tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59959649696037944622024-03-08T08:06:59.096-06:00Like a ThessalonianThessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-17105812992673033332011-05-01T14:47:00.000-05:002011-05-01T14:50:17.029-05:001 Thessalonains - PrequalPaul, Silas, and Timothy had traveled to Thessalonika from from Phillipi, where they were beaten and imprisoned for casting a demon out of a slave girl (Acts 16:12-40). Now as was his custom, he went into the Synogogue to preach the good news of the Messiah and to convince them of the new covanent in His blood.<br /><br />Now that's interesting. There were no miracles done, or wonderous acts. Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.".... "And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas..." (Acts 17:4)<br /><br />For some reason or another, these days, there are some who would have us stop using the Scriptures as the basis for the truth we speak. You might hear it like this; "You can't use the Bible to prove Christianity. It's your religious book. It was written by people who wanted to brain wash the people with this dogma." <br /><br />RESPONCE: If the Bible was false and simply written by many different authors over the period of 1200 years, on three different continents, how does it maintain such consistancy and accuracy? It's history and facts are all accurate. It is a written record of events as recorded by eye witnesses, in the midst of severe opposition. So if I quote Jeremiah to substantiate Isaiah, or Peter to verify what Paul has said, I am quoting completely different writers who are all independantly attesting to the same thing. Is this not a method of higher criticism with all other subjects? So why is it rejected with Bible? <br /><br />Maybe you are one of those persons who actually knows what the Bible says because you read it alot. Then someone comes along (from within the Church usaully) with their understanding and you reject it because it is contrary to the teachings of the Scripture. This usually results with you being accused of worshipping the Bible, or your being a stuffy-theological-cold-hearted-know-it-all who needs to understand the new culture and times. Or, this is a funny one (it's usually spoken with a snooty condescending intonation), "Well, you see, as I've matured in my faith, I have come to realize that is not what the Bible actually means."<br /><br />Really? Wow. O.K. So what it says is not what it means, and for the last 2000 years we've all had it wrong? Oh thanks be to God for finally sending someone who can understand that the Bible doesn't really mean what it says!!<br /><br />And the idea that we worship the Bible is such an ad hominum. It just shows that they don't have any objective basis for their Scripture twisting. Granted there are some who are all head knowledge with no heart, and that is wrong, but that doesn't mean that what they are saying is incorrect and should all be rejected. You may not like it, (and in most cases this is the big reason why some will think of the "messenger" negatively), but it's still the truth.<br /><br />If we are to know anything true about the Almighty, who is unsearchable, it is only if He reveals Himself. He has given us the Bible. It is His word to us. So we learn about Him, by His word, and we come to understand life and situations correctly by the truth He has revealed to us. We don't decide truth, He does. And it's not worshiping the Bible if we stand firm on what it says. Standing firm on what is written in the Bible, is to stand firm with God. We worship God, and we listen and obey what He has said.<br /><br />Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.<br />(Psa 119:104-105)<br /><br />...for You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word.<br />(Psa 138:2)<br /><br />There is also another form of opposition to "reasoning" with people from the Scriptures, with the hopes that they hear the truth, receive the truth and are saved. It is thus; "You cannot reason people into the Kingdom". Or, "Salvation is from the Holy Spirit, not from reasoning with people, therefore you shouldn't spend so much time doing it, because that's not how people are saved."<br />The thing about this is that it is true. We don't convert people, the Spirit does. But, "how then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? (Rom 10:14) Because "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Rom 10:17)<br />The word of God is the choice weapon of God for this warfare. We are to weild it, and it's a good thing if you know how. Don't let the enemy convince you to put it down. <br /><br />Within the church, some of the oppostion to this "reasoning" approach has to do with the study of apologetics, which has been understood to be the study of other religions and how to wrangle with them from the Scripture. Obviously Paul's knowledge of Judaism helped him in convincing some and winning thier souls to the Lord. It isn't meant for everybody to go out and do this, but are we not all to "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."? I think we are. Don't let anyone tell you different. Study hard and if you want to invite the Jehovah's Witness in, God be with you.<br /><br />Remember though, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2Ti 2:24-26)<br /><br />May the word of the Lord sound forth!Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-46820736808850853762011-04-22T17:03:00.004-05:002011-04-22T17:50:13.932-05:00have a blessed celebration of the resurrection of our Lord.In the process of finding ways in which to have a more Christ centered celebration of Jesus Christ, my wife and I attanded a Messianic Seder meal last week. What a wonderful tradition. I know that we are not Jewish, but God Himself was the one who instituted this family meal. <br /><br />The Old Testament is so filled with types and shadows which all point to the Messiah, who is Jesus Christ. The Passover and Seder are fine examples of this. The difference is that when celebrated with the revelation and knowledge of Jesus Christ it makes it that much more amazing. <br /><br />If you have near you a <a href="http://www.chosenpeople.com">Messianic Jewish Center</a> or a <a href="http://jewsforjesus.org/">Jews for Jesus Ministry</a>, you should consider contacting them to find out more about this great tradition.<br /><br /><br />May God bless you all with a joyfull recollection of our Lord and Saviour's resurrection. <br /><br />Enjoy this wonderful hymn.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx9cb5ysLHevODE2SquqGAGx9voPyHZiPIVrhkL-y6Grt9qYlajEUCLiLB0vNm4wX3PDXJgpWxf2g9IgWMb0g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-76114668365598458602011-04-12T23:06:00.000-05:002011-04-12T23:08:10.202-05:00Things to ComeSo, here I am. I have come much further in the process of creating this whole Like a Thessalonian Ministry, and I have yet to actually go through my favourite book of the New Testament. 3 John. <br /><br />Naaaa, I'm just joking, it's Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. <br /><br />I did a long time ago, explain how and where I received the inspiration for this ministry (click here to read it if you wish), but I've always planned on doing a verse by verse exposition of this fantastic letter by the Apostle Paul. <br /><br /> I just want to say preliminary, as we are going through 1 Thessalonians, I will also be writing articles for this website and adding them as I complete them. I will in all efforts try to have a new post up each week for us to read and ponder and discuss.<br /><br /> I look forward to questions and comments. <br /><br />In everything by prayer<br />By the power of the Holy Spirit<br />In Jesus Christ the Lord of all<br />For the Glory of the Father<br /><br />Ryan BanmanThessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-5919267620289646962011-03-16T21:44:00.002-05:002011-03-16T21:57:50.312-05:00likeathessalonian.com is a go!!!Hey everyone. Sorry I haven't written anything as of late. I have been a little busy getting my actual website up. It is now on-line. It is still a work in progress, so please be patient. I am adding articles as I finish them.<br /><br />One thing that I am in the process of doing with this as well is to bring my ministry before my elders and put it under their "supervision". It is important for me to submit my "para-church" ministry under the leadership and guidance of my leadership. I guess I have kinda jumped the gun on this already, but it's never too late I suppose.<br /><br />As with my ministry, it is an evangelistic ministry, and on this blog I have been, I suppose, teaching theology. I know these posts are my "musings", but I think if I am in any way "teaching" doctrines of the holy Scriptures, it should be done so under the guidance and knowledge of my elders. <br /><br />I know it may sound a little authoritarian, "I am in submission to my elders" as if they are a group of pompous individuals in robes. This could not be further from the truth. Non-the-less, I think in order to pursue this ministry Biblically, I will submit to their leadership. I will not be a lone-ranger christian. My elders and pastor are the greatest guys I have known, I look forward to their wisdom and accountability.<br /><br />Anyways, check out my site and let me know what you think. The navigation bar at the top is the same as for my site. It will direct you as stated.