This is part four in a four part series called Man's Real Problem. Part one concluded that Man's Real problem is sin. Part two declare the Solution to be the promise given to Abraham which in a condensed version is the blessing of Justification by Faith. Part Three concluded the means of the solution is the Cross of Christ.
The original Scripture below has all the four Parts of the series in one verse. They are 1) mankind's real problem, 2) the solution, 3) the means of the solution, and 4) how we may become partakers of the solution.
Galatians 3:22 But 1) the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that 2) the promise 3) by faith of Jesus Christ might be 4) given to them that believe.
The means by which the promise is made available to all is through Christ perfect Sacrifice at the Cross. The Promise is to Abraham and his Seed, singular not plural (Gal. 3:16), which is Christ. Thus if the Promise of the blessing of Justification by Faith is given to Abraham and Christ then how do we become partakers of the Covenant and receive the Promise which is the Solution to man's real problem, sin?
Once again, one could almost suffice it to leave it al the text without explanation i.e. "given to them that believe." However, many, or I believe I could say without fear of presumption, most do not really understand the word "believe."
What does it mean? Is it simply intellectual ascent to the facts of Jesus' life? Is it believing that He lived, died, and performed miracles as we believe that George Washington lived, died, and crossed the Delaware? It has to be more than that. We believe many things that are true but they are not able to make a real difference in our life much less our eternity. It means much more than head knowledge.
James 2:19 says, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." It must be more. Mark 1:34 says, "And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him." Demons were the first to recognize and acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God. They "knew him" and believed He was who He said He was. They were not, are not, nor can they be saved so it has to be more.
Louw and Nida Greek Lexicon defines the Greek root word "pisteuo" with several uses. One of those, "trust," (31.85), is "to believe to the extent of complete trust and reliance." (1998) Another,"entrust" (35.50), is "to entrust something to the care of someone" (ibid.). These two definitions say it about as accurately as words can express it.
It is much more than intellectual ascent. It is much more than simply "believing someone lived and did certain things." It is much more than "knowing." It is "complete trust and reliance" upon the finished Work of Christ on the Cross. It is "entrust [ing]" our spirit, soul, and body to the care of Jesus Christ. Thus giving the Holy Spirit the ability to work. He baptizes us into Christ and thus we are regenerated, or born again. The spiritual part of us that is dead because of Adam's sin is reborn and we become children of God. Christ exchanges His righteousness for our law breaking (sinfulness). Thus we become partakers of the solution.
When Christ died on the Cross, it was a legal transaction that fully paid the sin debt that man owed, both by our nature and our actions. The hatred and hostility between God and man has been removed. However man must receive this free gift before it will do him any good.
This is the conclusion of this four-part series, Man's Real Problem.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Randy
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Man's Real Problem Part 3: The Means of the Solution
This is part three in a four part series called Man's Real Problem. Part one concluded that Man's Real problem is sin. Part two declare the Solution to be the promise given to Abraham which in a condensed version is the blessing of Justification by Faith.
The original Scripture below has all the four Parts of the series in one verse. They are 1) mankind's real problem, 2) the solution, 3) the means of the the solution, and 4) how we may become partakers of the solution.
Galatians 3:22 But 1) the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that 2) the promise 3) by faith of Jesus Christ might be 4) given to them that believe.
This post focuses on the Means of the Solution. In other Words how is the Promise of the Blessing of Justification by Faith made available to whosoever will?
The answer could easily be summed up in two words: The Cross.
Jesus Christ, called the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29) by John the Baptist is fully God and Fully man. This had to be so for the two disparaged parties to be reconciled.
The enmity (hostility) that separated God and man went both ways. Man could not reach God because of it but neither could God come to man. This is so because God can not overlook sin because He is perfect in Holiness and can abide with nothing less. This enmity was due to sin brought into the world by Adam's sin and was likewise removed by one man, Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:15).
