In the book of Genesis at the creation of man an example of free will is seen in light of Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve were created in the image of God with a free will. They were free to choose right from wrong concerning the Divine Law of a Creator. Unfortunately they chose wrong and violated Divine Law. By choosing wrong (violating Divine Law) the original sin was committed. Through that offense humanity would no longer be in perfect harmony with God. As a result of the Original Sin... God cursed the serpent, the earth, the man, and the woman. Humanity was now subjected to sins natural dominion. The affects from the curse of the fall formed a divide between the spiritual and natural man and his eternal life or eternal death. Adam’s disobedience affected the natural and eternal make-up of man which thus changed mans future relationship with God. Only a Saviour could restore humanity with what Adam lost.
• Rom 5:19…For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
The moral make-up of all humanity was changed after Adams divine nature from creation was lost. After the fall, a natural man was no longer born with free will like Adam had at creation. Why? Darkness crept into the soul of man as a consequence from the Original sins' broken communion with the Creator. Eternal life like Adam had when he was created ceased within humanity. Death and separation from God for humanity began at that point of time and thus passed into human conception. As communion ceased like Adam and Eve shared with God in the Garden of Eden a natural born child was thus separated from a God given Eternal life from birth. Unlike Adam and Eve who were divinely created beings in perfect holiness, the natural born child in a fallen state of being is born under the self-centered dominion of sin. For this reason the sinful nature within every child conceived was a direct product of the Original Sin. Darkness from Adams sin passed into the make-up of every child born throughout the history of mankind and thus produced spiritual death and a natural separation from God.
• Ps 51:5…Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
• Ps 58:3…The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
Although not guilty (until the age of accountability) a child’s fallen state of being is unholy and morally polluted. A propensity of sin through human nature has sway within every child’s action, every child's intellect, and every child's mental process. The mind and will of man is controlled by a carnal faculty within the human being itself. The natural inclination of man outside the Spirit of God is ruled by self sufficiency and opposition to the Law of God. There is by no means any indication of free will here. This negative inclination proves what a natural man is without Christ. It also indicates how a natural man will choose and decide according to the Divine Law of God.
• Eph 2:3…whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath
• 1 Cor 2:14…But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them
With the exception of Adam and Eve before the fall the doctrine of free will is not recorded or taught anywhere else in the Bible. The Bible doesn’t teach the will of man is free to do right. Only the opposite is true. The subject of mans will being free is based only on opinion and tradition…not the language of the Bible. Contrary to the free will doctrine the Bible does teach the will of man is enslaved to indwelling sin.
• Rom 7:18-20…For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
The first Biblical account of inherited depravity was seen in Cain who murdered his brother Abel. Murder had never been witnessed in humanity nor did it come through example. It was birthed in the heart of Cain.
• Gen 4:9-10…And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground
David in the Psalms confirms that a child in the womb of its mother is conceived in sin.
• Ps 51:5…Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
• Ps 58:3…The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
David emphasizes the fact that the inclination of a child to lie isn’t imparted through association from the paren or sinful man...but comes through conception itself.
Isaiah the prophet taught that the mind and ways of man were contrary to the mind and ways of God.
• Isa 55:8-9…For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Jesus knew the condition of mans heart was to love darkness and hate light.
• John 3:19-20…men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Outside of creation the doctrine of free will is not recorded or taught anywhere in the Bible. The Bible doesn’t teach the will of man is free to do right. Only the opposite is taught. The subject of mans will being free is only human opinion or religious tradition. Contrary to such teaching the Bible does teach the will of man is enslaved to indwelling sin.
• Rom 7:18-20…For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Granted, Adam was created by God with a free will. Adam and Eve did have the ability to choose right from wrong but the carnal nature didn’t exist then. The propensity of sin comes through the seed of a natural man and is birthed into humanity since the fall of Adam and Gods curse upon humanity. Its ripple affect throughout the covers of the Bible was indwelling sin which thus affects human choice and reasoning to do right in the eyes of God. Man is no longer free to do right but under the control of sin.
• Rom 3:9-10…for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
• Rom 7:14…but I am carnal, sold under sin.
So the question arises, “How does man whose will is controlled by sin reunite to a right standing with God?” The only bridge between the frailty of man and the power of God is for a penitent sinner to believe from the heart...the death of Christ for personal forgiveness of sins. Gods Grace and the Holy Spirits presence through hearing the Word of God affects the human will enough to help man to change his mind to repentance. Godly sorrow which comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit works repentance in the soul of sinful man. Believing and trusting the person of Christ opens the heart and frees the conscience of sinful man from the guilt of sin. Justification, God's declaration of man's pardon from sin (when he believes in Christ), grants the penitent a right standing in the presence of God.
The affects of Gods Grace touch the human will when sinful men hear the word of God through preaching. The power of Christ affects the human will enough to lead men to repentance. In repentance the Holy Spirit's witness gives man a new desire to recognize Christ and quit doing wrong. This convicting work of the Holy Spirit helps carnal men to change their minds and trust Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins. Regeneration of the soul in the new birth takes place when man changes his mind and believes the person of Christ from the penitent heart.
Showing posts with label Belief. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Belief. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Belief and faith defined
- Believing in vain
- Belief or unbelief (Are you minding the Spirit?) Pt.1
- Belief or unbelief (Are you minding the Spirit?) Pt.2
- Behind every sin is rejection of Christ
- Why some people reject the Truth
- They became unaware
- No process in becoming a child of God
- What is faith? What is belief? Pt.1
- What is faith? What is belief? Pt.2
- What is faith? What is belief? Pt.3
- What is faith? What is belief? Conclusion
- The person of Christ - now
- Can a man lose and regain faith?
- Faith
- Doubt vs. faith
- What about those who lose faith
- Example of a believer in Christ
- Obedience a result of belief
- Christian's can always obey God
- Holy Spirit's presence in the life of the believer
- Awake to righteousness
- Enlightenment to the Gospel
- Divine Revelation - Pt.1
- Divine Revelation - Pt.2
- Enlightenment and Divine Revelation
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
What is the difference between "godly sorrow" and "worldly sorrow?"
God doesn't save a man because man's sorry for his wrongdoing. God saves men because they trust in the work of Christ "alone" for the forgiveness of sins. The sorrow of a natural man's heart worketh death. The sorrow in a man's heart that's prompted by the Spirit of God will lead man to Salvation. What does death mean? Death is separation from God. Death is separation from God's power to change the moral makeup of man. A natural man repeats the same act of sin over and over and over again. Why? He's controlled by a sinful nature. Each time the natural man says he's sorry...he's not truly sorry from the heart because it's not prompted by God because of Christ?
Man's fallen nature proves that man is a rebel against God. His will is controlled by the sinful nature. In relation to Godly sorrow...Godly sorrow is the work of the Spirit of God that sways the will of man. Godly sorrow leads man to Salvation of the human soul. Why? It's the work of God that "breaks" the will of a natural man and shows this individual what he really is. The Spirit of God "convicts" the conscience of a natural man. The Spirit of God "breaks" the will of a fallen man. How? The Holy Spirit shows man what he really is in light of a Savior on the Cross...in light of a resurrected Christ...in light of the holiness and purity of the God of our Salvation.
When man is truly and godly sorrowful for the acts of sin he committed against God...he will turn to Christ and never go back. Why? His mind is changed! He realizes his helplessness. He realizes his hopelessness. He realizes he has no strength without Christ...and by the way...the Grace of God also delivers the penitent from "the guilt of sin". Only the Grace of God can remove guilt from the human conscience.
Worldly sorrow does not break the will of man...Godly sorrow does! Godly sorrow is the affect of the power of the Holy Spirit that "sways" the will of a rebel against God...just enough...to cause this person to believe! Godly sorrow causes rebels to turn away from sin and turn to Christ! Godly sorrow leads men to repentance! Godly sorrow is the affect of the work of God upon the human soul...worldly sorrow that bringeth forth death is a vicious cycle that repeats the same sinful action over, over, and over again.
2 Cor 7:9-11... Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Notice the attitude of the penitent ( a man of Godly sorrow) in the following part of the verse...
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, (this man cared about his actions) yea, what clearing of yourselves (this man cleared himself from sinful conduct), yea, what indignation (this man hated the old life), yea, what fear (this man had great reverence toward God), yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge (this man had revenge against the old life of sin)! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
The work of the Holy Spirit can never be limited. The work of the Holy Spirit reproves the world of sin. The work of the Holy Spirit leads men to repentance and godly sorrow. The work of the Holy Spirit gives the believer in Christ...a desire to "stop" practicing sin.
Grieve not the Holy Spirit!
Quench not the Holy Spirit!
God put this on my heart last night at a Bible study at the Upper Room! I went to bed thinking about it! I woke this morning thinking about it! Thought I'd share it on the Blog.
I like what Paul says in the Corinthian letter about Christ...1 Cor 15:1-4...Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Note how he says..."Keep Christ in memory ". Why? When Christ is kept in memory...you will never grieve or quench the Spirit! Lose memory of Christ and the world will consume you!
Special thanks to Mike and Chuck who prompted this study...and most of all special thanks to Christ who compels this writer to publish this Blog while keeping the legacy of Brother Hubert Lindsey alive... in 2009! I'll close with the following Bible verse...
1 Cor 6:20...For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Man's fallen nature proves that man is a rebel against God. His will is controlled by the sinful nature. In relation to Godly sorrow...Godly sorrow is the work of the Spirit of God that sways the will of man. Godly sorrow leads man to Salvation of the human soul. Why? It's the work of God that "breaks" the will of a natural man and shows this individual what he really is. The Spirit of God "convicts" the conscience of a natural man. The Spirit of God "breaks" the will of a fallen man. How? The Holy Spirit shows man what he really is in light of a Savior on the Cross...in light of a resurrected Christ...in light of the holiness and purity of the God of our Salvation.
