Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Judgment and Wrath: Is God presently sending disasters and plagues and destruction upon earth to punish mankind's sins?

 

For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 5:9 MEV

We live in a fallen and fractured creation. When Adam bowed the knee to the enemy's deception, committing high treason against God, he turned over creation to the knowledge of cursing and calamity. That is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, or blessing and calamity. Man has chosen to operate out of this tree and the enemy is more than happy to accommodate him.

 Jesus is the tree of life. We in Christ should desire to operate from this tree, not the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The tree of life brings fullness of joy, Righteousness, and peace. Feed on this tree and not on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The tree of life is resurrection power, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil only supplies fear, anxiety, shame, guilt, and condemnation. 

 When addressing this issue of judgment and wrath and the Goodness and Love of God it is essential to understand what tree you're feeding on. The tree of life offers hope and a solution, the Lord Jesus Christ. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil only reveals problems and gives one the knowledge of the good and the bad. It only sees the wickedness and evil of man and how far they have fallen. It causes one to go on "crusades" to "right wrongs and injustices."    

 The truth is the only hope for true justice is found in receiving eternal life in Christ Jesus. To partake of the tree of life, to partake of Jesus and the Love and life and hope only He can supply. Christian leaders, ministers, and believers feeding primarily on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil can only see the evil conditions upon the earth. They see the sin and wickedness of man. They see the rampant immorality and the hearts sold out to satan and fleshly pleasures. 

 As a result, they look for "good." That is the opposite of evil. That is judgment and wrath upon the perpetrators of darkness, depravity, deviance, and degradation. They rejoice at the destruction of wickedness. 

 Now understand, that evil is still evil and God doesn't delight in wickedness. He is against sin. He is against depravity and immorality. Not because He is a joyless grump who doesn't like people having "fun". Sin and wickedness aren't fun. He is against these things because He knows the heavy toll they take and the heavy burden they bring. Sin is not really fun because it corrupts, robs, it steals, and it keeps people in depressing darkness. 

 Our Father hates sin so much that He actually did something about it. He sent His Son to die as the substitutionary sacrifice for sin and the sins of all mankind. God has dealt with the sin problem once and for all. Jesus became the Lamb of God. He bore all the judgment, the penalty, the punishment, and wrath in His body on that tree. The amazingly Good News is that the Work is Finished and God has fully accepted this work once and for all time.

 With this foundation laid, let's ask the question, is God presently, sending wrathful judgment upon earth to punish the rebellious, the wicked, the depraved, the disobedient? Is God sending disasters to punish man's sins? Is God executing harsh judgment on mankind? The answer is clear in the Word;

  And their sins and their Lawless deeds I will no longer remember. Now where there is forgiveness of these things, an offering for sin is no longer required. Hebrews 10:17-18 NASB

 The clear and uncompromised answer is no, God is not sending disasters on mankind to punish them. If God sends any plague or pestilence on earth to punish sins then that means God is not pleased with the sacrifice of Christ. For God to send tsunamis, tragedy and turbulent times on man as a result of their present sins then that is a statement that Jesus' work was incomplete, insufficient and inadequate in paying the complete price for all mankind's sin and wrongdoing. 

 We know from the Word, the victorious and triumphant resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, and His present moving among the Body of Christ in signs wonders and manifestations that Jesus is Lord. That He has won. That He perfectly procured our salvation and paid the price in full.

 Look, in a fallen and fractured creation, sadly catastrophes, cataclysm and calamity occur. Famine, floods, and fire can ravage lands and destroy homes and businesses. Don't become despaired or depressed at this realization. Jesus has not forgotten us. He can intervene, He can help restore, and He comforts in loss. Now He didn't ordain or cause the destruction but He can turn it for our good.

 In summation, God is a Good Father. He is satisfied with Jesus' once for all sacrifice. He is not sending doom and despair on man for their sins. He is also not speaking forth from the mouth of self proclaimed prophets that He is sending disasters because of sins in a particular country. 

 God is pleased with Jesus and He is pleased with you His Church. God is also reconciled the world through Christ. In other words, He isn't mad at them. He wants them to know the price has been paid and wants them to freely receive new life, a new nature, and eternity with Him. Let's share the Good News with a lost and dying world. 



Image by Felix-Mittermeier.de from Pixabay 

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Still another mistaken idea: You will reap what you sow

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV

In our last study, we examined our view of God. Asking the question if we have a positive expectation of mercy and goodness or a fearful expectation of God's anger and wrath and judgment. If we have a fearful expectation then we have to ask why that is?

