The Publican and the Pharisee in Prayer

Luke 18:11-14 KJV

(11)  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

{This is a story people often use to teach that "no one is righteous" and that when you are asked to 'humble and accept yourself as a sinner" and you refuse, you are a called Pharisee. But is that really the point here?}

(12)  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
{That will mean it's teaching us not to fast or give. So will that be correct?}
(13)  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
(14)  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

The point isn't that God wants us to come "as a sinner" and make a lifestyle out of that, everyday smiting our breast saying "God,I'm a sinner, I'm a sinner", just like he's not saying, "stop giving in church". We need to really see what is wrong in the right conducts.

"The Pharisee stood and prayed thus {pros} with himself"

The word translated "with" there is "pros" which could be better translated as "by".

The Pharisee stood BY himself

He prayed BY himself

He stood BY his merit

He stood and prayed by his own works and credentials

5 Mistakes people often make in mixing up Law and Grace

Avoid mixing up Law and Grace!
The two aren't compatible. Today we see many who are preaching the Law GRACIOUSLY. But Paul said:
"…whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace" (Galatians 5:4 KJV). That is, you cannot be under Grace and under the law at the same time. Several people have tried to pack chunks of law and tried to digest it with a Grace tongue.

Below are some mistakes people often make.

1. Taking the laws flexibly

It is called COMMANDMENT! Commandments CANNOT be flexible! If it's flexible, then it can't be a commandment any longer! Don't re-interpret the laws to mean what you like! It isn't flexible!

"ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left" (Deuteronomy 5:32 KJV)

It's either you have obeyed all of them totally or no work done. No special consideration for anyone! If he says "sell ALL you have and give to the poor, take up your cross and follow me", he means just that! Don't think you'll be considered if you sell ALMOST ALL. As far as the law is concerned, you have not done anything, until you have done EVERYTHING inflexibly

2. Taking the law subjectively

The laws aren't subjective, they are objective. They are universal. Detach your personal opinion! They mean just exactly what is written. If it says "if your eye offend thee, cut it off", don't reinterpret! Simply cut it off! Don't tell us how you think it should be! God doesn't need your idea, He needs your outright obedience!

Whether convenient or not, obey! In fact, one quick way to know if you're preaching the Law undiluted is that your preaching is very strict and hard. Otherwise means you have watered down and twisted the law. The law is purposefully made "hard" because God does not want you to succeed in the vow you have made to keep it and be justified. Yes!

Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that [the murmurs and excuses of] every mouth may be HUSHED and all the world may be held accountable to God. For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin [not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character]. (Romans 3:19-20 AMP)

So I beg you preacher, stop carving out a "keepable" version of Matthew 5, because that will be your own bible. If it's unkeepable, present it that way. For example, Matthew 5:48 legalistically interpreted means, "be as perfect as God", and not "keep striving towards perfection".

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
(Deuteronomy 4:2 KJV)

3. Taking the law RELATIVELY

Some have thought God will bend the law for their generation, country, location, or personal situation. Sorry! You cannot find such "kindness" under the Law. You ought to have migrated to Israel the holy land if you were really serious about making heaven. God's commands aren't joke. No disobedience is understandable.

4. Taking the laws questionably/reasonably

Commandments aren't what you question: you simply DO!

Be ye DOERS of the LAW, not QUESTIONERS, not interpreters! You don't ask, "why is that law of Sabbath like that" under the law. THOU SHALL DO NOTHING ON SABBATH: IT IS HOLY. Simple! The freedom of understanding why Sabbath is is only available under grace.

5. Excusing for ignorance

"I didn't know it's actually a sin to do that o, so I shouldn't be blamed". Under the law, ignorance is not an excuse!
Have you read in your bible that wearing clothes of mixed fabrics is sin? (Deut 22:11) you're commanded to sew tassels on your cloth. Do you know these (Deut 22:12)? Yet you thought you'll keep these laws to have life? You're as foolish as that rich man that came to Jesus asking "what good thing" to do to enter into life.

Conclusion
Under the law, it is not flexible, not subjective, not relative, not questionable. This is because, all were at best "servants", not sons. Sons don't have right to question things. He's to simply do, or he's in trouble. Let's know when we're preaching Grace and when it's Law: mixing up is not permitted.

Jesus truly washed away your sins

Feel free to share the message in pictures. #WordInPictures

In What/Whom are you Glorying?

