"Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made men upright; but they have sought out many inventions."
As opposed to trusting in God, we His creation have discredited His ability to provide our lives with fulfillment, joy, peace, righteousness, true happiness, and satisfaction.
Instead, we seek out inventions that masquerade as self-fulfillment options other than that which has the sole capability of fulfilled purpose in a man's life.
That is the definition of original sin:
Seeking self-accomplishment in one's own life of that which can only be accomplished by that one's creator.
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."
God create us to be just like Him. He succeeded. But man did not trust Him, and heeded lies, departing from truth.
"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."
So the great impostor Satan used the serpent to draw mankind from being in the image of God to being just like a god.
The amazing part is that He can make us upright again.
Jesus came into this world through the miracle of the virgin birth. Then he turned the established religious thought on its head by demanding the perfection of God the Father from all men in His first sermon to the general public. He proceeded to perform physical miracles which restored physical bodies, making them whole; but the miracles were not only confined to bodily repair. Jesus restored hearing and sight, healed infirmities, made the sick well, raised the dead to life, and cast out demon spirits.
Then the Holy Spirit through Paul's letter to the Roman church told us that the natural things are a shadow of the spiritual. Jesus restores physically to give people hope that they may be restored spiritually.
Restored to what?
The image of God.
This is not pride. This is the purpose of our existence, and the glory of the cross. The Bloody, Gory, Wonderful Cross. Our return to the image of our Father is fulfilled by the cross. Our death is necessary. Christ has fulfilled our death.
Yet we pursue inventions. We know of the cross, but we allow the flesh to pursue its own happiness at the expense of the Spirit's influence in our lives. And we think if we satisfy the flesh, even in a small way, it will open those we pursue in the Gospel to Christ.
How foolish we are.
We invent ways to bring people to Christ, and neglect prayer, fasting, even our own salvation, and justify our selves in our sin and call it grace, or the triumph over legalism.
Our definition of legalism too often crosses the line into those actions that are definitive of the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, which makes us free from the law of sin and death. Simply put, we call following the law of the Holy Spirit legalistic and oppressive.
Oppressive to the flesh, absolutely. So kill it. Crucify it. Nail it to the cross.
So we did that yesterday. Do it everyday, and don't lose hold on your steadfastness in the faith. It is that serious.
Sean is right. Pray without ceasing is a command. Why can't we question our Salvation? Why can't we examine ourselves? We ought to do so before taking communion lest we be found guilty of the body and blood. It can only produce holiness in the life of a true Christian. If you're not real for Christ, then at least you'll be honest with yourself. You'll still be going to hell because you love darkness rather than light, because your deeds are evil, and the light will make them manifest. Are you willing to expose to God that which he already knows? Examine yourself. Repent, turn from wickedness, and be found in Him.
You are a Christian who struggles in some area. Me too. Why aren't we fasting and praying that we find deliverence in Christ? Because it would be legalistic? We are fools to think that!
Know we not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
We are so concerned with looking "holier than thou" that we neglect holiness. But the Word commands us to Be Holy, again as God is Holy. So the Word commands us to be in His image.
He stooped to our level, so that He could raise us up to His.
So Why do I walk the way that I Do?
Wretched Man that I am!!! WHO SHALL DELIVER ME???
I thank God. I am delivered through Jesus Christ my Lord. He will show me how to walk after the Spirit, by whom the flesh is put to death, and having walked after and followed Him, I am no longer under death by servitude to sin, but alive through SERVITUDE to Christ.
We live to serve HIM.
But there's this "area" (see "sin issue") in my life that I just can't get over... Fast, watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation... there remaineth no more excuse for sin.
I know the arguments of those wary of this line of thought: don't get too lost in this ideal. Don't get too hopeful that Christ will accomplish a miracle in your life, or that CHRIST WILL ACTUALLY BE FOUND OF THOSE THAT SEEK HIM WITH THE WHOLE HEART.
I believe.
"But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days."
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
He's the....
Word of Life
shed abroad in our hearts by his
Marvellous Light.
We first thought it would destory us because we were
Part of the Night,
facing an end to existence; but that was
Only a Lie,
satan making us to shy to be
Removed from our Plight
by the
Payment of Christ
who paid our
Debt when He Died.
He did it in Spite
of the sin in our souls, but we
Fight against Pardon
in fear of losing control. So we
Dodge the Truth
as we're hitting the throttle,
Unaware that we're Headed
straight to the bottom of
Hell,
(where satan is waiting for us to share in his payment).
The Darkness Surrounds Us
And Seems to Become Us,
and all of the sudden death
Starts working among Us.
But
He Who Paid our Debt
is a
Soldier Indeed.
He's the greatest Warrior
of all eternity.
He Conquered Darkess
with light,
Pierced the Darkness
of night,
Speaks the Word
and now we're exposed to His
Marvellous Light.
