New Years Resolution:
We will stop trying to repent our way to heaven, witness our way to heaven, tithe our way to heaven, pray our way to heaven, or attend church to increase our odds of getting to heaven...
"...because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe." (1 Timothy 4:10)
For my wife, children and grandchildren..and anyone else who may be interested!
Once and for All
"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2)
Think about that for a moment. "The whole world"
Before Christ Jesus, once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest of Israel would enter the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle to apply the blood of a bull calf sacrifice to the mercy seat to cleanse himself of sin. He would then leave to sacrifice a goat and return to apply the blood of the goat to the mercy seat for the sins of all other Israelites. As a result, the sins of all Israelites were atoned for that year. This occurred year after year, a never ending ritual of blood sacrifices, to atone for the sins of Israel. Then came Christ Jesus...
"But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption." (Hebrews 9:11-12)
"Once for all". So all your sins, and the sins of all others who have ever lived in this world, have been eternally atoned for, not by pastors, priests , monks, or 12 imams...not by baptisms, crusades, jihad or prayers towards Mecca...but by the blood of Christ Jesus, the "Savior of the world".
"...now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)
Wow! Thank you Jesus.
Think about that for a moment. "The whole world"
Before Christ Jesus, once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest of Israel would enter the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle to apply the blood of a bull calf sacrifice to the mercy seat to cleanse himself of sin. He would then leave to sacrifice a goat and return to apply the blood of the goat to the mercy seat for the sins of all other Israelites. As a result, the sins of all Israelites were atoned for that year. This occurred year after year, a never ending ritual of blood sacrifices, to atone for the sins of Israel. Then came Christ Jesus...
"But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption." (Hebrews 9:11-12)
"Once for all". So all your sins, and the sins of all others who have ever lived in this world, have been eternally atoned for, not by pastors, priests , monks, or 12 imams...not by baptisms, crusades, jihad or prayers towards Mecca...but by the blood of Christ Jesus, the "Savior of the world".
"...now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)
Wow! Thank you Jesus.
Blind Guides of the Blind
"No man ever believes that the Bible means what it says: He is always convinced that it says what he means." --George Bernard Shaw
"I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel...if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be anathema!...For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ."(Galatians 1:1-11)
George Bernhard Shaw was correct. I would put it this way...
"No religious institution of man believes what the Bible says, instead, they are convinced the Bible says what the religious leaders of that particular religious institution say it means."
Thus the Bible has become a commentary on the various doctrines of the men. Instead of the Bible being the infallible word of God, the doctrines of men are deemed infallible - "blind guides of the blind", all falling "into the pit" of unbelief...
"Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders?" Jesus responded..."You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you: 'THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN"...blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:1-2,7-9)
So, here are a few things the Bible actually says, it is good news, and to the extent the doctrines of men teach otherwise, let them become "anathema!".
1. GOD LOVES ALL OF US
“God commends His love for us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15)
“Christ died for our sins . . . was buried . . . and rose again. . .” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
2. GOD WILLS THAT ALL OF US BE SAVED
“God our Savior…will have ALL men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4)
“Trust in the living God, who is the Savior of ALL men” (1 Timothy 4:10)
3. ALL OF US ARE RECONCILED TO GOD
“When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His son” (Romans 5:10)
“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself not counting their sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19)
“And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile ALL unto Himself” (Colossians 1:20)
4. ETERNAL LIFE IS A GRACIOUS GIFT FROM GOD TO ALL OF US
“For even as in Adam ALL are dying, thus also, in Christ shall ALL be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23)
5. WHAT ALL OF US SHOULD DO WITH THIS GOOD NEWS
"Prescribe and teach these things." (1 Timothy 4:11)
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
"I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel...if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be anathema!...For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ."(Galatians 1:1-11)
George Bernhard Shaw was correct. I would put it this way...
"No religious institution of man believes what the Bible says, instead, they are convinced the Bible says what the religious leaders of that particular religious institution say it means."
Thus the Bible has become a commentary on the various doctrines of the men. Instead of the Bible being the infallible word of God, the doctrines of men are deemed infallible - "blind guides of the blind", all falling "into the pit" of unbelief...
"Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders?" Jesus responded..."You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you: 'THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN"...blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:1-2,7-9)
So, here are a few things the Bible actually says, it is good news, and to the extent the doctrines of men teach otherwise, let them become "anathema!".
1. GOD LOVES ALL OF US
“God commends His love for us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15)
“Christ died for our sins . . . was buried . . . and rose again. . .” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
2. GOD WILLS THAT ALL OF US BE SAVED
“God our Savior…will have ALL men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4)
“Trust in the living God, who is the Savior of ALL men” (1 Timothy 4:10)
3. ALL OF US ARE RECONCILED TO GOD
“When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His son” (Romans 5:10)
“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself not counting their sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19)
“And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile ALL unto Himself” (Colossians 1:20)
4. ETERNAL LIFE IS A GRACIOUS GIFT FROM GOD TO ALL OF US
“For even as in Adam ALL are dying, thus also, in Christ shall ALL be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23)
5. WHAT ALL OF US SHOULD DO WITH THIS GOOD NEWS
"Prescribe and teach these things." (1 Timothy 4:11)
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Did the Rich Man Go To Hell?
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus…the time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.” (Luke 16:19-31)
So is this a historic account of two men, or a parable. A careful examination of the context beginning in Luke 14:7 shows me it is one in a series of parables, and therefore not a literal story. Everyone should be glad for it would teach that rich people who receive good things in this life go into hades, but the poor who receive bad things in this life go to heaven, regardless of the Cross, the Grace of God, or good works.
“So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony…”
Being a parable we can only grasp its meaning if “to us it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven”, according to Jesus...
“And the disciples came and said to Him, Why do you speak to them in parables? Jesus answered them, to you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted…" (Matthew 13:10-11)
So if you are a disciple you know what it means, if you are one of “them” however, you don’t and can't. One thing for sure, the context is the promises of God made to Israel…and nowhere in those promises within the word of God does he affirm Hades, the underworld of Greek mythology!
Do not fret too much if we don't understand all of the parables for at present we only see "dimly"...but one day we will know all...
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:12-13)
For now we should concentrate on strengthening our faith, hope and love.
So is this a historic account of two men, or a parable. A careful examination of the context beginning in Luke 14:7 shows me it is one in a series of parables, and therefore not a literal story. Everyone should be glad for it would teach that rich people who receive good things in this life go into hades, but the poor who receive bad things in this life go to heaven, regardless of the Cross, the Grace of God, or good works.
“So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony…”
Being a parable we can only grasp its meaning if “to us it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven”, according to Jesus...
“And the disciples came and said to Him, Why do you speak to them in parables? Jesus answered them, to you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted…" (Matthew 13:10-11)
So if you are a disciple you know what it means, if you are one of “them” however, you don’t and can't. One thing for sure, the context is the promises of God made to Israel…and nowhere in those promises within the word of God does he affirm Hades, the underworld of Greek mythology!
Do not fret too much if we don't understand all of the parables for at present we only see "dimly"...but one day we will know all...
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:12-13)
For now we should concentrate on strengthening our faith, hope and love.
The "So in So" in the House of the Pulled Off Sandal
"This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time." (1 Timothy 2:4-6)
In ancient Israel there was the "kinsman redeemer", the firstborn male of the family who had the responsibility of saving the family from extinction. If he was asked to do so and refused he was required to pull off his sandal and give it to the relative who needed to be saved, and would forever after be known as the "so in so" of "the house of the house of the pulled-off sandal". At least that is how I interpret the story of Ruth and Boaz in the 3rd chapter of Ruth.
The bible calls Jesus Christ "the firstborn of all creation".
"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." (Colossians 1:1,15)
As the "firstborn" it was his responsibility to redeem mankind from extinction. God the Father asked him to do so requiring his death as the "ransom". He obeyed. And instead of becoming another forgotten person, just a "so in so of the house of the pulled off sandal", he is our kinsmen redeemer, and at our resurrection, his name will be above all names, and all will bow and confess Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords...
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to cling to, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man he humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place, and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11)
Now that is something to be thankful for!
In ancient Israel there was the "kinsman redeemer", the firstborn male of the family who had the responsibility of saving the family from extinction. If he was asked to do so and refused he was required to pull off his sandal and give it to the relative who needed to be saved, and would forever after be known as the "so in so" of "the house of the house of the pulled-off sandal". At least that is how I interpret the story of Ruth and Boaz in the 3rd chapter of Ruth.
The bible calls Jesus Christ "the firstborn of all creation".
"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." (Colossians 1:1,15)
As the "firstborn" it was his responsibility to redeem mankind from extinction. God the Father asked him to do so requiring his death as the "ransom". He obeyed. And instead of becoming another forgotten person, just a "so in so of the house of the pulled off sandal", he is our kinsmen redeemer, and at our resurrection, his name will be above all names, and all will bow and confess Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords...
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to cling to, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man he humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place, and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11)
Now that is something to be thankful for!
Grace Rules!
