He Who Wins Souls Is Wise - Oh Really, Who is That?

"Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all humanity. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God... And now I commend you to God and to the word of His GRACE, which is able to build you up and to GIVE you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:26-32)

The revival was over. We had listened to a dynamic speaker for two weeks. During that time there were over 90 decisions for Christ and many other rededications. At one service, everyone there walked the aisle to make one decision or another or to pray at the altar, myself included. At the end of the last service, we had been challenged to "go win the world to Christ, one person at a time, bcause he who wins souls is wise". Everyone was saying Amen and left fully intending to be a part of a great renewal. The evangelist received a big love offering and off he went to his next scheduled revival.

Sound familiar? 

Problem was that two weeks later no one was out "winning souls", and all was back to normal. This has been repeated over and over again in institutional protestant churches since the 1730's yet the percentage of the world's population that refer to themselves as "Christian" remains the same, maybe less. 

WHY I asked myself?

WARNING!: Stop reading if you are a Christian prone to getting defensive when your views are challenged.

I asked an evangelical pastor WHY and his response was that God's people are disobedient to their commission from the Lord. 

He was right, but he did not have a clue why he was right in my opinion. 

So, here are my thoughts after meditating on the problem.

The gospel message being presented in our churches and on the mission fields is flawed. It has been changed from a glorious declaration of the Salvation of ALL sinful men to a mere "offer” to save "if" people jump through certain hoops. After 40 years of study, I cannot find anywhere in the bible that says we should go "offer" salvation or "win the world to Christ". 

The Salvation of humanity is not a game we are playing which can be won or lost by hard work and obedience. Nevertheless,  if you like the game analogy consider this - the GAME HAS ALREADY BEEN WON! And that pastor friend, myself, you, Paul, nor Billy Graham had any part in the victory. God guaranteed the salvation of humanity "before the foundation of the world".  

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of His glorious GRACE, which He has FREELY GIVENus in the Beloved One (Jesus)." (Epesians 1:3-6)

Salvation is a done deal for humanity. It will be complete at the end of the ages when sinful humanity have ALL become a new creation in Christ Jesus, old things will have passed away - all things will have become new.

"So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away.  Behold, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:16-18)

Those of us who realize we are saved have a commission and ministry to TELL people about their salvation and reconciliation, not play a game to WIN or LOSE their souls! 

I know what some of you are thinking, the preacher told us  "he who wins souls is wise" and he read it right out of the Bible. 

Yep, and the last time I looked, Jesus is the ONLY wise man who has ever lived that had the power to win souls - and HE won them ALL at the cross. The first part of that verse is that the fruit of a righteous man is a tree of life. Jesus is also the only righteous man who ever lived - and his fruit is the "tree of life" for the souls he won - ALL SOULS...

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls." (Proverbs 11:30)

What we should be telling those who have never heard is "You have been saved by the Love and Grace of God through the wisdom and righteousness of His Son Jesus".

So, I am telling you now - believe it, rejoice, and go tell your family and friends the GOOD NEWS! 

Then live your life like you appreciate what God through Jesus has done for humanity.  Do what God requires, not what some priest of pastor requires. Here it is...

"What can we bring to the LORD? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him thousands of ramsand ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:6-8)

There you have it, 1) Do what is Right 2) Love Mercy, and 3) Walk Humbly with your God

If you want to play games that is OK, but play golf or some other game.

"But the angel said to them, do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a SAVIOR has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10)

Glory Is Our Destiny!

"...the ration of Sin is death, yet the gracious gift of God is life eonian, in Christ Jesus, our Lord...if, then, you were roused together with Christ, be seeking that which is above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Be disposed to that which is above, not to that on the earth, for you died, and your life is hid together with Christ in God. Whenever Christ, our Life, should be manifested, then you also shall be manifested together with Him in glory." (Romans 6:23;Colossians 3:1-4 CLNT).

The result of sin is death in this eon, but the "gracious gift of God is life eonian" in the next, where we will “be manifested with Him in glory.”

"Glory" is our final destiny.

Paul speaks of this Glory often in his letters...

"...we have the access also, by faith, into this grace in which we stand, and we may be glorying in expectation of the glory of God." (Romans 5:2 CLNT).

“Thus also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is roused in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is roused in glory.” (I Corinthians 15:42-43 CLNT).