When man is truly and godly sorrowful for the acts of sin he committed against God...he will turn to Christ and never go back. Why? His mind is changed! He realizes his helplessness. He realizes his hopelessness. He realizes he has no strength without Christ...and by the way...the Grace of God also delivers the penitent from "the guilt of sin". Only the Grace of God can remove guilt from the human conscience.
Worldly sorrow does not break the will of man...Godly sorrow does! Godly sorrow is the affect of the power of the Holy Spirit that "sways" the will of a rebel against God...just enough...to cause this person to believe! Godly sorrow causes rebels to turn away from sin and turn to Christ! Godly sorrow leads men to repentance! Godly sorrow is the affect of the work of God upon the human soul...worldly sorrow that bringeth forth death is a vicious cycle that repeats the same sinful action over, over, and over again.
2 Cor 7:9-11... Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Notice the attitude of the penitent ( a man of Godly sorrow) in the following part of the verse...
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, (this man cared about his actions) yea, what clearing of yourselves (this man cleared himself from sinful conduct), yea, what indignation (this man hated the old life), yea, what fear (this man had great reverence toward God), yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge (this man had revenge against the old life of sin)! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
The work of the Holy Spirit can never be limited. The work of the Holy Spirit reproves the world of sin. The work of the Holy Spirit leads men to repentance and godly sorrow. The work of the Holy Spirit gives the believer in Christ...a desire to "stop" practicing sin.
Grieve not the Holy Spirit!
Quench not the Holy Spirit!
God put this on my heart last night at a Bible study at the Upper Room! I went to bed thinking about it! I woke this morning thinking about it! Thought I'd share it on the Blog.
I like what Paul says in the Corinthian letter about Christ...1 Cor 15:1-4...Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Note how he says..."Keep Christ in memory ". Why? When Christ is kept in memory...you will never grieve or quench the Spirit! Lose memory of Christ and the world will consume you!
Special thanks to Mike and Chuck who prompted this study...and most of all special thanks to Christ who compels this writer to publish this Blog while keeping the legacy of Brother Hubert Lindsey alive... in 2009! I'll close with the following Bible verse...
1 Cor 6:20...For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Friday, November 1, 2013
God answers prayer
Someone believed and trusted that God is God.
What seems impossible to man can be made possible by God.
The power of impossible is not based on the prayer of a person. The power of impossible comes from the one in whom, the person prayed to. Subjection to God Almighty. Subject to the authority of Christ. God recognizes the belief and trust in your heart. Your trust, your belief, and your subjection...brings answered prayer from God Almighty.
Remember the faith of Elijah - prayer for rain
Remember the prayer of faith - that heals the sick
Remember - The prayer of a righteous man avails much because man trusts Christ
Faith in Christ brings answers to prayer. Reason?
God promised healing in the suffering of Christ
God said he would.
God is God.
It is written...in the Holy Scriptures
Let your requests be made known to God
God answers prayer. Someone believed. Someone trusted. Someone is subject to Christ. Jesus is the name above all names.
Faith in Christ brings answers to your prayers. Answered prayer has substance in your life. God is concerned about you, your well being, and your witness to the lost. God answers prayer out of a - Father's love for His children.
God listens. God knows your heart. God understands your belief in Christ. The prayer of the righteous (God's children) availeth much. His eyes are on you. He watches over you and knows your need. He supplies because you believe and trust. You're in Christ. Your requests are not to big or to small...for God Almighty.
God answers prayer.
What seems impossible to man can be made possible by God.
The power of impossible is not based on the prayer of a person. The power of impossible comes from the one in whom, the person prayed to. Subjection to God Almighty. Subject to the authority of Christ. God recognizes the belief and trust in your heart. Your trust, your belief, and your subjection...brings answered prayer from God Almighty.
Remember the faith of Elijah - prayer for rain
Remember the prayer of faith - that heals the sick
Remember - The prayer of a righteous man avails much because man trusts Christ
Faith in Christ brings answers to prayer. Reason?
God promised healing in the suffering of Christ
God said he would.
God is God.
It is written...in the Holy Scriptures
Let your requests be made known to God
God answers prayer. Someone believed. Someone trusted. Someone is subject to Christ. Jesus is the name above all names.
Faith in Christ brings answers to your prayers. Answered prayer has substance in your life. God is concerned about you, your well being, and your witness to the lost. God answers prayer out of a - Father's love for His children.
God listens. God knows your heart. God understands your belief in Christ. The prayer of the righteous (God's children) availeth much. His eyes are on you. He watches over you and knows your need. He supplies because you believe and trust. You're in Christ. Your requests are not to big or to small...for God Almighty.
God answers prayer.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Christians, hold fast to your profession of faith
Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith…without wavering…Hebrews 10:23
Sealed with the Spirit
Witness in the heart
Confession with the mouth
Profession in the life
Represent Christ with a clean heart and a holy example. Don’t waver.
Be thou an example of believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity…1 Timothy 4:13
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ…2 Corinthians 5:20
You’re an ambassador for Christ in a world of ungodliness an unholy living. Represent Him with honor in truth. Never dishonor Him. The Spirit of Truth is your guidance and integrity. Your heart is clean. Your tongue is clean. Your lifestyle is clean because Christ made you that way. You’re in Him and represent His moral character in a present evil world. Represent Christ with Grace and never disgrace His Holy name. You’re a professional Christian so don’t waver in your faith and trust Him to be fully equipped as a representative at all times. Your profession as a Christian will give account to God at all times.
Hold fast to your faith in Christ without wavering, be blessed, and bless others. You have everything needed to do such work and ministry. You have the blessing of the Spirit, His witness within, the confession in your mouth, and the profession in your life. Use it for the glory of Christ. Be a professional Christian…according to God’s Standard. Don’t waver!
Sealed with the Spirit
Witness in the heart
Confession with the mouth
Profession in the life
Represent Christ with a clean heart and a holy example. Don’t waver.
Be thou an example of believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity…1 Timothy 4:13
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ…2 Corinthians 5:20
You’re an ambassador for Christ in a world of ungodliness an unholy living. Represent Him with honor in truth. Never dishonor Him. The Spirit of Truth is your guidance and integrity. Your heart is clean. Your tongue is clean. Your lifestyle is clean because Christ made you that way. You’re in Him and represent His moral character in a present evil world. Represent Christ with Grace and never disgrace His Holy name. You’re a professional Christian so don’t waver in your faith and trust Him to be fully equipped as a representative at all times. Your profession as a Christian will give account to God at all times.
Hold fast to your faith in Christ without wavering, be blessed, and bless others. You have everything needed to do such work and ministry. You have the blessing of the Spirit, His witness within, the confession in your mouth, and the profession in your life. Use it for the glory of Christ. Be a professional Christian…according to God’s Standard. Don’t waver!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Faith
What is faith? Where does faith come from? Why doesn't everyone have faith?
Faith is a part of man that is used to focus in on God our Savior. When man is enlightened to the things of God faith can be utilized. Faith is exercised when the power of God's Word "stirs" the human soul to turn to our Savior for personal Salvation. Faith allows man to be touched by the forgiveness of sins that comes from Christ. Man is convicted when realization of Christ shows the hidden darkness of unbelief and rejection within. Man is "prodded" by God to dig deep and give up the concealed darkness of rejection of a Savior's love for fallen man. Faith comes to man by hearing. Faith gives consent to God through acceptance of the truth behind God's Word. Realization and understanding of the power of Christ (heard in the message) gives man something to put his faith into. Faith in Christ gives man something hold on to. Christ gives man something to never let go of. Faith works out "after" God works in. The outward work of man's faith in Christ is termed as "faithfulness". The eyes of faith see Christ as Savior and Redeemer. Christ's person, Christ's power, and Christ's presence is understood by faith and not by sight. Faith is the practice of a child of God. You become faithful when the reality of Christ takes you over. Salvation comes in when you trust Christ. Faith trusts Christ's redemption for holiness in this life and Heaven beyond the grave. Faith allows man to get away from self. Faith allows man to do the will of God. The attitude of faith is renunciation of sin. Faith is produced in confirmation of the truth about Christ. Faith pays attention to the things of God. Faith makes men "whole". A faithful man is a persuaded man, a confident man, and a man given to Christ. Resisting the Devil is a part of faith. Faith reaches out and touches God's Grace so much that it allows the sinner to become a new creature in Christ. A man of faith "realizes" that God's Grace found in Christ is the most important thing in life. Faith is placed in the will of God. Faith is built on the Promises of God. The hearing of faith "increases" man's knowledge about Christ. The Bible is man's Word of Faith. Learning the Bible "adds to" our faith in Christ. Christians "continue" in the faith as they desire to learn, hear, and be taught in God's Word. Romans 3:24-25 tells us the heart of a faithful man is "Justified freely by the power of God's Grace"...
Romans 10:14-17...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? 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! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Faith is a part of man that is used to focus in on God our Savior. When man is enlightened to the things of God faith can be utilized. Faith is exercised when the power of God's Word "stirs" the human soul to turn to our Savior for personal Salvation. Faith allows man to be touched by the forgiveness of sins that comes from Christ. Man is convicted when realization of Christ shows the hidden darkness of unbelief and rejection within. Man is "prodded" by God to dig deep and give up the concealed darkness of rejection of a Savior's love for fallen man. Faith comes to man by hearing. Faith gives consent to God through acceptance of the truth behind God's Word. Realization and understanding of the power of Christ (heard in the message) gives man something to put his faith into. Faith in Christ gives man something hold on to. Christ gives man something to never let go of. Faith works out "after" God works in. The outward work of man's faith in Christ is termed as "faithfulness". The eyes of faith see Christ as Savior and Redeemer. Christ's person, Christ's power, and Christ's presence is understood by faith and not by sight. Faith is the practice of a child of God. You become faithful when the reality of Christ takes you over. Salvation comes in when you trust Christ. Faith trusts Christ's redemption for holiness in this life and Heaven beyond the grave. Faith allows man to get away from self. Faith allows man to do the will of God. The attitude of faith is renunciation of sin. Faith is produced in confirmation of the truth about Christ. Faith pays attention to the things of God. Faith makes men "whole". A faithful man is a persuaded man, a confident man, and a man given to Christ. Resisting the Devil is a part of faith. Faith reaches out and touches God's Grace so much that it allows the sinner to become a new creature in Christ. A man of faith "realizes" that God's Grace found in Christ is the most important thing in life. Faith is placed in the will of God. Faith is built on the Promises of God. The hearing of faith "increases" man's knowledge about Christ. The Bible is man's Word of Faith. Learning the Bible "adds to" our faith in Christ. Christians "continue" in the faith as they desire to learn, hear, and be taught in God's Word. Romans 3:24-25 tells us the heart of a faithful man is "Justified freely by the power of God's Grace"...
