Grace questions...

   When we first receive this wonderful message of God's grace for us we rejoice. We desire to express praise and thanksgiving to such a loving Savior and Father. We celebrate the freedom from the traditions of men. We experience true peace of heart and mind. 

 We also desire to share these wonderful truths with others. Some receive it with gladness. Some, who already posses imbalance and instability within, receive it in foolishness and go about establishing their own righteousness. Still others reject it flat out! They accuse you of desiring to go backwards. They inevitably pose the question that most of us who have received the truth of His grace have already been asked. 

"So, what, you mean you get to keep on sinning?" 

 This question has been posed to many in the grace revolution. Or some variation of it has been asked. Such as;
"You just desire to keep on sinning, right?" 
" So, you no longer have to repent, or acknowledge when you sin?"

 I want to respond to this question. None of the great teachers I've heard have ever promoted the idea that sin is good or ok. In fact grace is the means by which we escape the dominion of sin not find a way back into a sinful lifestyle. 

 How should we respond to all of this? Is it good to persist in a life of sin so that grace may multiply even more? Absolutely not! How can we die to a life where sin ruled over us and then invite sin back into our lives? Did someone forget to tell you that when we were initiated into Jesus the Anointed through baptism’s ceremonial washing, we entered into His death?  Therefore, we were buried with Him through this baptism into death so that just as God the Father, in all His glory, resurrected the Anointed One, we, too, might walk confidently out of the grave into a new life. To put it another way: if we have been united with Him to share in a death like His, don’t you understand that we will also share in His resurrection? We know this: whatever we used to be with our old sinful ways has been nailed to His cross. So our entire record of sin has been canceled, and we no longer have to bow down to sin’s power. A dead man, you see, cannot be bound by sin. But if we have died with the Anointed One, we believe that we shall also live together with Him Romans 6:1-8 Voice

  The grace revelation is rooted in the Pauline revelation of our right standing with God and the gospel of reconciliation. Paul expressly states this truth of grace is not intended for us to push backwards and live the life we were rescued from. 

 For sin is no longer a tyrant over you; indeed you are under grace and not the law. So what do we do now? Throw ourselves into lives of sin because we are cloaked in grace and don’t have to answer to the law? Absolutely not! Doesn’t it make sense that if you sign yourself over as a slave, you will have to obey your master? The question before you is, What will be your master? Will it be sin—which will lead to certain death—or obedience—which will lead to a right and reconciled life? Romans 6:14-16

 Take note, Paul expressly states we are NOT under the Law. We are not under the Law, period! The Law is not divided anywhere in the New covenant. It isn't divided into ceremonial, sacrificial and moral. The Law is an all or nothing standard. We are not under any law or rule or code. So does this then mean we live any way we see fit? Of course not!

 Paul here in these two passages reveals to us we have the new life of God within us. Its this already made right and perfect heart within which governs our life and conduct. Our faith in God and purchased right standing guides us in our daily affairs. So truly our standard of living is expressed in a relationship with our Father. It is not expressed in rules and codes and laws.

 The Law and any other traditional code of living does nothing to empower anyone.  It can only demand from you. It can never give you the strength to "perform" what is "required" of you. It can tell you this is the way to conduct your life. It has no power to bring lasting change within. 

 Grace supplies. It imparts within us the desire to follow the Lord. Relationship births the desire to yield to our Heavenly Father. What do I mean by yielding? Doesn't yielding mean to give the right of way? Being in relationship with the Lord translates this way; when temptation or alluring to follow the wrong path presents itself, our loving Father gently reminds us He has so much better for us. That is not law mixing or tradition of men. This is the key to living free.

 If you study Paul's admonition you find what was his biggest concern when addressing sin? Was it that the believer would lose his eternal salvation? Apparently, it was not. What Paul seemed to be concerned about was that the believer would be entangled in the "bondage" or "trapping" of a habitual sin. 

 Paul understood sin will always take you further than you intended to go. It will cost you more than you wanted to pay. It brings misery and leaves you wanting. It also produces within us an unconfident heart. 

 This unintended consequence of an unconfident heart is the worst side effect of sin. It produces a struggle within us to run to God. It seems to push us away from God. In spite of how much revelation of grace we have, an unconfident heart can be a momentarily challenge we must overcome. That's why constantly feeding on the Word about our right standing and His grace is so vital. 

