Does God's Grace make you Angry?

21 I can’t dismiss God’s grace, and I won’t. If being right with God depends on how we measure up to the law, then the Anointed’s sacrifice on the cross was the most tragic waste in all of history! Galatians 2:21 Voice

 This week, I had intended to do a follow-up study on God's Grace and our eternally secure redemption. That is, answering some objections raised about eternal security. It seemed good but the Spirit interrupted me with an observation made about some people's reaction to God's Grace.

 Let's look at some Scripture that will give us a clear image of this observation. In Luke, we have the parable of the prodigal son and the older brother. See it in full context here.

 This observation made concerns the older brother. What is his reaction to his father's kindness and goodness and grace? Anger! He is enraged at the goodness of his father. Let's see the older brother's reaction in another translation;

25 ‘The older son was out in the fields. When he came home, and got near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the servants and asked what was going on.27 ‘ “Your brother’s come home!” he said. “And your father has thrown a great party – he’s killed the fattened calf! – because he’s got him back safe and well!”

28 ‘He flew into a rage, and wouldn’t go in.‘Then his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 “Look here!” he said to his father, “I’ve been slaving for you all these years! I’ve never disobeyed a single commandment of yours. And you never even gave me a young goat so I could have a party with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours comes home, once he’s finished gobbling up your livelihood with his whores, you kill the fattened calf for him!”31 ‘ “My son,” he replied, “you’re always with me. Everything I have belongs to you. 32 But we had to celebrate and be happy! This brother of yours was dead and is alive again! He was lost, and now he’s found!” ’  Luke 15:11-32 NTE

 We can clearly see the older brother's reaction. It wasn't one of rejoicing or celebration. It was one of contempt and anger and rage. Why? Grace reveals our thinking, our true thinking, and beliefs. 

The Grace that makes you angry!

 This is the observation the Spirit impressed upon me. Grace makes some people mad. God's goodness and love and mercy in action sadly produce a bitterness and anger in some people's thinking. Why is this?

 Because people identify more with the older brother than they realize. How so? Because we can allow the same error in our thinking that the Pharisees and Sadducees adopted. They believed because of their good deeds they warranted God's favor.

 These religious leaders forgot the words of God. In Deuteronomy, He told them it was His love for them, why He chose them and nothing they had done to earn or deserve it. Sometimes we've got so caught up in all we've done for God we make the mistake that His goodness and love overflowing in our life is because of all the good we have done. 

Remember, He blesses and favors and bestows goodness upon us because He is good not because we are good.

 If we are the source of the good in our lives then we have a place to boast;

 "It was my faith, and faithfulness that produces all this goodness and favor!"

 " It is God rewarding me for all my hard work in the kingdom."

 "God, you sure are blessed to have me working so hard for you."

 These self-righteous mindsets negate God's Grace, His undeserved favor. We get our eyes off of God's goodness and Grace and shift our focus upon our deeds, and actions. Now am I suggesting good deeds, walking upright, avoiding sins and speaking right words is somehow anti-Grace? Absolutely not! 

 I am saying these are the fruits of His Grace. These are the result of Grace's influence upon our hearts. So we, therefore, can't take the credit for anything.  We have no place to boast. 

 When we get so focused on our own goodness, our own works, achievements, and accomplishments, we then become resentful and angry at the blessing of those who appear "undeserving." When witnessing God's mercy overtake judgment in a fallen brother it produces contempt in our thoughts. When we see Grace restore a believer who was lost in great sin, we will look upon that one with contempt and mistrust and will distance ourselves. His Grace produces anger and resentment in the performance-driven believer.

What makes you angry?

 I'm confident that many believers would respond that Grace doesn't make them angry. They would say I believe and celebrate His Grace. Some leaders would then preach a six-week sermon series on the dangers of Grace teaching. Some would then go and write a book warning about the dangers of Grace. The same believers denying Grace makes them angry would readily listen to those sermons or read those books, thinking we need to watch out for that Grace stuff! It needs to be balanced with Law and good works.

 Let's be transparent. Let's be positively introspective. Does Grace make you angry? Bitter? Resentful? Again most would respond with a loud no, but is this being really honest?

 If you hear about a minister who had fallen into porn addiction or adultery being restored and returning to the pulpit what is your reaction? If you react with distrust, contempt or anger at this "greasy grace" response to that leader's sin, then know Grace makes you angry. 