"Therefore I am enduring all because of those who are chosen, that they also may be happening upon the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with glory eonian." (II Timothy 2:10 CLNT).

"For I am reckoning that the sufferings of the current era do not deserve the glory about to be revealed for us.” (Romans 8:18 CLNT).

"For the momentary lightness of our affliction is producing for us a transcendently transcendent eonian burden of glory.” (II Corinthians 4:17 CLNT).

“...that He should also be making known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He makes ready before for glory." (Romans 9:23 CLNT).

“...but we are speaking God's wisdom in a secret, wisdom which has been concealed, which God designates before -- before the eons, for our glory." (I Corinthians 2:7 CLNT).

“...for you to perceive what is the expectation of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of the enjoyment of His allotment among the saints.” (Ephesians 1:18 CLNT).

“…to whom God wills to make known what are the glorious riches of this secret among the nations, which is: Christ among you, the expectation of glory.” (Colossians 1:27 CLNT).

“...into which He also calls us through our evangel, for the procuring of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (II Thessalonians 2:142 CLNT)

“…be walking worthily of God, Who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:14 CLNT).

Glory is our destiny!

Perfection Is Coming!

Jesus, the Son of God is the perfect MAN and has demonstrated for all to see what mankind can and will become when they have been born of the Spirt into the resurrected immortal life…

“So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 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…The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust…Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven...this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality...Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:38-54)

But until our resurrection…

"Now we see a reflection in a mirror; then we will see face-to-face. Now I know partially, but then I will know completely in the same way that I have been completely known..." (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Land of the Living

"I am still in the land of the dying; I shall be in the land of the living soon." – John Newton

He knew his bible...

"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive...I am the resurrection and the life…Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and the grave... and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." (1 Corinthians 15:22; John 11:25; Revelation 1: 17-18; 21:4)

Overcoming The World

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ...“Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (John16:33; 1 John 5:5)

Jesus had earlier told John and the other followers that the will of God was to raise to life all who God had given to him…

“…it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6:32-40)

Various religions restrict the "those he has given me" to those who join their group. But there is nothing about joining anything. It is about God joining you to Jesus at the resurrection. It is the "resurrection" that John and the other followers of Jesus were told to preach in all the world…and it is “God’s grace” that brings the dead back to life. It is our faith in the resurrection of Jesus that “overcomes the world” and all its “trouble”. 

“…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth…With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all” (Acts 4:33)

The "resurrection" is the blessed "hope" of the world and all those who live in it. Paul told Felix in front of the Jews that the resurrection has been promised to both the "righteous and the wicked".

“I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” (Acts 24:15)

Our "hope" of resurrection is meant to give peace to those who hear and believe it in this age, not divide mankind into the saved and the lost. All are lost and all will be saved. Paul included the idol worshiping Athenians among the "children of God" when he said to them on Mars Hill...

"Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man. Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent (think differently about God), because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness (not wrath) through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:29-31)

Paul later wrote to Titus…

“For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all people. It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach.” (Titus 2:11-15)

The good news of our future resurrection "to do what is good" is simple and it is the "blessed hope" for "all people". When one grasps this good news he is comforted and finds PEACE in this world filled with "trouble". 

Jesus Is Not a Substitute

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sin according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3)

"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross..." (1 Peter 2:24)

The bible does not say sin is a debt that needs to be paid to God, but a result of bad behavior. All die as the result of sin - there are no exceptions, not even Jesus. But Jesus did not die for his own sin, but “for our sins". He “bore our sins in his body on the cross". Jesus IDENTIFIED himself with sinful men to demonstrate God’s love for sinners.

"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).

In the resurrection of Jesus God has revealed that the death of a sinner will be "swallowed up in Victory" when resurrected - a free gift.

"The wages of sin is DEATH but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD.” (Romans 3:23) 

Almost all Christian theologians teach that when Jesus died on the cross it was as our "substitute" to "pay" for our sin. No, he "bore" the sin of Adam and everyone else, and died "for" Adam's sin and everyone else's, because he had no sin of his own to die for. We will all "die" like Jesus, and be "made alive" like Jesus.

