tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244210957508590212024-03-05T14:12:39.924-06:00The Shepherd's CornerPastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-37532419416028789162019-03-08T14:45:00.002-06:002019-03-08T22:21:02.239-06:00He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This short verse with only seven words has stood in the back of my mind for years. It is found in John 3:30. This verse was John the Baptist's approach to a life that was to be lived for God's glory. Beginning at John's birth, he always stood in the shadows of Jesus Christ. John was a very common man who happened to grow up in a God-fearing family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> What we know about John’s formative years is that he lived
in obscurity in the desert. His diet was simple, honey and wild locust. His wardrobe of camel hair would not win him any fashion contests. It would be through John's<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> public ministry that ended 400 years of prophetic
silence. </span>
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John’s ministry and his message marked the culmination of
the law and the prophets, and at the same time he heralded the Good News of the Kingdom of God. John the Baptist was truly a transitional figure; he formed
the link between the Old and New Testaments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>You could say that he had one
foot placed in each Testament.</div>
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We certainly know that John was not a <i>crowd pleaser</i> and we also know that his message was simple. He routinely preached, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." This message offended the religious leaders who already had what they thought they spiritually needed. John willingly confronted the
hypocrisy of the religious establishment and he went against their theological grain. In fact, he did not hesitate to expose the immorality of
Herod, which led him to die a martyr’s death rather than compromise his convictions. </div>
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Jesus Christ affirmed & praised the dedicated life of
John the Baptist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that, “he was
the greatest born among women <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">because he
had the privilege of pointing to the Lamb of God</i>.” One thing to admire about John the Baptist was that he fully
accepted his subordinate role to Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was never here to be recognized or to compete with Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John’s humble view was, <i> I’m not even worthy
enough to untie the sandals on Jesus' feet.</i></div>
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The religious Jews were trying to inflame John the Baptist
to jealousy, anger, and discontentment due to the fact that many of John’s
disciples had a stronger loyalty to Jesus than to John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They tried to create the feeling in John that he deserved more than what he was getting.</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> John responded this way—the church, God’s people, they are the
Bride of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They belong to
HIM!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just the best man—the groom’s
friend who was blessed just to play some part.
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According to John, he was fine with this arrangement because
he had only one purpose, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>which was point people to Jesus Christ the Lamb of God</b>.</i> In fact, John says, I’ve got so much joy in my heart over
what is happening that my joy level is complete~~I can’t put any more joy
inside of it (John 3:29). Then John speaks those infamous 7 words, “HE MUST increase,
but I must decrease.”</div>
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The posture of John the Baptist~~it was humble and it was
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was similar to that of Jesus
Christ—in Philippians 2 when Christ humbled Himself to the point of the cross. As believers in Christ’s church—<u>we all have one primary goal
and purpose</u>~~<b>and that is to glorify God by pointing people to the Lamb of God.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means we become more obscure and our Jesus becomes more visible. It means that our passion to point others to Jesus Christ may
remove us out of the spotlight and into a deeper servant role that includes sacrifice. </div>
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<i><b>"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30 </b></i></div>
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<i><b> </b></i> </div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-47178185539135330972019-02-28T09:48:00.001-06:002019-02-28T09:48:49.629-06:007 Reasons Why We Need a Church Vision Statement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVFymwR5c430OBQOJ5pmv6PR-UhyphenhyphenNFwHfwR7BofBce236a51TVMvYHQgGw3JDLyAnJMHJJrub58TBINxSVB7bu1FxUs1K_5uqVxRmiDnggaPOMMuVlKOOZiXMG1jEssuKXvvOVH2rgOc/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVFymwR5c430OBQOJ5pmv6PR-UhyphenhyphenNFwHfwR7BofBce236a51TVMvYHQgGw3JDLyAnJMHJJrub58TBINxSVB7bu1FxUs1K_5uqVxRmiDnggaPOMMuVlKOOZiXMG1jEssuKXvvOVH2rgOc/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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Over the
last few years at Maywood you have heard me say many times over again that we
are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Becoming a People to Reach People
for Christ!”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that the message
has not become “old-hat” or cliché-like to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to share seven reasons why all churches need a church vision
statement.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Without a
vision statement churches have no idea where they are headed.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine someone on a ship adjusting the sails
to head a certain direction while another person stands at the helm adjusting
the rudder for another direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
the while the crew is paddling at different rhythms and reverse directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that point the ship goes nowhere and the
people remain exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having no
vision statement is like boarding the ship for vacation but nobody truly knows
where he or she is headed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A
vision statement brings about the necessary changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Change is part of life and yet change can
be painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a proper understanding
of why a church exists, decisions can be much easier to make because the sails
are being adjusted to obtain the vision of the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a proper vision statement people are
able to loosen the ropes that have anchored them down for so long and set sail
for where they are headed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tradition and the past cannot define future
of the church.</i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A
vision statement gives purpose to every ministry in the church.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people within the church bring their own
ideas in terms of what a church should look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can be very confusing and frustrating at
the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personal feelings get in
the way and selfishness can begin to dominate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A vision-driven church establishes ministries that fulfill the vision of
the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best choices are sought
out in order to help move the church closer to its vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that the church can not do
everything.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A
vision statement determines how the money in the church is spent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>A budget reveals a great deal as to where
a church is headed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church should
build its budget around a particular staff, ministries, and programs that bring
about the vision of the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a
church believes they are called to reach their community with the Gospel then
money should be set aside for strategic endeavors to reach the community and
even plant churches.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A
vision statement is a picture of God’s priority for the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Churches that want to adhere to God’s
idea to where they are headed should encapsulate the mission of God in their
vision statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be biblical
and everyone should be able to support it without reservation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It provides the backbone to why the church is
doing what they are doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A vision
statement is God’s specific plan for a church for a specific time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A
vision statement directs the discipleship process of the church.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most churches incorporate and sum up the
Great Commission in their vision statements (Matt. 28:19-20).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Complete</i>
discipleship involves growing believers deep in the Word of God <u>and</u>
reaching the lost for Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both
are necessary components and exist together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Discipleship is a journey in which we never arrive until Jesus Christ
returns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also means that everyone is
a part of discipleship process.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A
vision statement must move God’s people to action.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be quick, easy, and understandable
that we have a job to get done as a church when we read or state our vision
statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why it is posted
everywhere at the church and on our social media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire church shares the same vision
statement whether children or seniors. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I hope that
you have memorized Maywood’s Vision Statement and state it often to others
around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that it would become
the priority of your life as God has led you to Maywood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Becoming
a People to Reach People for Christ!”</i></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-62891154312229736732019-02-14T11:48:00.001-06:002019-02-14T11:48:36.059-06:00Standing for Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fQlLuqqnR5iHmvbg2rWwZJ0gIwMZ-C8BIn9xfKP3Cz9jtdasQpZ91xmDdC6-k_suBXYA6q-MKVURN1wTpy5IdIOlz40TTpxhgJZQBLwDA9rpfbOdNEy-lMrLvPpZuSlYyT4tj9XWs8w/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fQlLuqqnR5iHmvbg2rWwZJ0gIwMZ-C8BIn9xfKP3Cz9jtdasQpZ91xmDdC6-k_suBXYA6q-MKVURN1wTpy5IdIOlz40TTpxhgJZQBLwDA9rpfbOdNEy-lMrLvPpZuSlYyT4tj9XWs8w/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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My heart has
