What is church? Well, many would say it is a certain denomination or building or religious organization. Some only identify it with being the Roman catholic church while others only see it as their denomination such as Baptist, Methodist or Amish.

 

But church is much more than a building or a certain group. It is first and foremost Christ and He is alive, and we are a part of His Body which makes us called the Body of Christ! A person, THE person named Jesus is a body and is a living organism that is alive and moving not stiff or regulated to a pew but able to share anywhere to anyone.

 

Church is NOT knowing who is sitting in front of you or having the lights down so you can't see anyone, or 4 songs, and a message or a teaching of some sort. The early churches sat and talked and ate food while mostly meeting in houses. They could share with one another and speak of their needs and desires while IN fellowship. They could just start a song up out of nowhere and then pray with one another and then a teaching and many times by more than one person, and nothing was done in a particular order.  Now of course, that doesn't mean that there wasn't order but nothing was set to the point that it couldn't change.  It was much more informal which actually can bring in all kinds of different rules and control.

 

While some churches are built on the preacher's personality they should really be built on Christ and grace doctrine. They should be people oriented and not performance oriented!

Stop and think about your church fellowship and see if it is a true "FELLOWSHIP" that ministers to people! 

 

 

As we see Israel fighting on multiple fronts, we may have fears for Israel I know I do. We should expect it as they have been attacked over and over again. This is why they are so dogmatic in fighting no matter who gets hurt. Yes, innocent people are killed but these same innocent people harbor and protect the ones that are extremist and killing innocent Israelis too. While not doing anything is not an option so Israel has to choose who is going to get hurt. I, we want to say to those innocent people STOP protecting and STOP giving into these extremists! STAND up for yourselves if you're not with them BUT I think the reality is that they are with them! Yes, the reality is that if they could they too would pick up a gun and kill Israelis! They too would like to see Israel wiped off the earth and they too would like to Islam take over the world.

 

This brings me to my point today and that is if you don't stand against Satan and this world's philosophy you are WITH THEM! If you don't STAND with CHRIST, then you are against Him! There is no sitting on the fence as so many would like to think. You cannot stand with one foot in and one foot out! Your either for Christ or against Him! You are either a believer or not! So, when you make compromises in life you are really saying I'm not with Christ but with the enemy!!!!! 

 

PLEASE DON'T do that, TAKE A STAND for RIGHTEOUNESS, GODLINESS AND CHRIST TODAY! 

 

As I read the comments on my social media post I am reminded of the need for biblical discipleship counseling. Sadly, a lot of saints have not been discipled and therefore have never addressed the way they behave, talk or how their attitude is offensive. While many are truly saved, and some have the right doctrine they don't know how to relate to others in a gentle loving or humble way. They can be arrogant and mean. When approached about their attitude and speech they will defend and usually respond even worse.

 

We all need to state our opinions without attacking, name calling, accusing or being sarcastic! Being discipled one on one helps us grow so much faster than just a teaching in a group. Whether it is in church, or bible study the dynamics are different from one on one and yes it can be tough but worth it. Things are exposed, and people are vulnerable and transparent. Their very heart and attitudes can be addressed. They can be free of their strongholds and habits and healing can take place.

 

Just because you are a Christian doesn't mean you have dealt with things. It doesn't mean everything is healed or that your reconciled with others. As a believer you are reconciled with God, but you may have left a trail of unfinished offences along the way. Knowing how to deal with those you have hurt or with those who have hurt you can be a whole new ball game.  

 

We are not really ONE with one another if we can't talk respectfully and gently with one another. A humble heart goes along ways and is the first thing I look for in a believer. It is something we should desire to have and walk in daily. It doesn't mean we believe every doctrine that comes along nor agree with everyone, but it is the way in which we interact and communicate with each other that shows our real heart. We should want to communicate and show God's love and patience with one another.

 

If you desire Biblical Christian discipleship counseling just go to my website at Biblical Christian Counseling and Discipleship

 

 

 

 

 

It is easy to focus on things that we can see. It is easy to want things our way so we can be comfortable, but life doesn't always go that way does it.

 

I like my Laz-e Boy recliner, T.V. and remote close by. I don't want to get up at all and the more I can watch Gunsmoke, or some cowboys show which I loved as a kid even better but that is not reality is it. Life can be tough for all of us at times.

 

We all have our problems and issues that come from health, wealth and relationships, too political elections, wars or environmental issues. We don't know how we are going to pay our taxes on our property or our car insurance which is sky high now. Our health and body may be hurting or wasting away, and we envision death or pain. Perhaps a broken marriage or kids that don't follow the Lord or some other relational issue as well as 1000 different things that can happen.

