THE RISING SONS OF GRACE

moneymoneymoney

2011-12-08T10:21:00.000+02:00

Jesus spoke more about money than anything else, he even went as far to say that you can't serve both God and money....not God and sport, not God and recreation, not God and the flesh, not God and family....but God and money, even giving money a name, Mammon, meaning it is a strong spiritual power, that pits itself against God and demands worship.....interesting to note that the Pharisees often "sneered" at Jesus when he did so...because we are told, "the Pharisees loved money."

There was a reason Jesus did this...that reason was to set you free from the love of money, because someone who loves money cannot receive Gods generosity and His grace regarding prosperity...you can be a beggar or a multimillionaire and love money!

Now in saying that, did you know God WANTS to prosper YOU financially because he wants to bless others through you and that you might know the words of Jesus, "it is more blessed to give than to receive" and that the promise given to Abraham, would be a reality for you, namely... that through YOU all the families of the earth will be blessed!

Remember now, it is not money that God want to bless the families of the earth with, it is Jesus, the Gospel!! That is where money comes in...money has one purpose...it is the vehicle to get the gospel to the world! It is going to take money to get the gospel to the ends of the earth...

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son", the Father wants us to have the same attitude, saying, "for I so love the world that I give generously into His priority!"

I heard a rumour the other day..."Craig talks too much about money", well lets say I am not too worried about that...I have one motive, the gospel, Jesus, and getting Him to the ends of the world....

...and I end with a quote from Andrew Wommack...."if God can get it through you, he will get it to you!"

Bless you's !!! c

Lets build, not tear down...

2011-05-31T16:36:00.004+03:00

What I do find sad, and has become a fact in our grace culture, is we now have "grace policeman" that point fingers at other "grace guys" and accuse them of going back to the law, or compromising or not preaching the gospel, or preaching too much faith or preaching too many "kingdom principles" or too much on gifts, or sowing or reaping or the flesh or community or church...

Its like these "grace policemen" have a "special" revelation from God and only they know what real grace is...and unless you are preaching what they dictate that you preach you have will be mixing leaven into the loaf ... I guarantee you that had they been around in Paul's day they would have had an issue with some of things he preached...

Its actually quite hard to love when everybody else is wrong and you are right...I know, i used to be there.

....and now? well lets just say, that i have come to find that God is bigger than our revelation...I have read and listened to many grace believers around the world in the last few years...now, it would be easy to go "no that's not grace, OK that's grace, oh he's missing it there, OK he's got it now"... T-I-R-I-N-G at best, grace pharisee at worst!

One of these grace guys that i am listening to now, and just finished his book called "Living Grace", is a Senior Pastor of a Baptist church in America, a Baptist Church surely not? Yes a Baptist church...as i said, God is bigger than our revelation...God IS Grace, He is Gracious...(Personally, i think some "grace guys" need to learn how to be gracious) ...

A lot of "grace guys" are clearly in reaction to everything that IS church, from the finances, to the leadership, to the way things are done on a Sunday...I mean if you have a "church" that's meets on a Sunday BAM! YOU are an institution! You name it, they will have a problem with it...

They might say they are not in reaction but no one is as blind as those who refuse to see...

Paul said let your conversation be full of grace, for building others up, not tearing down...God is not in the business of tearing down, but building up...Some guys sense it is their duty to change the way the world sees the church, which is noble, but the problem is when you engage them, there is hardly any warmth, practically no heart and little love...just a lot of duty...and they want to accuse other sons of God of being "dutiful" toward the Father?...its like the pot calling the kettle black...did not Paul the apostle have some choice words for those kind of guys?

Hey, i am not perfect, i am still learning, still maturing, still becoming skilled in the word of righteousness, still in training, figuring out what is Good and what is evil, growing in grace...I don't have it all together, but personally i wont be bullied into having to question everything i do and preach by hurting brothers who themselves don't have it all together...C'mon lets be honest here, who has perfect revelation?

A wise man called Mike Ward once gave me something to read, it was called "Hurt people, hurt people" ... I wish I had paid more careful attention to it.

I don't like religion as much as any other guy out there, but i don't want to be looking for religion and law behind every bush...That's not freedom either!

I LOVE the grace message, I LOVE the fact that my righteousness is a gift, its by grace through faith...I love the fact that my sin is not counted against me anymore from the Father...that Jesus paid the price in FULL! As i said, i LOVE grace but it might not be exactly the way you see grace, but that's OK...remember, i might not be 100% wrong in my revelation, but i also might not be 100% right, and that goes for the "grace police" as well.

If you don't agree its fine, but if you do, then lets partner with God in seeing the church built into what she is destined to be, with each part doing its work....not tearing her down, but building her up.

Bless you all...

The Fruit of the SPIRIT

2011-04-06T11:50:00.003+03:00

"But the fruit of the Spirit is . . ." The use of the singular "fruit" instead of the plural "fruits" is instructive. It suggests the common root and interdependence of these several spiritual graces mentioned. They can be produced only in a life that is rooted in the SPIRIT; they cannot be hung outwardly upon a life like the toys and ornaments on a Christmas tree. Fruitage in the Spirit requires rootage in the Spirit. As it has been well put, "Christian character is CHRIST's excellency reproduced by the SPIRIT in a renewed life."

To bring forth the fruit of the SPIRIT is not only the Christian's happy privilege; it is his bound "duty" ( in Rom 8:12 the NIV uses the word "obligation" but it should be "debtor") as well. In a soul born of the SPIRIT there is to be fruit borne in the SPIRIT. The fact that we could do nothing to earn our salvation is by no means to be interpreted as implying that, having been saved by grace, we can do nothing to show our gratitude for the salvation we have received. Dare we be unmindful of the words of our SAVIOUR to the effect that our heavenly FATHER is glorified when we bring forth much fruit: "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye
bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples" (John 15:8)"

Your kingdom come ?

2011-02-03T11:33:00.001+02:00

Sanctification IS by GRACE through FAITH...In the heavenly realms, in Christ, we are FULLY sanctified, FULLY healed, FULLY restored, FULLY satisfied all by grace, but here on the earthly realm it is not so....NOW, whose "responsibility" is it to see whats on earth line up with whats in heaven.....? That's a good question and i am glad you asked it ;-)

Grace WAS Gods part, now through faith (our PART) in his Provision (Grace) WE "work" it out here on earth...

Jesus said "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven"...it is MY work (by the obedience of faith) to make what is in heaven a reality here on earth....

Are there believers that you know that are NOT living as "more than conquerors"? mmmm, why not? is God not doing his job...NO...He has already provided EVERYTHING we need for life and godliness...NOW by faith we make that a reality on earth...Paul said, God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine according to His POWER that's at work in US ...

There are hundreds of thousands of believers that God has not done for them what they asked or imagine (He's already done it actually), why ? because God didn't want to? No, because they did not partner with God...unlike Abraham who was strengthened in his faith, they were weakened in their faith through unbelief (in His goodness)...(The Apostle Peter (2 Pet 1) calls it blind and nearsighted! Blind because they are not seeing their provision (grace) and nearsighted because they are satisfied with instant gratification of the flesh and taken their eyes off eternity))

THE LAW IS NOT BASED ON FAITH - BUT GRACE IS !!!

You can have "faith for something" but without an appropriate corresponding action all that faith is is a theory... which at the end of the day is not faith at all, because faith is a substance and theory is not...

Stay in the Blessing...its your destiny! :-)

The truth about the if-then theory

2011-02-01T08:53:00.002+02:00

Some people say..."its not by what YOU do!".....They are right..as far as the grace (provision) of God is concerned...Jesus did it all 2000 (odd) years ago on the cross and 50 days later the Holy Spirit was poured out..provision for all!!!......BUT...as far as the earthly realm is concerned there lots we should be doing....Sanctification is by grace THROUGH FAITH....Rom 8..."If YOU live by your corrupt nature, YOU are going to die. But if YOU use your spiritual nature (BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH!) to put to death the evil activities of the body, YOU will live."

Faith comes by hearing about the provision (GRACE) through the word of God...and faith is essentially a 4 part process...hear, meditate, speak, do...if i am not doing, i am really not hearing all that God is trying to tell me about his goodness...and if i am REALLY honest with myself, i am calling him a liar...But Craig, there is now NO condemnation for those in Christ...yes you are correct, only issue is...The law is the power of sin in the flesh, if we are living according to the flesh, then we are going back under the law and make no mistake, the law brings guilt and condemnation...That's why, if WE live by the Spirit (BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH - THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH!) we will LIVE !!

FAITH !!!!

2011-01-27T16:01:00.001+02:00

"Faith involves a shift in focus, a shift in worldviews, a shift between that which we see to that which we cannot see, a shift in focus to that greater reality. Real faith is not based on the five senses. It considers that which cannot be seen as more real than what we experience in life’s circumstances.Yes at times, by faith in the invisible God in the unseen realm, and in spite of what the circumstances of this dimension told them, men and women destroyed cities, subdued kingdoms (against all earthly odds), stopped the mouths of lions, escaped the sword, quenched impossible fires and even received their dead back to life (Heb 11:30-33).This all by a faith that sees into this unseen realm."

Santo Calarco

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING !!!

2011-01-11T10:03:00.000+02:00

Heb 6:13 "For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”[a] 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. 17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might[b] have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us."

When a young man decides he wants to be a famous actor, He "lays hold" of that dream until he sees it accomplished...it changes the way he lives his life, spends his money, the words he speaks..etc...

Man alive, we have a MUCH BETTER hope!! Lets lay hold of it, let it change the way we live our lives, spend our money, the words we speak...Not to become righteous, NO we ARE the very righteousness of God, now WE have the promise given to Abe...!!

Through faith (action) and patience (action) we will "lay hold" of it...and it will come, because God does not lie...!!

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING !!!

By GRACE through FAITH !!

2010-11-29T10:29:00.003+02:00

Started a series yesterday called "BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH" ...

The law IS NOT based on faith, GRACE is !!!!

Time to break off the unbelief and step into all He has for us...

Manifested blessing be yours !!!