 So in closing to answer the legalist. We are never saying we desire to keep on sinning. We don't "get" to continue in a fallen lifestyle. If we "miss it" or "fail" we simply repent or change our minds about our actions in light of His love and mercy. In fact we have the key to be forever free! Unearned love and favor produces an empowerment to overcome. Receive His grace and overwhelming love and mercy. Receive His complete forgiveness.

He has so much for us. Remember to feed on the Word about grace and righteousness. You won't be sorry.

  Again thanks for taking the time to read the posts. I pray blessings to each one who reads. Leave feedback and share if it's blessing you. Thanks so much.

Pursuing Righteousness 2

 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

 In the our last post we discovered what it actually means to pursue righteousness. We discovered that Paul's words did NOT contradict the truth that we have been made the righteousness of God in Christ when we received Him! 

 We understand Paul's words were an admonition to mature in Christ. He desired for Timothy to allow God's nature within him to produce the change in his heart. Thus allowing him to grow into the full, complete, spiritually mature person God created him to be.

 While studying this passage another aspect of Paul's word was revealed to me. Lets look at this same verse in the original King James.

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart 2 Timothy 2:22

 I did some research into the original Greek word used for follow or pursue in this passage. Thayer's Greek dictionary defines it several ways. To run swiftly in order to catch a thing, to run after. To seek after eagerly. 

 This definition corroborates our last post. We should eagerly pursue to be mature in Christ! He died to remove all obstacles of self effort, works, performance based trappings that hinder our relationship with Him. His resurrection life within empowers us to overcome the old going nowhere life we used to live so we can approach Him with a confident heart and not a fearful heart. 

 In this study though I discovered a little known aspect of this same word. Thayer also revealed this word means to be mistreated or suffer persecution on account of something. Did you get that? 

 Paul used this word about pursuing maturity but also to pursue this righteousness in spite of any mistreatment or persecution! How often have us who receive this glorious message of abundant grace and the free gift of right standing with God been maligned by others?

 I've heard some say all you grace and righteousness folk want to do is to just keep on sinning. I've seen others post on social media that people teaching grace (unearned love and favor) and the free gift of righteousness is like spiritual welfare, (because we don't "earn" or "work" for God's blessings. We receive them without efforts). We need to get busy "working" our righteousness. 

 It would be amusing at first glance, but for the bondage and traditions these "ministers" oppress people with. I suppose the idea that grace is unearned and unmerited favor and love really disturbs these folk. Righteousness being a free gift must really make these tradition bound ministers cringe! God loves them too. They can receive freedom in Christ as well if they just let go of the Law and traditions of men designed to beat the Sheep and control them.

 We who have received this truth of God must take heart. We must never give up or compromise the truth to be accepted by the tradition bound masses in order to gain acceptance. I will never throw aside any truth from God to please anyone. Now I honor men and women of God for their service to the King. I walk in love towards those who just don't understand it all. I am not here to criticize others who disagree with eternal security and God's complete forgiveness and love for all who call upon Him in truth and love. 

 I am here though to encourage those of us who are being scrutinized by religious tradition. I would say stay strong in God's Word. Let your light shine before men. Let love be your motivation in all things. Let the fruit of grace and righteousness be your testimony and true witness. Grow in grace. Grow in love. Apply these principles to every area of life. Be the "best" parishioner at your church. I am obviously not talking about perfection or performance driven faith. I mean be the biggest blessing you can be to your minister and congregation. In the face of the lies, and persecution, of the fearful respond in love and blessing. 

  Being a blessing and fruitful person of God will silence the critics. Let's let the grace bring the change not our efforts. Be a blessing! Don't judge and criticize. Don't run towards every goofy doctrine that comes wrapped in the "grace" teaching package you find on social media either. This includes, universalism or preterism and such. This further isolates believers and seems to solidify the charge that grace is a false doctrine. 

 Well, I can't stress it enough be a blessing not a curse or thorn! I pray this post encourages you. Please share with others and leave feedback. Let's get the name of Jesus renowned. Thank you for taking the time to read these post. I am so humbled to see people reading these posts, its all about Jesus! 

Question and Answers...

 As I have stated from the beginning. I richly enjoy your feedback. I so endeavor to be a blessing. I pray continually this blog will strengthen your personal walk with the Lord. I have had some great correspondence from folk. I enjoy reading the personal emails and such. I have had some asks some questions. So I will take some time and hopefully answer these. 