 

But ALL of these are just things that are "outward appearance"! These things are NOT eternal or internal as far as our faith and Spirit is concerned. We should keep our focus on Christ. We want to keep our thoughts and affections on Christ!

 

CHRIST WHO IS OUR LIFE!!! That is the key folks. Without Christ we have no life for we were dead already. IN Christ we are alive and Nothing absolutely nothing can separate us from Him!!!  

 

The Love of Christ is also the Life of Christ! No matter what you are going through, stay focused on Him and receive His love as you rest your mind from the worry and anxiety of this world. Don't be controlled by the "outward appearance" of life but control your thoughts and put them on "things above"!

Its fall and football's back. Robin and I love watching football. She loves to watch it just as much as I do so it is fun to see her get excited and cheer for her teams.

 

But while Football is fun it's not life! Football is just a game and not to be an idol. I think football is an idol to many and a way of identifying with something they can take pride in and say this is our team. "I AM A...." 

 

Identity is important as it gives meaning and purpose. The meaning tells us who we are so then we can go "do" our purpose. A fan for a football team has the purpose of cheering and belonging to a certain team. It says we are proud of this city or state.  "We are someone"! 

 

Being a parent is an identity and has meaning and gives purpose. A dad's purpose is to provide, protect and teach his children how to live and get along in life. He will correct and discipline in love and desire the best for them. A mom nurtures, nurses and loves her children. She usually makes sure they eat well and provides a warm environment for them as she also teaches them how to live life.

 

A Christian's is also an identity and that is being in Christ and belonging to God. We are His children and as a child of God our purpose is to worship Him! We are to live godly and righteous as well as tell others by sharing the gospel. Knowing WHO you are gives meaning and purpose, so a saved saint in Christ has many things to do but first we worship and praise the Lord and allow Him to work through us. Our purpose is to love others while sharing the "good news of Jesus Christ". We are to teach and edify the Body while sharing the cross of Christ to the lost. You have meaning as a child of God so fulfill your purpose as a saved saint in Christ.

 

Have fun and cheer for your team but also get excited and Cheer for Christ! 

 

 

I do volunteer work at a local hospital. I walk around the rooms and talk to the patience and families.  Some have family with them but not all and I think it encourages them to know they are not alone.  It is incredibly rewarding for me because many are believers and talk of the peace and faith in Christ. While I get to listen and share and pray with them, they don't know how I am blessed also. While I am limited in what I can share I just want you to know that there are some unbelievable saints going through horrific things. 

 

While I have some health issues myself these people are going through things I can never even imagine going through and they do it with a smile and a thankful heart unto our Lord Jesus.

 

I also get to listen and talk with the staff who are going through their own personal problems. The good thing about staff is that I get to see them more often and can see how they or their loved ones are doing weekly. 

  

If you ever get the opportunity to go to a hospital and volunteer and see what goes on there, I think you will grow in some way, and I guarantee you will at least be touched by someone. 

 

Ministry of any kind if doing it for the Lord is great and rewarding for all.  And not all ministry is teaching or talking with people sometimes just emptying trash or cleaning things can open up ministry opportunities and bring glory to God. The cook or custodians as well as the nurse and doctors all are going through things also and need someone to talk too.

 

Before ending this, I want to thank all the nurses, doctors and those who feed, clean and support staff at the hospitals and clinics. THANK YOU ALL!

The difference between doctrine is most important. Many cults claim to serve Jesus but in works or should I say in doctrine do not!

 

They demand works to be done in order to prove salvation as well as to KEEP salvation! They push law and putting people under law! Law will make you fearful, insecure and "perform" in life! Law comes first to them and is to be obeyed yet they themselves can't keep it, so knowing what right doctrine is vital to the next step and that is LIVING IT OUT! If you have the wrong doctrine you are going to have the wrong beliefs and thinking and if you have the wrong thinking you are going to have wrong actions and behavior and therefore sin! This is "STINKIN THINKIN"! So right doctrine is important to righteous living.

 

So, once we have submitted to right doctrine which is the doctrine given to Paul which is under grace we then can begin to "live out" that doctrine. 

 

To know and be under grace never means to live an ungodly lifestyle. Paul never said just because you are under grace go ahead and sin does he! He never said to go ahead and fornicate, did He? NO! He never said that just because you can steal, lie and murder to go ahead, did he? Again NO, NO, NO!