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Galatians 6:14)

The word "glory" here is not the common word "doxa" used in most "glory" word, as in "from glory to glory" (2Cor 3:18) and other verses; but the Greek word "kauchaomai" which means to "boast" or to "vaunt". It is a word that occurred about 38 times in the New Testament, and interestingly, ALL of the occurrences are only found in the epistles. This speaks a lot about us. We are supposed to be boastful people!

We GLORY (kauchaomai) in tribulations (Romans 5:3)
We REJOICE (kauchaomai) in hope (Romans 5:2)
We also JOY (kauchaomai) in God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:11)

To glory is not wrong: it is in what you're glorying in that may be wrong.
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:31 KJV)

Beloved, God permits only one glorying, and that is the glorying that you do in His finished work.

Not of works, lest any man should boast {glory in works}. (Ephesians 2:9)

And there are only two common place people can glory in: in the flesh or in the Lord.

When you confess and magnify Christ's offering for you OFTEN, you are glorying in the Lord. When you confess your strength, righteousness and ability to do it often, such as counting on the tithes you've paid to open the door of blessings on you; expecting your moral living to attract divine recognition and acceptance; looking forward to making heaven because you have been abstaining from sin; keeping yourself "holy" or counting on your fasting to cause God to forcefully attend to you; depending on your good church dance skills and ability to eulogise God to get His blessings; or any activity/service in church or anywhere intended to get God "impressed": you are glorying in the flesh. Doing the above good works (fasting, living holy, dancing etc) is good: but Christ ALONE must be the reason you have any blessing of God. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Eph 2:18) Failure to acknowledge this is a glorying in the flesh, and an acknowledgment is a glorying in the Lord.

ONLY IN CHRIST IS GOD PLEASED. Others mean nothing to him.

But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I {not you} [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: FOR IN THESE [THINGS] I DELIGHT, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:24 KJV)

As for me, God forbid that I should glory, SAVE IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Galatians 6:14) what about you?

Righteousness and Sanctification: Same source, same process

RIGHTEOUSNESS AND SANCTIFICATION: SAME SOURCE, SAME PROCESS

I agree that righteousness and sanctification (holiness) are not exactly the same. However, to say that one is a "higher level" than the other is a step outside of faith.

Commonly thought is the concept that when you receive Jesus (at salvation), you are given righteousness as a free gift. This is correct at this level. But it is often added that, as for holiness, it is what you must do: it comes from your effort and ability, and not from God. Wrong!

We teach righteousness and sanctification: SAME SOURCE, SAME PROCESS. Christ redemption brought the two. They are both freely given! Check your bible!

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and RIGHTEOUSNESS, and SANCTIFICATION, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30 KJV)

You feel one is a "higher level" than the other but see how the writer puts both on the same line pointing to the same source: Jesus Christ … and RIGHTEOUSNESS, and SANCTIFICATION. The man who is made unto us righteousness, the same is made unto us sanctification, the same, redemption. Now, do you say, redemption is "another level" after sanctification? Since it is mentioned last?

Take heed what thou doest anytime you want to turn to YOURSELF for perfection. It is a mistake that seems to be common to all. They start out on claiming righteousness by faith, but when they hear "be ye perfect as your heavenly Father is…", they shrink back from faith, and begin to "try harder" on themselves. Paul calls this foolishness. Perfection is not in your muscles, it's in Christ.

Are ye so FOOLISH? having begun in the Spirit, are ye NOW MADE PERFECT BY THE FLESH? (Galatians 3:3 KJV)

Just let Him that began a good work in you, bring it to completion. Don't look elsewhere! No, not to yourself. You are made righteous through faith in Christ (Romans 1:17 2Cor 5:21 Acts 13:39). You are already sanctified by the same (Hebrews 10:10). Not one work of God is imperfect. He's a good God.

Righteous by Default

Righteousness! Righteousness!

In the world cup, FIFA has a rule that makes the host of the tournament qualified automatically while other teams must have to have a tough battle to reach the mondial.

In 2010, we all know that hosts South Africa ought not be there because they did not win enough matches to qualify, yet they must be there by the statutory law of FIFA.

The above is a good explanation for "without works".

Now the bible teaches that the righteousness and salvation of every believer is "without works". What does that mean? The believer is "automatically" righteousness by the law of God. It is not according to how he "qualifies" or not, but according to how God qualifies him.