<br /><br />God blessThessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-79749169978535504402011-02-17T21:10:00.002-06:002011-02-17T21:13:27.277-06:00Romans 8: 17-25<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> 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mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" lang="EN-US">So to recap what we've gone through in Romans 8 so far.<span style=""> </span>Because of our inherent sinful nature with which we are born, we cannot keep God holy Law. Because of our lawlessness, we are in fact enemies of God.<span style=""> </span>Jesus, however, did keep God's Law.<span style=""> </span>Not only did He keep the Law, but also He did it for the purpose of accrediting us with keeping the Law. In addition, by His blood sacrifice He has paid for the forgiveness of our transgression of the holy Law.<span style=""> </span>Therefore, He saves those who are in Him, and we are included to receive an inheritance with Him, as true children of God.<span style=""> </span>At the end of verse 17 though we see yet another 'if' word.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" lang="EN-US">You know, I think the world would just love it if they could just remove all those annoying 'if' words from the Bible.<span style=""> </span>Oh wait, there are many in the Church who are trying.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" lang="EN-US">Anyways, the verse says this, from Rom 8:16-17; "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, <b><u>if indeed </u></b>we suffer with <i><span style="color: gray;">Him</span></i> so that we may also be glorified with <i><span style="color: gray;">Him".</span></i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">"If indeed we suffer with Him..." </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">Does this mean that we must all be under persecution or we are not really saved?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">Unfortunately, there are those who would suggest such things.<span style=""> </span>Which is usually a way in which they justify their weirdo cultist practices or their new understanding of what the Scriptures really say to be true?" </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">Fortunately, this is not what the verse says.<span style=""> </span>Well, I suppose, as it is written, this is what it says.<span style=""> </span>How should it be understood though? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">In order to understand difficult passages, there are a couple of ways in which we go about discerning their meaning.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">The first way is context.<span style=""> </span>What do all the verses around this verse say?<span style=""> </span>What is the general point of what is being discussed?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">The second way is to interpret Scripture with Scripture (which is how we figure out this verse).<span style=""> </span>We would gather all of what we know, in this case, about salvation and then we determine its meaning from that.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">So do we need to suffer so that we might be glorified?<span style=""> </span>I think the answer is both yes and no and here's why.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">Jesus said that if you follow Me, they <b>will</b> hate you (Jn 15:18-20).<span style=""> </span>Who is "they"?<span style=""> </span>The world.<span style=""> </span>That doesn't mean that everyone you know <i>should</i> hate you.<span style=""> </span>But James does say that friendship with the world is hostility towards God. (James4:4)<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">So if you would follow after Jesus Christ, but you receive no flack from the world for doing so, perhaps you need to examine your walk with Christ.<span style=""> </span>Are you emulating Him enough? Jesus said that the world hates Him because He testifies that it's deeds are evil. (Jn 7:7)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">Do you speak out against evil, or refuse to take part in it?<span style=""> </span>Do you converse with unbelievers so easily that they have no considerations or feel no embarrassment about how they speak when your with them?<span style=""> </span>Perhaps your trying to hard for them to like you.<span style=""> </span>I would consider the words of our Lord and His apostles.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">Certainly this does not mean that you always will or even more often than not will receive "persecution", especially not in the way that the early Church did.<span style=""> </span>At least not in Canada or any other western nation.<span style=""> </span>(In the middle east or the far east they certainly do) What do we get?<span style=""> </span>A little bit of ridicule or mocking? Ooooo.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">If we consider that and we say that we must be persecuted or we will not be glorified, then I'm out, and my faith is in vain.<span style=""> </span>That's ridiculous.<span style=""> </span>My salvation is based on God's grace alone, by faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.<span style=""> </span>(Eph 2)<span style=""> </span>We need also be careful that we don't think that because we are doing things we are earning our salvation. Jesus said there will be a lot of people who do that. (Matt 7:21-23)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">I think though, that it's just because of the Christians new nature that he/she will automatically rub the world the wrong way.<span style=""> </span>Some will receive the ire of the world in different ways.<span style=""> </span>What we need to remember though, is Jesus said that if we love our father or mother, son or daughter more than Him, we are not worthy of Him.<span style=""> </span>(Matt 10:34-38)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">So if we don't receive such sufferings as Paul did, or consider them as he did; as unworthy to be compared to what we will receive from Him; an eternal inheritance as His children with Christ, then I would be concerned about whether or not the Spirit of Christ dwells within you.<span style=""> </span>Make sure!! There is nothing more important.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">For we are waiting anxiously for His return, it is our hope, and if we hold to this as greater than what the world may throw at us, then with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">So let me just conclude by saying (more to myself then anyone), whatever it is you are going through, ridicule at work or with family, defamation, marital problems, job loss, a tragic loss (perhaps even more so if a loved one was killed for the gospel); None of the pain in any of this can compare to the amount of joy we shall receive as we are glorified.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">In fact, Peter tells us to rejoice in all of this (1Pe 1:3), as does James (Jam 1:2-5).<span style=""> </span>James goes on to say that through these various trials, it is the Lord who is testing us, so as to produce endurance in our faith so that we may be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">I like the way one of my favourite preachers put it (as far as I know he is the author of said quote), Dr. Walter Martin,<span style=""> </span>speaking about boldly proclaiming the gospel no matter the cost in his sermon “Baptism of Boldness”, “and after you have endured everything count yourself an unprofitable servant as you have endured only that what was asked of you”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Georgia","serif";" lang="EN-US">Great quote.<span style=""> </span>Easier said than done. <span style=""> </span>May the Spirit of the Lord lead us in mortifying sin within us, and sanctify our hearts, conforming us to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen</span></p>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-25050965455919306972011-01-21T19:07:00.002-06:002011-01-21T19:08:45.666-06:00Pauls Letter to the Romans: Chapter 8:15-17<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> 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mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">Last week as we read through Romans 8:9-14 we seen that, even though our salvation is not subject to us being perfect in holiness, we are non-the-less obligated and commanded to live according to the Spirit.<span style=""> </span>Even though we still live in this flesh we are not to live according to the flesh.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">Of course, God, by His kind grace, knowing that this is impossible for us, does not leave us t our own efforts, but He Himself leads us in this.<span style=""> </span>By the leading the Spirit, who dwells within those who have been born again by His power, we live a life of sanctification and a growing in holiness.<span style=""> </span>What we once were we are no longer.<span style=""> </span>"By the Spirit we are putting to death the deeds of the body" (Rom 8:13)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">We are no longer a slave to sin.<span style=""> </span>If the Spirit is within you, have you noticed how the sins you once loved disgust you now?