Now the Sword of the Spirit,
it bears down from on high;
And We're Shook,
realizing He's greater than deceit in our minds.
Now It Hit's and
divides us from the
Clever Beguiling of the
devil who's lied.
No, he's never been right.
The Destruction that we
thought we'd receive is
Really our payment;
Jesus has the Receipt, it's
in his bank account statement.
It's that Treasure laid up
for the righteous who trust
That the gold that He's got
won't rust or corrupt.
Because He purchased Us
we are eternally free;
We're looking around for our chains
but can't find them;
We're Free!
Slaves to Jesus
and yet we're His friends.
We're not just forgiven,
we have the power to stand.
Stand against the devil and his
evil A #1 fan.
That would be the Flesh
that we're wrapped in
Which starts to wonder,
"What happened?"
(Old man stuck in the
mind frame that
Sin is like crack), and
just won't let it go.
It tries to drag down our souls,
but we're saved and we know
The old man's gotta go.
So we open the Book
to find a
Love Note
written by the
Son of God who died to
save our souls.
But it's alright because,
although He died,
He's alive! Yes, He's seated
at the right hand of
God Most High. He
sends His Spirit to guide
So the flesh has to die
as we take hold of this life.
Though we were crucified
we now live
Unto him. How did that
happen again?
When we saw the Truth
and began believing in Him.
So if we rep like we're
believing in Him,
We need to step like we're
believing in Him;
Not like the rest of the world
that's not believing in Him.
If believing in Him
won't cause our
Evil to mend,
then we have yet to crucify our
Agreement with Sin.
Drop to your knees and repent;
Then stand up and be sent,
to show the way to be saved
To all those you call friends.
It is your heart that He'll mend.
We can begin again.
A fresh start, forgiven,
When we're adopted by Him.
I know that this verse might be long and seem
grievous,
but the Word's been my passion since my errors
egregious
were cleansed in the blood flow of the One who
redeemed us,
seized us,
released us
from misdeeds
of unjust
disobedience.
He sees us
as He is - Just.
He freed us
to speak thus
- His freedom,
and teach us
to leave lust
and reap the
Salvation
of Jesus
shed abroad in our hearts by his
Marvellous Light.
We first thought it would destory us because we were
Part of the Night,
facing an end to existence; but that was
Only a Lie,
satan making us to shy to be
Removed from our Plight
by the
Payment of Christ
who paid our
Debt when He Died.
He did it in Spite
of the sin in our souls, but we
Fight against Pardon
in fear of losing control. So we
Dodge the Truth
as we're hitting the throttle,
Unaware that we're Headed
straight to the bottom of
Hell,
(where satan is waiting for us to share in his payment).
The Darkness Surrounds Us
And Seems to Become Us,
and all of the sudden death
Starts working among Us.
But
He Who Paid our Debt
is a
Soldier Indeed.
He's the greatest Warrior
of all eternity.
He Conquered Darkess
with light,
Pierced the Darkness
of night,
Speaks the Word
and now we're exposed to His
Marvellous Light.
Now the Sword of the Spirit,
it bears down from on high;
And We're Shook,
realizing He's greater than deceit in our minds.
Now It Hit's and
divides us from the
Clever Beguiling of the
devil who's lied.
No, he's never been right.
The Destruction that we
thought we'd receive is
Really our payment;
Jesus has the Receipt, it's
in his bank account statement.
It's that Treasure laid up
for the righteous who trust
That the gold that He's got
won't rust or corrupt.
Because He purchased Us
we are eternally free;
We're looking around for our chains
but can't find them;
We're Free!
Slaves to Jesus
and yet we're His friends.
We're not just forgiven,
we have the power to stand.
Stand against the devil and his
evil A #1 fan.
That would be the Flesh
that we're wrapped in
Which starts to wonder,
"What happened?"
(Old man stuck in the
mind frame that
Sin is like crack), and
just won't let it go.
It tries to drag down our souls,
but we're saved and we know
The old man's gotta go.
So we open the Book
to find a
Love Note
written by the
Son of God who died to
save our souls.
But it's alright because,
although He died,
He's alive! Yes, He's seated
at the right hand of
God Most High. He
sends His Spirit to guide
So the flesh has to die
as we take hold of this life.
Though we were crucified
we now live
Unto him. How did that
happen again?
When we saw the Truth
and began believing in Him.
So if we rep like we're
believing in Him,
We need to step like we're
believing in Him;
Not like the rest of the world
that's not believing in Him.
If believing in Him
won't cause our
Evil to mend,
then we have yet to crucify our
Agreement with Sin.
Drop to your knees and repent;
Then stand up and be sent,
to show the way to be saved
To all those you call friends.
It is your heart that He'll mend.
We can begin again.
A fresh start, forgiven,
When we're adopted by Him.
