Today one of our preachers, Mike Kellett, preached a wonderful message entitled “Together in Grace”. For the past several weeks the focus of our lessons on Sunday a.m and p.m., and Wed evenings has been on this general topic
As usual, Mike did a wonderful job and preached an inspiring message in which he encouraged us to not only enjoy the blessings of personal grace but to show grace to others as well.
Having stated some wonderful truths about God’s relationship to us by and in grace, he made this statement. (This is not a word for word quote but close) “I know some of you are uncomfortable right now because I have talked about grace and the assurance of our salvation and have not said anything about the fact that you can loose your grace. You can loose it”. Then he made this observation. “I could almost hear a collective sigh of relief when I said that. Why is it that you are pleased to hear me say you can loose your salvation? Perhaps that is a sign we have some growing to do.”
The irony is, that moments before we pulled into the parking lot at church this morning I said to my wife, “One of the reasons people become very uncomfortable with the studies in grace, and especially the security of the believer, is fear. It messes with their identity. They have been told hundreds of times that they can blow it and be doomed for hell and they do not want to give that up. It has the same importance as not having a piano or missing having communion on Sunday. It is part of their Restoration identity and they don’t feel comfortable when anyone messes with it.”
Why else would anyone feel comforted by hearing a preacher tell them they can loose their salvation? Comments?
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Are you for gospel preaching?
Are you really? Are you sure? We all say we are. At least all of us who say we love Jesus and believe the Bible, but if we are only for the preaching of the gospel when it is done by our friends we have a Bible lesson to learn.
Paul’s description of the gospel is found in 1 Corinthians 15 and in verses 3 and 4 he said “.....how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures”. This is the gospel and this good news is the power of God to save sinners and make them children of God.
We should not only approve when others not “like” us preach this message, but rather should rejoice that they do. Paul certainly did even when the preaching was not from pure motives. Even when his enemies preached the gospel he rejoiced. (Phil 1:12-18) “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice”
Paul’s life was about getting out the gospel of Christ and even his status as a prisoner in chains was viewed by him as working to further the gospel. Paul was not so concerned if .folks ate in the building or had a different diet than he. His concern was that Christ be preached and he didn’t care who the messenger was.
There is a preacher who talks in tongues, and another who leads his folks to worship on Saturday, and exclude some things from their diet. Here is another group who teaches that only those in their group are saved. Do they preach the gospel? Do they tell men and women and boys and girls that Christ died for them and was buried and rose again and wants to forgive their sins and make them children of God? Then I ought to rejoice that Christ is preached! Period...
But what about their differences? They aren’t like us for God’s sake!! Paul’s answer is in Romans 14:1 and following. We are to receive those who are “weak in the faith“. I was reminded not only that I should be charitable to the “other sheep” but that those who bicker about days, diet, dispensations, and denominations, are those who are “weak in the faith”. OUCH!
Does this heavenly injunction to rejoice no matter who preaches the gospel include those guys on TBN? Does it include those who beg folks for money? Does it include the Baptist missionaries? Does it include men who preach against the our traditions? I am afraid so.
I have a problem with some of the “other sheep” do you? My problem is a sin problem isn’t it? (1 Cor 1:12 and 1 Cor 3:4-9) When we compartmentalize and want to exclude others who belong to Christ, Paul says we are “carnal”. In summary I have found myself to be immature and selfish as a Christian. My prayer is that God will forgive me and pour into my being that 1 Corinthians 13 kind of love that will cause me to love other Christians and be glad to do so.
God has chosen “by the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe”. May God help me mature to the place that I can rejoice when the message is preached, no matter who the messenger is.
Royce Ogle
Paul’s description of the gospel is found in 1 Corinthians 15 and in verses 3 and 4 he said “.....how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures”. This is the gospel and this good news is the power of God to save sinners and make them children of God.