 This question came to me via email. "If we have already been made the righteousness of God in Christ, then why did Paul tell Timothy to pursue righteousness"? 

 That's a great question. The answer will be found in the Word. Lets begin...

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV

  In this passage we see the Apostle Paul admonish Timothy to pursue righteousness. Sounds lofty and spiritual. Sounds like advice we should all take. Now the legalist mindset jumps for "joy" at Scriptures like this. On the surface it appears to contradict a righteousness that is unearned or unmerited. Does the Word contradict itself? Did Paul have what the World calls a "senior" moment? Note what Paul himself said in 2 Corinthians.

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

 Take notice what Paul wrote in Romans 5:

 For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Romans 5:17 AMP

 So did Paul contradict his own words? Of course not! The Word is truth. The Word of God doesn't contradict itself. For that to be true God would have to contradict Himself, and folks that "aint" happening! So what is the truth? Did God give us a free gift of righteousness or is this right standing something we are meant to be "pursuing" throughout our Christian life?

 I believe the key to understand this apparent contradiction is found the first time Paul gave this same admonition!

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 NKJV

 If you study the context of these passages what is Paul referring to? It is quite obvious if one reads with an open and understanding heart. Paul is referring to MATURITY. 

 One key element in our Christian walk is growth! We were meant to grow up in Him! What specifically are we to grow up into? 

but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—  from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

                                                                                                             Ephesians 4:15-16    

    We are to mature in Christ! The Bible specifically tells us what areas we need to grow in;

2 Peter 3:18 says grow in grace

2 Thessalonians 1:3 says we grow in faith

Galatians 5:22 says love is a fruit. Fruit can grow! 

 We grow in all these things to be a more mature person in Christ. How do you grow in grace? By applying His unearned favor and love to every aspect of life. How do you grow in faith? By continually hearing God's Word, especially when you speak the Word aloud to yourself! How do you let love grow? By choosing to let that love you already have deposited within you rise up and be the decision maker.

 Nowhere does the Word say grow in righteousness! Why? Because He already gave us the free gift! There is growth in knowing how much in right standing you are in Christ. Righteousness is not something we achieve or work we earn. It is a position in Him! 

 So why did Paul admonish to pursue righteousness? Paul stated in both epistles of Timothy to pursue righteousness along with faith and other things. The Apostle is admonishing us to mature in Christ. To pursue righteousness is to allow who we already are inside to produce an outward change! 

 We who are sanctified or set apart by being cleansed by the blood have been made perfect forever within. Our spirit is the dwelling abode of the Spirit of God. When we pursue righteousness we are letting that inward man dominate over the outward man. Understand I am not referring to perfection outwardly. Perfection is overrated! I am simply referring to allowing who we are already in Him to be the deciding "vote" in our thoughts our words and any actions we take. 

 I believe this simply answer clears up any apparent contradiction of God's Word. If you have more questions feel free to write them in the comments section. I pray this post has blessed you. Leave some feedback and share with your friends. Thanks again for stopping by.

Jesus made a new and living way

You see, all have sinned, and all their futile attempts to reach God in His glory fail. Yet they are now saved and set right by His free gift of grace through the redemption available only in Jesus the Anointed. Romans 3:23-24 VOICE

When people work, their pay is not given as a gift, but as something earned. But people cannot do any work that will make them right with God. So they must trust in him, who makes even evil people right in his sight. Then God accepts their faith, and that makes them right with him. Romans 4:4-5 NCV

  The revelation of the gospel of grace has flooded the hearts and minds of many in the Body of Christ. When any truth comes forth, questions may arise. One question critics bring up is what about sin? 

 How do you "hyper-grace" preachers deal with the subject of sin? The short answer, (not being smart) is we don't deal with sin. Jesus already dealt with it at the cross over 2,000 years ago! He paid the full price and sat down, signifying the work was complete, finished, done! We rejoice in His work not in our performance! 

 The longer more specific response? It is simple, really. It's running to God whenever we miss it not running from God. Let's coin a modern phrase for this. Hot pursuit! It means laying aside all other interferences, distractions, obstacles, anything vying for your attention.  When a Law enforcement official is in hot pursuit, they're not halting movement to view the pretty sunset. They're going forward until they apprehend their target.