Because Jesus was fully God and fully man the entire covenant could be ratified within himself and the enmity taken away (Gal. 3:20). This takes man out of the process. We can not reach God by means of the Law (Rom. 3:20) nor by good works (Isaiah 64:6) nor any other man devised method. The New Covenant (Testament) is between God and Christ who was made of a woman, made under the law (Gal. 4:4), so that He might perfectly keep law as a Jewish man living under it for us and exchange His perfect law keeping for our perpetual law breaking. Thus man's good works or bad works have nothing to do with it. Once one is in Christ and partaker of the Covenant one will want to do good works (Eph. 2:10) but this is out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done for us not so we may earn His favor.
The means by which the promise is made available to all is through Christ perfect Sacrifice at the Cross. The Promise is to Abraham and his Seed, singular not plural (Gal. 3:16), which is Christ. Thus if the Promise of the blessing of Justification by Faith is given to Abraham and Christ then how do we become partakers of the Covenant and receive the Promise which is the Solution to man's real problem, sin?
This is the question that will be answered in part four of this series, "how we may become partakers of the solution."
Watch for Part four soon.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Randy
The original Scripture below has all the four Parts of the series in one verse. They are 1) mankind's real problem, 2) the solution, 3) the means of the the solution, and 4) how we may become partakers of the solution.
Galatians 3:22 But 1) the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that 2) the promise 3) by faith of Jesus Christ might be 4) given to them that believe.
This post focuses on the Means of the Solution. In other Words how is the Promise of the Blessing of Justification by Faith made available to whosoever will?
The answer could easily be summed up in two words: The Cross.
Jesus Christ, called the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29) by John the Baptist is fully God and Fully man. This had to be so for the two disparaged parties to be reconciled.
The enmity (hostility) that separated God and man went both ways. Man could not reach God because of it but neither could God come to man. This is so because God can not overlook sin because He is perfect in Holiness and can abide with nothing less. This enmity was due to sin brought into the world by Adam's sin and was likewise removed by one man, Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:15).
Because Jesus was fully God and fully man the entire covenant could be ratified within himself and the enmity taken away (Gal. 3:20). This takes man out of the process. We can not reach God by means of the Law (Rom. 3:20) nor by good works (Isaiah 64:6) nor any other man devised method. The New Covenant (Testament) is between God and Christ who was made of a woman, made under the law (Gal. 4:4), so that He might perfectly keep law as a Jewish man living under it for us and exchange His perfect law keeping for our perpetual law breaking. Thus man's good works or bad works have nothing to do with it. Once one is in Christ and partaker of the Covenant one will want to do good works (Eph. 2:10) but this is out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done for us not so we may earn His favor.
The means by which the promise is made available to all is through Christ perfect Sacrifice at the Cross. The Promise is to Abraham and his Seed, singular not plural (Gal. 3:16), which is Christ. Thus if the Promise of the blessing of Justification by Faith is given to Abraham and Christ then how do we become partakers of the Covenant and receive the Promise which is the Solution to man's real problem, sin?
This is the question that will be answered in part four of this series, "how we may become partakers of the solution."
Watch for Part four soon.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Randy
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Man's Real Problem Part 2: The Solution
Last post discussed Mans real Problem as part one of a four part series.
This post focuses on the Solution. The original Scripture below has all the four Parts of the series in one verse. They are 1) mankind's real problem, 2) the solution, 3) the means of the the solution, and 4) how we may become partakers of the solution.
Galatians 3:22 But 1) the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that 2) the promise 3) by faith of Jesus Christ might be 4) given to them that believe.
The problem then is clearly sin. What then is the Solution? The Promise.
What is the Promise? I learned in Bible College 101 and every Christian needs to learn that the best way to interpret Scripture is by Scripture and I might add by the Guidance of the Holy Spirit.
What does Paul say? Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
The Promise is that made to Abraham 430 years before the Law. That Promise known as the Abrahamic Covenant was given to Abraham as God began to make a people for Himself, the Israelites. However, the Promise was extended to Abraham's seed so that the whosoever will may enter into this Covenant and receive this Promise.
Part 3 and 4 will go deeper into 3) the means of the the solution, and 4) how all may become partakers of the solution thus we will not endeavour to go that deep this time which may leave it a little vague. It is sufficient to say that, if the seed is Christ the we find the Promise only in Christ and enter the Covenant of Abraham only in Christ.