 There was a minister in the Southeast part of America who fell into great sin. Some other leaders surrounded him and began a restoration process. To my knowledge, he hasn't fallen again, and he is back in public ministry. Come to think of it there have been two such ministers in this vicinity with similar testimonies. 

 To me, I say praise the Lord. His Grace is greater than their sins and failures. His Grace and love can heal the hearts of those wounded by these sins. Certainly, these ministers should ask forgiveness from those directly affected. I am certain they did just that. This was Grace restoring. 

 Yet, while Grace was working, many Christians were busy throwing stones. They mocked the whole restoration process. Once these guys fell that should have been it. No more ministry for them ever. Grace made them angry.

 A minister in the Southwest portion of America had fallen so deep in adultery and sex addiction, he had to resign from ministry. Again a restoration process began. Soon after he returned to public ministry. Another minister I know responded with contempt. His contention was he had returned to public ministry too soon. Apparently, in this minister's view, God was done with this minister.  In reality, he was just angry at the Grace of God.

 If you preach the Gospel and must include hellfire and brimstone to garner a response from the lost, but get disturbed because others just focus on the Good News of Grace to reach the lost, then you're angry at Grace. Grace is enough to draw the lost to the Father. Dangling people proverbially over hell's fire isn't going to win people. They will not respond to the drawing love of a loving, good Father. Rather, they will buckle under fear and respond hoping to escape Hell. Being fearful of our good Father isn't the right way to begin a relationship with God. 

 Speaking of the Gospel, if hearing that upon receiving Christ's free gift that we are eternally secure causes an angry reaction, know you are angry at God's Grace. God purchased for us an eternal redemption, not a temporal one. If this Good News produces contempt in your thoughts know Grace has made you angry. If you have to come up with a long list of reasons one can undo what only Grace can do then know you are bitter at the Grace of God. 

Grace is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Grace is the Good News. Grace manifested reveals and exposes our own thinking and heart motives. 

 Let the spotlight of God's goodness and love reveal the hidden areas of our hearts. If we become bitter or angry at the news of restoration, of the Good News preached, or eternal security know we need to experience the love of God for ourselves in those areas. 

 In summation, this Good News can either make you mad or make you glad. If you're focused on your own goodness and ability to remain steadfast and faithful, chances are you will have a mad reaction to the Good News. If you know it's only by His Grace and goodness you walk in victory, Grace will make you glad. If we are dependent upon self, Grace will make you mad. If we are dependant upon Him and Him alone, Grace will make us glad. 

 How do we overcome this anger? By letting go of trusting in our own goodness and abilities. By focusing on His goodness and not our own, Grace begins to transform our thinking. We will begin to see without Grace it is impossible to walk in victory. Allowing God's love to overshadow our hearts and minds we will experience His Grace in a greater measure and will relinquish tradition and a performance-based faith. If you're angry at Grace, there is hope. Just trust in Him. It's Jesus plus nothing where you will find complete fulfillment. 

 Image courtesy of iosphere at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

Grace: the Antidote for insecurity

11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” Acts 15:11 NKJV

Grace Q & A: Can a Christian lose their Salvation?

17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJV

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 NASB

We've been in an extended study getting back to the basics of the Good News Gospel of Grace. Using a Q & A format we've asked and answered many pertinent questions about Grace and even addressed concerns some may have about the message of the Radical Grace of God.

 So far we've seen that under Grace, there is no condemnation in Christ. We've seen what Grace is, we've also addressed the concern about too much Grace? Is there something as too much Grace? 

 Today, it seemed good to conclude this study by answering the question often asked in relation to God's Amazing Grace. Can a Christian lose their salvation? Can a believer forfeit or leave, or "give back" the gift of salvation?

  What is the root of such questions? What drives believers to ask such a question? Is it walking by Faith or walking by sight, or walking according to outward evidence, to surmise that a person once born again can somehow undo what only Grace and the Finished Work could accomplish?

 Where did man somehow draw the conclusion that a believer can lose his salvation? We have zero accounts of anyone in New Testament Scripture where they were born again and then lost that salvation or came to the point of "walking away" from their faith. I mean if something that has such eternal consequence as loss of redemption, shouldn't there be at least one person we can point to that experienced this?

