God’s Salvation provided for through the death, burial and resurrection of his son is sure, but this is not the purpose of our redemption. We are saved for holiness, to be conformed of Jesus Christ…For He alone is Lord.
The study of Predestination takes many twists and turns, but every time that a confrontation with folks like John Calvin occurs there seems to be an impasse of thought and human systems of religion. The Bible does not suggest Calvinism as a doctrine of faith and neither are Calvin’s thoughts found in the Bible as a system of practice. the work of John Calvin must be organized extra biblically in order to be cohesive and practical for Implementation.
Scriptures do provide the origins of Creation of the earth and the history of the Hebrew people and of the birth of Christianity. The miraculous birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are events that are recorded historically, but the problems surrounding the doctrines of men, ie Calvinism are numerous and fallible. The facts of Calvinism are presented to us with little recognition for logic or relational order. Theologically, Calvin arranged his efforts to erect a Fallible system of theology at an attempted effort to reflect the immutable Person of God found in Holy Writ.
The Bible contains nothing of what anyone might reference as Systematic Theology. Interestingly enough, men have mapped systems of faith and therefore bewildered the search for Christ. erroneous interpretation is not surprising and we have Calvinism as one of the best examples of biblical error.
"Predestined" is used only 4 times in the Bible and this we find in Ephesians and Romans.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him in love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.” Ephesians 1:3-8.
Paul writes, "He predestinated US." And addresses the Ephesians as "…the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus:" The Apostle addresses those who are Saints, those who are saved and not lost folks. Pause momentarily and inhale Paul’s expressions: "Who has blessed us" (vs. 3). "just as He chose us in Him" (vs. 4). " that we would be holy and blameless before Him in love " (vs. 6). " In Him we have redemption through His blood " (vs. 7). " He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him” (vs. 9). "also we have obtained an inheritance " (vs. 11). " we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. " (vs. 12). " In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, " (vs. 13).
Note that Paul is writing to believers, NOT to unbelievers. This epistle addresses those who have heard the Gospel, believed the message and were saved by God’s Grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10. Paul references the work of God toward the believer after salvation, "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will…” We are predestined “To adoption as sons through Jesus Christ…."
Unger’s Bible Dictionary: "Adoption is a word of position rather than relationship. The believer's relation to GOD as a child results from the new birth (John 1:12), whereas adoption is the divine act whereby one already a child is, through redemption from the law, placed in the position of an adult son."
This verse is addresses those who were already saved. They had heard, believed and established in the Christian faith. These believers were predestinated for the adoption as God’s Redeemed children. Predestination has to do with what GOD did for the believer for eternal relationship with him! this alone is GOD's "eternal purpose." "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children." GOD gives us the Blessed assurance that by the exercise of His will, all who come to JESUS, will be adopted. They will receive the redemption and will forever be with the LORD. GOD has predestined those who are saved will be adopted as his children. They can never again be lost ... GOD decrees it!
"PREDESTINED" is also used in Ephesians 1:11.
“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will..”
Verse 11, as does verse 5, addresses those who are saved and what GOD is now doing for the saved. The lost are not the recipients of the acts of God for the saved. This verse does not teach nor indicate in any way that a sinner is predestined to salvation by the irresistible move of god. Predestined for what reason? It will be noticed that verse 11 continues in verse 12, “to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.” Paul addresses those, " who were the first to hope in Christ." Those who had first trusted in Christ for the praise of his glory this is the topic of Predestination….NOT SALVATION. GOD has determined that the believer will bring praise to His glory, and that His "eternal purpose" will be effected in the life of the believer.
Jesus is Lord
BW
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Biblical Predestination is NOT Calvinism
The Spirit of God does not hold to any particular Statement of Faith or Confessional, but what He does do is enlighten us to the truth of His Word.
What does the word "Predestination" mean when studied etymologically?
The etymology of the English word "predestine" or "predestinate" is that it comes from the Latin word praedestino which meant "to determine beforehand", "to provide beforehand". The Latin word prae meant such things as "before", "in front of", "in advance of"; the word destino meant "to make fast", "to make firm", "to bind", "to establish", "to determine", "to resolve", "to consider"; "to design", "to intend", "to devote", "to appoint", "to choose", "to elect", and so on. The meaning of the relevant Greek words in the NT text are explained below.
