The Lightstreet Journal
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VOL. I NO. VI © 2004 HOLY SPIRIT ALL RIGHTS PRESERVED SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2004 PAID IN FULL |
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A letter from a friend: Special note to the reader: This is PART II of the series which started in last month's LSJ. The following article is true and is a reprint of the actual dialog that occurred nearly 3 years ago. The name has been changed in respect to the privacy of the individual involved. The following dialog and questions will edify anyone trying to understand the distinctive message the apostle Paul brought to believers today as he received it from the risen Lord Jesus Christ (2,000 years ago). This message is otherwise known as the Gospel of The Grace of God. ("Jim-Bob's" questions and dialog will be in BLUE. My responses and dialog will be in RED - Rick) Part II Q: It is God's grace that these people (referring to early Acts - RICK) even have an opportunity to accept Christ at this point, the fact they were cut to the heart was an act of the Holy Spirit in their lives, what Peter asked them to do was led by the Holy Spirit... remember that the Holy Spirit didn't answer the question "How do we get saved?", the Holy Spirit answers the question "what do we do now?" A: I have no argument with this. God’s grace has and always will be in effect in regards to the salvation of mankind. It’s always been by His Grace that enables man as a free will agent to either take God at His Word or not. Q: Remember, when Jesus said, if you love me you will keep my commandments? Do you throw that verse into your kingdom gospel bin and say that we don't have to worry about obeying the Lord to show that we love Him? Not for our salvation mind you, but for our Christian lives. Again, I know that you are going to say that it is by His grace that we can do anything good on our own, but I know that I can choose in my life between obeying the Spirit or not... Do I show Jesus that I love Him by living a sinful life justifying what I do by saying that I am saved through faith. Certainly not right? A: 1) I throw nothing into any bin because it’s already there. You tell me, under what program was God dealing with mankind when Jesus walked the earth when he made the statements about keeping His commandments? Law or Grace? I think you know that answer. If under the law, why should I make it my doctrine? Why is it that we are so desirous to keep the commandments of Jesus Christ when we neglect what He revealed to Paul? If I am going to obey Christ by the commandment and earthly ministry, then I better find a temple, an altar and some animal crackers… : ) Christ came to die, to take our punishment that we deserved, crucifying our sins to the cross. His burial was full proof of His death and the banishment of these sins while His glorious resurrection is a testimony of His power over death and its sting (ref 1 Cor. 15). As God veiled in flesh, He lived the perfect life as a man, not so that we can say WWJD I’ll follow you step for step Lord! If that is true then we better practice our water walk for starters. He showed us His perfection as a testimony that He is God and we are sinful man. He lived the perfect life and you and I can only live through Him to be successful. He lived the perfect life for us on our behalf!
Galatians 2:16-21 2) What believer would think that he is demonstrating the love of God by living a sinful life? If they understand grace that way, then they don’t understand grace. That is the crux of Paul’s epistles. Because of this exceeding grace, the love of Christ should constrain us to not sin. But as Paul explains so wonderfully in Romans 7, the desire to fulfill the sins of the flesh are at war with our desire to serve God!
Romans 7:18-25 Q: Then why do you have such an issue with the fact that when these people where were "cut to the heart" convicted about their sin asked what do we do now, that Peter told them to turn from their wicked ways, be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit? A: What they did was right; I have no problem with it. However, read carefully what Peter told them to do. 1) Turn from their wicked ways, 2) be water baptized and 3) receive the “gift” of the Holy Spirit. Nowhere in Paul’s letters will you see that as the ingredients to salvation. I think we have been over this before. Q: Shouldn't that be our response to getting saved? A: No way. Comment: Those 3000 people would not have been added to the church unless the love of God had cut their heart and the grace of God (Christ) had died on the cross for their sins. Grace needed to save those people as much as it is needed to save me. To say that these 3000 people got saved without the work of the grace of God in their lives would fly against the work of Christ on the cross, which was the message that Peter was preaching. A: I agree with you and I commented on the issue of grace above. Don’t make the mistake of confusing “grace in a dispensation” with “the dispensation of grace”. Comment: I really feel like you are trying to build a doctrine on assuming certain things and that is a scary place to be. A: Please clarify this with the scripture to back it up. Please let the consistency of the work of Christ and grace be what forms your opinion. Jesus Christ is the common theme from Genesis to Revelation. He consistently saves (Praise Him), but due to man’s disobedience, His mercy, grace and love are displayed as He in His long-suffering changes the way He deals with mankind throughout mans existence as clearly shown in the Word of God. As you know, Adam’s good news, Enoch’s good news, Noah’s good news and Abraham’s good news (ref. Heb 11) were all “gospels” with distinct instructions for each of God’s dispensings. The consistency of the cross was always there, they just didn’t know it! Nobody knew it until Jesus Christ told Paul about it for our behalf!