 What is at heart is a concept rooted in many believers thinking. This concept suggests that somehow man, in all his finiteness can somehow undo the eternal work of the Infinite Lord God Almighty.  In other words, if there is a way to foul it up man can find a way so therefore God just allows fallible man to foul it up and has made no fail proofs in His plan of redemption.

Can we lose our Salvation? Can we leave it?

 Here is the Good News Gospel of Grace answer. No! Your salvation is an eternal work of God, not a temporal work rooted in the fallibility of man and his performance. Think of it, what work caused you to be saved? What good deeds did you do enough of to qualify you for Heaven? No amount of good deeds or random acts of kindness done caused you to have an entryway into the Kingdom of God. No righteous act performed caused you to be saved, so what unrighteous act could cause you to be unsaved?

 Where the disconnect begins is the fallacy that man, when they receive Jesus, are somehow in Covenant, personally, with Father God. So if they aren't faithful to uphold their end then certainly, it seems justified that the person would then be removed from the Covenant. Many Christians in some form or fashion hold to this belief.

  The problem with this concept is the truth that God and man are not in Covenant together. God already tried Covenant with man. That was the fault of the Old Covenant. Man couldn't keep the standards of a Holy, Righteous God. The Law was good and perfect but couldn't make man perfect or holy. 

 Under this New Covenant, God is in Covenant with Himself. God is in Covenant with God and He is infallible. So we are not even factored into the equation. Whenever you hear a teaching or concept that suggest that man in his strength or power, or actions can somehow undo the work of redemption, the Finished Work of Christ, know that is an error. It is wrong because it presumes that man is factored into the equation.  The only part man plays in this Covenant is to believe, and God even gives us His Faith as a gift. 

Irrevocable Love

 Lose our salvation? Salvation is a gift. An eternal gift. Salvation is not an eternal reward for faithfulness or good works or kind deeds. You cannot earn a gift. If salvation is rewarded because of good works or performance it ceases to be a gift. If salvation is received by belief, but then perfected by good works and kept by our ability to remain sinless and faithful, then salvation is a wage earned, a payment for services rendered. 

 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 NKJV

 This is the Word I want to encourage you with. Irrevocable. God's gifts are irrevocable. Salvation is a gift from God. This gift is irrevocable. God doesn't renege or change His mind about His promises. Yes, you may say but surely our actions or unbelief has a part to play in keeping our salvation, right? See this passage in another translation.

29 God’s gifts and God’s call, you see, cannot be undone. Romans 11:29 NTE

 This is the Good News of Grace! We are eternally secure. Our salvation is begun by Grace and kept by Grace. God is our Father, not our Heavenly employer. 

 Jesus gives us His clear view of our eternal security;

27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30 NASB

 Hear what the Apostle Peter says about our eternal security;

 4 And God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And God, in his mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting him. It will be yours in that coming last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:4-5 TLB

 In summation, can we lose our leave our salvation? Absolutely not! We are eternally secure in the perfect hand of God, resting safely in His perfect once for all redemption. Fear-based theology, reactionary theology, that is reacting to the missteps and failures of our brothers and sisters in Christ by formulating a concept of loss of salvation has no place in the life of Faith. 

 We are saved by Grace through Faith. We are kept by His Grace and not our goodness or faithfulness. We walk by Faith, believing what He said about us is true. We don't walk looking at our circumstance or others to determine the truth. Jesus and His Word are the only truth we look to. Receive this irrevocable love and rest in His Grace. Once you've received Jesus you are eternally secure, no matter what. 

Image courtesy of smokedsalmon at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Grace Q & A: Our future sins are already forgiven?

17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJV

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 NASB

We've been in a study of the Good News Gospel of Jesus Christ. Utilizing a Q & A format we've been asking questions concerning Grace, getting back to the basics of the Grace Gospel. We've seen that under Grace we are no longer under condemnation. We've addressed the sin issue. We saw the place of Grace and the local church. 

 Today, it seemed good to address another issue. What about our future sins? Are our future sins really already forgiven? The sins we've yet to commit? Those misdeeds we've not even engaged in are already forgiven and cleansed? 

 The answer is yes. When you received Jesus, at that instant all of your sins were forgiven and you were fully cleansed by the blood of Jesus. This is such good news it should be heralded throughout the land. Yet, when we speak this truth to believers it's met with disbelief and skepticism. Why?