Romans 10:14-17...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? 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! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Forsaking sin, the attitude of a believer
Christ commanded His disciples to go into "all" the world and preach the Gospel because He knew the power and the effect the Gospel message would have on the unbelieving world. Saint Luke stated the words of Christ in the 24th chapter that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name. Both repentance and remission of sins are received in the heart of man through the effect of the truth of the Gospel message upon the unregenerate heart. What does the Gospel message have to do with the unregenerate man forsaking sin? How does the Gospel message effect the unbelieving world? These questions arise.
As the Gospel message is ministered to the hearts of men the Holy Spirit has an effect on the unbeliever that "sways" mans thinking and attitude. The unbeliever sees himself in light of the Spiritual presence of the person of Christ. Sin is revealed as the goodness of God "leads" an unregenerate man to repentance or change of mind. This leading, this spiritual effect, and this power that flows from the truth of the Gospel message "stirs" the conscience of the unregenerate soul. It stirs him enough to give him the attitude to "turn away from sin". It stirs him enough to give him the attitude to quit sinning. It sways him enough to give him the attitude to "forsake sin and dirty living". This is the work of the Holy Spirit that breaks the will of fallen man and turns him away from the desire to live unholy in the eyes of God. Forsaking sin is the attitude of an unregenerate man in repentance. Forsaking sin is a natural desire of an unregenerate man who weighs out the things he did in the past...and puts them in light of the truth about Christ that comes from the hearing the Gospel message. Yes my brothers and sisters forsaking sin is the attitude of the unbelieving soul, even before God's Grace comes in to remit and forgive man from all past sins.
Forsaking sin comes from the act of repentance. Forsaking sin is a desire to quit wrongdoing because of enlightenment that Christ places upon the unbelieving soul. The attitude of forsaking sin is the right attitude to receive the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation. The power of the Gospel, the power of God's Grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit that flows from Calvary is the power that breaks, sways, and changes the unbelieving heart...to a place of repentance. When the power of Calvary is "trusted" completely by a man that repents and forsakes sin... a miracle takes place. The miracle is the remission of sins that man receives "when" he personally trusts Christs redemptive work on the cross at Calvary. Through this man (Christ) is preached the forgiveness of sins. Reconciliation is made for the lost soul in Heaven. God speaks pardon to man who repented with the desire to forsake sin. This man can believe and trust Christ because the eyes of his understanding have been enlightened. Christ is revealed and accepted. Sin has been forsaken. The attitude of forsaking sin took place before the new birth in repentance. Now the repentant heart can accept and trust Christ for personal forgiveness. All sins are remitted. A power from above has showed the man who forsook sin a new life and a new walk. Grace brings a new experience of righteousness and right living. Not weaving in and out of wrongful living. Even before the saving Grace came in mans attitude was to forsake sin. After Grace came in the regenerated man had power to live holy and to do right. He not only forsakes sin in repentance but has a God given desire to live holy and right in the eyes of God.
Don't let man deceive you God's Grace is enough to live holy. Repentance and godly sorrow is enough to usher in the power that a believer needs to be the person they ought to be. Isn't that beautiful? Don't be confused sin is forsaken in repentance. Holiness of heart is found in Salvation. Glory! Believing in and trusting in Christ for personal forgiveness is also a renunciation of sin. Why? Belief allows the Holy Spirit to give you a desire to quit sin. When the Holy Spirit takes you over you will quit your meanness completely. Your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. You are delivered from sin and washed in the Blood. You don't have to forsake sin anymore. You did that when you repented. Now by the Grace of God, you just cease from sinful living. You become "proof" our Savior lives. He's alive in you! Glory! You're saved! Your heart is clean! No more dirty living!
Luke 24:44-47...And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations,
As the Gospel message is ministered to the hearts of men the Holy Spirit has an effect on the unbeliever that "sways" mans thinking and attitude. The unbeliever sees himself in light of the Spiritual presence of the person of Christ. Sin is revealed as the goodness of God "leads" an unregenerate man to repentance or change of mind. This leading, this spiritual effect, and this power that flows from the truth of the Gospel message "stirs" the conscience of the unregenerate soul. It stirs him enough to give him the attitude to "turn away from sin". It stirs him enough to give him the attitude to quit sinning. It sways him enough to give him the attitude to "forsake sin and dirty living". This is the work of the Holy Spirit that breaks the will of fallen man and turns him away from the desire to live unholy in the eyes of God. Forsaking sin is the attitude of an unregenerate man in repentance. Forsaking sin is a natural desire of an unregenerate man who weighs out the things he did in the past...and puts them in light of the truth about Christ that comes from the hearing the Gospel message. Yes my brothers and sisters forsaking sin is the attitude of the unbelieving soul, even before God's Grace comes in to remit and forgive man from all past sins.
Forsaking sin comes from the act of repentance. Forsaking sin is a desire to quit wrongdoing because of enlightenment that Christ places upon the unbelieving soul. The attitude of forsaking sin is the right attitude to receive the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation. The power of the Gospel, the power of God's Grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit that flows from Calvary is the power that breaks, sways, and changes the unbelieving heart...to a place of repentance. When the power of Calvary is "trusted" completely by a man that repents and forsakes sin... a miracle takes place. The miracle is the remission of sins that man receives "when" he personally trusts Christs redemptive work on the cross at Calvary. Through this man (Christ) is preached the forgiveness of sins. Reconciliation is made for the lost soul in Heaven. God speaks pardon to man who repented with the desire to forsake sin. This man can believe and trust Christ because the eyes of his understanding have been enlightened. Christ is revealed and accepted. Sin has been forsaken. The attitude of forsaking sin took place before the new birth in repentance. Now the repentant heart can accept and trust Christ for personal forgiveness. All sins are remitted. A power from above has showed the man who forsook sin a new life and a new walk. Grace brings a new experience of righteousness and right living. Not weaving in and out of wrongful living. Even before the saving Grace came in mans attitude was to forsake sin. After Grace came in the regenerated man had power to live holy and to do right. He not only forsakes sin in repentance but has a God given desire to live holy and right in the eyes of God.
Don't let man deceive you God's Grace is enough to live holy. Repentance and godly sorrow is enough to usher in the power that a believer needs to be the person they ought to be. Isn't that beautiful? Don't be confused sin is forsaken in repentance. Holiness of heart is found in Salvation. Glory! Believing in and trusting in Christ for personal forgiveness is also a renunciation of sin. Why? Belief allows the Holy Spirit to give you a desire to quit sin. When the Holy Spirit takes you over you will quit your meanness completely. Your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. You are delivered from sin and washed in the Blood. You don't have to forsake sin anymore. You did that when you repented. Now by the Grace of God, you just cease from sinful living. You become "proof" our Savior lives. He's alive in you! Glory! You're saved! Your heart is clean! No more dirty living!
Luke 24:44-47...And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations,
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Eternal Security (a rebuttal by a former Calvinist)...Hubert T. Lindsey
Here are (3) Hubert Lindsey YouTube segments on the subject of Eternal Security. These teachings are precious by showing that faith in Christ can be lost and regained.
Below is a link to part 2 on the subject on Eternal Security if you care to further your studies.
Eternal Security 11 (3 parts)
Below is a link to part 2 on the subject on Eternal Security if you care to further your studies.
Eternal Security 11 (3 parts)
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Examine yourselves
2 Corinthians 13:5…Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves,
Knowing where you stand with Christ is a minute by minute obligation to a Savior that bled and died for your personal forgiveness found in Salvation of the human soul. Examination is a check and balance system for all believers to “know” where they stand at every point in their life on this side of Heaven.
The Bible teaches that some have erred or departed from their faith in Christ. Erring or departure is caused from unfaithfulness and disobedience caused from sin. If faith was an eternal blessing given from God, men would not have to examinine themselves to keep their faithfulness and obedience to Christ. The so-called blessing of faith (given from God) would automatically keep man true without need of examination.
Self examination allows the believer in Christ to “prove” his faithfulness to God and to “know” his right-standing with a Savior on a consciousness and obedience basis. To be conscious and aware to the presence of Christ in your life… belief and obedience to Christ is required. Examination allows the believer in Christ to keep himself in a constant state of the clean heart and holy lifestyle in the eyes of God.
What’s wrong with contentment and constant right-standing from faithfulness to Christ? Knowing where one stands in moral righteousness because God made you that way! Is this not a better life! A blessed new life with a clean heart! Freed from the guilt of sin! Ashamed of the old life. Obedient to God with no desire to go back! Staying on the path by the power of God. Keeping constant belief in Christ requires personal examination from time to time! Examination allows one to see what’s needed to stay true in the personal walk with Jesus. A child of God must live, act, and behave like a child of God. Must keep faith in the person of Christ, in the power of Christ, and in the presence of the Christ who is Savior and Redeemer!
Examine yourselves from time to time… to see whether you be in the faith. Keep yourselves right with God. Be blessed!