“The Law was given so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness, to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:20-21)
What value is there to the Ten Commandments, and the rest of the Law given Moses if its purpose was to increase trespasses?
Paul says it reveals just how sinful "all" people are...
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God …Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too…" (Romans 3:23, 29)
What value is there to the Love and Grace of God?
"…at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly…God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through him?...For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 5:6-8;6:23)
Paul says "grace" demonstrates that the love of God for sinners far exceeds the weight of their sin. The grace of God trumps the sinfulness of "ungodly" people...
All that we sinners can do about our sin is to have faith that God's "grace" is greater than our sin, and wait for the final proof of the His love and mercy when we sinners are resurrected to receive "the free gift of eternal life"…
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive…The last enemy to be destroyed is death…so that God may be all in all…just as we have borne the likeness of the earthy man, so also shall we bear the likeness of the heavenly man…the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ?” (1 Corinthians 15:20-58)
Death, the wages of sin, is then swallowed up in the Victory.
Grace rules!
What value is there to the Ten Commandments, and the rest of the Law given Moses if its purpose was to increase trespasses?
Paul says it reveals just how sinful "all" people are...
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God …Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too…" (Romans 3:23, 29)
What value is there to the Love and Grace of God?
"…at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly…God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through him?...For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 5:6-8;6:23)
Paul says "grace" demonstrates that the love of God for sinners far exceeds the weight of their sin. The grace of God trumps the sinfulness of "ungodly" people...
All that we sinners can do about our sin is to have faith that God's "grace" is greater than our sin, and wait for the final proof of the His love and mercy when we sinners are resurrected to receive "the free gift of eternal life"…
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive…The last enemy to be destroyed is death…so that God may be all in all…just as we have borne the likeness of the earthy man, so also shall we bear the likeness of the heavenly man…the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ?” (1 Corinthians 15:20-58)
Death, the wages of sin, is then swallowed up in the Victory.
Grace rules!
The Work Of Faith
“To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith…” (2 Thessalonians 1:11)
The church today is all about works. It is implied, if not taught directly, that the more work you do for God through the local church, the more righteous you become. But often those works become wearisome and take time away from what gives us joy and peace.
The only work that brings lasting peace and joy in this age is the “work of faith”.
The church today is all about works. It is implied, if not taught directly, that the more work you do for God through the local church, the more righteous you become. But often those works become wearisome and take time away from what gives us joy and peace.
The only work that brings lasting peace and joy in this age is the “work of faith”.
It is OK to do stuff in and through our churches if it is YOUR desire to do so. Paul says God will “powerfully fulfill YOUR every good desire".
Sooo, what is it YOU "desire" that is “good”? Once you figure that out, get after it so “that our God will count you worthy of His calling”.
As for me, well I “desire” to trust God, and to be a good husband, father, and grandfather. I am pretty sure those "desires" are among the "good" ones. Only time will tell if they will be fulfilled.
"Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you." (Psalm 37:3-5)
Sooo, what is it YOU "desire" that is “good”? Once you figure that out, get after it so “that our God will count you worthy of His calling”.
As for me, well I “desire” to trust God, and to be a good husband, father, and grandfather. I am pretty sure those "desires" are among the "good" ones. Only time will tell if they will be fulfilled.
"Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you." (Psalm 37:3-5)
Heaven Is Not On Earth
“…they saw that I had been entrusted to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews.” (Galatians 2:7)
When we get to the part of the New Testament that is authored by Paul we find no references to fig trees, beautiful cities, lambs, promised lands, or the garbage dump of Gehenna (hell). Those things are related to Israel and its Kingdom on earth. Those blessing for Israel are FROM heaven, not IN heaven.
We are told that the destiny of the “body of Christ” is “among the heavens”. This body is composed of both Gentiles and Jews. Our blessings are not FROM heaven but IN heaven, and Paul tells us to “set our minds on things above” and look forward to being “caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air”.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it…so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another… And he is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead... Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things…our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to subject all things to himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body…we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord...God raises us up with Christ and seats us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus." (1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:5; Colossians 1:18; 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-17; Ephesians 2:6)
To understand the Bible we should distinguish between what Israel has on the earth sent FROM heaven and what belongs to the "body of Christ" IN heaven.
God’s chosen people are destined to rule in a future earthly Kingdom. However, Heaven is for all people, both Gentile and Jew. We are God’s chosen people to dwell “in the heavenly realms”, after our resurrection, in the Empyrean of our great God.
When we get to the part of the New Testament that is authored by Paul we find no references to fig trees, beautiful cities, lambs, promised lands, or the garbage dump of Gehenna (hell). Those things are related to Israel and its Kingdom on earth. Those blessing for Israel are FROM heaven, not IN heaven.
We are told that the destiny of the “body of Christ” is “among the heavens”. This body is composed of both Gentiles and Jews. Our blessings are not FROM heaven but IN heaven, and Paul tells us to “set our minds on things above” and look forward to being “caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air”.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it…so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another… And he is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead... Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things…our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to subject all things to himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body…we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord...God raises us up with Christ and seats us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus." (1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:5; Colossians 1:18; 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-17; Ephesians 2:6)
To understand the Bible we should distinguish between what Israel has on the earth sent FROM heaven and what belongs to the "body of Christ" IN heaven.
God’s chosen people are destined to rule in a future earthly Kingdom. However, Heaven is for all people, both Gentile and Jew. We are God’s chosen people to dwell “in the heavenly realms”, after our resurrection, in the Empyrean of our great God.
Imperfect People Need Mercy, Grace And Prayer
There have now been 44 different men elected to be President, all of them imperfect. God intended that citizens pray for them and God demands that from us after this election. God does not sanction the protests and violence...those doing so are just immature, selfish, imperfect people out of control and their childish tantrums will not change anything. However, prayer might...
"First of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men, for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all goodness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior..." (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
"First of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men, for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all goodness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior..." (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
It is hard for me not to get mad at imperfect people out of control, however I have to remind myself that we are all imperfect. And being imperfect people, our views about life are imperfect. That is never more obvious than in politics and among religious people.
But God is in control if the Bible is true, and I am thankful He has not left our salvation up to the imperfect doctrines of imperfect people. He will deliver us all, eventually, by His grace and mercy...
"...it is through the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved...justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus...it does not depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy...for God has consigned all men to disobedience, so that He may have mercy on them all...it is by grace you have been saved" (Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24; 9:16; 11:33; Ephesians 2:5)
Faith in the Grace of God
The Bible says this about Jesus Christ…
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” (Colossians 1:19-23)
“Before the creation of the world” God chose to RECONCILE sinners to God “through the blood of his cross”, “if” we “continue in” our faith. NOTE: He is talking about the gospel (good news) of “reconciliation” (being at peace with God).
It is said in the Bible that mankind was predestined before creation to be adopted as sons of God..
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious GRACE, which He has freely given us in the one He loves.” (Ephesians 1:3-6)
Note that mankind was “predestined” to become Sons of God “in accordance with His pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace”. That too is the gospel (good news) which gives joy to those in this life if we have “faith”.
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” (Colossians 1:19-23)
“Before the creation of the world” God chose to RECONCILE sinners to God “through the blood of his cross”, “if” we “continue in” our faith. NOTE: He is talking about the gospel (good news) of “reconciliation” (being at peace with God).
It is said in the Bible that mankind was predestined before creation to be adopted as sons of God..
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious GRACE, which He has freely given us in the one He loves.” (Ephesians 1:3-6)
Note that mankind was “predestined” to become Sons of God “in accordance with His pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace”. That too is the gospel (good news) which gives joy to those in this life if we have “faith”.
But we do not choose God, or Christ, God chooses us. And God has “predestined” mankind to be “holy and blameless in his sight”. Obviously that has not happened yet, but awaits our resurrection from death, not some decision we make. The final salvation, reconciliation, and glorification of all mankind is a promise we have now to be finished in the future when all will be “blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ”.
What we have available to us now is our “faith” that God will do what He says.
There is precious little of this faith in our world it seems to me, even among Christianity. Nevertheless, the eventual salvation, reconciliation and glorification of all is guaranteed by God’s “glorious GRACE”.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men...For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all...” (Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:5-6)
There is precious little of this faith in our world it seems to me, even among Christianity. Nevertheless, the eventual salvation, reconciliation and glorification of all is guaranteed by God’s “glorious GRACE”.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men...For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all...” (Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:5-6)
Rahab's House Of Ill Repute
“Then Joshua secretly sent out two spies from the Israelite camp at Acacia Grove. He instructed them, Scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho. So the two men set out and came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there that night.” (Joshua 2:1)
Ok, did you notice that the first place the two spies go to in Jericho is the local Brothel where they are introduced to Rahab the prostitute. I can hear the Church fathers weeping and gnashing their teeth – sorry, but that is what the Bible says.
Rahab had heard about the God of Israel, believed and feared what she heard, and so she helped the two Israelite spies get away from the King of Jericho. Nothing says she changed her profession and I doubt she did. And, as payment for her varied services, she is saved when Israel comes to destroy Jericho. And later she hooks up with a good old Jew named Salmon and they have a son named Boaz, the great, great grandfather of King David.