been troubled since I’ve read and listened to the recent approval of the
Reproductive Health Act in New York.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This legislation now permits abortions to take place all the way up
until the child is born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This new legislation,
which was signed into law on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade (Jan. 22), has
been celebrated as “progress for woman.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The governor of New York wanted to be clear by stating that he was not
representing the views of his own church (the Catholic church) or views of any religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My question is then, “When and where is God
allowed to intersect society and impact its laws?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, to remove God and His Word from
society would no longer make us “one nation under God.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who then sets the moral compass for our
society?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The governor insisted that he
is working only on behalf of the people and their constitutional rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly enough, infants with beating hearts
have no rights.</div>
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The horrific
brutality of killing infants that is permitted by healthcare professionals and
protected by law is abhorrent in the sight of God as He is the Author of
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In just 46 years (since Jan 22, 1973), it is
estimated that more than 60 million abortions have taken place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When this is considered, think about how many
more people should be serving and worshipping in our churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider how this heinous act has brought
forth the displeasure and judgment of God upon this country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of this beckons the question, “How should
and could we be a voice for God and for those who are aborted?”</div>
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I first want
to say to<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> those who
have had an abortion that the sin of abortion is no less forgivable than any
other sin. The Bible is clear that through faith in Christ, all sins can be
forgiven (John 3:16).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As well, all
those involved can find forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ— the woman
who has had an abortion, a man who has encouraged an abortion, and even the
doctor who has performed the abortion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please know that God makes
His view of abortion known in Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jeremiah informs us that God knows us by name before He forms us in the
womb (Jer. 1:5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Psalm 139, David says
that God intricately designs us in our mother’s womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Old Testament, under the Law, a man
who struck a pregnant woman <u>and caused death to her child, that man’s life
would be taken</u>~~ “then you shall pay life for life” (Exodus 21:22-25).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each person is conceived in the image of God
and is deemed valuable and worthy of life (Genesis 1:26-27).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through Scripture God is clear that infants
in the womb are just as much of an individual as a full-grown adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would conclude that for Christians we have
the duty to prize and protect life for all—even those who are unable to speak
for themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Christians, we should
be able to speak freely and unashamedly concerning God’s view of life for
infants.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over the years I have heard
some Christians suggest that abortion would be acceptable in the case of incest
or rape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As harsh and awful as these acts
against a woman may be, Scripture <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nowhere</i>
indicates or gives permission to exercise an evil for an evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, terminating an innocent
child’s life because of the circumstances that led to their conception could
never be Biblically supported.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
many loving families who would welcome a child from this situation and provide
a nurturing environment for them—I know some people personally who love and
accept these children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In less than 5%
of cases is rape, incest, or a mother’s own life the cause of abortion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most abortions that take place today do so
simply because someone does not want the baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In cases where the mother’s
life is at stake during childbirth (which I have read is 1/10<sup>th</sup> of
1% of the time), I would encourage the husband, wife, and family to pray
through this matter and seek the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>James says to pray for great wisdom (James 1:5) and Paul says to be
confident that your decision honors the Lord (Romans 14:5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Morally our country has lost
its way, which is why Christians and churches must shine the glorious Gospel of
Christ to our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way home to God
is through the cross of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is always hope and restoration through the deep love of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until Christ returns, God’s people must live this
life with conviction based upon the principles in God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-12252275801785873202019-02-07T11:37:00.001-06:002019-02-07T13:38:40.228-06:00How Many Bible Stories Are There in the Bible?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofdw98s9PbsOMKrBwKt_n4YPNThuyhT3mqZ2nnEJBo1sx5tNMGSlIOWLy5nb33ZOHwh9LSsnRxmtPHPma9_smU5i0z1dmJlUiZPOAVV1uH6o8TngVHFi2E2sGilxsww06G9GaNsEoJ8c/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofdw98s9PbsOMKrBwKt_n4YPNThuyhT3mqZ2nnEJBo1sx5tNMGSlIOWLy5nb33ZOHwh9LSsnRxmtPHPma9_smU5i0z1dmJlUiZPOAVV1uH6o8TngVHFi2E2sGilxsww06G9GaNsEoJ8c/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As a young
boy I recall many stories read and shared with me about Bible characters and
their great adventures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My teachers
would always strive to share with me the significance of why a certain story
took place. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my young opinion the
Bible contained a great number of stories spanning thousands of years that
talked about God’s goodness and often man’s disobedience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I failed to see the single storyline
of God and the great unity amongst the many stories that I was learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Churches and
Christians run the risk of proclaiming a false Gospel unintentionally by
failing to read and teach the Bible in light of its main message, which is
culminated in Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main
storyline of Scripture is the redemption of sinful man by a holy and loving
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is imperative that we as God’s
people understand the framework of the Bible in order to provide a better
understanding of the events that have and are taking place in Christian
history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is actively involved,
sovereign, and bringing about events in order that His great name might be
glorified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All 66 books in our Holy
Bible bring about a single unity in one common message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Allow me to
share a few thoughts about the single storyline that stands at the center of
God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to keep in mind that
the story of Scripture is God’s story of Himself as King over everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the sovereign Ruler and Creator of all
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David says, “The Lord has
established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm
103:19)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike all of creation, God
created humans with a unique relationship with Himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He created all of mankind in His image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This story, like most stories, started off as
happy and joyful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Adam failed to
listen to the voice of God and attempted to cover his sin by blaming
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Adam and Eve’s sin were
comprehensively catastrophic to the human race and all of creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, even on this very dark day, God provided
news of a future hope that would come through the seed of Eve that would crush
the Serpent~~Satan (Gen. 3:15).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
wickedness of man grew and God provided rulers, stipulations, laws, and
covenants in order to guide and prepare His people for a Redeemer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God, in His goodness and justice, chose a
people that He would call His own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
people would come through a man named Abraham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God used various leaders, kings, judges, prophets, and even enemy people
to guide the hearts of His people in preparation of the ultimate Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the midst of God’s patience and kindness
towards His chosen people, they chose to dishonor God and make for themselves
graven images and gods that would bring them trouble and dissatisfaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It would be
the King of kings Himself who would come to rescue His people for His
praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be after many years of
darkness that the Light of the world, the true light, would come into the world
(John 1:9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name was Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not the kind of king that His people
expected so they rejected and despised Him (John 1:10-11).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This King (Jesus) would not set up for
Himself an earthly kingdom but His destiny was to the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason why was because Jesus would give
His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus Christ would be the fulfillment of prophecy and the fulfillment of
every Old Testament requirement found in the Law in order to forgive sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This King not only died to pay for the price
of sin but He rose from the dead just as He said he would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a demonstration that Jesus Christ
was truly the almighty King and that not even death could stop Him (Mt.