Knowing where you stand with Christ is a minute by minute obligation to a Savior that bled and died for your personal forgiveness found in Salvation of the human soul. Examination is a check and balance system for all believers to “know” where they stand at every point in their life on this side of Heaven.
The Bible teaches that some have erred or departed from their faith in Christ. Erring or departure is caused from unfaithfulness and disobedience caused from sin. If faith was an eternal blessing given from God, men would not have to examinine themselves to keep their faithfulness and obedience to Christ. The so-called blessing of faith (given from God) would automatically keep man true without need of examination.
Self examination allows the believer in Christ to “prove” his faithfulness to God and to “know” his right-standing with a Savior on a consciousness and obedience basis. To be conscious and aware to the presence of Christ in your life… belief and obedience to Christ is required. Examination allows the believer in Christ to keep himself in a constant state of the clean heart and holy lifestyle in the eyes of God.
What’s wrong with contentment and constant right-standing from faithfulness to Christ? Knowing where one stands in moral righteousness because God made you that way! Is this not a better life! A blessed new life with a clean heart! Freed from the guilt of sin! Ashamed of the old life. Obedient to God with no desire to go back! Staying on the path by the power of God. Keeping constant belief in Christ requires personal examination from time to time! Examination allows one to see what’s needed to stay true in the personal walk with Jesus. A child of God must live, act, and behave like a child of God. Must keep faith in the person of Christ, in the power of Christ, and in the presence of the Christ who is Savior and Redeemer!
Examine yourselves from time to time… to see whether you be in the faith. Keep yourselves right with God. Be blessed!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
What is the example of a believer in Christ?
1 Timothy 4:12…but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
The example of the words of a believer (how a believer talks) are not corrupt communication, profanity, or cursing. Sweet water and bitter water don’t flow from the same fountain. Even Jesus said out of abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A clean heart brings forth clean words and a clean tongue.
The example of the conversation of a believer is “the manner of life” or “lifestyle” of those who accept Christ as personal Lord and Saviour. Lifestyle can also pertain to sonship, parenthood, domestic life, social life, business life, religious life, etc. Believer’s in Christ live right in the eyes of God because the believing heart is made clean and holy by the Grace of God. Therefore, the manner of of living regardless of human status is made clean and holy.
Charity is the spiritual inclination of the believing heart. Charity is the love manifested when a believer in Christ gives from the heart. The example of charity is recognized in the eyes of God and is a witness for Christ to the unbelieving world.
The example of the spirit of the believing heart is an example of one who pays full attention to Christ and things that pertain to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The natural man doesn’ t know the things of the Spirit of God or Christ because they are foolishness to him. The Spirit man doesn’t do the things that he did in the old life before Christ. A spirit man “quits” his meanness. This example of the believer ”proves” what is acceptable to God.
The example of faith is the believers faithful life to Christ. Faithfulness to Christ proves rightstanding with God and the clean heart. Faithfulness to Christ allows God’s Spirit to work within the believing heart. God’s witnesses are faithful and true and eligible to testisfy and preach. This kind of example in the eyes of God also makes a statement to the unbelieving world, “The action of a child of God speaks louder than words”. That’s why the clean and holy heart (a gift from God) are so important.
The example of purity can only be manifested through the work of the Holy Spirit in the believing soul. Man cannot purify the human heart without the saving Grace of Salvation. Heart purity has nothing to do with human maturity or human growth. Purity is given freely from God when the believing heart is cleansed from sin and unrighteosuness. Purity is manifested in the life and the example of the child of God. The best example of heart purity I know of is when every sin of the past is forgiven and the Old Adam is crucified just like Christ. Newness of life is thus found because the believing heart is made clean and holy in the new birth. Heart purity breaks the bondage of sin. The moral make-up of and unbeliever is purified through belief in the truth about the person of Christ.
Being an example of a believer in Christ is a necessary tool to win the lost.
1 Timothy 4:12…but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.Thursday, March 24, 2011
Can a man lose faith in Christ and then regain faith in Christ?
Yes, but there is a better life than that. Here's why.
Losing faith is what the Bible calls the sin of unbelief. What happens when men lose faith in Christ? Defeat develops. People become habitually disobedient to God. Sin separates man from God's Saving Grace. As we all know - the wages of sin is death. Did you know losing faith can become a habitual life of defeat? Keeping the faith means you are faithful to God with victory in Jesus. Losing faith means you are unfaithful to God and living a life in defeat. Faith is a consciousness and awareness of Christ in your heart and life. If you don't know if your sins are forgiven. They're not! Faith in Christ allows man to know that every sin is forgiven and that the heart is clean and holy in the eyes of God. You can keep this victory every day of your life with the power of God's Grace.
A clean heart comes from your trust in what Christ did for you personally. Your trust in Christ and what Christ did for you personally is why you're forgiven by God Almighty. You will know you're forgiven because the guilt of sin is lifted from your conscience. You are aware of the fact that Christ made you a new creation and you know every sin is forgiven. This is soul rest. Soul rest is freedom from the guilt of sin. Redemption comes through your personal trust and belief in Christ. Can you lose this trust? Yes. Can you regain it? Yes. Don't waver back and forth in defeat. Stay steady with victory by the power of God's Saving Grace.
Men fall into sin. Why? They lose faith and quit trusting Christ for personal forgiveness. They turn back to sinful conduct. Sin is not an unconscious act. Sin is a wilful act of rebellion and disobedience to God. When faithfulness to Christ is lost, unfaithfulness to Christ is found. Unfaithful men are sinful and wilfully sinful. Not a product of belief and trust in Christ where Grace is found. A defeated life of misery and shame with "wavering faith". Christ gives us something better. It's a connection to the power of God's Grace we are to keep, "without wavering".
God's Grace and mercy is always connected to man "if" (notice I said if) man believes and receives Christ into the heart and soul. God's Grace and mercy is disconnected from the soul when man "loses faith in Christ" or "lets go of Christ". The Bible calls this disconnection grieving the Spirit and/or quenching the Spirit. You must hold on. Can you be reconnected if you let go? Yes. How? When you get every sin forgiven "again" through personal acceptance of the cleansing power that flows from the blood of Jesus Christ that hung on Calvary's tree. Faith in Christ can be lost or let go of. Faith in Christ can be regained. Who wants to go through all of this?
Wouldn't it be a better life to just, "Keep the faith?" Paul said, "Fight the good fight of faith". Paul said, "I have kept the faith". There is no better life than to stay faithful to Christ all the way to Heaven. No faith lost. No faith to regain. The Bible calls this "immovable in the faith". Glory! I get blessed just writing about keeping faith in Christ and in the Bible. They both have shown this writer that nothing can defeat the child of God! Faith in Christ doesn't have to be lost. Stay satisfied with a faithful life connected to Christ in the Spirit. Greater is He in me...than He that's in the world. Isn't joyful? Is this what the Bible means, "Joy unspeakable". Hallelujah!
Losing faith is what the Bible calls the sin of unbelief. What happens when men lose faith in Christ? Defeat develops. People become habitually disobedient to God. Sin separates man from God's Saving Grace. As we all know - the wages of sin is death. Did you know losing faith can become a habitual life of defeat? Keeping the faith means you are faithful to God with victory in Jesus. Losing faith means you are unfaithful to God and living a life in defeat. Faith is a consciousness and awareness of Christ in your heart and life. If you don't know if your sins are forgiven. They're not! Faith in Christ allows man to know that every sin is forgiven and that the heart is clean and holy in the eyes of God. You can keep this victory every day of your life with the power of God's Grace.
A clean heart comes from your trust in what Christ did for you personally. Your trust in Christ and what Christ did for you personally is why you're forgiven by God Almighty. You will know you're forgiven because the guilt of sin is lifted from your conscience. You are aware of the fact that Christ made you a new creation and you know every sin is forgiven. This is soul rest. Soul rest is freedom from the guilt of sin. Redemption comes through your personal trust and belief in Christ. Can you lose this trust? Yes. Can you regain it? Yes. Don't waver back and forth in defeat. Stay steady with victory by the power of God's Saving Grace.
Men fall into sin. Why? They lose faith and quit trusting Christ for personal forgiveness. They turn back to sinful conduct. Sin is not an unconscious act. Sin is a wilful act of rebellion and disobedience to God. When faithfulness to Christ is lost, unfaithfulness to Christ is found. Unfaithful men are sinful and wilfully sinful. Not a product of belief and trust in Christ where Grace is found. A defeated life of misery and shame with "wavering faith". Christ gives us something better. It's a connection to the power of God's Grace we are to keep, "without wavering".
God's Grace and mercy is always connected to man "if" (notice I said if) man believes and receives Christ into the heart and soul. God's Grace and mercy is disconnected from the soul when man "loses faith in Christ" or "lets go of Christ". The Bible calls this disconnection grieving the Spirit and/or quenching the Spirit. You must hold on. Can you be reconnected if you let go? Yes. How? When you get every sin forgiven "again" through personal acceptance of the cleansing power that flows from the blood of Jesus Christ that hung on Calvary's tree. Faith in Christ can be lost or let go of. Faith in Christ can be regained. Who wants to go through all of this?
Wouldn't it be a better life to just, "Keep the faith?" Paul said, "Fight the good fight of faith". Paul said, "I have kept the faith". There is no better life than to stay faithful to Christ all the way to Heaven. No faith lost. No faith to regain. The Bible calls this "immovable in the faith". Glory! I get blessed just writing about keeping faith in Christ and in the Bible. They both have shown this writer that nothing can defeat the child of God! Faith in Christ doesn't have to be lost. Stay satisfied with a faithful life connected to Christ in the Spirit. Greater is He in me...than He that's in the world. Isn't joyful? Is this what the Bible means, "Joy unspeakable". Hallelujah!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
What does it mean to believe in vain?
The subject of this Blog is about what the Bible teaches about believing in vain. When I speak of believing in vain I speak of "not actually" believing in Christ. What does it mean to believe in Christ? What does it mean to believe in vain? The Bible says...