 The negative traditions of man corrupt our view of God. Religion skews our image of our Good Father, into that of the harsh taskmaster. The despot on the throne poised to strike the moment, the exact instant we foul up or miss it. At the precise moment of sin, judgment falls and we suffer the due punishment for our actions. 

 Of course, this image conjured up by traditional religious-minded men is false. Does this even come close to describing Jesus? Of course not. These traditions of men rooted in our thinking are why we have a fearful expectation of judgment and wrath.

 We have already begun allaying these wrong thoughts in our previous study. Today, we need to see the last two religious concepts that bring fear and torment. The first is this idea of generational curses. 

 There is an entire study disproving this myth here. This mistaken idea uprooted brings us peace and a positive expectation of good. Recall, Jesus took the sour wine on the cross. He took the sour grapes if you will so there are no more generational curses.

 Finally, let's uproot this idea of reaping what we sow. You may be thinking, how is this a mistaken idea when it clearly states in the Word that we will reap what we sow? It is a mistaken idea because, as with many truths, man has distorted it and added to it and created a burdensome belief that brings bondage and not freedom.

 This passage must be seen and understood in its full context. What Paul is teaching is the support of ministry that has fed someone the Word of truth. The seed Paul refers to here is financial. 

Those who are taught the Word of God should help their teachers by paying them. Galatians 6:6 TLB

 Though the truth of giving money to support the work of God has been widely misused and abused and taken to extremes doesn't negate the foundational truth. The work of ministering the Gospel does require funding. In essence, that is all Paul is speaking of.

 That may be so, but why does Paul say he who sows to the flesh will reap corruption? That's not speaking of money or supporting ministry. Glad you asked, I also used to think this. The problem is we are taking the thought out of its context and setting.

 Paul was speaking of supporting ministry. He didn't stop and preach a whole new thought. He was saying if you don't support the ministry you are sowing your own works and performance and will reap corruption, the corrupting influence of man-made religion. 

 Think of it, if there are no ministers teaching the truth, then all you rely on is your own views, and that is how tradition is created. If we support the ministry we are sowing into the kingdom. We are reaping growth. To be clear, Paul isn't teaching if you give money you will get even more money. The harvest reaped is more lives transformed, and God's blessing on you to grant you the favor to be able to keep supporting God's work. 

 I said all that because what tradition has taught is that this passage is sharing with us what happens whenever we mess up or sin. That we will reap the negative consequences of our negative actions. In essence, do good get good, do bad and get bad.

 That mindset produces a fearful expectation of judgment and not a loving expectation of His mercy and goodness. We are under the New Covenant, not the Law. We who believed are now Righteous and redeemed. 

 The New Covenant doesn't teach a "Christian" form of karma. We aren't doing good simply so good things will come our way. We aren't avoiding wrongdoing just so we won't receive bad things coming our way. Because of Christ within us, we do good because we desire to be a blessing because Christ has loved us and blessed us already. We shun the bad simply because Christ is within us and leads us into all truth. We avoid the bad because He shows us its wrong. 

 This idea of reaping what we sow brings us to a place of expectancy of judgment and condemnation. This concept negates God's Love. It ignores His great mercy. It diminishes His Grace. In the Finished Work Christ reaped everything we've ever sowed negatively. He became a curse for us to redeem us from the curse.

 In summation, we who believe should have a positive expecation of goodness and mercy. Certainly, there are consequences in this life for choices. However, that is not reaping what you sow. That is not God punishing us for our sins, Jesus already paid for all our sins.

 Kicking over sacred cows, bringing religious thoughts captive to Christ, casting down the strongholds of man mad tradition in our thinking will cause us to have a positive expectation of mercy. Understanding God's blessings aren't a reward for good works, knowing we are forgiven of all our sins and isn't counting them against us, rejecting the concepts of generational curses, and the contrary view of Christian "karma" reaping what we sowed, will shatter the wrong images of God and bring with it the expectation of goodness from God not cursing or calamity. God is Good and loving and merciful.  


Image by Pexels from Pixabay 

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Our Inheritance in Christ: No Separation

to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:18 MEV

We began a new study looking at our inheritance in Christ. In this New Covenant, child of God you have an inheritance in Christ. Some believers really don't know what belongs to them because of Christ. 

 In the Old Covenant, God cut a covenant with man. Mankind was consistent in only one aspect of this covenant. They could never uphold their part. In the New, Jesus represented mankind and cut the covenant with the Father on our behalf. So in essence this New Covenant was made between the Father and the Son and we who believe are the beneficiaries. 

 We have seen that our inheritance includes the gift of no condemnation. Today, I want to reveal another aspect of our inheritance. There is no more separation for the child of God. 