28:18-20).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You see,
since the beginning of time, God had a purpose in all that He was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entirety of Scripture tells of that
single storyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When reading the
Bible, make an attempt to see a single message that God is sharing with His
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in mind that “all Scripture
is Profitable” (2 Tim. 3:16) but the intent of Scripture and how it fits
together is for us to study and understand. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-48400362933685218902019-01-24T17:35:00.000-06:002019-01-24T17:35:01.182-06:00Patience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5moH3cLp9q4fhbQJLvJ5W3vvPp7VXae6QSKvG7XETCkMFF-Xhy8q0QGGRtgHeLrb_lnXnRNYc959hTWArQlYHjZeCtOjmqRKJ8-d4NDnzEGx0tXpo5kY94nxEhJLpiJZB0slfjBhaye8/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5moH3cLp9q4fhbQJLvJ5W3vvPp7VXae6QSKvG7XETCkMFF-Xhy8q0QGGRtgHeLrb_lnXnRNYc959hTWArQlYHjZeCtOjmqRKJ8-d4NDnzEGx0tXpo5kY94nxEhJLpiJZB0slfjBhaye8/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are times in my life that God does not operate
according to my calendar and I find myself waiting upon Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth of the matter is that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">patience</i></b>
is a virtue and it is also a supernatural by product that comes from the Holy
Spirit as we walk in fellowship with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being patient is a vital part of trusting in God, as our life
circumstances are not always what we would prefer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Practicing patience is a matter of trusting
in the wisdom, power, and sovereignty of God during times in our lives when
life does not make sense to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is a
Christian to rest with the confidence that God is at the helm even in our darkest
hours?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it possible to trust the heart
of God even when we can’t trace His hands?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God provides comfort, encouragement, and promises for His
people through His Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please take the
time to read these seven references and rest upon the comfort of His Word.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ephesians 4:1-3</b>,
“<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I therefore, a
prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to
which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with patience</i>, bearing with one another
in love, <span class="reftext"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">e</span></span>ager
to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Galatians 6:9, </span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And let us not grow weary of
doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 Corinthians 13:4-7</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, “Love is patient and kind;
love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on
its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;<span class="footnote"><sup> </sup></span>it
does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. <span class="reftext"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span>Love bears
all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Philippians 4:6-7</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, “Rejoice in the Lord
always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness<span class="footnote"><sup>
</sup></span>be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Proverbs 15:18</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, “<span class="ln-group">A
hot-tempered man stirs up strife,</span> <span class="indent">but he who is slow
to anger quiets contention.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="indent"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Romans 12:2</span></b></span><span class="indent"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, “</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rejoice in hope, be patient
in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”</span></div>
<div class="indent1stline">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm
37:7-9</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, “</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be still
before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; fret not when men prosper in their
ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring
harm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the evildoers will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”</span></div>
<div class="indent1stline">
<br /></div>
<div class="indent1stline">
<br /></div>
<div class="indent1stline">
<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-19454348720247937692019-01-10T16:22:00.002-06:002019-01-10T16:22:40.099-06:00Does the Bible Still Say to Tithe?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs07IqoKOpNRZllmKm3DksUjRz9NMn9sLe4jseOHIyOeU_IfUsL1Npv2eOUzogj9s7GrEi0nj7EuMx9wpk1IEVnMfgjMh6F4U-UYGMEH6TKS5W5yFB5s68HZPq_xH5BajYL0P-JLpU20E/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs07IqoKOpNRZllmKm3DksUjRz9NMn9sLe4jseOHIyOeU_IfUsL1Npv2eOUzogj9s7GrEi0nj7EuMx9wpk1IEVnMfgjMh6F4U-UYGMEH6TKS5W5yFB5s68HZPq_xH5BajYL0P-JLpU20E/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When people
ask this question they are often asking whether or not God requires them to
give 10% of their income to the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both the Old and New Testaments say a lot about giving and the use of
personal possessions for God’s glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
strive never to manipulate or pressure people to give, as it is a matter of the
heart between God and the Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
duty is to preach the Word of God faithfully and help God’s people to
understand that our giving is an <u>act of worship </u>and a <u>matter of the
heart</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Old
Testament tithe was an Old Testament practice, which was eradicated when Jesus
Christ gave Himself on the cross of Calvary for our sins (Matt. 5:17-18; Rom
10:4; Gal. 3:23-25; and Eph. 2:15).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus Christ was the righteous fulfillment of <u>every aspect</u> of the
Old Testament Law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christians are no
longer under the Law of God but under the Covenant of Grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, God still calls Christians to His
high standards of holiness and yet it is only possible because of Jesus
Christ’s imputation of holiness upon those who believe in Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Over the
years the Christian church appears to have adopted 10% as the measurement to
give to their local church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many who
embrace that amount do so because of the teaching in the Old Testament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, the Old Testament Law required
multiple tithes, which if combined, would be in excess of 25% of their
income.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would agree that this is a
good and reasonable practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The New
Testament also provides instruction on giving, which is giving with “great
generosity” and with a “joyful heart” (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the New Testament, there is no
set amount or recommended amount of giving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, Christians are called to give <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">generously</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sacrificially</i>,
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">joyfully</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are called to respond to needs without
restraints and to trust God in great faith for His provision.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I do not
desire to be legalistic about giving; however, many Christians struggle with
how much they should give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be
said that the Old Testament provides a framework under a system of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Law</i> in terms of how much to give, which
was at least 10%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are blessed to live
under the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Covenant of Grace</i> because
of the work of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise God
we are not bound to laws that we could never fulfill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be said, “How much more should we
desire to bless God with as we live under this amazing Covenant of Grace?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ taught regularly about the struggle between
one’s possessions and eternal matters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, He said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I believe
that the joy of giving stems from being touched by the grace of God and
personally being the recipient of the Gospel of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our duty is to bring our offerings as an act
of worship and praise to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should
be given with a heart that is fixed on advancing God’s church and the Gospel
Message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who struggle with giving
miss out on the blessing of honoring God with their material resources that God
has entrusted to each believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We as
Christians are stewards of what God has blessed us with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately, we are accountable to Him in
terms of how we give, share, and manage those resources.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Please know,
as your pastor, my wife and I count it an honor to give and want to be an
example to the flock of God in this area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God has called us to worship Him with all that we are and all that we
have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May He never be disappointed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-32019006655841564482018-12-20T12:59:00.004-06:002018-12-21T15:36:16.371-06:00Did Jesus Carry Any of Mary's DNA?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29JpTXmRBay5gaXC3LwDWx3VAAh4FjHxX-k0d4dN2KywpScLss2JzebQIh09dsEAqwTzBgzSnXp9f9AF2zwKaP7-_CFL0dskULuRntU6FjynS-fBx05hNOBsm51HFexetAO3HWwVd2tk/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29JpTXmRBay5gaXC3LwDWx3VAAh4FjHxX-k0d4dN2KywpScLss2JzebQIh09dsEAqwTzBgzSnXp9f9AF2zwKaP7-_CFL0dskULuRntU6FjynS-fBx05hNOBsm51HFexetAO3HWwVd2tk/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I
was recently asked a very good and thought provoking question from one of our
church members. To be honest it was one of the best questions that I’ve been
asked in a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asked, “</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">If Jesus was sinless then does He have any DNA from
his mother?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow, good question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously God does not tell us all the things
that we feel are important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, God
does tell us all the things that we need to know in order to have a saving
relationship with Him and to worship Him properly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">So, in
efforts to answer her question as Biblically and thoroughly as possible I would
like to share a few bullet points of thought.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We clearly know from Scripture (Matthew 1, and Luke 1) that the
miraculous birth of Jesus Christ was brought about by God’s Holy Spirit
without any human contribution. This is why Christ was sinless.