Seven Signs that You Might Be Living Under Law

2010-11-08T13:53:00.004+02:00

"1. You’re not 100% sure if you’re 100% forgiven

God doesn’t do forgiveness in installments. All your sins were forgiven at the cross (Col 2:13) when God the Son abolished sin by the sacrifice of Himself (Heb 9:26). Neither God the Father (Heb 8:12) nor God the Holy Spirit (Heb 10:17) remembers your sin any more. Still not convinced?

2. You believe Christians have a duty or responsibility to serve the Lord

Duty and responsibility are synonyms for obligation so this is a mind-set that says we are obliged, or indebted, to God. I’ve heard it said that “Jesus has done so much for you, what will you do for Him?” Indeed, God has given us everything. Ever wondered why? He did it “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:7). He is not just rich in grace, but exceedingly rich. You cheapen His grace by thinking you have a duty or responsibility to pay Him back. Your responsibility is to believe that He is good and true! It is not our obligation to serve the Lord, it is our royal privilege. It is not our duty, but our great delight.

3. You suffer from performance anxiety.

Performance anxiety is a rational response to the uncertainty of life under the old covenant. But anxiety has no place in the new. We are to draw water from the wells of salvation with joy (Is 12:3). We walk under law in anxiety and fear, but we walk under grace with joy and thanksgiving! “Happy are those whose wrongs are forgiven, whose sins are pardoned! Happy is the person whose sins the Lord will not keep account of!” (Rms 4:7-8, GNB)God has made us His Sons, and with such a Father we need not be worried about anything (Mt 6:32). He is our Provider who delights to give good gifts to those who ask Him (Mt 7:11). Those who serve under the law are insecure, but sons are secure.

4. You think, “God will bless me as I do my part”

The essence of a life enslaved by law is the mindset that says, “I must do something for God.” The motivation may be to earn salvation or some other blessing. But this mindset is anti-Christ and anti-cross. Contrary to what you may think, we are not justified by what we but do grace alone (Rms 3:24). Grace and works don’t mix (Rms 11:6). Grace, peace, and every spiritual blessing have been given to us by God our Father through Jesus Christ (Eph 1:3). We are not called to work for God, but to do the work God. (Eph 2:8). Faith is a positive response to what God has done. Faith is saying, “thank you Jesus!” Faith is healing the sick and casting out demons, because Jesus made provision for our healing and deliverance at the cross.

5. You think we need more preaching on repentance.

Repentance saves lives, but preaching on repentance doesn’t lead to repentance! A law mind-set emphasizes what people must do (repent!), but grace proclaims what God has already done (everything!). A law mindset uses inferior incentives (fear, judgment) that lead to temporary changes in behavior, but grace (God is good and He loves you!) changes the hardest heart. If you want people to genuinely repent, preach the goodness of God (Rms 2:4).

6 You think you have to overcome life’s trials or Jesus will blot out your name.

It really isn’t about you. Jesus is our over-comer and our victory (Jn 16:33). Everyone who believes Jesus is the Son of God has already overcome the world, because The Over-comer lives in them (1 Jn 5:4-5).
Jesus promised the overcomers at Sardis that He would never blot out their name. Ever since then insecure performance-oriented believers have feared He might change His mind and do exactly that.

7. You mainly think of following Jesus in terms of giving up things

Christianity is a our life for his. No doubt you’ve heard people say that following Jesus costs you everything. And it does. You cannot call him Lord without renouncing the right to your own life. But see what you get in exchange! If salvation means nothing more to you than self-denial and personal sacrifice, you’ve missed the whole point. our life for His. God favors us with this exchange. We give him our sinful little selves and get everything in return. A law mindset looks at what we give up, but a grace mindset rejoices at what He offers in return! Stop thinking about what you gave up (nothing you could keep) and start enjoying what He has given you (everything!)."

http://www.escapetoreality.org/2010/11/06/under-law-1-7

...our part?

2010-11-03T11:51:00.000+02:00

The grace of God teaches us, accepts us, embraces us, enables, us ... shows us how full of faith we really are!!!!!!

... our part, to think about it, meditate on it, believe it !!!!

...let the gifts flow, regardless !!!!

2010-11-02T09:01:00.002+02:00

"I believe that there are two glories that the Bible teaches. One of the remarkable things about the theology of what you are in is that you believe in reading the Bible in context. And I believe that 2 Corinthians chapter 3 – it is amazing to me that the Corinthians were the most carnal people.

They were drunk at communion and were having sex with temple prostitutes and one guy – God alone knows what he was doing with his mother in law because Paul says it was even embarrassing to unsaved Corinthians who were expert sinners. These people were ones who needed to have dos and don’t put on them but Paul writes to them for me the most amazing chapter in the whole New Testament and distinguishes the difference between the Old and New Covenant.

And he never says “Stop the gifts – I’ve had enough”. He gives loving administration to the gifts but says have more gifts – I would that all prophesy I want you all to speak in tongues – I want you to desire the mighty gifts of the Spirit. So Paul didn’t quench the gifts. But he writes this chapter and distinguishes between Old and New Covenant glory ....

... So Paul makes a very clear distinction and there can be no ambiguity after reading 2 Corinthians 3. He says in (v4) that we don’t have any confidence in ourselves but God has made us competent ministers of a New Covenant not of the letter that kills but of the Spirit that gives life!"

Rob Rufus

The fruit of law-galistic thinking ...

2010-10-14T08:42:00.003+02:00

If you think about it, all denominations have one thing in common...as a matter of fact so do those that are non-denominational but still mix law with grace...

That is Law-galistic thinking! A law mentality that has been, through generations, firmly entrenched into the minds of the members...

Through that thinking, a wall of hostility (Eph 2:14-15) is raised up, i believe, in 4 places...

1. Between the born again and those still lost...Jesus didn't have this thinking that is why "Sinners" where attracted to him. "Sinners" (or those not born again often feel condemned by the church, and as we all know, condemnation only serves to cause division. If i know you are condemning me, i would be an idiot to hang around you or take your advice!) Jesus didnt have this attitude so unbelievers felt safe with him, they were comfortable around him. Was he trying to score brownie points, no, he was being Godly!) Remember Jesus did not come to condemn but to save.

2. Between two believers (You don’t do as much as I do, pray, give, holiness etc so therefor you don't deserve my encouragement, love, acceptance, gifts)

3. Between local church and local church (denominationalism) I’m a Roman Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, (These are NOT local church’s but… Jewish, Hindu, Muslim ) - I have the right way to God and you don’t kind of thinking…(I know there is a difference between a Charismatic and a Hindu, one is saved and the other is not but under the law the thinking can be very similar. I.e. don’t dare try and take the little red dot off a Hindu’s forehead or don’t dare try and tell some Charismatic/Pentecostal the law has been abolished – you will get the same "violent" reaction). Churches will even criticize and bite each other for this same reason...it is known that churches preaching the gospel of grace get persecuted by churches that don't...

4. Within the mind of a born again believer (outworking itself in double mindedness, condemnation, guilt, fear, disparity, no power, little faith, little revelation – you get the picture!)

The antidote?

The gospel of grace!!! Putting the law in its right place, ala Rom 10:4!

As the church we have one responsibility: breaking down THAT wall, keeping people free – as Paul did (True Apostolicity)...

When that wall is gone we are united first with Dad, then each other... the fruit of that? mmmm lets think... love joy peace PARTY !!!!!!!!

The 10 commandments

2010-09-22T14:18:00.001+02:00

What is the commandment that will cause you to sin the most?

Psalm 40:9-10

2010-09-08T12:26:00.001+03:00

Psalm 40:9-10 (NIV)

⁹ I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips,
as you know, O LORD.

¹⁰ I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.

NUFF SAID!!!

Christ's righteousness

2010-09-06T16:49:00.002+03:00

Christ's righteousness IS the believers comfort...you will KNOW the truth and the truth will set you free...KNOW that you are the righteousness of God IN Christ...no longer UNDER the law but UNDER grace. Praise God !!

I will never punish you for your sins...

2010-09-02T21:56:00.001+03:00

"Imagine the following scenario: A father tells his little girl, “Come here, girl. Mummy says that you have been playing by the roadside. Is that true?” “Yes, Daddy. I am sorry.” “Sorry? How many times have I told you not to play near the road? Come here! Lie down on the road and stretch out your legs!”

Daddy drives his car over his little girl’s legs. You can hear the sound of bones being crushed and the poor girl screaming in pain!

“Now, darling, you know that Daddy loves you. And Daddy did that to teach you a lesson, that playing by the roadside is dangerous.”

You are probably shaking your head in horror by now, wondering which sick father would do that. Yet, there are many Christians who believe that our heavenly Father does the same thing. They say that He gives people sicknesses, accidents, earthquakes and death to teach them lessons.

But Jesus said, “If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.” Jesus is the nature of God in action. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus or God going about healing the sick. If God wants some people sick, then there should be at least one incident in the Gospels where you see Jesus saying, “Behold, your complexion is too lovely, receive leprosy,” or “Blindness is good for you. Remain blind.” But no, never once! In fact, Jesus “went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil”. (Acts 10:38) That’s the heart of God.

As a father, if your child is sick and in pain, your heart just wants him well. How much more your heavenly Father! My friend, God does not give your child a sickness to teach both of you some lesson or to glorify Himself. To think so is to talk out of a warped mind bound by religion! And Christianity is not a religion. It is a loving relationship with your Father in heaven.

Beloved, hear God speaking this to your heart today: “I will never punish you for your sins because they have been punished in My Son’s body. I do not wish you ill. I will not take away your child or give you a car wreck to teach you some lesson. My heart always wants My children well and joyful!”

Joseph Prince

New Covenant evangelism...

2010-08-26T10:51:00.000+03:00

This is New Covenant evangelism . . .

"I was called to the home of a dying elderly man to sing and pray with him. A few folks from church came with me. At the house the man had lots of family around, inside and outside the house. Many were smoking outside and wouldn’t come inside with us, so I asked everyone to come outside for a moment. I told them all “I want to share great, great news. The gospel is not understood by most but the message of the gospel is our sins are already forgiven and I can tell each one here, your sins are forgiven. You don’t need to be forgiven, you already are. The gospel is not to make us ashamed and guilty but to take those things away. All you have to do is acknowledge that, believe it because it is true.” I used the thief on the cross as the example. Many of them wept and it was so easy and exciting to share the gospel this way. We had a great time with the old man and we shared it all with him as well. It felt as natural as when Jesus looked at people and told them their sins were forgiven."

