is only a bandaid at a Muslim decapitation.
Trust and turn to Jesus, surrender to and follow Jesus. Our world is irretrievably lost, but Jesus rescues the perishing.
AMERICA"S SCHOOLS HAVE SUCCEEDED
As the modern schooling system has followed Liberalism's change agent, humanistic agenda, our youth are less academically equipped and more anti-American and anti-Christian. So yes, John Dewey's plan has succeeded.
Wearing a label,
Is part of the fable,
For the darkened heart,
That is playing a part.
The Scripture tells us not to put our approval on anyone quickly, especially leaders. This is true for spiritual and political leaders.
1 Timothy 5:22
22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
THE BEST IS A POSTPONEMENT
The best we can get with a GOOD President is a postponement of the inevitable failure of humans and their systems. The Scripture tells us what is coming and it ain't whirled peas (so to speak), but it will be the most sophisticated world system in history, dedicated to resist and reject God, through a one world government, a one world economy and a one world religion. Even America has been introduced to a Bible hating despot, who has demonstrated how the office can serve a personal agenda rather than protect and punish.
EASILY SWAYED
I am amazed how easily conservative people in America are swayed to empower a man who has endorsed Liberalism and boldly contradicts Biblical principles in His words and action.
Trump could end up as a great President, but God has used donkeys before (as with Balaam, in Numbers 22). However Trump and Obama are like brothers from another mother. They both say one thing and do another and neither one sees himself as answerable to anyone, including God.
I agree with some things Trump says, but I don't trust him any further than I can throw his plane. I also have problems with things Trump says.
If your hope is in a man or woman, ir in a party or a system, YOU ARE HOPELESS. We need and want good leadership, but it is only a bandaid at a Muslim decapitation.
Trust and turn to Jesus, surrender to and follow Jesus. Our world is irretrievably lost, but Jesus rescues the perishing.
AMERICA"S SCHOOLS HAVE SUCCEEDED
As the modern schooling system has followed Liberalism's change agent, humanistic agenda, our youth are less academically equipped and more anti-American and anti-Christian. So yes, John Dewey's plan has succeeded.
1/26/16 FALSE NARRATIVE
FALSE NARRATIVE
I had not thought about this information from Church history for a long time. I use to refer to this information, in order to point out that Christian values sometimes prohibit our involvement with society, and it is sometimes misunderstood by society.
For the record, early Christians were thought to be...
1. Anti-social. Christians did not participate in, or attend certain public events because the public behavior was offensive to Christian values, such as sports, because the athletes either wore no clothes or were immodestly attired.
2. Atheistic. Christians did not participate in various public service positions, such as government jobs and medicine, because it required sacrifices to be made to false gods.
3. Homosexual. Christian love for fellow believers was misinterpreted and framed in strctly carnal terms.
4. Unpatriotic. Christians did not acknowledge Caesar or the State as God, and they did not give allegiance to human powers.
5. Cannibalistic. Christians had secret meetings where it was reported that they ate the body and drank the blood of other people.
I know this seems absurd, but it is true. Today we are revisiting those days. I should say, the Christians who choose to live according to the word of God are being falsely accused of such absurdities. Those who are true Christ followers will not be a part of certain social activities because participating requires denial of Christian truth or values. Also, because society is so thoroughly anti-Christian that it falsely judges Christian beliefs and behavior. To be squeezed into the fashion of the Christless society is called, "worldliness."
It is better to be falsely accused by the world than to be conformed to the world.
Matthew 5:11-16
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
I had not thought about this information from Church history for a long time. I use to refer to this information, in order to point out that Christian values sometimes prohibit our involvement with society, and it is sometimes misunderstood by society.
For the record, early Christians were thought to be...
1. Anti-social. Christians did not participate in, or attend certain public events because the public behavior was offensive to Christian values, such as sports, because the athletes either wore no clothes or were immodestly attired.
2. Atheistic. Christians did not participate in various public service positions, such as government jobs and medicine, because it required sacrifices to be made to false gods.
3. Homosexual. Christian love for fellow believers was misinterpreted and framed in strctly carnal terms.
4. Unpatriotic. Christians did not acknowledge Caesar or the State as God, and they did not give allegiance to human powers.
5. Cannibalistic. Christians had secret meetings where it was reported that they ate the body and drank the blood of other people.
I know this seems absurd, but it is true. Today we are revisiting those days. I should say, the Christians who choose to live according to the word of God are being falsely accused of such absurdities. Those who are true Christ followers will not be a part of certain social activities because participating requires denial of Christian truth or values. Also, because society is so thoroughly anti-Christian that it falsely judges Christian beliefs and behavior. To be squeezed into the fashion of the Christless society is called, "worldliness."