However, the question remains: What is the Promise? Genesis 12:3 says, And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
The Blessing of Abraham is not wealth as some would teach, although he had great possessions. The Blessing of Abraham is shown in Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. (bold and underline mine).
The Blessing is to be a God unto him. And further the Scripture says in, Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
The Promise is Blessing and the Blessing is Justification by Faith that comes through the seed of Abraham, Christ, through which God could be a God unto [him].
Remember, God told the gospel in Genesis 3:15, the proto evangelion (Latin), when He said, And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Thus, the Promise was given long before even Abraham of the seed whose heel would be bruised by Satan and who would crush Satan's head. That seed, as stated, is Jesus Christ and His heel was bruised and Satan's head was crushed at the Cross. God's Promise fulfilled in Christ. The Covenant complete within Christ, fully God and fully man, who reconciled the two removing the enmity (hostility) that separated us (Ephesians 2:15-16).
Part 2: The Solution, then is the Promise.
Coming soon - Part 3: The Means of the Solution. We have already alluded to it for it is impossible not to when talking of this subject.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Randy.
This post focuses on the Solution. The original Scripture below has all the four Parts of the series in one verse. They are 1) mankind's real problem, 2) the solution, 3) the means of the the solution, and 4) how we may become partakers of the solution.
Galatians 3:22 But 1) the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that 2) the promise 3) by faith of Jesus Christ might be 4) given to them that believe.
The problem then is clearly sin. What then is the Solution? The Promise.
What is the Promise? I learned in Bible College 101 and every Christian needs to learn that the best way to interpret Scripture is by Scripture and I might add by the Guidance of the Holy Spirit.
What does Paul say? Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
The Promise is that made to Abraham 430 years before the Law. That Promise known as the Abrahamic Covenant was given to Abraham as God began to make a people for Himself, the Israelites. However, the Promise was extended to Abraham's seed so that the whosoever will may enter into this Covenant and receive this Promise.
Part 3 and 4 will go deeper into 3) the means of the the solution, and 4) how all may become partakers of the solution thus we will not endeavour to go that deep this time which may leave it a little vague. It is sufficient to say that, if the seed is Christ the we find the Promise only in Christ and enter the Covenant of Abraham only in Christ.
However, the question remains: What is the Promise? Genesis 12:3 says, And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
The Blessing of Abraham is not wealth as some would teach, although he had great possessions. The Blessing of Abraham is shown in Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. (bold and underline mine).
The Blessing is to be a God unto him. And further the Scripture says in, Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
The Promise is Blessing and the Blessing is Justification by Faith that comes through the seed of Abraham, Christ, through which God could be a God unto [him].
Remember, God told the gospel in Genesis 3:15, the proto evangelion (Latin), when He said, And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Thus, the Promise was given long before even Abraham of the seed whose heel would be bruised by Satan and who would crush Satan's head. That seed, as stated, is Jesus Christ and His heel was bruised and Satan's head was crushed at the Cross. God's Promise fulfilled in Christ. The Covenant complete within Christ, fully God and fully man, who reconciled the two removing the enmity (hostility) that separated us (Ephesians 2:15-16).
Part 2: The Solution, then is the Promise.
Coming soon - Part 3: The Means of the Solution. We have already alluded to it for it is impossible not to when talking of this subject.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Randy.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Man's Real Problem Part 1
In Galatians 3:22 the Apostle Paul writes, But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
In this one verse Paul tells us 1) mankind's real problem, 2) the solution, 3) the means of the the solution, and 4) how we may become partakers of the solution.
One of the major problems of the church at large today, especially the "seeker friendly" variety as well as the "word of faith" factions, is that they ignore man's real problem. This is not just man's most important problem, biggest problem, most pressing problem, etc. but rather the root of every problem which are really only symptoms. The world, and sadly, the modern church, creates man made methods for the purpose of solving these "symptoms". They are calling the symptoms the problem in many cases and sometimes what they are trying to solve is neither problem nor symptom. They are merely attempting to give people what they think they want. But, that is another article.