 We are conditioned by tradition and religion that we need to see ourselves as lowly sinners. To see ourselves as not so pure. We see our righteousness as mere positional but not truly who we are presently. We are also convinced that we aren't fully forgiven.

God's forgiveness is an installment plan?

 The installment plan theology is what much of the Christian Church ascribes to. This plan seems gracious to tradition. In reality, it leaves Christian's seeing themselves as only partially forgiven. 

 The installment plan sees forgiveness as an individual transaction. Each time you miss it or blow it, you must come to God to get forgiven for that particular sin. If you don't, you harboring known sin. You will be out of fellowship with God, and your prayers will not be answered. 

 The installment plan sees us forgiven only up to the point of receiving salvation. Afterward, we must receive forgiveness for each sin committed. How is it received? By our owning up to it and apologizing for it. 

 In this theology, tradition prides itself on being gracious by saying "see your past is forgiven." People will speak of the goodness of God to rescue people from their past. The Saints past is done away in Christ, they are made new. Great, but what about today? 

 What about the struggles believers are facing right now in the present?  What about those temptations that seem to be overtaking them? What about those habits they can't seem to overcome? Are they currently unclean Christians? 

 What about the addictions that may be there tomorrow? What about the anger issues, the impatience, the critical words that may be spoken? What about the future? Is it uncertain? 

 Before Grace, I knew 2 Corinthians 5:17. I knew I was a new creation. I knew the enemy couldn't remind me of my past without me reminding him of his future. Tradition would say, you're righteous in Christ, your past can't hold back God's goodness or favor. What about my current circumstance? Would that cause God to withhold blessing?

 So I knew I was righteous in Christ, but this righteousness seemed only to apply to my past and not my present or future. I don't believe I am alone in this experience. Tradition can never offer me any peace of mind or a firm faith. 

Forgiven ONCE for ALL Time!

Tradition's installment plan disregards the Finished Work. The installment plan exchanges a once for all time forgiveness, for an individual transaction plan. Its biggest error is substituting a forgiveness only attained by the shedding of blood with a forgiveness obtained by individual apologies. 

 How is forgiveness even obtained? Is it by our turning away from committing sinful deeds? Is it by our admitting we sinned? Is it by individual apologies? The Bible is clear, there is only one God accepted way forgiveness for sin is obtained.

22 In fact we can say that under the old agreement almost everything was cleansed by sprinkling it with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22 TLB (emphasis mine)

 The Word is simple and clear. The only way for sins to be forgiven is for the shedding of blood. Think with me. If we are only forgiven of our past sins, and after the point of conversion, we must seek forgiveness as an individual transaction for each sin, whose blood is being shed for each of these forgiveness transactions? Ours? Does Jesus need to keep dying for each sin we commit? 

 Religious tradition then back peddles, saying no Jesus shed His blood once but we must individually apologize for each sin to obtain forgiveness for each sin we commit. So we exchange the once for all sacrifice for individual effort. We substitute God's forgiveness plan with our own apology plan. Traditions plan of redemption and receiving of forgiveness is in direct opposition to God's perfect plan of blood-bought redemption.

 Jesus perfect shed blood is the final sacrifice it's the only shed blood we need for once for all time forgiveness of all our sins, past, present and future. Our individual apologies are not how we receive once for all forgiveness.  God isn't looking for your apology but rather looking for you to believe and accept His once for all time perfect sacrifice for sins. 

 Forgiven once for all time for all our sins? Yes! The Word is clear;

13 You were dead in sins, and your sinful desires were not yet cut away. Then he gave you a share in the very life of Christ, for he forgave all your sins, Colossian 2:13 TLB

14 who bought our freedom with his blood and forgave us all our sins. Colossians 1:14 TLB

12 I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. 1 John 2:12 NLT

  It is clear He has forgiven us once for all time. Rejoice, in Christ, your past is cleansed and done away with. Your past can have no hold on you. All shame of yesterday is removed by Jesus, the shame remover.

 Be glad, He sees your current situation. He sees you in the middle of the mess. God isn't turning His head away from you. He isn't turning His back on you. His perfect redemption purchased the blessing and goodness and favor not your behavior or performance. His goodness causes us to run towards Him even in our worst. You are forgiven and cleansed right now. 