Sin is passed along through the seed of man —since the time of Adam
(Romans 5:12, 5:17, 5:19). </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The result of sin is that it brings forth death (both physically and
spiritually—James 1:15) to all mankind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Jesus Christ, as the perfect and Holy Child, had no sin and
therefore could not die apart from the decreed will of God to die on the
cross for our sin (Ephesians 1:4).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Although God has not disclosed the biological nature of how Mary
carried the child into the world, it would be my opinion that God has
disclosed the most important information <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that He was without sin</i>. I do not believe that any of
Mary’s DNA that would have been affected by sin, would have been imputed
(or placed) into Jesus Christ—this would violate the fact that Christ was
the Holy Lamb of God that came to die for the sins of mankind. His
sinlessness made Him the only candidate who could die for man’s sin.
I believe that Mary physically nurture the Christ child while He was
in the womb.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I believe that the DNA necessary for a sinless birth was provided
by God alone and could not be produced any other way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">God just does not give us the full details but this is a good
question. I would say it was still a supernatural act of God in how
Jesus Christ (as God) entered into the universe through a virgin.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Please know that this is my opinion
based on the Scriptural information that I have read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to be careful of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eisegesis</i> (reading into the Biblical text), which is the opposite
of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">exegesis</i> (drawing out of the
Biblical text).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often we want to
know more than what God has provided so one can be guilty of connecting dots
that God never intended for us to connect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some things will remain a mystery until the day we see Christ face to
face. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even at that point in time it
probably won’t even matter, as we will be caught up in worshipping Him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-52693969716330663792018-12-13T17:38:00.002-06:002018-12-13T17:38:18.357-06:00Feeling Empty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjLxu3_z0xbRdXji597a1de0km43ws0m3AlSe6RiQewQAkpm9ppb0dO2g4hLudIvlhGw_CfoZBhD9rwqp_5DW-LjN-JZ6cMLOrlCGMqZyGpUtCuUOdr7e4kmrCVCRaNRSzkIY_BnzJCs/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjLxu3_z0xbRdXji597a1de0km43ws0m3AlSe6RiQewQAkpm9ppb0dO2g4hLudIvlhGw_CfoZBhD9rwqp_5DW-LjN-JZ6cMLOrlCGMqZyGpUtCuUOdr7e4kmrCVCRaNRSzkIY_BnzJCs/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Emptiness
is a difficult emotion to try to describe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is that feeling you have not just when you are tired, but when you
have given it everything you’ve got and nothing seems to remain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you feel empty, it’s like a piece of
your soul is missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps your heart
aches because of a void by the one you love who didn’t return your love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be due to plans that did not come to
fruition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may even be due to the loss
of a loved one that is no longer around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May
I encourage you with a few verses from God’s Word:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 Corinthians 12:10</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, “For the sake of Christ,
then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and
calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Romans 15:13</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, “<span class="block-indent">May
the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the
power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="block-indent"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isaiah 41:10,</span></b></span><span class="block-indent"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “</span></span><span class="ln-group"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fear
not, for I am with you;</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span class="indent">be not dismayed, for I am your God;</span><br />
<span class="ln-group">I will strengthen you, I will help you,</span> <span class="indent">I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="indent"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 28:7</span></b></span><span class="indent"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, “</span></span><span class="ln-group"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The </span></span><span class="divine-name"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord</span></span><span class="ln-group"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is my
strength and my shield;</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span class="indent">in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;</span> <span class="ln-group">my heart exults,</span> <span class="indent">and with my song I
give thanks to him.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="indent"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 4:13-14, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span></b></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus said to her, <span class="woc">‘Everyone who drinks of
this water will be thirsty again,</span> <span class="woc">but whoever drinks of
the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.</span><span class="footnote"><sup> </sup></span><span class="woc"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water that I will give him will become in
him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="woc"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 36:9,</span></b></span><span class="woc"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “</span></span><span class="ln-group"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For with
you is the fountain of life;</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span class="indent">in your light do we see light.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-20229805661815542012018-12-06T11:04:00.001-06:002018-12-06T14:39:38.942-06:00God Versus Human Authority<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLuELQ5z8Kr4UNLQHVy3q-ZtGlFp2lcH54cY5wN4MLFXP2A1wMRH9TS3ZwKTpJwKdcHrXHII5I5zbNiQtay896ibCqNQyqLLlaHfwBzjH9qQUtKkBaHZbRpi5i9Yk7GE9GiNDGJcHj14/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLuELQ5z8Kr4UNLQHVy3q-ZtGlFp2lcH54cY5wN4MLFXP2A1wMRH9TS3ZwKTpJwKdcHrXHII5I5zbNiQtay896ibCqNQyqLLlaHfwBzjH9qQUtKkBaHZbRpi5i9Yk7GE9GiNDGJcHj14/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most people don’t enjoy being bossed around or being told
what to do; however, God has instituted authority in our lives to bring order,
to manage human relationships, and to bring glory to Himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the beginning of time mankind has
struggled with authority not understanding that it was actually intended for good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some view authority negatively although God
established it to be positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The frustration
is that those in authority do not always manage or govern others well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, many times authority is abused,
which causes some to rebel against authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth is that God calls all people to submit to authority
to some degree or chaos and disruption occurs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, God provides many examples in Scripture of submitting to various
authorities in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all
called to submit to God’s authority over us (James 4:7). Parents are called to
instruct and discipline their children and children are told to submit and
honor their parents (Eph. 6:1-3). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Husbands
are called to love and lead their wives (Eph. 5:23) and wives are told to
submit to their husband’s leadership (Eph. 5:22).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Servants are called to submit to their
masters or those that they report (Titus 2:9-11).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All Christians are to respect and submit to
one another (Eph. 5:21).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church is
to submit to Christ (Eph. 5:24).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, we
are called to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-2).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peter
wrote, “Submit yourselves <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for the Lord's
sake</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to every authority instituted
among men</b>: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors,
who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do
right” (1 Pet. 2:13-14).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
authorities stray from their purposes and violate the authority that was
entrusted to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Scripture, both
Jesus and Paul used taxes as a way to illustrate this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Roman government taxed the Jews unjustly
and many of the tax collectors were thieves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When asked about this dilemma, Jesus took a
coin and said, “‘Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?’ ‘Caesar's,’
they replied. Then he said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to
God what is God's’” (Matt. 22:20-21). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, the believers in Rome were still
asking the same question because Paul instructed them on the matter in the same
way. “This is also why you pay taxes, <u>for the authorities are God's servants</u>,
who give their full time to governing” (Rom. 13:6).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Submission is not a popular
concept today; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">however, it is part of
God’s divine design for our benefit and His glory</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God calls believers, in word and deed, to
support all of the authorities that He has established.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even human government serves as God’s
appointed servants for our good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God expects
full obedience to authority with the right godly spirit, (1 Cor. 10:31; Col.