<span style=""> </span>If they don't disgust you, they should at least be less appealing, and gradually they will become more and more vile to you.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">This is the work of the Spirit within you.<span style=""> </span>It is extremely important to remember though, that this is not you working to earn or maintain your salvation.<span style=""> </span>Everyday you should remind yourself of what the gospel is.<span style=""> </span>It is not salvation by means of working for it, but Christ has bought it for you.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">Our sanctification is a means of God's grace to us whilest we still abide in the world, so that we might be the salt and the light to the world so that they might know the truth and be saved.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:red;" lang="EN-US" >"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'" (Rom 8:14-15)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:red;" lang="EN-US" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">These are some of my favourite verses in all of Scripture.<span style=""> </span>The Law of Moses was given by God.<span style=""> </span>The Law is right and holy.<span style=""> </span>It was always understood that it is by the Law that we obtain righteousness and salvation.<span style=""> </span>This is wrong.<span style=""> </span>The law is our tutor that leads us to Christ that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor (or the Law). (Gal 3:24-25)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">We do not have to work for our salvation, Christ did that for us (Rom 8:3-4).<span style=""> </span>Do not be burdened by guilt if you should commit a sin.<span style=""> </span>Do not think that you are no longer a Christian if you sin.<span style=""> </span>Certainly we do not live in it, but we do not all of a sudden need to be re-saved.<span style=""> </span>We do not live under the fear of the Law.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:red;" lang="EN-US" >For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'"</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:red;" lang="EN-US" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">This is the total freedom of which is found in Jesus Christ.<span style=""> </span><span style="color:red;">Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Rom 8:1-2)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11.5pt;color:black;" lang="EN-US" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" lang="EN-US" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">You are a child of God.<span style=""> </span>Do you realize the implications of that? No child of the Almighty Yahweh will ever wear a yoke of slavery and fear. We should not fear that we would be condemned.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">These Scriptures continue in reassurance and of God's amazing kindness.<span style=""> </span><span style="color:red;">"The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him." (Rom 8:16-17)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:red;" lang="EN-US" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">OK, read that again. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">So let me get this straight; When God gave us life, we spat in His face, and turned against Him.<span style=""> </span>Instead of just thumping us all, as we deserved,<span style=""> </span>He would come, live in the same miserable existence we do, in order that He might be tortured and crucified by us, <b>so that we can then be adopted as if we were His children, <u>and</u> share in the inheritance which is rightfully and deservedly His<span style=""> </span>true Son's!!!</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">WOW!!!<span style=""> </span>Halleluyah!!!<span style=""> </span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">Is God not so incredibly kind to us?<span style=""> </span>We deserved His wrath, and instead He is going to give us a share in Jesus' inheritance.<span style=""> </span>Absolutely amazing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">Next time, we will continue with looking at verse 17 and what it means to suffer with Him.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">Thanks for joining me in this study.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" lang="EN-US" >So my brothers and sisters in Christ, instead of living in guilt, which is the tool of the Devil, live with these thoughts in mind.<span style=""> </span>The more you do, the less you will desire to sin, and the more obedient you will want to be.<span style=""> </span>Not because you have to, but because you want to.<span style=""> </span>Because of how incredibly kind God is.</span>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-50808386626109404842011-01-09T00:07:00.002-06:002011-01-17T20:52:15.829-06:00Paul's Letter to the Romans; Ch 8:9-14<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> 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6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:18pt;">Romans 8:9-14</span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">In my last post I <span style=""> </span>began to go through Paul's letter to the Christians in Rome. (Talk about divine providence.<span style=""> </span>Paul's wrote to the Christians in Rome and his letter to them is called Romans. Wow, coincidence?<span style=""> </span>I think not.)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>In those first 13 chapters we saw how Paul made a distinction between those who are in Christ and those who are not.<span style=""> </span>Those not in Christ are at odds with God, even in a hostile manner, and they are under a curse of death.<span style=""> </span>Yet those in Christ receive from God, life and peace with Him. Not, however because of anything those in Him have done, but solely and completely because of what Jesus Christ has done and accredited to those who receive Him and in whom dwells His Holy Spirit.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>Paul makes an interesting statement in vs 9; <span style="color:red;">"However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit,"</span> meaning in contrast to those who are in the flesh, who "cannot please God" (Rom 8:8), you who are in the Spirit are pleasing to God. Again though, I can't stress this enough, Rom 8:3-4, only because Jesus has fulfilled the Law in the flesh, so it is accredited to us.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>Here is that interesting part of what Paul says, and one I don't believe is spoken as often as it should be. Rom 8:9, <span style="color:red;">"...if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you."<span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>Excuse me? Did he just say IF?<span style=""> </span>Yes, yes he did.<span style=""> </span>That means that there are those who believe themselves to be Christians and followers of Jesus Christ, but as Jesus said, <span style="color:red;">"not everyone who says to Me Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven..."(Matt 7:21-23)<span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>This is a very scary prospect.<span style=""> </span>There are those who think they are saved but are not, and they will stand before Jesus in that day of judgement, and even tell Him about all the great things they did in His name, and He will say <span style="color:red;">"I never knew you, depart from me you who practice lawlessness." (Matt 7:23)<span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>I would encourage anyone who professes Jesus as their Lord, to do as Paul instructed.<span style=""> </span><span style="color:red;">Test yourselves <i>to see</i> if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test? (2 Cor13:5)</span></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" lang="EN-US" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>How can we test ourselves in this?<span style=""> </span>Believe it or not Romans gives us the answer to this.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>One answer is not known until we die. That is eternal life and the resurrection of our bodies.<span style=""> </span>Our earthly bodies are dead because of our sin.<span style=""> </span>Rom8:11; Our spirit is given life because of Christ, we are born again, and eventually God will resurrect our earthly bodies in power and glory.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>The next test the Christian should examine himself with is that of sanctification.<span style=""> </span><span style="color:red;">"...but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the flesh, you will live." Rom 8:12-14</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>Are you growing in holiness?<span style=""> </span>Of course this does not mean perfection. No one can obtain perfection in the flesh, and anyone who says they are and have no sin, is deceived and the truth does not abide ion them. (1 Jn 1:8).<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>The saying is, "it's not about perfection, it's about direction."<span style=""> </span>One of the promises of the Holy Spirit is the sanctification of those who He leads.