 

He also never said to be controlling, presumptuous or independent did He! He never said to "SEEK" approval, acceptance or affection from others, did he? Oh No!!! In fact, he said to "GIVE" didn't he! You see just because we understand the doctrine does not mean we are living by that doctrine does it!

 

Allowing Christ to live through us makes Godly living and as we do that, we will have victory but when we don't defeat. We will fail on our own but will be successful at times as we allow Christ to live through us.

 

This is also why we ALL need the body, and the Body NEEDS YOU! We All can help guide, direct and lead others to Christ at different times. We All can counsel and encourage others to choose wisely and to be obedient to God's will. We All are important in God's body to grow in love and faith. 

 

So read and study Paul's doctrine and have the right thinking and behavior and if you need to get help to see yourself honestly then get it from the Body AND then LIVE A VICTORIOUS LIFE IN CHRIST!

I recently put some posts on my Facebook pages about OSAS. For you that are not familiar with that it means Once Saved Always Saved. Just like other topics like tithing, water baptism and the Sabbath day people get real upset and cannot grasp the idea of grace. They see works of the law and performance as being faithful and will argue over these things to the point of madness. Many can't just comment and give their opinion they must control and correct everyone and call me as well as others false prophets or some other name.

 

You see without rightly dividing the word they ALL fall back to the LAW! They All live under and in bondage to LAW! How can one possibly live faithful without works of the law they think! 

 

I once heard a pastor give a sermon and it went something like this.

The thief on the cross was asked by an angel at the gates of heaven, "How did YOU get here"? The thief said, " I don't know the guy on the cross said I would be with Him in paradise"!

The angel said, "did you repent"? "NO" said the thief, "I just said I didn't think He deserved to die and that I believed in Him". The angel said, "do you know hermeneutics"? The thief said "NO, WHATS THAT"?

The angel said, "did you get water baptized"? "NO! he said, "I WAS HANGING from a tree"!

"Did you pay your tithe and go to church on Saturday or Sunday" said the angel! "NO like I said I was in prison for a while and heard about this guy and then next thing I knew I was next to Him on this big cross thing," said the thief.

"WOW" said the angel "I will have to check this out"!!!!!

 

Just like the angel this is the way so many approach salvation today.

But we know it is by faith and faith alone. We also know that we sealed by the Holy Spirit and that is our guarantee.

 

Pastor means shepherd but it also means faithful friend and leader. A pastor can be anyone who leads a group of people and does not necessarily have to be taught in a seminary. Pastors have one very vital qualification and that they must be able to teach. Now not all pastors are as good as others. Some have more knowledge, and some are good speakers while others are not. I have heard some of the best teachings from guys who couldn't speak very well but the message or the point was right on. Some pastors have GREAT entrainment value while others just want to imitate others for show. Some can speak great words that rhyme while others can't put a sentence together. I have heard a very famous teacher talk for 2 hours and never heard one thing that was of value, yet some may speak for 15 minuets and have a great teaching.

 

But the qualification is not in performance but in heart!!! Their faith and genuine sincereness to get the Word of God out to the people. To teach and live out the word daily. To correct, rebuke and edify gently and to oversee the hearts and behavior of their congregation. 

 

The Pastor is the leader and the one which was called to start or lead the local body. The church may be in a house or building or office and does not need to be formal.

 

I want to encourage you to not minimize their work nor worship them but rather pray for them. Pray for them as Paul asked for in Ephesian 6:18 that they would be bold and make known the Mystery of the Gospel. Pray that they would preach JESUS CHRIST according to the REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY!!!
Eph 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," 

 

It is a great calling to be a pastor, one in which in my opinion there is none other. Unlike a business owner or CEO that can fire or live as they please, the pastor must be one who has righteous godly behavior, and trying to grow a Body, and yet at the same time risk losing people over their sin or behavior, not an easy job but one that is so worth it!

 

So, pray for you pastor, teacher and leaders and help them help you and teach others! 

Have a great weekend and give God the Glory! 

 

 

 

 

Social media is a great way to share things. A great way to share the word of God and encourage people. After all the bible was the social media of its day. All of Paul's letters are to encourage the church and to help instruct in the word of God. They were to edify and teach how to live by faith and what faith looked like.

 

Don't be afraid to use social media for the gospel's sake. Now I know a lot of people like to share photos of themselves or family and all that is good to an extent but be careful that it is not ALL you share. Bringing attention to yourself is not healthy and only edifies self. Unbelievers do that too so be different and share the word sometimes. A verse or comment can change a person's whole life sometimes.