In the New Testament text, the Greek word proorizô (Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:5 and 11), combines the preposition pro and the verb horizô which had to do with "marking out" and "separating" and also with "boundaries". The word horizô also had the meanings "to take possession of", "to take to oneself" and "to mark out for oneself". That is very similar to the meaning of the related Greek word horizôn which really meant "limits", "a separating circle". The Greek preposition pro, when used with verbs, meant such things as "forth", "forwards", "before" (in preference), and also, regarding time, "before" or "beforehand".
www.biblepages.web.surftown.se/eb03d.htm
Calvinism is distinguished by the basic principle of the sovereignty of God. There is a weak interpretation of Scripture in reference to Calvin’s Institutes seems to detour God's attributes of love, justice, mercy and grace. His definitions of sovereignty and sin have given a perversion of the truth of God’s Word.
Calvinism teaches that God "elects" some folks to be saved while damning the pitiful others to Hell with no hope salvation. This doctrine directly opposes God who is "not willing that any should perish." If salvation is dependent on the sovereignty of God as Calvin writes then none of us would perish. God’s Word teaches us that our salvation is given freely for everyone to believe what Christ provides on the Cross.
“But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.
Yes, I understand that God is sovereign. But I also see that Calvin incorporates His sovereignty in teaching opposition to God's many other attributes. Unconditional Election and Limited Atonement as presented by Calvin direct souls to eternal separation from God whose attributes of love, justice, mercy and grace are ignored.
According to the definition in any dictionary God is sovereign. God is the Most High and He does not use a remote control to direct movements of people as if they are androids. Such is the suggestion of Calvinism.
The Psalmist demonstrates the compassion of Yaweh for Israel in the wilderness as they rejected His extended hand of love. According to Calvin, God cannot be limited in His judgment or in capacity to love. Scripture suggests that does place some limitations upon himself. God did not secure the entry of the Children of Israel into the promised land as He desired because they would not cooperate with him. Therefore, God allowed them to wander for 40 years because of their unbelief, arrogance and rebellion.
“For their heart was not steadfast toward Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant. But He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them; and often He restrained His anger and did not arouse all His wrath. Thus He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and does not return. How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert! Again and again they tempted God, and pained the Holy One of Israel.” Psalms 78:37-41.
Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:4-8, ”First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.”
Calvinism presents a god who decides which people will spend eternity in hell by withholding faith from them. This god taunts the unbeliever with the verse "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9) while withholding faith to do so. Calvin’s false gospel offers no eternal life for those who believe in the Son of God who comes to us in truth.
For this reason alone, the fallacy of those who follow Calvinism gives no validity to the numerous demands upon the Believer to proclaim the Gospel Message to a lost world.
Jesus is Lord
BW
What does the word "Predestination" mean when studied etymologically?
The etymology of the English word "predestine" or "predestinate" is that it comes from the Latin word praedestino which meant "to determine beforehand", "to provide beforehand". The Latin word prae meant such things as "before", "in front of", "in advance of"; the word destino meant "to make fast", "to make firm", "to bind", "to establish", "to determine", "to resolve", "to consider"; "to design", "to intend", "to devote", "to appoint", "to choose", "to elect", and so on. The meaning of the relevant Greek words in the NT text are explained below.
In the New Testament text, the Greek word proorizô (Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:5 and 11), combines the preposition pro and the verb horizô which had to do with "marking out" and "separating" and also with "boundaries". The word horizô also had the meanings "to take possession of", "to take to oneself" and "to mark out for oneself". That is very similar to the meaning of the related Greek word horizôn which really meant "limits", "a separating circle". The Greek preposition pro, when used with verbs, meant such things as "forth", "forwards", "before" (in preference), and also, regarding time, "before" or "beforehand".
www.biblepages.web.surftown.se/eb03d.htm
Calvinism is distinguished by the basic principle of the sovereignty of God. There is a weak interpretation of Scripture in reference to Calvin’s Institutes seems to detour God's attributes of love, justice, mercy and grace. His definitions of sovereignty and sin have given a perversion of the truth of God’s Word.