I know that this verse might be long and seem
grievous,
but the Word's been my passion since my errors
egregious
were cleansed in the blood flow of the One who
redeemed us,
seized us,
released us
from misdeeds
of unjust
disobedience.
He sees us
as He is - Just.
He freed us
to speak thus
- His freedom,
and teach us
to leave lust
and reap the
Salvation
of Jesus
Monday, August 25, 2008
And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortest me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Word Faith? I'd rather hear a faithful Word
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
>Why are we so suprized?<
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
>Would we rather the glory of men? or of God? and what of riches, wealth, prosperity?<
>I only prosper if my soul prospers.<
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
>Why are we so suprized?<
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
>Would we rather the glory of men? or of God? and what of riches, wealth, prosperity?<
>I only prosper if my soul prospers.<
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Merciful, Merciful Savior
I wonder about the mercy of the Lord, and about those who wonder about the mercy of the Lord. Especially when I disregard its price, as do my fellow wonderers.
I don't refer to the wondering of those who are amazed at God's mercy and wonder how he could have saved them when they were so wretched, yet now thank Him that they are no longer wretched. It was, is, will be God's mercy that gives them any claim to holiness (without which no man shall see the Lord).
This wondering, my wondering, is not based upon an awe inspired understanding of what God has done and my capacity to walk in His accomplishments for my life, at least so thoroughly as it ought to be. For I certainly thank Him for all that He has delivered me from. But now I find sin that ought not to be in the life of a man who says he loves the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. The sins of the mind and of the flesh are suprisingly easy for a "solid" Christian to slip into, quietly. It is only God's mercy that we would feel conviction. When we do not, we are in grave danger of being bastard children, with no Father, outside of His favor and His kingdom, destined for destruction.
My wondering is all to often based on a question: when will it be too late to access His mercy? How long will He wait? How long will He be mocked?
But Joshua, you're saved.
Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.
In-deed.
In-action.
The word indeed means "truly."
Jesus' favorite word to use when emphasizing the truth in the Gospels is the word verily.
Indeed shows the truth of the statement by its action, by what it does. The truth inherent in the claim is verifiable according to how it is acted out, observable not only in the Spirit but in this present world and in our present bodies to which we are confined.
So what about those of us who claim freedom, but are not free indeed.
You can't be saved by your works. Freedom (salvation) comes first, then works (Ephesians 2).
But if your works aren't lining up, examine yourself.
Question your Salvation.
Don't question God's ability, question your choice.
The predestination of God is divided into two categories: those who love Him and for that purpose serve Him, and those who don't love Him, but serve his ultimate purpose anyway, because He is God. He is glorified regardless. But was that your intent? I mean your true intent (not your excuse to make yourself feel justified).
We choose. He does.
He gives every one of us the option of stepping into the predestination of the redeemed, or remaining in the predestination of the damned.
Every day we have left in this world is a day where God sets before us the blessing and the curse. Choose ye this day who you will serve. If God, He will eternally bless you. If not, He will eternally punish you.
The punishment of all sin has been paid on the cross by the shed blood of Christ. This is the gift we must accept.
If we say we follow God and commit sin, then aren't we saying that the Holy Spirit has led us to sin? That is not possible. No flesh will glory in his presence, yet the flesh is that which works sin in these mortal bodies. This flesh is enmity (bitter hatred) against the Holy Spirit.
Can we serve that which bitterly HATES the Holy Spirit and still be "saved"?
That would make a mockery of the Almighty God.
Now we know that God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man sows (does), that shall he reap (receive the wage of his work). The wages of sin (any and all) is death.
God is not the minister of sin.
Therefore purge out that known sin from your mortal bodies that ye may be presented blameless at the Lord's coming.
If you're not sure, make sure. Resist unto blood if necessary striving against sin. Be blameless, unrebukeable, unreproveable, perfect in the sight of God and man, for His glory.
Lord work the same in me, and purge me in what ever way necessary to make me just like You.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give dilligence to make your calling and election sure:
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
I don't refer to the wondering of those who are amazed at God's mercy and wonder how he could have saved them when they were so wretched, yet now thank Him that they are no longer wretched. It was, is, will be God's mercy that gives them any claim to holiness (without which no man shall see the Lord).
This wondering, my wondering, is not based upon an awe inspired understanding of what God has done and my capacity to walk in His accomplishments for my life, at least so thoroughly as it ought to be. For I certainly thank Him for all that He has delivered me from. But now I find sin that ought not to be in the life of a man who says he loves the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. The sins of the mind and of the flesh are suprisingly easy for a "solid" Christian to slip into, quietly. It is only God's mercy that we would feel conviction. When we do not, we are in grave danger of being bastard children, with no Father, outside of His favor and His kingdom, destined for destruction.
My wondering is all to often based on a question: when will it be too late to access His mercy? How long will He wait? How long will He be mocked?