 Celebrate, your future is bright. His forgiveness is already there awaiting you. Even if you fail, stumble or fall, you can confidently get back up and keep walking with your Father. No need to fear that He will eventually give up on you. 

 Oh, but what if I am still failing and giving into this same temptation? Surely, His Grace has limits? No, His Grace knows no bounds. The concept that He wouldn't keep forgiving us if we keep sinning the same sin is faulty. Because He has already forgiven us once for all time. Look, when He saved you, He knew of all your struggles and failures, and the foul-ups you'd make before you did and He still chose to save you.

 In summation, are we forgiven of our future sins? Yes, we are forgiven once for all time. Heaven's economy is a shed blood economy. Jesus shed His blood once for all time. There is an endless supply of forgiveness. It's not over, no matter how many times we fail. We must remember and trust in the Finished Work. We are forgiven once for all time in Christ. 

 Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Grace Q & A: Is universal salvation and inclusion the true Gospel of Grace?

17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJV

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 NASB

 We've been in an extended study of the Gospel of Grace, the Good News of Jesus Christ. We've been getting back to the basics of the Gospel. We've been using a Q & A format, and so far we've seen that under Grace we are no longer under condemnation. We've seen that Grace is not a false message. 

 Today, I sensed the leading to address an area of the Grace Gospel that those just hearing the truth need to have established in their heart. When we hear the true Gospel of Grace, after having the Gospel shrouded from us by traditional religion, perfect peace and His amazing love cascades over us and our eyes are open to the sincere goodness and love of our Father. With our eyes open to the truth, we begin to see where religion misled us.

 With this Grace awakening, we can then begin to question everything we've ever been taught. It is ok to ask questions. It's ok to ensure what you're hearing is the real and not some tradition of men. However, what we use to discern what is true or false is key. 

 If we are using the words of social media "poets" or online video makers as the source of truth or error then we are making a stand on a faulty ground. In order to distinguish truth from error, to discern the real from the religious, we must use the infallible source of God's Word. God's Word is the only genuine source of truth.

 With this foundation laid, I felt impressed to ask and answer the question what about universal salvation or inclusion concepts? Is the Gospel exclusionary? Is the true Grace Gospel one that proclaims that all humanity is saved or will be saved ultimately?

 As I have said, when we hear the truth, the temptation comes to disregard each and everything we've ever been taught. That is incorrect. What we must do is filter what we've been taught through the lens of the New Covenant and God's Grace. 

 Now let's address some of these controversies. Let's ask the hard questions. Let's allow the New Covenant to answer all questions and concerns we may be having about life and eternity.

Is all humanity the children of God?

 This is the subtle lie the enemy seeks to mislead and trip up those who hear the Good News. If this news is so good, surely it means that all are partakers of this goodness regardless of their willingness right? If God is love, how could there be someone who is not His? How could God, who is a Father, not include all humanity as His children?

 The truth is because God is supreme love, there are those who are not His. Is that exclusive? Is God saying there are some welcome and those who aren't? If so what are the criteria for being cast aside? 

 There isn't anyone who ever existed who desired to belong to the Family of God and God said: "No. you're not welcome." True love is not an invasion of the will. Think of this. Say you had a daughter, and the richest man on earth, who was handsome and rugged and lived in a twenty-room mansion overlooking the ocean decided it would be best for her to marry him and partake of his kindness and goodness and riches. What if he just came and took her with him and disregarding her feelings or will, forced her to marry him? Would that be genuine love? Would that be for her best? No, for that was an invasion of her will. 

 The truth is it's not about a mythical exclusion. It's about love honoring the person's free will. God's love doesn't overtake you and force you to become a son or daughter. 

 See how John details this sonship, here. See how he details it here. In the Word of God, we see John describes a sonship because of belief in Christ. John distinguished the children of God and those of the World. Paul the Apostle of Grace also details this truth;

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26 NASB 

 Is all humanity the children of God? No, only those who've put their faith in Christ are now the children of God. Sonship is by faith not by natural birth. Again this isn't an exclusion, that's a myth. An open invite to all has been given. If one ignores or rejects the invite that's a refusal on their part, not God's. God isn't overriding anyone's will. 

 Because of the Cross are there no longer people who are lost, sinners?