And one more thing, about a thousand years later, Rahab's and King David's great, great, great, great, great....grandson Jesus is born to save you, me and the whole world!
Three cheers for Rahab the Harlot!
You just can't make this stuff up...I just love God and His Bible!
You just can't make this stuff up...I just love God and His Bible!
Citizenship
When all the theologians and politicians have finished arguing about what man must do to be saved; When the Calvinists and Armenians have finished bludgeoning each other with lengthy and boring arguments about predestination and free will; When Christians and Muslims have finished threatening and killing one another with words and weapons; When all religious and governmental organizations have failed to save and deliver a better world - what do we have left to give us strength and hope?
What it comes down to is pretty simple for me. I either find peace in my faith in what God has promised in the bible, or I do not. And what God has promised is easy enough for a child to understand. God has promised to…
Save me, my family and friends, and the whole world,
“We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:14)
And He has promised to send Jesus back to earth to raise us all from the dead...
“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written - death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54)
For now my citizenship resides in the United States, and I am proud of that, and in this election year I will vote for the person who I think can make America the best she can be for my family and friends – Donald Trump - while I wait for that promised “mystery” to become a reality. Then my citizenship will be in that country in which the whole world is destined…
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21)
What it comes down to is pretty simple for me. I either find peace in my faith in what God has promised in the bible, or I do not. And what God has promised is easy enough for a child to understand. God has promised to…
Save me, my family and friends, and the whole world,
“We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:14)
And He has promised to send Jesus back to earth to raise us all from the dead...
“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written - death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54)
For now my citizenship resides in the United States, and I am proud of that, and in this election year I will vote for the person who I think can make America the best she can be for my family and friends – Donald Trump - while I wait for that promised “mystery” to become a reality. Then my citizenship will be in that country in which the whole world is destined…
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21)
The Will Of God
“And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:16)
Here we see clearly that it is the faith OF JESUS, not our own faith, which makes us strong, or makes those we see strong. Faith that comes from our own heart or desires cannot and will not strengthen us. Most likely it will depress us for often our will does not coincide with His, therefore it does not come to pass...
“Jesus explained, my food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work…The One who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases Him." (John 4:34; 8:29)
So what is the will of God that Jesus finished?
Here we see clearly that it is the faith OF JESUS, not our own faith, which makes us strong, or makes those we see strong. Faith that comes from our own heart or desires cannot and will not strengthen us. Most likely it will depress us for often our will does not coincide with His, therefore it does not come to pass...
“Jesus explained, my food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work…The One who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases Him." (John 4:34; 8:29)
So what is the will of God that Jesus finished?
The salvation of the world!
Don't fall into the trap of thinking our free will is stronger than God's will. It is not, nor can so called free will prevent Jesus from finishing that which he came to do - save the world.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking our free will is stronger than God's will. It is not, nor can so called free will prevent Jesus from finishing that which he came to do - save the world.
Jesus always does the will of our Father God. We do not, for we do not know the details of his will for day to day life. However, we know from the bible that "all things are working together for good" (Romans 8:28), and that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners", and that God "is the Savior of all mankind" (1 Timothy 1:15; 4:9-10) – that is the "good" that all things are working toward.
God sent his one and only Son to save it, and as Jesus said after being lifted up on the cross - “it is finished” – having faith that after his death for our sins and burial in the earth, God would lift him “up from the earth” and "draw all men" to himself, not some, but the whole world drawn to him and saved. It will be completed when he returns to lift us all up out of death into immortal abundant life, both those who keep his word in this age, and those who do not…
“…I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me. This is the will of Him who sent me, that of all that He has given me I lose nothing, but raise them up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father…I myself will raise them up on the last day. And when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself…as for anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world... So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him…Jesus said, It is finished. With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit...” (John 6:37-40, 12:32, 47; 19:16-17)
So just believe God and trust Jesus to always do the will of our Father, to save the world out of death, which is pleasing to God. Be comforted that a loved one whom you prayed for to get saved but died never having faith...well Jesus's faith trumps his...and he will rise to meet Jesus when he comes, and then, hand in hand with you, will bow with you and will confess Jesus as Lord, all to the glory of God's grace and mercy.
"And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place, and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11)
God sent his one and only Son to save it, and as Jesus said after being lifted up on the cross - “it is finished” – having faith that after his death for our sins and burial in the earth, God would lift him “up from the earth” and "draw all men" to himself, not some, but the whole world drawn to him and saved. It will be completed when he returns to lift us all up out of death into immortal abundant life, both those who keep his word in this age, and those who do not…
“…I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me. This is the will of Him who sent me, that of all that He has given me I lose nothing, but raise them up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father…I myself will raise them up on the last day. And when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself…as for anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world... So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him…Jesus said, It is finished. With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit...” (John 6:37-40, 12:32, 47; 19:16-17)
So just believe God and trust Jesus to always do the will of our Father, to save the world out of death, which is pleasing to God. Be comforted that a loved one whom you prayed for to get saved but died never having faith...well Jesus's faith trumps his...and he will rise to meet Jesus when he comes, and then, hand in hand with you, will bow with you and will confess Jesus as Lord, all to the glory of God's grace and mercy.
"And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place, and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11)
Pride – The Measure of Faith
“Behold, as for the proud one, his soul is not right within him; but the just one by faith shall be living…Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Habakkuk 2:4; Hebrews 12:2)
Quite frankly, my personal faith for most of my life was not authored by Jesus, much less finished. My faith was authored by the denomination that I grew up in. It was a faith in a decision I had been encouraged to make.
“God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them…through him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.” (2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 1:20)
There seems to be little “peace” within evangelical Christianity, especially between those who differ on doctrine. They do not believe that the "blood of his cross" has reconciled the world to God. They are ever creating new programs and plans to get members on fire to go save the lost, and when they do not, guilt comes, peace is nowhere to be found, and after a while of resting, begin to create another program to save the lost – thus continuing the cycle of guilt.
This has been going on for hundreds of years. That is not all bad I suppose. God has clearly allowed it, and he gives a temporary gladness to those who participate from time to time and see some results of the effort. But that gladness resembles pride, not humility. At least that is what it did for me when I used to be involved – but it was a temporary gladness, and there was some pride for my effort.
But it is not faith in our programs to save sinners that will eventually save and justify us. We sinners are “proud” ones, often referring to one another as saints, and the more righteous we think we are, the prouder we become, proving our “soul is not right within".
Jesus is the “author and finisher” of the faith that will make us righteous - it is HIS faith, not ours, and he will freely give it to all eventually. And lest we cannot distinguish between the two, he gives proud self-righteous folks a “measure" to determine if our faith is in him, or the doctrines of the church…
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure (measuring stick) of faith.” (Romans 12:3)
Quite frankly, my personal faith for most of my life was not authored by Jesus, much less finished. My faith was authored by the denomination that I grew up in. It was a faith in a decision I had been encouraged to make.
“God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them…through him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.” (2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 1:20)
There seems to be little “peace” within evangelical Christianity, especially between those who differ on doctrine. They do not believe that the "blood of his cross" has reconciled the world to God. They are ever creating new programs and plans to get members on fire to go save the lost, and when they do not, guilt comes, peace is nowhere to be found, and after a while of resting, begin to create another program to save the lost – thus continuing the cycle of guilt.
This has been going on for hundreds of years. That is not all bad I suppose. God has clearly allowed it, and he gives a temporary gladness to those who participate from time to time and see some results of the effort. But that gladness resembles pride, not humility. At least that is what it did for me when I used to be involved – but it was a temporary gladness, and there was some pride for my effort.
But it is not faith in our programs to save sinners that will eventually save and justify us. We sinners are “proud” ones, often referring to one another as saints, and the more righteous we think we are, the prouder we become, proving our “soul is not right within".
Jesus is the “author and finisher” of the faith that will make us righteous - it is HIS faith, not ours, and he will freely give it to all eventually. And lest we cannot distinguish between the two, he gives proud self-righteous folks a “measure" to determine if our faith is in him, or the doctrines of the church…
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure (measuring stick) of faith.” (Romans 12:3)
The Greek word for “measure” above refers to the measuring rod, like a tape measure. Pride is the measuring stick God gives to determine whether our faith is in our own acts, or in the faith OF our Savior Jesus.
So if you think you have great faith, and that faith has saved you, chances are you think of yourself “more highly” than you ought to…I know I once did, and sometimes still do. That measuring rod of pride will tell you about your faith – the more pride you have in the decisions you made and the works you do, the less you have of Jesus's faith.
Sinners have no hope but in the grace and mercy of God to justify them by the faith OF Jesus, not our own faith IN Jesus…
“The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ “I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:11-14)
Permit me to paraphrase this in my own words and experience…
The evangelist stood and prayed “Father, in Jesus name I come before you in this your house, thanking you for saving my soul when you led me to confess my sin, join the church, be baptized, participate in the Lord’s supper, bring my family to church every time the doors are open, teach Sunday School, preach the gospel, tithe of my income and more, and do my best to stay out of worldly places and live a good life. And now I pray for Robert that he would come back to Church, confess his sin, and become the righteous person he once was before he went back into the world”. Meanwhile Robert is at home getting ready to go to the golf course to enjoy some time with his son, and before he leaves, he kisses his wife, the love of his life, and says quietly to God, “thank you for my family and for being merciful to us, the sinners.”