 

We don't want to spend too much time on any media things either. Too much is too much and can grow into a habit or a better word is sin. It can be obsessive and an idol.

 

But share the word with family and friends and you will be surprised at WHO comments and WHAT they say at times. You might see the "REAL" person for the first time. 

The Olympics are here, and I enjoy watching so many things I normally don't get to see on T.V sports. I always wanted to go to the Olympics and finally we did go to L.A. in 1984 as spectators. But I had trained in weightlifting and had won state titles and best lifter awards but never made the Olympic team. 

 

And while I love watching it is sad that weightlifting and many if not most other sports are dependent on drugs that are illegal in competition. Most are enhanced by steroids in some way and makes it hard for others to compete fairly.

 

The reason for this comes down to a simple answer, LUST! A lust to win and to be known as the best! The goal of being admired, loved and accepted drives people to the point of cheating and even harming their bodies. I have seen weightlifters who were young and great die in their 20s,30s and 40's from abuse of drugs. Many great athletes die young or have trouble later in life because of the drugs and things they did just to have a gold medal and fame.

 

While most of us will never go to that extent we all can strive for attention, acceptance and adoration! We want to be loved and accepted and for people to say "he was unbelievable, and I want to be like him" or "she was so great, and we love her" but it is a mental and emotional roller-coaster that never is satisfying, I know I was on that roller-coaster!

 

It drove me to my knees and to Christ! And it is only through Jesus that we find that love we so desire! Seek, know and experience the love of Christ and you will win more than a Gold medal!!! 

 

This week we saw the Republican's get together to nominate their man for President of the United States. Mr. Trump will be that person and will be the man in charge if elected. But as believers we need to always know WHO really is in charge and in charge of a bigger things than just the U.S. and things of this world. While we live in this world it is not our home. 

 

Christ is in charge, and He has made away for man to live above all this worldly lust and hate. He has made away for us to live in VICTORY regardless of who ever is in charge. We are more than conquers in Him.

 

It is only when we take our eyes off the heavenly and put them on the earthly, natural things that we get into trouble. We begin to fear and get scared, so we lash out at others who oppose our thinking. We want to crucify the opposite side and get down into the gutter with them. Let's not go there but keep our focus on what really matters.

 

Let us keep our focus on Christ and eternal things. Let us keep our hearts full of faith and remember that the bigger picture is not of this world but of the next!  

Sometimes when you're dealing with health issues it is hard to stay focused and not fear. I think we all can relate to this in some ways, but the more fear the more opportunity we have to spend time in prayer, reading the word as well as renewing our mind and walking by faith.

 

We also have the opportunity to seek prayer from the Body. The Body is a representative of Christ in the flesh. We can pray for one another and talk with one another. Sometimes just listening and visiting with one another is good for the one who is struggling.

 

Ultimately it comes down to FAITH!

Each of us has to do this on our own. No one can live it for you. It is a decision of the will and a faith filled mind. 

Walking by faith instead of sight is vital when the issue is health especially if it a life-or-death issue.

 

Keep your heart and eyes on Christ!

 

Praying for you all and please be praying for me as I deal with my health issues and keep walking by faith and seeking things above

in Christ! 

 

There are 7 areas to life. The Spiritual, Psychological (Soul), Physical, financial, and Social. These 5 areas we all have and the last two some of us have and that is marital and parental. 7 in all but today I want to talk about the financial area. 

 

Today's economic situation is bad. We can blame that on all kinds of things from the President's policies down to the businesses which are profiting from price gouging, but we still have to deal with it either way. I so very much feel for young people who can't afford a house or pay for medical bills or daily necessities. It will be hard for them to ever get ahead, especially if they are not wise with their money.

 

Which is what I wanted to talk about today. Being wise with our money! What we should keep in mind is what the bible says about money and investing in. The bible says there are things we should work hard and use our money in the right way.

1. for our family and housing and taking care of our responsibilities. Paying our bills on time and not going into debt if possible. That is hard if trying to have a house but paying it off early is good idea. Stay away from credit cards and car payments the best you can. Stay on top of things and don't let things get out of hand. I always suggest that the man be in charge of paying the bills if possible as it takes the burden and worry off the shoulders of the wife and mother.

 

2. If possible, help the poor, orphan and widows as much as possible. Those that are truly in need. That may be your neighbor, friend and family member or some organization although we should be careful with organizations that have a lot of overhead, and few dollars go to the cause itself. Pray for them and can be food, clothing and shelter as well as financial gift.