   Here is yet another subtle error that many seem to fall for. Because we believe the Cross worked, surely it means all are partakers. Sadly, that isn't the case. The invitation to partake of the Finished Work has been made available to whosoever will receive. However, that doesn't mean all have automatically received.

 The truth is the social media "poets" proclaiming this error are in reality simply repackaging the lie of universalism and inclusionism without using the labels. They may twist the truth that all of humanity's sin was paid for at the Cross to mean all, therefore, are saved or will be saved. Or that all humanity was included and are therefore righteous and no one is seen as a sinner, a person separated by their sin and unbelief. 

 Paul addressed these errors clearly in his Epistles. He speaks of those in Christ before he was. If people were in Christ before he was that means being in Christ isn't automatic. The truth is the Cross paid for the sins of all mankind but that benefit must be received by faith. Paul speaks of when we were included.

13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13 NIV

 This should settle the issue. We were not automatically included in redemption until we partook of the payment by faith in Christ. That's good news. We don't want a bully for a Father who declares He knows what's best for you and makes the decisions for you.

 So is all humanity saved? Is there no such thing any longer as a lost sinner? Does the Finished Work mean all are spiritually alive in Christ? No, that is false. That's why we proclaim this Good News to all giving them the chance to receive new life. 

12 He who has the Son [by accepting Him as Lord and Savior] has the life [that is eternal]; he who does not have the Son of God [by personal faith] does not have the life. 1 John 5:12 AMP

 John the Apostle of love makes it pretty clear. How can we argue this point? Unless we purposefully seek to mislead and deter people's faith this Scripture puts to rest all these falsehoods such as universalism and inclusionism. This passage reveals there are those in Christ and those outside of redemption. Those who possess life and those who choose not to. The Good News is salvation is made available to any who desires to receive new life.

What about Hell? Is there no real devil?

 The denial of eternal separation in Hell is nothing new. This idea is making a comeback along with the liberal theology that satan is not a real entity. We could spend an entire blog post about Hell. I don't like to focus on the bad news though. 

 The truth is Hell is a real place but it was not made for any man. Hell was made for the devil and his angels. It has never been God's will for any human to end there. So why does He send people there, you may ask? The truth is He doesn't.

 The lost soul has to leap over the obstacle of the Cross. They must sidestep the amazing Grace of God. They have to ignore the Good News Gospel. They have to run to and fro to resist the drawing of God's Spirit offering them freedom and life. They have to jump feet first into eternity apart from Christ. God has made the way for all to simply receive.

 The idea that there is no devil or any more battles spiritually because of Grace is clear error. All you need to do is live one day on this planet to see there is such a thing as spiritual warfare. The truth is though, we don't fight or strive for victory but stand triumphant, fighting from victory. In truth, we are simply enforcing the enemy's defeat by faith in the Finished Work. 

 In summation, relinquish the traditions of religious men, but don't then embrace the lies of the spirit of error. Stay in the center, stay with the truth. The great balancer is God's Word. When we abide in the truth, we will experience growth in Grace and walk in His triumphant victory.

 Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Grace Q & A: What about the local Church?

17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJV

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 NASB

We've been in an extended study of the Good News Grace Gospel of Jesus Christ. We're getting back to the basics of Grace. Utilizing a question and answer format. So far we've seen under Grace, there is no condemnation. We've answered is God always pleased with us? Does He require anything of us? Today, I feel impressed to address an issue that affects many under Grace. What about the local church?

 Has the local church been abolished under Grace? Do we no longer need Pastors and Teachers or Evangelists? Are these ministry gifts obsolete? Is church attendance and involvement somehow legalistic? What about the painful hurts and burdensome demands religion has perpetrated on the Body of Christ?

 First, let's address the most pressing issue. The pain caused by religion. Church hurts, are not just people being hyper-sensitive. There are real hurts and pains people have suffered through controlling leadership and tradition ruled regulations. I am certain there are times we've all at one point allowed our emotions to rule a situation and made something out of nothing like someone didn't shake our hand right away. Though that is true, it doesn't discount the real pain religion has caused.

Healing in the Finished Work, healing for our hurts

  We who have received this beautiful message of grace believe wholly that Jesus finished the work on the cross. He completely purchased our healing. Our complete and total healing. Any hurts we have received through the leadership of a particular church He has paid the price for. Jesus heals the wounds. He makes all things new. 