But Joshua, you're saved.
Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.
In-deed.
In-action.
The word indeed means "truly."
Jesus' favorite word to use when emphasizing the truth in the Gospels is the word verily.
Indeed shows the truth of the statement by its action, by what it does. The truth inherent in the claim is verifiable according to how it is acted out, observable not only in the Spirit but in this present world and in our present bodies to which we are confined.
So what about those of us who claim freedom, but are not free indeed.
You can't be saved by your works. Freedom (salvation) comes first, then works (Ephesians 2).
But if your works aren't lining up, examine yourself.
Question your Salvation.
Don't question God's ability, question your choice.
The predestination of God is divided into two categories: those who love Him and for that purpose serve Him, and those who don't love Him, but serve his ultimate purpose anyway, because He is God. He is glorified regardless. But was that your intent? I mean your true intent (not your excuse to make yourself feel justified).
We choose. He does.
He gives every one of us the option of stepping into the predestination of the redeemed, or remaining in the predestination of the damned.
Every day we have left in this world is a day where God sets before us the blessing and the curse. Choose ye this day who you will serve. If God, He will eternally bless you. If not, He will eternally punish you.
The punishment of all sin has been paid on the cross by the shed blood of Christ. This is the gift we must accept.
If we say we follow God and commit sin, then aren't we saying that the Holy Spirit has led us to sin? That is not possible. No flesh will glory in his presence, yet the flesh is that which works sin in these mortal bodies. This flesh is enmity (bitter hatred) against the Holy Spirit.
Can we serve that which bitterly HATES the Holy Spirit and still be "saved"?
That would make a mockery of the Almighty God.
Now we know that God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man sows (does), that shall he reap (receive the wage of his work). The wages of sin (any and all) is death.
God is not the minister of sin.
Therefore purge out that known sin from your mortal bodies that ye may be presented blameless at the Lord's coming.
If you're not sure, make sure. Resist unto blood if necessary striving against sin. Be blameless, unrebukeable, unreproveable, perfect in the sight of God and man, for His glory.
Lord work the same in me, and purge me in what ever way necessary to make me just like You.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give dilligence to make your calling and election sure:
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
HE
"Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness."
"And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. I will also save you from all your uncleannesses"
"I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned"
I love how the Holy Spirit makes following God in any and every way a completely unreasonable requirement to the flesh.
I who am not worthy of redemption, am nevertheless redeemed from sin by the hand of the Lord, who saves all those that put their trust in Him. And so I trust.
David is asking God for something he knows he will receive, and has received, and is receiving. He delights in the law of the Lord, but asks for more with expectancy, understanding that we who believe and act on account of our belief are cleansed thereby ("Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you"; and again, "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.")
And now ought to be the age in which the promise of the Word of God written in the hearts of believers is fulfilled. And so Satan attempts to seduce us to excuse the sin we harbour and accuse those who preach against it of being Pharisaical, religious, legalistic, unreasonable, and hypocritical.
Grace into lasciviousness. Grace abundant by sin.
Not in my Bible.
Grace uproots lasciviousness. The true Grace of God gives sin no leg upon which to stand. Grace exposes who we are as sons and daughters of Adam that we might loathe ourselves though we be perfect and upright, and repent in dust and ashes.
Our righteousness is as filthy rags. Christ's righteousness is the glory of God revealed to men, the power of God to redeem those condemned in the flesh.
What then? Ought we to glorify our liberty in the flesh when we have through the Cross acknowledged its ultimate end? If then we glory in the flesh, we glory in that which condemns us, and therefore we glory in our own demise.
We ought to die daily, and exhort one another in the joy of the Lord to the same end of our greatest enemy. For certainly when the people of God went out to fight, they sent the praisers out before the men of war, and God gave them the victory.
Get out your swords, and let the High Praises of God proceed from your mouth as you go into battle with yourself. God will then precede your warfare, as through the Spirit ye do mortify (make dead, kill) the deeds of the flesh.
"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God."
"And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. I will also save you from all your uncleannesses"
"I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned"
I love how the Holy Spirit makes following God in any and every way a completely unreasonable requirement to the flesh.
I who am not worthy of redemption, am nevertheless redeemed from sin by the hand of the Lord, who saves all those that put their trust in Him. And so I trust.
David is asking God for something he knows he will receive, and has received, and is receiving. He delights in the law of the Lord, but asks for more with expectancy, understanding that we who believe and act on account of our belief are cleansed thereby ("Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you"; and again, "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.")
And now ought to be the age in which the promise of the Word of God written in the hearts of believers is fulfilled. And so Satan attempts to seduce us to excuse the sin we harbour and accuse those who preach against it of being Pharisaical, religious, legalistic, unreasonable, and hypocritical.
Grace into lasciviousness. Grace abundant by sin.
Not in my Bible.