 

3. to further the gospel of Grace through Jesus Christ. This can be for your church, pastor or teacher. It can be for a missionary or buying and giving bibles and tracts away. This can be for organizations like Voice of the Martyrs who help those who are imprisoned or even pay the ultimate price for being a believer in Islamic states. 

 

Let your heart and finances build and edify the body and make God's financial plan your financial plan!  

 

May the love and peace of Christ comfort you today. 

 

 

James has some great insight for us! What causes those fighting's, arguments and divorces?  

 

LUST! SELF CENTEREDNESS! 

It is just like it says in Genesis 3 and 1John 2:16, that there is lust, lust and pride!!! We lust for love, respect and control! We lust and demand our way and don't get it, so we push harder and demand more and get louder and pretty soon we are in all-out war with each other. WHO is going to be God of this relationship? WHO is going to control? WHO? 

 

Well God is God, and we are not.... so, if you find yourself getting upset, angry and fighting with your spouse or anyone else check out your heart and motive! You are lusting and demanding them to do things your way!

 

Now that doesn't mean there aren't right ways to do things nor righteous and Godly things to be done in the right way. But most of the time the things we argue about are not about major things but small insignificant things. Like how the toilet paper should roll out or who should clean up the mess in the kitchen! "You made the mess YOU CLEAN IT UP"!!!! "I DIDN'T MAKE THE MESS YOU CLEAN IT UP"!!! OH MY! Is it 'MY WAY or the HIGHWAY" type thinking....

 

or will we submit to God's love, forgive and love and serve the other, your choice!

Predestination is a word that has been so misunderstood and unfortunately mishandled and misused to the point we have so many different theologies in the Body of Christ today. But as you read ALL the verses below you see that God has blessed us with ALL Spiritual blessing in the heavens IN CHRIST! It is ALL ABOUT CHRIST!!!

 

Before creation God had declared which is what predestinated means that man would be saved through Jesus! He chose Jesus to be the Saviour of mankind and man has the opportunity to come to Christ by faith! Notice it says to be Holy and blameless, well we are not born Holy or blameless we are born sinners and in order to be Holy we must be IN CHRIST! Again, notice it says He hath made us accepted in the beloved well who is the beloved JESUS! So, we are accepted, Holy and blameless IN CHRIST ALONE!

 

It does not mean some have been chosen and others not but that we all can be saved by faith IN CHRIST!  It was God's eternal purpose in Christ that was "declared"! Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: and Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:" and 2Ti 1:9 "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," It was God's declared "PURPOSE" that was foreknown and in Christ before the world began! Jesus was to be the Saviour of mankind and its God's desire that ALL mankind would come to Him and worship Him through Jesus Christ our Lord!!!

 

 

 

God's love is the answer for all things! God showed His love though Jesus and His sacrifice and blood on the cross and it is this love that gives us security! 

 

It gives us first eternal security in Christ. It is a salvation love and the love that brings our eternal spirit to rest forever.

It is a mental and emotional love meaning we can "feel' that love and know that love which brings emotional security too.

 

God is Love and this love is so big, so deep, so wide that we can never stop growing and knowing this Great Love for us! When you feel insecure, anxious or lost stop and dwell on His love. Put on God's love daily for it is this great love that brings peace, joy and security! 

Saturdays blog is always a topical and sometimes like today my opinion day! 

My thoughts today are on the protesting on today's college campuses. It is unbelievable to me that the leaders of the colleges have not put a stop to it. It is shocking how bad the behavior has gotten and how much we put up with.

 

 

 

I only hope that the leaders of our country and these colleges would wake up and STOP them soon!!! Let us be a nation of common sense and not abusing the freedoms we have in the name of liberty to promote ungodly, perverted and anti-Christ behavior! 

 

 

As most of you know I do a lot of counseling and I only do biblical counseling. Biblical Christian counseling and discipleship is all things at once but in short, I start with data which means to get to know the person and then the understanding if one is saved in other words evangelizing them if necessary. Most that come to me are saved but struggling and usually it is a marriage issue.

 

Then I move on after taking data and history to teaching them about sin and repentance as well as who they are in Christ and walking by faith. That they are loved and forgiven and how to forgive others and be reconciled and while this sounds short, it is long process and takes a while to go through. But by this time usually the issues have gone away, but if not, we finally may move onto the issues if needed. Counseling can be tough but if persevered it can be the most life changing thing you can go through. 

 

Sadly, many pastors and saints know a lot about the bible and can quote verses and speak sound doctrine BUT they don't see themselves honestly, as they really are and usually are defensive. Even saying this I will have comments that they are judged by no man but by God only, which is true, but they don't realize how they are hurting others also as well as their witness. 