<span style=""> </span>It is clear that one receives salvation by repentance from our sinfulness. This is not a onetime act though. Repentance is a lifelong turning from sin and a lifelong leading of the Holy Spirit into righteousness.<span style=""> </span>We can, sorry I shouldn't say that WE can, but the Spirit will grow us in holiness.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>Are you growing in holiness? Are you sinning less? There is no single gauge which might apply to all believers, this is really between you and God.<span style=""> </span>There is also no single holiness-booster shot, it is a life long journey of repentance as the Spirit reveals areas of sin in your life and dying to yourself and growing in the Spirit. <span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span>This is best accomplished by reading and meditating upon God's word and PRAYER.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">Spend time praying</span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">!! <u>Lots of time</u>!!<span style=""> </span>Also, I know in our worlds attempt to be super spirituals, this may sound selfish (but it’s not), you don’t always need to pray for others, but pray for yourself. Pray especially for the Spirit's guidance into all truth and understanding of God's will and to grow you in the likeness of Jesus Christ.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">The more we are made in the likeness of Jesus Christ, the more others and ourselves come to know Him and what He is like.<span style=""> </span>Think about it.<span style=""> </span>The more we become like Him, the more we will know what He is like. And this will in turn move others, and ourselves, to love Him more and more.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12pt;">May the Spirit of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ fill you with peace and grace for the glory of God.</span></p>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-19856797637983705742010-12-29T18:53:00.003-06:002011-01-17T20:53:30.072-06:00Paul's Letter to the Romans; Ch8:1-13<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> 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class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I love this Chapter.<span style=""> (Read the entire Chapter on the post below) </span>It is one of my most favourite passages of Scripture.<span style=""> </span>I want to share it with you all, and give an exegesis of it's great truth. </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">To do so, I want to first explain the two contrasting positions of mankind before the one true and only living God.<span style=""> </span>This is the contrast, you are either an enemy of God (yes, created by Him, but because of our sinfulness, made His enemy), or you have been redeemed from your position of an enemy and now made a child of God, destined to receive great blessings from Him and spend all eternity in His glorious presence.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Are you a partaker of God's great kindness?<span style=""> </span>Does the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwell within you and bear witness with your own spirit of your adoption into the first and foremost family of all creation?</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I would plead with everyone who hasn't;<span style=""> </span>turn to the Lord our God and repent of your sinfulness and turn to Him who died for you, and thereby Him we now receive the right to be called Children of God.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Unless this happens we are enemies with God.<span style=""> </span>Why?<span style=""> </span>Because God requires perfection and holiness from His creation.<span style=""> </span>His standard of perfection can be summed up in the 10 commandments.<span style=""> </span>Have you kept them all perfectly? Of course not, no one has.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">There is no way we can be righteous before God, for it is within our very nature to sin.<span style=""> </span>This is what is spoken of as "the flesh" in this chapter.<span style=""> </span>The flesh (our very selves) is in opposition to the righteousness of God. Therefore we are condemned. God doesn't magically and unjustly separate us from our deeds. We sin because we are sinners, it is our corrupt and evil nature. </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">"For those who are according to the flesh, set their minds on the things of the flesh...For the mind set on the flesh is death...because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; and those who are in the flesh can NOT please God (Rom8:5-8)</span>(emphasis mine).<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">All is not hopeless though, is it?<span style=""> </span>Because of God's great kindness and mercy and love for us, God has given us great hope!!</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">"For what the Law could not do',</span> (make us righteous by giving us understanding of what sin is so that we would not transgress), <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">'because of our weak and corrupt flesh, God did."</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,<span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> (This is my favourite part)</span> in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Rom8:3-4)</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Meaning - Jesus lived and obeyed the Law perfectly.<span style=""> </span>Our sins are forgiven, the penalty for sin which is death was fully paid for by Jesus' blood, and because of His perfect life, we are accredited with having lived perfectly before God.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">This amazing gift is offered and open for all of mankind to receive, no matter how sinful we are.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Unfortunately, not all will.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Remember...<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh</span>... Meaning, those of the flesh set their minds on all manner of sinfulness; i.e. murder, theft, lies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and creating a god in our own image to suite ourselves so we might continue in our sin.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Because of their love for their sin they will not repent. Therefore, not all will receive the Spirit of Christ, and if you do not....<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">you do not belong to Him (Rom 8:9). "...for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die"....(Rom8:13)</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Please, consider what I've said here.<span style=""> </span>Read the 8th chapter of Romans (It's posted below).<span style=""> </span>See how kind God is, and the great reward He offers to you.<span style=""> </span>Is your sin worth it?</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"...but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Rom8:13)</span></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Next week, we will continue through Romans 8 from verse 9 until ???</span></p>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-21875582882104159802010-12-29T18:43:00.002-06:002010-12-29T18:53:22.938-06:00Paul's Letter to the Romans; Chapter 8Rom 8:1-39 NASB <br />Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (3) For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, (4) so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (5) For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (6) For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, (7) because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, (8) and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. <br /><br />(9) However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. (10) If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. (11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. <br /><br />(12) So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- (13) for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (14) For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (15) For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" (16) The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, (17) and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. <br /><br />(18) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (19) For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. (20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope (21) that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. (23) And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. (24) For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? (25) But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. <br /><br />(26) In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; (27) and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. <br /><br />(28) And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (29) For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; (30) and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. <br /><br />(31) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (33) Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; (34) who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. (35) Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED." (37) But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 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mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]-->Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-36742655524978169952010-12-20T22:35:00.005-06:002010-12-21T00:35:12.040-06:00Katy's first Christmas Concert pt1<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyMHteloLhJ9sH3VSPLMXGCB9c8OqGwMcswqQhDK0uWSqm-tUlvQQHSRokHyRDOQJPahF3VPcnsmwh08T5u' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br />This was such a wonderful Christmas concert. All about what Christmas is; Jesus Christ born into this world to offer Himself as the propitiation for our sins against God.