Calvinism teaches that God "elects" some folks to be saved while damning the pitiful others to Hell with no hope salvation. This doctrine directly opposes God who is "not willing that any should perish." If salvation is dependent on the sovereignty of God as Calvin writes then none of us would perish. God’s Word teaches us that our salvation is given freely for everyone to believe what Christ provides on the Cross.
“But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.
Yes, I understand that God is sovereign. But I also see that Calvin incorporates His sovereignty in teaching opposition to God's many other attributes. Unconditional Election and Limited Atonement as presented by Calvin direct souls to eternal separation from God whose attributes of love, justice, mercy and grace are ignored.
According to the definition in any dictionary God is sovereign. God is the Most High and He does not use a remote control to direct movements of people as if they are androids. Such is the suggestion of Calvinism.
The Psalmist demonstrates the compassion of Yaweh for Israel in the wilderness as they rejected His extended hand of love. According to Calvin, God cannot be limited in His judgment or in capacity to love. Scripture suggests that does place some limitations upon himself. God did not secure the entry of the Children of Israel into the promised land as He desired because they would not cooperate with him. Therefore, God allowed them to wander for 40 years because of their unbelief, arrogance and rebellion.
“For their heart was not steadfast toward Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant. But He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them; and often He restrained His anger and did not arouse all His wrath. Thus He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and does not return. How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert! Again and again they tempted God, and pained the Holy One of Israel.” Psalms 78:37-41.
Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:4-8, ”First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.”
Calvinism presents a god who decides which people will spend eternity in hell by withholding faith from them. This god taunts the unbeliever with the verse "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9) while withholding faith to do so. Calvin’s false gospel offers no eternal life for those who believe in the Son of God who comes to us in truth.
For this reason alone, the fallacy of those who follow Calvinism gives no validity to the numerous demands upon the Believer to proclaim the Gospel Message to a lost world.
Jesus is Lord
BW
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
We Do Not Need Revival, We Need Christ
________________________________________
Why should I spend my time consumed with revival for dying religious organizations when there are people all around who are in need of the Christ who has been forgotten inside those decaying buildings?
________________________________________
”But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:10-13.
“But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? May it never be! For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:17-20.
Revival by definition is a reawakening of faith or renewal of commitment to religion, and this simply does not describe biblical faith in Christ. Faith, as demonstrated in Scripture is alive and is not generated by human means and is therefore not sustained by the same. Faith in Christ is
1. Confession all sin
2. Removal of anything that prevents fellowship with God
3. Obeying the Holy Spirit and
4. Proclaiming Christ publicly
No, we do not need revival, we need for Christians to stand where they are and proclaim, not their religion, but the Resurrected Christ. Revival is not the answer, Christ is the answer.
"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. "And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:1-6.
Jesus is Lord
BW
Why should I spend my time consumed with revival for dying religious organizations when there are people all around who are in need of the Christ who has been forgotten inside those decaying buildings?
________________________________________
”But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:10-13.
“But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? May it never be! For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:17-20.
Revival by definition is a reawakening of faith or renewal of commitment to religion, and this simply does not describe biblical faith in Christ. Faith, as demonstrated in Scripture is alive and is not generated by human means and is therefore not sustained by the same. Faith in Christ is
1. Confession all sin
2. Removal of anything that prevents fellowship with God
3. Obeying the Holy Spirit and
4. Proclaiming Christ publicly
No, we do not need revival, we need for Christians to stand where they are and proclaim, not their religion, but the Resurrected Christ. Revival is not the answer, Christ is the answer.
"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. "And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:1-6.
Jesus is Lord
BW
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
For the Love of Peter
The risk of loving others as Christ loves us requires transparency and vulnerability, and our personal cost is extremely high.
So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love you." He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep.” John 21:15-17.
A couple of sessions ago I addressed the topic of the Greek words ‘agape’ and ‘phileo’. These three verses in John’s Gospel most likely contain the very best illustration of their use, a conversation between Jesus Christ and his often hesitant disciple, Peter.