Bliss, faith-filled and effortless

2010-08-24T14:38:00.002+03:00

Its by grace through faith...To accept the finished work of the cross, is to believe by faith that God in His awesome grace has completed the work that was needed to fulfill the law on your behalf...

Now by faith we live with that reality...that reality, once it becomes revelation will change the very fabric of your existence...

Instead of living to please God, you will live knowing you are pleasing to God because God in Christ IS pleased with you, who are IN CHRIST TOO...

Every work that flows from that reality is bliss, faith-filled and effortless!! Every sanctified behavioural change is bliss, faith-filled and effortless...

Praise God for his indescribable gift...JESUS !!!!

The wall of hostility

2010-08-18T10:56:00.001+03:00

The law divides, it is THE dividing wall of hostility...

Eph 2: 14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace"

When Martin Luther brought "disunity" to the Body, the then Roman Catholic Church, it was a good thing, otherwise we would all still be Catholic.

Martin Luther's main point of reference, the scripture God had opened his eyes to, was Rom 5:1 "1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." that's the gospel of grace right there baby!!

When he started preaching that, it showed just how much "unity" there was!!

Now, was 'ol Martin bringing disunity?

Well lots in the church at the time would have accused him of it, accused him of heresy, of not being a son in the house, of deserting the people, of not loving the people, of not playing team, being rebellious, selfish...

...BUT...

NO, he was not, God was, through him, bringing genuine Spirit-filled unity, not "surface-smiley-everything-is-fine-until-you-start-preaching -your-gospel-of-grace-and-messing-with-the-10 commandments" unity

Jesus himself brought down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. He paid the biggest price for that...When men bring the law back into the church, they are the very ones who are bringing disunity...not those preaching to get it out!

Clear as clean crystal !

2010-08-17T16:57:00.001+03:00

"Over and over again in the New Testament, Paul is absolutely clear that the gospel is simply grace. Anything else does not merely fall short of the full gospel, it is actually opposed to it."

OH the bliss of it all !!

2010-08-13T17:29:00.001+03:00

We have had people from the USA, UAE and Singapore contact us via our Contacts Page and say they have been impacted and changed by coming across our site, downloading the free mp3's and listening to them...

We have had a man from the USA... ask for details as he wanted to deposit money into our account, this being someone we had never met nor spoken to! We have had over 7000 visitors on our blog in the last 2 years, that's almost 10 hits a day! We have people being impacted in Sydenham, Durban, because they have listened to our CD's, testimonies from people we have never met...

You guys are boasting now, some might say....Yes we are boasting, we are boasting in what He has done, boasting in the Goodness of God, Jesus Christ Himself and His finished work!! OH the bliss of it all!!!

These are testimonies of His faithfulness to His message, signs that make you wonder...We have had financial testimonies, healing testimonies, relational testimonies but more importantly we have had testimony after testimony of people coming into a revelation of their righteousness, of their freedom in Christ, of His love for them and that they are falling in love with the Father more and more...

OH the bliss of it all!!!

Want solid food ?

2010-08-12T10:03:00.000+03:00

Heb 5:12 "...teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."

The bible says teachings of righteousness is the solid food. Anyone who is still and infant and immature, is not acquainted with the teachings of righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, solid food is the teaching of righteousness. The more you teach righteousness the more you will be giving people solid food. Anyway, who is still and infant is not acquainted with the teaching of the gift of righteousness. We need to teach the gift of righteousness.

Why? Because we are transformed into His glory as we encounter His face. 2 Corinthians 3, says we become like Him when we encounter Him. How? - by revelation that we are free, that we are righteous in Christ, so that we can come boldly into the throne room of grace and encounter God, not in shame, in grace, there is nothing in the way of me going before God, as we encounter Him we are transformed into his likeness and what is that, maturity -being transformed into His likeness is maturity. The more we encounter Him the more we are transformed into His likeness!!!

Abundance of Grace

2010-08-11T16:08:00.002+03:00

"FEEBLE believer, there is " abundance of grace" for you! It is in Jesus, and in Jesus for you. The little grace you have received has brought you out of the world, has led you to His cross, and has enabled you to trust your immortal interests in His hands. But your faith is weak, your fears are strong, your doubts are painful, your inward conflicts are severe, and you often think you shall be obliged to give up all for lost.

But hear what the Apostle James says, "He gives more grace!" He who gave you what you have—will give you more. Fear not, for the grace of God is sufficient for you, and He will make His strength perfect in your weakness. He is able to do exceeding and abundantly above all that we can ask or think; yes, He is able to subdue all things unto himself. Look to Jesus, and He will save you... save you with an everlasting salvation"

By James Smith, 1859

What is the Gospel of the Grace of God?

2010-08-09T18:42:00.000+03:00

"What is the Gospel of the Grace of God? In short, the Gospel of the Grace of God is the Gospel the Apostle Paul preached to Jews and Gentiles and wrote about in his letters. It is not the same Gospel Peter, James and John preached and wrote in their letters. All of Christ's Apostles (i.e. Peter, James, John, Paul, etc.) preached Christ, but they didn't all have the same Gospel message. They didn't have the same purpose or audience either.

That may seem like a shocking statement, but it's not. It just seems that way because a lot of people aren't saying it. In fact, the statement is Biblical and provable"

The Apostle to the Gentiles

2010-08-05T15:38:00.000+03:00

The Apostle to the Gentiles

Have you ever considered that the Apostle Paul had a unique ministry that was to be taken to the Gentiles?

Read the following from Eph. 3, 2-4

"If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given to me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in a few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)." (KJV)

The dispensation in which we now live is "The Gospel of the Grace of God" and the instructions given to us by God for this time in man's history come from the writings of the Apostle Paul. The rest of the Bible is important, as it is all the Word of God and is background for our understanding of this age of grace. However, the most important directions for us, God gave to us through the epistles of Paul, Romans through Philemon."

Don’t Look Inside the Ark !

2010-07-26T14:36:00.001+03:00

1 John 2:2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world."

In the movie, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, the people who tried to look inside the ark were struck dead. What was inside the ark that brought judgment to those who looked into it?

The Bible tells us that the ark held the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, the pot of manna and Aaron’s rod. (Hebrews 9:4) These items were tokens of man’s rebellion. The two tablets of the Ten Commandments represented man’s rejection of God’s standards. The manna represented man’s rejection of God’s provision, and Aaron’s rod, man’s rejection of God’s appointed priesthood.

God did not want to look at these tokens of rebellion. He wanted to be merciful to His people, so He instructed them to place the items in the ark and to cover the ark with its mercy seat, which is also the place where the blood of the animal sacrifices was sprinkled.

Once a year on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to sprinkle on the mercy seat the blood of the animal that had been sacrificed. The two cherubim on the mercy seat stood as guardians of God’s righteousness and holiness.

Representing God’s eyes too, they looked at the blood on the mercy seat. As long as the blood was there, the entire nation of Israel was forgiven. God’s judgment passed over them and they were blessed for another year. (Leviticus 16)

Today, the blood sprinkled on the mercy seat is not the blood of bulls and goats, but the precious, eternal blood of the Son of God! (Hebrews 9:12) Jesus is our “mercy seat” for “He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world”. The word “propitiation” in the original Greek text is the same word as “mercy seat”. (Romans 3:25, Hebrews 9:5)

Beloved, God does not see your sins and count them against you because He sees His Son’s blood. He sees His Son’s perfect work that has more than satisfied Him. God does not want you to see your sins either. He does not want you to look inside the ark by focusing on your sins. He wants you to focus on Christ and His finished work!

Don’t focus on your sins. Focus on Christ and His finished work.

Joseph Prince

Let God roll away your reproach today

2010-07-22T10:19:00.002+03:00

"You will not possess your inheritance in this life unless you let God roll away your reproach. Prophetic word to the church today - you won't enter into your personal dream - your personal inheritance - personal promised land unless we let God come in power and anointing and roll away our reproach.

A reproach means shame and blame and feeling bad about yourself. (Josh 5v9) - "I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you". The stigma of slavery. Some control by withholding approval or by over-flattery. Egypt has put a reproach on the Church! God says He will roll it off and (v12) when that happens the manna is going to stop and we will begin to eat of the promised inheritance of Canaan. Manna represents what God feeds you while you are going around in circles with the reproach on you as soon as that is off - you will start eating of your inheritance!"

Rob Rufus

Choose Life !

2010-07-15T17:12:00.000+03:00

Grace IS Glory...enter into Grace, you enter into Glory!
Want satisfaction? Choose grace!! The law kills but grace gives LIFE !!!!

Self-generated do-good doo doo...

2010-07-14T16:41:00.002+03:00

"This focus on error of approach--of thinking we can earn God's approval by what we do--might seem like a fine distinction, but Scripture could not be more clear or strident. We cannot earn salvation, no one will have bragging rights in heaven, nor will God accept any "works" or "fruit" that come from self-generated do-good intentions.

Human religious energy is NOT something God has any interest in. In fact, since He has made provisions for us to access His very life and power, to choose to live in our own human resources is to reject His grace. His life, received by grace, will result in good works--to be sure. But how we approach God is critically important. Are we hoping in the grace and power of Christ Jesus, or are we hoping to impress God or earn His favor on our own merits? The difference is as wide as heaven and hell."

Lukewarm ?

2010-07-06T10:22:00.001+03:00

"...when you mix cold with hot you get lukewarm. Now what are two good things in the Bible that, if you mix them together, you end up with something bad? Here’s a hint – what were the Galatians mixing together? Answer: law and grace..."

BENJAMIN DUNN on generosity in the New Covenant....

2010-06-25T18:05:00.005+03:00

Have you ever wondered how we should handle our finances now that we have come under grace?

Download (free) BENJAMIN DUNN's message on generosity in the New Covenant....called

"Hilariously happy generosity" preached at Gracelife Church in Durban, South Agrica (13th June)

http://www.gracelife.co.za/resources/audio-downloads

Oh the glory of the gospel !!!