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth RIGHTEOUSNESS WITHOUT WORKS (Romans 4:6 KJV)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

In a language a friend of mine often uses, EVERY BELIEVER is RIGHTEOUS "by default". He has no sin in his account because he is the blessed man David describeth, the man unto who God does not impute sin.

He may sin, he may be overtaken in a "fault" (Gal 6:1, 1John 2:1) because he is not perfect, but God instead of imputing sins, keeps imputing righteousness.

Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. (Romans 4:8)
This is the heritage of ALL that believe in Christ Jesus, but "who has believed our report?"

Which Law or Laws Actually Passed? #AcceptingTheRealityOfMatthew5:17 - Part 3

There had been questions from Christians, "which of the law/laws actually passed? All, or some? When I read the old testament, how do I know which one to follow and which one to obey? There is 'thou shall not commit adultery' there; there is 'thou shall not lie' there; there is tithing and firstfruits law there; there is 'woman must not wear what pertains to the man' there: some have condemned some of these laws as past old testament: how do I know which I must keep?".

Some have provided quick head answers like "it's only the sacrifices of goats and rams the bible says we should not keep there". Some say "it's sacrifices and 'trousers' issue that is cancelled out there" because they don't like the 'trousers' issue (maybe). Some say "it's sacrificing and circumcision that is past". People just hastily imposing their opinions on the truth without carefully finding out what the bible says. Hmm… will you like us to see this together?

Yes!  We'll do!

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under THE LAW. (Galatians 5:18 KJV)

So, what passed? What are we not under?
"the law"

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. (Romans 6:15 KJV)

What did this say passed? "the law"

But before faith came, we were kept under THE LAW, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore THE LAW was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Galatians 3:23-25 KJV)

Again, the above text keeps putting it as "the law". So what passed?
THE LAW passed. What are we not under? THE LAW!

Don't add to it; don't remove from it. If any ask you what passed? Simply say "the law".

Now, it didn't say "some laws". It didn't say "a law". It didn't say "sacrificial laws" like some people have singlehandedly coined. What did the bible call it?
"the law"

We are safer to leave it like that even if it is not clear except until we later find another portion of the bible to give us examples. Don't try to clarify where the bible did not clarify by adding your own impressions to it: you're safer leaving it the way it is. You don't have to make people feel you are a know-it-all by answering everything even if it means 'scripturalising' your opininons. Be humble.

So what passed again, some laws? Hard laws? Easy-to-keep laws? No! no! no! but……. "the law".

What then is "the law"?

For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Joh 1:17

So we can safely say "the law" is that which came by Moses since it was not given by anyone else.

Did not Moses give you the law Joh 7:19

So the law is that which was gotten through Moses, so it is always called the law of Moses, and never called the law of Joshua or Abraham. So that which came by Moses today is what is passed in Christ Jesus. It's not only sacrifices and offerings that came by Moses.  It's not only tithes and offerings. It's not only 'trousers'. But "ALL" that came by Moses Jesus fulfilled to be our sanctification and righteousness.

Hmm… "ALL" Yes! Oh Jesus said it in Matthew 5:18 that not "one jot or tittle" will pass but "till ALL be fulfilled". And finally before He left, he announced their fulfillment.

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that ALL THINGS MUST BE FULFILLED, which were written in THE LAW OF MOSES, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. (Luke 24:44 KJV)

ALL "the law" passed: sacrificial, ceremonies and even that which had to do with morals. The whole system had to be abolished.

And not as Moses, [which] put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of THAT WHICH IS ABOLISHED:
(2 Corinthians 3:13 KJV)

By ABOLISHING in His [own crucified] flesh the enmity [caused by] THE LAW WITH ITS DECREES AND ORDINANCES [which He annulled]; that He from the two might create in Himself one new man [one new quality of humanity out of the two], so making peace. (Ephesians 2:15 AMP)

Please note that "the law" that is passed is that which came through Moses. Therefore whatever came before Moses is not what is (perhaps) referred to. There were things we can call instructions for certain men or societies before the law came. The Lord passed instructions to Noah; spoke to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob etc. That the Law is passed today does not mean you cannot have instructions in the New Testament. It also does not mean "now, you can sin". (Learn from Sodom and Gomorrah). We have admonitions from the epistles. In fact, Jesus COMMANDED us to go and preach the gospel (Matt 28:19-20), and to love one another (John 13:34).