What is man's real problem? The Bible makes it abundantly clear, from Genesis 3 through Revelation 22:21. Paul, here, plainly tells us it is sin. Yes, the word still exists. S - I - N. And not only does Paul plainly tells us it is sin but that it is Scripture, and not he, nor anyone else, that has concluded this fact and that all are included. Sin in this verse has the definite article with it in the Greek which could have been translated "the sin" and refers to the sin nature. The part of us that makes us sin, that we are slaves to. The part of us that we received due to Adam's sin which brought about the fall of man in Genesis 3.
Everyone is born with a sin nature into a fallen world and all commit sins (Romans 3:23; 5:12). When something bad happens to us whether it be sickness or something else it is not necessarily a direct result of a specific sin in our lives. Job proves this as well does Jesus in John 9:2-3 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. It is however a result of a fallen and sinful world.
Man has one problem in this world and that is sin. The Good News is that there is a Solution to this problem!
Coming Soon Part 2: The Solution
In this one verse Paul tells us 1) mankind's real problem, 2) the solution, 3) the means of the the solution, and 4) how we may become partakers of the solution.
One of the major problems of the church at large today, especially the "seeker friendly" variety as well as the "word of faith" factions, is that they ignore man's real problem. This is not just man's most important problem, biggest problem, most pressing problem, etc. but rather the root of every problem which are really only symptoms. The world, and sadly, the modern church, creates man made methods for the purpose of solving these "symptoms". They are calling the symptoms the problem in many cases and sometimes what they are trying to solve is neither problem nor symptom. They are merely attempting to give people what they think they want. But, that is another article.
What is man's real problem? The Bible makes it abundantly clear, from Genesis 3 through Revelation 22:21. Paul, here, plainly tells us it is sin. Yes, the word still exists. S - I - N. And not only does Paul plainly tells us it is sin but that it is Scripture, and not he, nor anyone else, that has concluded this fact and that all are included. Sin in this verse has the definite article with it in the Greek which could have been translated "the sin" and refers to the sin nature. The part of us that makes us sin, that we are slaves to. The part of us that we received due to Adam's sin which brought about the fall of man in Genesis 3.
Everyone is born with a sin nature into a fallen world and all commit sins (Romans 3:23; 5:12). When something bad happens to us whether it be sickness or something else it is not necessarily a direct result of a specific sin in our lives. Job proves this as well does Jesus in John 9:2-3 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. It is however a result of a fallen and sinful world.
Man has one problem in this world and that is sin. The Good News is that there is a Solution to this problem!
Coming Soon Part 2: The Solution
Monday, May 25, 2009
Happy Memorial Day
Salute a fallen American Hero today if you enjoy your freedom. Read This...
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Randy
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Randy
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Miracle Worker
Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know (Acts 2:22)
Some don't believe God still performs miracles but my Bible says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Heb. 13:8)
I simply want to tell you a story.
I had to have two root canals done this past Wednesday. I have woefully neglected going to dentist over past year but these, I believe come from an accident some ten years ago that resulted in some cracked some teeth.
I had experienced pain in one of these teeth from last summer, sometimes so severe that I had to hold a heating pad on my face because my whole face would hurt. But that had not occurred for sometime.
While they were doing the second root canal, in the tooth that had had the most pain, they found a third root. They said only three percent of people had a third root in this tooth. They said I was very rare.
The dentist could not get into the canal so she said I would have to go to a specialist or have the tooth pulled. I said I needed some time to think about it. As she walked out, I was distraught. I thought, Lord I wanted to get this done and now I am going to have to pay more and travel some distance to the specialist and miss another day of work. Then I stopped and simply rested and said I am leaving the tooth and the finances at the foot of the Cross, take care of it Jesus.
They came back to finish up and as they did, she stopped and said we need to take another X-Ray, because she said she may have good news. She thought she had gotten into the third canal but the X-Ray showed that the canal had "calcified."
The dentist described this as being sort of like the tooth had done a root canal on itself and sealed off the canal. I had prayed over this tooth many times, especially in those times of pain. The tooth did not do it itself. This was Divine. She said it looked as though it would be okay and not need further attention. They were going to finish the other two canals, build up the tooth, and fill, then wait six months before putting on a crown.