2010-06-06T15:41:00.002+03:00

Oh the glory of the gospel of His unmerited favour, counting us worthy of going to a gruesome death, that being crucifixion!!! He loves us so much that He layed down HIS life for us...Dying that we might live, cursed that we might inherit blessing, oh the glory of the gospel of grace!!

Giving and the Church

2010-06-04T12:10:00.000+03:00

"This is the final article in the tithing series and I want to answer some questions that might have been raised through the previous three. I suggest you read those first before reading this one. (Read Part 1, Part 2 or Part 3) If you have any questions, please write to us at contact@charismaministries.org

1. So does this mean I don’t have to tithe?

Yes. You do not have to tithe. Tithing was a practice demanded under the law to celebrate the increase God already gave you, by holding a feast with other people. Only animals and produce were to be tithed. The act of tithing was done by holding a feast with 10% of the increase of your livestock and produce and by inviting the Levites, orphans, widows, strangers and other people in your city to join you in a celebration of God’s goodness.

2. So does this mean I can stop giving to the church?

Giving and tithing are not the same thing. You do not have to tithe, and technically, you do not have to give either. But if you have the nature of God, the new nature of a born-again believer, you will exhibit the characteristics of God’s nature. His nature is to give. If you have a desire to give, then give. That is God’s nature and Spirit in you seeking expression through you. If you lift the law of tithing off of people and giving decreases as a result, it shows the people’s hearts were never expressing the desires of God anyway. If you remove the law of tithing and giving remains the same or increases, then you know the desires of the people are in tune with God’s will, they were just inhibited and strangled by religiosity. God is not under law, yet He gives. You are not under any laws or obligations to give either, but like God, you can’t help it because it is your nature.

3. Why then do we give to the church?

Eph 4:11-12 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 (NKJV)

If your church is serving and equipping you, then support them. If they are not serving and equipping you, why do you go there? Or more importantly, if they are not equipping you, why are they there? Find a place or ministry that is actually serving the body and support them. The more support they have, the more time they can spend serving you. (Also see 1 Cor 16:2-3)

4. Why do we support them financially?

Though we are not FROM this world, we do live IN this world. If you like going to a big flashy building with good sound and effects, then remember that all those things cost money. If you go there and you enjoy it and are being served, then support them. They have bills to pay. If you meet in somebody’s home, often times they are footing the bill for drinks and snacks. Help them by offering to buy some stuff, washing the dishes, bringing stuff from home. Help one another by serving one another. (Also see Rom 12:13)

5. Why doesn’t the church just trust God for the money?

They are. But you are God’s answer to most of the prayers prayed in this world. When you pray for revival, God is going to send on-fire believers. If you ask for provision, He will send somebody with money to bring that provision. God sends people to DO His will. So if you can help meet the needs of your church by giving finances, then that is a good thing. If you can’t give financially, find out where they might need volunteers and give yourself as a living sacrifice. Giving is God’s nature. Giving is your nature too.

6. So are there any do’s and don’t for giving?

Do’s and don’ts are tricky. They tend to come off as laws. Yet there is a practicality that is good to adhere to. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is all about this. He wrote to them telling them how to use the gifts and how not to use the gifts. Was he giving them laws? No, he was just being practical and wise. He never told them they needed to start using the gifts because they were using the gifts more than any other church at that time. Yet they were using the gifts wrongly. You can use your gifts wrongly too. How do you use or do something good in a wrong and improper way? By doing it without love. (1 Cor 13). Giving without love is useless. You can accomplish a lot without love, but nothing that is eternal. Below are a few do’s and don’ts I personally stick to when it comes to giving:

When To Give:

When you can meet a need. (Matt 25:34-45; )
When you are happy to. (2 Cor 9:7)
When you are being equipped, served and edified by somebody. (2 Cor 9:10-11, 1 Cor 16:2-3)

When NOT to Give:

When you feel guilty or condemned for not giving. (2 Cor 3:4-9)
When you are told you have to give before God will bless you. (Acts 8:20-21)
When you are afraid God will curse you if you don’t give. (Gal 3:13-14)
Anytime really where giving is commanded as a law and that not giving would result in a negative effect.

7. What did Jesus say about giving?

Mark 12:41-44 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” (NKJV)

Jesus doesn’t look at how much you give. He looks at why you give. Your motives far outweigh the amount you give. Always has, always will.

Luke 11:41-42 But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you. 42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. (NKJV)

Justice, mercy and love is more important than what is given. Give to let justice reign. Give to show mercy. Give as an act of love.

8. What did Paul say about giving?

2 Cor 9:7-8 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (NKJV)

You can decide how much of something you want to give. You can give 10%, you can give 100%. You can even give 0%.
Give cheerfully. NEVER give out of obligation, necessity, stipulation, duty or requirement.
Give with thanksgiving.

1 Cor 16:2-3 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. (NIV)

Support those people who are in ministry and on mission trips.
Note Paul said you need to chose who you approve of, and then support them.
Also note how he says that he DOESN’T want to be going around collecting money, but that he expects believers to take responsibility to make sure those people get the support they need.

Rom 12:13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (NIV)

Share means to partake together. If you want to share food, go eat with the person you are sharing with. Otherwise they might think you are only showing them pity.
PRACTICE hospitality, kindness, and generosity. That means if it doesn’t come naturally, do it until it does!

Don’t worry so much about what to give, instead, let God’s generous giving nature be expressed through you in the way that you give, the way that you serve and the way that you meet needs with what you’ve been entrusted with.

Bless you all!"

Cornel

Bind us together Lord...Bind us together

2010-06-03T11:59:00.001+03:00

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.....For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. (psalm 133:1-3) ...

Now, when a man preaches grace, he will be accused of causing disunity, and he will be threatened with "God is going to stop the blessing in your life"...but, for some or other reason the blessing keeps flowing for him...mmmm

If you think about it, a man can be sent to the moon, as long as the people doing it are unified...So often we think we have unity but its not real...on the surface, it looks great...but start to preach grace and BAM! Next minute all sorts of cracks start appearing...why?...Eph 2:14 says that the law brings disunity (so grace brings real unity), ... that's why Jesus abolished the law, to make the two, one..to bring unity...When we mix law and grace, we have to keep the unity with all sorts of control tactics...and we don't need the Holy Spirit for that we just need good management skills.

Hey, am i trying to be contentious, ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Jesus said you would KNOW the truth and the truth would set you free...the truth in and of itself wont bring freedom, one has to KNOW the truth for freedom to come...There is a shaking that's taking place in the church today...that shaking is showing the "unity" for what it is...God wants ...unity of the faith, resulting in maturity, signs and wonders and His everlasting glory, not unity of philosophical ideas, resulting in secular humanistic management programs masquerading as His thing...

If you are a Believer and you are reading this, even if you don't know what i am talking about, chances are, you probably agree with me!

Grace, grace, grace and more greasy grace to you all....

Struggling with sin

2010-05-24T10:48:00.001+03:00

"For years I ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Gen 2:17) instead of the tree of Life (Gen 2:9). I was constantly gauging whether or not my behavior was good or bad and would meet with the requirements that God wanted for me. I tried and tried to walk in line with what I thought God commanded me to do…live my life by the Ten Commandments.

I thought that I should monitor my every behavior and for the most part I found that I was not committing sin, whether by repression or suppression my behavior on the outside looked good. Yet I struggled with the words of Jesus to the Pharisees (Mat 23:27) because I knew that my heart was still dirty and the more I compared my thoughts, intentions, words, and actions (both or omission and commission) to the law and to right and wrong, the more I knew that something was drastically wrong.

I had been told a half-truth of the gospel…yes, I knew my sins were forgiven but I did not know “The Rest of the Gospel”. In fact, the more I tried to live the Christian life the more I seemed to fall into more desperate acts of sin and even had a greater desire for it. I would read verses that said I was no longer a slave to sin (Rom 6:18) yet I still felt like a slave to sin because I continued in it (John 8:34). I wanted to be set free and to know what that freedom was like to live in but my entire belief system was set up to keep enslaved to sin. I tried and tried to do all I could do to gain victory over sin but continued to fail.

I was living in unbelief and I didn’t even know it. The victory was already won and given to me as a free gift…not just our salvation but our sanctification too. The more I tried to win the victory by living by right and wrong, the more I was telling God that I don’t believe that you want to give me Your victory and I can do it on my own by my own will and works. I didn’t know the Gospel in it’s entirety…it had been subjected to just being a “get out of hell free” card. I think the world sees Christians as hypocrites because that is all it really is to them…because they don’t know the complete Gospel or realize who they are in the New Covenant.

You died (2Cor 5:14) with Christ on the Cross and He bore all your sins (1Pet 2:24) in His body…past, present and future, He alone suffered and paid your penalty for sin. But that is not even the good news…if it were He would leave you free from the penalty yet still locked in the dungeon of your own carnal nature. In fact when you receive Christ (Joh 1:12) you receive His very Life (2Pet 1:4) in you.You were once spiritually dead (Eph 2:1) and hostile (Rom 8:7) with God but He reconciled (Rom 5:10) you to Himself by His very life, the blood (Luk 22:20) of the new covenant. And when He was raised from the dead you were in Him and you too were raised to newness of life (2Cor 5:17). He has come to give you His life (Joh 10:10) and to give it abundantly…it is finished, it is yours, now simply receive and believe this Good News.

As I understood this Gospel, the true Gospel, the Bible made complete sense. Look at every verb tense that is taught about what happened to us on the cross…here are a few to consider.

Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Rom 6:2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?Rom 6:3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?Rom 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Col 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Rom 7:4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.
Rom 7:5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. Rom 7:6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;
Eph 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved–Eph 2:6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
2Ti 2:11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
Rom 6:7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.Rom 6:8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
Col 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. Col 2:13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses

Now I would ask that you look at the scripture…all of this is pointing back to a place and time in which a cosmic miracle in Christ took place. You were in Christ, all of your perverted personality and junk was laid upon Him and He bore you in His actual body. He did this so that we could have eternal life, His life, which starts at the moment of being born again.

Now our adversary walks about wanting to steal His very life (John 10:10) from us and put us back into bondage. He does so by deception and lies (John 8:44) wherein we give him authority in our lives when he actually has none. Hudson Taylor called this “The Exchanged Life” and what an exchange it is…the saddest part is that many will not believe the truth (John 14:6) because it is too good to be true."

http://www.promisedgrace.com

Galatians!!