"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....death has been swallowed up in Victory." (1 Corinthians 15:22-29,53)

The Destiny of Believers and Unbelievers - From The No Spin Zone

It seems to me from reading the Bible that there are three groups of people talked about…

Group 1: Hebrew Believers - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their descendants who believed what God told them down through the years, and

Group 2: Gentile Believers -All other people who heard from God and believed what He said to them down through the years

Group 3: Unbelievers - Everyone else.

The destiny of Groups 1 and 2 are to rule and reign with Christ Jesus during the two ages following this present age in which we live. The first age is referred to as the KINGDOM of Heaven and will last 1000 years.  This age is what Jesus was talking about when he told ISRAEL at his first coming…

"The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15)

From the Old Testament we know that he is referring to the restoration of the Davidic Kingdom promised to Israel. But only a few in Israel repented and the majority followed their religious leaders and rejected Jesus and had him crucified. So Jesus told them…

"Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! For I say to you, from now on you will not see me until you say, BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.” (Matthew 23:38-39)

So Israel was blinded and the age of the 1000 year Kingdom is postponed. We know this from the question to him from his Jewish followers just before he ascended into heaven…and from Paul’s letter to Rome.

“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? He said to them: It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority… a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Acts 1:6-7; Romans 11:25))

It is the book of Revelation that tells us that this Kingdom age will last 1000 years…

“Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)

As to when it will begin no one knows the exact date at this time…only the Father…

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)

So what about the Age following the 1000 year Kingdom - The Age of the New Heaven and New Earth.  This age comes after the resurrection of Group 3.

“The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended...” (Revelation 20:5; 21:1)

This age will be one of righteousness...

"But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells...I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away" (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1)

Group 3 (all unbelievers down through the years) will be those being reigned over during the age of the New Heaven and New Earth.  They will NOT be in some fictitious Greek Underworld named Hell by some religious men and their various religions.  They will be reigned over in righteousness by Jesus and believers on the new earth. They will reign "until" every knee has bowed and every tongue confessed that Jesus Christ is Lord...

"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign UNTIL he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For God has put all things in subjection under his feet. But when it says, all things are put in subjection, it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all...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." (1 Corinthians 15:20-28;Philippians 2:9-11)

The ages are then concuded and God will be "All in all".  The details of what follows those ages is hidden by God.  But Paul assures us that...

"Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Rather, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:6-10)

Just the simple truth from the no spin zone.  Pretty simple - until religions start spinning it.

Predestination - No One Left Behind

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with the shout of the chief messenger, and the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians  4:16-18)

So, how does one get “in Christ”?

“…He chose us in him before the creation of the world...In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace...having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will…" (Ephesians 1:4-11)

OK, predestined, we are all in. 

So what does hearing about it and believing do for me? 

It makes me aware of my inclusion in Christ, the good news of my salvation. And the Holy Spirit (the power of God) within me guarantees my inclusion and salvation.

“…you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…” (Ephesians 1:13-14)

So all are included "in Christ" as the choice of God "before the creation of the world".  When He gifts us the faith to believe the good news (gospel) we receive the seal of assurance.  It is God's gift of faith that allows us to realize this truth. A few gain knowledge of God's "grace" and "kindness" to mankind in this age. It comes by hearing this good news from others...

"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!...So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." (Romans 10:12-17)

Few there are who share the real good news in this age, or were ever aware of it. Therefore most will not become believers until the age to come, when, after their resurrection, they hear it from Christ Jesus himself.

“...because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!  And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.  For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God...” (Ephesians 2:4-8)

It is the predetermined will of God that all die, but no one will be left behind.

"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive, each in its own order, Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at his coming..." (1 Corinthians 15:22-23)

Death To The Wicked

“Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked declares the Sovereign LORD? Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23)

God takes no pleasure in enforcing the wages for sin – death. And the death of the sinner settles all wrongs. But in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus God demonstrated his love as only a loving omnipotent Father can do. He reveals the rest of the story, the resurrection of the sinful child to make him brand new!

“So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 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….just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man…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, then, are the things you should teach.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-49; Titus 2:11-15)

Mankind has a fatal disease, sin. Not all of us are wicked, but all of us are sinners, and the prognosis for sin is death. But God is not through with us when death comes. Those in Christ will be raised to bear the "image of the heavenly man", "zealous for good deeds". 