 

Just because you have the right to be yourself does not mean that being yourself is a good thing it just means you are being independent of others and God. 

 

Biblical Christian Counseling is a way to grow in grace, faith and to be mature in Christ faster and learn to deal with issues in life.  

I have shared the first 4 R's with before. They are Repent, Renew, Rest and Reconcile but now here is another and the last one, Reach!

 

We are to reach out to one another. We told over and over to Love one another.

 

We are told to receive or accept one another.

 

We are told be kind and forgive one another.

 

And many more things we should do for one another. So, reach out and don't be a Lone Ranger Christian we all need one another. 

 

(Look up all one another verses in the bible you may be amazed how many there really are.) 

 

Last week I wrote on "extending" forgiveness which we need to do every time with every offence with every person. Today I want to discuss "Seeking" forgiveness. While extending means to forgive others seeking means to seek or "go to" and ask for forgiveness. Now remember that we are already forgiven by Christ and reconciled to God, so this is NOT reconciling with God, but reconciliation deals with human relationships.

 

We are to  

In other words, we should try to get along as much as we can with others and sometimes that requires us to seek forgiveness for our sin and offences. 

 

A good way of looking at this is in Matthew where it says to stop the religious ceremonial alter call and run and seek forgiveness.  

 

Now Matthew is written to Israel and under law so if we don't forgive, we are still forgiven in Christ and if we don't seek forgiveness, we are STILL forgiven but our conscience will be affected. We can become bitter and prideful as so many believers are. In Matthew we should try to see what the greater meaning of this can be under grace and that is to seek forgiveness from others and don't get caught up in the religious stuff. It is really the heart for others as much as it is for us. 

 

Robin and I seek forgiveness from each other constantly. I offend her so many times by my harshness in speech or my playful teasing which she doesn't always appreciate or just by being a guy at times, ...I think you know what I mean! 

 

Saying the 3 hardest words can go along ways..."I WAS WRONG", "would you forgive me"!!!

 

Now remember an offence does not have to be some great thing it can be small things that offends the other in some way. Life is lived in the small things not the big ones. 

 

Paul gives us an example here in 2 Cor. and while I am taking it out of context a little when he says at the end of this verse in which he had done nothing wrong but still says "forgive me this wrong"! 

 

This is how we should operate with one another. Extend forgiveness and Seek forgiveness. Even when we think it may not be that bad or even sin, it still may have offended. Be willing to say "I WAS WRONG WILL YOU FORGIVE ME" for Christ as well as for relationships sake! 

When I speak here of reconciliation, I am talking between people not God and us. We have already been reconciled to God through Christ by faith. We are told to live peaceably with all men, if possible. 

We are told to extend forgiveness to all men. Extending is the first part of reconciliation and it is our responsibility to do this when we have been offended. Now extending forgiveness is for our sake as much as it is for others. It is being obedient to God and a letting go of the offence toward us and putting it all in God's control. It is being free from the bondage it brings when holding someone guilty. 

It does not mean we will forget nor are we approving of the offence but simply not holding them guilty as we are not God who is the judge. It means we are free to love them even if loving them is not being around them. It doesn't mean you have to be best friends either and separation maybe needed in some cases.

Here are some steps to extending forgiveness to someone.

1. Name the person and offence. Be as specific as you can. If you don't know the person's name then identify him in some way, ...the man with the blue shirt or the man who cut me off driving and cussed me out........

2. Name and claim your fleshly reaction such as feeling rejected, then angry and hating them. Perhaps you said somethings you shouldn't have or a gesture or some other behavior. This is all sin on your part and requires you to see as well as admit it and deal with it also.

3. Thank God for forgiving you of your sins!

4. and because I am forgiven "I CHOOSE to forgive, name person and their offence of.... (name the person and the offences)

5. Renew your mind with who you are in Christ! And walk after the Spirit and by faith!

 

This can take a while and there may be a time period before your emotions come down. Just because your emotions come down though does NOT mean you have forgiven them. You need to actually "choose" to go to God and forgive them for HE is GOD and the Judge not you. We all can choose to forgive, and it is not up to God to make you forgive as I here so many people say, "God will have to do it because I can't" That is just an excuse to hang onto out of bitterness and is also sin by trying to play God!

 

So, forgive all and live in freedom and faith!

Next week I will deal with the 2nd part of reconciliation. 

 

The author of Hebrews gives us some great thigs that really go across all dispensations. The idea of resting in Christ is so vital to our emotional state of mind. 