James 2:19...the devils also believe, and tremble.
Anyone knows that devils do not believe enough to be converted yet the Bible says they believe. Many people say they believe in Christ...but they actually don't show belief in their actions. Unbelief is shown in the action of man. An unbeliever who professes Christ with his mouth, yet lives a life of disobedience to Christ could very well be believing in vain. The proof of belief in Christ...is obedience to God. Obedience flows from belief in Christ. Belief is an action from the heart of a broken man...toward Christ. The action of belief is caused from the broken will of a sinful man in repentance and godly sorrow. A broken man is a man that truely believes and "knows" Christ for personal forgiveness. The Grace of God teaches this man to deny ungodliness. A broken believer gives consent of his will to Christ, he renounces sinful conduct, and he understands who Christ is and what Christ did for him personally. Forgiveness of sins is "found and experienced" through man's present tense belief in Christ. Belief brings obedience of conduct because the believer "keeps in memory" the things about a Saviour. Christian's have to believe daily unto Salvation. Keeping Christ in memory is a daily thing...not something you did 17 years ago. Daily keeping in memory permits daily belief in a Saviour's holy presence. Daily belief and daily accountability keeps us from...believing in vain.
1 Cor 15:1-4...Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
The verse says this is the , "True Gospel" according to the scriptures. The true Gospel is what our faith is based on. The Gospel is a Christ centered truth that gives us something and someone to believe in and trust. Keeping Christ in memory is the secret. The Gospel brings us this blessed revelation from God.
The Gospel is declared...
The Gospel is preached...
The Gospel is received...
The Gospel "saves" the human soul...
"If" you keep in memory what is preached..."UNLESS YOU HAVE BELIEVED IN VAIN"...
Notice it says you have to keep Christ in memory...
Notice it says you can also believe in vain...
Believing in Christ is knowing Him; experiencing Him; experiencing personal forgiveness; understanding your accountability to Christ.
When personal forgiveness is found inwardly through the person of Christ you receive it through belief...
When the heart is made right (cleansed) you receive it through belief...
When you walk in obedience like a child of God should you do it through belief...
This type of belief is a belief that never wants to let go of Christ and His holy presence in their life. Belief brings the power of God's Divine Grace. Belief is actual trust in the redemptive work of Christ at Calvary. Belief is an actual acceptance of a living Christ for personal holiness of heart and conduct. Actual belief in Christ is a reality of clean living with a conscience freed from the guilt of sin.
If you are not experiencing the power of the Gospel in your heart and life you could be believing in vain. The Word admonishes us to examine ourselves to see if we be in the faith. Just a simple examination of self in light of Christ can sometimes allow God to show man what he really needs. Devils believe...but they are not saved. They reject the truth about Christ. They deny the power of Salvation of the human soul. They miss the saving Grace. Keep yourself from believing in vain... believe, accept, and trust Christ as as your personal Lord and Saviour from the heart. Then the Spirit's witness will confirm in your heart that you have it made. You will never turn your back on God. The devil won't be able to pry you out of Christ with a crow bar. You will be immovable.
Col 1:21-23...And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled, In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard,
James 2:19...the devils also believe, and tremble.
Anyone knows that devils do not believe enough to be converted yet the Bible says they believe. Many people say they believe in Christ...but they actually don't show belief in their actions. Unbelief is shown in the action of man. An unbeliever who professes Christ with his mouth, yet lives a life of disobedience to Christ could very well be believing in vain. The proof of belief in Christ...is obedience to God. Obedience flows from belief in Christ. Belief is an action from the heart of a broken man...toward Christ. The action of belief is caused from the broken will of a sinful man in repentance and godly sorrow. A broken man is a man that truely believes and "knows" Christ for personal forgiveness. The Grace of God teaches this man to deny ungodliness. A broken believer gives consent of his will to Christ, he renounces sinful conduct, and he understands who Christ is and what Christ did for him personally. Forgiveness of sins is "found and experienced" through man's present tense belief in Christ. Belief brings obedience of conduct because the believer "keeps in memory" the things about a Saviour. Christian's have to believe daily unto Salvation. Keeping Christ in memory is a daily thing...not something you did 17 years ago. Daily keeping in memory permits daily belief in a Saviour's holy presence. Daily belief and daily accountability keeps us from...believing in vain.
1 Cor 15:1-4...Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
The verse says this is the , "True Gospel" according to the scriptures. The true Gospel is what our faith is based on. The Gospel is a Christ centered truth that gives us something and someone to believe in and trust. Keeping Christ in memory is the secret. The Gospel brings us this blessed revelation from God.
The Gospel is declared...
The Gospel is preached...
The Gospel is received...
The Gospel "saves" the human soul...
"If" you keep in memory what is preached..."UNLESS YOU HAVE BELIEVED IN VAIN"...
Notice it says you have to keep Christ in memory...
Notice it says you can also believe in vain...
Believing in Christ is knowing Him; experiencing Him; experiencing personal forgiveness; understanding your accountability to Christ.
When personal forgiveness is found inwardly through the person of Christ you receive it through belief...
When the heart is made right (cleansed) you receive it through belief...
When you walk in obedience like a child of God should you do it through belief...
This type of belief is a belief that never wants to let go of Christ and His holy presence in their life. Belief brings the power of God's Divine Grace. Belief is actual trust in the redemptive work of Christ at Calvary. Belief is an actual acceptance of a living Christ for personal holiness of heart and conduct. Actual belief in Christ is a reality of clean living with a conscience freed from the guilt of sin.
If you are not experiencing the power of the Gospel in your heart and life you could be believing in vain. The Word admonishes us to examine ourselves to see if we be in the faith. Just a simple examination of self in light of Christ can sometimes allow God to show man what he really needs. Devils believe...but they are not saved. They reject the truth about Christ. They deny the power of Salvation of the human soul. They miss the saving Grace. Keep yourself from believing in vain... believe, accept, and trust Christ as as your personal Lord and Saviour from the heart. Then the Spirit's witness will confirm in your heart that you have it made. You will never turn your back on God. The devil won't be able to pry you out of Christ with a crow bar. You will be immovable.
Col 1:21-23...And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled, In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard,
Monday, August 30, 2010
You can't make people believe in Christ
Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could make people believe in Christ? All of your loved ones would be saved. Everybody you come in contact would be saved. Unfortunately no matter how hard we try...we are incapable of making other people believe in Christ.
So...What causes men to believe in Christ?
Repentance.
What is repentance? Repentance is when you change your mind. Repentance is what happens when the goodness of God touches the human soul just enough...that man turns from wrong and accepts right. The right that is accepted is the actual person of Christ.
Belief is consent of the human will. Belief comes when man is enlightened and stirred by the actual presence of a living Christ. When the Gospel is heard...belief can be exercised. Belief causes men to renounce disobedience to God. Belief understands that redemption is the effect that Calvary has on a man that repents from wrongdoing.
Belief allows forgiveness for sin to flow from the Saviour on the cross into your heart. Belief allows man's conscience to be freed from guilt caused from past sinful conduct. Belief opens the floodgates of the Grace of God to morally change man from dirty living.
Wouldn't it be nice if you could make others believe? That's the Gospel's job. That's why faith comes by hearing. The Spirit of of God "ministers truth" to the heart of fallen man. Truth is heard when Christ is preached! The Gospel reveals Christ, His power, His presence, His Glory! The Gospel stirs men to conviction and repentance. The Gospel causes men to believe and give consent to the Christ of their Salvation.
When man realizes he's a sinner and don't want to live that way anymore...it's because he sees Christ. The person of Christ shows man what he really is! When man sees what Christ did for him personally...he sees a way to get away from the old life, the old misery, and the part of man that rejects Christ. The power of Gospel can "sway" man just enough to believe. When man believes in Christ he will obey God.
Belief and obedience are one in the same. You can't be disobedient to God and believe in Christ at the same time. You can't have unbelief in your heart and be obedient to God at the same time. The Bible (in the greek text) teaches that obedience "springs" from faith in Romans 1:5.
Obedience is the outflow of Calvary in the human soul.
The unsaved world must hear about Christ to have something to believe in. Christ is ministered by holy men of God that preach the Gospel. Saving faith is not "blind faith". Saving faith is directly focused on the personality of Christ. Faith is built on a person. Faith is based on what is written about that person. Christian faith is based on the Bible...the Holy Scripture. Isn't that beautiful?
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. God draws men to himself when they hear, learn, and are taught about who Christ is, what He did at Calvary, and what He's doing right now in the Throneroom.
We can't make people believe in Christ...but when men hear the Gospel being preached, and they see themselves in light of a Saviour...they will cry out, "What must we do?" What must we do? What must we do? God convicts. God sways their thinking. God stirs them to repentance. God prods fallen man just enough...that consent of the will is given through the broken-ness of seeing yourself in light of a Saviour's love. This causes belief! Glory! Belief allows Divine Grace to come in and morally change the make-up of man to a holy state of being. This is the power of the Gospel message.
Brokenness causes men to believe, accept, and trust in Christ. Brokenness puts fallen man in a place that turns from sin and reaches out for the Saviour's power and holy presence. Belief says I'm through with the old life...I'm yours Jesus. Belief says I'll never let Jesus go. Belief says sin can't have me anymore. Belief says disobedience can't have me anymore. Belief says alcohol can't have me anymore. Belief says fornication can't have me anymore. Belief in Christ says all that stuff is dirty and wrong...I'm through with it! Then the Grace of God will take the believer over...completely. Isn't that beautiful! That's Saving Grace brother!
Belief is consent of the human will to God through Christ. You can't make a man give his consent to God unless he's broken and repents. That man has to throw in the towel. He will find broken-ness when he realizes that Christ died for him personally. He will also realize personal forgiveness for his sins and freedom from the guilt of sin is found in no other place but Christ. Glory! Do you believe?