2010-05-19T10:42:00.000+03:00

On the book of Galatians...

"It is not difficult to see why this epistle has had such an impact throughout Christian history. Properly understood, this epistle will always serve to subvert the inevitable tendency of man to allow the Christian gospel of grace to lapse into legalistic religious performance. The letter to the Galatians is a constant summons to recognize the complete realization and fulfillment of God's intent in Jesus Christ, allowing no supplements or additional requirements.

Without a doubt, legalistic, performance-oriented Judaizing elements will always dog the Church of Jesus Christ, but this letter remains a clarion call to the singularity of Jesus Christ as the essence of the gospel. If, as we have conjectured, this is the earliest of the extant letters of the apostle Paul, then the revolutionary reinterpretations that Paul makes in this letter must be regarded as foundational to the interpretations of the remainder of the Pauline writings."

In defence of the gospel

2010-05-15T08:59:00.002+03:00

Listen to Rob Rufus' latest message called "Defending the gospel of grace"...It is brilliant!!!!

http://ccihk.com/en/media/online-audio?view=studydetails&id=186&templatemenuid=1

Want "more" faith ?

2010-05-11T15:46:00.001+03:00

If i want the be fearful, i don't have to try and work it up inside of me, i just have to listen to stuff that is fearfully bad news...now...if i want to be faith-filled, i don't have to try and work it up inside of me, i just have to listen to the faith-filling Good News of Gods Grace!!

herein lies the reason...

2010-05-07T22:49:00.002+03:00

"Also, whenever we emphasize grace, there is a potential problem of others misunderstanding that we are making light of (having insufficient emphasis of) sin. Actually, when we emphasize grace, not only are we not making light of sin, but we are doing exactly the opposite; we are saying:Sin is devastating—serious—pervasive. And herein lies the reason we emphasize grace— Grace Is The Only Remedy For Sin."

Johnny Tatum

We believe that...

2010-04-29T16:01:00.003+03:00

We believe that...

Che ck out Ryan and Kylie Rufus's new site...

DON"T BE MOVED, STAND, ITS WORTH IT IN THE END !

2010-04-19T11:56:00.001+03:00

"There is an apostolic thing Paul speaks about where he says; “We die daily that you may experience life”. We are experiencing life here in abundance but there is a price in our stand that is causing thousands of people around the world to take hope and come out from guilt, condemnation, law and bondage into freedom of grace in Christ Jesus. People are moving from a mixture of Old and New Covenant through the finished work of the Cross into the liberty of the blessing of the New Covenant. So they are getting revelation – a theological revolution. Churches and regions are being changed!"

Rob Rufus

...to know nothing except...

2010-04-13T09:14:00.001+03:00

1 Cor 2:2

New International Version (©1984)
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

New Living Translation (©2007)
For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.

English Standard Version (©2001)
For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

International Standard Version (©2008)
For while I was with you I resolved to know nothing except Jesus the Messiah, and him crucified.

QUESTION IS...WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?

The gospel is...

2010-04-09T09:39:00.000+03:00

“The Gospel is not a call to (constant confession), or to amendment of our ways, to make restitution for past sins, or to promise to do better in the future. These things are proper in their place, but they do not constitute the Gospel; for the Gospel is not good advice to be obeyed, it is good news to be believed".

Freedom from the urge to control

2010-04-07T16:49:00.001+03:00

There is a key to freedom, freedom from anxiety, freedom from fear and freedom from insecurity which ultimately means freedom from the urge to control...that key IS the understanding of the gospel of Gods amazing grace.

Hows my heart?

2010-04-02T10:52:00.002+03:00

1 Cor 5:4

"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God."

Wait for the lord to come...to do what?

1. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness
2. will expose the motives of mens hearts

Paul says lets not judge other mens hearts...

Our hearts are new, our hearts are hearts of flesh...the only "hard" flesh i have seen is dead flesh...

You see its our thinking might be a little off, but that's easy...he says renew your mind with grace...

Grace...

Holier than thou?

2010-03-31T19:15:00.002+03:00

"I inwardly grimaced when the worship leader led us all to sing:

Holiness, holiness is what I long for
Holiness is what I need
Holiness, holiness is what
You want for me, for me.

What's my problem with that chorus? It's because it asks for something we already have! We don't need holiness. We have it right now! The reason so many people squeeze their eyes closed and sing like they're begging God for holiness is because they think they aren't holy based on how they've acted, felt and thought lately. But it's not about that at all.

If you think holiness has to do with moral perfection, I encourage you to take a look at the New Testament Church in Corinth. To say that these people misbehaved is an understatement. Inside that church there existed divisions, drunkenness, jealousy, immorality and many others sinful behaviors.

The Apostle Paul wrote the Corinthian Christians a letter and here is how he began it: “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling …” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Paul said the Corinthians were “sanctified in Christ Jesus.” He knew about their behavior and even addressed it later in his letter, but Paul knew something that many believers today don’t understand. Our behavior does not determine who we are! These Corinthians were saints, regardless of their behavior. They were saints, even if they were “saints behaving badly.” Their holiness didn’t have a thing to do with what they did or didn’t do.

Paul reminded them a little later, “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30). He says that it was God’s doing that they were in Christ, and that Christ is their sanctification, or holiness. Again we see that the Corinthians were already holy in God’s sight.

Paul made very clear how we have become holy. God did it through Christ. As the writer of Hebrews put it: “By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).

It is by Christ’s work that we have been made holy. What about places in the Bible where the Scripture seems to teach that we are to seek holiness? Consider, for example, Hebrews 12:14: “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.” What does the verse mean when it tells us to “pursue” sanctification (holiness)? The answer has to do with what we mean by pursuing it.

If you define “pursuing sanctification” as getting better and better at keeping rules, you will find yourself right back in legalism, but we have already seen that rules-keeping is not the meaning of holiness.

To pursue it means that we act diligently to agree with God concerning what He has said about us and we act like it’s true – because it is true! You have Jesus Christ and He is your holiness. So we are pursuing sanctification or holiness when we are living out of the reality of His indwelling life. We grow in the expression of holiness in our thoughts and attitudes and even in our actions, but we don’t become more and more holy. You are holy. That is what you are! "

Steve McVey

WHERE SIN INCREASES, GRACE SUPERABOUNDS!!!

2010-03-30T16:02:00.001+03:00

"In Romans 5:20 Paul makes a radical statement that has been the thorn in the side for many believers throughout the centuries. It basically sounds like Paul is creating a license for sin. He says, “The law was added so that trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.”

Although Paul has made it clear that grace is no license for sin (Romans 3:8) Paul is still maintaining that man’s sin cannot outstrip the grace of God. Paul uses two important words in this verse that makes Paul’s intent clear. He uses the word “increased” in reference to both sin and grace: where sin “increased” graced “increased” also.

However the difference between the “increase” is not proportionate: where sin increased grace increased all the more! How much more is the question: a little more, a lot more?

The Greek word for “increased” with reference to sin is not the same Greek word in regards to grace. When Paul refers to sin increasing he uses the Greek word pleonazo and when referring to grace he uses huperperisseuo.

According to Strongs Concordance the former means “abound” but the latter means “to abound beyond measure, to abound exceedingly, to exceed a fixed number of measure.” In other words Paul is telling us that as sin increases grace increases disproportionately to cover that sin. What amazing grace. Look at the way the Amplified Bible has dealt with the original language:

20But then Law came in, [only] to expand and increase the trespass [making it more apparent and exciting opposition]. But where sin increased and abounded, grace (God’s unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded.

This is the gospel of God’s amazing grace according to Paul and admittedly it can seem to sound like license for sin. Let me say this categorically and in no uncertain terms: unless the gospel we hear doesn’t “sound” like a license for sin then we have not heard the gospel of Paul.

How do I know that? In the very next verses Paul says, “shall we go on sinning that grace may increase”? Although he is quick to qualify what he is saying Paul knows for certain that his message seems to sound like that very thing!

As we read this verse we need to remember that Romans 5:20 is the climax of the message of the entire fifth chapter and needs to be understood within that setting. Paul commences in verse 1 by telling us that since we are justified by faith we have peace with God. This is a summary statement of everything he just said in the book as a whole. This verse also sets the scene for what follows in the chapter which climaxes in radical statement in verse 20. In Romans 1-4 Paul has carefully set out to define what Justification by faith is.

He tells us that to be justified means to be “declared righteous” not made righteous – in spite of all our failed attempts to keep God’s law. The word translated “declared righteous” in the NIV of Romans 3:20 is the exact same word as “justified” in Romans 5:1.

To be justified by faith is not an ethical quality but a legal, relational standing one has with God through faith in the blood of Jesus. It has nothing to do with how righteous I become in regards my behaviour here on earth. To be justified means that God freely declares us righteous by faith in Jesus and then credits to our account all the good works of Jesus and credits all our sin to Jesus himself.

See Romans 4:1-6. It not only means “just-as-if-I-never-sinned” but it also means “just-as-if-I-had-only-ever-been-righteous”. Although forgiveness of sins is included in justification (Rom 4:7) it goes beyond it: it also means acquittal which means we never committed any sins that need forgiveness.

The Revised Standard Version of Romans 5:18 translates the same root word as “acquittal” compared with “justification” in the NIV. Forgiveness means we have committed wrongs but acquittal means we never have!

Because of all this Paul concludes that the believer has peace with God. Rom 5:1. And just in case we still don’t get it, Paul continues to labour the point in chapter 5 by listing even more results that accompany this blessing.

Through a series of contrasts he speaks of the peace that comes through justification. The key phrase in this chapter is “how much more” and climaxes with his radical statement in verse 20.

Paul tells us that we not only have peace with God as a result of justification but we also have a number of other things: continuing standing in the grace of God (v.2), hope for the future coming of Jesus (v.2) and meaning and purpose in trials (vv.3-4).

This hope that grows out of justification is grounded in the very love of God which has already been poured out into our hearts. Romans 5:5. It is at this point that Paul commences his series of comparisons; his “how much more” statements.