 Sisters and brothers, there is nothing you can do to be separated from the Father. You're eternally sealed with the Holy Spirit. You been given the Spirit as an earnest down payment on your complete redemption and once for all salvation. Good news for those who have been taught we can lose or forfeit our salvation. This makes it clear it is eternally secure.

 Our society, due to the fall, is conditioned on separation. What do we do with children who misbehave? We put them in a corner for a "time out". What about when they get older? We suspend them from school for a short duration. What about when they are adults? If it's really bad we separate them by placing them in Jail or prison. Even in prison if they can't behave with the rest of the inmates they are separated further by placing them in a disciplinary segregation unit. 

 My point is not to rail against these institutions. It's not to tell parents don't put their kids in time out. In a fallen fractured creation, we need some methods to control unruly behavior to instruct and even to protect others. That said let's stay focused on the main point I want to make. That separation is conditioned in our minds. 

 When we see actions or performance that isn't up to the standard of perfect righteousness and holiness, we default to separation. Let me explain further by illustration.

When Jesus used Peter's boat and blessed him with a boat sinking harvest, here, what was Peter's reaction to the blessing?

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” Luke 5:8 NKJV

 Peter saw the power of God, the Goodness of God which revealed to himself his own insufficiency. That is his own imperfections and shortcomings. His first response? Separation. He wanted to be separated from Jesus. He felt so unworthy. 

 When we sin or blow it, what do we do? We run from God. We run from the local church. We stay away from ministry friends and those we see as committed believers.

 Why? Because we are going back to the default. Separate. I am wrong so I must separate. Or the idea comes from the religious. Oh brother or sister you've sinned your sins have separated you from God.

 Many ministers teach that our sins stop God's hands from healing or providing or delivering or protecting us. Yet when Jesus encountered the sinner lost in their sin His response was to go towards that person. Jesus said He must needs pass through Samaria, where He ministered to one woman who was living in adultery. Jesus is what qualifies us to receive from God not ourselves. Our behavior isn't our savior, or provider or healer or protector, Jesus is!

 Child of God there is nothing you've done, are doing, or will do that will cause you to be separated from God. Paul declared that there is nothing that can separate us from the Love of God. No action from the enemy or from ourselves can separate us from God. 

 Christ's perfect shed Blood perfectly purchased and procured complete and total redemption. New life and peace have been made available to whosoever will accept this free love gift. Upon reception, perfect redemption, total peace, complete acceptance approval, and right standing are theirs forever. Never to be disconnected, separated, or out of fellowship with the Father. All of this because of Jesus and His great Love.

 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13 NKJV

 There is no more separation. There is no putting the leper out of the camp. God is not breaking away or disconnecting from you. 

 You may be thinking, brother this sounds too good to be true. What about 1 Corinthians 5 brother? It does appear on the surface I am contradicting Paul or that Paul is even contradicting himself. 

 Let's use context to understand what Paul is saying here. Paul is addressing a specific issue. Paul is speaking Apostolicaly and Pastorally concerning a brother whose behavior is hindering the work and testimony of the ministry. The reason for strong words is because the brother was unrepentant and rebellious. In other words, he knew his actions were wrong and he was apathetic to the results.  

 For a short season, Paul instructed the brethren to not go down the same path he was on. In truth, God was never separated from him, but he was separating himself from God and His ways. What were the results when people refused to go down the same path he was on? He had a sudden change of mind. What people seem to overlook in this event is that not one place did Paul suggest he had lost his salvation or was in "time out" and God wanted nothing to do with him. 

 Let's rejoice in our inheritance. In Christ, we have no separation or disconnection from the Father no matter what. God is never going to leave us or forsake us. God is always with us, even at our worst. God sees all of our faults and flaws and failures and still He embraces us as His own. God is a Good Father and will never separate us from Himself. 


Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

The Prevailing Word: What are you saying?

20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed Acts 19:20 KJV

....For I will hasten My word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12b MEV




 We've been looking at the Word of God in this time of the current world crisis. We are looking at what God says versus what man says. We are looking at how to overcome and walk in triumphant victory by Grace through Faith.

 We've seen that God's Word is the prevailing Word. We are seeing again how powerful and effective Faith in God and His Word is. Before we continue, let me briefly explain, when we discuss Faith, we must understand what we are speaking of. So let's declare what Faith is not so we are on the same page if you will.

 Faith is not foolishness. Faith is not living above your means, and going in debt to appear to be materially blessed. Faith is not foolishly throwing away all your medicine when there is no complete confirmation and full manifestation of your healing. Faith is not, not having a job, not having insurance, not locking your door or wearing a seat belt in a motor vehicle. 