With two succeeding questions, Jesus inquires of Peter his love for Him. The Master utilizes the word ‘agape’ and the Disciple returns with the term ‘phileo’. However, because the Lord knows the human heart and also understands Peter’s, He returns to this bewildered follower with the use of ‘phileo’. Peter, no doubt embarrassed and perhaps relieved as well that his Lord finally has understood answers by this third attempt with ‘phileo’. Peter simply was not prepared to love the Lord Jesus with ‘agape’ love.
For the love of Peter……and us.
My opinion of this strange event demonstrates a couple of things, and I am certain there are more.
1. Jesus demonstrates that He knows us much better than we know ourselves.
2. His love for us goes beyond our abilities to love Him in return.
Everyone would like to think that our love for Christ is unfettered, that is to say, “with all of our hearts.” But this is not possible unless we are able to fellowship with the Christ just as the Apostle Paul has written,
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:7-11.
Jesus is Lord
BobW
So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love you." He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep.” John 21:15-17.
A couple of sessions ago I addressed the topic of the Greek words ‘agape’ and ‘phileo’. These three verses in John’s Gospel most likely contain the very best illustration of their use, a conversation between Jesus Christ and his often hesitant disciple, Peter.
With two succeeding questions, Jesus inquires of Peter his love for Him. The Master utilizes the word ‘agape’ and the Disciple returns with the term ‘phileo’. However, because the Lord knows the human heart and also understands Peter’s, He returns to this bewildered follower with the use of ‘phileo’. Peter, no doubt embarrassed and perhaps relieved as well that his Lord finally has understood answers by this third attempt with ‘phileo’. Peter simply was not prepared to love the Lord Jesus with ‘agape’ love.
For the love of Peter……and us.
My opinion of this strange event demonstrates a couple of things, and I am certain there are more.
1. Jesus demonstrates that He knows us much better than we know ourselves.
2. His love for us goes beyond our abilities to love Him in return.
Everyone would like to think that our love for Christ is unfettered, that is to say, “with all of our hearts.” But this is not possible unless we are able to fellowship with the Christ just as the Apostle Paul has written,
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:7-11.
Jesus is Lord
BobW
Monday, February 15, 2010
Wrong Ideas About the Human Body
Two Olympians have been quoted that we should be proud of our bodies and they obviously are. "Teter is selling undies for Haiti relief, slogans like "Do your civic booty" and "Baby gave back" scroll over the boy shorts that say 'Make love not war.' Like Teter, Vonn isn't bothered by nudity." http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics
This is a real problem for Christian faith. Scripture tells us that our bodies are not to be worshipped, but only God is to be worshipped. We are to put Him on display, not our bodies....especially in nude forms.
Humanism has wrong ideas about the human body and only Christ has the answer.
Jesus is Lord
BW
This is a real problem for Christian faith. Scripture tells us that our bodies are not to be worshipped, but only God is to be worshipped. We are to put Him on display, not our bodies....especially in nude forms.
Humanism has wrong ideas about the human body and only Christ has the answer.
Jesus is Lord
BW
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Much More than Etc.
Man continues to be divided only because the human heart has not ceased the desire to supersede the presence of the Almighty.
If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do, and how to do it. We are now far into the fifth year since a policy was initiated with the avowed object, and confident promise, of putting an end to slavery agitation. Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only not ceased, but has constantly augmented. In my opinion, it will not cease, until a crisis shall have been reached and passed. "A house divided against itself cannot stand." I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved -- I do not expect the house to fall -- but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other. – Abraham Lincoln, June 16, 1858.
"Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great." Luke 6:47-49.
The issues that plague us have forever been the same. We want to blame the Liberals, Conservatives, the poor, the rich, the Black skinned and the White skinned, the Hispanics, and the list is ad infinitum. Not one of these excuses brings solution because they are what they are….excuses. However, God tells us that on He is the solution to each and every problem of man.
Jesus tells us that, "Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like……” He is directing His thoughts at everyone who rejects Him.
"He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil. exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God." John 3:18-21.