 

As I have talked about Repentance which means a change of mind. From self-centeredness and unsaved to being saved and faith in Christ. Then to Renewing our mind with who we are in Christ. Putting on Christ and our New identity daily.

 

Now to Resting in that position. Resting is the fruit of our renewed mind. It is a mental and emotional peace that we have by receiving. Receiving is a position we need to learn because our natural thing to do is to work harder and strive to be accepted. Anxiety is greater than ever today, and we want to fix it so bad but really what is needed is slowing down and "resting in the Lord"! He has done the work needed and He has made the way for salvation and peace. Peace is the feeling we get when we simply rest in Him!

 

So, when you are feeling hurried, worried and anxious slow down, stop and Rest in Christ love and be comforted and content in Jesus!

One of Satan's greatest tools is the subtilty of twisting and deceiving our thinking and words! For instance, in the Garden of Eden he deceived Eve into thinking she could be just like God by just eating a piece of fruit! Think about that for second. A PIECE OF FRUIT CHANGED MANKIND FOREVER!!! Now we know it wasn't the fruit itself but being disobedient to God's instructions. She listened too and made someone else her god besides God. Yet the sad thing is that we continue to be unfaithful, in trying to do it on our own when God has provided everything already!

 

Like the understanding of forgiveness. Jesus died for our sins, yet we still beg for forgiveness. By asking over and over means we do not believe that He has already died for our sins. Now Jesus paid the price for ALL sins already and faith means receiving what we already have not trying to get something we don't have! 

"FORGIVEN YOU"!!! 

 

How many sins? 

"ALL TRESPASSES"!!!

 

"AS CHRIST FORGAVE YOU"!!! 

 

How many sins had you committed before you were born? 0!!!!! So, which sins did He die for, ALL? How many sins did you confess before you were born? 0!!!! You see it is not based on your confession but FAITH!

Did he die for ALL OR NOT! Are YOU FORGIVEN OF ALL OR NOT!!! YES!!! ALL!!! 

Stop begging and start living by faith and THANKING OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST! 

I think the greatest thing we can know about ourselves is who we are! What is our identity? Our identity is who we are and give us meaning which gives us purpose in life!

 

The believer is....

1. Saved in Christ-Eph 2:8, Rom 10:13,16

2. The believer is a child/son of God- Rom 8:14,16

3. Adopted-Rom8:15 

4. Heir to God-Rom 8:17

5. Joint Heir with Christ- Rom 8:17

6. A New Creature-2 Cor 5:17

7. that is Reconciled to God through Christ

8. An ambassador-2 Cor 5:20

9. Saints in Christ- Eph 1:1

10. Saints who are blessed with all heavenly blessings in Christ-Eph 1:3

11. Saints who are Holy -Eph 1:4, 4:24

12. Saints who are blameless-Eph 1:4

13. Saints who are Justified in Christ-Rom 5:1

14. Saints who are Righteous in Christ-Rom 5:19, Eph 4:24

15. Saints who are deeply loved-Rom 5:8, Rom 8:35-39

16. Saints who are totally accepted-Rom 15:7

17. Saints who are completely forgiven-Eph 4:32, Col2:13, 3:13

18. A Temple of God-1Cor 3:17

19. A Saint whose home is in Heaven-Phil 3:20

20. A Saint that has been Redeemed-Eph1:7

21 A Saint that is God field to work through- 1 Cor 3:9

22. A Saint that is God's building to Build upon-1 Cor 3:9 

 

Now this is just some that I could think of but there are more things. Remember you are valuable, important and belong to Christ now. You don't need to fear nor be insecure anymore! Rest and slow down and just be comforted in the Love of Christ! 

Unfortunately, many saints are lazy! I have people say they don't want to look at themselves and analyze themselves. If you don't do this then you are simply living by your feelings or by your flesh. You might say "this feels like God or religious or worship", but it may not be of God at all! 

 

Paul uses this simple way of saying to renew your mind and to think by faith. To think and have a change of mind.

TO THINK, THINK, THINK!!!

AND IN 

 

To put off old sinful fleshly thinking and PUT ON Godly righteous and correct thinking! Like taking off dirty cloths after working all day. You take off the dirty clothes and wash yourself than put on clean clothes. Don't just take off and stand their naked because just as the elements of the world will attack you so will the spiritual elements attack you. Meaning the physical elements like sun, heat and cold will hurt your body so will the mental and spiritual forces attack your mind! So PUT ON BUT don't put on over dirty clothes you will stink after a while, meaning deal with the sinful old thoughts also and then PUT ON faithful thinking.