Romans 16:24-27
Ephesians 3:1-7 Q: It is impossible for us to get saved unless we choose to believe that He is who He says He is and what He says He’s done! We can't choose unless the Lord "cuts our hearts" How do we choose we have a heart that turns toward Christ... There is no way for us to believe or have a faith in Christ unless that individual makes that choice. That choice in its very nature is repentance. Agreed But we owe all that to Christ too because it is his kindness which leads us to repentance! A: I agree with this statement also Jim-Bob. Where we differ is that you believe that what we should now believe under grace is what is being done in Acts 2:38. That mixes law and grace and is one of the many examples of why there are so many denominations across the Body of Christ as well as confusion. Rat poison is 99.05% percent cornmeal and .05% strychnine. It’s the .05% that gets the rat. Satan’s deception is to mix a little lie in a lotta’ truth and the Body of Christ has bought it. Satan, the chief counterfeiter, has made God’s mystery revealed to Paul and its glorious components a “mystery” to the body of Christ as we sit in our apathy among beautiful buildings, fancy clothes, and self-righteousness.
Final Note: As mentioned at the beginning of this 2 part article, the purpose of showing this dialog is to edify the Body of Christ as we defend the faith as instructed by the apostle Paul. The battle is not with those who question. Questioning is good, for without it, man could never learn! The battle lines are drawn as stewards of God's grace "gird their loins" against the legalists who reject the liberty that goes with this distinct "faith" preached exclusively by Paul as he received it from Jesus Christ.
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Our Reasonable Service..... Romans 12:1-21 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. In the past, I have been accused of
condoning the evil thought of believing that "grace" gives us the
liberty to sin. Here in Romans 12, Paul dispels that notion quite
nicely! In fact, he goes on to say that "our reasonable service" should
be to present our bodies a living sacrifice to God. The apostle would
almost imply that at a minimum we should be doing this as an acceptable
service to the Lord. However, I find it quite sad that Paul would have
to "beg" us to even consider this, especially after reading the first
eleven
In verse 2, the apostle then gives us directions on how to go about presenting our bodies in this fashion. He tells us that we should not conform to the world but instead renew our mind first and foremost. It is here where many teachers would forget such foundational passages and instruct believers to "fly right" or "get right" with God. We must notice that Paul does not begin to talk about their conduct or make a list of do's and don'ts" but instead he encourages believers to "renew their mind"! Friends, until this is done, it's all about works rather than grace, religion rather than relationship or law rather than love. Our conduct is influenced by what we believe about God in regards to what He thinks about us. If I am confident in my position in Christ based on what He told Paul about His grace for our behalf, it is this fact that "renews our mind" while embracing the love of Jesus Christ. It is this knowledge which will constrain us to serve Him! There is no other way. Paul's admonishing of "do not
conform to this world" is not only necessarily about sin as is
exclusively taught. Sadly, most Christians believe and trust
in Jesus Christ's atoning cross-work and miss the rest of God's
accomplishments through His beloved Son. They may be outstanding
citizens and model employees but they start their new life trying to
work for God or trying to please Him without the rest and restoration He
provided through Him who
The "work" will come in
ways that we may not expect, but it will be centered on God and the
leading of the Holy Spirit Satan has convinced
believers that through their self-righteousness, they can be a better
testimony.