As you know from reading this blog, I believe the Scripture teaches us that all mankind are "in Christ" just as all of mankind are "in Adam". Most Christians are taught that only Christians are "in Christ" as a result of some decision they made. Nevertheless, the Scripture says all "in heaven and earth, and under the earth" will confess the Lord and be reconciled to God.

"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord...God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their transgression to them...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...have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure..." (1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 1:19-20;Philippians 2:4-13)

I am all for the death of the wicked, the sooner the better, yet I know it is God's "good pleasure" to make them brand new.

Speak To The People

“But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” (Acts 5:19-20)

What are the “words of this life” that they were instructed to speak to the people?

“…they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” (Acts 4:2)

The “words of this life” – the gospel – is our resurrection from death through Jesus. Paul speaks of it as if it has already occurred…

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world …deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that IN THE COMING AGES he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:1-8)

Speaking of something to happen in the future as if it has already occurred is a literary way of proclaiming the certainty of a promise from God. Obviously we are not at this time resurrected from death, because we all have to die first. And we are not now raised up and seated beside Christ Jesus in the heavenly realms…but it is so certain that Paul speaks of it as if it has already occurred and declares that it is this new covenant promise of our resurrection from death that we are to be ministering to people…

“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life…For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive…so will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable…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 it is written: The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.” (2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 15:22-46)

Holy Spirit - The Power of God's Love

"If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.  But this He spoke concerning the SPIRIT.”  (John 7:37-39)

God is love. We will become the image of God.  The power of love will flow as rivers of living water from us after this fleshly body is destroyed and we have been resurrected a “Spiritual body”…

”So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 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.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) 

The Holy Spirit is the POWER of God, and love is the most powerful attribute of our omnipotent God. Love is the flowing river of living water now pouring from Calvary. It flows unquenched out of the heart of God through his Son Jesus.  

Frederick Lehman grasped this Love in his great hymn…

The love of God is greater far

Than tongue or pen can ever tell;

It goes beyond the highest star,

And reaches to the lowest hell;

The guilty pair, bowed down with care,

God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled,

And pardoned from his sin.

When years of time shall pass away,

And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,

When men, who here refuse to pray,

On rocks and hills and mountains call,

God’s love so sure, shall still endure,

All measureless and strong;

Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—

The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made,

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

And every man a scribe by trade,

To write the love of God above,

Would drain the ocean dry.

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure

The saints’ and angels’ song. 

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)

Called Out - Independence Day

"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God...on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:16-18)

"Hades" (hell in the KJV) is the state of people after death. It means “unseen” or “grave”. The word "church" is the Greek word “ecclesia” and means “called out ones”. Christ Jesus is the first to die and be called out of death never to die again, the “rock” or foundation stone of our faith. And he has promised to return and resurrect mankind (call people out of death).  So what the above verse says to me is that DEATH will not prevail for we will be CALLED OUT of death at the resurrection.

“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also....For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout...and the dead in Christ will rise...Therefore comfort one another with these words” (John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

Our Independence Day!

We've Got That Going For Us

“Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24)

In the hilarious 1980 film Caddieshack, a mentally challenged greenskeeper played by Bill Murray summarizes his situation as follows:

"I may not have all, or even some, of my ducks in a row, but they are in the same pond, which is nice, I've got that going for me" 

As we watch someone we love, or experience for ourselves what getting older does to our bodies, we sometimes become depressed and find it hard to look for the good in it all.  In this temporary earthly “tent” in which we live, it is our destiny to struggle with sickness, pain and ultimately death. However, the bible promises us a new eternal “house” which will be ours at our resurrection from death.

“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)

It will be “glorious”, not “wretched”, it will be immortal, not mortal, and in such an immortal, glorious body we no longer grow old, with its accompanying sickness, pain, and death. We will be saved…

“But 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." (Philippians 3:20-21)

For now we don't always have all or even some of our ducks in a row, but in Christ Jesus, they are all in the same pond....which is nice, we've got that going for us.  

All Things New

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

How does one get “in Christ”? And what happens when it happens?

Let’s take the second question first. 

What happens when one becomes “in Christ”?

1. He is then a new creation.

2. Old things have then passed away.

3. All things have then become new.

My problem with the teaching of mainstream Christianity is its failure to understand that even they, as now constituted, are sinners. And by sinners I am referring to the biblical definition of sin which is “coming short of the glory of God”.