So, we are not ruling out these: Jesus cannot fulfill preaching the gospel for us. These ones are not "the law": they are simply a reminder to us of our kingly responsibilities.

1Jn 2:21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.

Also there are certain principles (laws) which pre-existed Moses. Examples are the law of sowing and reaping.

WHILE THE EARTH REMAINETH, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night SHALL NOT CEASE. (Genesis 8:22 KJV)

This is not that which come by Moses, so be expectant to reap whatever you sow, good or bad.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:7-8 KJV)

Sow respect, get the same. Sow hardwork and diligence, reap it. Sow laziness: reap hunger. Invest your time watching ungodly scenes and careless talks; sorry, you'll get it back in form of ungodly meditations and sinful habits. It's basic.

Principles pre-existed Moses and remain. But that which came by Moses was until Christ.

And so the Law was in charge of us until Christ came, in order that we might then be put right with God through faith. Now that the time for faith is here, the Law is no longer in charge of us. (Galatians 3:24-25 GNB)

In conclusion, it is in fact one of the most important admonitions for us in the new testament to stand in the liberty of grace and we are STRONGLY charged to REJECT any form of the law. You must receive it! Remember, to God, obedience is better than sacrifice, to hearken is better than the fat of rams. (1Sam 15:22)

IN [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]. (Galatians 5:1 AMP)

Accepting The Reality Of Matthew 5:17 Part 2

We are not under the Law

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill" (Matthew 5:17)

In the previous part, we saw how the above verse is not passing an instruction for the Christians to "keep the law", but rather Jesus stating His earthly mission. Today, we see church people whenever they want to "spoil" the Christian through the instrumentality of legalism, and they are tackled "sir, but we are not under the law", they quickly respond "even Jesus said He did not come to destroy the law…" and they usually don't complete the statement because it does not favour them. We saw in the previous part how that a FULFILLED law means a FINISHED law and dispensation. It's real and true! We are not under the law!

Whether you like it or not; whether you wish it were so or you feel bitter with it; the fact remains: we are not under the law but we are also not under lawlessness and licentious living: we are under grace. Alleluia! We are not under lust; we are not under addiction; we are not under any beggarly element of the world: we are under grace. He didn't leave us under futility, but under where His exceeding love and forgiving power glows in us and through us causing us to blaze in holiness and righteousness PERMANENTLY.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for YE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW, but under grace. (Romans 6:14 KJV)

…because WE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW, but under grace? (Romans 6:15 KJV)

But if ye be led of the Spirit, YE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW. (Galatians 5:18 KJV)

Choose one please: "led of the Spirit" or "under the law". You cannot be led of the Spirit and still be under the law. And also stop claiming to be a son if you are still under the law: because the spirit of His Son is sent by Him made under the law to redeem them that were under the law and create a new people no more under the law.

We are not under the law! Let everyone who finds it hard to swallow that truth remember he is rejecting God's concluded decision. "If ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart" (Hebrews 3:7-8)

When Stephen said of how he saw the heavens open and Jesus standing when he was being stoned, the bible said the people "stopped their ears". Stopping your ears at the truth does not stop the truth from being true. Let us cooperate with God and accept and enjoy the reality of Matthew 5:17. Alleluia!

Accepting the Reality of Matthew 5:17

JESUS NOT DESTROYING BUT FULFILLING THE LAW - Part 1

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill" (Matthew 5:17)

Many do not understand what this above bible verse is saying. Do you think it is instructing you to KEEP THE LAW? After now, you won't ever use this verse to instruct Christians to keep the law, because that's not what it's saying. Because the next verse says:

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:18 KJV)

So is Jesus saying ALL jot or tittle of the law will be kept when He said all will be fulfilled?

Some others have said He is saying He has come to "enforce" or "raise the standard" of the law. Please stop twisting scriptures. Jesus said "fulfill"! Please let "fulfill" be "fulfill"! Now even if I don't know what "fulfill" means, since Jesus said HE (not me) has come to do that word, and He has come and gone now, then He must have done whatever that word means because He said on the cross "it is finished" (John 19:30).