 Though the hurt is real and often cuts deep in our hearts, Jesus and His great Grace are stronger than any wound from religion. Don't give the enemy more credibility, God's healing is more powerful than any hurt religion can bring. When we know we are accepted by God and always loved and pleasing to Him what can religion do to you? 

 Think of it, man sinned, man fell. God, in essence, was the offended party if you will. So who must be pleased with the remedy? The offended or the offenders? Obviously, the one offended. God made a way, He sent His Son, He has declared He is satisfied with the Finished Work. Why are we then worried, overly concerned, and anxious about pleasing religion? About honoring traditional rules? Tradition puts demands on the Church that have nothing to do with God's Word. Stay with God's clear Word for our standard of living and disregard the tradition of men.

The Good News is through His healing Grace we can move on triumphantly, instead of allowing self-pity, bitterness, or angry rebellion to dominate our thinking and motives. The real truth is the institution of the local church isn't the problem. It's the religious, law-minded, controlling leadership and tradition-bound rules and regulations, that is the issue. We don't have to neglect church altogether. We just need not align ourselves with insecure leadership. Now allow me to elaborate on why the local church is a gift from God.

1.) Love and Unity
We don't attend church weekly just to get something out of it. Church gives us an opportunity to express our love to other believers. 

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1 KJV

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10 NKJV

He joins and holds together the whole body with its ligaments providing the support needed so each part works to its proper design to form a healthy, growing, and mature body that builds itself up in love.  Ephesians 4:16

 Being a part of a church allows us to abide in unity with each other. There we can build each other up in love. Belonging to a local church affords us the opportunity to be a blessing to our fellow believers. Sure you can love others in your living room. You can be a blessing anywhere. So why not leave your four walls and bring your love to a group of believers who have set aside time each week to worship Jesus? It isn't performance or works to bring your love to others in a corporate gathering. 

2.) Ministry of the Holy Ghost and His gifts.
Being joined to a local church brings about a solid foundation where we can be encouraged through the gifts and ministry of the Spirit. It offers us opportunities to grow in exercising and flowing in these gifts ourselves. It allows us to encourage other believers.

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 1 Corinthians 14:1-4 KJV

Belonging to a local church allows for more of the corporate anointing to flow and bring about these gifts more and more. Again we can learn to flow more in these gifts and therefore build up others. 

3.) Opportunity to bring your supply of the Spirit
For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ Philippians 1:19 NKJV

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification 1 Corinthians 14:26 NKJV

Belonging to a local church offers us the chance to bring our supply to the Body of Christ. Never mind what religion, or friends our family have spoken over you, you have been given gifts by your Father in Heaven, you have a supply to bring. When we come together we can share insights, prayers, victories with others. We are corporately built up. We can help the hurting and downtrodden. Instead of keeping our gifts and insights to ourselves we can give to others.

4.) Belonging to a local Church provides fellowship for the Saints
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV

Belonging to a local Body of believers provides us with the essential fellowship we all need as Christians. Contrary to popular opinions, Christians aren't "lone wolves" or "mavericks". We all need one another. Let me touch on one subject that is of great importance.

Concerning fellowship with whom exactly do we fellowship within our Church? Do we only have Caucasians in our midsts? Or do we only have Hispanics among us? Or do we only have African Americans in our house of worship? Brethren this ought not to be so! We ALL need each other. There is no "white" church or "black" church. There is only ONE blood-bought Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Racism and identity politics is the way of the World. Not so for the believers in Christ Jesus! We are ALL brothers and sisters in Christ. Belonging to a local church allows us to fellowship across cultural lines if you will.

Keeping ourselves out of a church and because of bitterness or hurts creating "house" churches may not give us the opportunity to interact will all the Body. I refuse to go to a church that is only one "color" and others aren't welcome. I want to fellowship with ALL my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. You know each culture has something worthwhile to bring to the house of worship. While I'm on this subject let me just go all the way. This brotherhood and fellowship we have through Christ means there is no such thing as a "mixed" marriage. The Biblical definition of a mixed marriage is when a believer marries an unbeliever. 

 There is only one true color for Christians. It is red. Blood red! The blood of Jesus, amen! Let me make this as clear as I can. All cultures and "colors" are included in the Family of God if they have received Jesus as Lord. Therefore, I love all my brethren in Christ regardless of their skin color. If you're from Africa, or Russia, or China, or even Saudi Arabia and have received the Lord you are my family. I love you in Jesus Christ. The Cross is the great equalizer. We all need a Savior, so there is no superior ethnic group, we all were lost apart from Faith in Christ.