Grace uproots lasciviousness. The true Grace of God gives sin no leg upon which to stand. Grace exposes who we are as sons and daughters of Adam that we might loathe ourselves though we be perfect and upright, and repent in dust and ashes.
Our righteousness is as filthy rags. Christ's righteousness is the glory of God revealed to men, the power of God to redeem those condemned in the flesh.
What then? Ought we to glorify our liberty in the flesh when we have through the Cross acknowledged its ultimate end? If then we glory in the flesh, we glory in that which condemns us, and therefore we glory in our own demise.
We ought to die daily, and exhort one another in the joy of the Lord to the same end of our greatest enemy. For certainly when the people of God went out to fight, they sent the praisers out before the men of war, and God gave them the victory.
Get out your swords, and let the High Praises of God proceed from your mouth as you go into battle with yourself. God will then precede your warfare, as through the Spirit ye do mortify (make dead, kill) the deeds of the flesh.
"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God."
Sunday, March 23, 2008
"Jesus Only" is False Doctrine
Here's a great link from my bro explaining the heresy of "Oneness" Theology that is plaguing the church, especially the Pentecostal church.
There's one very strong argument that I must add in favor of the doctrine of the Trinity.
I haven't noticed this in any other debate between Trinitarians and the "Jesus only" group, so I figured I'd add this to further the truth.
In John 8:17, Jesus says, "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true."
His reference is concerning the execution of accused murderers in Numbers 35:30: "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die."
Three verses prior in John 8, we read that Jesus is dealing with the validity of His own word. "Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go."
So then Jesus acknowledges that He is bearing witness of himself. He is one witness to the truth of His doctrine. And in verse 14 He affirms that His record is true.
Now the question must be put forth, how is Christ's record valid according to the law, when it is only he who testifies of it? His doctrine can only be taken as true if another testifies of the same things.
Jesus then justifies his record according to the law in order to establish his own validity by lawful precedent: "And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me." and he continues after establishing the truth of the testimony of two men, "I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me."
Oneness theology removes the validity of Christ's Word during his earthly ministry.
The law of testimony in Numbers 35 is grounded in the personhood of the witnesses, as shown by the text. Therefore the separate persons of the Father and the Son are the only means of justifying the words of the Son.
Jesus was not only referring to the testimonial law, but also to the actual testimony of the Father during His earthly ministry: "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."
At the birth of Christ's earthly ministry the Father testified of the Son:
"And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matt. 3:17)
"And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11)
Again, the Father testified of the Son at the mount of transfiguration, with the command to hear him:
"While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." (Matt 17:5)
"And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him." (Mark 9:7)
"The best way to spot a fake, is to get to know the real thing" - Joe Pratt
There's one very strong argument that I must add in favor of the doctrine of the Trinity.
I haven't noticed this in any other debate between Trinitarians and the "Jesus only" group, so I figured I'd add this to further the truth.
In John 8:17, Jesus says, "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true."
His reference is concerning the execution of accused murderers in Numbers 35:30: "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die."
Three verses prior in John 8, we read that Jesus is dealing with the validity of His own word. "Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go."
So then Jesus acknowledges that He is bearing witness of himself. He is one witness to the truth of His doctrine. And in verse 14 He affirms that His record is true.
Now the question must be put forth, how is Christ's record valid according to the law, when it is only he who testifies of it? His doctrine can only be taken as true if another testifies of the same things.
Jesus then justifies his record according to the law in order to establish his own validity by lawful precedent: "And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me." and he continues after establishing the truth of the testimony of two men, "I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me."
Oneness theology removes the validity of Christ's Word during his earthly ministry.
The law of testimony in Numbers 35 is grounded in the personhood of the witnesses, as shown by the text. Therefore the separate persons of the Father and the Son are the only means of justifying the words of the Son.
Jesus was not only referring to the testimonial law, but also to the actual testimony of the Father during His earthly ministry: "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."
At the birth of Christ's earthly ministry the Father testified of the Son:
"And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matt. 3:17)
"And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11)
Again, the Father testified of the Son at the mount of transfiguration, with the command to hear him:
"While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." (Matt 17:5)
"And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him." (Mark 9:7)
"The best way to spot a fake, is to get to know the real thing" - Joe Pratt
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
What ever happened to God's opinion about how church should be run? Ah, He never took a colligiate course in marketing, so we must know better.
Get 'em in the door and get 'em saved, but don't tell 'em what those old fashioned Christians are doing, because you don't want to push them away. If they knew what Jesus was really like, they would never reject the Gospel! Thus concludes the New part of the church building strategy.