 The application of this illustration is only in the sense of complete and total focus on the prize. You see we've already been apprehended by our Father's love! When we miss it He doesn't leave us. He hasn't broken fellowship. He said He would never leave us or forsake us. He didn't add a clause to that promise saying I will never leave you unless of course you break fellowship by sinning or doing your own thing. This doesn't infer that we live a lifestyle of carnality and fleshly pursuit either. Now what do we mean by running back to God when we sin?

 It means we don't shrink back from God. It means we should run to Him and remain in His presence regardless of our emotions of guilt and grief. When we shrink back we impede maturing in Him. You see we are already accepted in Him. We want to grow in the grace of God. It's realizing this is a relationship with God as our Father. It is not an employee and employer contractual agreement business partnership. 


 Let's see how Jesus dealt with the sin of one of His own. Did Jesus kick Peter to the curb when He blew it? 

 Peter's sin:

 So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance.  The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there.  A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!”

 But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!”

 After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!”

“No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted.

 About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.”

But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.

At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind:“Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”  And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly. 

                                                     Luke 22:54-62

 Peter sinned by actually denying Jesus Christ! One translation even states he cursed and swore that he never knew Christ. Denying the Lord is pretty serious. So what did Jesus do about it?

Jesus' response given through an Angel:

“Don't be alarmed,” he said. “  know you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is not here—he has been raised! Look, here is the place where he was placed.  Now go and give this message to his disciples, including Peter... Mark 16:6-7a

 Note that Jesus didn't charge the sin to Peter's account. He had paid for the sin debt and dealt with it. He considered Peter a disciple not a fallen sinner. By calling Peter a disciple Jesus effectively removed the shame attributed to Peter's failure. (Now I'm not implying a type of universalist view of salvation. Peter accepted this forgiveness). 

 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 

                                                       John 20:20-22

  Peter received the Lord and His salvation. This is the point in time where the disciples became born again Children of God. They believed on the Lord and received His gift of righteousness. After Peter was born again he received the forgiveness of his sin. Take note that Jesus never threw Peter's sin in his face. Also note that while Peter had been completely  forgiven, he still was not serving in ministry at this time. He had gone back to fishing. He needed ministerial restoration. 

 Did Jesus withhold restoration? Did Jesus simply forgive Peter but "sit him down" until he repaid the sin debt of denying Jesus? No! Jesus forgave Peter, and restored him into a more fruitful ministry. 

Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore.  The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread John 21:7-9

 Jesus appeared on the beach where Peter was fishing. When Peter heard that it was Jesus what was his response? He ran toward Jesus! He didn't shrink back and hide.  Five or so verses later in this same chapter we see Jesus actually restore Peter to the place of ministry the Lord had called him to. 

 So what is the "hyper grace" response to sin? It begins with the understanding that because of the finished work He isn't imputing our sins to our account. We have no ability to "pay" for our sins anyhow. Even if you sat down from ministry for a hundred years. You could never repay your sin debt. The next thing is repentance or changing our minds (our thinking) about any behavior contrary to Him or the Word. It's choosing right believing over wrong believing. It's confessing our right standing even in the midst of our worst behavior pattern. This is what produces real heart change not behavior modification. It's maturing into what we've been made on the inside already. Finally it is running to God. It is never running from Him or shrinking back. It is running to Him knowing He always has better for us, more than anything this World can offer. 

 Grace is the true answer for sin in this age. Not moral codes or lists of rules. Law demands but grace supplies! Praise the Lord! Thanks for reading. I appreciate your feedback. If this has blessed you feel free to share with your friends and loved ones.

DON'T FEED THE SHEEP!

For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God’s anger against us. He used Christ’s blood and our faith as the means of saving us from his wrath. Romans 3:24 TLB

 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17

  In John's gospel we have the reference where Jesus clearly instructs Peter to feed His sheep. In this beautiful passage of ministerial restoration we can discover Jesus' heart about how to minister to His Church.

 It is noteworthy that Jesus took the time to restore Peter. He not only restored the trust, He brought Peter back to a more fruitful relationship. He knew Peter didn't "feel" worthy any longer to be in His presence let alone minister the Word. Jesus lovingly restored Peter back to a place of fruitful ministry. 

 For all those who fight restoring ministers who fall, how do you react to this portion of the Word? Jesus didn't give up on Peter even though he had committed a far deeper transgression than a sexual sin. Now sexual sin has much to high a price tag to even go near it! Flee from that temptation! Peter though had actually denied Christ Jesus. Yet Jesus in His love redeemed a life and turned it around to a fruitful world changing ministry!