My aversion to pride will not let me finish the paraphrase so I will leave it there.
So if you don’t think you have much faith, it is probably a good thing. But you will have the same faith Jesus has one day for he has promised to “author” and “finish” your faith, and like Jesus, you will then be just and live righteously for the ages of the ages. For most, if not all of us, that finishing will come after this age when we are resurrected in his image, immortal and full of abundant life…thanking God continuously “for his indescribable gift”.
Don’t be discouraged if you have no faith, or are considered to have none by those who think they do. It is just that Jesus has not authored it for you yet, but he will both author and finish it. It may or may not be authored by Jesus in this life, but it will be finished in the next. For now, if we come to have it in this present evil age, our efforts should be to enrich those around us, incompetent as we or they may now be…
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:10-15)
Sinners have no hope but in the grace and mercy of God to justify them by the faith OF Jesus, not our own faith IN Jesus…
“The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ “I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:11-14)
Permit me to paraphrase this in my own words and experience…
The evangelist stood and prayed “Father, in Jesus name I come before you in this your house, thanking you for saving my soul when you led me to confess my sin, join the church, be baptized, participate in the Lord’s supper, bring my family to church every time the doors are open, teach Sunday School, preach the gospel, tithe of my income and more, and do my best to stay out of worldly places and live a good life. And now I pray for Robert that he would come back to Church, confess his sin, and become the righteous person he once was before he went back into the world”. Meanwhile Robert is at home getting ready to go to the golf course to enjoy some time with his son, and before he leaves, he kisses his wife, the love of his life, and says quietly to God, “thank you for my family and for being merciful to us, the sinners.”
My aversion to pride will not let me finish the paraphrase so I will leave it there.
So if you don’t think you have much faith, it is probably a good thing. But you will have the same faith Jesus has one day for he has promised to “author” and “finish” your faith, and like Jesus, you will then be just and live righteously for the ages of the ages. For most, if not all of us, that finishing will come after this age when we are resurrected in his image, immortal and full of abundant life…thanking God continuously “for his indescribable gift”.
Don’t be discouraged if you have no faith, or are considered to have none by those who think they do. It is just that Jesus has not authored it for you yet, but he will both author and finish it. It may or may not be authored by Jesus in this life, but it will be finished in the next. For now, if we come to have it in this present evil age, our efforts should be to enrich those around us, incompetent as we or they may now be…
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:10-15)
Faith In God - Or Maybe Not
“We walk by faith, not by sight…” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Biblical faith is a term which most people struggle with. Faith is not a blind leap into the dark, nor is it just saying we trust God or Jesus. Faith is believing something God or Jesus has SAID he has done or will do for us. Salvation by faith is not “inviting Jesus into your heart”, or joining the church, or confessing your sin, or “calling upon the name of the Lord”, or getting baptized. If those things are of any value at all, they are just a way to express that we believe what God says he will do. Those things are NOT a condition to God being faithful to save mankind, they are a response to the realization that they have been saved by the GRACE of God “not of works lest any man should boast”. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15)
All of our evangelistic efforts will not add to what Christ Jesus came into the world to do. Evangelism should be simply introducing the world to their Savior. Salvation is what God and Jesus will do for mankind…save them. Not try to save them or offer to save them, but actually save them. For Christianity to imply he will not do so without our help or acceptance of an invitation is evidence of a LACK OF FAITH it seems to me.
“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:9-11)
Sometimes I wonder if institutional Christianity as a group are included in the “especially of those who believe”. When Christianity returns to faith in what God through Christ Jesus has DONE, and returns to teaching and preaching that gospel, our churches might again be filled with joyful men and women.
The Joel Osteen church has tapped into that joyous message, but he makes his money from promising his listeners that if they have faith in themselves, God will pour out His “abundant life” now in various forms of success. But that abundant life in the Kingdom that Jesus promised will not be ours until after Jesus returns and we have been resurrected and our natural bodies replaced with a new spiritual body...
“...it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body …flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:44, 50)
From about the 4th Century AD Christianity has made salvation a matter of man DOING SOMETHING for God to get saved and blessed. Not so, salvation is a DONE deal, and eternal blessing will follow our resurrection as the free gift of God's grace. God through Christ Jesus has reconciled mankind to Himself and Jesus will return someday to literally save us from death and give us a new spiritual body created to live an abundant eternal life.
FAITH that God is the savior of the world and has reconciled it too himself is what it means to “walk by faith, not by sight”. We just don't SEE it now, it is just a promise from God, and we have faith in what He says - or not.
Biblical faith is a term which most people struggle with. Faith is not a blind leap into the dark, nor is it just saying we trust God or Jesus. Faith is believing something God or Jesus has SAID he has done or will do for us. Salvation by faith is not “inviting Jesus into your heart”, or joining the church, or confessing your sin, or “calling upon the name of the Lord”, or getting baptized. If those things are of any value at all, they are just a way to express that we believe what God says he will do. Those things are NOT a condition to God being faithful to save mankind, they are a response to the realization that they have been saved by the GRACE of God “not of works lest any man should boast”. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15)
All of our evangelistic efforts will not add to what Christ Jesus came into the world to do. Evangelism should be simply introducing the world to their Savior. Salvation is what God and Jesus will do for mankind…save them. Not try to save them or offer to save them, but actually save them. For Christianity to imply he will not do so without our help or acceptance of an invitation is evidence of a LACK OF FAITH it seems to me.
“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:9-11)
Sometimes I wonder if institutional Christianity as a group are included in the “especially of those who believe”. When Christianity returns to faith in what God through Christ Jesus has DONE, and returns to teaching and preaching that gospel, our churches might again be filled with joyful men and women.
The Joel Osteen church has tapped into that joyous message, but he makes his money from promising his listeners that if they have faith in themselves, God will pour out His “abundant life” now in various forms of success. But that abundant life in the Kingdom that Jesus promised will not be ours until after Jesus returns and we have been resurrected and our natural bodies replaced with a new spiritual body...
“...it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body …flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:44, 50)
From about the 4th Century AD Christianity has made salvation a matter of man DOING SOMETHING for God to get saved and blessed. Not so, salvation is a DONE deal, and eternal blessing will follow our resurrection as the free gift of God's grace. God through Christ Jesus has reconciled mankind to Himself and Jesus will return someday to literally save us from death and give us a new spiritual body created to live an abundant eternal life.
FAITH that God is the savior of the world and has reconciled it too himself is what it means to “walk by faith, not by sight”. We just don't SEE it now, it is just a promise from God, and we have faith in what He says - or not.
Grief Is Not Our Home
"Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning." (Psalm 30:5)
Grief is not our home. Joy is our home. Just like our memories, grief is just a place we visit from time to time. So remember, visit and grieve...then wipe away the tears and go home.
"...forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)
Grief is not our home. Joy is our home. Just like our memories, grief is just a place we visit from time to time. So remember, visit and grieve...then wipe away the tears and go home.
"...forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)
Is God In Aladdin's Lamp?
“All things work together for good….” (Romans 8:28)
Is your God in Aladdin’s lamp?
I get mad at that god sometimes. I rub the lamp with much prayer and yet He doesn’t grant me any of my three wishes. The last time was an immature and childish attempt at getting my Genie to help me play golf better. I mentioned in another post my score of 102. What I didn’t mention is that I tried to put the blame on God for not helping me do better, being the righteous person that I considered myself to be….I deserved a couple of wishes, or birdies. What I got was triple bogies or what my golf buddies like to call TFBs. You can ask them what that means.
But that Genie god is not the God of the bible. It is the God of men and their religions. He is seen as some powerful entity sitting on a throne somewhere in Heaven just waiting for us to get his attention by rubbing the lamp with just the right amount of prayer time and faith.
Is your God in Aladdin’s lamp?
I get mad at that god sometimes. I rub the lamp with much prayer and yet He doesn’t grant me any of my three wishes. The last time was an immature and childish attempt at getting my Genie to help me play golf better. I mentioned in another post my score of 102. What I didn’t mention is that I tried to put the blame on God for not helping me do better, being the righteous person that I considered myself to be….I deserved a couple of wishes, or birdies. What I got was triple bogies or what my golf buddies like to call TFBs. You can ask them what that means.
But that Genie god is not the God of the bible. It is the God of men and their religions. He is seen as some powerful entity sitting on a throne somewhere in Heaven just waiting for us to get his attention by rubbing the lamp with just the right amount of prayer time and faith.
Again, that is the Genie of Aladdin’s lamp, not the God of the bible.
The God of the Bible is working "all things together for good", according to His purpose. He does not need our help and our continuous prayer is not going to make Him treat us better. Prayer is good, but it is intended to give us peace as we “toss our entire worry on Him” knowing that there is a "sequel" to our struggles, one in which we are completed in His image.