Christ doesn't save men "because" they believe...He saves them "when" they believe.
Be a faithful witness and bring honor to God. God will use you for His Glory! Dishonor and disgrace is no good in the eyes of God. He uses holy men and women of God to testify and witness for Christ. You can't make any man believe in Christ...that's the Lord's business. When Christ touches or melts that heart...fallen man will have something to believe in. Glory!
So...What causes men to believe in Christ?
Repentance.
What is repentance? Repentance is when you change your mind. Repentance is what happens when the goodness of God touches the human soul just enough...that man turns from wrong and accepts right. The right that is accepted is the actual person of Christ.
Belief is consent of the human will. Belief comes when man is enlightened and stirred by the actual presence of a living Christ. When the Gospel is heard...belief can be exercised. Belief causes men to renounce disobedience to God. Belief understands that redemption is the effect that Calvary has on a man that repents from wrongdoing.
Belief allows forgiveness for sin to flow from the Saviour on the cross into your heart. Belief allows man's conscience to be freed from guilt caused from past sinful conduct. Belief opens the floodgates of the Grace of God to morally change man from dirty living.
Wouldn't it be nice if you could make others believe? That's the Gospel's job. That's why faith comes by hearing. The Spirit of of God "ministers truth" to the heart of fallen man. Truth is heard when Christ is preached! The Gospel reveals Christ, His power, His presence, His Glory! The Gospel stirs men to conviction and repentance. The Gospel causes men to believe and give consent to the Christ of their Salvation.
When man realizes he's a sinner and don't want to live that way anymore...it's because he sees Christ. The person of Christ shows man what he really is! When man sees what Christ did for him personally...he sees a way to get away from the old life, the old misery, and the part of man that rejects Christ. The power of Gospel can "sway" man just enough to believe. When man believes in Christ he will obey God.
Belief and obedience are one in the same. You can't be disobedient to God and believe in Christ at the same time. You can't have unbelief in your heart and be obedient to God at the same time. The Bible (in the greek text) teaches that obedience "springs" from faith in Romans 1:5.
Obedience is the outflow of Calvary in the human soul.
The unsaved world must hear about Christ to have something to believe in. Christ is ministered by holy men of God that preach the Gospel. Saving faith is not "blind faith". Saving faith is directly focused on the personality of Christ. Faith is built on a person. Faith is based on what is written about that person. Christian faith is based on the Bible...the Holy Scripture. Isn't that beautiful?
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. God draws men to himself when they hear, learn, and are taught about who Christ is, what He did at Calvary, and what He's doing right now in the Throneroom.
We can't make people believe in Christ...but when men hear the Gospel being preached, and they see themselves in light of a Saviour...they will cry out, "What must we do?" What must we do? What must we do? God convicts. God sways their thinking. God stirs them to repentance. God prods fallen man just enough...that consent of the will is given through the broken-ness of seeing yourself in light of a Saviour's love. This causes belief! Glory! Belief allows Divine Grace to come in and morally change the make-up of man to a holy state of being. This is the power of the Gospel message.
Brokenness causes men to believe, accept, and trust in Christ. Brokenness puts fallen man in a place that turns from sin and reaches out for the Saviour's power and holy presence. Belief says I'm through with the old life...I'm yours Jesus. Belief says I'll never let Jesus go. Belief says sin can't have me anymore. Belief says disobedience can't have me anymore. Belief says alcohol can't have me anymore. Belief says fornication can't have me anymore. Belief in Christ says all that stuff is dirty and wrong...I'm through with it! Then the Grace of God will take the believer over...completely. Isn't that beautiful! That's Saving Grace brother!
Belief is consent of the human will to God through Christ. You can't make a man give his consent to God unless he's broken and repents. That man has to throw in the towel. He will find broken-ness when he realizes that Christ died for him personally. He will also realize personal forgiveness for his sins and freedom from the guilt of sin is found in no other place but Christ. Glory! Do you believe?
Christ doesn't save men "because" they believe...He saves them "when" they believe.
Be a faithful witness and bring honor to God. God will use you for His Glory! Dishonor and disgrace is no good in the eyes of God. He uses holy men and women of God to testify and witness for Christ. You can't make any man believe in Christ...that's the Lord's business. When Christ touches or melts that heart...fallen man will have something to believe in. Glory!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Belief or unbelief (Are you minding the Spirit?) Pt.2
It’s important to note that mans faith can decrease. Mans faith can fail. Man can even believe in vain. Unbelief causes men to draw back from God. Unbelief allows man to fall back into sin. All these statements indicate that a man who once believed “can lose faith”. By losing faith man can thus separate himself from a union made with the person of Christ. The Eternal Mercy of a living Christ extended to the heart of believer is likewise separated from. Then, the wrath of God comes back upon these children of disobedience because they neglect the importance and greatness of Salvation to the human soul that comes through Christ.
• Heb 2:2-3…For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
• Eph 2:2-3…Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Men weave in and out of Christ through contempt or consent which are acts of the human will. Why? Belief or unbelief is based on the action of man. Contempt or consent of the human will determines the stand of any man’s belief. An unbeliever is an unholy man in the eyes of God. A believer is a holy man in the eyes of God. An unbeliever has an impure heart. A believer in Christ has a pure heart. When God looks upon the heart of man He sees either the believer or an unbeliever; or a clean heart or an unclean heart. The will of a believer is obedient to Christ. The will of an unbeliever is disobedient to Christ. The human will can either believe in Christ or disbelieve Christ. No man can have two states of being at the same time. Here’s what the Bible says about unbelievers.
• Rev 21:8…But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone
Some denominations claim a believer can never lose his Salvation. The Bible does however say that man can depart from his faith.
• 1 Tim 4:1…that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
The Bible goes on to say without faith it’s impossible to please God. Is not unbelief the opposite of faith? So if faithful men please God would not unfaithful men displease him?
• Heb 11:6…But without faith it is impossible to please him:
The Bible indicates that men can fall away from enlightenment of Salvation.
• Heb 6:4-6…For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
It only takes belief in Christ to receive and to stand in Eternal Salvation. Why? Belief is consent of the human will to Christ. It only takes unbelief to depart from Grace. Why? Unbelief is contempt of the human will against Christ. Is your will controlled by the Holy Spirit? Are you minding the Spirit of God? That is why it’s so important to know where you stand with Christ every minute, every hour, every day. The Apostle Paul encouraged all believers to keep the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ fresh in their memory at all times. By doing so man would never believe in vain; or decrease in faith to the point of unbelief.
• 1 Cor 15:1-4…Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
May the Lord bless you richly in consciousness and obedience to Christ. We love you all!
• Heb 2:2-3…For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
• Eph 2:2-3…Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Men weave in and out of Christ through contempt or consent which are acts of the human will. Why? Belief or unbelief is based on the action of man. Contempt or consent of the human will determines the stand of any man’s belief. An unbeliever is an unholy man in the eyes of God. A believer is a holy man in the eyes of God. An unbeliever has an impure heart. A believer in Christ has a pure heart. When God looks upon the heart of man He sees either the believer or an unbeliever; or a clean heart or an unclean heart. The will of a believer is obedient to Christ. The will of an unbeliever is disobedient to Christ. The human will can either believe in Christ or disbelieve Christ. No man can have two states of being at the same time. Here’s what the Bible says about unbelievers.
• Rev 21:8…But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone
Some denominations claim a believer can never lose his Salvation. The Bible does however say that man can depart from his faith.
• 1 Tim 4:1…that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
The Bible goes on to say without faith it’s impossible to please God. Is not unbelief the opposite of faith? So if faithful men please God would not unfaithful men displease him?
• Heb 11:6…But without faith it is impossible to please him:
The Bible indicates that men can fall away from enlightenment of Salvation.
• Heb 6:4-6…For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
It only takes belief in Christ to receive and to stand in Eternal Salvation. Why? Belief is consent of the human will to Christ. It only takes unbelief to depart from Grace. Why? Unbelief is contempt of the human will against Christ. Is your will controlled by the Holy Spirit? Are you minding the Spirit of God? That is why it’s so important to know where you stand with Christ every minute, every hour, every day. The Apostle Paul encouraged all believers to keep the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ fresh in their memory at all times. By doing so man would never believe in vain; or decrease in faith to the point of unbelief.
• 1 Cor 15:1-4…Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
May the Lord bless you richly in consciousness and obedience to Christ. We love you all!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Belief or unbelief (Are you minding the Spirit?) Pt.1
The Bible teaches that Salvation to the human soul is eternally extended to all men that believe in the person of Christ. The gift of Salvation received into the soul of man comes through a believer’s trust and acceptance of the redemptive work of Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Belief provides a union between the heart of a believer and the personality of Christ. Minding the Spirit of God proves man’s belief in the person of Christ. Salvation of the human soul is received “When” man believes in Christ not “because” man believes.
• Eph 1:13…the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise
• Heb 10:39… But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul
Man’s belief goes beyond understanding who Christ is and what Christ did at Calvary. Man’s belief is consent of the human will to a living Christ. Belief is man’s renunciation of sin and disobedience through acknowledgment of Christ. Belief is an every minute, every hour, consciousness and obedience to the omnipresence of a living Christ. Belief in Christ… and obedience to His Divine presence “Is not… a part time relationship”.
It must be understood God does not take away His Salvation from the soul of a believer. Men do however depart from Salvation through sin and disobedience. How? By unbelief… which is contempt of the human will?
• Heb 3:12…take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Unbelief allows sin and disobedience to separate the soul of man from his union made with the Spirit of God. Separation from the presence of an Eternal Christ through unbelief is called, “Death”. This spiritual death is why the Bible teaches,
• James 1:15… when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
• Rom 6:23… the wages of sin is death;
Death separates the unbeliever from an Eternal holiness found in the person of Christ. Unbelief is separation from the union made between the soul of man… and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Belief in Christ allows a penitent man to receive the holiness and mercy of a living Christ. Holy living and mercy found in Christ allows the believer to be saved and preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord.