None of us, no matter how many times we repent, walk the aisle, pray the sinner’s prayer, are baptized, or how much we tithe and bless others, are right now a “new creation”. “Old things” have NOT "passed away". “All things” have NOT "become new". 

We have them now only by FAITH – believing that God will do in the future what He has said in the past.

Yet Christianity seems to teach that when one joins the particular church of their choice they are saved and are then a new creation, that old things have passed away and that all things have become new. No they haven’t…if we are honest. 

And when people are told they are a "new creation" and then reality sets in and they "fall short", it leads to depression, not peace, sadness, not joy, hopelessness, not hope. And too often they are told they never were really saved in the first place...

"Sorry comforters are you all.  Is there no limit to windy words?" (Job 16:2-3)

No amount of pious rhetoric, comforting words or good deeds will prevent mankind , including those of us who call ourselves Christians, from receiving the “wages for sin”, which is death because we have ALL “fallen short of the glory of God”.

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God…the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 3:23;6:23)

We have the promise of newness of life which we may appropriate in faith to give us peace and joy in the hope of our salvation. The bible clearly teaches that mankind will become "a new creation", "old things will pass away", and "all things will become new".  And that will occur, not at some ceremonial baptism or bar mitzvah, but when Christ Jesus literally returns to raise the dead.

So now back to the first question above. How does one get “in Christ”?

When we are raised from the dead and “made alive” at the resurrection! 

I urge you to read and study 1 Corinthians 15 until you understand completely what it says about our future hope. And remember…

“…if we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive…sown a perishable body, raised an imperishable body; sown in dishonor, raised in glory; sown in weakness, raised in power; sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body….Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away… And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (1 Corinthians 15:19-22; Revelation 21:1-5)

He Is Risen...We Will Rise Also!

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:16)

Jesus died about 3:00 in the afternoon (Matthew 27:46-50)

He was raised AFTER 3 days from the time he was KILLED. (Mark 8:31)

He was to rise from the dead IN three days from his BURIAL. (John 2:19)

The bible says in several places that visits were made to the tomb on various occasions on the FIRST day of the week (Sunday morning) and the tomb was ALREADY empty. (Matthew 28:16)

Jesus said he would spend three days and three nights in the earth…72 hours. (Matthew 12:38-40)

Therefore, contrary to popular opinion, Jesus died on a Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., was buried three hours later just before sundown - about 6:00 p.m.. He was raised exactly three nights and three days later just before sundown on Saturday. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were three nights. Thursday, Friday and Saturday were three days.

This is not rocket science, just reading and believing the Bible rather than the traditions of men. There was not a “good Friday” but there sure was a good Saturday!

The good news for us is that HE IS RISEN, and the date really isn’t that important. But the really, really  good news is that he has promised to return and raise us also!

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

If A Man Dies, Will He Live Again?

The question of all questions...asked by Job

"If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait Until my change comes." (Job 14:14)

Jesus gives the simple answer...“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26)

The simplicity of those words are overwhelming to me. And the fact that almost all Christians fail to see the simple truth is equally overwhelming. But they read into those simple words the idea that one must believe in Jesus before the resurrection in order to be among those who never die after the resurrection. The Bible says no such thing.

“I am the resurrection and the life”

Jesus says that the life mankind receives after resurrection is from him.

“He who believes in me, though he may die”

Jesus says that those who believe in him now will die.

“And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die”

All that believed in him at that time are now dead, so he was talking about "whoever lives and believes" after they die.  All of us believers today will also die for "it is appointed unto men once to die” (Hebrews 9:27).

So, how many people will be resurrected to life after they die? ALL if the Bible is true.

“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ, shall all be made alive…that God may be All in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)

Since everyone is to be resurrected, how many of them will believe in Jesus at that time?ALL if the Bible is true.

“Look to me and be saved, ALL the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by myself, the word has gone forth from my mouth in righteousness and will not turn back, that to me EVERY knee will bow, EVERY tongue will swear allegiance.” (Isaiah 4522-23)

“…as I live, says the Lord, EVERY knee shall bow to me, and EVERY tongue shall give praise to God." (Romans 14:11)

“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that EVERY tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

“Come, let US bow down in worship, let US kneel before the Lord our maker” (Psalm 95:6)

“Then I heard EVERY creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and ALL that is in them, saying: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" (Revelation 5:13)

Do not allow the teachings of men to rob you of the simple truth that Jesus is "the resurrection and the life" and he has promised that "death shall be swallowed up in Victory"...for Jesus is the Savior of the World that God loves.