“…toss your entire worry on Him, for He is caring for you…faithful is God, Who will not be leaving you to be tried above what you are able, but, together with the trial, will be making a sequel also...” (1 Peter 5:7; 1 Corinthians 10:13 CLNT)
In that “sequel” mankind is destined to become like Him, but not now. Now we must suffer from time to time. That is part of His work in progress toward His goal to complete us in His image in the new creation - the one that happens upon our resurrection to immortality.
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered or come to mind…He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Timothy 1:8-12)
The God of the Bible is working "all things together for good", according to His purpose. He does not need our help and our continuous prayer is not going to make Him treat us better. Prayer is good, but it is intended to give us peace as we “toss our entire worry on Him” knowing that there is a "sequel" to our struggles, one in which we are completed in His image.
“…toss your entire worry on Him, for He is caring for you…faithful is God, Who will not be leaving you to be tried above what you are able, but, together with the trial, will be making a sequel also...” (1 Peter 5:7; 1 Corinthians 10:13 CLNT)
In that “sequel” mankind is destined to become like Him, but not now. Now we must suffer from time to time. That is part of His work in progress toward His goal to complete us in His image in the new creation - the one that happens upon our resurrection to immortality.
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered or come to mind…He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Timothy 1:8-12)
I am sure I will keep rubbing the lamp from time to time, that is just my immature human nature, but my trust will remain in the God of the bible, not Aladdin's Lamp.
Is that all Paul?
"We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people." (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
Is that all Paul? Well no...
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (16-18)
Good grief, are you done? Not quite...
"Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." (19-22)
Alrighty then, guess I'll just mosey out to the golf course where I'll attempt to make a hole in one on every hole....be much easier. No wonder I have never met anyone from Thessanolica. That letter ran them off. Surely there is more to this than meets the eye...
Yep, there is another way, you can chill out and let...
"...the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass."
I'm all in for that Paul, that is good news, but why would God do that for me?
Glad you asked...I call it GRACE!
Is that all Paul? Well no...
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (16-18)
Good grief, are you done? Not quite...
"Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." (19-22)
Alrighty then, guess I'll just mosey out to the golf course where I'll attempt to make a hole in one on every hole....be much easier. No wonder I have never met anyone from Thessanolica. That letter ran them off. Surely there is more to this than meets the eye...
Yep, there is another way, you can chill out and let...
"...the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass."
I'm all in for that Paul, that is good news, but why would God do that for me?
Glad you asked...I call it GRACE!
Oh, one last thing...
"...pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss." (23-24)
I'll pray Paul, but I'll have to pass on the holy kiss...see you in the clouds some glad morning when this life is over, and we'll fly away...
"...caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord...The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." (4:17;5:25)
"...pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss." (23-24)
I'll pray Paul, but I'll have to pass on the holy kiss...see you in the clouds some glad morning when this life is over, and we'll fly away...
"...caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord...The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." (4:17;5:25)
Does God Like People Better Than Baby Llamas?
“Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Does God like people more than other animals?
I wonder. Sue Ann loves animals, and she and I have been trying to save a newborn Llama. Its mother abandoned it at birth for some reason. She just now called to tell me it did not make it, but in the few days we nurtured it, she and my grandson gave it some of their love and compassion. Yesterday I told Sue Ann it was not going to make it and did not notice that my grandson was in the room. When I saw that he had heard me I spontaneously told him “just believe that in the resurrection she will be perfectly healthy and she will remember you with a smile for caring for her”.
Does God like people more than other animals?
I wonder. Sue Ann loves animals, and she and I have been trying to save a newborn Llama. Its mother abandoned it at birth for some reason. She just now called to tell me it did not make it, but in the few days we nurtured it, she and my grandson gave it some of their love and compassion. Yesterday I told Sue Ann it was not going to make it and did not notice that my grandson was in the room. When I saw that he had heard me I spontaneously told him “just believe that in the resurrection she will be perfectly healthy and she will remember you with a smile for caring for her”.
I am not sure why I said that to him. We normally only think of people as the object of God’s love and salvation thanks to religious tradition.
But what I said made my grandson smile and feel better….me too!
“…I will wait for the LORD…I will put my trust in Him…” (Isaiah 8:17)
Animals are part of God’s creation who are to be “set free from its slavery to corruption”…
“For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 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…” (Romans 8:19-21)
I am sure animals are included when Paul wrote of God’s plan of reconciling “all things to Himself”…
“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth..all things have been created through Him and for Him…He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” (Colossians 1:10-20)
And together, maybe all of His creation will say in that day…
"Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we are be glad and rejoice in His salvation." (Isaiah 25:9)
But what I said made my grandson smile and feel better….me too!
“…I will wait for the LORD…I will put my trust in Him…” (Isaiah 8:17)
Animals are part of God’s creation who are to be “set free from its slavery to corruption”…
“For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 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…” (Romans 8:19-21)
I am sure animals are included when Paul wrote of God’s plan of reconciling “all things to Himself”…
“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth..all things have been created through Him and for Him…He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” (Colossians 1:10-20)
And together, maybe all of His creation will say in that day…
"Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we are be glad and rejoice in His salvation." (Isaiah 25:9)
You can disagree if you like, but animals, in my view, are more deserving of salvation than many people I have known.
If I Am Lifted Up
“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” (John 12:46-47)
There are multitudes of Christians and others who do not believe Jesus came to save the world. They believe he has commissioned the church to do so. They spend countless hours and millions of dollars trying to do what Jesus has already promised to do…“save the world”…he does not need help. I do not believe he will judge us for not getting people saved, he will judge us for not believing he would save them. And when he does save them, his word will judge us for our unbelief.
There are multitudes of Christians and others who do not believe Jesus came to save the world. They believe he has commissioned the church to do so. They spend countless hours and millions of dollars trying to do what Jesus has already promised to do…“save the world”…he does not need help. I do not believe he will judge us for not getting people saved, he will judge us for not believing he would save them. And when he does save them, his word will judge us for our unbelief.
“He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.” (John 12:48)
Whatever you have heard this means in a church, forget it, it most likely is wrong. The judgment he is talking about is the shame that will accompany those who do not believe Jesus will “save the world”. I did not say believe IN Jesus, I said believe his words… ”I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world”.
One judgment from God is already on this world. That judgment is death and “it is appointed unto mean once to die, and after that the judgment.” But the judgment of “the last day” will be the words of Jesus. It will judge those who do not believe what he said.
The fire will consume that unbelief and they will then become believers.
“Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” (John 12:31-32)
Death is the judgment now on this world. Death's rule over mankind is to be "cast out" and Jesus will "draw all men" to himself.
When Jesus returned to life after dying on the cross the deal was done. In being “lifted up” from the grave, he was given all power power and authority to “draw all men” to himself when he returns to lift us up from the grave.
I know, I know, your church taught you that he was referring to being lifted up on the cross. But being lifted up on the cross did not save Jesus or anyone else. If he had not been resurrected the cross would have no value at all. He was lifted down from the cross and put in a tomb, but it could not hold him. He was “lifted up” out of the tomb and waits at the Father’s right hand for the command to go “draw all men” to himself when he returns to “save the world”.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17)
There is no greater darkness than what one finds in the churches of the world. Professing themselves to be wise, they deny the word of the very Savior they worship and adore. And the message of the "reconciliation" of the world is nowhere lifted up in the pulpits of those churches. But here it is "the message of reconciliation" we have been commissioned as ambassadors to share...
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)
“Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” (John 12:31-32)
Death is the judgment now on this world. Death's rule over mankind is to be "cast out" and Jesus will "draw all men" to himself.
When Jesus returned to life after dying on the cross the deal was done. In being “lifted up” from the grave, he was given all power power and authority to “draw all men” to himself when he returns to lift us up from the grave.
I know, I know, your church taught you that he was referring to being lifted up on the cross. But being lifted up on the cross did not save Jesus or anyone else. If he had not been resurrected the cross would have no value at all. He was lifted down from the cross and put in a tomb, but it could not hold him. He was “lifted up” out of the tomb and waits at the Father’s right hand for the command to go “draw all men” to himself when he returns to “save the world”.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17)
There is no greater darkness than what one finds in the churches of the world. Professing themselves to be wise, they deny the word of the very Savior they worship and adore. And the message of the "reconciliation" of the world is nowhere lifted up in the pulpits of those churches. But here it is "the message of reconciliation" we have been commissioned as ambassadors to share...
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)
Burning Bridges?...Good!
"And He was saying to them all, If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)
Have you ever been told "Don't burn your bridges"?
Not always good advice. There are some bridges that should be burnt to the ground. Traditions of Religious institutions are some of those bridges that we need to burn. Not because people might follow you across them...few will be so bold. Most are bound with an oath to what you left behind. The bridges need to be burnt so that YOU can't get back to what you left behind. You will be tempted to do so...at least I am.
The Greek word translated "cross" in verse 23 above is "stauros" which literally means an upright stake in the ground. When Jesus told his fellow Jews to "Take up your cross and follow me" I think he was saying untie yourselves from the stake in the ground you are bound to...the Jewish Rabbinical traditions of men. Only then you can "know the truth" that will "set you free".