 Grace is God's unearned, undeserved, unmerited favor that Finished the work completely, and once received produces an empowerment in our lives. Faith is more than mere believing. Faith is being fully persuaded that what God said is true and what Jesus accomplished in the Finished Work is in fact complete. Faith then acts on what we believe, which is God's Word and the Finished Work of Christ.

 We receive from God by Grace through Faith. Grace makes and Faith takes. Grace created it through the Finished Work of Christ. Faith reaches out and takes what Grace made available. 

 Today, it seemed good to speak about our words. In times of crisis, it's easy to panic. This is not the attitude, or thinking we want to adopt as believers. So let's look at words.

 Faith is released by our words. Jesus Himself established this and Paul the Apostle of Grace confirmed it in Romans and 2 Corinthians.   Paul declared we believed we therefore speak. Jesus stated this clearly in Mark's Gospel.

22 Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.  Mark 11:22-24 WEB

 Jesus here shows us the power of Faith and releasing our Faith by our words. I chose this translation because it brings out a truth many have not seen or understood.

 He declared here, he who doubts not in his heart but believes that what he says is happening he will have what he says. This is why we don't always receive when we believe. Let me explain.

 We pray for our loved one to get saved. We pray for our family member and their situation at work. We pray for wisdom about a situation. The issue is often we don't at that moment actually believe anything is actually happening.

 We at most hope someone is listening in heaven. At other times we aren't even really hoping in the Biblical sense. We are merely wishing, as a kid wishes upon a star or when they blow out birthday candles. Jesus' words here help us learn how to actually ask in Faith believing.

 Jesus tells us that when we speak and doubt not and believe it's happening we will have what we say. When we know what Jesus accomplished in the Finished Work, what Grace made when we speak in agreement with that we can know at that moment something IS in fact happening. Faith is being fully persuaded not a wishing and a hoping mindset. 

 What we must also understand is, even though we may not always feel like it, when we speak, something is happening. If we are praying in doubt, accepting the lie of the enemy that nothing is happening, we make that so with our words, agreeing with that lie. If we speak in agreement with God, not accepting the lies of the enemy then we will see His promises come to pass in our life.

What are you saying?

 So the question must be asked, what are you saying? Are you in agreement with the constant negative news? Are you adding your agreement with hysteria and panic? Are you speaking death, doom, dismay, and distress? 

 Or are you speaking what God says? God's Word doesn't take feelings, what it looks like, or the circumstance into account. His Word is above all these things. His Word is the higher truth over whatever may be factual. 

 The Word in 2 Kings records an account of what I am speaking of. You can read the full account here. In summation, the Prophet Elisha had spoken the word and a woman without a child bore a son. Later on, this child was working with his father and grew ill and not soon after died. The mother did not speak death or doom or despair or distress. 

 When asked by her husband she declared "it is well." When the Prophet asked is it well with you and your husband and your son, she responded: "it is well." What was she doing? She was trusting in the Good God of the universe to be there for her and her child. She was not denying the situation but rather putting her Faith and trust in what God said to her through the Prophet Elisha. Her Faith was not in vain, the man of God Elisha raised this child from the dead.

 The point is in a time of major crisis and death, this woman spoke words of life and not death. 
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 MEV
See it in another paraphrased translation;
Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life,
and the talkative person will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 TPT

 When we know and understand God's Goodness and Love we can readily speak in agreement with Him and not speak the circumstance. We can speak life to dead situations. We can speak death to evil situations and events the enemy tries to bring to pass. We can trust that what we are saying in agreement with God's Word and what Grace made something is actually happening when we speak and we can, therefore, have whatever we say. 

 In summation, death and life are in our lips. We can speak God's Word and not the situation. We can speak the desired result not the worst-case scenario. We can add our agreement verbally with all Christ did in the Finished Work. So speak life in this time of worldwide crisis. Speak God's Word and not fear-filled words. Speak God's love into atmospheres of darkness and uncertainty. We are the light, let's be light by speaking light into the darkness. 

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

The Prevailing Word


20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed Acts 19:20 KJV
....For I will hasten My word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12b MEV
 For I the Lord will speak, and the word that I speak shall come to pass... Ezekial 12:25a MEV
...but the word which I have spoken shall be done, says the Lord God.  Ezekiel 12:28b MEV

 As of this writing, the world is in upheaval. Disruption, disturbance, and doom, these are the reports continually bombarding our minds from media and CDC and WHO reports. Life has been put on hold. Many communities have been given shelter in place orders. This pandemic has seemingly made the world stop. 