 In this passage of John we are given a glimpse of God's heart. His desire for ministers and leaders is to feed the sheep! He doesn't desire "leaders" who feel the urge constantly to "beat" the sheep! 

 We need to embrace the truth not try and change it to fit our mold. God's Word declares God is not angry and wrath filled! He is not continually disappointed with His Church! To many put yokes and burdens on the people of God that drains their joy and love for God!

 What are some of these yokes? Let's examine some of these.

 1.) Fear. Many leaders use fear to control and keep the sheep in line! "If you mess up just once your on your way to hell!" Or "if you don't give your under a curse"! Holding eternal damnation or curses over people is not going to allow them to grow! It breaks people down. Relinquish fear! You are loved! He bore the curse for you! He has you secure in His hand!

 2.) Disappointment. When leaders make folk feel like they're a disappointment to them or God it causes many to just quit. You can never perform well enough if you feel you are always letting God down. Rejoice knowing we aren't holding Him up. He is bigger than our performance! He performed perfect so you don't have to! Our job is to simply believe it and receive it and remain thankful for His finished work!

 3.) Condemnation. Condemnation kills, period! Continually sensing you are a failure doesn't make you run to God and enjoy His presence. It makes you flee! It motivates you to run and hide from Him. I can hear God say He wants to fellowship with His people. He wants His children to come and sit on His lap and just be loved by their Father! Religion puts up signs all around saying, "Hold it! You aren't welcome here!" Lay aside these lies. You are the righteousness of God in Christ. You are accepted! 

 To many religious leaders have erected a sign around the pulpit. It states "don't feed the Sheep"! We need to take the Word of God and the love of the Father and kick these signs down! Jesus wants to feed His Sheep! He wants us to know who we are in Him! 

 Who are we? We are the accepted, the loved, the righteous, the healed, the prosperous. We are His kids! If you have accepted Jesus Christ all these are yours. If you haven't accepted Him. Know He isn't holding ANY sin to your account! He isn't mad at you! He just asks that you simply receive Him. You'll never be the same again! 

 It is really simple to receive Him. All you need do is say from your heart

    " Jesus died for me, He arose from the dead for me, He paid the complete price for me. I receive you Lord Jesus. I thank you for making me a new creation in you! I am now saved, delivered, healed and whole!"

 Its that simple! Thanks for reading leave any feedback I appreciate it! If you made this commitment definitely leave me feedback. Blessings.

Radical grace!

Since we have been acquitted and made right through faith, we are able to experience true and lasting peace with God through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King.  Jesus leads us into a place of radical grace where we are able to celebrate the hope of experiencing God’s glory. Romans 5:1-2 Voice

   The grace revolution began several years ago. Since then I’ve heard a phrase synonymous to this move of God used over and over. This phrase was radical grace. May I make an honest confession? I didn’t really like the phrase.

 Before you stop reading my post let me at least clarify my words. Thank you. I had my heart stirred hearing a beautiful gospel message of the finished work in 2009. A great man of God from Singapore brought healthy balanced much needed truth to this “tired” soul! I rejoiced in the knowledge that my striving and self-efforts were futile. I could actually rest in what my Savior did for me.

 Yet with any truth from God, inevitably our traditions, our stinking thinking, our sacred cows block further revelation. God is endeavoring to get further revealed knowledge to us sourced from the Word. Yet, we refuse that information through the channels of tradition; I’ve never heard that before, that’s just too good to be true or finding faults.

 To be honest my theology wouldn’t allow me to embrace fully this message of Grace. So because of this I concluded that the phrase radical grace was merely a buzz word trying to capture the hype off the man of God from Singapore.

 After much prayer and study and persistent truth coming from this great man of God I opened the floodgates of my mind. I relinquished the shallow understandings I had of Christ’s work on the cross. I moved more fully in my love for Him, thus realizing how much I had actually been forgiven!

 I fully embraced this message of grace! I finally understood pure grace. I must tell you it is in fact radical! His work is not meant to be continued or completed by our efforts and strivings. He has completely forgiven us! He forever sanctified us. He totally loves us.

 Best of all this revelation passed the ultimate test for truth. It is completely Biblical truth! It is not some foolish man made ideology designed to comfort us in our wayward state. It is not an outlet to pursue ungodly perversions and licentiousness. It is motivation for more devotion!