Some bridges need to burnt.
"You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!...if you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (Mark 7:9;John 8:31-32)
The word of God will eventually set us all free, but the words of men will make us uselessly bound to the stake driven in the ground by religious tradition...get free from it and run across the bridge... then burn it down.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36)
Have you ever been told "Don't burn your bridges"?
Not always good advice. There are some bridges that should be burnt to the ground. Traditions of Religious institutions are some of those bridges that we need to burn. Not because people might follow you across them...few will be so bold. Most are bound with an oath to what you left behind. The bridges need to be burnt so that YOU can't get back to what you left behind. You will be tempted to do so...at least I am.
The Greek word translated "cross" in verse 23 above is "stauros" which literally means an upright stake in the ground. When Jesus told his fellow Jews to "Take up your cross and follow me" I think he was saying untie yourselves from the stake in the ground you are bound to...the Jewish Rabbinical traditions of men. Only then you can "know the truth" that will "set you free".
Some bridges need to burnt.
"You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!...if you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (Mark 7:9;John 8:31-32)
The word of God will eventually set us all free, but the words of men will make us uselessly bound to the stake driven in the ground by religious tradition...get free from it and run across the bridge... then burn it down.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36)
The Green Mile - Dead Men Walking
Did you see the movie “The Green Mile”. It was about a man on death row. On death row when the inmate made his final walk to his death they called it the Green Mile and those around him would say as he passed by - “Dead man walking”.
Mankind, from the cradle to the grave, are simply dead men walking for the Bible tells us that…
“All have sinned...the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 3:23a; 6:23a)
But God has given us the good news that after our death…
“…the free gift of God is eternal life…” (Romans 6:23b)
Baptism is sometimes misunderstood in churches. In the church where I grew up in the Pastor would repeat these words when he baptized someone - “buried with Christ in Baptism, raised to walk in newness of life”.
Mankind, from the cradle to the grave, are simply dead men walking for the Bible tells us that…
“All have sinned...the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 3:23a; 6:23a)
But God has given us the good news that after our death…
“…the free gift of God is eternal life…” (Romans 6:23b)
Baptism is sometimes misunderstood in churches. In the church where I grew up in the Pastor would repeat these words when he baptized someone - “buried with Christ in Baptism, raised to walk in newness of life”.
To many this meant that the one being baptized had been saved, had died to sin of the old life, and when they come up out of the water they were clean from sin and would go live thereafter in newness of life among the church family.
That is not what Baptism represents at all.
That is not what Baptism represents at all.
Baptism is the visual testimony of the Good News that just as Jesus died, was buried and was the first to be raised to immortal life, so in like manner all people die, and will be raised to walk in immortal life...That is THE GOSPEL.
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him…The last enemy to be destroyed is death…so that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)
So go tell somebody the good news that although the wages for sin is death, the free gift of God is eternal life…and give thanks.
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him…The last enemy to be destroyed is death…so that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)
So go tell somebody the good news that although the wages for sin is death, the free gift of God is eternal life…and give thanks.
Many Will Say To Me
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.
Many will say to me IN THAT DAY, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23)
The "many" who have prophesied in Jesus' name, cast out demons, and done wonders in his name "in that day" cannot be unbelievers, atheists and Muslims, etc. None of them do such things.
So who are the "many"?
Assuming we are “in that day” today, the "many" are probably:
1. Many Jewsish religious leaders who deny Jesus is their Messiah.
2. Many Christian leaders calling him Lord and preaching and teaching in his name...Catholics, Protestants and Independents.
3. Many Christian leaders casting out demons, prophesying in his name and doing wonders in his name.....of the “full gospel” or charismatic variety most likely.
It is interesting that it is not a few, but "many".
The phrases "kingdom of heaven" and "in that day" is most likely a reference to the time of the Second Coming of Jesus to the earth.
It makes sense to me that the phrase "who does the will of my Father" is a reference to the few who actually believe what God says in the Bible like...
"Behold the Lamb of God which TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD" (John 1:29)
"...this is indeed the Christ, the SAVIOR OF THE WORLD" (John 4:42)
"...we trust in the living God WHO IS THE SAVIOR OF ALL MEN" (1 Timothy 4:10)
And those "who practice lawlessness" are the "many" who think they are following the Lord and the Law when they actually "have destroyed the authority" of the word of God by their "traditions" and myths like the Jews were doing when Jesus came the first time...
"Because of your traditions you have destroyed the authority of God's word. And you do many other things like that." (Mark 7:13).
It has been almost 2000 years since Jesus spoke, and we may be close to the second coming of the Lord. If so, "many" Jews who claim to follow the Law of Moses, and "many" Christians who claim to follow Christ may find they have been deceived.
"Many" will apparently miss out on the millennial reign of Christ on the earth and the subsequent Age of the Ages (New Heaven and Earth) that follows. Why?
Just my opinion, but I think it is because they do not believe God and prefer the teaching of "wise men." In effect, they deny the gospel (good news) of what Jesus accomplished as a result of the amazing GRACE of God. They claim to be following him, some even prophesy, cast out demons, and do wonders in his name.
Following "wise men" is not wise unless these wise men agree with the Bible. The Jews at the time of Jesus and Paul trusted the oral traditions of the rabbis the same way modern Christians now trust their leaders.
And how did that work out for them?
God nor Jesus need our help in saving mankind. From my study over the past 40 years, I have become sincerely concerned about some of the traditional teaching of the Church. So in faith I post my thoughts on Facebook just in case anyone cares to abandon the traditions of men before the Lord shows up. The Kingdom Age (Millennium) and the Age of the New Heaven and Earth are going to be fun and I would hate for "many" to miss out on it.
Finally, "many" think I am wrong.
Abundant Life
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10)
I do not think Jesus was referring to abundant life in this present age. Jesus knew that it is appointed that all men must suffer and die. All mankind are in the process of dying, not living abundantly.
Jesus came so that we may have life "abundantly" when he returns to resurrect us to "immortality". Jesus is the only man who has been raised and now has immortality….
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive…When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory…which He will bring about at the proper time. He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:22-54; 1 Timothy 6:15-16)
We do not have abundant immortal life yet, only the promise of it and it is our "blessed hope".
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. These things speak and exhort..." (Titus:11-15)
I do not think Jesus was referring to abundant life in this present age. Jesus knew that it is appointed that all men must suffer and die. All mankind are in the process of dying, not living abundantly.
Jesus came so that we may have life "abundantly" when he returns to resurrect us to "immortality". Jesus is the only man who has been raised and now has immortality….
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive…When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory…which He will bring about at the proper time. He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:22-54; 1 Timothy 6:15-16)
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. These things speak and exhort..." (Titus:11-15)
Dining Only On Swine Gives Me Heartburn
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Neither commentaries and books written by Theologians, Sunday School literature or Pastor's sermons are Scripture, and yet most Christians have gained what knowledge they have about God from those sources. That is much better than nothing I suppose yet as scrumptious and filling as it may taste, it is still the product of sinful men, mostly very fine people, but as good as they may be, their thoughts, nor mine, are “God-breathed”.
Neither commentaries and books written by Theologians, Sunday School literature or Pastor's sermons are Scripture, and yet most Christians have gained what knowledge they have about God from those sources. That is much better than nothing I suppose yet as scrumptious and filling as it may taste, it is still the product of sinful men, mostly very fine people, but as good as they may be, their thoughts, nor mine, are “God-breathed”.
Pork is one of my favorite foods, and I occasionally dine on swine. Bacon, ham, ribs, sausage and pulled pork, all of it. But when I get heartburn from the pork, I know to take a strong dose of Scripture and soon return to a more joyful and healthy life focused on the Spirit of God.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” (Galatians 5:16-18)
No matter how sincere, reasonable, and tasty the product of the flesh may be, religious or secular, it is still just the opinion of men and generally results in laws which none of us can keep. There is a remedy, the “God-breathed” Spirit who says…
“Come…take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” (Galatians 5:16-18)
No matter how sincere, reasonable, and tasty the product of the flesh may be, religious or secular, it is still just the opinion of men and generally results in laws which none of us can keep. There is a remedy, the “God-breathed” Spirit who says…
“Come…take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)
Why People Don't Trust God
"No one has ever seen God...God is Spirit" (John 1:18; 4:24)
I like the following common sense statement by Arthur P. Adams (1847-1925)…
“Why do people not trust God? For the very same reason, I answer, that we do not trust strangers, because we are not acquainted with Him.”
So how do we, or will we, or can we become acquainted with Him who is an unseen Spirit?
Good question and I find little if no help from Theologians. Not that there are not countless commentaries written by them on how to “walk in the Spirit” or be “Spiritual” or produce the “fruit of the Spirit”. There is so much written on the subject that it has become mind numbing to me…and useless mumbo jumbo for the most part. After thousands of pages of writ, their conclusions are essentially the same - If we trust God and get saved, we will change into a “Spiritual person” who is like God, with the fruit of the Spirit flowing out of us.
Which of course is not true and simply brings us full circle to Arthur P. Adams question “Why do people not trust God?”