 The news reports, the CDC reports, the social restrictions, all the negatives, it's as if we are in a storm. These reports are hitting us like waves crashing into a ship. In the midst of this turmoil, is there relief? Is there hope? Is there peace available? Here is some good news, we can have hope in Christ. For there is an anchor for our souls amid the storm. The anchor for our souls is the promise of God's Word. 

18 So that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, which enters the Inner Place behind the veil. Hebrews 6:18-19 MEV

 God cannot lie. Two unchangeable things prove that. The New Covenant and Jesus' Finished Work. God's Word is the anchor that keeps us afloat, keeps us steady, keeps us in peace in the storms of life. God cannot lie.

 God's Word is the prevailing Word. What He has spoken shall come to pass. What He has promised will come to fruition. No scheme or suggestion or tactic from the enemy shall ever hinder or obstruct or impede the fulfillment of His Word. His Word is absolutely true no matter what the circumstances appear to be. His Word is truth, and we can trust in His Word unconditionally.

 When Jesus was tempted by the enemy in his earthly walk, Christ used the Word and prevailed against the scheming lies of the enemy. Each time the enemy came, Jesus declared "it is written!" When the enemy, when trials, when storms come we can also use the prevailing Word and proclaim it is written! 

 When Paul the apostle of Grace was facing a storm the Word of the Lord came to him through an angel. That Word prevailed against the storm and no one saw a loss of life. Paul trusted and rested in the promise of God. When storms come we can also rest, trusting in the Word of God.

 The Word is a prevailing Word. The Word of God prevails against all the plans and schemes of the enemy. The Word of God prevails against all the lies and plans of men who seek to impede or stop the work of God. The Word of God prevails against all the curse, sickness and disease and lack can't stand up to the prevailing Word. The Word of God prevails!

 Look at the Word Jesus said to the disciples in Mark 4. 

 35 That same day, when the evening came, He said to them, “Let us go cross to the other side.” Mark 4:35 MEV

 The disciples of Jesus heard the Word. This was the word that Christ spoke. Look at this entire account and see how we can also overcome in the storms and trials of life.

 36 When they had sent the crowd away, they took Him in the boat just as He was. There were also other little boats with Him. 37 A great wind storm arose, and the waves splashed into the boat, so that it was now filling the boat. 38 He was in the stern asleep on a pillow. They woke Him and said, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
39 He rose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” Then the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
40 He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is that you have no faith?”
41 They feared greatly and said to one another, “What kind of Man is He, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” Mark 4:36-41 MEV

 First, the disciples had the Presence of God, Jesus was with them. Secondly, they had the Promise of God, Jesus declared we're going to the other side. Thirdly, they had the Provision of God, they had a ship to get to the other side.  Fourthly, they had the Protection of God, the wind and waves battered the ship, but they were afloat still. Sometimes in the storm, we don't recognize God's provision, the supply He has already given us and the protection we have in Him.

 Fifthly they had the Power of God. Jesus awoke from His rest and calmed the storm. The power of God was with them in the midst of the storm. And finally, they had the Peace of God. They had the peace of God realized as the storm calmed. Does God love us any less than His disciples? 

 God's Love is for us. He loves us unconditionally. He is with us. So in these perilous times, in this time of world upheaval and trial, we have God with us and for us. We have the prevailing Word. We have His Presence, His Promise, His protection, His Provision, His Power and His Peace. All are found in God's Word. Speak His Word, not the trouble. Believe His Word, more than the reports of doom and gloom. Trust and rest in His Word and don't embrace the fear and panic in the World.

 In summation, the Word prevails. We have been given His prevailing Word. His Word overcomes all the mess in this World. Some may say we are fantasyland or being foolish. Let the unlearned and true foolish ones mock and scoff, but those who have trusted in the Word have prevailed in life. 
 We who trust the Word, have peace in the middle of the storms of life. It wasn't a fantasy when we trusted in Christ and what He declared and received new life, perfect righteousness, acceptance and approval, and total forgiveness of our sins. If God can give us new life certainly He can carry us through this storm and bring us out on the other side stronger and bolder and resting in Him more and more. The Word is a prevailing word, it is our victory!
Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay 

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

The Gospel of Grace: the Reality of the Powerful Blood of Jesus

I am shocked over how quickly you have deserted the grace gospel and strayed away from Christ who called you to Himself by His loving mercy. I’m frankly astounded that you now embrace a distorted gospel of salvation by works! 7 That is a fake “gospel” that is simply not true! There is only one gospel—the grace gospel! Yet you have allowed those who mingle law with Christ’s grace to confuse you with lies. Galatians 1:6-7 TPT first edition

We've been in an ongoing study of the Good News Gospel of Grace. The Good News of Jesus and what He has done for us in the Finished Work. We've seen that this Gospel is about a relationship and not a religion. We've seen the reality of our righteousness in Christ. We've seen what it means to be a New Creation in Him.