He reasons that if God has already poured this love into our hearts through the experience of justification by faith (which has resulted in peace) and since God demonstrated this love to us through the death of Jesus whilst we were still lost sinners, then how much more certain can we be now in our standing with God: if he loved us and Jesus died for us when we were lost sinners then how much more now can we have peace knowing that we will escape his wrath?

Read verses 5-9 in one sitting carefully to notice the contrast. He continues with the next contrast and says that if God made peace and reconciled the lost world to himself through the death of his Son then how much more should we rest peacefully secure since we will [not “may”] be saved through faith in Jesus life? Romans 5:10.

He goes onto say that if through Adam’s one sin we were all wrecked then how much more peacefully safe are we now in God’s grace that overflows to undo and compensate? Romans 5:15. Then Paul finally arrives at his radical statement on the grace of God. He says that if the introduction of the law worsened our situation by increasing sin then how much more at peace can we be, knowing that our standing with God is never jeopardized since God’s grace superabounds our sin?

What amazing grace! We cannot out-sin the grace of God: this is the essence of the good news of the Gospel. We can rest assured of the peace we have for it is grounded in the marvelous and boundless grace of God demonstrated through the doing and dying of Jesus."

Santo Calarco

Walking like Jesus...

2010-03-24T14:05:00.001+02:00

Have you ever heard that we should "walking like Jesus"...here's an interesting thought, Jesus had a steady diet of grace for 30 odd years, before he started "walking like Jesus"...

Most Christians today have had a steady diet of Law mixed with Grace for years...Now we want to preach grace for 3 months and then say, now go walk as Jesus did...go figure.

MORE !!!

2010-03-23T22:24:00.002+02:00

I am a lover of the gospel of grace...it is the only message that brings freedom! It is the gospel and the gospel IS the power of God (Rom 1:16)

The longer i am in "it", the more i want to know...I want to know this grace, this multifaceted gospel, this sweet glory...

The more i wallow in "it" the deeper i want to go, the further i know i can run, the higher i believe i can climb...

aah Jesus...!!!

Warning heeded !

2010-03-16T11:16:00.002+02:00

"The Bible says God does not judge by external appearances whereas the religious world is very much obsessed with judging by external appearances. Paul makes it clear that there are people who think their portfolio is to come into churches and come amongst believers and spy on their freedom with religious disapproval in their eyes. They work in demonic anointing and can bring people back into slavery.

Paul said we did not negotiate with them. If you sit and discuss these issues with these kinds of people even for a moment they'll get inside your head. Before you know it an hour has passed, a day has passed, a week has passed and before you know it your life has been controlled by religious condemnation."

Rob Rufus

OOH POWERFUL WORDS...WARNING HEEDED!!

A tsunami of grace...

2010-03-13T10:09:00.001+02:00

The ground swell, oh the ground swell...like a tsunami, the grace revolution keeps powering forward...ain't nothing going to stop it...why? because God's behind it...silencing every voice calling for calm, calling for dialogue, calling for unity....the ground swell, oh the ground swell...like a tsunami....

Ecstatic satisfaction!

2010-03-10T15:24:00.001+02:00

"The Great Gospel of imparted righteousness is in continual orbit around this glorious King and His Kingdom; Like the living creatures surrounding the throne continually singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy". All of heaven is enraptured in the ecstasy of His holiness and astonished that this holiness has been graced to us!

This holiness and righteousness is not attained by self-submission and self-obedience. No, this righteousness can only be drunk down as a gift. For no other kind of righteousness can stand before His presence. No other dance floor can hold His Joy and His Glory. Nothing but an unearned, unachieved, glorious gift!

In turn this Happy Message produces in a man such heart filling peace and enamoring joy that he realizes that he need nothing else. This man, that receives such a glorious existence given only by such a glorious God, becomes completely satisfied!

This is the state of Kingdom existence. Ecstatic satisfaction! This is what the Gospel affords and imparts to those who believe."

Benjamin Dunn

Question: Are we to tithe (give 10%) because Abraham tithed?

2010-03-04T09:02:00.001+02:00

^{HEB 11:39-40 says...}These (including Abraham) were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. ⁴⁰God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

We (in the New Covenant) have received The Promise !!!! YEEHAAA

So the answer is.....

NO!....we are to be way more generous than Abraham, since we have the Holy Spirit LIVING IN US and Abraham didn't!

Simple really...

Beyond YOUR ability...

2010-03-02T14:56:00.002+02:00

"I’m going to personally challenge you to follow the example of the Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians) – which is really the example of Christ. Give yourself fully to God. Relinquish all your rights, desires, and goals to Him. Seek the counsel of His Spirit, and follow His will. Then, give. Give generously! Give, even beyond your ability to give!!! Choose to deny your own desires and wants so that you can give even more. Choose to even deny your needs for a time.

But I also challenge you not to do this in an attempt to be holy if your heart is not in it. If you do not feel joy in the giving, then don’t do it. When you give under compulsion and grudgingly, you do not give out of love. Your gift becomes meaningless because there is no love with it.

But if your faith is responding to the grace of God – to the glorious gift of His Only Son who has freed us from sin and death – then give as much as you can and even more! Allow God’s power to work through your life to do more than you can even expect or imagine."

Paul Williams

I'm lovin' it!

2010-02-25T09:33:00.004+02:00

"Join us for evil-free, depression-free, boredom-free, religion-free, sobriety-free church! All pouring from the breath-taking Cross of Christ... "

http://thesantacruzchurch.com/

As McDonald says..."I'm lovin' it!"

DRUNK

2010-02-22T10:50:00.002+02:00

Jesus turned water into wine when the party people were ALREADY drunk...methinks Dad is trying to tell us something !!!

BE GLORIFRIED !!

2010-02-19T13:28:00.000+02:00

">I WANNA BE DRENCHED IN THE WATERFALLS OF HIS GREASY GRACE, I WANNA BE G-L-O-R-I-F-R-I-E-D IN THE SWEET OIL OF HIS PRESENCE !!!

Dont think, drink!

2010-02-18T08:05:00.001+02:00

Mark 2:6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 8, and immediately when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said to them, 'Why do you reason these things in your hearts?'

"Legalistic people are 'too smart for their own good.' They 'attend class without receiving credit.' In James where we see 'be ye doers of the word, not hearers only,' the Greek word for 'hearers only' means 'to attend class without receiving credit, to evaluate, assess, survey.'

This is someone who 'attends church, not hearing the word, but rather seeing out of a critcal spirit how the speaker, singers, members dress, how well the speaker speaks etc.' Father says "They attend class without receiving credit." These who are too smart for their own good, these 'thinkers' reason themselves out of entering into a life time of forgiveness, the shalom or peace it brings in body, mind, relationships and finances. Dont think, drink what the Spirit is saying!"

Rich Gamel

Think ?

2010-02-15T14:19:00.002+02:00

"Did Jesus say, "If anyone is thirsty, let them come to me and THINK?"

Goergian Bannov

Financial giving in the New Covenant...

2010-02-13T09:24:00.000+02:00

"To the shame of many grace believers I must say that they are not giving as much as when they were under the law. In some stats I did I found that more than 70% of all grace believers don’t give at all and have stopped all giving. The rest of the people have unstable giving. Most in not all churches that go to grace in finances struggle tremendously after going to the freedom message."

Bertie Britz

When we were under the law we "only" gave 10%...we didn't give more because we were not required to. If we ever did give over 10% it was very sporadic, why?....because as i said we were not required to give more than 10%...our thinking was law thinking, not faith or grace thinking...NOW...under grace, we are only required to give 0%...so we give 0%...and when we do give over 0% it is very sporadic...why...because our thinking remains law thinking, not faith or grace thinking...Hence Bertie's financial poll results in grace based churches...

God was in Christ hugging the world to Himself

2010-02-09T08:54:00.000+02:00

"God was in Christ hugging the world to Himself."

Wayne Duncan

Nothing but a bad memory !

2010-02-08T10:24:00.001+02:00

What is a Christian? A Christian is one who’s heart once mastered and owned by desires contrary to the nature of God, has been extracted by the Divine and replaced with a heart and nature so fully filled and flooded with light and love that the former is eclipsed to absolutely nothing more than a bad memory. Benjamin Dunn

Ooh the sticky gooiness of His presence !!!

Nothing but Laughter and Joy !

2010-02-02T09:09:00.000+02:00

"There's a lot of Glory on the precious Gospel! Jesus opened forever the way into the milk and honey, we enter in through His torn flesh. From start to finish it has been and will always be a GIFT!

A life of perfect love and perfect Joy is the Christian reality. Martin Luther said , "The Gospel is nothing but Laughter and Joy". You are already deep into the milk and honey, believe it and it will manifest! Believe that Jesus' perfect sacrifice is well able to place you and keep you in the milky purity of His love and his sweet honey joy. This is Salvation! Nothing Less!"

Ben Dunn

Frustrated, frustrating, frustration...

2010-02-01T12:50:00.002+02:00

Gal. 2:21 "I do not frustrate the grace of God, for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."

"Here we see the word 'grace of God' defined by 'Christ' death to secure our righteousness! Anytime I put my self under any system or standard to 'merit' or 'earn' my righteousness (right standing with God) I have just "Frustrated Gods Grace" which is "Jesus obeyed the law fully for me & then became by being made 2Cor.5: 21, everything I was on the cross and bearing my death under the law that I deserved by being (past tense) a sinner."

Grace is what God did through & by Christ Jesus that I dont deserve. Grace becomes vain when I try to receive by my works/obedience what I can only receive by grace through Jesus' obedience. Lastly, Gal.5:4 "Christ (Gods Grace) becomes of no effect to me, whenever I am justified by the law (which is NEVER), I have fallen from Grace."

Jesus never leaves me or forsakes me but the power, annointing and benefits/blessing of Jesus on my life becomes vain, ineffective whenever I put or trust in my obedience to any type of standard or law to gain access to the blessings of God. I am then left looking very righteous but in reality I have become self-righteous and then poisoned left to persecute/pursue all those who dont look or act as holy as me. Grace in vain, leaves me like Saul who persecuted the church, Gods embodiment of Grace. I have become 'clouds without water,' and 'wind without rain,' loud, boisterous but powerless & ineffective!"