3:17).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God calls Christians to obey and pray
for those in authority over them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leading
is hard work and yet a gift from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
hope is that those who lead and do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior would be
drawn to a knowledge of God by the way that we live our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proper attitudes and obedience towards those
who are over us can create Gospel opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there are times that a choice must be made
between honoring God and honoring our authorities, we must always choose God
(Dan. 3:16-18).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created authority and
obedience to authority is a priority to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-61123130569609201272018-11-29T13:49:00.000-06:002018-11-29T14:13:21.669-06:00Does Scripture Say to Celebrate Christmas?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfCSrUKBTS3bbxDKKt98cWeG4sn2-RoJ8NfFxs5moDMpPsWFJIEgaHYeMoUyeFTXqnJG9QgJlRsQhUxqhBq9Z7GZWrTExAZHYD_nYePnf838qlwH6TF27QIDk40nIzaYJrcxgYlrkStM/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfCSrUKBTS3bbxDKKt98cWeG4sn2-RoJ8NfFxs5moDMpPsWFJIEgaHYeMoUyeFTXqnJG9QgJlRsQhUxqhBq9Z7GZWrTExAZHYD_nYePnf838qlwH6TF27QIDk40nIzaYJrcxgYlrkStM/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
Allow me to begin by saying that I love the Christmas season and that I strive to celebrate it for the right reason~~the birth of our Savior. However, there are those who have argued that we are told nowhere in Scripture to celebrate Christmas. They are correct in that there’s no direct biblical commandment to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
Historically, on the twenty-fifth of
December in the Roman Empire there was a pagan holiday that was linked
to various mysterious religions; the pagans celebrated this festival on December
25. The Christians at that time refused to take part in this holiday. In fact, they decided that while everybody else is celebrating this pagan holiday that they were going to
have their own celebration. They chose to celebrate the thing that was most
important in their lives, the incarnation of God, the birth of Jesus
Christ. They decided that this was going to be a time of
celebration and worship of God their King.<br />
<br />
Those who would argue that there is no evidence of Christ's birth happening on December 25th would be correct. In fact, there is much in the New
Testament narratives that would indicate that it didn’t occur during this time of year; it was probably more in our spring season. There is no doubt that some traditions of candle burning, ringing of bells, and even stringing of trees can be tied to some type of pagan custom over the centuries. However, it is not the origin of the Christmas holiday for Christians. The ringing of bells today is to speak of the glorious arrival of Jesus Christ and not a driving away of evil spirits. The lighting of candles is not to shun away the cold and darkness of the world around us; rather, it is to celebrate Jesus Christ as the light of the world (John 1:4-9).<br />
<br />
Many traditions are obscure and there is disagreement over their origins. <span itemprop="articleBody">Some of our most popular and beloved
Christmas symbols are entirely Christian, and were never part of any
pagan religion anywhere. </span><span itemprop="articleBody"><span itemprop="articleBody">What is important is not the origins of traditions, but their significance to us today as believers in the Son of God. </span></span><span itemprop="articleBody"><span itemprop="articleBody">I can’t think of anything more pleasing to Christ than the church celebrating His birthday every year. I understand that the world celebrates a Christ-less Christmas but yet Christians have a wonderful opportunity to express the reason for the season very clearly. </span></span><br />
<span itemprop="articleBody"><span itemprop="articleBody"><br /></span></span>
<span itemprop="articleBody"><span itemprop="articleBody">I would recommend to those who struggle celebrating Christmas to give grace towards others and allow their actions to be held accountable to God (Romans 14:12). For those who lack the confidence on whether or not it is right to celebrate Christmas then I would say to abstain from celebrating. Paul encourages all Christians to live with the confidence that their actions fully glorify God and if they lack that confidence then they should refrain from those actions (Romans 14:5). </span></span><span itemprop="articleBody"><span itemprop="articleBody"><span itemprop="articleBody">For Christians, Christmas traditions can be
an important part of the celebration of the birth of our Savior, and
they remind us of that momentous event that changed the world forever. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-31715326301414915452018-11-21T12:00:00.001-06:002018-11-21T12:00:30.267-06:00Are We a Mission-Minded Church?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn4YRggy7MIZ3bQDHmlX-QV2AaknylIevuG6la6qwCk4mRpg48qmA4wpcp3WsaJQXCpMftTHNkQNrZXAyMGcvAIABCGYPSKxjJE0Qvwlmp9UoSRHlwBMXkTfEBgboOBN7WVjelY1FTsA/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn4YRggy7MIZ3bQDHmlX-QV2AaknylIevuG6la6qwCk4mRpg48qmA4wpcp3WsaJQXCpMftTHNkQNrZXAyMGcvAIABCGYPSKxjJE0Qvwlmp9UoSRHlwBMXkTfEBgboOBN7WVjelY1FTsA/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a church we commit over $200,000 each year from our
budget to be sent to various missionaries, both national and
international.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the single
largest budget line item for our church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We believe that God has called us to reach all people, which includes
people who live in places where the Gospel has not been fully proclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s idea of missions is to draw all men
into a saving relationship with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
includes helping God’s people grow in their faith and train them to reach
others with the Gospel of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a church it is easy to send funds to others in hopes that
they will share Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although God may
not call everyone to be a missionary in the sense of moving over seas to share
Christ, He has called EVERY Christian to live on a Christ-directed mission each
day of sharing the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We as a
church are called to live on a Gospel mission EVERY day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A mission-minded church is always talking about the Gospel
and how others must be reached with the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most churches today have lost sight of what God has called them to do
and as a result they are either declining or proclaiming a false Gospel that
does not lead the lost to salvation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mission-minded churches move their people into
action, they develop programs to reach the lost, they pray for the lost, and
their calendar and budget reflects this commitment. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The question for us all is, “Are we involved and committed
in fulfilling the mission of God?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Romans
10:13-15, “<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">For ‘everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup>14 </sup></b>How
then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to
believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without
someone preaching? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup>15 </sup></b>And
how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful
are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-12473715135557043242018-11-15T12:13:00.000-06:002018-11-15T12:13:02.630-06:00Lessons From a Leper About Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwO8unM0OTRpGRcQZNajeueVe1-vK5seS6cLv_SGKlbbPy-Q5bMAIsu5ywT3MfhqtBMBKhxqgnp5045kCW4QcaOz9l5jqq561ViRALBhdWJFJMKZ3gnVHDRjEdOqxnGB3RQGgoJrPKRM/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwO8unM0OTRpGRcQZNajeueVe1-vK5seS6cLv_SGKlbbPy-Q5bMAIsu5ywT3MfhqtBMBKhxqgnp5045kCW4QcaOz9l5jqq561ViRALBhdWJFJMKZ3gnVHDRjEdOqxnGB3RQGgoJrPKRM/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The leper's story
of a miraculous healing in Luke 17 is remarkable—to see such a disease
immediately eradicated in someone's life is nothing short of
awe-inspiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet when we accept Jesus
Christ as our Savior, we are healed even more completely!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we were eternally separated from God by
our sins, but Jesus has made forgiveness possible through His obedient
sacrifice on the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through His
blood we have been healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
consider this year and what we have to be thankful about we ought to consider
the depth of our greatest blessing—cleansing of a spiritual leprosy (our sin).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A second lesson
that we can learn from a leper is that we need to make thanksgiving a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">priority of life</i>. The leper didn't wait
to return to Jesus when it was convenient or after he had visited the
priests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">immediately</i> to Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
priests did not heal the leper, and the leper knew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned to the only One worthy of his
worship and thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have we been
visiting the throne room of grace to thank the One from whom our blessings
come?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A third lesson
that can be learned is that thanksgiving should be offered from the outpouring
of grateful hearts. There was an intensity in the leper's worship because he
was aware of his helplessness to secure for himself the healing that he needed.