My answer is pretty simple…I do not trust God sometimes because I am a HUMAN BEING. I am born of the flesh, I live in the flesh and I will die in the flesh. Therefore I cannot become fully acquainted with God, or even be absolutely sure there is a God, until I am "raised a Spiritual body" and have "put on immortality"...which the Bible has promised and where I find hope...
"So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is RAISED A SPIRITUAL BODY. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual...Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly. Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must PUT ON IMMORTALITY. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:42-57)
So good luck waling in the Spirit and trusting God all the time now, hope you do and can, but for me I'll just have to know Him in part, and hope that the Bible is true...
"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12)
Only then can I be fully acquainted with Him...and trust Him completely.
I like the following common sense statement by Arthur P. Adams (1847-1925)…
“Why do people not trust God? For the very same reason, I answer, that we do not trust strangers, because we are not acquainted with Him.”
So how do we, or will we, or can we become acquainted with Him who is an unseen Spirit?
Good question and I find little if no help from Theologians. Not that there are not countless commentaries written by them on how to “walk in the Spirit” or be “Spiritual” or produce the “fruit of the Spirit”. There is so much written on the subject that it has become mind numbing to me…and useless mumbo jumbo for the most part. After thousands of pages of writ, their conclusions are essentially the same - If we trust God and get saved, we will change into a “Spiritual person” who is like God, with the fruit of the Spirit flowing out of us.
Which of course is not true and simply brings us full circle to Arthur P. Adams question “Why do people not trust God?”
My answer is pretty simple…I do not trust God sometimes because I am a HUMAN BEING. I am born of the flesh, I live in the flesh and I will die in the flesh. Therefore I cannot become fully acquainted with God, or even be absolutely sure there is a God, until I am "raised a Spiritual body" and have "put on immortality"...which the Bible has promised and where I find hope...
"So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is RAISED A SPIRITUAL BODY. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual...Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly. Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must PUT ON IMMORTALITY. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:42-57)
"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12)
Only then can I be fully acquainted with Him...and trust Him completely.
This is Good and Acceptable In The Sight of God
“God is love…Love never fails” (1 John 4:8; 1 Corinthians 13:8)
That God is love is a characterization of his essence. When we talk about God being Just, or God being Omnipotent, or God being Omniscient we are talking about his attributes. But His essence is love and it is absolute. And it dictates that He must save the sinner and He must justify the unjust…because He has the power and wisdom to do so.
His love, operating through His attributes of justice, power and wisdom, is directing the outcome of His creation to a place where every knee will bow VOLUNTARILY to God, because they have experienced his Love in the undeniable truth that they are alive, though they had been literally dead. They cannot deny the obvious truth that He has at that time resurrected both the just and the unjust...by the grace of God alone.
“…there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust...For by Grace are you saved...Look unto me and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.” (Acts 24:15; Ephesians 2:8; Isaiah 45:22-25)
This is our hope, the good news that otherwise sinful people, who all die, will be saved by the only One who wants to do so, and has the power to do so.
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time…As in Adam ALL die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Timothy 2:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:22)
Then, and only then will God be loved by all His creation, even as He loves each of us now.
That God is love is a characterization of his essence. When we talk about God being Just, or God being Omnipotent, or God being Omniscient we are talking about his attributes. But His essence is love and it is absolute. And it dictates that He must save the sinner and He must justify the unjust…because He has the power and wisdom to do so.
His love, operating through His attributes of justice, power and wisdom, is directing the outcome of His creation to a place where every knee will bow VOLUNTARILY to God, because they have experienced his Love in the undeniable truth that they are alive, though they had been literally dead. They cannot deny the obvious truth that He has at that time resurrected both the just and the unjust...by the grace of God alone.
“…there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust...For by Grace are you saved...Look unto me and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.” (Acts 24:15; Ephesians 2:8; Isaiah 45:22-25)
This is our hope, the good news that otherwise sinful people, who all die, will be saved by the only One who wants to do so, and has the power to do so.
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time…As in Adam ALL die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Timothy 2:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:22)
Then, and only then will God be loved by all His creation, even as He loves each of us now.
Never See Death?
"Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins...truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death" (John 8:24, 51)
So what did Jesus mean when he said “you will die in your sins” and “whoever obeys my word will never taste death”?
First let’s be honest and admit that even believers “die”. All those who believed and followed Jesus during his earthly ministry died.
Jesus was simply saying that it was sin for the Jewish leaders he was addressing NOT to believe that he was sent by God as their Messiah. And since they did not believe this, when they died they would die in that sin of unbelief.
Now look at verse 51 when Jesus says to them “I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death”.
Again, be honest and admit that none who heard him say that are still alive, even his followers.
So what did Jesus mean when he said “whoever obeys my word will never see death”?
It has always been true that if it were possible to ALWAYS obey his word, then we would not die. It was true for Adam and Eve and it is true for us. However, let me ask you, do you always obey his word?
Neither did any of them, so we ALL see death as the Bible says...
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...the wages of sin is death” (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
So what did Jesus mean when he said “you will die in your sins” and “whoever obeys my word will never taste death”?
First let’s be honest and admit that even believers “die”. All those who believed and followed Jesus during his earthly ministry died.
Jesus was simply saying that it was sin for the Jewish leaders he was addressing NOT to believe that he was sent by God as their Messiah. And since they did not believe this, when they died they would die in that sin of unbelief.
Now look at verse 51 when Jesus says to them “I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death”.
Again, be honest and admit that none who heard him say that are still alive, even his followers.
So what did Jesus mean when he said “whoever obeys my word will never see death”?
It has always been true that if it were possible to ALWAYS obey his word, then we would not die. It was true for Adam and Eve and it is true for us. However, let me ask you, do you always obey his word?
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...the wages of sin is death” (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
And we know that salvation from death is a matter of the "grace" of God…
“By grace are you saved through faith…not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-10).
And when will this salvation which we now have faith in become actual eternal life. Correct, at our resurrection after we die. It is a free gift to all who were born in Adam…sinners...
“For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord…the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, and the dead in Christ shall rise…For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…the dead shall be raised…death is swallowed up in victory.” (Romans 6:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:22, 52-54)
“By grace are you saved through faith…not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-10).
And when will this salvation which we now have faith in become actual eternal life. Correct, at our resurrection after we die. It is a free gift to all who were born in Adam…sinners...
“For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord…the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, and the dead in Christ shall rise…For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…the dead shall be raised…death is swallowed up in victory.” (Romans 6:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:22, 52-54)
Most die in their sins like those Jewish religious leaders without believing that Jesus is their Messiah and Savior. And all of us will experience death because no one can obey all of God's word. But the gospel is the good news that we will all be saved out of death, into eternal life, as a free gift, when Jesus returns to raise the dead.
That is what a Savior does.
That is what a Savior does.
Doubt - Is That Bad?
“…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 6:11-12; Titus 2:13)
To be honest, I sometimes doubt the gospel. And by gospel I mean the biblical good news that after I die, at some point Jesus will return to resurrect me to immortal, eternal life.
To be honest, I sometimes doubt the gospel. And by gospel I mean the biblical good news that after I die, at some point Jesus will return to resurrect me to immortal, eternal life.
Is that bad?
No, just common sense working in me questioning something that I have never personally seen. That is, I have never seen someone who has died and was later brought back to immortal, never ending life. Jesus is the only person who has done so according to the bible and that occurred 2000 years ago and he is no longer physically present to prove to us he is alive, or immortal.
“…our Lord Jesus Christ…who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see.” (1 Timothy 6:14-16)
Honesty in our thinking about life, death, and the hereafter is lacking among Christianity for the most part. It is almost as if Christians think that if they ever doubt or question the good news, that doubt might cause it to be untrue.
But the God of the Bible, the one I have chosen to trust knows what is inside my mind and hidden from the view of others, so I might as well be honest. In my later years I have become convinced it is OK with God to confess my doubts from time to time. I suspect it helps those who have had the same doubts feel better, even if they will not express those thoughts for fear of offending, or disappointing others. Feeling better is good, and knowing there are others with faith in God that have doubts can make us feel better.
Faith is not what saves us, faith is simply believing something that we “hope” is true, thus giving us joy. I hope that Jesus will return and resurrect me and my friends and family. If we are to be saved from death by the resurrection then it will have to literally happen…so until then, I “fight the good fight of faith, take hold of eternal life”, and enjoy that “blessed hope”.
The whole world is groaning, unaware of why, but they are groaning for the good news. They want to feel better about life...and death. To often they get condemnation from Christianity, but "hope" in the good news is what will make them feel better.
“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 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. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” (Romans 8:22-25)
No, just common sense working in me questioning something that I have never personally seen. That is, I have never seen someone who has died and was later brought back to immortal, never ending life. Jesus is the only person who has done so according to the bible and that occurred 2000 years ago and he is no longer physically present to prove to us he is alive, or immortal.
“…our Lord Jesus Christ…who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see.” (1 Timothy 6:14-16)
Honesty in our thinking about life, death, and the hereafter is lacking among Christianity for the most part. It is almost as if Christians think that if they ever doubt or question the good news, that doubt might cause it to be untrue.