<br /><br />(Sorry, I can't upload the rest, I can't seem to split it to fit. You will just have to trust me that it was great. Also, I'm sorry for the video being so small, I had to in order to be able to upload it)Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-87125631212651208592010-12-03T18:58:00.003-06:002010-12-09T14:03:01.358-06:00Christmas is about Jesus Right?Hey everyone,<br />My family and I are going to start a new tradition for Christmas this year.<br /><br />You see, Christmas for me has become almost depressing. It's supposed to be about the birth of the infinite, eternal God in flesh for the salvation of man right? I think it's becoming obvious though to every Christian that there is something wrong with the way this holy day is celebrated.<br /><br />I believe it's because our holiday is more about materialism, it's traditions are less about Jesus and more about an imaginary fat guy in a red pajamas, and we, the Church, celebrate this day with more non-believers and even celebrate it as they do, than we do with those whom Jesus has bought with His blood (unless of course, your family are believers).<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I don't want to spend time with my relatives, of course I do. I simply think that we should spend more time gathered as the Church to celebrate our Saviour than just Sunday mornings, or perhaps a Christmas morning "service".<br /><br />By this I mean, on Christmas day, the main gathering should be with the Church.<br /><br />I bet that when the Church started celebrating the birth of Christ it was celebrated at the location of where they met regularly, and only believers would have had any desire to celebrate it. Why would those who reject Christ celebrate it?<br /><br />Oh wait a minute, that's why the Church took originally pagan traditions and "Christianized" them. So now you un-believers can continue the same traditions, only now, since we have the Roman Emperor on our side we can tell you what it means and you have to celebrate it as we do. (Almost sounds like an early version of the "seeker sensitive" movement. You know, find out what the un-believing culture likes and then try to impose a sort of Christian theme on it).<br /><br />How have the unbelieving peoples so taken over our holiday? Might it be because there are so many traditions that we hold to with this day that have nothing to do with Jesus at all, that it became so easy for them to participate without any consideration of Jesus. I'm talking about Santa, the tree, the idea of Christmas having to do with snow, or how about even the huge push for Christmas to be the big day of the year for family, and getting together, and peace on earth, and charity.<br /><br />Again, don't get me wrong, these things are all really nice and, are what we Christians are supposed to be about, but Christmas isn't.<br /><br />Just so you don't think that I'm some sort of cold heart, instead of spending all our money on gifts for our kids that they don't need more of, my wife and I are trying to teach them that it's not about them getting toys. So we have donated and bought 2 goats for a family from <a href="http://www.gfa.ca/gift/">Gospel for Asia</a>.<br /><br /><br />Christmas is about Jesus right?<br /><br />So, the new tradition I and my family want to start this year is that on Dec 26, we are going to celebrate the birth of Jesus with our family in Christ. I want to set apart a day to celebrate with the Church.<br /><br />We would like to have a meal at our home. We shall read together the Scriptures of our Lord, sing hymns of His birth, pray, and just spend time in fellowship together.<br /><br />If you live in Winnipeg, and bow at the name of Jesus, we would like to invite you.Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-28265841748005137142010-11-02T21:22:00.004-05:002010-11-11T00:16:13.413-06:00The Greatest Hoax<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> 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{mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">What would be your response if I told you that someone was lying to you about something important? You would probably want to know what your being lied to about right?<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>Now what if what you are being lied to about is so important that, basically, you would have to change your entire world view in order to be consistently following the truth, and that you would probably be looked at as a fool for doing so.<span style=""> </span>Would you want to know the truth then?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>Perhaps you've heard me say before that I am a Bible believing Christian.<span style=""> </span>Perhaps you've heard me say that I believe the Bible is the inerrant, infallible, sufficient word of God.<span style=""> </span>Meaning that every word in it is true, and except when it is blatantly obvious that the speaker or author is intentionally speaking in parables or giving an analogy, every story and teaching is true. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>So when Jesus says let me tell you a parable, it means He is speaking a parable.<span style=""> </span>A parable is a made up story told to get a point across.<span style=""> </span>Some of the details may be made up, such as people or events, but generally, it is still based within reality.<span style=""> </span>I say this, because Jehovah's Witnesses will usually deny Jesus' story about the rich man being in a real hell because He was telling a parable.<span style=""> </span>Well, my response to this is, 'If hell is not real, and Jesus is all about correct doctrine and teaching, why would He tell a parable and use an event where a person is in hell?<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>But I've digressed. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>So it is clear within Scripture when someone is speaking a parable or figuratively.<span style=""> </span>So what about a story like Jonah and the whale?<span style=""> </span>Well, I am one of those nuts that believe that there was a man named Jonah, and he really did get swallowed by a whale.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>I bring this up for this reason.<span style=""> </span>When the Bible says that God created the world in 6 24 hour days, I believe it is true.<span style=""> </span>Not only that, but because I believe the Bible to be accurate in all things including it's historical record, as has been continuously proven despite thousands of years of effort to disprove it, when you add up the genealogies and timeline, the world, since it's creation, is roughly 6000 years old.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>So the greatest hoax ever; what we have all been lied to about, is Darwinian evolution.<span style=""> </span>That is, out nothing, by nothing, for no reason, the universe created itself.<span style=""> </span>Then after billions of years and out of the chaos, matter organized itself and somehow non-living matter became life.<span style=""> </span>Then through an agonizing process of death, disease and suffering, slime has become us.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>I certainly realize the absurdness I am presenting to you all.<span style=""> </span>That for all of our life, science has not only been wrong, but has lied to us.<span style=""> </span>Yes, I know.<span style=""> </span>It sounds crazy, but I tell the truth. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>Are you willing to hear me out?<span style=""> </span>For although I am no scientist, I have studied the issue, and the scientists who do bring to the table this other side, do bring with them some very heavy and real support from the evidence.<span style=""> </span>You see, we all have the same evidence, but how are you going to listen to that evidence?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:14pt;" lang="EN-US" ><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I have here a video to show you.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">This is Dr. Jonathan Sarfati.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">He was recently in Winnipeg, and I would like you to hear what he had to say.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I hope you consider his presentation carefully and thoughtfully.