How much more wonderful is the eternal healing for those who have been forgiven
and now are able to follow Jesus Christ? May our thanksgiving be an enthusiastic
celebration of Christ for healing that only He can bring about!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lastly, we must
learn to be consistent in our thanksgiving beyond the Thanksgiving season. The
more intentional we are about offering thanks to God, the easier it becomes to
see His goodness in our lives. That is why we are repeatedly commanded in the
Bible to be thankful in all things (1 Thess. 5:18).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one could ever begin to bless us like our
heavenly Father. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hope that our
families see in us the natural response of always going back to our heavenly
Father for His ceaseless blessings. Let us be diligent in thanking Him for His
grace and goodness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s let others
know the things that we are most thankful for in our lives!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-56175140609100928802018-10-25T15:56:00.002-05:002018-10-25T20:40:57.855-05:00Christians & Halloween?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xhq-KcSMXvtOryb56GpBJpOSlVSIHfdqLLjV-R9nlYW7bIclvwYyeTd2XKURUy7roya4TLkoSEU922urJT4a6L3Tu5VJyf7qOiJ0-xbeEY81n7d1Gze9g08mqhahwA8ecE_hWUdjMi4/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xhq-KcSMXvtOryb56GpBJpOSlVSIHfdqLLjV-R9nlYW7bIclvwYyeTd2XKURUy7roya4TLkoSEU922urJT4a6L3Tu5VJyf7qOiJ0-xbeEY81n7d1Gze9g08mqhahwA8ecE_hWUdjMi4/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
I’d like to share with you an
article that is long overdue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
my full intentions were to write this myself as Christians struggle with
whether or not they should participate in this event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to time and another dear brother doing
such an excellent job, I’d like to pass along to you a great article that I
believe reflects a Biblical perspective about this questionable event called
Halloween.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, his conclusions
mirror my own and I believe you will find it most valuable as a Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This article comes from a Christian web site
called, “Got Questions.”</div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Halloween, no
matter how commercialized, has almost completely pagan origins. As innocent as
it may seem to some, it is not something to be taken lightly. Christians tend
to have various ways to celebrate or not to celebrate Halloween. For some, it
means having an “alternative” Harvest Party. For others, it is staying away
from the ghosts, witches, goblins, etc., and wearing innocuous costumes, e.g.,
little princesses, clowns, cowboys, super-heroes, etc. Some choose not to do
anything, electing to lock themselves in the house with the lights off. With
our freedom as Christians, we are at liberty to decide how to act.</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<br />
Scripture does not speak at all about Halloween, but it does give us some
principles on which we can make a decision. In Old Testament Israel, witchcraft
was a crime punishable by death (<span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/biblia\.com\/bible\/esv\/Exod%2022\.18\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Exodus 22:18</span></span>; <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/biblia\.com\/bible\/esv\/Lev%2019\.31\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Leviticus 19:31</span></span>; <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/biblia\.com\/bible\/esv\/Leviticus%2020\.6\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">20:6</span></span>, <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/biblia\.com\/bible\/esv\/Leviticus%2020\.27\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">27</span></span>). The New Testament teaching about the
occult is clear. <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/biblia\.com\/bible\/esv\/Acts%208\.9-24\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Acts 8:9-24</span></span>, the story of Simon, shows that
occultism and Christianity don't mix. The account of Elymas the sorcerer in <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/biblia\.com\/bible\/esv\/Acts%2013\.6-11\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Acts 13:6-11</span></span> reveals that sorcery is violently
opposed to Christianity. Paul called Elymas a child of the devil, an enemy of
righteousness and a perverter of the ways of God. In <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/biblia\.com\/bible\/esv\/Acts%2016\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Acts 16</span></span>, at Philippi, a fortune-telling girl
lost her demon powers when the evil spirit was cast out by Paul. The
interesting matter here is that Paul refused to allow even good statements to
come from a demon-influenced person. <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/biblia\.com\/bible\/esv\/Acts%2019\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Acts 19</span></span> shows new converts who have abruptly
broken with their former occultism by confessing, showing their evil deeds,
bringing their magic paraphernalia, and burning it before everyone (<span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/biblia\.com\/bible\/esv\/Acts%2019\.19\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Acts 19:19</span></span>).<br />
<br />
So, should a Christian celebrate Halloween? Is there anything evil about a
Christian dressing up as a princess or cowboy and going around the block asking
for candy? No, there is not. Are there things about Halloween that are
anti-Christian and should be avoided? Absolutely! If parents are going to allow
their children to participate in Halloween, they should make sure to keep them
from getting involved in the darker aspects of the day. If Christians are going
to take part in Halloween, their attitude, dress, and most importantly, their
behavior should still reflect a redeemed life (<span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/biblia\.com\/bible\/esv\/Phil%201\.27\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Philippians 1:27</span></span>). There are many churches that
hold "harvest festivals" and incorporate costumes, but in a godly
environment. There are many Christians who hand out tracts that share the
Gospel along with the Halloween candy. The decision is ultimately ours to make.