So they finished up. Here is the icing on the cake. God has blessed us with a great insurance plan but the dental has a yearly limit and I was going to have to pay some out of pocket, a fair amount. Now because they were not sure of the results they did not charge me at all for this tooth even though they did the work on the two canals nor would they regardless of the results. I only had to pay half as much as expected.
I believe God did a root canal on that third root, and maybe even created the third root, as a result of a Divine Miracle. He took the pain from the tooth some time back. He then arranged it so that His favor was upon me that I did not have to pay as much as expected. And He had already provided unexpected finances before we knew this was needed that more than covered it. He is Jehovah Jireh, "God has already provided."
God does not always do it when we want it or the way we expected it because He is God and He is Sovereign and who are we to dictate to Him how things should be done. But let it be known that He always comes through right on time.
My God is still in the Miracle working business. Jesus is still Savior, Sanctifier, Holy Ghost Baptizer, Healer, and soon Coming King. I still believe in the 5 Fold Gospel the old fashioned Pentecostals believed in.
Isaiah 53:5 says, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." This shows that it is from the Cross of Calvary that everything comes. The Blood of Jesus paid for it all. When Jesus said, "It is finished..." (John 19:30), all that would ever be needed had been done. It has nothing to do with me. It does not matter what I say or how I say it. It only matters that the focus of my Faith is properly placed and that is in the Cross and Jesus' finished work there.
My first reaction was not of faith. I had no "word of Faith" to bring. I simply laid it at the Cross and rested in Christ, my Sabbath. That flies in the face of much popular Theology but I am thankful that Jesus is the Miracle Worker and not my confession.
"Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief" (Mark 9:24b) still works. PRAISE THE NAME OF JESUS. Reach out and lay hold of the person of Christ and His Finished Work on the Cross.
Grace and Peace to you,
Pastor Randy
Some don't believe God still performs miracles but my Bible says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Heb. 13:8)
I simply want to tell you a story.
I had to have two root canals done this past Wednesday. I have woefully neglected going to dentist over past year but these, I believe come from an accident some ten years ago that resulted in some cracked some teeth.
I had experienced pain in one of these teeth from last summer, sometimes so severe that I had to hold a heating pad on my face because my whole face would hurt. But that had not occurred for sometime.
While they were doing the second root canal, in the tooth that had had the most pain, they found a third root. They said only three percent of people had a third root in this tooth. They said I was very rare.
The dentist could not get into the canal so she said I would have to go to a specialist or have the tooth pulled. I said I needed some time to think about it. As she walked out, I was distraught. I thought, Lord I wanted to get this done and now I am going to have to pay more and travel some distance to the specialist and miss another day of work. Then I stopped and simply rested and said I am leaving the tooth and the finances at the foot of the Cross, take care of it Jesus.
They came back to finish up and as they did, she stopped and said we need to take another X-Ray, because she said she may have good news. She thought she had gotten into the third canal but the X-Ray showed that the canal had "calcified."
The dentist described this as being sort of like the tooth had done a root canal on itself and sealed off the canal. I had prayed over this tooth many times, especially in those times of pain. The tooth did not do it itself. This was Divine. She said it looked as though it would be okay and not need further attention. They were going to finish the other two canals, build up the tooth, and fill, then wait six months before putting on a crown.
So they finished up. Here is the icing on the cake. God has blessed us with a great insurance plan but the dental has a yearly limit and I was going to have to pay some out of pocket, a fair amount. Now because they were not sure of the results they did not charge me at all for this tooth even though they did the work on the two canals nor would they regardless of the results. I only had to pay half as much as expected.
I believe God did a root canal on that third root, and maybe even created the third root, as a result of a Divine Miracle. He took the pain from the tooth some time back. He then arranged it so that His favor was upon me that I did not have to pay as much as expected. And He had already provided unexpected finances before we knew this was needed that more than covered it. He is Jehovah Jireh, "God has already provided."
God does not always do it when we want it or the way we expected it because He is God and He is Sovereign and who are we to dictate to Him how things should be done. But let it be known that He always comes through right on time.