I Will Not Believe...Until

“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were saying to him, We have seen the Lord! But he said to them, Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." (John 20:24-25)

Such is the condition of most of humanity, maybe all, including those of us who call ourselves Christians and piously claim salvation as our exclusive possession, condemning everyone else. If we are honest, we would admit that not until we see the resurrected Jesus will our hope become sight, and only then will we, like Thomas, without any doubt whatsoever….believe!

“After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, Peace be with you. Then he said to Thomas, Reach here with your finger, and see my hands; and reach here your hand and put it into my side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing. Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God! Jesus said to him, Because you have seen me, have you believed.” (John 20:26-29)

The truth is, that none of the disciples of Jesus believed in him before they saw that Jesus had been resurrected. They had all abandoned him when he was arrested...

“Then all the disciples left Him and fled.” (Matthew 26:56)

Later, Peter, the leader of the disciples…

“…began to curse and swear, I do not know the man” (Matthew 26:74)

So what is my point? 

Well simply that Christianity is in great error when they assume that God will not save all mankind due to unbelief.  All mankind, just like Thomas, Peter and the other disciples, will encounter the risen Christ Jesus face to face, and will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…

“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

That is the gospel, that is what we are to share, and any institution that does not teach that does not comprehend the love of God and is simply following the tradition of men and are wrong...

"It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things."  (1 Timothy 4:9-11)

One can join every church in town, be baptized in the Jordan River, tithe, witness, teach, preach, and visit every orphan in the world...but all will have some doubt...until they see Jesus in person, risen from the dead, just like the Jewish desciples and our apostle Paul...

"For I delivered to you, as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter, then to the twelve....and last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared to me also..." (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

You Are Not Born Again - Yet

"Jesus answered and said to him, truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot SEE the kingdom of God…Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the spirit he cannot ENTER into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:3-6)

In the zeal of Christian apologists to have people join their particular branch of Christianity, they have equated the term "born again" with being saved. It amazes me that almost all Christians buy into this teaching when the above passage says no such thing.

Jesus was simply stating that no one can SEE or ENTER the Kingdom of God until he is RESURRECTED to spirit from the death of the flesh. Just as we all were born when our mothers WATER broke, so shall we be born again of SPIRIT after we have died and are resurrected to new spiritual life. Nicodemus, like most Christian teachers today thought Jesus was talking about something that happens in this life. Jesus rebuked Nicodemus and told him he was talking about heavenly things...

"If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?" (John 3:12)

1 Peter 1:3 is the only other place in Scripture that uses the term “new birth” and Peter was clearly thinking about our "living hope" of resurrection from the dead so that we can claim our inheritance that is now kept in heaven …

“In his great mercy he has given us NEW BIRTH into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4)

And Jesus, after his resurrection, instructed Paul to teach both Jews and Gentiles about this new "spiritual" creation in great detail in his letter to the Corinthians...

"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 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." (1 Corinthians 15:42-45)

No one, except Jesus, has yet been born again to become "a life-giving Spirit", but we all can die with that hope and expectation. For me it is clear that the term “born again” refers to our hope of being resurrected just as Jesus was resurrected, and at that time we will be saved from death to enter the "kingdom of God". Quoting Psalm 49:15 Luke speaks of Jesus in Acts 2:27...

"Thou will not leave my soul in hell (sheol - the grave)..." (Psalm 16:10)

My faith is that God will not leave anyone in the grave, but will changed from a former "living soul" into a  "live-giving Spirit".

Resurrection To Glory

“...set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things....When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4).

Glory is mankind's final destiny. And we do not have it now except in the form of the promise of God.  It is our hope...

“…We... rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2).

And Glory comes with our resurrection...

“…Sown in dishonor… raised in glory…” (I Corinthians 15:42-43a).

In this life we experience suffering from time to time but we can cope with the suffering when we "set our minds on the things above, not on earthly things" - "in hope of the glory of God" to follow...

“…The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be…” (Romans 8:18).

As we celebrate Jesus we should not focus simply on a baby in a manger but set our minds on things above, where our risen Lord sits at the right hand of God waiting to return and complete our resurrection to Glory.