We should not only approve when others not “like” us preach this message, but rather should rejoice that they do. Paul certainly did even when the preaching was not from pure motives. Even when his enemies preached the gospel he rejoiced. (Phil 1:12-18) “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice”
Paul’s life was about getting out the gospel of Christ and even his status as a prisoner in chains was viewed by him as working to further the gospel. Paul was not so concerned if .folks ate in the building or had a different diet than he. His concern was that Christ be preached and he didn’t care who the messenger was.
There is a preacher who talks in tongues, and another who leads his folks to worship on Saturday, and exclude some things from their diet. Here is another group who teaches that only those in their group are saved. Do they preach the gospel? Do they tell men and women and boys and girls that Christ died for them and was buried and rose again and wants to forgive their sins and make them children of God? Then I ought to rejoice that Christ is preached! Period...
But what about their differences? They aren’t like us for God’s sake!! Paul’s answer is in Romans 14:1 and following. We are to receive those who are “weak in the faith“. I was reminded not only that I should be charitable to the “other sheep” but that those who bicker about days, diet, dispensations, and denominations, are those who are “weak in the faith”. OUCH!
Does this heavenly injunction to rejoice no matter who preaches the gospel include those guys on TBN? Does it include those who beg folks for money? Does it include the Baptist missionaries? Does it include men who preach against the our traditions? I am afraid so.
I have a problem with some of the “other sheep” do you? My problem is a sin problem isn’t it? (1 Cor 1:12 and 1 Cor 3:4-9) When we compartmentalize and want to exclude others who belong to Christ, Paul says we are “carnal”. In summary I have found myself to be immature and selfish as a Christian. My prayer is that God will forgive me and pour into my being that 1 Corinthians 13 kind of love that will cause me to love other Christians and be glad to do so.
God has chosen “by the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe”. May God help me mature to the place that I can rejoice when the message is preached, no matter who the messenger is.
Royce Ogle
Sunday, August 13, 2006
I've been tagged by Wade Tannehill
1. One book that changed your life: “Prayer, Asking and Receiving” by Dr. John R. Rice. This book should be required reading by every missionary and preaching student.
2. One book that you've read more than once: “The Autobiography of George Muller” This little book motivated me to trust God more than any other except the Bible.
3. One book you'd want on a desert island: Almost anything by John Grisham
4. One book that made you laugh: “The Heart of the Problem” by Dr. Henry Brandt and Kerry Skinner. A fresh look at sin and it’s cure.
5. One book that made you cry: Pass..
6. One book you wish had been written: “My God Is Bigger Than Your God, A Case for Grace”
7. One book you wish had never been written: “My Frontal Lobotomy And Ten Other Reasons I Became a Democrat”
8. One book you're currently reading: “Captured By Grace”, by Dr. David Jeremiah. Based on the lives of the Apostle Paul and Capt. John Newton (Author of Amazing Grace). This book will give you a deeper appreciation of God’s Amazing Grace.
9. One book you've been meaning to read: “The purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren
10. Tag five others: Since I don’t know who has already been tagged I will not tag anyone now. (Thanks Wade for causing me to think about my reading habits.)
2. One book that you've read more than once: “The Autobiography of George Muller” This little book motivated me to trust God more than any other except the Bible.
3. One book you'd want on a desert island: Almost anything by John Grisham
4. One book that made you laugh: “The Heart of the Problem” by Dr. Henry Brandt and Kerry Skinner. A fresh look at sin and it’s cure.
5. One book that made you cry: Pass..
6. One book you wish had been written: “My God Is Bigger Than Your God, A Case for Grace”
7. One book you wish had never been written: “My Frontal Lobotomy And Ten Other Reasons I Became a Democrat”
8. One book you're currently reading: “Captured By Grace”, by Dr. David Jeremiah. Based on the lives of the Apostle Paul and Capt. John Newton (Author of Amazing Grace). This book will give you a deeper appreciation of God’s Amazing Grace.
9. One book you've been meaning to read: “The purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren
10. Tag five others: Since I don’t know who has already been tagged I will not tag anyone now. (Thanks Wade for causing me to think about my reading habits.)
Thursday, August 10, 2006
WHY CAN'T YOU BE EXACTLY LIKE ME SO WE CAN HAVE UNITY?