When Jesus rose from the dead, this is what He said:
And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be FULFILLED, which were written in THE LAW OF MOSES, and [in] THE PROPHETS, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. (Luke 24:44)

So He must be referring to Matthew 5:17 when He said "the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you" becaue that is where He said "ALL things (jot and tittle) must be FULFILLED, which were written in THE LAW OF MOSES, and [in] THE PROPHETS concerning me". So that Matthew 5:17 was never about me, but about Jesus' mission statement. Jesus said, "I did not come to destroy, but I (not you) WILL fulfill it" So whatever Jesus did in His lifetime on earth must be the fulfillment of the law and the prophets.

If that is understood, we must accept the reality that today over 2000 after the life and death of Christ that the law is long fulfilled and thus past. Hmm… this is where people run away. When something is fulfilled, then it means it is no longer required. Simple! "fulfilled" means "accomplished". The demands of the law have been satisfied today! Stop acting like Christ never ever came to this earth! Stop ignoring the impact and difference Christ made by His coming!

"[Therefore, I do not treat God's gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose]; I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace (unmerited favor) of God. For if justification (righteousness, acquittal from guilt) comes through [observing the ritual of] the Law, then Christ (the Messiah) died groundlessly and to no purpose and in vain. [His death was then wholly superfluous.]" (Galatians 2:21 AMP)

10 Quick Facts about Faith You need to know

1. FAITH IS NOT A "feeling". You may "feel faithish" sometimes, but it doesn't mean you have faith and vice versa.

2. FAITH IS NOT MENTAL: FAITH IS SPIRITUAL. Faith is of the HEART, not of the mind

*[[2Co 4:13]] KJV* We having the same SPIRIT of faith...

*[[Rom 10:10]] KJV* For WITH THE HEART man believeth

It may have a mindly contact at its operation times, but it doesn't dwell or arise from the mind. It is not the same as courage. It is not optimism. It is spiritual.

3. FAITH IS NOT GENERATED BY YOU: it does not emanate from you. Faith is produced by Christ Jesus and received by you.

*[[Heb 12:2]] KJV* Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR... of our faith;

Jesus is the Author of faith. It is therefore plagiarism/copyright offence to claim to have one faith outside Christ Jesus.

*[[Gal 2:16]] KJV* Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith OF JESUS CHRIST, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the law...

*[[Gal 2:20]] KJV* I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith OF THE SON OF GOD...

*[[Phi 3:9]] KJV* And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith OF CHRIST, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

4. FAITH HAS ITS BOUNDARIES IN CHRIST. It has its clearly marked out fences. So not anything is faith!
Sure! Don't be deceived! we can have some things that look like faith but it is "not of faith".

*[[Gal 3:12]] KJV* And the law is NOT OF FAITH: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

*[[Rom 14:23]] KJV* And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth NOT OF FAITH: for whatsoever is NOT OF FAITH is sin.

5. FAITH DOES NOT COME BY DOING: it comes by hearing

*[[Rom 10:17]] KJV* So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Hence, anytime you are planning to exercise the greatest faith, it's not your muscles you should start to stretch: it is your ears, your receptability. Two ears but one mouth. Listen more!

*[[Rom 10:17]] ISV* Consequently, faith results from listening, and listening results through the word of the Messiah.

6. Every believer has been given faith at salvation

[Rom 12:3] ...according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

*[[2Pe 1:1]] KJV* Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to THEM THAT HAVE OBTAINED LIKE PRECIOUS FAITH  with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

7. NOW THIS FAITH RESIDES PERMANENTLY IN THE BELIEVER AND ITS THE SAME FOR ALL BELIEVERS

*[[2Co 4:13]] KJV* We HAVING the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

He is always HAVING the spirit of faith, and one believer does not have a stronger or hotter spirit of faith than another.

8. THE PRESENCE OF FAITH DOES NOT CONNOTE THE ABSENCE OF FEAR. You can have the two: double mindedness.

*[[Mar 9:24]] KJV* And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I BELIEVE; help thou mine UNBELIEF.

An externally generated false information about who you are can make you develop fears or doubt: nevertheless you keep "having the same spirit of faith". Please at such times, say "I believe. Therefore I speak. I have the same spirit of faith".

Faith thrives on knowledge/information. Fear/doubt does the same

9. EXPRESSION OF FAITH GROWS WITH SCRIPTURAL MEDITATION: FEAR GROWS WITH UNSCRIPTURAL INFORMATION.

When false information is starved by a consistent hearing and meditation on the word of Christ, the communication of faith becomes exceedingly effectual.