The Ancient part builds validity with anyone concerned about traditional churchiness, all-important to establishing a valid denomination which out of feigned piety rejects denominationalism. The problem is, the old tooth pulling system has a monopoly on historical and theological validity. So how then does one trying to build a house on the sand make its foundation seem like that of the rock-founded teeth pullers? Get ahold of some of that old. Find certain rituals in the Bible, reinterpret them to be relevant to today's spiritualist, and do that in church! The best way to go about finding tradition which might give a place of truth seeking some Ancientness, is to borrow some from the catholics. When it comes to tradition, that's something they're good at. Catholic tradition, coffee, and pew-couches.
This concludes the New but Ancient portion of the encyclopedic entry on the Seeker Friendly Emergent Postmodern Church
p.s. (although the emergents don't like the seeker-friendlies, the most famous seeker church has now employed the emergents to give them an extreme makeover church edition, which means that many seekers will be emerging in the near future)
So here's the plan - I know some buhddists and some Hindus and some Rasta's. Sure, they're all Anglo European white people, but they're genuine seekers, and there's alot of truth in what they say. I mean, Who said the Bible has a monopoly on the truth? Come on people, if God wanted us to only find truth in the Bible, why would He have allowed all the other books in the world to exist? So let's find the Biblical truth through the words of their prophets. Food for thought. Here, play Frisbee across the church pew-couches while I not preach.
You know, instead of reading a sermon. What ever this is I do every Sunday when I get up in and talk to the meeting of seekers (congregation, for the old-fashionedist) in the pew-couches.... see how this New but Ancient thing works out?
I know, sarcastic... I'll tone it down a little later... but hopefully my point has been made.
The Ancient part builds validity with anyone concerned about traditional churchiness, all-important to establishing a valid denomination which out of feigned piety rejects denominationalism. The problem is, the old tooth pulling system has a monopoly on historical and theological validity. So how then does one trying to build a house on the sand make its foundation seem like that of the rock-founded teeth pullers? Get ahold of some of that old. Find certain rituals in the Bible, reinterpret them to be relevant to today's spiritualist, and do that in church! The best way to go about finding tradition which might give a place of truth seeking some Ancientness, is to borrow some from the catholics. When it comes to tradition, that's something they're good at. Catholic tradition, coffee, and pew-couches.
This concludes the New but Ancient portion of the encyclopedic entry on the Seeker Friendly Emergent Postmodern Church
p.s. (although the emergents don't like the seeker-friendlies, the most famous seeker church has now employed the emergents to give them an extreme makeover church edition, which means that many seekers will be emerging in the near future)
So here's the plan - I know some buhddists and some Hindus and some Rasta's. Sure, they're all Anglo European white people, but they're genuine seekers, and there's alot of truth in what they say. I mean, Who said the Bible has a monopoly on the truth? Come on people, if God wanted us to only find truth in the Bible, why would He have allowed all the other books in the world to exist? So let's find the Biblical truth through the words of their prophets. Food for thought. Here, play Frisbee across the church pew-couches while I not preach.
You know, instead of reading a sermon. What ever this is I do every Sunday when I get up in and talk to the meeting of seekers (congregation, for the old-fashionedist) in the pew-couches.... see how this New but Ancient thing works out?
I know, sarcastic... I'll tone it down a little later... but hopefully my point has been made.
Motivation
Here's to my buddy sean for good reason to write some truth... maybe someone will listen...
hilarious Youtube Video about the emergent/postmodern/megachurch prosperity preachers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb9DF16Fx8k
Sad, but true.
If "Seeker friendly" were in an encyclopedia, its definition ought to read as follows:
Grounded in the concept of the "Once Saved Always Saved" doctrine, the Seeker Friendly church offers a new perspective on Christianity: Church should be fun!
From this statement one might observe that those in the church who developed this method of spreading the good news felt that going to church was more like pulling teeth.
So the great salesmen behind this truth-diluting, i mean disseminating, system, had to find a way to pitch and hook Christians and Non-Christians alike. The plan: Christianity, New but Ancient.
Stay tuned, more to come
hilarious Youtube Video about the emergent/postmodern/megachurch prosperity preachers:
http://www.youtube.com/wat
Sad, but true.
If "Seeker friendly" were in an encyclopedia, its definition ought to read as follows:
Grounded in the concept of the "Once Saved Always Saved" doctrine, the Seeker Friendly church offers a new perspective on Christianity: Church should be fun!
From this statement one might observe that those in the church who developed this method of spreading the good news felt that going to church was more like pulling teeth.
So the great salesmen behind this truth-diluting, i mean disseminating, system, had to find a way to pitch and hook Christians and Non-Christians alike. The plan: Christianity, New but Ancient.
Stay tuned, more to come
Monday, March 3, 2008
My existence, with an Explanation of a Title
Having recently read several encouraging blog posts from family and friends; and having also witnessed the waxing foolishness of those who have access to such posting and youtube video making technology; and the waning of my own tolerance for such posts without the answer, or better yet existence, of a blog which at the least will undermine certain said foolishness and such like (which perhaps has not been addressed by other faithful and holy bloggers who are easily as capable and qualified, if not more so); as I should not aspire to answer a fool according to his folly, and nonetheless will find the occasion where such a rebuttal will be evidently necessary; I have determined to begin an undertaking concerning which I will make no promises of continuing and/or timely posts.