<br /><br />I could not find the presentation I attended at Eastview Community Church, but I did find another video where Dr. Sarfati's speech is similar. </span><br /><br /></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx_cGsk6P-EwnF73Qo993y6Een57cdbmodRa54KpfJHgA177lmYzA1AdAHvxpweZ-nzi-9UGMS67Tj-E-RYyA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-61982297331092241732010-10-25T20:08:00.002-05:002010-10-25T20:19:03.526-05:00Search PointeHey,<br />If anyone in Winnipeg is interested, my good friend and mentor, Kelly Powers (www.rootedinchrist.org) has started a church group in his home. The name of his congregation is called Search Point. We gather every Sunday evening at 7:00pm. Currently we are going verse by verse through the book of The Acts of the Apostles.<br /><br />If you are interested in joining together with other believers, or maybe you are not a believer but are curious to know what the Bible is all about, then please you are most welcome.<br />Shoot me an email and I can give you further directions. sno_dude22@yahoo.com<br /><br />Check out Kelly's facebook page<br />www.facebook.com/pages/Winnipeg-MB/Search-Pointe/119723178075709Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-78256444644965994582010-10-25T20:02:00.004-05:002010-10-25T20:07:26.219-05:00A Challenge to my unsaved friends and family pt2<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> 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lang="EN-US" style="font-size:20pt;"></span></u><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-US" >Ok. Here we go.<span style=""> </span><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">I believe the Bible is God's written word to all of mankind.<span style=""> </span>I believe He inspired men to write the things that He wanted them to write, and therefore I believe it to be fully inerrant, infallible, and a complete record of everything God has said to man.<span style=""> </span>I'm either right about this, or I'm wrong.<span style=""> </span>This is also what the prophets and the apostles have said about what they wrote.<span style=""> </span>They too, are either right or they're wrong.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">Now with that said, The Bible also explains that after God created the first man, Adam, He and his wife sinned against God thereby bringing the curse of death which spread to all mankind, because all sin. (For a definition of sin, see the 10 Commandments).<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">So as to keep this short, I will tell you, that because of our sin against a holy God, we shall be punished eternally in hell.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">God is however, kind and merciful. He loves us all despite our wickedness against Him, and He does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">He wants us to live with Him, enjoying Him and praising Him for eternity.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">So, he decided to show how much He loves us and how kind and good He really is, He would pay the penalty for our sins Himself.<span style=""> </span><br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, and for 33 years, He lived the perfect life that we could not.<span style=""> </span>He was then beaten, spat upon, and crucified, His blood being shed, thus making propitiation for our sins. Meaning, He sacrificed Himself to pay the penalty for our sins, so we would not have to.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">And three days after His death, Jesus rose from the dead, proving His sacrifice worthy, defeating death, and guarantying eternal life for all those who repent of their sin and turn to Him in trust and faith.<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">It is appointed unto man, once to die and then judgment. And unless you repent, you shall be judged guilty of your sin and shall be cast into eternal Hell, where there are no exits.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">But...if you repent and turn from your sins, and follow after Jesus in trust and faith, God will count your sins paid for by the blood of Christ.<span style=""> </span>He will also accredit the perfect life which Jesus lived to you as if you had lived it.<span style=""> </span>You will be born again, granted eternal life, given the seal of the Holy Spirit, adopted as a true child of God and heir with Jesus Christ.<span style=""><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><br /></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-US">That is what I believe.<span style=""> </span>All this is either true, or it's not.<span style=""> </span>I am either right or wrong. We all live in the same reality now, so what makes anyone think that the after life would be any different.<span style=""> </span>We don't make up reality here and now. We are affected by it, we don't rule over it or create it. We can choose to engage in it or not, we can strive to make changes in the way we live in it, but we are all still bound within the same rules and laws reality. So it will be after we die. </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-US">This is something that involves everyone, whether they believe or not.<span style=""> </span>So it would be foolish to say that it doesn't matter, because if it's true, then it does matter.<span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-US">Let us discuss this together.<span style=""> </span>Do you believe this?<span style=""> </span>Am I wrong?<span style=""> </span>Why am I wrong?<span style=""> </span>Let us reason together.<span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-US">I care about you, thus I desire that you do repent and trust in Jesus Christ.<span style=""> </span>It is not intolerant to tell someone that they are wrong.<span style=""> </span>Our pride may be hurt, but if what the Bible says is true, does it not show that I do care for you, in that I am willing to take the risk of you getting mad at me so that by you might be saved?</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-US">What </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-US">say you?</span></span></p>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-89593049849142136292010-10-25T20:00:00.001-05:002010-10-25T20:06:15.185-05:00A Challenge to my unsaved friends and family pt1<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> 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<w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:20pt;"></span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14pt;">I want to get straight to the point and ask you a few questions.<span style=""> </span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14pt;">Do you believe that there is a "God", and if you do, do you care about knowing who He is and what His expectations are?<span style=""> </span>Do you even think He has or should have any expectations?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14pt;">My other questions are for my atheist friends or family (if I have any atheist friends or family).<span style=""> </span>Why do you believe that there is no God.<span style=""> </span>I want to also put on you the burden of proof.<span style=""> </span>What evidence do you have proves there is no God?<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14pt;">I would love to get a conversation going with this.<span style=""> </span>You don't have to worry, it is possible to have a civil talk about this.<span style=""> </span>Let us reason together.<span style=""> </span>I know the mind set these days is 'tolerance', which means anyone can believe whatever they want, and what you believe is true for you, and what I believe is true for me, just don't tell anyone they're wrong.<span style=""> </span>This is called "post-modernism".<span style=""> </span>Let me start by saying, ...that mind set is wrong.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14pt;">Gasp!!<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14pt;">Did I just say that.....Yes, yes, I did.<span style=""> </span>I am willing to say that what some people believe is wrong.<span style=""> </span>And that's o.k.<span style=""> </span>I would welcome if anyone were to say it to me too if they did not believe what I believe.<span style=""> </span>In fact, logically, it is more accurate to say that someone is wrong in what they believe, because truth by it's very definition is objective and exclusive.<span style=""> </span>That means that something is either true or it's not.<span style=""> </span>It's right or it's wrong.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14pt;">I will be completely honest.<span style=""> </span>Yes, I do want to convince you.<span style=""> </span>All of you, to repent of your sin and surrender your lives in trust and faith to Jesus Christ for your salvation.<span style=""> </span>I also believe that Jesus Christ is who He said He is; the only true God, in all the universe, and, all of the other religious beliefs in all the world are wrong.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14pt;">Now, before you disown me, or say that you will never speak to me again, let me explain.<span style=""> </span>My next post will tell you why.<span style=""> </span><br /></span></p> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:14pt;" lang="EN-US" >Remember....we can have a civil discussion about this.