"If I am confident in my position in Christ based on what He told Paul about His grace for our behalf, it is this fact that "renews our mind" while embracing the love of Jesus Christ. It is this knowledge which will constrain us to serve Him! There is no other methodology." Scripture reminds us in verse 3 of Romans 12 that a great way to exemplify the love of Christ is to not think too highly of ourselves. We are to think "soberly" or rationally while taking in to consideration the gift of grace that God has given to each of us! We should be working together in Christ while learning from one another: for as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another"! This is an area within the church today that has caused many problems for believers. Too often, we all have the tendency to want people to behave or react like us. When my wife and I provide marriage counseling, we reiterate that; "this may or may not work for you guys" and then suggest something. In the same way, what works for one person may not work for another. It is here where we can all learn from our distinctive differences. In many, many cases, if families don't run their households (or economies) as their pastor does, then they are ostracized by church members. How foolish this type of thinking is! The bible says that we do not all have the same office and that our gifts differ. We should spend more time demonstrating the love of Christ and learning from one another rather than "biting and devouring" one another. Starting in verses 6 through 9, Paul begins to detail our practical instruction as well as how believers should respond to God's grace towards us. Notice how the apostle immediately assumes the differences that each believer has while discussing those gifts that differ "according as God has given to us". We are to:
Let "agape" love be
unfeigned without hypocrisy. Hate what is evil and things that promote
it! I don't know about you my brother or sister in Christ, but I am
feeling pretty bad right about now. I realize what a miserable failure I
have been in these things and I need God the Holy Spirit's encouragement
so that I can do these things through Jesus Christ. For when I am weak,
He is strong! I was always wary of those people who would start;
"Brother, I love you but....". I think that the Body of Christ
has been the biggest hypocrite of all and the world knows it. How do
they know it? Just look at all the denominations, divisions and
in-fighting that goes on. We say we love our brother or sister, but we
talk up a storm behind their back. This is why Paul tells us that our
love must be without hypocrisy and 2,000 years later, nothing has
changed. Friends, this is just another example on why the bible is so
timeless! Man is
We should love one another (verse 10) to the point where we put another person's interest before our own. Be sure not to do this to the extreme of harming ourselves or our families in order to earn something from God. It may be a kind word or deed or it may be disarming a vicious rumor of some sort. I have known several Christian businessman who are horrible. They make the passage "slothful in business" look like a compliment. I have always tried to figure out why people do not think doing a good job and honoring your word are not as important as going to church, prayer meeting or similar functions. In these hypocritical instances, the Holy Spirit is saddened as members of Christ's Body look foolish to others as well as unbelievers. We are to rejoice in hope,
demonstrate patience during difficult times and pray without ceasing! I
am thrilled that because of the
See next column "Service" Ephesians Summary The Position of The Body of Christ - Understanding our unchanging position in Christ Jesus. The Possessions of The Body of Christ - Understanding our abundant spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. The Personal Walk of The Body of Christ - Understanding our responsibilities as members of the while applying them to our walk in Christ Jesus. The Love of God "[We] were by nature the children of wrath, even as others, BUT GOD, WHO
IS RICH IN MERCY, FOR HIS GREAT LOVE WHEREWITH HE LOVED US, even when we
were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. By grace ye
are saved" (Eph. 2:3-5).
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Today's World News
Bush vs. Kerry: Are our prayers in alignment with the will of God in regards to which man should win? You may be surprised at what you read! Millions of people have taken a great interest in the debate between incumbent John Kerry and President George Bush over the last several weeks. As election day draws near each person will vote (hopefully) on moral and political issues that will effect their lives over the next four years or possibly longer. Many will pray and others will hope as our country embarks on another pivotal decision point of this 228 year-old land of ours! For this discussion, I want to focus on the faction of those that would pray for the correct decision to be made on November 2nd 2004. Please note that the bible does say clearly that we should pray for those in authority in 1 Timothy 2. Notice how Paul states in the above verses how "that living a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty is good and acceptable in the sight of God". I am afraid that many C2's (crazy Christians) do more to grieve the Holy Spirit in this department than we would like to think, but I would like to discuss that topic at another time.