I will try to keep it brief. To the point.
Yet I do get carried away on any whim to which an internal verbosity might acquiesce to the extent of an outward expression in the form of the aforementioned blog
Enough foolishness, and now to said point.
My existence is held in Christ Jesus my Saviour. That I am redeemed is the purposed title of this blog. Let me not hide who I am that I might fool someone into agreeing with me to the "saving" of his soul. The Gospel of Christ is to confront and deal with sin, to the saving of the soul.
"But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."
It is this verse which the living God used to bring me back to his side, after I had left Him and blamed Him for my own departure.
Replacement theologists would call the promise of God to His people in this verse a lie and yet the truth, only applicable to themselves. Yet they consider not that a God of such faithfulness to one people would logically show the same faithfulness to another; in this case, lack of faithfulness. And why do replacement theologists want the blessings, but never the judgment for sin? "Food for thought" as it were.... but back to the point.
I thought I had gone far enough away from God that He would not forgive me, that He would not love me or save me from the wretched state of sin in which I had found myself. ("Found myself" is perhaps not the proper way of describing a situation I knowingly chose to walk into, but moving on). I was thinking about the false doctrine of divorce and remarriage one night while yet in sin, but knowing the truth; believing in salvation of others from sin, just not for me; knowing the truth, but in bondage to a lie, when God used this very scripture (though I didn't know the reference until later) to redeem me.
See, I didn't know the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I didn't give His blood the credit it is due. I thought Jesus couldn't save me, though He had, and would, and yet allowed me to walk away from sight. I was blind, and had forgotten that I had been purged from my old sins.
Then I in my sinful state went and talked to a pastor who had been preaching the doctrine that men ought to continue in sin that grace may abound, and in fact pursue more sin than before, to the same extent. This is the doctrine that remarriage preaches.
If you didn't know, the Bible says that divorce is something God hates, and remarriage to someone who is not the covenant spouse while that true spouse is alive is called adultery (Malachi 2, Luke 16:8 for reference).
A true marriage is one to a person who has no other true living spouse. Marriage is till death, and nothing less, thank God for His grace and mercy and faithfulness.
In speaking to this pastor, I found myself at a loss for words. He was determined that having a singles group for divorcees to find and marry other divorcees was a good idea, and he spoke every scripture in his false doctrine's defense that I already knew he would use, and would take out of true Biblical context. For example, he brought up the point that Christ "makes all things new," even marriages, he said. Of course that statement is predicated upon the truth that old things are passed away, namely sins. Now if the first marriage is to be considered an old thing, then it is considered a sin. Yet God says what therefore He has put together, let not man put asunder (Mark 10). Did God therefore join together a man and woman into sinful covenant? God forbid. All of these scripture references by the grace of God had abandoned me during my debate with this pastor, yet for the will of God in my life.
I walked back to my apartment, which was 2 to 3 miles down the road, having been theologically taken to the woodshed, and if that wasn't bad enough, I knew that the arguments he spoke were wrong, yet had no articulation against them. And as I walked, I began to pray.
For the first time in a long time I began to pray knowing that God was listening to me. I asked him first if I was wrong, yet knew I was right. I knew I was right because of the true instruction I had received in the Word from my father; so I then asked God if my father was wrong, yet knew he was right. I knew he was right because of the true instruction he had received in the Word from God himself concerning the issue. So I asked God, "Were You wrong?"
And then something marvelous happened. He explained himself. Not that I deserved an explanation, but does not the Word say "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)?
God reasoned with me, and said that if He honors the covenant that a man makes with a woman that is not his true wife, then He must honor the covenant that I made with sin after I had known Him. He said He would not honor that covenant, that "thou art mine."
See, that which is decreed by God in the natural is a reflection of those things which are spiritual. The Man and Wife are an ensample of Christ and the Church.
What God has joined together, let not man put asunder. If God honors the adulterous covenant, then he honors the adultery of his people who have sinned after they have been espoused to him.
"And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand"(Isaiah 28:18a).
His mercy holds us to our heavenly contract (those of us who have put our faith in Christ).
"They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 3:1)
Those who might read this may not even be married yet. So let us settle this now. We will be faithful to our vows to God when we enter into Holy Matrimony with our wives or husbands, as man and wife. We must dust off this Book, and read the Words of it, and weep that we have not kept this Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus in this country, and we must raise again the standards of holy living that the recent generations have torn down.
We cannot blame our parents. We must believe that God can deliver and keep us from sin. I know it's true. If it's not, then He's not worth serving.
My friends, He is so worth serving.
God help me to be faithful to Him as He has been to me. (I Press).