</span>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-65016463741038289682010-10-16T20:52:00.002-05:002010-10-16T21:20:51.706-05:00Gianna Jessen part 2<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyWk7FHDD1oRnh7VWC_hWHS6ZehUDnj7URK4CsHgvon27QzkznvfIsJ2hvssZ-XVttL9I8ds_c5c7yFVRJPCg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-57792295753636780372010-10-08T20:08:00.004-05:002010-10-08T20:36:41.094-05:00Gianna Jessen part 1<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxNhJjPexag4yEZFzzvDlCO3PTMaKpL204DQpzrlx-zZZ-Z4DIKaeSSU0VaP5wwqcrB_XQ6Cd54fu0Q-BFO' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />There is nothing else to say about this woman's sermon except "Amen"Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-59905746362848728252010-10-01T22:40:00.006-05:002010-10-05T23:12:23.284-05:00Muhummad Compared to Jesus<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz6WYvyR-KDHIP5gfwAcrUtG8Zq5mv-4EWJnG2qP7FVp-WA3FCdiGMBQnbJnVcCYIZoUuAov-MWh7rwgMhzmw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Ironically, I post this video with a bit of fear from the "religion of peace"<br /><br />If you are interested in learning more about Islam and the wonderful things this evil religion has contributed to the world, here are two sites you can check out.<br /><br /><a href="http://thereligionofpeace.com/">thereligionofpeace.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePeacefulIslam">www.youtube.com/user/ThePeacefulIslam</a> (from whence came this video)<br /><a href="http://sonofhamas.com/">sonofhamas.com</a><br /><a href="http://apostatesofislam.com/">apostatesofislam.com</a>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-78843837874424983962010-09-21T18:49:00.004-05:002010-09-22T06:47:17.265-05:00Mr. Hawking, Sir, I Have a Couple of Questions<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> 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mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">"God no longer has any place in theories on the creation of the Universe due to a series of developments in physics" says Stephen Hawking, a British scientist of </span><span style="font-size:100%;">theoretical physics and cosmology</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">Mr. Hawking says that the big bang was merely a consequence of the law of gravity.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">Mr. Hawking in his new book, "The Grand Design" writes, "Because there is a law such as gravity, the Universe can and will create itself from nothing.<span style=""> </span>Spontaneous creation is the reason why there is something rather than nothing, why the Universe exists, why we exist."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">Hawking draws this conclusion from the discovery of a planet that orbits a star outside of our solar system and says "that makes the coincidence of our own planetary conditions - the single Sun, the lucky combination of Earth-Sun distance and solar mass - far less remarkable, and far less compelling as evidence that the Earth was carefully designed just to please us human beings."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">With all due respect Mr. Hawking, you are wrong.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">Now compared to Stephen Hawking, I might be likened to a dog that only knows the command to sit or lie down, but I like to think that I have even a bit common sense about me.<span style=""> </span>If I may ask a few questions about his theory, I would like to hear a straight answer, and not just an ad homonym response, as he and his colleagues are so often want to do.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">With that said these are the questions I would like to ask him;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Question #1</span> You say the Universe made itself from nothing. I know you are a brilliant genius of a man, but are you aware of what "nothing" is?<span style=""> </span>How can anything be made from nothing, there is nothing there to make it with.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">Also, I notice that you capitalized the word Universe and your language seems to suggest the Universe is some sort of entity that can volitionally perform such an action as making something, when you say "the Universe made itself".<span style=""> </span>I'm sure you wouldn't say that the Universe existed before it created itself into existence right?<span style=""> </span>I'm sure also that you would deny that the Universe is some pre-existent eternal entity, because I would just call that God, but the mostly because the Universe is the after affect from that single point in time "In the beginning" when nothing created something. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">Last time I checked though, nothing (which isn't even conceivable to think of as it excludes even empty space, because space is something) had a pretty hard time using nothing to create anything.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Question #2</span> If "In the beginning was Nothing", where did gravity come from?<span style=""> </span>And how did it come to be a 'law'?<span style=""> </span>Is gravity a self existent force, can gravity even be without something to pull?<span style=""> </span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">Can gravity exist in nothing (remember space is not nothing, it is something)? I've always heard of gravity spoken of as the result or force created by a specific object; i.e. the "sun's" gravitational pull, or the the "moon's" gravitational pull. <br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Question #3</span> You say that it is not very remarkable that our planet just so happens to be in the so very precise and perfect position so as to sustain life.<span style=""> </span>You say this because of the discovery of a single planet that orbits a star out in distant space, and thus you say it can be possible that the big bang was the creator of the universe.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">Don't you think that that is just bad science at best or hopeful thinking at worst?<span style=""> </span>So what if there planets that orbit a star elsewhere?<span style=""> </span>I thought science makes its conclusions based on repeatable observation?<span style=""> </span>These planets are not in the position to support life, nor will they ever be.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Question #4</span> Why do you hate God so much?<span style=""> </span>Yet you are so ready to talk about space aliens as a reality.<span style=""> </span>Is it because, like Dr. Richard Dawkins, you do desperately need an explanation for our existence?<span style=""> </span>Will you say as well that space aliens are our creators?<span style=""> </span>You simply cannot escape from the simple notion that we had to have been created by someone.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" lang="EN-US" >For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" lang="EN-US" >(Romans 1:18-25)</span></p>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-1200189589753542882010-09-21T18:30:00.006-05:002010-09-21T18:36:03.945-05:00I feel like I'm having deja vu<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> 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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;">Hello everyone...(pause to hear the crickets chirping)...<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>I know it's been a very long time since my last article.<span style=""> </span>There was no real reason for my absence other than I was just spending less time on the computer at home and more time with my family.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I am going to try to begin writing a little more now, not because I'm going to be spending less time with my family now, but because my job, with which God has blessed me, allows me to bring a laptop in my truck. So, I can write whilst I work and then transfer and post my article when I get home, thereby effectively killing two birds with one stone.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I get to write while at work (and get paid for it ;D), and be with my family when I'm at home.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Thank you Lord for your kindness.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">So if there is anyone who actually reads my ramblings, I hope to ramble on a little more frequently now. I also can't stress enough how much I like the idea of getting comments. Please, comment and let us get some conversations going.</span><br /></span></p>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-14741884026937042462010-04-20T18:46:00.006-05:002010-04-22T21:27:22.509-05:00God of Wonders 1/8Here is a fantastic video I found on YouTube from OmniChristianVids2.<br /><br />This is a wonderful video which displays God's amazing power and majesty in creation. This video also disputes the ridiculous theory of science called evolution.<br /><br />Enjoy<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzyTypKWQGiOC8CsDhlKJTtI5GKGkXUlF9SaQqdstL_mJMXx_XHqUaOOMoQkl8PDJ9J8Jg8b_LNaWYcFLIYMw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />This is just part 1 of 8. Here is the link to go to YouTube and view the rest of this amazing video.