  Embrace His grace. It is radical! It is life changing! It propels you past every lie of satan and his defeated minions! It has turned my heart toward my Father like never before. Truly to whom much is forgiven the same loveth much!

 Thanks for taking the time to read these posts. Leave feedback I appreciate your comments. Blessings.

Ten Proofs of God's Goodness 7

10. How God actually "corrects" or teaches the Church. It is always with His Word. Be it the through a minister or in our devotion times.

  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

   And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets;        and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13

According to these passages God has given us His Word and His ministry gifts. These are what He gave us in order to perfect the saints. The Word instructs and mature the saints. The Word taught and studied is what truly brings correction and heart change.

This proves sickness, testings, and hardships and tragedies are not God's instruction methods. Disaster and death are not the training  methods God uses for His children! In our own lives at times it appears that God is in fact against us.

 When we miss it or are simply not maturing quickly in an area we tend to interpret every circumstance that comes our way. Usually it is always in the negative. We have the capacity to believe God is "punishing" us for losing our temper with our family or some other goofy mistake we make.

 Why do we always tend to "default" to this mindset? Because we have had a sin conscience drilled into us since receiving Christ as Savior and Lord. Instead of concentrating on His Word and, promise that our sins and iniquities He will remember no more, we keep remembering what we have done. We keep telling God what we've done. So any circumstance that comes tends to be interpreted that God is "getting" us. 

 God is not sending cosmic volts of wrath upon you! He is not sitting on the throne saying, "You filthy sinner!" "You missed it again!" "Angels quick get me that vial of cancer!" This is not the scene in Heaven today! 

 When Jesus walked the Earth He had some misfits for disciples. Now they were successful in their professions (fishermen, Tax collecting), but they still made errors while growing in the teachings of Jesus. Do a study for yourself. See how often Jesus had to say this to the disciples.

 "Again I say to you."

 You will be surprised how often He states this. The point though is Jesus was long-suffering. Jesus never told them, "This is the last time I tell you this!" "If you don't get this, you're gonna get it!"

 Jesus and the Father have healing in their hands not cursing! God is not bringing financial ruin or disease or job loss to "better" you.
He loves you with an everlasting love! Even when you miss it. He loves you back onto the right path. He is so good.

 In recap, these are the ten proofs God is always good. These ten proofs are ALL found in the Word. The Word reveals the Godhead is good, Jesus was God's will revealed. Jesus went about always doing good healing, never bringing disease. He is the same forever. He never changes if He was good when He walked the sandy shores of Galilee then He is still good. He is never sending hardships or evil your way. Two opposite streams cannot come from the same source. God is good never bad. He is not part of a divided Kingdom. His Word is all we need to grow, not affliction!

 There you have it. Thanks for taking the time to discover how good God is. Please leave feedback if this has blessed you. Blessings to you. 

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9. A divided kingdom will fall not stand.

  And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? Matthew 12:25-26  

If Father God “sent" evil and Jesus the Son stopped it that would  reveal a divided kingdom. For instance,  If Father God sent the storm in Mark 4 and Jesus rebuked the storm, stilling it He effectually worked against Father God. 

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.  But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:35-41

  

Look closely at what is occurring in Jesus ministry. He along with His disciples are going into a ship and crossing onto the other side. This is His plan. He has a purpose. How do I know for sure that Jesus had a purpose? If you will continue reading into the fifth chapter of Mark you will see Jesus bringing deliverance to a man possessed with many demons. He needed to cross to the other side to bring deliverance to the captives!

 It would be counter productive for the Father in Heaven to send a storm to hinder Jesus' journey. God is a good God He was not sending trouble or turmoil to hinder the work of Jesus. Neither is He sending tribulation your way to hinder your purposes and plans.

 Think about this. If Father God sent sickness for His glory and Jesus, healed all manner of sickness wouldn’t that be robbing God from receiving glory? Obviously God didn’t send sickness then and He doesn’t now! 

God the Father and Jesus worked in unison destroying the works of satan
     
  For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8

 We don't serve in a divided house! We have unity with the Father, Son and Holy Ghost! God is One! God is good!

 Therefore let us lay aside the false philosophies of men. Let us renew our minds from traditions of men to God's Word. We need no longer to entertain these ideas that God is putting hardships on us so Jesus can remove the burden thus receiving glory! 
  