But the God of the Bible, the one I have chosen to trust knows what is inside my mind and hidden from the view of others, so I might as well be honest. In my later years I have become convinced it is OK with God to confess my doubts from time to time. I suspect it helps those who have had the same doubts feel better, even if they will not express those thoughts for fear of offending, or disappointing others. Feeling better is good, and knowing there are others with faith in God that have doubts can make us feel better.
Faith is not what saves us, faith is simply believing something that we “hope” is true, thus giving us joy. I hope that Jesus will return and resurrect me and my friends and family. If we are to be saved from death by the resurrection then it will have to literally happen…so until then, I “fight the good fight of faith, take hold of eternal life”, and enjoy that “blessed hope”.
The whole world is groaning, unaware of why, but they are groaning for the good news. They want to feel better about life...and death. To often they get condemnation from Christianity, but "hope" in the good news is what will make them feel better.
“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 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. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” (Romans 8:22-25)
Ernie Estes - My Father in Law
It has been a week since my father in law went to sleep in Christ and I have been trying to find the right words to say about him. I cannot imagine another father in law who holds as much respect from a son in law as he has from me. There is so much good to say and condensing it into a short narrative is difficult but here goes.
“I was born to work” – That is the summary from his own mouth of what he was created to do.
“He was born to work in the service of others” – That is the summary from my own mouth of what he was created to do.
Ernie’s dad was born in Wild Horse Hollow Kennady in the Indian Territory now known as Oklahoma. Ernie himself was born in Paris, Texas. Those early years of his life are interesting and being the oldest of seven children he learned to work early and the value and satisfaction of hard work. He served his country in World War II in the 12th Air Force of the US Army Air Corps in the support group for the famed “Flying Tigers” attaining the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged at the end of the war. He worked for the Santa Maria Valley Railroad most of his working life, starting as a day laborer and advancing to Superintendent of the railroad due to his work ethic and leadership ability.
I have known Ernie since I was 15 and met his daughter Sue Ann while they were visiting in Sayre. Over those years I have observed a loving, giving, and unselfish husband, father and friend. Sue Ann and I married in 1974 and when Ernie would visit us in Oklahoma, he was always finding ways to help us with our household repairs, landscaping and anything else he could help with. In fact he would call Sue Ann ahead of time and want us to make a list of things he could do for us during the visit, refusing to be compensated of course.
“I was born to work” – That is the summary from his own mouth of what he was created to do.
“He was born to work in the service of others” – That is the summary from my own mouth of what he was created to do.
Ernie’s dad was born in Wild Horse Hollow Kennady in the Indian Territory now known as Oklahoma. Ernie himself was born in Paris, Texas. Those early years of his life are interesting and being the oldest of seven children he learned to work early and the value and satisfaction of hard work. He served his country in World War II in the 12th Air Force of the US Army Air Corps in the support group for the famed “Flying Tigers” attaining the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged at the end of the war. He worked for the Santa Maria Valley Railroad most of his working life, starting as a day laborer and advancing to Superintendent of the railroad due to his work ethic and leadership ability.
I have known Ernie since I was 15 and met his daughter Sue Ann while they were visiting in Sayre. Over those years I have observed a loving, giving, and unselfish husband, father and friend. Sue Ann and I married in 1974 and when Ernie would visit us in Oklahoma, he was always finding ways to help us with our household repairs, landscaping and anything else he could help with. In fact he would call Sue Ann ahead of time and want us to make a list of things he could do for us during the visit, refusing to be compensated of course.
I remember buying an old house in Shawnee for our son Jamie to live in while attending OBU and the plumbing was in bad shape. That was right up his alley. He came out and crawled under the old house and replaced all of the plumbing under the house. With every repair, tree planted, leaky faucet fixed, nail driven, hole dug, or fence repaired he was saying “I love you” and Sue Ann and I understood and were so thankful. I know he did the same for his other daughter Carolyn over the years. I don’t remember him ever saying “I love you” to anyone, it was just not his style. Doing things for others is the way Ernie expresses his love, and doing is far more powerful to me than saying the words.
As Ernie became less able to work, which was so important to him, he was ready and anxious to sleep in Christ and awake in His presence to be with Juanell, his wife and the love of his life. I have never known anyone who loved his spouse more than he loved Juanell. They celebrated 66 years of marriage before she went to sleep in Christ, and Ernie always treated their relationship as husband and wife as his absolute FIRST priority. The Bible tells us that God is "jealous" over his chosen nation Israel, referred to as His wife, especially when Israel paid more attention to other gods than Himself. God's jealousy toward his wife Israel reminds me of Ernie's jealousy when it came to Juanell. On occasion he got "jealous" when he thought Juanell was more interested in her parents, children, grandchildren, church or piano students than himself. But that is NOT a flaw. It speaks of his unconditional love for Juanell, just like God's love for Israel. That is exactly how one who loves feels when having to share that love with others. And genuine love for your wife is stronger than any other bond.
Even though he had that “jealous love”, it was also just as clear to me that he was proud of how much Juanell loved her parents, children, grandchildren, and the time she spent serving the music ministry of the church and teaching her piano students.
Ernie was a professing Christian. His faith in God was fleshed out over the years in daily life. He not only helped his friends and family, but he helped care for the church buildings he attended and would see to their maintenance and repair when needed. And Ernie had a beautiful voice and would lead the singing when asked while Juanell played the piano. His faith in Christ Jesus was genuine and exemplary.
Ernie went to sleep in Christ last week with his dignity intact, having fought the good fight of faith, and will continue to be remembered fondly by those who genuinely love and appreciate him for the life he lived in service to his country, his family, his church and his friends. Ernie will arise in the resurrection to be gloriously and eternally present with our Lord!
As Ernie became less able to work, which was so important to him, he was ready and anxious to sleep in Christ and awake in His presence to be with Juanell, his wife and the love of his life. I have never known anyone who loved his spouse more than he loved Juanell. They celebrated 66 years of marriage before she went to sleep in Christ, and Ernie always treated their relationship as husband and wife as his absolute FIRST priority. The Bible tells us that God is "jealous" over his chosen nation Israel, referred to as His wife, especially when Israel paid more attention to other gods than Himself. God's jealousy toward his wife Israel reminds me of Ernie's jealousy when it came to Juanell. On occasion he got "jealous" when he thought Juanell was more interested in her parents, children, grandchildren, church or piano students than himself. But that is NOT a flaw. It speaks of his unconditional love for Juanell, just like God's love for Israel. That is exactly how one who loves feels when having to share that love with others. And genuine love for your wife is stronger than any other bond.
Even though he had that “jealous love”, it was also just as clear to me that he was proud of how much Juanell loved her parents, children, grandchildren, and the time she spent serving the music ministry of the church and teaching her piano students.
Ernie was a professing Christian. His faith in God was fleshed out over the years in daily life. He not only helped his friends and family, but he helped care for the church buildings he attended and would see to their maintenance and repair when needed. And Ernie had a beautiful voice and would lead the singing when asked while Juanell played the piano. His faith in Christ Jesus was genuine and exemplary.
Ernie went to sleep in Christ last week with his dignity intact, having fought the good fight of faith, and will continue to be remembered fondly by those who genuinely love and appreciate him for the life he lived in service to his country, his family, his church and his friends. Ernie will arise in the resurrection to be gloriously and eternally present with our Lord!
No one is perfect in this present age, but to me Ernie was as close as one can get in this life, and I hope to become more like him as my time approaches to sleep in Christ Jesus, awaiting together our resurrection to a new creation, complete and perfect in Christ Jesus!
Several years ago Ernie typed a history of his family at his home in Santa Maria that I found last week on his computer. It is 32 pages so it is not for everyone but it has blessed me to read his thoughts about his family. If you’re interested I would be happy to email you a copy. Let me leave you with Ernie’s own words found on the final page…
“This makes up my family, which I can stand-up and say I’m quite proud of. God has blessed me and us, and will continue to do so if only we follow His commands and statutes that He has established in His Son, Jesus Christ. I am very thankful for His Mercy and Grace that has been extended to me over the years. Many times I have stumbled and failed Him but He has always been faithful to forgive me of my sins when I have repented and asked forgiveness. He has lifted me up and set my feet on the solid rock, Christ Jesus. There is none greater than He.”
Several years ago Ernie typed a history of his family at his home in Santa Maria that I found last week on his computer. It is 32 pages so it is not for everyone but it has blessed me to read his thoughts about his family. If you’re interested I would be happy to email you a copy. Let me leave you with Ernie’s own words found on the final page…
“This makes up my family, which I can stand-up and say I’m quite proud of. God has blessed me and us, and will continue to do so if only we follow His commands and statutes that He has established in His Son, Jesus Christ. I am very thankful for His Mercy and Grace that has been extended to me over the years. Many times I have stumbled and failed Him but He has always been faithful to forgive me of my sins when I have repented and asked forgiveness. He has lifted me up and set my feet on the solid rock, Christ Jesus. There is none greater than He.”
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