*[[Phm 1:6]] KJV* That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

10. FAITH AT WORK PLACES A MAN ON THE SAME POWER RATING WITH GOD.

An effectual communication or expression of faith places the believer on the same level with God in supernatural abilities: he does exactly what God can do.

For example, it's "WITH GOD" we know all things are possible (Luke 1:37 Luk 18:27; Gen 18:14; Num 11:23; Jer 32:17; Jer 32:27; Mat 19:26)

But Jesus made us know that to him that BELIEVES, ALL THINGS ARE AS WELL POSSIBLE!

*[[Mar 9:23]] KJV* Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Hmmm... What else? By faith! Because they believed God, some of them won wars against other countries. They did what is right and fair. And they received good things that God had promised. Some of them caused big wild cats called lions to shut their mouths. Some of them put out fires that were burning very strongly. Some of them got away from people who wanted to kill them with long knives. After they had been weak, they became strong. They became very strong to fight wars. They beat foreign armies and they caused those armies to run away. [[Heb 11:33-34]] EasyEnglish

You have the same (not a different) spirit of faith those Bible men have. You can do ALL they did. In fact, do what God can do. Keep meditating on the right word of Christ! Quit hearing external information that tries to push the power sword of faith from your usage of it. Quench the fiery darts with the shield of faith. Rejoice evermore!

Grace-works incompatible mix

Please why did we cook up our own Bible?

Please follow this conversation

Q: I thought you said you've got Christ in you and that you're a believer. How come you're doubtful of rapturing with your lord you claim to know and believe?
A: Ah! mehn, it's not as easy as that o.
Q: what do you mean?
A: It's not enough to believe. You must still work hard to have kept God's laws.
Q: you mean one must be perfect and not lag in anything?
A: hmm.. not really... that's the place of grace. but before one can get that grace to rescue him, God must see that this one has really tried.
Q: which scripture have you to back up this?
A: hmmm..em..em.. can't remember any.. but you know it can't just be free for just any person who did not even make any effort.

It sounds logical to the brain because it came out from there. There's no mention of that in the Bible! None! That God's grace was given to complement your self effort, No!

See... God does not give His vindication to the man that is godly o! Otherwise it will be of works and not o grace. Besides, if a man is already self righteous on his own, why does he need God's pronouncement?

*[[Rom 4:5]] KJV* But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that JUSTIFIETH THE UNGODLY, his faith is counted for righteousness.

It says grace is "to him that worketh not", him that works not worthy! Not to him that works and has "really tried": otherwise grace will now be on merit. It's called grace because it's free. It's free because it makes no requirement. And don't forget, a stain of self effort on grace annuls it entirely.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. [Rom 11:6]

See... God strongly detests whenever flesh tries to mix up with His work. He will never see man share the glory of what He does! He doesnt need your worthiness if He will bless you! He prefers to justify the ungodly: He will condemn the man that is godly in his own sight.

After He clothes you with His own righteousness, He calls you by His own name. He sees you in a different light. He shares with you His divine nature. You become one with Him. You cease to be the unworthy sinner: you become the worthy saint who boasts in His righteousness and the new status you've assumed, giving thanks to God.

Insist on the good Good News (3)

...as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15 KJV I just wanted you to see why the gospel you give your ears to must be good news. One word you must never replace there is the word "good". If it isn't good, it's not the gospel because the gospel is good news. No congregation anywhere can be helped except by the GOOD news. It can only be by grace, something extravagantly good that we're saved. Though you may not like easy and cheap things, but you must humble yourself here otherwise you get into trouble. No people, race or colour can get God and live worthy except there is a GOOD news! Isaiah 61:1-2 KJV The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach GOOD tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; [2] To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord , and the day of vengeance of our God; to COMFORT all that mourn; How else do you intend to achieve it? Telling a fornicator, "you are a fornicator"? Telling a corrupt officer "I will tell you the truth sir! You're corrupt" is like telling a devil, "devil you are wicked, you're going to hell". Because a leopard cannot change its spot. No, not by telling it that it has spots. You don't get to solve any sin problem except by the GOOD news. "You can be free from this sin". "Sinner, do you know God loves you still?" "Abortionist, do you know God loves you still?" "Backslider, do you know God will never give up on you?" "Sickler, do you know Christ is the one that healed you by His stripes?" "Rejected and oppressed race, do you know you're accepted in the beloved?" "Jilted fellow, do you know God is interested in you?" "Cultist, do you know God will use you still?" That's the glad tidings of good things you're sent to preach! Come on, oh preacher! Also do not forget this. The good news is good because of Christ Jesus who has taken the pain and has sucked from the cup of gall on the cross. Therefore to preach a christless good news is nothing but sweet talk. The listeners of that therefore are nothing but itchy-eared people being deceived. Why are you accepted before the Father today? Christ! Why are you forgiven? Christ. Christ is the reason for the good news. It's all about Him. Go tell it on the mountain; over the hills and everywhere: the wonderful story of redemption!

