Galatians 3
24 Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. 25 And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.
26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
Let me put it another way: you are united with Christ in immersion (the biblical form of what is transliterated “baptism”), putting on Christ like putting on new clothes. You are NOT united with Christ by saying a man made prayer. You are NOT united with Christ by having water sprinkled on you, pour on you, or thrown at you. You belong to Christ WHEN you are united with Him in immersion. THEN, you are the true children of Abraham, heirs with the promise of God belonging to you. Why do so many well-intentioned people want to teach otherwise?
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Suffering Hardships
Acts 14
21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.
Woah, wait a minute! Did you catch that last part of verse 22? “Reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” Yup, “hardships.” No health and wealth gospel being preached by Paul and Barnabas! No easy way out being taught here. No, sit back in your comfort zones as doctrine of the 1st century Church. American Christians have not the first notion about suffering or hardship as it relates to their faith. I don’t. I live in a land where as of this writing, I am still free to practice my faith without fear of reprisal of imprisonment or death. Now, that may change in the years to come, but for now, there are no hardships to overcome. So, is it any wonder that the Church in America is fat, lazy, and out of touch? Is it any wonder that shysters can take to the TV airwaves, slick unknowing and unsophisticated people out of their money, all in the “name of Jesus.”? Is it any wonder we have allowed the government to take on the responsibilities of caring for the widows and orphans? Maybe it is time for some suffering and hardships so we in the Church in America can get back to our original calling.
21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.
Woah, wait a minute! Did you catch that last part of verse 22? “Reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” Yup, “hardships.” No health and wealth gospel being preached by Paul and Barnabas! No easy way out being taught here. No, sit back in your comfort zones as doctrine of the 1st century Church. American Christians have not the first notion about suffering or hardship as it relates to their faith. I don’t. I live in a land where as of this writing, I am still free to practice my faith without fear of reprisal of imprisonment or death. Now, that may change in the years to come, but for now, there are no hardships to overcome. So, is it any wonder that the Church in America is fat, lazy, and out of touch? Is it any wonder that shysters can take to the TV airwaves, slick unknowing and unsophisticated people out of their money, all in the “name of Jesus.”? Is it any wonder we have allowed the government to take on the responsibilities of caring for the widows and orphans? Maybe it is time for some suffering and hardships so we in the Church in America can get back to our original calling.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Filled With Joy
Acts 13
49The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Oh, to be filled with joy after being persecuted for the sake of Jesus! Oh, to be so focused on Christ that no matter what else happens, I could give glory and honor and praise to God through His Son Jesus. May I be encouraged by this passage today, and may my life reflect a desire to stand up for Jesus no matter what, and to give Him praise while filled with joy and the Holy Spirit always.
49The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Oh, to be filled with joy after being persecuted for the sake of Jesus! Oh, to be so focused on Christ that no matter what else happens, I could give glory and honor and praise to God through His Son Jesus. May I be encouraged by this passage today, and may my life reflect a desire to stand up for Jesus no matter what, and to give Him praise while filled with joy and the Holy Spirit always.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
No Favoritism
Acts 10
34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.”
God shows no favoritism. In every nation, God accepts those who fear Him and do what is right. It is the people of any nation that God accepts, not a nation itself. Sometimes, we Americans get this mistaken notion that our country is “special” and that God loves America. I contend that God couldn’t care less about the nation of the United States of America, but that He very much loves the people in this nation who fear Him and do what is right. I am not anti-American by any stretch, but America is not my saving grace, either. Jesus is my Savior. The Kingdom of God is my first allegiance. I will serve God whether or not it is legal to do so in America (and I believe we are headed toward a day when it will NOT be legal to do so). I have more in common with my Christian brothers in foreign countries than I have with the pagans in America. I just wish that I could effectively communicate that sentiment without being mistaken for being unpatriotic. I do love America, and I want to see her continue on the path upon which she was founded. That’s something I don’t see happening these days either. Sigh.