In addition, the above verses Romans 13, tell us to be subject to these higher powers because God himself has ordained them into this position "For he is the minister of God to thee for good." So with all of this being said, what should our prayer be you might ask?? The same prayer we should be praying to God about for those who do not understand the gospel of the grace of God according to he revelation of the mystery! For without this understanding from any potential candidates, confusion, unrighteousness, self-righteousness and pride will result! Click here for the specifics of that prayer. ...."Notice how Paul states in the above verses how that living a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty is good and acceptable in the sight of God. I am afraid that many C2's (crazy Christians) do more to grieve the Holy Spirit in this department than we would like to think...." GOD BLESSED AMERICA!!! Athens -
While at this Greek city awaiting the arrival of Silas and Timothy, Paul
took notice of something very troubling to him to the point that it
stirred his spirit! He became aware of the city being given over to
idolatry
Service - Romans 12 (con't.) In verse 13, the bible says that we are to commune with the saints of God as needed. This may or may not include material items folks but I suspect that there is more biblically relevant discussions that are needed amidst members of Christ's Body. With all of the self-infliction in Christianity today, I am a firm believer that lives can be much more productive and fulfilling if people would embrace the message of the grace of God! Friends, I can summarize verses 14 and 15 to one word: love. By the way, I didn't say it would be easy, especially when a person cuts you off on the road or does something to harm you or your family! That's why the bible says to "bless them that persecute you, bless and curse not". At the moment of our worst behavior, I suspect that if we somehow can withhold our ability to "lash out" we give the Holy Spirit an even better an opportunity to work in our lives. We can only do this by "renewing our minds" as stated in verse 1. As we read through Paul's writings, we can see how everything goes back to a renewal of the mind in regards to how God sees us in His Son! The more we embrace this truth through study, the more we are able to yield to the Holy Spirit who helps us with our infirmities.
By rejoicing with them that rejoice (verse 15) and weeping with them that weep, we are able to identify with people. I think Paul is trying to tell us to get to know those around us. Friends, we should take interest in the lives of others instead of dragging them to church or beating them over the head with a bible. We should take special care in understanding what people are going through. I think Proverbs 25:20 describes it best: [As] he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, [and as] vinegar upon nitre, so [is] he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. "With all of the self-infliction in Christianity today, I am a firm believer that lives can be much more productive and fulfilling if people would embrace the message of the grace of God!" The risen Christ instructed Paul to tell us to "be of the same mind". This type of encouragement can also be found in Philippians 2:1,2: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Further, we are instructed to not (God forbid) be persuaded by those who have influence or honor but instead we should submit to those who are humble. I find it amazing that in many churches the opposite occurs as leaders fall over those with money and affluence. Before you know it, they are the next deacon of the church! In all honesty money should not even enter into the picture. If you have a wealthy, grace-embracer amidst the ranks of a particular denomination you also have an ambassador for Christ who can use this wealth for the advancement of the mystery according to 1 Timothy 1:17-19 ! God wants us to be wise in Christ, not wise unto ourselves. Although this is a closing statement in verse 16 I believe its foundation can be applied to all the verses previous to it and there is no accident that the Holy Spirit put it there! As believers, we are not to give back "evil for evil" while providing or doing things honestly in the sight of all men. As much as lies within ourselves, we are to live at peace with all mankind. We see here how Paul is really turning it up on us. If we are honest with ourselves and with God, this is a very difficult thing to do. It is where I must trust in Christ through the leading of the Holy Spirit to allow me to do this. It is here where I am at my weakest point. I find the older I get, the more vengeful I've become! I don't like these things about me, but they didn't surprise God one bit. I am so thankful for that! 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Paul concludes Chapter 12 with some very practical advice. If we can withhold our vengeance and trust in God to take care of things at His timing, everything will work towards the will of God in our lives. Instead of taking vengeful action, we are to assist our enemies as opportunity permits. Thank you again Lord for forgiving me!