Insist on the "good" Good News (2)

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and BE NOT MOVED AWAY FROM THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Col 1:23 KJV In the previous article we saw how that our message is the gospel: And the gospel means Good News. Not just any good thing you say is the gospel, we settled that: but in whatever you'll preach, you must not lose the adjective "good". It must be good! If it isn't a good news, then it can't be the gospel! You see, if our translators have helped us to keep including the word "good" in every translation of that word, maybe it would have passed the message clearer and have saved me this time of going over this topic over and over again. That's just an opinion anyway. In our reference text, Paul admonishes us not just to start up our ministry, our church, our brothers fellowship, our sister's weekly, annual, monthly ministry etc, on the Good Good News, and later begin to "hammer the bitter truth". What! Then it means you only were luring people into your ministry; it means your so-called good News is only sweet talking: since it only applies when you still needed people to come and join. But our Gospel is not sweet talk. It's real and true! There's no "bitter truth" of the gospel. Whoa! I hope you didn't misread me. I didn't say truth isn't bitter? It may be, but that can't be the gospel truth, otherwise the gospel is not a totally good news. I also didn't say we cannot speak bitter truth to ourselves in church, but please let's learn to separate when we're preaching the SAVING gospel, and when we're simply speaking common sense or general advice on life matters. "Sister, don't let any man defile you when you're not married. It has serious implications!" That's sound advice and may be bitter to hear. But the gospel will speak of how Christ destroyed both the potency and penalty of fornication for you, so shall you not commit sins because now you're born of God, and if in case any man falls into that sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ! This latter presentation of truth is the gospel! Really it's a good news. Dear Evangelist, our reference text establishes that already, there's such thing as "the hope of the gospel", let us not be moved away from the hopefulness, optimism, and joyfulness of the gospel: rather, let us CONTINUE in the faith, in how we take everything (righteousness, wisdom, sanctification, redemption) simply by responding to the faith that cometh by hearing, Hearing what? hearing what them that preach the gospel of GLAD tidings have brought to us. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring GLAD tidings of GOOD things! Romans 10:15 KJV Romans 10:17 KJV So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Insist on the "Good" Good News

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15 KJV The system of the law law because of it's culture, practices and weakness is called the ministration of death and of condemnation. *[[2Co 3:7]] KJV* But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones... *[[2Co 3:9]] KJV* For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. No wonder a prophet under the law can be sent to a king or to a nation just to proclaim death and condemnation; to pronounce doom on them because they have failed to keep the commandments. Never mind them, what they were doing then was bible-based. That's their ministry. However, the truth God wants you to know about His message today is that it will be wrong to try to develop another ministration of death and condemnation after God has already established a new covenant based on better promises. God does not expect you to carry a message of "you will die if you don't repent today. You will go to hell. Your sins are heavy on you". No. Where will the sinner eventually go if he doesn't repent? Sure, it's hell. What's the fate of the sinner? Death! But for your information and learning, that isn't the message you are given to proclaim, and God won't like you to change His message. But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation; namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not RECKONING TO THEM THEIR TRESPASSES, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation. [2Corinthians 5:18-19] WEB You were commissioned to speak the truth, and the Gospel (Good News) is the SAVING truth. The word translated from the Greek as the Gospel is a word that means "good news". The word from which we got the English word "evangelist" is the Greek word "euaggelos" which means a messenger or angel of good news. How you'll miss your calling as an evangelist if you inadvertently turn out to be a preacher of any news that isn't good. To "do the work of an evangelist" according to Paul therefore mean to speak the Good news. Is anything good the gospel? No. But the Good news of what Christ secured eternally for us. Keep preaching it. That's the man that is fulfilling the great commission. I see you standing before the Father on the last day to say "I have fully preached the Gospel: I have fully preached the Good News". You're loved.