Richard Gamel

Vain grace

2010-01-28T12:55:00.000+02:00

Grace can be in vain...now that is a scary thought...

What the gospel is all about!

2010-01-27T09:32:00.002+02:00

Christians are now granted a freedom in Christ which was not available to those under the law; we are now to be a people of the Spirit - not of the letter (2 Corinthians 3:3-6).

"It will thus be appreciated that a correct understanding of Justification is intrinsic to the gospel - that is, how God has arranged to justify - or redeem - His people is what the gospel is all about! And yet Justification is the Christian doctrine which is always targeted and perverted by the cults and sects; effectively, they say, 'Yes Jesus is fine but He is not enough' - in this they place a clear separation between their teachings and the teachings of the New Testament!"

...difficult for many to understand...

2010-01-25T15:41:00.000+02:00

"All that God does in redeeming, reconciling and justifying man, and in giving him a new life, is of God alone. Man can contribute nothing. It is very difficult for many to understand the truth that salvation from the penalty of sin is the work of God and Him alone, and it is only our faith in Jesus Christ that makes God's work effective. But even though it is very difficult for many to understand grace in salvation, it seems even more difficult for those who are saved to understand that the life that God expects them to live is not of themselves, but by His power, which is also by His grace"

So who wants to be ecumenical ?

2010-01-21T10:19:00.002+02:00

"We can live and survive and not rock the boat and the establishment will think we're cute and nice and ecumenical but we will die in our beds with great regret that we did not do something that would leave footprints in the sands of human history and leave a legacy behind."

Rob Rufus

Go too far with grace ?

2010-01-20T09:53:00.002+02:00

"Go too far with grace? There’s no way. The fact is that most Christians haven’t gone far enough in their understanding of it. We need an overflow of grace, especially in the modern church. Especially in the lives of Christians today who’ve been ambushed by legalism. As much as we say we don’t want to live under the law, we’re scared to death of the grace of God."

Steve McVey

Grace after grace after grace...

2010-01-18T09:43:00.003+02:00

John 1:16
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. NIV

John 1:16
From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. NLT

John 1:16
For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. NASB

"Grace upon grace suggests again the great truth that, in addition to the fact that our salvation is by grace, we experience God's grace beyond measure year after year during our earthly lives, and its fullest bestowal when, in our resurrected and glorified bodies, we shall be with and like the Lord. Indeed, there is second blessing! But there is third blessing also, and fourth blessing, and hundredth blessing, and thousandth blessing, and grace follows after grace in God's dealing with us. Fresh grace constantly and abundantly flows down to us day by day, and year by year, through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Source of this grace is never failing, and the supply is never ending"

Have you heard "the message" before?

2010-01-13T11:03:00.003+02:00

"I have heard the message of “Grace” (as so many are calling it) hundreds of times. But my friend, it doesn't matter how many times you hear this Message, it WILL change your life further. That's because Grace is not a doctrine, nor is it a teaching, it is a Person. The Person FULL of Grace and Truth... Jesus Christ Himself."

James Preston

So, you want to be my father?

2010-01-12T08:55:00.005+02:00

1 Corinthians 4:15 "Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel."

Gee, think about that for a second, it’s profound...

Paul didn't say...

...through the church I became your father or
...through the system I became your father or
...through hierarchy I became your father or
...because I am an apostle I am your father or
...through the laying on of hands by other men I became your father or
...because I tell you I am your father I am your father...

No, he says I became your father "through the gospel"...plain and simple.

How many Pastors out there want to be "fathers" but don't have a clue of what the gospel is all about...all they know is system, leadership, perfection, model, business...and by virtue of their position they enforce their "fathership" ... If they are not preaching the gospel but something that essentially is not the gospel, how can they possibly be biblical fathers at all?

No..those "relationships" strain with the slightest of pressure, with the slightest disagreements they break down and reveal what they really are, nothing but suedo- "ties" that do not bind...

When the gospel of grace is preached in its purest form, the natural progression, the fruit is, "fathers" and "sons”…...ties that have the strongest bind...that never break...sincere, full of love...this is what Paul is speaking about when he says…for..."I became your father through the gospel."

C-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e Jesus, c'mon !!

2010-01-11T11:16:00.001+02:00

"The Law can never be defeated; that's why to be under Law is to be under Death! Grace can never be defeated; that's why to be under Grace is to reign in Life! Grace did not really defeat Law in the courtroom of Heaven. Grace met Law's demands, and, since Grace could not meet the demands of Law in us, it met them in Another...it met them in our Substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ, through His cross-work on Calvary! (Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:30)

The trial has already been held! (John 5:24; Romans 8:1) The trial, yours and mine.. .every Believer's, is over! The verdict is in! We believers are free; and never to be tried again! No double jeopardy! We have not just been pardoned, nor even acquitted. We have been justified...declared righteous...given a new and eternal standing before God. All Believers have, as a present possession, a positive righteousness (Romans 5:1-2). The wonderfully shocking news is that God Himself cannot lodge an accusation against us because it is God Himself Who declared us righteous! (Romans 8:33)

Christ Himself cannot condemn us because it is Christ Himself Who died in our place and rose on our behalf (Romans 8:34). Yes, the Law is perfect, but it is "weak through the flesh," and because it is weak through the flesh, there is something it could not do; it made nothing perfect. It is a perfect Law that made nothing perfect! (Hebrews 7:19; 9:9; 10:1) Grace, the once-for-ever death of our Substitute on Calvary, perfects forever those who put their trust in Him! (Hebrews 10:14)"

shoulda, woulda, coulda...

2010-01-09T13:39:00.001+02:00

"Grace can neither be earned by your merit nor forfeited by your demerit. If you sometimes feel you deserve an answer to prayer or a particular blessing from God because of your hard work or sacrifice, you are living by works, not by grace. But it is just as true that if you sometimes despair of experiencing God’s blessing because of your demerits—the “oughts” you should have done but didn’t, or the “don’ts” you shouldn’t have done but did — you are also casting aside the grace of God."

THE RIGHT STUFF !!

2010-01-08T07:28:00.005+02:00

"The Christians in Galatia had understood Paul’s preaching of salvation by the grace of God alone, but they were now being influenced by teachers who were telling them that they had to maintain their relationship with God by obedience to his laws. Paul doesn’t pull any punches. “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.

Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let that person be under God’s curse!” (Galatians1:6-8).

Notice his statement that turning away from trusting in grace to a gospel based on our acceptance by obedience to law is not just a distortion of the gospel. It is “a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.” He also describes it as a desertion from “the one who called you” — deserting God himself. He then calls down a curse on those who teach such things. Obviously, this is a matter of no small importance!"

INTERESTING, DON'T YOU THINK...YOU CAN UNDERSTAND GRACE AND STILL BE INFLUENCED BY LAW PREACHERS...BUT...DON'T BE PARANOID, JUST KEEP YOUR EYES FOCUSED ON THE RIGHT STUFF...

How to know God...

2010-01-07T17:04:00.000+02:00

"Second Peter ends with the challenge to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (3:18). I expect that “growing in the grace of Jesus” and getting to know Jesus amount to much the same thing. Growing in our relationship with God and Jesus involves growing in our understanding and experience of their grace."

Yeah baby...GRACE!!

2010-01-06T22:23:00.001+02:00

"The gospel is described as “the message of his grace” (Acts 14:3). The Scriptures are “the word of his grace” (Acts 20:32). R. C. H. Lenski, in The Interpretation of The Acts of the Apostles, said, “God and the Word of his grace always go together; God lets his grace flow out through that Word.” Paul describes the spread of the gospel simply as “grace … reaching more and more people” (2 Corinthians 4:15). He speaks of understanding the gospel as understanding God’s grace (Colossians 1:6). As the prophets looked forward to the coming of Christ, his sufferings and glory, they spoke of “the grace that was to come” (1 Peter 1:10)."

"disturbing emotional problems"

2010-01-05T19:33:00.000+02:00

"I am convinced that the basic cause of some of the most disturbing emotional and spiritual problems which trouble evangelical Christians is the failure to receive and live out God's unconditional grace and the corresponding failure to offer that grace to others. I encounter this problem in the counseling room more than any other hang-up."

From his book "Healing Grace" by Dr. David Seamands

Repentance misunderstood ...

2010-01-04T08:34:00.003+02:00

A prevalent idea is that repentance means someone must first turn from sin and then reform his life as a prerequisite for salvation. Both experience and logic, as well as the Scriptures, show this idea to be false. Not even a mature Christian has turned from all his sins. Who then, when he compares himself with God’s righteousness, can ever feel he is even close to turning from sin? The problem then becomes, How much sin must be turned from? What degree of success in keeping the Ten Commandments is required before God will accept a person? This would result in salvation by works, not grace! But Scripture says, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:5).

This false concept of repentance was also prevalent in the first century. The religious professionals of the day, the Pharisees, accused Christ of associating with tax collectors (known for extortion) and sinners. Of course if the tax collectors first ceased being tax collectors and the sinners first reformed themselves, they would have had no problem with Christ associating with them. Christ replied:

It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means, “I desire compassion and not sacrifice,” for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12-13).

It is not that they were actually righteous, but Christ reasoned with them based on their own estimate of themselves. Has anyone ever heard of a sick person first healing himself and then calling for a doctor? Does not the doctor come when the patient is still sick, and it is the doctor who effects the cure? "

I WAS A PASTOR IN A LOCAL CHURCH FOR YEARS AND I STILL DID NOT HAVE THIS RIGHT ! SO SIMPLE, YET I MISSED IT AND WITH THE ERROR BROUGHT BONDAGE TO SO MANY...THANK GOD I HAVE SEEN THE GLORIOUS GRACE OF THE GOSPEL !!!

HOW AWESOME IT IS TO BE LEADING A CHURCH NOW, WITH THIS UNDERSTANDING...SUCH RELEASE!

Truth and Reconciliation

2010-01-02T11:10:00.003+02:00

"When we address a doctrinal error that we’ve divided over, we again demand repentance. However, in this case we require those who disagree with us to actually change. Regardless of how pure and innocent their hearts, we declare that they’ve failed to repent until they given up their wicked practice."

What is truth and reconciliation?