34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.”
God shows no favoritism. In every nation, God accepts those who fear Him and do what is right. It is the people of any nation that God accepts, not a nation itself. Sometimes, we Americans get this mistaken notion that our country is “special” and that God loves America. I contend that God couldn’t care less about the nation of the United States of America, but that He very much loves the people in this nation who fear Him and do what is right. I am not anti-American by any stretch, but America is not my saving grace, either. Jesus is my Savior. The Kingdom of God is my first allegiance. I will serve God whether or not it is legal to do so in America (and I believe we are headed toward a day when it will NOT be legal to do so). I have more in common with my Christian brothers in foreign countries than I have with the pagans in America. I just wish that I could effectively communicate that sentiment without being mistaken for being unpatriotic. I do love America, and I want to see her continue on the path upon which she was founded. That’s something I don’t see happening these days either. Sigh.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Saul Saved
Acts 9
3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.
10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord!” he replied.
11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”
13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”
15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.
Saul of Tsarsus encounter Jesus on the road to Damascus, but he was NOT saved on the road to Damascus. This passage clearly confirms that Saul was imply told to go into the city of Damascus and to wait to be told what to do. Then, Jesus led Ananias to teach Saul the Gospel. When he had done that, Saul was baptized. THAT is when Saul was saved. It is so sad that so many people want t twist the Bible to say what they want it to say instead of just reading it, keeping things in context and allowing the Bible to speak for itself.
3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.
10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord!” he replied.
11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”
13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”
15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.
Saul of Tsarsus encounter Jesus on the road to Damascus, but he was NOT saved on the road to Damascus. This passage clearly confirms that Saul was imply told to go into the city of Damascus and to wait to be told what to do. Then, Jesus led Ananias to teach Saul the Gospel. When he had done that, Saul was baptized. THAT is when Saul was saved. It is so sad that so many people want t twist the Bible to say what they want it to say instead of just reading it, keeping things in context and allowing the Bible to speak for itself.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Balance
Acts 6
1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.
7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.
A proper sense of balance is needed for a church (or an individual) to remain healthy. Folks must be deeply rooted in the Word of God, and they must also reach out to help others within and from without the church membership. One without the other is no a healthy balance. Trying to exist without either is simply stupidity.
1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.
7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.
A proper sense of balance is needed for a church (or an individual) to remain healthy. Folks must be deeply rooted in the Word of God, and they must also reach out to help others within and from without the church membership. One without the other is no a healthy balance. Trying to exist without either is simply stupidity.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Obey God Not Men
Acts 5
40 The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.
41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”
I LOVE this passage of Scripture. The Apostles rejoiced when they were counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus. In America, those of us who follow Christ complain when the Politically Correct crowd wants to dismiss us, or even discriminate against us. The Apostles rejoiced after being flogged for the sake of Jesus. In America, those of us who follow Christ complain that our viewpoint is being suppressed by the culture, by the government, and by the people. The Apostles were ordered to never again speak in the name of Jesus, yet they continued to do just that knowing what the consequences would be. We may be entering a time of persecution in America, I don’t know. I do know that if it becomes illegal to preach in the name of Jesus, I will be a law breaker. I will obey God rather than man, if man’s law opposes what God’s Word says we are to do.
40 The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.
41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”
I LOVE this passage of Scripture. The Apostles rejoiced when they were counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus. In America, those of us who follow Christ complain when the Politically Correct crowd wants to dismiss us, or even discriminate against us. The Apostles rejoiced after being flogged for the sake of Jesus. In America, those of us who follow Christ complain that our viewpoint is being suppressed by the culture, by the government, and by the people. The Apostles were ordered to never again speak in the name of Jesus, yet they continued to do just that knowing what the consequences would be. We may be entering a time of persecution in America, I don’t know. I do know that if it becomes illegal to preach in the name of Jesus, I will be a law breaker. I will obey God rather than man, if man’s law opposes what God’s Word says we are to do.
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