But as with all things, we are to incorporate the principles of <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/biblia\.com\/bible\/esv\/Rom%2014\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Romans 14</span></span>. We can’t allow our own convictions
about a holiday to cause division in the body of Christ, nor can we use our
freedom to cause others to stumble in their faith. We are to do all things as
to the Lord.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-44025388625122176632018-10-04T11:29:00.001-05:002018-10-04T11:29:47.907-05:00Don't Accept Satan's Lies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE55cFl6WHllMsKYvv8fwkkdTC9i5tSULrrTXyR9ueHEK0Y3-0z6XBEhtAmBPO2RgnyIBWP1zdUr9q6HkMRCxTSqGguG0xUDefKaMuOppUQ20TmZh2_wDRupHB0boE0uG9y_WRcQ-xYI/s1600/index.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="161" data-original-width="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE55cFl6WHllMsKYvv8fwkkdTC9i5tSULrrTXyR9ueHEK0Y3-0z6XBEhtAmBPO2RgnyIBWP1zdUr9q6HkMRCxTSqGguG0xUDefKaMuOppUQ20TmZh2_wDRupHB0boE0uG9y_WRcQ-xYI/s1600/index.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Prior to
being in ministry I was a subcontractor for flooring and I had various men work
for me during that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One specific
man worked for me about seven years and we became very good friends to the
point that we enjoyed each other’s company even off of the clock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a believer in Jesus Christ and
attended another local church in town; in fact, he was very involved in
ministry at that church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had grown up
in a Christian home and his parents served as missionaries.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I knew that
he had become infrequent in church and he started to enjoy more acquaintances with
people outside of the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For his
own reasons, he had become frustrated and disillusioned with the church and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so called </i>Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alcohol became a dear friend that he could
trust and isolation became a regular practice in his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We always enjoyed each other’s company and we
often picked up where we left off when we got together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I knew that he lacked the joy of
walking with Christ like he once did in his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long and he began to fail to
acknowledge or respond to my calls and texts although I knew he was busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I even continued to refer him flooring
work from people who would contact me for flooring—everyone loved him.</div>
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I knew that
his parents and siblings were concerned for him but they did not want to
interfere with his life or push him away from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having never married and with his family living
out of town, he spent a great deal of time by himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of the blue one day he sent me a text
that said, “Please tell my parents that I’m very sorry but I’m unable go
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tried.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not know how to interpret this text
although I took it to heart and attempted to call him to grab coffee with
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few short exchanges of texts
he went off the radar and stopped responding to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was six hours later that I received a
phone call from a common friend sharing with me that he had just ended his life
with a gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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As tears
filled my eyes and a lump developed in my throat, I stood speechless and
dumbfounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could only ask the
question, “Why would he do this”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has
been almost four years since he took his life and I keep his photo next to my
desk to remind me about the preciousness of life, friends, and to keep praying
for his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly believe that he
succumbed to the lies of the evil one, Satan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You see Satan would have us to believe that God is not capable of
bringing deliverance in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan
would have us to believe that life is meaningless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan would have us to believe that our
circumstances our hopeless and that God left us behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan would have us to believe that we are
unworthy and that nobody cares for us any longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Satan
is a liar!!!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Once an
individual crosses the line and accepts Satan’s lies then Satan sets his hook
deep inside of their soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then
attempts to draw them away causing them to entertain all types of ungodly
thoughts including ending their life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please be convinced and share with others that there is not a thing that
could ever separate us from the love of God, which is through Jesus Christ (Romans
8:38-39).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ proved His love to us
through His death, resurrection, sitting at the right hand of God, and by
interceding (praying; John 17:9) for us even today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants us to know the fullness of joy and
peace, which comes through walking and fellowshipping with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day we let go of God’s hand is the day we
begin to look for the hand of another (Satan) who will always give us the wrong
comfort and ultimately poison our soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Please reach those who are doubting the
love of God today!</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-54713762529567298072018-09-27T13:17:00.001-05:002018-09-27T13:17:44.127-05:00Encouraging Through the Word of God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kXL8h4IsnPS719aRXAWTePOBKMuLyghuLt0l2WGg7zTP91QQV_Iw-pGo6ffIQousTgNzeWQeXsNdoHIZBcsz3tssWz_I7svTonfcS5lSFXg92wB0Xxs3cUWSlRKpBUShB2dobaLK4-Y/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kXL8h4IsnPS719aRXAWTePOBKMuLyghuLt0l2WGg7zTP91QQV_Iw-pGo6ffIQousTgNzeWQeXsNdoHIZBcsz3tssWz_I7svTonfcS5lSFXg92wB0Xxs3cUWSlRKpBUShB2dobaLK4-Y/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a shepherd of God’s flock, I meet regularly with those
who are hurting in hopes of comforting them with the encouragement and promises
from God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the best ways to
face the darkness of tomorrow is to understand the character, promises, and the
ways of our Great God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before making
hospital or home visits to those who are hurting I strive to have a verse or
two prepared that I can share as an encouragement to those that I am
visiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, God’s Word is capable of bringing about comfort,
hope, and joy in ways that I could never begin to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are told in Isaiah 55:11 by God that His
Word, “it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I
purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Others need more than our personal encouragement to help them make it
through the trials of this life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s
Word always points others back to Him and it’s only through God’s Word that we
can speak with any true confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would like to share with you 10 verses that have become
very dear to me in times of turmoil that you can share with others as well:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Isaiah 41:10, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fear not, for I am
with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help
you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and
strength, a very present help in trouble.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious
about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known to God. <span class="reftext"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span>And the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love,
but perfect love casts out fear. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in
love.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="indent"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 94:19, “<span class="ln-group">When the cares of my heart are many,</span> <span class="indent">your
consolations cheer my soul.”</span></span><span class="indent"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="woc"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span class="indent"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke
12:22-26, “</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And he said to his disciples, <span class="woc">‘Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you
will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.</span> <span class="reftext"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span><span class="woc">For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.</span> <span class="woc">Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither
storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you
than the birds!</span> <span class="reftext"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span><span class="woc">And which of you by
being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?</span><span class="footnote"><sup> </sup></span><span class="woc">If then you are not able to
do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?’”</span></span><span class="woc"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="indent"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span class="woc"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 27:1, “</span></span><span class="ln-group"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The </span></span><span class="divine-name"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord</span></span><span class="ln-group"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
is my light and my salvation;</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span class="indent">whom
shall I fear?</span><br />
<span class="ln-group">The </span><span class="divine-name">Lord</span><span class="ln-group"> is the stronghold</span><span class="footnote"><sup> </sup></span><span class="ln-group">of my life; </span><span class="indent">of whom shall I be
afraid?”</span></span><span class="indent"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span class="indent"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm
46:10, “</span></span><span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be still, and know