• 1 Thess 5:23…and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
• Jude 1…to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ
Eternal Salvation of the human soul is everywhere present for those who believe in Christ. Salvation never departs from any believer that trusts and obeys Christ. Why? Belief keeps a believer conscious to Him and in harmony to the Holy Spirits presence. Believing produces obedience to Christ because the believing will is subject to the power of Holy Ghost. A believer minds the Holy Spirit out of trust in Christ. Obedience keeps the believer in right standing with God. Salvation of the human soul is never lost if man obeys God. Men do however leave salvation … through unbelief which is disobedience to Christ.
You cannot separate unbelief and disobedience as they are one in the same. Likewise you cannot separate belief and obedience as they are one in the same.
A believer because of unbelief departs from the saving Grace of God because of a willful act of sin or disobedience to God. Through man’s unbelief in Christ the deceitfulness of sin will always manifest. Sin is a willful act of disobedience to God and is the product of an unbelieving heart.
• Heb 3:12…take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
• Heb. 10:26…For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Pt.2 next...
• Eph 1:13…the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise
• Heb 10:39… But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul
Man’s belief goes beyond understanding who Christ is and what Christ did at Calvary. Man’s belief is consent of the human will to a living Christ. Belief is man’s renunciation of sin and disobedience through acknowledgment of Christ. Belief is an every minute, every hour, consciousness and obedience to the omnipresence of a living Christ. Belief in Christ… and obedience to His Divine presence “Is not… a part time relationship”.
It must be understood God does not take away His Salvation from the soul of a believer. Men do however depart from Salvation through sin and disobedience. How? By unbelief… which is contempt of the human will?
• Heb 3:12…take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Unbelief allows sin and disobedience to separate the soul of man from his union made with the Spirit of God. Separation from the presence of an Eternal Christ through unbelief is called, “Death”. This spiritual death is why the Bible teaches,
• James 1:15… when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
• Rom 6:23… the wages of sin is death;
Death separates the unbeliever from an Eternal holiness found in the person of Christ. Unbelief is separation from the union made between the soul of man… and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Belief in Christ allows a penitent man to receive the holiness and mercy of a living Christ. Holy living and mercy found in Christ allows the believer to be saved and preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord.
• 1 Thess 5:23…and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
• Jude 1…to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ
Eternal Salvation of the human soul is everywhere present for those who believe in Christ. Salvation never departs from any believer that trusts and obeys Christ. Why? Belief keeps a believer conscious to Him and in harmony to the Holy Spirits presence. Believing produces obedience to Christ because the believing will is subject to the power of Holy Ghost. A believer minds the Holy Spirit out of trust in Christ. Obedience keeps the believer in right standing with God. Salvation of the human soul is never lost if man obeys God. Men do however leave salvation … through unbelief which is disobedience to Christ.
You cannot separate unbelief and disobedience as they are one in the same. Likewise you cannot separate belief and obedience as they are one in the same.
A believer because of unbelief departs from the saving Grace of God because of a willful act of sin or disobedience to God. Through man’s unbelief in Christ the deceitfulness of sin will always manifest. Sin is a willful act of disobedience to God and is the product of an unbelieving heart.
• Heb 3:12…take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
• Heb. 10:26…For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Pt.2 next...
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Falling away from Christ or turning against Him...which is worse?
Falling away from Christ is a very bad way of life for the child of God to experience! Falling away from Christ can become a very bad habit for some. It sears (or scars) the conscience of a believer! Falling away from Christ is not to be taken lightly. Falling away from God is a habit that self can find to be pleasurable or satisfying... for a moment...then comes sin's consequences that can lead to damnation. Falling away is also a habit that causes a man more grief with the Spirit of God than ever imagined. Falling away from faith in Christ is place of separation from communion with God through the ministration of the Spirit.
1 Tim 4:1-2...Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Falling away is a place where condemnation from sin is revealed to the human conscience and self can find no other place (outside of Christ) for satisfaction, peace, or contentment. There is no contentment or peace whatsoever, that can be found in the heart of man when man is separated from God through unbelief. Falling away from Christ can lead man to a place of deeper deception and a permanent disobedience toward God. Falling away from Christ over and over again can lead men to a place of, "turning against God" where a root of bitterness and resentment toward God controls the heart. Turning against God is far worse than falling away or departing from the faith. Turning against God is defiance against; willful rebellion; and rejection of truth. Very dangerous? Very, very dangerous!
2 Peter 2:20-21...For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
I admit a Christian can get knocked down by the Devil and God who is rich in mercy and love will lift him back up! I admit that men can fall away from the faith and then come back into a place of belief and trust in Christ. I also admit that men can fall into various temptations, sin against God, and go right back to a penitent state, believe, and find forgiveness again over and over. But...what kind of life do you call this? I repeat, "What kind of life do you call this?" Can you classify this as a life of victory in Jesus? Or do you have a right to call it a life of peace and contentment found in Christ? Not so! Did you know that falling away from the faith in Christ over and over again can cause men to turn against God? So far away...that they can't get back...The Bible does teach that men can get so far away and willfully turn against God to a point where they cannot return. Read the following verse closely.
Heb 6:4-6...For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
There's a big difference between, "falling away from; and turning against God". The difference is the heart of man from falling away over and over gets hardened to the truth. Hardness of heart takes man further into unbelief and disobedience to God. Each time man falls, and continues to fall... over and over again... the hardened heart becomes more scarred and calloused each time, and gets further and further away from the knowledge of truth. The conscience of man also gets further and further away from an accountability to God. Soon, the conscience of man is no longer in touch with God and only controlled by self. God is smothered out of the picture and no longer in control whatsoever. Dangerous position for any man to be in. Wouldn't you agree? No peace! No contentment! Constant sorrow! Very calloused! No sensitivity to a life of obedience to Christ. A rebel against God! Hardened to the truth!
Heb 3:12-13...Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
The Holy Spirit tells the believer in Christ that he's right in the eyes of God and has to live right! Why? The child of God has a Divine Nature! This is the God given power for a child of God to do right! The Bible clearly teaches that any believer in Christ can have... and can live a life of victory every day of their life. God gives the believer power to do so! With constant peace! With constant joy! With constant victory! Why? Because of the great blessing the Holy Spirit's presence your hearts and in your lives. With a constant consciousness to the presence of Christ at Calvary and Christ in the Throneroom who controls the saint. The ministry of the Holy Spirit constantly brings Christ to mind and testifies the person of Christ in every situation in life. I admit the world we live in says something different! That's why the Bible teaches to "love not" the world. The affections of a child of God are not to be earthly!
1 John 2:15-17...Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever
Col 3:2-3...Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
GLORY! My heart sings, "Oh, victory in Jesus my Saviour forever, He sought me and He bought me with His redeeming Blood!" Come over to the Upper Room and I'll sing it to you on Thursday's and Sundays at 7:00PM. We love Christ and teach from the Bible that men can live with a constant victory "without sin"... in an evil and adulterous world that we live in. Glory!
1 Tim 4:1-2...Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Falling away is a place where condemnation from sin is revealed to the human conscience and self can find no other place (outside of Christ) for satisfaction, peace, or contentment. There is no contentment or peace whatsoever, that can be found in the heart of man when man is separated from God through unbelief. Falling away from Christ can lead man to a place of deeper deception and a permanent disobedience toward God. Falling away from Christ over and over again can lead men to a place of, "turning against God" where a root of bitterness and resentment toward God controls the heart. Turning against God is far worse than falling away or departing from the faith. Turning against God is defiance against; willful rebellion; and rejection of truth. Very dangerous? Very, very dangerous!
2 Peter 2:20-21...For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
I admit a Christian can get knocked down by the Devil and God who is rich in mercy and love will lift him back up! I admit that men can fall away from the faith and then come back into a place of belief and trust in Christ. I also admit that men can fall into various temptations, sin against God, and go right back to a penitent state, believe, and find forgiveness again over and over. But...what kind of life do you call this? I repeat, "What kind of life do you call this?" Can you classify this as a life of victory in Jesus? Or do you have a right to call it a life of peace and contentment found in Christ? Not so! Did you know that falling away from the faith in Christ over and over again can cause men to turn against God? So far away...that they can't get back...The Bible does teach that men can get so far away and willfully turn against God to a point where they cannot return. Read the following verse closely.
Heb 6:4-6...For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
There's a big difference between, "falling away from; and turning against God". The difference is the heart of man from falling away over and over gets hardened to the truth. Hardness of heart takes man further into unbelief and disobedience to God. Each time man falls, and continues to fall... over and over again... the hardened heart becomes more scarred and calloused each time, and gets further and further away from the knowledge of truth. The conscience of man also gets further and further away from an accountability to God. Soon, the conscience of man is no longer in touch with God and only controlled by self. God is smothered out of the picture and no longer in control whatsoever. Dangerous position for any man to be in. Wouldn't you agree? No peace! No contentment! Constant sorrow! Very calloused! No sensitivity to a life of obedience to Christ. A rebel against God! Hardened to the truth!
Heb 3:12-13...Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
The Holy Spirit tells the believer in Christ that he's right in the eyes of God and has to live right! Why? The child of God has a Divine Nature! This is the God given power for a child of God to do right! The Bible clearly teaches that any believer in Christ can have... and can live a life of victory every day of their life. God gives the believer power to do so! With constant peace! With constant joy! With constant victory! Why? Because of the great blessing the Holy Spirit's presence your hearts and in your lives. With a constant consciousness to the presence of Christ at Calvary and Christ in the Throneroom who controls the saint. The ministry of the Holy Spirit constantly brings Christ to mind and testifies the person of Christ in every situation in life. I admit the world we live in says something different! That's why the Bible teaches to "love not" the world. The affections of a child of God are not to be earthly!