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/OmniChristianVids2">http://www.youtube.com/user/OmniChristianVids2</a>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-81564055437727458462010-04-06T18:00:00.002-05:002010-04-06T18:00:03.330-05:00Essential Doctrine pt8 - Sola Scriptura<span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sola Scriptura means that the Scriptures (the 66 books of the Bible) are the only authoritative source of God speaking to man. Nothing can be added nor taken away. And anything contrary is false.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Scriptures <span style="font-weight: bold;">alone</span> are fully authoritative, infallible and inerrant, and completely sufficient. If you do not believe this then any conversation about God, about His will, about salvation, or about Jesus Christ, is going to be about as frustrating as a three legged dog trying to bury a bone on ice. It's not going to get any where.<br /><br />And why would it? Because any common ground is lost, there is no longer any central reference point, it all comes down to your personal opinion. All of a sudden your reason and feelings become the source of what informs you of what is and is not true.<br /><br />I have a hard time believing that any true Christian would deny the wholly inspired nature of the Holy Scriptures.<br /><br />People will usually deny this when they find a passage of Scripture that they don't like, or one that would cause them to have to change the way that they live their lives. And because it's been proven time and time again that the Bible has not changed since it was written, beginning with Genesis (approx. 3500 yrs ago), to the New Testament (approx.2000yrs ago), I guess it's just easier for them to deny all together that the Scriptures are fake, or to say that the meaning is not true.<br /><br />The sufficiency of the Bible is one of the strongest attacks that the Church is facing right now. Sadly, this attack is coming from those who call themselves Christians.<br />So many within the Church have compromised the word of God, and given in to the pressure of the world to deny the literal truth of the Word. The best example of this would be the denial of the creation of the world in 6 24 hour days approximately 6000 years ago(Gen 2:1-2). Another would be the fact that Jesus said that He is going to return to judge the world and condemn those who do not repent and trust in Him to eternal Hell (Matt 25:31-33,41).<br /><br />If one does not believe that the Scriptures are fully inspired by God, then you do not trust God as He commands. The Bible says that God had inspired the writers of the Scriptures to write down exactly what He wanted to say, (1 Tim 3:16-17, 2 Pet 1:20-21). Why is it so difficult to believe that if God wields such awesome power that He can literally speak the entire universe into existence, why couldn't He preserve throughout history His words as they were spoken to the prophets and apostles?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-21191026307741095522010-04-02T17:13:00.002-05:002010-04-02T17:33:23.641-05:00Good Friday<object style="height: 344px; width: 425px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/98LcbCkhqJs"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/98LcbCkhqJs" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Blessed be Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Consider how great our sins before Almighty God. Consider the cost Jesus had to pay to atone and appease the wrath of God for the sins you and I have committed. The physical beating Jesus took was not all that He suffered though. Through all that at the same time the wrath of God was poured out upon Him in such ferocity that we will never understand.<br /><br />Thank you Jesus.<br /><br />If you have not surrendered you life to Jesus Christ, look at what He has done for you. Will you refuse so great a salvation?<br /><br />"But God demonstrates His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more than, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." (Rom 5:8-11)Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-7220354911070639472010-04-01T17:26:00.002-05:002010-04-01T17:30:08.301-05:00Happy National Atheist Day Everyone!!April 1, April Fool's Day, National Atheist Day.<br /><br />The FOOL has said in his heart, "There is no God." (Ps 14:1)Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995964969603794462.post-2756529285918070492010-03-22T16:21:00.001-05:002010-04-02T18:04:56.246-05:00Essential Doctrine pt7; Salvation is a gift of God.<span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Salvation is by <span style="font-style: italic;">grace</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">alone</span>, through <span style="font-style: italic;">faith</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">alone</span>, in <span style="font-style: italic;">Jesus Christ</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">alone</span>. </span><br /><br />There is <span style="font-weight: bold;">one</span> mediator between God and man, and that is Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 2:5). Jesus Christ was the only one in all of history to make atonement and reconciliation between God and man. He did this, by suffering and dying upon a cross, in such a way that no one on earth could understand. There is nothing that can match the value of Christ's offering.<br /><br />Someone who believes that they must be a good person or perform some right, or observe rituals in order to receive or maintain their salvation in Jesus Christ effectively renders the gift of God as not free, as they attempting to buy it by some form of work. </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /><br />For what does the Scripture say? </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">“Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="verse-num" id="v45004004-1"></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Now </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="verse-num" id="v45004005-1"></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">And to the one who does not work but </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">believes in</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="footnote"></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="verse-num" id="v45004006-1"></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="verse-num" id="v45004007-1"></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,and whose sins are covered; </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="verse-num" id="v45004008-1"></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” (Rom 4:3-8)<br /><br /></span><span class="verse-num" id="v45003020-1"></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">For </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">by works of the law <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">(observing the 10 commandments, or 'being good')</span> no human being</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="footnote"><a href="http://www.esvstudybible.org/search?q=Rom+3#f3" id="b3"></a></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> will be justified in his sight, since </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">through the law comes knowledge of sin. <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">(because we've all broken the law, and no one has perfectly kept the law, therefore, Rom 3:10,12)</span>.</span> <p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="p45003021.07-1"><span class="verse-num" id="v45003021-1"></span>But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— <span class="verse-num" id="v45003022-1"></span>the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: <span class="verse-num" id="v45003023-1"></span>for <a class="cf" href="http://www.esvstudybible.org/search?q=Rom+3%3A23%2CRom+3%3A9"></a>all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, <span class="verse-num" id="v45003024-1"></span>and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, <span class="verse-num" id="v45003025-1"></span>whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Rom 3:20-26)<br /></p>Now I know that this may cause some to think that one may go on sinning as they please since salvation is given for free, and especially when I say that being a good person does not maintain salvation. This is a misunderstanding. My 7th point of essential Christian doctrine is this; <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">True faith must <span style="font-style: italic;">always</span> be preceded and followed by repentance.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Repentance defined, means to apologize and turn from doing evil works. Evil as it is in the eyes of God. Such lying, stealing, idolatry, blasphemy, and the other 10 Commandments. So if one is repentant, they won't want to continue sinning. Especially against the very One who died to save them from their sins.<br /><br />So is repentance a work for salvation? No, but rather it the right response to the One who offers the free gift. Faith and repentance are two sides of the same coin. One without the other results in a false conversion.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="block-indent"> </div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Thessalonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14989071464477156238noreply@blogger.com0