Romans Summary Justification -taking on the very righteousness of God due to Christ's cross-work. Sanctification - being called by God to be "set apart" for Him. Dispensation - Examining how God has dispensed His instructions to Israel and His future plan for them while as a nation they remain in unbelief. Application - After understanding "our current marching orders" as God reveals, we as good stewards or managers are to now apply what we've learned to our lives.
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COFFEE CORNER
Who is responsible for making "the mystery" still a mystery to the Body of Christ ? 2 Corinthians 11:3 - But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. After giving this topic much consideration, I thought long and hard about the origination of the Adversary’s plan of evil in regards to who is most at fault. While still understanding that the Adversary has successfully made "the mystery" a mystery to man, I pondered is it Satan and his deceptiveness or is it man? Who then is truly responsible for making "the mystery of the revelation of God" a mystery to the Body of Christ? As “free-will-agents” and stewards or managers of God, I have no right to blame anyone other than the man in the mirror! Concerning sin, the bible tells us in 1 John : 1 John 2:16 - For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. The bible shows us that "lust" is used 43 times in 41 verses in the New Testament alone. We also know that mankind is more apt to be drawn to what pleases his fleshly desires. For some reason, this facet of our sin nature is not regarded when we think about personal bible study. We must all realize that even when we desire to study the bible, we are more drawn to embrace "what man says God said" rather than embracing what God says about man! When I read verses like the above passages and read about the failures of man in the Old Testament, the blame and fault points to mankind.
And I am sorry to say friends, that fact incriminates both you and me! With this being said, what has made the Devil so effective in making God’s dispensing of grace the “worst kept secret”? First as a believer, you should ask yourself the question; “How could the Adversary do any damage to me while knowing that I am already spiritually and physically destined for heaven?” He can damage us by convincing us to think something other than what we ought to think about ourselves and our relationship with Jesus Christ! You see, that my friend is where all of the attacks are focused on. It’s as obvious as successfully convincing a world-class weightlifter that they are as weak as a mouse! In a similar fashion, The Devil has successfully convinced believers that he himself is more powerful (and active) than God. He has done this through false teachers (angels of light) and through those who would not take the time to accurately study scripture as an approved apprentice for God. Secondly, man in his depravity, still wants to help God. Man still wants to be able to resurrect what the bible calls “the old man” while cleaning him up, shaving him, dressing him, sending him to church and assuring that he’ll be ready for the world. This is all fine and good except there is no mention of the Holy Spirit’s leading and pointing to the sufficiency of Christ to accomplish all these wonderful things! Men will then build big churches, corner the market on God and set the standard of salvation and service beyond what he himself is capable of achieving. This is also called religion. In churches across the land today, service, entertainment, public speaking, excessive music or long-winded, pious prayers take center stage versus sound biblical, doctrinal teaching according to the revelation of the mystery, also known as the gospel of the grace of God. "We must all realize that even when we desire to study the bible, we are more drawn to embrace "what man says God said" rather than embracing what God says about man!" All of man’s attempts to please God actually do more to please himself and those around him. Being center stage is man’s biggest and most important accomplishment. Getting recognition and improving self-esteem are more important than getting approval from God. These truths do not absolve each believer as we are all individually accountable for what we learn and what we teach our loved ones (1 Corinthians 4). We have no right to stand before God to say, I really never understood about grace. Paul went on to say that it is us, who would be teaching angels about grace! How could God expect us to teach angels if He thought we would be incapable of understanding how He is dealing with us today?!? Friends, I am not talking about salvation. This should be a done-deal for the believer. I am talking about the abundance and riches of God’s grace available to us after salvation for it is at this point where the Body of Christ has failed so miserably! In a practical sense, imagine a large line dividing a person from death and hell and the blissfulness of Jesus Christ and His heavenly kingdom.