The Father sees no sin in you - Part II

You may scroll back to our previous class - Part I of this topic for better understanding. There we saw how the Father assumed a "good" view of us because of Jesus' eternal sacrifice, such that when He looks at us, it's no longer our works of righteousness (which Isaiah describes as filthy rag) anymore, but if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, he is not known after the flesh but in Christ's work of righteousness. This is why Paul had to abandon his St. Holiness and Moses' unshaking adherence Synagogue to join the Circle of Grace Family Church of Christ.

Philippians 3:9 KJV
And be found in him, NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS (filthy rag), which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

This is the eye with which we are reckoned before God. The Father is never seeing an unworthy sinner trying to approach Him for mercy. He is always seeing a perfect and worthy man not approaching Him, but always living with him!

Now is God blind? Doesn't He see and know the innermost of my being? "If I deceive myself, is God also deceived?" No. No. No! We settled this in the previous part: God isn't blind, rather God is only seeing rightly!

*[[Psa 94:9]] KJV* He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
God is only being just in calling you who has chosen to live by faith of Christ equally just. Jesus paid for your sins: so God will be unjust in making you pay for the sins again. This payment must not even be in form of Him depriving you of His presence for one moment. He must not judge you a sinner again or punish you if He will not be unjust.

See,
It must be you who is getting it wrong by relying on your poor eyes and senses! You know this is a world people are given freedom of opinion: so everyone want to stick to his own opinion. As for me, I think God's opinion must be the sovereign truth, and that's what I choose to rule my life with.

We saw Hebrews 8:12 in the last part,

*[[Heb 8:12]] KJV* For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

And we saw how it's true God does not keep account of our sins. In a past article we asked DOES GOD ISSUE A LAST WARNING OR QUIT NOTICE ON GRACE? You know you only talk of "last warning" if and only if you have a "first". The question should have been "Does God issue a warning at all on grace?" Now, I didn't say "Does God give a warning on sin?" because He has actually done that! Grace is God's warning for sinners.

...now commandeth all men every where to repent: [[Act 17:30]] KJV
(Also Colossians 1:28)

But on grace, it's God's gift which He (not your conscience) will not "upbraid" you for, not for once.

Hebrews 8:12 tells us He no longer "remembers" it. Oh! Last warning so called, can only come into play because you have been keeping a record and numbering the sins. You'll tell him, "this is sin number 1, 2, 3... then the last warning". "Remember the last time you spoke and I corrected you on pride. REMEMBER the last time I WARNED you on anger, are you getting angry again? See, the next time you get angry, I'll take my grace". If He doesn't remember your sins, there can not be "last warning" because there is no "first".

Let's see scriptures quickly before you squeeze that face.

*[[Psa 130:3]] KJV* If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

No, Read again.

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities...

What does that mean? The Lord does not "mark" iniquities.

The Lord does not "mark" iniquities, otherwise the world would be desolate by now. So the Lord doesn't mark your iniquities against your name. Tell everyone that is alive today he is alive, not because he keeps the law but because God has not been marking his violations of the law against him. There is forgiveness and it is with God. You know what that means? God is not going to have to search if He can find forgiveness for you. He gives you forgiveness because it is WITH HIM. License for more sin? Certainly not. That's because You didn't read the next verse: ...that thou mayest be feared. (v4)

Thus, it is not a license to sin, but license to be feared. When you see His abundance of forgiveness, you will be afraid! "Who is this infinite forgiver?" and the shackles of sin will be broken.

We close this here. Appreciate this mercy of God that Jesus made available. The Father isn't unaware that you're not perfect, but He doesn't hold them recorded anywhere. Alleluia.

Enjoy The accepted time! Serve the Lord

When we say you're accepted in Christ, it should not be too hard for you to receive. But you know many people will be quick to check the law and point to one thing or another that will not make God to accept them. "You know you have to be holy, but I'm not. You have to be righteous, but I am not. I have not kept the commandments of God. I cannot be accepted". While it is good to live holy and righteous, you're not accepted because of it. Your acceptance is not because you have promised to "be a good boy", but because God decided without any man's advice to declare an "accepted time".

Now what is "accepted time"?

Time to master righteousness

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Rom 6:19