My God is still in the Miracle working business. Jesus is still Savior, Sanctifier, Holy Ghost Baptizer, Healer, and soon Coming King. I still believe in the 5 Fold Gospel the old fashioned Pentecostals believed in.
Isaiah 53:5 says, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." This shows that it is from the Cross of Calvary that everything comes. The Blood of Jesus paid for it all. When Jesus said, "It is finished..." (John 19:30), all that would ever be needed had been done. It has nothing to do with me. It does not matter what I say or how I say it. It only matters that the focus of my Faith is properly placed and that is in the Cross and Jesus' finished work there.
My first reaction was not of faith. I had no "word of Faith" to bring. I simply laid it at the Cross and rested in Christ, my Sabbath. That flies in the face of much popular Theology but I am thankful that Jesus is the Miracle Worker and not my confession.
"Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief" (Mark 9:24b) still works. PRAISE THE NAME OF JESUS. Reach out and lay hold of the person of Christ and His Finished Work on the Cross.
Grace and Peace to you,
Pastor Randy
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Homosexual Agenda Comes to the Heartland!
It's no longer just San Francisco and Masachussetts, it has officially come to the heartland. This of course has nothing to do with the will of the majority of the people but with activist judges, as is usual. It does, however, prove that it is time for us who are true followers of Christ, as well as all who believe that marriage was and is instituted BY GOD BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN to let our voices be heard. He did this, for those who do not know, before the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:24 says, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
The relationship between Christ and the Church is illustrated by marriage throughout the New Testament. Marriage is a sacred institution and very near and dear to God's heart. Satan knows this and it is for this very reason that there is such a push to pervert the true meaning of it, even to confuse and distort the meaning is the start of the downfall of any society.
God says in Leviticus 18:22 "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." It is clear in Scripture how God feels about it. Thus it is clear how true Christians should feel about it. Always remember that neither God nor True followers of Christ hate or have anything personal against the homosexual, it is no different than with any sinner. It is not the sinner but the sin that we Preach against. Jesus Christ died on The Cross to redeem and pardon the homosexual just as He did for all. The Cross is the great equalizer. Without it we all will get what we deserve, death and hell ( Romans 6:23a) but we it we may all have the Free Gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23b; John 3:16, et al).
However, do not be surprised of what is going on in our country. The Holy Spirit told us through the Apostle Paul that this day would come. Romans 1:26 "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."
Paul reminds us that though we fight against the agenda, we must simply pray for the people out of shear gratitude that, as stated, we were delivered from the same or just as bad. 1 Corinthians 6:11 "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."Call me extreme but I simply believe the Bible and believe that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Because of this all may live if they look to the Cross.
That's not hate. That is the very definition of real love. 1 John 4:10 "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Randy
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
A NEW CREATURE
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
When we are in Christ by placing our Faith in His Finished Work at on the Cross, we are not better people, cleaned up people, starting over people, turning over a new leaf or our best selves…we are "new creatures"
When Jesus said "…it is finished…" (John 19:30) all had been done that needed to be done to redeem all mankind from the Garden of Eden to the End of time. The enmity (hostility, ill-will, hatred [UBS]) has been removed by The Cross (Eph 2:15-16). Christ died not only so we could come to God but that God might come to us. He died to redeem the whole man, spirit, soul, and body and God did not send His only begotten son to fix used merchandise so it will be better - Jesus died that we might be recreated.
Friberg's Greek Lexicon defines the Greek for new in this way: (1) of what was not there before new, recently made, not yet used, fresh (MT 9.17); (2) of what was not known before strange, unheard of, unusual (MK 1.27); (3) of what was not possessed before newly gained, newly acquired (MT 13.52)
Old things are passed away including not only past sin, although that is the biggest and most important, but also past hurts and past guilt (Rom. 8:1). We must forgive (Mat. 6:14-15) and move on. Christ made this possible on the Cross. When He said, "father forgive them..."(Luke 23:34), He made it possible for us to do the same.
Sin is the problem. The Cross is the answer. Always and without exception this is the case. It's time to get a Revelation of who we are in Christ, if indeed we be in Christ, and allow the Holy Ghost to transform us into the new creature that we are.