There are ongoing discussions in the blogisphere, in joint meetings, in Christian periodicals, and in individual congregations about “Unity”. What is “Unity” and on what basis can Christians have unity with other Christians? Is Christian unity based on theology or ideology? Are we to be unified based on central historic biblical truths or are we to be unified based on what we do “at church” or how we do it?
Church folk born of the rich heritage of the Restoration Movement, churches of Christ and Disciples/Christian churches, have had meetings specifically to address the lack of unity between the two groups who split many years ago primarily over the use of musical instruments to accompany singing in worship services.
Interestingly, both groups are almost identical twins except for how they choose to worship God. Both groups preach Christ’s sacrificial death, His burial, and His resurrection. Both preach water baptism for the remission of sins. Both groups tend toward the Amillennial view of eschatology, and both groups are largely Armenian, or “free will”. Both groups believe a person can loose their salvation, and then curiously be “restored” without the essential baptism for the remission of sins. Both celebrate the Lord’s Supper each Lord’s day and share a multiple eldership form of church government.
On the church of Christ side of the equation, there are factions and splits that are so numerous it is difficult to keep track of them. There are “One cuppers”, who will use only one common cup in serving the Lord’s Supper. There are “Non Sunday School” groups, groups against any sort of support for orphanages or missions out of the church purse, etc, etc. To my knowledge all of these smaller factions are solidly in the “a cappella” churches compared to the few “Liberal” churches that use instruments in worship.
On what basis is it possible for such diversity of belief and practice to achieve true unity?
First, what is biblical unity? Psalm 133:1 says “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Surely if people in civic organizations like the Lions Club or a bowling league can get along why is it that people who claim to be “only Christians” can’t get along with each other? You would think that people who have a mandate to love their enemies could get along rather well with brothers and sisters in Christ. Sadly, they don’t.
Other than the one I have mentioned in Psalm 133, the two passages in Ephesians about unity are the ones most of us are most familiar with. In Ephesians 4:3 when the word “unity” is used it is “the unity of the Spirit” and later in chapter 4 the word is used again and this time it is “the unity of the faith”, it is the same “unity” described in different ways. Of course there are many places in the Bible that show us clearly that we are to live in unity, or be together, or as “one”. Psalm 133:1; John 10:16; John 17:11; John 17:21-23; Romans 12:4; and Romans 12:5 all teach the same truth. The John 17 passages are from the high priestly prayer of Jesus when he prayed for “those who will believe because of their (the disciples) witness”. That includes each of us who are believers. Perhaps part of the question about the problems of “unity” among Restorationists is that Jesus was only praying for the saved. I am not implying that none of the Restoration Movement church folks are saved. What I am saying is that perhaps some aren’t.
The oneness that Jesus prayed for and the “unity” discussed in the two Ephesians passages are the same result and the only basis for true biblical unity.
Ephesians 4:1-3 “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.
Ephesians 4:11-16 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
These two passages clearly show what the problems really are between the “a cappella” churches and the instrumental churches, the “one cuppers” and the multi cuppers, the Sunday school and the non-Sunday school, the ones who have a praise team and those who don’t, and on and on ad nauseam.
Consider:
1. The “Unity of the Spirit” exists and we are to “keep” it. How? By walking worthy of our calling as God’s people, treating each other “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love. I have seen precious little “lowliness”, “gentleness”, “longsuffering”, and “bearing with one another in love” in the unity discussions have you? In fact, far too often the opposite is true, thus we can’t get along with each other. Carnal Christians, whose motives are fleshly, are going to fight.
2. The reason God has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor/teachers is to build us up until we all come to “the unity of the faith” and of the knowledge of the Son of God and that we become mature so that we are like Christ. We must have each other! There is not an option. Verse 16, “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
There is no doubt that if you and I are walking with the Lord we are going to be able to get along with each other and LIKE doing it.