 Today, I feel lead to share on a topic that sadly many ministries fail to mention. Today, I want to share with you the reality of the powerful Blood of Jesus. When was the last time you heard a minister preach on the Blood? What about a new book on Jesus' Blood? 

 The Precious Blood of Jesus is the foundation of the whole Gospel. Without the Blood, there is no Redemption. There is no Righteousness. There is no Finished Work. There is no amazing Grace. 

 Let me tell you the Good News. Jesus Blood is so powerful, beyond anything we can even fathom. This precious powerful Blood is more than enough to bring victory, triumph, and complete wholeness in every area of life. 

Redemption through His Blood

 The Blood of Jesus has purchased our complete redemption. 
 
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace Ephesians 1:7 NKJV


 His perfect Blood purchased our complete redemption. This redemption isn't a downpayment. He didn't shed His perfect Blood and then expect us to continue to pay for our redemption by our own efforts and performance. This is a paid in full redemption. 

 When Adam fell, he doomed mankind. We were under the dominion of sin and death. We were "owned" if you will by the enemy. We were "owned" by our sinful nature. The flesh wielded dominion over us, but Jesus came and paid a high price for you and me. To redeem means to purchase back, to buy back. He bought us back from sin, death and the enemy. By His Blood, He has completely paid for us. 

 Jesus paid the highest price. He shed His perfect blood. He died for you and me. His perfect Blood was actually an overpayment. He paid for our sins past and present and future. Because of this redemption, we can walk in dominion and authority.

They sang a new song and these are the words they sang, “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10 Phillips 

 The enemy, the flesh, and this world system have no more dominion over us. Meaning we don't have to do things their way. We can forgive when others do us wrong. We can show love when others bring hate. We can walk in freedom when they allure us to indulge in lust and unbridled passion.

 Because of this perfect redemption, purchased by the Blood, we can walk in dominion in this life. We have authority over depression. We have authority over fear. We have authority over the schemes of the enemy and his lies. The enemy fears those who know who they are because of the Blood.

We are perfectly cleansed by the Blood

 In the rare event tradition shares anything about the Blood it's usually to say we as believers are merely covered by the Blood. 

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, Revelation 1:5 NKJV
 Because of this precious Blood shed we who received are perfectly cleansed and whole. We aren't merely covered by the Blood. We are totally cleansed by the Blood. 

 To cover leaves the idea that the stain is still there but something is covering it up so it is not visible. Too often, under tradition, I still felt like a dirty rotten sinner. I felt if I blew it I was dirty and needed cleansing. Even if I hadn't sinned, I still saw myself as unworthy. Thanks be to God for the knowledge of the truth. Thank God for His Grace. 

 The truth is His precious Blood totally cleansed us and made us alive in Him. His perfect Blood made us worthy. We aren't unworthy sinners whom God tolerates. We are made whole by this Blood.

This is why we must reject these religious traditions. Seeing ourselves as merely covered by the Blood and not completely cleansed by His Blood, produces sin consciousness. It gives way to the concept that we as believers are mere sinners saved by Grace and not perfectly cleansed Righteous New Creations in Christ.

 We were sinners, we got saved by His Grace. Now we've been totally cleansed and are in perfect right standing. There is no shame, no condemnation, no accusation that can stand against us. We are pure and holy by this Blood.

We have Peace through the precious Blood

In Christ, through His shed Blood, we have perfect peace with God.

20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. Colossians 1:20 NKJV

 We have perfect peace with God. We have peace with God in relation to His Law. True the Law was given to Israel and not Gentile nations but the Law is a representation of God's perfect standard of Righteousness, which is absolute perfection. No man can keep that standard. 

 Because of this perfect Blood, Jesus perfection is ours. We trust in His faithfulness and never our own. Because of the Blood, we have peace from trying to keep the law in so much that we can now rest on Mt Zion versus struggling on Mt Sinai! Because of the Blood, we are free from the law. We are no longer at unrest trying to follow the commandments on stone that could only demand and never supply

 We can also rejoice in this peace, purchased for us by His Blood, knowing God is not mad at us. How can we be in a relationship with one who is always angry and filled with wrath towards us? Jesus bore all the wrath and judgment on that Cross. God is not mad at anyone. God and I are at peace. 

 In summation, be mindful of the reality of the power of the Blood. This precious Blood is essential to living the Grace life. Because of this shed Blood, we have perfect reconciliation. He is not holding our sins against us. We have a complete and perfect redemption. We are completely cleansed and whole. Perfect peace is ours through this Blood. 