Keep your Faith properly focused upon Christ Crucified and let the old man die. Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." This means to die to self. The Cross was an instrument of death. It was the Roman method of execution. This verse does not mean to bear your particular burden as some have wrongly taught, it means to let the old man die and let Christ live through you. In other words, you cannot truly follow Christ unless self is denied and crucified. This, as all we receive from God, is only possible by means of the Cross of Christ. "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3).
Read this from sermonillustrations.com, it is a good illustration.
Thank you Lord for the Cross.
Pastor Randy
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Eat of Me...Drink of Me Luke 6:53
John 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
God don't want our "filthy rag" (Is. 64:6) good works. He will only accept Christ's finished Work on the Cross. Jesus plainly tells those following Him when He was on earth, unless you eay [my flesh], that is, trust in and focus your Faith completely on my Perfect and complete Sacrifice on the Cross, not in your head but deep down on the inside and drink [my] blood, that is rely on the efficacy of it's cleansing, wonder working power...He is talking about taking it in completely...not lukewarm but sold out, with a made up mind. We must know that our works, our religion, our intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, or anything else means absolutely nothing. We must know that unless our Faith is properly placed upon Christ and Him Crucified (1 Cor 2:2), nothing we offer will be accepted and we have NO life in [us]. The modern church is looking for the living among the dead (Luke 24:5), we won't even get into those in the world, they are lost...we must get the church right before we can do anything with the world...hmmm...
God don't want our "filthy rag" (Is. 64:6) good works. He will only accept Christ's finished Work on the Cross. Jesus plainly tells those following Him when He was on earth, unless you eay [my flesh], that is, trust in and focus your Faith completely on my Perfect and complete Sacrifice on the Cross, not in your head but deep down on the inside and drink [my] blood, that is rely on the efficacy of it's cleansing, wonder working power...He is talking about taking it in completely...not lukewarm but sold out, with a made up mind. We must know that our works, our religion, our intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, or anything else means absolutely nothing. We must know that unless our Faith is properly placed upon Christ and Him Crucified (1 Cor 2:2), nothing we offer will be accepted and we have NO life in [us]. The modern church is looking for the living among the dead (Luke 24:5), we won't even get into those in the world, they are lost...we must get the church right before we can do anything with the world...hmmm...
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thus Saith The LORD
WHen I was first called by God, an old country revival preacher told me to go home and read chapter 2 and 3 of Ezekiel. I don't believe he knew how prophetic his statement was but ten years down the road I see clearer than ever that my call from God, my only commission, my only job, nay, my only responsibility is to tell them "Thus saith the LORD." To paraphrase God's call to Ezekiel, if they listen they will be saved and if they don't they will die in their sins but their blood will not be required at my hands. I believe this mandate also applies to preaching the truth to Christians. No more false prophets who tell the people what they want to hear please!! Let us heed God's Call to Ezekiel and tell them "Thus Saith The Lord."
.My Father's Business
Good morning...another day..."wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business" (Luke 2:49)...what is that..."Go...into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15).
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
True Men of God
The church needs less prosperity pimps (to use Donnie Swaggart's phrase), purpose pushers, & snake oil salesmen and more Jerimiahs, Ezekiels, and John the Baptists......Those who preach "Thus Saith The LORD..." Whether it's what anybody wants to hear or not...true Prophets of God are not seeker friendly...
Pastor Randy
Pastor Randy
My Faith
My faith is not in my feeble ability to believe or hold on but in the person of Christ and His finished Work on the Cross...more later...
Pastor Randy
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Welcome to Cross Life
At Cross Life "...we preach Christ Crucified" (1Corinthians 1:23) as the only hope and the complete hope for mankind. This not only for Salvation but for but Sanctification, that is living a Victorious and Holy Christian life. Too long the church has preached Salvation by Grace through Faith but Sanctification by works. That is what this blog is about, the preaching of The Cross of Jesus Christ. A Reformation of the Cross in the Church at large. Like Paul I must say, "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2). Join me in what I believe is a move of God is these last days. More about this blog and more about who I am later today.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Randy
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Randy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)