 

Some say we have stinkin-thinkin and that is true so don't be lazy and analyze your thoughts just as the bible says to take EVERY thought captive!!! 

I teach the 5 R's! If you do these 5 R's daily, you will be "doing" what you should be doing for Living a Victorious life in Christ. 

 

1. Repent which means a change of mind! I have already shared this in last few blogs.

2. Renew which is the one I am talking about today, 

 

Renewing the mind is what we do on a daily basis. We tend to exchange the truth for a lie or in other words we tend to believe what is ungodly in some form. We want to exchange God's truth for what we may believe is true in our mind!

 

We have already been transformed Spiritually but our Soul which contains our mind, will and emotions must deal with everyday life. We must renew our mind and choose truth through our will and our feelings will follow.

 

This can be tough, but every Saint needs to do this. Every believer deals with this daily. We need to take every thought captive and exchange that thought into God's truth until it becomes a habit... 

 

...Until Christ is formed in us! 

 

Read, study and then renew your mind over and over with who God says you are! You are a child of God who is deeply loved, totally accepted and completely forgiven In Christ!!!!

 

Tell yourself the truth constantly and think about what you are thinking about then think as God has told you to think!!! 

The hardest thing to do in life is to live with someone you don't like! Marriage can be tough in the best of circumstances but when your spouse is unwilling to change, listen or get help it can be most difficult. When they won't love or have a intrest in you or they are just so self-centered that everything revolves around them.

What do you Do?

 

They need prayer and they need Christ, even if they are a believer. Many dear saints are self-absorbed so praying for them is important. 

 

They need to be loved and really the old saying of showing them is better than telling them might be a way of showing that love. Now that does not mean you can't talk with them about the situation, but we shouldn't whine and cry about it constantly. 

 

In fact, we need to know who we are in Christ and renew our minds even more! We might say to ourselves "I don't "NEED" them to be complete and whole, because I am whole and complete in Christ alone therefore, I can love them as Christ loved me"!!! While wanting a better marriage and a Christ centered marriage would be the ideal sometimes, we need to settle for what we have and by doing that we bring glory to Christ! Being patient, loving and persevering can actually be the greatest thing we can do in our marriage and bring glory to God!

 

Walking by Faith and in Christ makes all the difference in the world, it takes us from being the victim to the Victor!!! 

The author of Hebrews says in Hebrews 4:2 that there are several gospels in the bible.

The nation of Israel had a gospel meaning which means "good news" and by the gospel given to them they could be saved. They were saved by faith just like we are today but were required to do works to prove out that faith.   

 

But Now in the dispensation of grace we are saved by faith alone! And the gospel given to us is found in,  

AND SO, WE  

 

You see we simply hear, believe and trust in the gospel to us today and then we are sealed with the Holy Spirit! There are no works to be done in fact the opposite is true. We are to do NO works for our salvation because we are to believe and trust in Christ works on the cross alone.

 

Now that does not mean that we won't do "good works" AFTER we are saved, it just means there are NO works to prove we are saved! 

 

Don't confuse Israel's works-based salvation with our grace only salvation for today. Both are by faith, but Israel's was a performance-based salvation and ours is not. John 3:16 is still under law and being born again is for Israel to repent and do "good works" but we are regenerated, sealed and complete in Christ! 

 

Have you put your trust in the gospel for today? If so, give God the Glory and be thankful and rest daily in Christ's great works on the cross! 

There is an old saying that women constantly change their minds, which is a good saying for all of us. The bible talks constantly about the subject of changing our mind from sin to righteousness or from wrong to right. We are told constantly to have a change of mind and to put off and put on! The reason most people don't get it is because it is wrapped up in a word that has been perverted, misused and misunderstood, that word is "repent".

 

Repent means to "have a change of mind". It does not say "just" to turn from sin" as so many would like it to mean. They want you to stop sinning and there is nothing wrong with that, but the problem is in the definition of "stop sinning"!

. 

Their definition of stop sinning is to stop stealing or stop lying but the bible's definition is to come to Christ by faith!!! From flesh and self-centeredness to faith and trust in Jesus Christ. There are a lot of people in prison who are still stealing even though they are behind bars.

 

After we have had that "change of mind" and come to be saved in Christ the bible goes on to speak of forgiveness. We are completely forgiven of ALL SIN!! PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE!!!

 

Dwell on these verses and will see.

 

Think about how you're living and if you need to have a "change of mind" then do it by Faith! And know that you are as a believer completely forgiven in Christ!