Once a person repents (CHANGES HIS OR HER MIND, NOT CONDUCT) and takes God the Father at His word concerning the accomplishments of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, resurrection and his glorious justification on our behalf for their sins, God the Holy Spirit indwells and permanently resides with that person FOREVER. That person, figuratively for this illustration, crosses the line from death to hell. Unfortunately, for most Christians after they believe, they cross the line into life and that’s where they stay, right next to that imaginary line while forsaking the riches of God’s grace and the liberty that is in Christ!
2 Corinthians 3: 8-17 8How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that (the law) which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. 12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. "In churches across the land today, service, entertainment, public speaking, excessive music or long-winded, pious prayers take center stage versus sound biblical, doctrinal teaching according to the revelation of the mystery, also known as the gospel of the grace of God." When God would have us explore an unlimited world of freedom, study and learning, Christians “self-inflict” themselves back under the law, back into the temple (known as the local assembly today) and check their minds at the door while listening to pastors, teachers and leaders preach about a purpose-driven lives and prayers of Jaebez.
Galatians 3:1-3 1O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Due to man’s failure and sin, Jesus Christ’s atoning accomplishment orchestrated and necessitated the beginning of a new dispensing and a new set of instructions for believers (see Paul's "Me first" in 1 Timothy 1:16). After keeping this secret since the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4; Rom. 16:24-27), this “mystery” was given to Paul by special revelation from God. In other words, Paul received this directly and exclusively from the risen, glorified Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:1-12). Paul asserted and defended his unique apostleship until the day he died. It is this distinct message that is still challenged by most fundamentalists who do a great job at interpreting scripture, but fail to take the time to take it to the next level; contextual and dispensational interpretation!
It is Paul’s message
of grace, love and liberty that has been held in check for the last
2,000 years due to the evilness of man’s heart. You can blame the devil,
you can blame the millions of false teachers who are nothing
2 Timothy 4:3 - 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. THE
HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER TODAY
Grace and faith are
the characteristic features of this In our weakness we
are "strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man"
(Eph. 3:16) and God even stoops to "quicken [our] mortal bodies by
His Spirit that dwelleth in us" (Rom. 8:11).
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chapters of
Romans! By this time, believers have
explored:
gave
so much! Due to pride, ignorance or both, man decides that he will now
"help" God while trying to revitalize the "old man" rather than
crucifying it in Christ. In essence, we are to simply "prove" what
"already is" as instructed. We need to see ourselves as God sees us in
His Son. Once we truly embrace this, our lives can change outwardly as
we live for God out of a heart of gratitude.
instead of our pride. Anything short of this friends is religion or
man's effort to "get right" with God.
Unfortunately,
The Adversary has done his best work with "the churched". "Ministers of
light" only validate this evil message through deceptive teaching while
man gladly nod's his head with joyful acceptance in his desire to
"please God". As The Nation of Israel did not know the power that
they had, believers allow Satan to convince themselves that they must
accomplish something that Christ has already accomplished! Like a dog
that chases his tail, we inadvertently try to get acceptance from God
while all along we have it...and then some!! The lack of knowledge in
the Body of Christ is the main reason for the in-fighting and divisions
within. It is also the reason why the church is not effective,
despite the false belief that it is by its mebers and board directors.
After all the rationale is: "If the numbers are increasing, God must be
blessing us." 
a
sinner and needs the sufficiency of Christ to guide him through this
life. 
never-leaving,
indwelling Holy Spirit we can indeed pray without ceasing. He at this
moment is making intercessions for us on our behalf as well as teaching
us about the things of God. I am thankful for that and I hope you are
too!
which had become a foundation for its core beliefs. Paul disputed with
the Jews in the synagogues (the self-righteous and religious) and the
teachers in the market places (the unrighteous and neo-religionists).
Specifically, the bible says in
more than
“angels of light”, or you can blame the religions of the world. But the
entire calamity, chaos and resulting confusion in mankind understanding
his vertical relationship with God, simply points back to the man in the
mirror.