5.) The local church offers us a place to exhort one another
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 NKJV

Do you know the definition of exhorting? It means to comfort. It means to strengthen. It means to encourage. It also means to summon others to one's side. This is proof enough why we need the local church. We need each other! Again, church membership is not just so we can get something out of it. It is an opportunity for us to encourage and build up our fellow believer. We can be used by the Lord to stir up our fellow believers. What a great blessing to be a blessing!
6.) The gift of the five-fold ministry

God gave the Body of Christ a gift package. We haven't always received this gift package. Some have abused their gift that is sadly true. It doesn't negate the truth that a gift package has been given.

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up  until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV

 God gave these ministry gifts to the Church to build up the Church, to equip the Church. God raises up leadership to help us reach this World. There are some under Grace, who have claimed that these gifts are not for us today, especially the gift of the Pastor, that there never was any place for ministry gifts in the New Covenant because of the Finished Work.

 God gave us the gift of the Pastor in the New Covenant. How can some deduct because of grace that the Pastor is no longer needed? The office or gift of Pastor is a New Covenant gift. How can one come to the conclusion it is a legalistic office or Old Covenant mindset? Sadly this is the apex of rebellious thinking. 

 Yes, many leaders have abused their position. That doesn't diminish the truth that there are sincere leaders in the Body of Christ. Let me also say this. It is not religious bondage or control to honor a Pastor or Teacher. I personally honor Pastor Joseph Prince because of the revelation of grace God has given him to share with the Body of Christ. The only time honor is out of order is when we must dishonor ourselves to honor a minister. When we create an atmosphere where the minister is the only one worthy of honor. We don't place anyone on a pedestal, or a status of "celebrity". A minister isn't "better" than anyone if you will. He does, however, have a gift from God for the Body of Christ, and we can gladly receive it. Think of it, if God gave us the office of Pastor then this is proof enough we need the local church.

7. Instruction of the Word of God.
4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word. Acts 6:4 NLT

9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 2 Timothy 2:9 NLT

 Finally, belonging to a local church affords us the opportunity to hear the instruction of the Word on a regular basis. This can bring much contention and disagreement because some will say I can find that on the internet or by buying a teaching message from a minister. That is true. However, being involved in a local gathering affords us to hear a right now word from one of God's ministry gifts.

 Again, we as Christians we are not lone wolves or mavericks. We aren't a one-man Jesus show. We need each other. We need the fellowship of the brethren. Paul saw the need for the preached Word.
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14 NKJV

 Hearing the Word preached has great benefit to us. It inspires us, it informs us and instructs us in the love and truth of God. Faith comes by hearing God's Word. Isolating yourself from others is never profitable and allows the enemy the opportunity to bring deception to derail your spiritual life, I didn't say cause you to lose salvation, we are secure in Grace.

 In summation, it's clear we need the local church. Grace revelation doesn't do away with the local church. By His Grace, let go of all the hurts and misdeeds of others against you. Let the peace of God flow within you. Let His healing remove all shame and hurts from poor leadership. Find a loving, Bible-believing fellowship and bring your gifts to be a blessing there.

 What about those who have no Grace ministry near? This is something we need the Grace of God to help us with. Because some have left the local church in pain they don't want anything to do with organized gatherings. Yet if we isolate ourselves we are preventing others from hearing this Good News Gospel and to find freedom from religion. Why are there so many Charismatic or Word of faith churches? Because, when they left the traditional denominational churches, they began raising up churches to proclaim those messages. We need to raise up by the Spirit Grace gatherings to minister to the lost and hurting. 

 If you are outside a local church, try to find fellow believers to fellowship with and don't isolate yourself. Find some good Grace teaching that is solid and Bible-based and continue to grow in Grace. Until there is a Grace gathering near fellowship with fellow Christians who are as close to Grace as possible. Remember, there is still One Church, One Body of Christ. No man is our enemy. We can show love even when some revile us. Remember, we all need each other, One family of God,  just pray for our brethren to get an understanding of His Grace.
Image courtesy of tiramisustudio at FreeDigitalPhotos.net