The “Unity” problem exists for two main reasons. Well meaning people are trying to create a counterfeit unity, based not on our common faith in Christ but on our common, or uncommon, acts of worship and service. The former requires only that we walk in the Spirit and love each other. The later requires all sorts of conformity, selfish demands, changing of traditions, pseudo repentance, and catering to huge egos.
Why under heaven should I worry if you raise your hands in worship when you worship across town from me, 200 miles from me, or across the isle from me? Why should I become exercised and call you “liberal” if you have six song leaders and I only have one? I’m sure you get my point. The disagreements have nothing to do with theology, doctrine, or salvation, but are the fruit of immature men who are fearful of their precious identities. When “the way we have always done it” is challenged the person himself is threatened because that is his identity or who he is.
Most of this infighting is born of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of what someone might think, and fear of being wrong.
There will be no true biblical unity within the Restoration Movement camps as long as they are only concerned about themselves. I say this to the discredit of the majority on both sides. The test of “fellowship” should be on the truth about Christ and faith in Him, not based on a variety of less weighty issues as varied as the people who espouse them.
I have purposed in my heart to love every person who declares his faith in Christ and claims to be my brother. God sees the heart, I don’t. I doubt that I will be in serious jeopardy at the judgment seat of Christ because I have been kind, gentile, and otherwise loving to a person who claims Christ as Lord as I do. I promise you this; I am willing to take that chance.
Grace and Peace
Royce Ogle
There are ongoing discussions in the blogisphere, in joint meetings, in Christian periodicals, and in individual congregations about “Unity”. What is “Unity” and on what basis can Christians have unity with other Christians? Is Christian unity based on theology or ideology? Are we to be unified based on central historic biblical truths or are we to be unified based on what we do “at church” or how we do it?
Church folk born of the rich heritage of the Restoration Movement, churches of Christ and Disciples/Christian churches, have had meetings specifically to address the lack of unity between the two groups who split many years ago primarily over the use of musical instruments to accompany singing in worship services.
Interestingly, both groups are almost identical twins except for how they choose to worship God. Both groups preach Christ’s sacrificial death, His burial, and His resurrection. Both preach water baptism for the remission of sins. Both groups tend toward the Amillennial view of eschatology, and both groups are largely Armenian, or “free will”. Both groups believe a person can loose their salvation, and then curiously be “restored” without the essential baptism for the remission of sins. Both celebrate the Lord’s Supper each Lord’s day and share a multiple eldership form of church government.
On the church of Christ side of the equation, there are factions and splits that are so numerous it is difficult to keep track of them. There are “One cuppers”, who will use only one common cup in serving the Lord’s Supper. There are “Non Sunday School” groups, groups against any sort of support for orphanages or missions out of the church purse, etc, etc. To my knowledge all of these smaller factions are solidly in the “a cappella” churches compared to the few “Liberal” churches that use instruments in worship.
On what basis is it possible for such diversity of belief and practice to achieve true unity?
First, what is biblical unity? Psalm 133:1 says “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Surely if people in civic organizations like the Lions Club or a bowling league can get along why is it that people who claim to be “only Christians” can’t get along with each other? You would think that people who have a mandate to love their enemies could get along rather well with brothers and sisters in Christ. Sadly, they don’t.
Other than the one I have mentioned in Psalm 133, the two passages in Ephesians about unity are the ones most of us are most familiar with. In Ephesians 4:3 when the word “unity” is used it is “the unity of the Spirit” and later in chapter 4 the word is used again and this time it is “the unity of the faith”, it is the same “unity” described in different ways. Of course there are many places in the Bible that show us clearly that we are to live in unity, or be together, or as “one”. Psalm 133:1; John 10:16; John 17:11; John 17:21-23; Romans 12:4; and Romans 12:5 all teach the same truth. The John 17 passages are from the high priestly prayer of Jesus when he prayed for “those who will believe because of their (the disciples) witness”. That includes each of us who are believers. Perhaps part of the question about the problems of “unity” among Restorationists is that Jesus was only praying for the saved. I am not implying that none of the Restoration Movement church folks are saved. What I am saying is that perhaps some aren’t.