Its reconciling AND letting the truth be known...as someone once sung "you cant have one without the other"

ITS COMING !

2010-01-01T09:25:00.003+02:00

2010 !!

THIS YEAR IS GOING TO BE GRACE-FILLED !! WHAT I MEAN IS, I BELIEVE GOD IS GOING TO OPEN THE EYES OF THOUSANDS AROUND THE WORLD TO HIS AWESOME GOSPEL...PEOPLE WHO HAVE OPPOSED THE MESSAGE WILL BECOME FRONT-RUNNERS...ARMED WITH THE PURE UNADULTERATED GOSPEL WILL DO UNTOLD DAMAGE TO THE KINGDOM OF CRIPPLING CONDEMNATION !!!WHOLE CHURCHES ARE GOING TO TURN AROUND AND BEGIN PREACHING THE TRUTH OF GRACE AS PAUL DID...

WE ARE GOING TO SEE TRUE NEW COVENANT UNITY OUTWORKED...JESUS' WORDS OF THE WORLD KNOWING WE ARE HIS BY OUR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER WILL BE SEEN BY BELIEVER AND UNBELIEVER ALIKE, LIKE NEVER BEFORE !!!

DO NOT BE AFRAID, FOR I AM WITH YOU SAYS THE LORD !!!

FREEDOM !!!

2009-12-22T09:16:00.001+02:00

A quote from Mel Gibson's film Braveheart

"You have come to fight as free men and free men you are. What will you do with your freedom! Will you fight? Fight and you may die. Run and you will live at least a while and die in your beds where you'll dream of that come back here and tell the English that they may take our lives but they'll never taken our freedom!"

This isn't personal against the English! But folks that should be the cry of the Church! To the devil! To each other! I have said that to God, I have said, "Lord if I can't live in freedom - if I allow religion to conform me and control me then Lord please take me home. I do not want to live on this planet as so many Christians controlled by the spirit of condemnation, the fear of rejection, controlled and manipulated by guilt and fitting into the religious norm instead of being a pioneer - a prophetic person that breaks out and advances the Kingdom!".

Rob Rufus

PS Jesus saves from slavery !!

Proclaiming the right gospel...

2009-12-18T12:10:00.001+02:00

"Paul’s gospel is built on the understanding that the key to spiritual transformation is not found in trying to improve oneself. It’s found in believing who we Christians are in Christ and who Christ is in us.

For Paul, the Christian life is becoming what you are. Consequently, the common approach he takes in his letters is to remind God’s people of who they have become as new creatures in Christ. All of his exhortations flow out of that reminder.

The church of Jesus Christ is called to embody and proclaim the gospel that Paul preached—which is the gospel of Jesus Christ." The gospel of grace...

Grace-killing ministers do what?

2009-12-15T18:45:00.000+02:00

"If you claim to be a messenger of grace; if you think you are really preaching grace, yet no one is taking advantage of it, maybe you haven't preached it hard enough or strong enough. You can be sure of this: Grace-killing ministers will never have that charge brought against them. They make sure of that!"

Religion!

2009-12-11T08:31:00.001+02:00

"Religion: "Replacing relationship with God for rules and rituals. Adding to God's word with traditions of men, and operating in wisdom of man instead of God's revealed will and wisdom."

a. Conforming to man or a religious circle.....Uniformity
b. The religious spirit seeks to have us serve the Lord to gain his approval instead of receiving our approval through the cross.
c. Living in fear of pleasing men, self-preservation, self-protection, and being an exclusive sect that is closed to anything different.
d. Measuring up to man's expectations that are not from the Lord
e. Death, sterility, and lack of the true anointing: "A religious spirit is a demon which seeks to substitute religious activity for the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives."
It's primany goal in any church or ministry is to bring them to a place where "They have a form of godliness, but deny its power (2Tim 3:5)."

...it can do nothing else...

2009-12-10T13:48:00.003+02:00

"Law kills, it can do nothing else! Grace makes alive; it too, can do nothing else! The Law is a prosecutor, and a good one--the best one that the Universe will ever see. Grace is a defense attorney pleading the finished work of Christ. Grace will never lose a case, even against the great prosecutor, Law, because the Judge is also the Savior."

Faith is obedience!

2009-12-08T18:14:00.000+02:00

"Faith is obedience. Faith means I accept absolutely, completely, determinedly, exactly what God says is so, and I stake my life on it. And though I fail a million times, I still stake my life on it. Though every man is a liar, God is true. (Romans 3:4)."

The obedience of faith

2009-12-07T09:23:00.001+02:00

The difference between “where you are” and “where God wants you to be” is how much you are willing to obey and i am talking the obedience of faith, not obedience to the law!

Preaching Grace is Risky Business

2009-12-05T19:07:00.000+02:00

"Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that if we didn’t get complaints that we’d gone too far and said too much, then we probably haven’t really preached the Gospel of grace."

So, the message of grace IS foolishness...

2009-11-30T09:08:00.002+02:00

1 Cor 1:21 "God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe."

"Many a bad sermon has been launched from a mistranslation of this verse. The King James Version translates the verse to say "the foolishness of preaching." But it is not the act of preaching that is said to be foolish. It is the message of what is preached. It is the preached Word, the preached gospel that is foolishness. God was well pleased through the foolishness of the message preached--that is, the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ--to save those who believe. This is what is well pleasing to God."

His wisdom!

2009-11-27T14:25:00.001+02:00

"God did not save the world through its own wisdom. It was not through cleverness or wisdom or intelligence that anyone has come to Christ, including any of us. It is often tempting to think that we were simply smart enough to understand this gospel. When the gospel was preached, we were intelligent enough to grasp it, smart enough to recognize it for what it was. As tempting as such thoughts may be, however, none of us came to the gospel by intelligence. We came because of God's power working in "the foolishness of the message preached."

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-25T19:17:00.000+02:00

GOD IS IN A GOOD MOOD !!!

Want to doubt?

2009-11-20T19:09:00.001+02:00

"He is not going to change his mind about wanting us, about calling us, about being merciful to us. "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23). He has made a commitment to us, a covenant with us, to redeem us, to give us eternal life, to love us forever. He will not be without us. He is trustworthy, but how do we respond to him? Do we worry? Do we struggle to be worthy of his love? Or do we trust him? We need never doubt God’s power.

This is shown in the resurrection of Jesus from death. This is the God who has power over death itself, power over all the beings he created, power over all other powers (Colossians 2:15). He triumphed over all things through the cross, and this is demonstrated through his resurrection. Death could not hold him, for he is the author of life (Acts 3:15).The same power that raised Jesus from death will also give immortal life to us (Romans 8:11). We can trust that he has the power, and the desire, to fulfill all his promises toward us.

We can trust him with everything—and that’s a good thing, since it is foolish to trust in anything else. Of ourselves, we will fail. Left to itself, even the sun will fail. Our only hope is in a God who has power greater than the sun, greater than the universe, more faithful than time and space, full of love and faithfulness toward us. We have that sure hope in Jesus our Savior."

ooh His Goodness!

2009-11-19T19:56:00.000+02:00

"God always uses his enormous power to further his promise of love and grace toward his people."

no right!

2009-11-16T15:18:00.001+02:00

"Grace must not just be central in a preacher’s study, understanding and explanation of of Scripture, but equally important when it comes to how he applies Scripture for daily living. Preachers should motivate their listeners by grace, not guilt. As Bryan Chapell has written, “If God has freed His people from the guilt and power of sin, then preachers have no right to seek holiness by putting believers back under the weight Jesus bore.”

Strongholds!

2009-11-09T13:48:00.000+02:00

"It is the power of God that truly transforms our lives. We need the power of God back in the church. We need people on fire who are free because they are transformed by grace and not condemnation. (2 Corinthians 10). We plant churches out of a foundation of liberty and freedom and the call of God not a desire to get accepted. "Divine power to demolish". The power of God demolishes strongholds - what are strongholds? "Arguments and every pretence". Strongholds are thought patterns in the minds."

Rob Rufus

...of things not seen.

2009-11-06T11:36:00.000+02:00

"Many people think faith is acting like something is so when it really isn't so, and if we do that long enough, then it will become so. But that's not it at all. Faith is real.

Hebrews 11:1 says,

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Faith is substance. This is saying that faith is real. It is the evidence of things not seen. Notice it didn't say "things that don't exist." They do exist. They just aren't seen."

Andrew Wommack

A better system of righteousness was yet to come!

2009-11-03T15:55:00.000+02:00

"The Old Covenant, of course, had pointed to Law as the best path (for that time) toward justification. The complete system of law, delivered from Mount Sinai, is the heart of the Old, Mosaic, Covenant (incidentally, it is one complete legal system; the Old Testament does not allow us to break it down into bits such as 'the ceremonial law' and so on). But as time wore on we see that none, yes, not even Moses and Aaron - and certainly not people like David - were able to fully keep this law, and we start to find indicators that a better system of righteousness was yet to come"

Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!

...three fruit...over time...

2009-10-29T09:26:00.001+02:00

"Now when we believe the gospel of acceptance grace then three fruit immediately grows through a process that over time produces 3 things:

1. Boldness.
2. Obedience.
3. Humility.

Rejection (or unbelief in) of acceptance grace in Christians produces:

1. Fear of rejection.
2. Drivenness to prove themselves.
3. Comparisons between people.

These are all signs of rejecting acceptance grace."

Rob Rufus - 2008

It is the work of the Holy Spirit!

2009-10-26T08:30:00.005+02:00

"Identification with Christ includes the position of death for the old nature, and the position of life for the new nature. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to block self and its sinful works, and to foster the new life and its fruit.

Spiritual growth does not involve effort on the part of the Christian, for the indwelling Spirit transmits the life of the Lord Jesus from source to servant. Neither is there struggle connected with the daily deliverance from the tyranny of self, for the Spirit transmits the finished work of the Cross to that sinful element.

Where these death-dealing and life-giving identification truths are unknown to the believer, he finds no alternative but to try to keep the law as a "rule of life." This erroneous expedient consists of applying the principle of law for the control of conduct—its prohibitions for self, its commands for life.

The Scriptures teach us that the Holy Spirit, "the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus," ministers Christ to the Christian, not law. "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17)."

Miles J. Stanford