More to come, if the Lord wills.
Love and peace in Christ Jesus my Lord (a wonderful Saviour is He)
I will try to keep it brief. To the point.
Yet I do get carried away on any whim to which an internal verbosity might acquiesce to the extent of an outward expression in the form of the aforementioned blog
Enough foolishness, and now to said point.
My existence is held in Christ Jesus my Saviour. That I am redeemed is the purposed title of this blog. Let me not hide who I am that I might fool someone into agreeing with me to the "saving" of his soul. The Gospel of Christ is to confront and deal with sin, to the saving of the soul.
"But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."
It is this verse which the living God used to bring me back to his side, after I had left Him and blamed Him for my own departure.
Replacement theologists would call the promise of God to His people in this verse a lie and yet the truth, only applicable to themselves. Yet they consider not that a God of such faithfulness to one people would logically show the same faithfulness to another; in this case, lack of faithfulness. And why do replacement theologists want the blessings, but never the judgment for sin? "Food for thought" as it were.... but back to the point.
I thought I had gone far enough away from God that He would not forgive me, that He would not love me or save me from the wretched state of sin in which I had found myself. ("Found myself" is perhaps not the proper way of describing a situation I knowingly chose to walk into, but moving on). I was thinking about the false doctrine of divorce and remarriage one night while yet in sin, but knowing the truth; believing in salvation of others from sin, just not for me; knowing the truth, but in bondage to a lie, when God used this very scripture (though I didn't know the reference until later) to redeem me.
See, I didn't know the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I didn't give His blood the credit it is due. I thought Jesus couldn't save me, though He had, and would, and yet allowed me to walk away from sight. I was blind, and had forgotten that I had been purged from my old sins.
Then I in my sinful state went and talked to a pastor who had been preaching the doctrine that men ought to continue in sin that grace may abound, and in fact pursue more sin than before, to the same extent. This is the doctrine that remarriage preaches.
If you didn't know, the Bible says that divorce is something God hates, and remarriage to someone who is not the covenant spouse while that true spouse is alive is called adultery (Malachi 2, Luke 16:8 for reference).
A true marriage is one to a person who has no other true living spouse. Marriage is till death, and nothing less, thank God for His grace and mercy and faithfulness.
In speaking to this pastor, I found myself at a loss for words. He was determined that having a singles group for divorcees to find and marry other divorcees was a good idea, and he spoke every scripture in his false doctrine's defense that I already knew he would use, and would take out of true Biblical context. For example, he brought up the point that Christ "makes all things new," even marriages, he said. Of course that statement is predicated upon the truth that old things are passed away, namely sins. Now if the first marriage is to be considered an old thing, then it is considered a sin. Yet God says what therefore He has put together, let not man put asunder (Mark 10). Did God therefore join together a man and woman into sinful covenant? God forbid. All of these scripture references by the grace of God had abandoned me during my debate with this pastor, yet for the will of God in my life.
I walked back to my apartment, which was 2 to 3 miles down the road, having been theologically taken to the woodshed, and if that wasn't bad enough, I knew that the arguments he spoke were wrong, yet had no articulation against them. And as I walked, I began to pray.
For the first time in a long time I began to pray knowing that God was listening to me. I asked him first if I was wrong, yet knew I was right. I knew I was right because of the true instruction I had received in the Word from my father; so I then asked God if my father was wrong, yet knew he was right. I knew he was right because of the true instruction he had received in the Word from God himself concerning the issue. So I asked God, "Were You wrong?"
And then something marvelous happened. He explained himself. Not that I deserved an explanation, but does not the Word say "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)?
God reasoned with me, and said that if He honors the covenant that a man makes with a woman that is not his true wife, then He must honor the covenant that I made with sin after I had known Him. He said He would not honor that covenant, that "thou art mine."
See, that which is decreed by God in the natural is a reflection of those things which are spiritual. The Man and Wife are an ensample of Christ and the Church.
What God has joined together, let not man put asunder. If God honors the adulterous covenant, then he honors the adultery of his people who have sinned after they have been espoused to him.
"And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand"(Isaiah 28:18a).
His mercy holds us to our heavenly contract (those of us who have put our faith in Christ).
"They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 3:1)
Those who might read this may not even be married yet. So let us settle this now. We will be faithful to our vows to God when we enter into Holy Matrimony with our wives or husbands, as man and wife. We must dust off this Book, and read the Words of it, and weep that we have not kept this Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus in this country, and we must raise again the standards of holy living that the recent generations have torn down.
We cannot blame our parents. We must believe that God can deliver and keep us from sin. I know it's true. If it's not, then He's not worth serving.
My friends, He is so worth serving.
God help me to be faithful to Him as He has been to me. (I Press).
More to come, if the Lord wills.
Love and peace in Christ Jesus my Lord (a wonderful Saviour is He)
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