The oneness that Jesus prayed for and the “unity” discussed in the two Ephesians passages are the same result and the only basis for true biblical unity.
Ephesians 4:1-3 “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.
Ephesians 4:11-16 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
These two passages clearly show what the problems really are between the “a cappella” churches and the instrumental churches, the “one cuppers” and the multi cuppers, the Sunday school and the non-Sunday school, the ones who have a praise team and those who don’t, and on and on ad nauseam.
Consider:
1. The “Unity of the Spirit” exists and we are to “keep” it. How? By walking worthy of our calling as God’s people, treating each other “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love. I have seen precious little “lowliness”, “gentleness”, “longsuffering”, and “bearing with one another in love” in the unity discussions have you? In fact, far too often the opposite is true, thus we can’t get along with each other. Carnal Christians, whose motives are fleshly, are going to fight.
2. The reason God has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor/teachers is to build us up until we all come to “the unity of the faith” and of the knowledge of the Son of God and that we become mature so that we are like Christ. We must have each other! There is not an option. Verse 16, “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
There is no doubt that if you and I are walking with the Lord we are going to be able to get along with each other and LIKE doing it.
The “Unity” problem exists for two main reasons. Well meaning people are trying to create a counterfeit unity, based not on our common faith in Christ but on our common, or uncommon, acts of worship and service. The former requires only that we walk in the Spirit and love each other. The later requires all sorts of conformity, selfish demands, changing of traditions, pseudo repentance, and catering to huge egos.
Why under heaven should I worry if you raise your hands in worship when you worship across town from me, 200 miles from me, or across the isle from me? Why should I become exercised and call you “liberal” if you have six song leaders and I only have one? I’m sure you get my point. The disagreements have nothing to do with theology, doctrine, or salvation, but are the fruit of immature men who are fearful of their precious identities. When “the way we have always done it” is challenged the person himself is threatened because that is his identity or who he is.
Most of this infighting is born of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of what someone might think, and fear of being wrong.
There will be no true biblical unity within the Restoration Movement camps as long as they are only concerned about themselves. I say this to the discredit of the majority on both sides. The test of “fellowship” should be on the truth about Christ and faith in Him, not based on a variety of less weighty issues as varied as the people who espouse them.
I have purposed in my heart to love every person who declares his faith in Christ and claims to be my brother. God sees the heart, I don’t. I doubt that I will be in serious jeopardy at the judgment seat of Christ because I have been kind, gentile, and otherwise loving to a person who claims Christ as Lord as I do. I promise you this; I am willing to take that chance.
Grace and Peace
Royce Ogle
BLESSED ASSURANCE, JESUS IS MINE. HOW DO YOU KNOW?
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
How many hundreds of times have I sung this old song in little country churches in the hills of Western North Carolina, in spirited camp meetings, in great conference halls in Atlanta, Louisville, and Dallas, and in great churches like 1st Baptist Dallas.
The singing of this great song begs the question; “How do I know He is mine, or perhaps more importantly, How do I know I am His?”
There is little doubt that many claim Jesus as theirs who are not His. Jesus made this fact crystal clear in Matthew 7 where He was teaching about false teachers. Many followed Him, not because of who He was but for the “loaves and fishes”. Not everything that glitters is gold, and not every one who claims to be a Christian is.
So, back to the question, “How do I know He is mine, or perhaps more importantly, How do I know I am His?”
When asked the question “How do you know you are a Christian?” some people might answer the following:
· I try to live a good life.
· I am as good as others I know.
· My family has always been Christians.
· I have been a member of the church all my life.
· I joined a church a few years ago.
· I believe in God (Jesus)
· I was christened as a child.
· I have been confirmed.
· I live by the golden rule.
There could be dozens of other answers and ideas about how you can know that you are a Christian, but how valid are those answers? I submit they are incorrect.
1 John 5:13a. says, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life”. This should be a good starting point for a valid answer. We must learn what “These things..” are if by them we can know that we have eternal life.