Jesus is Lord
BW
If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do, and how to do it. We are now far into the fifth year since a policy was initiated with the avowed object, and confident promise, of putting an end to slavery agitation. Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only not ceased, but has constantly augmented. In my opinion, it will not cease, until a crisis shall have been reached and passed. "A house divided against itself cannot stand." I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved -- I do not expect the house to fall -- but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other. – Abraham Lincoln, June 16, 1858.
"Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great." Luke 6:47-49.
The issues that plague us have forever been the same. We want to blame the Liberals, Conservatives, the poor, the rich, the Black skinned and the White skinned, the Hispanics, and the list is ad infinitum. Not one of these excuses brings solution because they are what they are….excuses. However, God tells us that on He is the solution to each and every problem of man.
Jesus tells us that, "Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like……” He is directing His thoughts at everyone who rejects Him.
"He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil. exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God." John 3:18-21.
Jesus is Lord
BW
God’s Faithful are to Follow the Laws of Men
Sometimes we cannot prevent injustice even to the powerless, unless to circumvent law is in keeping with God's Law. Do things correctly and the change of wrong can be achieved.
There are many places in God’s Word that address the Christian's relationship to the State.
Paul reminds Christians that they must obey the government and respect worldly authority wherever possible.
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Romans 13:1-7.
Paul then tells Timothy to pray for those who have authority over Believers that they may live with dignity.
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
1 Timothy 2:1-2.
Paul encourages Believers to submit to those who rule over them and to be obedient to what is good.
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. Titus 3:1.
Peter reflects the heart of Paul that Christians are to hold proper respect to all who are in authority.
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17.
However, having said that, there is one overwhelming principle: God's law should be the foundation of man's law.
In Acts 5:29, when Peter and the apostles were forbidden by the Jewish authorities to preach the Gospel, they flagrantly disobeyed that edict saying, "We ought to obey God rather than men. " In any conflict between what God says is right and what the laws of man demand of us, we must be prepared to stand up for God's law at whatever personal cost.
True enough, these Jewish leaders did not represent the laws of Rome, but their traditions of religion held sway over a large population. For this reason Peter stood firm in his desire to follow the directions of God.
We are reminded by the writer of Hebrews that we are "strangers and pilgrims" wherever we live. We must obey the law of the land insofar as these laws do not contradict God's law. We must pay our taxes and honor our Nation’s leadership. However, our citizenship is in Heaven and our loyalty is to Christ Jesus as Lord.
In following the laws of men that are not contrary to the laws of God for man we must remember that by doing so we are more able to proclaim the Good News.
But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:13-18.
Jesus is Lord
BobW
There are many places in God’s Word that address the Christian's relationship to the State.
Paul reminds Christians that they must obey the government and respect worldly authority wherever possible.
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Romans 13:1-7.
Paul then tells Timothy to pray for those who have authority over Believers that they may live with dignity.
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
1 Timothy 2:1-2.
Paul encourages Believers to submit to those who rule over them and to be obedient to what is good.
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. Titus 3:1.
Peter reflects the heart of Paul that Christians are to hold proper respect to all who are in authority.
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17.
However, having said that, there is one overwhelming principle: God's law should be the foundation of man's law.
In Acts 5:29, when Peter and the apostles were forbidden by the Jewish authorities to preach the Gospel, they flagrantly disobeyed that edict saying, "We ought to obey God rather than men. " In any conflict between what God says is right and what the laws of man demand of us, we must be prepared to stand up for God's law at whatever personal cost.
True enough, these Jewish leaders did not represent the laws of Rome, but their traditions of religion held sway over a large population. For this reason Peter stood firm in his desire to follow the directions of God.
We are reminded by the writer of Hebrews that we are "strangers and pilgrims" wherever we live. We must obey the law of the land insofar as these laws do not contradict God's law. We must pay our taxes and honor our Nation’s leadership. However, our citizenship is in Heaven and our loyalty is to Christ Jesus as Lord.
In following the laws of men that are not contrary to the laws of God for man we must remember that by doing so we are more able to proclaim the Good News.
But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:13-18.
Jesus is Lord
BobW
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