 God the Father is not in Heaven creating some new form of illness, malady, infirmity or crippling disease to place on His Children so He can bring Jesus around to remove the illness and get some praise. God is not a narcissist! He is not in such need of attention that He creates disaster only to then cause it to be averted at the last moment thus receiving glory and attention! 

 The enemy (who is defeated), and a fallen sin cursed planet is what is truly at root for all negative circumstance. God is not the source of trouble but the solution to trouble. God is always good! 

 Thanks again for reading these posts. I appreciate always any feedback. Blessings in Him. 

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8. According to James 3:10-12 Blessing and cursing and good and evil cannot come from the same source. 

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.  Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. James 3:10-12

1 John 1:5 reveals there is no darkness with God. 

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.1 John 1:5

John 1:4 In Him is life! God cannot simultaneously have healing and sickness flowing from Him!

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:4 

This is another astounding proof of How good God is! Two opposite and counter productive "streams" cannot flow from the same source. God doesn't have a little healing to give but, also a little disease to teach you. 

 God is not blessing a believer's business and simultaneously "working" to bankrupt another. He is not the source of opposition. He is the One interested in your prosperity not in demise or failure.

If the Church could finally understand how much He love us we wouldn't have so many confused believers. So many running to God trying to be "better" sons and asking Daddy to remove the hindrance on their business or marriage or finances or health. 

You can hear some crying out, "God I will try and do better if you could just remove this opposition you have upon me". Many are trying to "do better" or do more to get God to bless and not "curse" them. It is so sad seeing God's Family accusing the Father as the source of evil or contrary circumstances.

 Listen to the glad news! God is for you not against you! He isn't causing bankruptcy or sending financial ruin to you.   He isn't obstructing you in anyway from receiving from Him. Whether it's healing, the Baptism in the Holy Ghost, financial blessings or family restoration He is not withholding anything! 

 God so loves you. He is the source of blessing and not cursing. He has in Him goodness not badness. You can trust Him totally! He has your best in His purpose and plan for your life!

 God bless you. Thanks for stopping by and discovering God's true nature and character. I pray this post strengthens you. Leave feedback I appreciate any comments. 

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6. According to Hebrews 13:8 Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.

  

 For I am the Lord, I change not Malachi 3:6

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow James 1:17

God does not change! He is always the same. If He was good then He is still good today, and always will be! Jesus is the same amen!

 Why do so many believe that this Perfect Lord, who walked the Earth; healed, wrought miracles, brought forth provision for His people is now different? Has He had a change of heart when it comes to healing all who call upon Him? Because Jesus ascended to Heaven and is seated does this mean He no longer works miracles through His Church? If so when did He change? I never got that memo!

 One area many scholars and theologians get wrong is the motive Jesus had in bringing deliverance and healing to the masses. Some "teachers" make the assumption that Jesus worked miracles only to prove He was God in the flesh, the   Messiah.   So because Jesus' Healing power was to simply identify Him as the One now that He is in Heaven He no longer works miracles. I can see how they come to this conclusion. I believe it is lacking full truth though.

 The reality is this line of thinking negates the truth that the true heart motive of Jesus to heal and deliver and to provide is because He so loved them! His love and compassion is the full motive He brought help to so many! For God is love. No, it's not that He possess love but He is love! Beloved His compassion hasn't ceased. His love is still working miracles and bringing life and healing to all who call upon Him! 

 He changes not. This is another proof that He is good, forever good! 

7. In His Word He reveals He isn’t the One sending evil in our lives. 

  In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. Isaiah 54:14-15 

Evil may try and gather against us but, God says NOT by me! (note in Acts 10:38 oppression is connected with physical sickness. Jesus healed ALL from sickness and oppression. God says here oppression come NOT from Him. So God reveals He is not the One gathering sickness or disease against mankind. Sickness and disease therefore do not come from Him!) Evil doesn't come from His hands!

God has no evil to give His Church! Have you ever read Ephesians 5, the portion about the Christian family?

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
                                                   Ephesians 5:29
 Notices what the Word clearly states here. The Lord nourishes and cherishes His Church. Tradition and religion interpret this Scripture as the Lord punishes, and scourges, and places sickness and the curse on the Church, to grow the Church! Thank God this is not truth! 
 God is good. He has no evil or wrath or destruction to give you. He has love, goodness and mercy for you! God is gracious! 

God loves you, thanks so much for stopping by. Leave a comment if you like. If you disagree somewhat please leave feedback, blessings to you...