1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 2:3 “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments”
1 John 2:5 “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.”
1 John 2:10 “He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.”
1 John 2:24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.”
1 John 2:28 “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”
1 John 3:2-3 “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
1 John 3:7 “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.”
1 John 3:9 “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.”
1 John 3:14 “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.”
1 John 3:16-21 “16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.”
1 John 3:23-24 “And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”
1 John 4:4 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
1 John 4:6a. “We are of God. He who knows God hears us..”
1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
1 John 4:9-11 “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
1 John 4:12-16 “No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.”
1 John 4:17 “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.”
1 John 5:1-5 “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
How many hundreds of times have I sung this old song in little country churches in the hills of Western North Carolina, in spirited camp meetings, in great conference halls in Atlanta, Louisville, and Dallas, and in great churches like 1st Baptist Dallas.
The singing of this great song begs the question; “How do I know He is mine, or perhaps more importantly, How do I know I am His?”
There is little doubt that many claim Jesus as theirs who are not His. Jesus made this fact crystal clear in Matthew 7 where He was teaching about false teachers. Many followed Him, not because of who He was but for the “loaves and fishes”. Not everything that glitters is gold, and not every one who claims to be a Christian is.
So, back to the question, “How do I know He is mine, or perhaps more importantly, How do I know I am His?”
When asked the question “How do you know you are a Christian?” some people might answer the following:
· I try to live a good life.
· I am as good as others I know.
· My family has always been Christians.
· I have been a member of the church all my life.
· I joined a church a few years ago.
· I believe in God (Jesus)
· I was christened as a child.
· I have been confirmed.
· I live by the golden rule.
There could be dozens of other answers and ideas about how you can know that you are a Christian, but how valid are those answers? I submit they are incorrect.
1 John 5:13a. says, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life”. This should be a good starting point for a valid answer. We must learn what “These things..” are if by them we can know that we have eternal life.
1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 2:3 “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments”
1 John 2:5 “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.”
1 John 2:10 “He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.”
1 John 2:24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.”
1 John 2:28 “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”
1 John 3:2-3 “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
1 John 3:7 “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.”
1 John 3:9 “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.”
1 John 3:14 “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.”
1 John 3:16-21 “16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.”
1 John 3:23-24 “And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”
1 John 4:4 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
1 John 4:6a. “We are of God. He who knows God hears us..”
1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
1 John 4:9-11 “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
1 John 4:12-16 “No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.”
1 John 4:17 “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.”
1 John 5:1-5 “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
1 John 5:10-12 “He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” 1 John 5:13a.
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20
We can know that we have passed from death to life, from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Light, and that we have eternal life. 1 John makes it very, very clear.
We must have an abiding faith in Jesus Christ.
We must love those He loves.
We must obey His commandments
We must avoid sinful lifestyles.
When we place our complete trust in Jesus Christ He Himself becomes our “eternal life”. Eternal life is not just something He gives, but rather He gives Himself.
He comes to abide in the believer in the person of the Holy Spirit, to teach us about Christ, to give us the supernatural love of Christ for others, and to guarantee our salvation until Christ comes.
Every person who has repented of (turned away from) their sins and trusted Christ will have an inborn desire to obey God and love their fellowman. This person will love the light and hate the darkness and his life will reflect the light.
We will want to forgive because we have been forgiven, to love because we were first loved by God, and to be with God’s people to work, worship, and proclaim Jesus and His love to others.
We are now children of God, part of the body of Christ (the church), we have an inheritance reserved in heaven for us, we have access to God in prayer, we have assurance given by the Holy Spirit who lives in us, we have God’s grace to teach us to say no to ungodliness, we have a supernatural ability to love everyone, even our enemies, and one day even our bodies will be redeemed and made incorruptible like Jesus’ own glorified body and we will be with Him and His people forever and ever.
Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation and salvation is found in no other. We can do no act of goodness, no rite, no penitence, nothing to merit God’s love in Christ. We simply in childlike trust, accept the free gift of Christ’s righteousness, the forgiveness of our sins, and eternal life.
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
NO ONE EVER CARED FOR ME LIKE JESUS
I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus, Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true; I would tell you how He changed my life completely, He did something that no other friend could do.