It is better to be falsely accused by the world than to be conformed to the world.
Matthew 5:11-16
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
1/26/16 FLEE FROM IDOLATRY
FLEE FROM IDOLATRY
Whatever you want, more than you want God, is an idol.
Whether it is
a political leader,
a porn queen,
a religious leader,
a ball team,
a loved one,
financial success,
academic excellence,
social justice,
gender equality,
anything or anyone,
it is idolatry.
The fact is, when we seek anything more than we seek God or we serve anything more than serve God, or we love anything more than we love God, then we are robbing God of His rightful honor and glory.
Idols are gods of our own making. Eventually the submission we give to those false gods holds us captive. God will set you free from your captivity, but you must first SEE that you have an idol, then you must FLEE from it. The problem is that people love their idols.
1 Corinthians 10:12-1
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Whatever you want, more than you want God, is an idol.
Whether it is
a political leader,
a porn queen,
a religious leader,
a ball team,
a loved one,
financial success,
academic excellence,
social justice,
gender equality,
anything or anyone,
it is idolatry.
The fact is, when we seek anything more than we seek God or we serve anything more than serve God, or we love anything more than we love God, then we are robbing God of His rightful honor and glory.
Idols are gods of our own making. Eventually the submission we give to those false gods holds us captive. God will set you free from your captivity, but you must first SEE that you have an idol, then you must FLEE from it. The problem is that people love their idols.
1 Corinthians 10:12-1
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
1/25/16 OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES
When our 3 year old granddaughter heard that Martha and i were going out of town for a few days, she mistakenly thought we were not coming back home. After service on Sunday i could see that she and her 5 year old sister were pensive and bothered. After we were on the highway, and she was eating her lunch, she paused and asked her mom, since i was gone, who was going to preach now.
Yes, we were moved that she did not want us to be separated, but the really outstanding thing is that she realizes the place and great importance of the preacher being gone.
Our services are held in my living room, so most folks, with whom i talk, don't even think it is really church. Services are a little long, so we let the really young ones wander to and from the play room. But it is not unusual for even the youngest ones to sit quietly, listening to the message, and even participating in song and dialogue with me during the preaching.
The previous week we had so much sickness in the congregation that I cancelled services. These two little girls had their own service, with the 3 year old, "preaching." Yes, this is cute, but it is much more than cute. She, along with the other children in our church, appreciate the preacher, the services, the message and the Living God.
We would all be better off if we were as concerned with the possibility of losing the pastor.
Lord Jesus, help me to minister in such a way that the sheep, as well as the lambs, are concerned about, "Who will preach."
Another one of our grandchildren was also concerned that we might not come back from our little get away.
How sad that most folks take family, church, Christ for granted.
How sad that most people love this world and the things in this world more than they love God and His word.
How sad that most parents will put everything else ahead of God, family, church.
But when it is time to face your final moments, it is too late to wish you had put first things first. Give your children Christ, the Holy Bible, church and a Christian family at all cost.
Choose you this day whom you will serve.
When our 3 year old granddaughter heard that Martha and i were going out of town for a few days, she mistakenly thought we were not coming back home. After service on Sunday i could see that she and her 5 year old sister were pensive and bothered. After we were on the highway, and she was eating her lunch, she paused and asked her mom, since i was gone, who was going to preach now.
Yes, we were moved that she did not want us to be separated, but the really outstanding thing is that she realizes the place and great importance of the preacher being gone.
Our services are held in my living room, so most folks, with whom i talk, don't even think it is really church. Services are a little long, so we let the really young ones wander to and from the play room. But it is not unusual for even the youngest ones to sit quietly, listening to the message, and even participating in song and dialogue with me during the preaching.
The previous week we had so much sickness in the congregation that I cancelled services. These two little girls had their own service, with the 3 year old, "preaching." Yes, this is cute, but it is much more than cute. She, along with the other children in our church, appreciate the preacher, the services, the message and the Living God.
We would all be better off if we were as concerned with the possibility of losing the pastor.
Lord Jesus, help me to minister in such a way that the sheep, as well as the lambs, are concerned about, "Who will preach."
Another one of our grandchildren was also concerned that we might not come back from our little get away.
How sad that most folks take family, church, Christ for granted.
How sad that most people love this world and the things in this world more than they love God and His word.
How sad that most parents will put everything else ahead of God, family, church.
But when it is time to face your final moments, it is too late to wish you had put first things first. Give your children Christ, the Holy Bible, church and a Christian family at all cost.
Choose you this day whom you will serve.
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