 As the old song said, this Blood was not just blood of another spotless lamb. This Blood was precious Blood for it washed and cleansed the sins of man. This Blood still heals our bodies and sets our spirits free. This Blood is still flowing freely today! 
Image courtesy of pixtawan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Monday, December 24, 2018

The Reason for the Season: the Father and His Family

21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesusfor He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NKJV

 It's Christmas time once again. Malls are packed. Package deliveries are filling many a front porch. Christmas songs fill the radio. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

 At this time, we also deal with the ever-controversial debate is Christmas too commercial? Is it really about receiving gifts? At the same time debate rages on, tradition and not truth abounds about the Christmas story, that is unScriptural songs, incorrect portraits of the Nativity scene etc. 

 What we also ponder at this time of year is the reason for the season. In an ever-increasing secular culture, we as believers must always remember the reason for the season. It's not about frosty men and red nose deer. It isn't about being cold outside and celebrating all things winter. 

 Some would respond, sure we know Jesus is the reason for the season. That is true, but it goes a little deeper than that. Why is Jesus the reason for the season? 

 Listening to some religious traditional minded leaders we may get some misunderstandings about why He came. About why He was sent. 
“Glory to God in the highest [heaven],
And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.” Luke 2:14 AMP

The angry gospel, the hyper holiness message, tend to convey the idea that God sent Jesus to finally straighten out mankind. To sort out the bad from the good. They've used this passage of the Christmas message to say, see God only approves of certain men and God is angrily disapproving of the rest. 

 This idea is that Jesus came for the good guys. He came to rescue the righteous and condemn the bad guys. He came to finally rescue those righteous ones who were already following God. 

 The truth God revealed in Christ is no one has got their act together. There are no good guys in comparison of the absolute perfect standard of God's righteousness. We all need a Savior. 

 Another tradition is this subtle concept that God sent His Son to find faithful servants. That God was really looking for a people who would be His dutiful servants. In other words, God was seeking servants and subjects to serve in a kingdom. 

The Father and His Family

 This is not the Good News Gospel. Look closely once again at the Christmas account. The Christmas story is about glad tidings of great joy to all people. When God was saying He was well pleased with men, He was speaking the end from the beginning. This was not a proclamation that God is pleased with the behavior of mankind. This message was that God is well pleased with all mankind, that is He is accepting and approving off all to receive this new life.

 The Good News isn't a select, exclusive message. For centuries, the Hebrews were the only ones offered a way of right standing by following the Law and sacrifices. The Good News was that God is accepting all of humanity to simply receive a free gift. Be it Jew or Gentile, male or female, all are welcome.

 Why did He come? Jesus was not sent to find subjects. God already had servants. Though they weren't perfect, the children of Israel had a servant, master relationship with God. Jesus came to offer a new dynamic of relating to God. 

 Instead of merely being a servant, the Father wanted a family. He wanted sons and daughters, not servants and subjects. 
12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. John 1:12-13 NLT

The Father has always sought a family. He placed Adam in the garden. Before the fall He communed with him face to face. After the fall, because of man's fallen nature, God couldn't commune face to face. Sin was a barrier that needed to be removed. 

 With Jesus Finished Work, mankind would once again commune with God in an intimate way. What God did is something much better than the garden. Instead of simply communing with mankind face to face, with the new birth, God could now dwell inside man. God's temple is not a building but man's spirit. God dwells inside the believer never to be separated again.

 The reason for the season? The Father was seeking a family. God was not seeking subjects. He was seeking sons and daughters. He was not sent to create a new class of indentured servants. He was sent to bring about a new species of being that had never existed. The born-again man, the righteous man, the new creation man that has God Almighty, the Creator actively living inside of him. The Father gave a Son so He could receive a Family. 

 The Good News, the glad tidings of great joy of Christmas is a message that should be heralded year round. God in His exceeding great love for us, gave His one and only Son so He could receive a family. He wanted sons and daughters to commune with and to have fellowship. He was not looking for slaves, servants or subjects. He was looking for you. He was looking for whosoever will to come and be a part of His Family freely. This is the Good News reason for the season.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Understanding Grace: What about God's wrath and judgment?

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

 We've been in a series studying the over the top, too good to be true but true, Radical Grace of Almighty God. We've established what the gospel message is. As of late we have been dispelling myths and accusations hurled upon the "message" of Grace.

 Today I feel impressed to share about God's wrath and judgment. What about wrath and God's Grace? This subject can become a source of contention. When we mention anything about God's wrath and judgment two lines of thought manifests. 