No one ever cared for me like Jesus, There's no other friend so kind as He; No one else could take the sin and darkness from me, O how much He cared for me.
All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me, All my heart was full of misery and woe; Jesus placed His strong and loving arms about me, And He led me in the way I ought to go.
No one ever cared for me like Jesus, There's no other friend so kind as He; No one else could take the sin and darkness from me, O how much He cared for me.
Ev'ry day He comes to me with new assurance, More and more I understand His words of love; But I'll never know just why He came to save me, Till some day I see His blessed face above.
No one ever cared for me like Jesus, There's no other friend so kind as He; No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,O how much He cared for me.
This song by Charles Weigle is the product of one of the darkest periods of his life. He spent most of his life as an itenerant evangelist and gospel songwriter. One day after returning home from an evangelistic crusade, he found a note left by his wife of many years. The note said she had had enough of an evangelist's life. She was leaving him. Weigle became so despondent during the next several years that there were even times when he contemplated suicide. There was the terrible despair that no one really cared for him anymore. Gradually his spiritual faith was restored, and he once again became active in the Christian ministry. Soon he felt compelled to write this song.
The last years of Weigle's life were spent in a small residence on the campus of Tenn. Temple University. The students loved Mr. Weigle and admired his quite and unassuming, but strong faith in Christ.
In spite of great adversity, and perhaps even because of it, Charles Weigle was a great blessing to thousands of people and still is today because of his songs, especially this one.
I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus, Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true; I would tell you how He changed my life completely, He did something that no other friend could do.
No one ever cared for me like Jesus, There's no other friend so kind as He; No one else could take the sin and darkness from me, O how much He cared for me.
All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me, All my heart was full of misery and woe; Jesus placed His strong and loving arms about me, And He led me in the way I ought to go.
No one ever cared for me like Jesus, There's no other friend so kind as He; No one else could take the sin and darkness from me, O how much He cared for me.
Ev'ry day He comes to me with new assurance, More and more I understand His words of love; But I'll never know just why He came to save me, Till some day I see His blessed face above.
No one ever cared for me like Jesus, There's no other friend so kind as He; No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,O how much He cared for me.
This song by Charles Weigle is the product of one of the darkest periods of his life. He spent most of his life as an itenerant evangelist and gospel songwriter. One day after returning home from an evangelistic crusade, he found a note left by his wife of many years. The note said she had had enough of an evangelist's life. She was leaving him. Weigle became so despondent during the next several years that there were even times when he contemplated suicide. There was the terrible despair that no one really cared for him anymore. Gradually his spiritual faith was restored, and he once again became active in the Christian ministry. Soon he felt compelled to write this song.
The last years of Weigle's life were spent in a small residence on the campus of Tenn. Temple University. The students loved Mr. Weigle and admired his quite and unassuming, but strong faith in Christ.
In spite of great adversity, and perhaps even because of it, Charles Weigle was a great blessing to thousands of people and still is today because of his songs, especially this one.
Monday, August 07, 2006
UPON CHRIST THE SOLD ROCK I STAND
My hope is built on nothing lessThan Jesus’ blood and righteousness;I dare not trust the sweetest frame,But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
When darkness veils His lovely face,I rest on His unchanging grace;In every high and stormy gale,My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood;When all around my soul gives way,He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,Oh, may I then in Him be found;Dressed in His righteousness alone,Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain: On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;All other ground is sinking sand,All other ground is sinking sand.
Edward Mote 1797
My hope is built on nothing lessThan Jesus’ blood and righteousness;I dare not trust the sweetest frame,But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
When darkness veils His lovely face,I rest on His unchanging grace;In every high and stormy gale,My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood;When all around my soul gives way,He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,Oh, may I then in Him be found;Dressed in His righteousness alone,Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain: On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;All other ground is sinking sand,All other ground is sinking sand.
Edward Mote 1797
If ever from the pen of a mortal man a song was inspired of God, this must indeed be one of those. There are many others that stir my soul and move me, but this is one of the best. In our contemporary world of what passes muster as "Christian music", this song and others like it are in stark contrast.