1 John 2:15-17...Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever
Col 3:2-3...Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
GLORY! My heart sings, "Oh, victory in Jesus my Saviour forever, He sought me and He bought me with His redeeming Blood!" Come over to the Upper Room and I'll sing it to you on Thursday's and Sundays at 7:00PM. We love Christ and teach from the Bible that men can live with a constant victory "without sin"... in an evil and adulterous world that we live in. Glory!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Christ centered Faith
Did you know our faith was to be centered on the person of Christ? Faith is built on the personality of Christ that we beleive in and trust. The more knowledge you have about Christ the more faith you have. The less knowledge you have about Christ the less faith you have.
Christ was a role model for us concerning faith. His faith began when he spoke His first words. His faith was perfect in obedience every day of His life on earth. His faith was perfect in trust. His faith was a faith totally subjected to do the will of the Father. Jesus was the author and finisher of our faith. Heb. 12:2... Habbakuk said the just shall live by His faith. Hab. 2:4... Paul said the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God. Gal. 2:20
Knowledge about the person of Christ brings responsibility to God. Knowledge about the person of Christ helps us to build a deeper faith.
Is your faith Christ centered? Good! Exercise it! Put it to action!
Christ was a role model for us concerning faith. His faith began when he spoke His first words. His faith was perfect in obedience every day of His life on earth. His faith was perfect in trust. His faith was a faith totally subjected to do the will of the Father. Jesus was the author and finisher of our faith. Heb. 12:2... Habbakuk said the just shall live by His faith. Hab. 2:4... Paul said the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God. Gal. 2:20
Knowledge about the person of Christ brings responsibility to God. Knowledge about the person of Christ helps us to build a deeper faith.
Is your faith Christ centered? Good! Exercise it! Put it to action!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Where does "obedience" come from?
Obedience to God is the "outflow of Calvary'' in the heart and soul of a believer in Christ. Obedience is man's subjection of the will - to his Saviour and Redeemer, the one who forgave all the past sins, and removed guilt from the human conscience. Subjection is an act of man's faith; obedience to God is the outflow of this action. The language of the Bible teaches in the Greek text that obedience "springs" from faith...Romans 1:5. You show me a man that truly trusts Christ. I'll show you a man that's obedient to God! Glory!
Man is born with a heart full of disobedience to God. Man is unrighteous by nature. Man from birth is in natural rebellion to Christ and; the truth of God's Word.
The power to "do right" is a God given power to man from God. This power is simply the power of God's amazing Grace. It's the power of God granted to man "when" man believes and trusts in Christ alone for personal forgiveness. God's power flows from Calvary and is granted to the heart of man through belief. Belief causes man to act. The action of a believer in Christ is to do right. Righteousness is a gift of God's Grace. Righteousness produces obedience to God. The Bible teaches that man believeth unto righteousness.
Romans 10:10...with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;
Man is born with a heart full of disobedience to God. Man is unrighteous by nature. Man from birth is in natural rebellion to Christ and; the truth of God's Word.
The power to "do right" is a God given power to man from God. This power is simply the power of God's amazing Grace. It's the power of God granted to man "when" man believes and trusts in Christ alone for personal forgiveness. God's power flows from Calvary and is granted to the heart of man through belief. Belief causes man to act. The action of a believer in Christ is to do right. Righteousness is a gift of God's Grace. Righteousness produces obedience to God. The Bible teaches that man believeth unto righteousness.
Romans 10:10...with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;
Friday, May 15, 2009
What is faith? What is belief?
Faith toward Christ gets beyond just simple belief. As men are called to faith through Calvary the acceptance of Christ is an initial act of the believer that follows the process of repentance. After man believes, faith is thus carried out through a life of subjection to God in mind, will, and body. A child of God obeys and walks in a consciousness to the presence of God by faith. Saving faith will demand obedience and accountability to God.
Through Revelation from the Spirit of God mans conscience is enlightened to a need of the death of Christ as a sacrifice for sin. Through enlightenment the Holy Spirit makes man willing to accept the person of Christ. When man accepts the death of Christ for the forgiveness of sins the natural desire to continue in sin is changed. A new desire of holiness is ministered to the human soul by the work Holy Spirit. The faith of man and Divine Grace work hand in hand together in the realm of Gods Salvation and Holiness thus developing a Christ centered life.
In effort to more clearly define Faith and Grace I’d like to call you attention to two great men of God that are dead and gone on to be with the Lord now. They left a great impact on this writers life concerning mans faith and God’s Divine Grace. In 1989 and hungry for the knowledge of God I remember asking Brother Lindsey a great teacher of Faith and Holiness if he could recommend any books or writers on the subject of the holy heart and right living. I knew Hubert personally and outside of the Bible he was always leery to endorse or recommend any man’s writings. One day to my surprise Hubert mentioned a book called, “Binney’s Theological Compend Improved”. I purchased this rare 1904 publication from a used bookstore and reviewed it. Its broad and descriptive content became a treasure to me as a writer and minister of God’s Word. Amos Binney expounded on many Biblical subjects with great depth. His exposition on faith held my attention to the highest degree. Still to this day Brother Binney’s exposition on faith put far more depth on the subject of faith than this writer could ever offer. Here’s an excerpt from brother Binney’s Theological Compend and his description of faith.
The acts of faith are three. They are distinct, yet concurrent exercises of the mind.
1. The assent of the understanding to the truth of God in the Gospel, especially that part of it which relates to the death of Christ as a sacrifice for sin. (surrender)
2. The consent of the will and of the affections to this plan of salvation; such an approbation and choice of it as implies a renunciation of every other refuge. (consent of human will)(forsaking sin)
3. From this assent of the enlightened understanding, and the consent of the rectified will, the result is actual trust in the Saviour, and personal approbation of its merits. This must necessarily be preceded by true repentance.
Through Revelation from the Spirit of God mans conscience is enlightened to a need of the death of Christ as a sacrifice for sin. Through enlightenment the Holy Spirit makes man willing to accept the person of Christ. When man accepts the death of Christ for the forgiveness of sins the natural desire to continue in sin is changed. A new desire of holiness is ministered to the human soul by the work Holy Spirit. The faith of man and Divine Grace work hand in hand together in the realm of Gods Salvation and Holiness thus developing a Christ centered life.
In effort to more clearly define Faith and Grace I’d like to call you attention to two great men of God that are dead and gone on to be with the Lord now. They left a great impact on this writers life concerning mans faith and God’s Divine Grace. In 1989 and hungry for the knowledge of God I remember asking Brother Lindsey a great teacher of Faith and Holiness if he could recommend any books or writers on the subject of the holy heart and right living. I knew Hubert personally and outside of the Bible he was always leery to endorse or recommend any man’s writings. One day to my surprise Hubert mentioned a book called, “Binney’s Theological Compend Improved”. I purchased this rare 1904 publication from a used bookstore and reviewed it. Its broad and descriptive content became a treasure to me as a writer and minister of God’s Word. Amos Binney expounded on many Biblical subjects with great depth. His exposition on faith held my attention to the highest degree. Still to this day Brother Binney’s exposition on faith put far more depth on the subject of faith than this writer could ever offer. Here’s an excerpt from brother Binney’s Theological Compend and his description of faith.
The acts of faith are three. They are distinct, yet concurrent exercises of the mind.
1. The assent of the understanding to the truth of God in the Gospel, especially that part of it which relates to the death of Christ as a sacrifice for sin. (surrender)
2. The consent of the will and of the affections to this plan of salvation; such an approbation and choice of it as implies a renunciation of every other refuge. (consent of human will)(forsaking sin)
3. From this assent of the enlightened understanding, and the consent of the rectified will, the result is actual trust in the Saviour, and personal approbation of its merits. This must necessarily be preceded by true repentance.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Why some people reject the truth...
A child of God has the witness of the Spirit in his heart. The witness of the Spirit testifies Christ and truth to the human soul. All this comes from a "Glimpse of Calvary"...which comes through mans belief in what the Prophets said about Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. After a sinful man's repentance...believing allows Christ to come into the character and make-up of the human soul. This conversion is "not" a process...it's an instantaneous experience of God's Salvation by Grace. It's the Christian experience of the new birth! That's why James said in ...
James 1:21...Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Many things happen in belief. First man understands the things concerning Christ's redemptive work on the cross for his own personal forgiveness for sins. Secondly, a renunciation of sin and disobedience to God becomes the attitude of this believer's heart. Belief obligates man to God in Christ. Forsaking sin is a part of a believer's obligation to God.
Knowledge of the Bible brings even more responsibility to the believer. You show me a man that's truly saved and I'll show you a man in agreement with the truth of the Bible. You show me a man who rejects Salvation of the human soul and I'll show you a man who rejects the truth about what's written in the Bible. Bible truth isn't hard for a child of God to accept...but it is hard for a sinful man to accept. Why? Belief requires forsaking sin. This allows the power of God's Grace to save (convert) the human soul... This conversion and Christian experience of Salvation is automatically in agreement with the truth of the Holy Scriptures.
Again, I quote...
James 1:21...Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:21...Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Many things happen in belief. First man understands the things concerning Christ's redemptive work on the cross for his own personal forgiveness for sins. Secondly, a renunciation of sin and disobedience to God becomes the attitude of this believer's heart. Belief obligates man to God in Christ. Forsaking sin is a part of a believer's obligation to God.
Knowledge of the Bible brings even more responsibility to the believer. You show me a man that's truly saved and I'll show you a man in agreement with the truth of the Bible. You show me a man who rejects Salvation of the human soul and I'll show you a man who rejects the truth about what's written in the Bible. Bible truth isn't hard for a child of God to accept...but it is hard for a sinful man to accept. Why? Belief requires forsaking sin. This allows the power of God's Grace to save (convert) the human soul... This conversion and Christian experience of Salvation is automatically in agreement with the truth of the Holy Scriptures.
Again, I quote...
James 1:21...Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
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