 One declares God is an angry vengeful God, keeping score on how many individuals, governments, and nations miss it. God is poised and made Himself ready to smite any who don't measure up. The other line of thinking dismisses any Biblical passages about God's wrath. God was never angry and to believe otherwise is an admission that one hasn't grasped the concept of Grace. 

 I believe when we understand the gospel truth and why Jesus came in the first place we readily see that both of these ideas are wrong. The legalistic, performance minded resent the message of God's Radical Grace. The foolish minded misrepresents the message of Grace. We who have received the truth of God's amazing Grace desire to represent this beautiful gospel to the masses. 

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,

Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,

Isaiah 61:1-2 NKJV

 In Isaiah, we see the prophet foretelling of the Finished Work of Christ and His second coming. What do we see God doing here? He is setting things right, He is bringing deliverance and freedom. We see only one mention of wrath or vengeance. 

 If you study the gospel of Luke Jesus cites this passage to reveal that He is, in fact, the Messiah. Jesus rightly divides the Word of God in Luke 4. He quotes verses 1 and a portion of verse 2 of Isaiah 61. He mentions the acceptable year of the Lord but omits the portion stating the day of Vengeance. Why? 

 Jesus knows He came to be the redeemer. To accomplish the will of God to be the Lamb. He came to take our place and exchange our old sinful nature with His righteousness. He knew this day of vengeance was a future work. I truly believe the day of vengeance is a two-fold application.

 One it was Jesus taking all of our punishment and satisfying the claims of justice on that Cross. It was Jesus taking the full wrath of God for all humanity. This is why when we see a tsunami strike some nation we can't say that God must be judging that nation for their sin. How could God put all that judgment on Christ and then say that wasn't enough, I must send an Earthquake to "straighten out" a wayward nation?

 Secondly, I believe the day of vengeance is also referencing the second coming of Christ when He will fully make right the things on this Earth. The full price and penalty of all sins have been paid by Christ. However, there are some who are disobedient to the gospel. That is to say, they are knowingly rejecting the gospel and being a stumbling block for others who want to receive. His return will even the scales of justice. 

 Let's talk about God's anger or wrath. Throughout the Old Covenant, we see God's anger mentioned. Here is an honest question. Did God get "born again" in the New Covenant? Did the "GodFather" suddenly become Father God? Of course not! He was always good.

11 God [is] a righteous judge, And He is not angry at all times. Psalms 7:11 YLT

 This passage in the Psalms in other translations tends to give the impression God is always mad and in a bad mood. If you do an honest study of the Old Covenant many of the passages we see God trying to send blessings but the people reject His goodness. Some pursue ideas and actions that are contrary to God's nature of mercy, and love and compassion. Because there was no mediator between God and man God had to allow judgment or wrath to fall. 

 Under the New Covenant, moving aside all the philosophical debates, and eloquent speeches, and getting down to the root what is the real question about God's wrath? I believe it is a simple question with a simple answer. I've blown it or messed up or down right deliberately sinned. Is God mad at me? Is God going to get me? Is He going to send some punishment or some harsh experience to instruct, or chasten me? 

Allow the Word of God to answer this concern

“9 Just as I swore in the time of Noah that I would never again let a flood cover the earth, so now I swear that I will never again be angry and punish you. Isaiah 54:9 NLT

 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5:9 NKJV

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 5:9 NKJV

 Allow this to be personal to you. Let the truth wash over you. God isn't mad at you. God isn't in a bad mood. He isn't holding your sins against you. He isn't ticked off with you continually because you keep messing up. God isn't saying to the Holy Ghost, "I'm so fed up with them!" Jesus isn't there trying to "soothe" or appease God's ever increasing anger with us. God is a good Father who rejoices over us with joy. He is pleased with the Finished Work of His Son.

 As we have already established, God corrects poor behavior choices by reminding His kids who they are and whose they are. So don't misunderstand what I'm saying. But don't look to God as some cosmic taskmaster who can't wait to dole out wrath and judgment to people. Jesus brought the truth to people that God is a good God. 

 In summation, Grace recognizes God was angry with injustice and even today He isn't rejoicing in the selfish acts perpetrated by mankind. We do know that God didn't just shake His fist in despair or disgust. He did something about it. He paid the highest price.  

 Grace doesn't deny the wrath of God. We know and understand God poured that wrath out on Jesus. We know that those who oppose God's free grace and mercy have decided to partake of final judgment instead of New Life in Him. There is no conflict between Radical Grace and God's wrath. Wrath is an attribute of His love. He protects those who have willingly come under His care and received His life.