Consider the absolute beauty and truth of the theology expressed in the verses. I have seldom seen faith in Jesus Christ expressed more truthfully and beautifully.
If you and I can read this great song and make it's words truely ours we will be safe, standing on the Solid Rock!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
WANTED - GOSPEL PREACHER
Being the curious guy I am, recently I was reading want ads on a website by and for churches of Christ. It proved to be some of the funniest stuff I have read for sometime. And, at the same time I was a bit sad. The following is fictional but not far removed from the truth.
Being the curious guy I am, recently I was reading want ads on a website by and for churches of Christ. It proved to be some of the funniest stuff I have read for sometime. And, at the same time I was a bit sad. The following is fictional but not far removed from the truth.
WANTED - GOSPEL PREACHER
Congregation in Stuckinthe50's, Iowa seeks pulpit minister.
We are a 61 year old congregation with 78 members, 2 elders and a song leader.
We offer a salary based on experience and provide a 2 bedroom 1 bath house for you and your family. The house needs some work but you can make any improvements you desire with the elders approval.
The ideal candidate must be between 25 and 35 years old, married and have children. He must preach sound doctrine and provide a video of at least 2 lessons. He must have a degree from a conservative brotherhood school (a cappella) and a minimum of 3 years pulpit experience with a record of church growth.
Duties will include dynamic pulpit ministry Sunday morning and night, teach an adult class before worship hour, teach a weekly class at an after school program for 6th grade kids, set up and conduct studies with the lost in the community weekly, visit the local hospital and 2 nursing homes regularly and preach at one of the nursing homes once a month. The ministers wife must be humble and ready to teach the ladies of the church on Tuesday mornings 51 weeks a year.
All ministry will be under the eldership and will be expected to correct the error of the Baptists and other infidels. Lesson plans must be pre-approved for the first 3 months so that the elders can be sure they are doctrinally sound.
Send all enquires to bro' U R Wrong, P.O. Box 20, Stuckinthe 50's, Iowa
_______________________________________________
This would be really funny if it were not so true. What churches like this are looking for is SuperSaint! Just step into the nearest phone booth and come out in a Wal-Mart suit holding well worn KJV bible and begin the work that should be done by about 50 or 60 people and see how long you last before you burn out.
Comments?
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This blessing is given by the apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus and “others who are faithful in Christ”. Grace and Peace, what a blessing!
Then Paul begins his inspired description detailing why we can have Grace and Peace. Following is what God has done for us through Christ.
“3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:3-14 (NKJV)
The phrases I have in bold fonts are in the past tense. For those of you who struggled in English 101, they are DONE. We are not waiting for them to be done, they are done right now!
Because they are already done, and because they are done by God for our benefit, wholly on the merits of Christ, we can now have Grace and Peace. And, the blessed Holy Spirit is Himself our guarantee!
According to verse 13, when we heard the gospel, we trusted Christ, and at that time in history we appropriated for our benefit our status as sons, our inheritance, and now wait only for the final redemption of our bodies at the resurrection.
Religion is what man can do to gain favor with God. Christianity is what God has done for man because of Christ.
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Amen
This blessing is given by the apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus and “others who are faithful in Christ”. Grace and Peace, what a blessing!
Then Paul begins his inspired description detailing why we can have Grace and Peace. Following is what God has done for us through Christ.
“3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:3-14 (NKJV)
The phrases I have in bold fonts are in the past tense. For those of you who struggled in English 101, they are DONE. We are not waiting for them to be done, they are done right now!
Because they are already done, and because they are done by God for our benefit, wholly on the merits of Christ, we can now have Grace and Peace. And, the blessed Holy Spirit is Himself our guarantee!
According to verse 13, when we heard the gospel, we trusted Christ, and at that time in history we appropriated for our benefit our status as sons, our inheritance, and now wait only for the final redemption of our bodies at the resurrection.
Religion is what man can do to gain favor with God. Christianity is what God has done for man because of Christ.
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Amen
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