that I am God.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span class="text">I will be exalted among the nations,</span> <span class="text">I will be exalted in the earth!”</span></span><span class="text"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 Peter 5:7, “Cast
all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 Timothy 1:7, “For
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>love and of a sound mind.”</span></span></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-83843589688003086162018-09-20T19:58:00.002-05:002018-09-20T20:00:07.235-05:00Contentment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9zh3wIxHbDpB-Zj20gee3d4UaGEtr01HRZikUOeDW4j67dMDuCxLdZu7n4vDjDcXOvfhm4L-zWzQoX6sHVLG4DiWz3I3rKAnnaaYmPPm6fRGZtlBfOS3UOgpPLLjBbgGZb00g2L1hqY/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9zh3wIxHbDpB-Zj20gee3d4UaGEtr01HRZikUOeDW4j67dMDuCxLdZu7n4vDjDcXOvfhm4L-zWzQoX6sHVLG4DiWz3I3rKAnnaaYmPPm6fRGZtlBfOS3UOgpPLLjBbgGZb00g2L1hqY/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
There are times that we, as Christians stand guilty of finding
contentment in many things except God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Contentment can be sought in our titles, our jobs, our possessions, our
relationships, our intellects, our reputations, and even our egos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a real temptation for us to strive
to find satisfaction in these things apart from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, what if we had nothing but food and
clothing; could we truly be content?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Could we be content living at the local rescue mission or living in an
apartment versus our private, furnished homes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What if we didn’t have cable television, the Internet, or Netflix?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us love our things and life’s small
amenities that keep us comfy and happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m concerned that life’s luxuries have become our necessities in order for
us to be happy and content.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
God encourages His people through His Word to find contentment in Christ
alone <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">plus nothing else</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Apostle Paul said, “But godliness with
contentment is great gain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For we
brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if we have food and clothing, we will be
content with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who want to get
rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires
that plunge people into ruin and destruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people, eager for money, have wandered
from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(NIV, 1 Tim. 6:6-11)<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
According to Scripture, there is a real danger in being desirous of the
things of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s Word says
that those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap that leads to <u>many</u>
harmful desires for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it is
impossible to identify what all those dangers might be, a part of this danger
is finding satisfaction apart from God and seeking things that God has not
willed for His children to have. Some people allow money and material things to
drive their lives and motivate them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some Christians would consider their lives very good, while they have
very little substance in their relationship with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could we be so bold as Christians to ask God
to help us to loosen our grip on the things that we have become used to and that
we find important to us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could we be so
bold as to ask God to remove anything in our life that is keeping us from
knowing, loving, and serving Him better?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please know this type of bold prayer to God could be very painful.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Ultimately, are we willing to get back to the basics of finding
contentment in the person of God alone for all of our joy and contentment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have we slowly drifted over the years only to
find ourselves docked at the wrong harbor where God cannot be found?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could we lay everything before our great God
and ask Him what He would have us to pick back up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we find contentment in the goodness of His
character and in His love for us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-64527125524668225032018-08-30T10:36:00.001-05:002018-08-30T10:36:15.327-05:00The Meaning of Abba Father<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dtXf8bX-l774kr7ADtlUij4X91XSUrxi8cGvmZxv3r-O37NlAifxZtOv9FCVnE43OMnmJA4J-O8Tc6ub_ooTp3MVy6qsEV_ffJC5gZO9kLFwmQx99zzzx72aIQMeLhqgc4PqWaYIZO4/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="372" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dtXf8bX-l774kr7ADtlUij4X91XSUrxi8cGvmZxv3r-O37NlAifxZtOv9FCVnE43OMnmJA4J-O8Tc6ub_ooTp3MVy6qsEV_ffJC5gZO9kLFwmQx99zzzx72aIQMeLhqgc4PqWaYIZO4/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout the Bible there are many names ascribed to God
that are used to describe the character of God and the relationship that He has
with His people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not choosing one
name over another; however, I was recently studying the name “Abba Father” as
found in Romans 8:15 which says, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For you did not receive the spirit of
slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as
sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The words <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Abba Father</i> are
found two other places in Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus addresses His Father as “Abba Father” in His prayer at Gethsemane
(Mark 14:36).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul, in Galatians 4:6,
uses the words “Abba Father” in a similar manner to that of Romans 8:15.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Abba</i> is an Aramaic word that
means Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In its context, it was a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">common term</i> that expressed affection and
confidence and trust in ones own earthly father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><em><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Abba</span></em> signifies
the close, intimate relationship of a father to his child, as well as the
childlike trust that a young child puts in his father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Scripture the Aramaic word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Abba </i>is always followed by the Greek
word for Father. Together, the terms <em><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Abba</span></em> and <em><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Father</span></em>
particularly emphasize the fatherhood of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In two different languages God’s children are assured of His great care
and protection that He has for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
use of these two words together should remove any fear in our hearts because
God holds His children secure now and for always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He welcomes them in His presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The name <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Abba Father</i> is also very significant in terms of how God relates to
His children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The right to be called a
child of God and to call God <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Abba Father</i>
belongs <u>only to those who have become believers in Jesus Christ </u>(John
1:12-13).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a sinner is born again
they are adopted into the family of God (John 3:1-8—Christ explains this to
Nicodemus) and are then made heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans
8:17).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that we, along with
Christ, will be the recipients of God’s full expression of glory in the future.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This truth brings great significance in the fact that we are
full members of an eternal family in which God is our Father and Jesus Christ
is our elder brother (Hebrews 2:11–12).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Practically,
it means that we can live this life with confidence that God has provided and
desires an intimate relationship with His redeemed children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means that Christians have all the
privileges of a fully adopted child of God and that they now wear His name. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Becoming a child of God is the most humbling
and honoring of privileges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because of this new
relationship with our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Abba Father</i>,
God no longer deals with us as enemies; now, we can approach Him with
“boldness” (Hebrews 10:19) and in “full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22)
that we are welcomed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a child of God
we have been given “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade” (1
Peter 1:4).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Calling God our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Abba Father</i> is not to make light of His
divine nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps those who have
been born again to understand their new relationship with God, their Heavenly Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-46897880092471426082018-08-23T17:47:00.001-05:002018-08-23T17:47:13.238-05:00Living With a Clear Conscience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XpsU-RGBnFdNq4OWyEftG1C5sTuPfv-MEJet2ULlGOmem_EOU5QyoL0dUNTx7rkC_2YfnQX5ToBlVZza_BHfN98GaPhluw311aMdbwu7sPVVzOjUyKmwvyA6othZy8xKaCn4r9en9Tg/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XpsU-RGBnFdNq4OWyEftG1C5sTuPfv-MEJet2ULlGOmem_EOU5QyoL0dUNTx7rkC_2YfnQX5ToBlVZza_BHfN98GaPhluw311aMdbwu7sPVVzOjUyKmwvyA6othZy8xKaCn4r9en9Tg/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Two words
that can be used incorrectly in a sentence are the words <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">conscious </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">conscience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>These words are very different and not interchangeable.
The definition of the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">conscience </i>is
“<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">an inner feeling or
voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one's
behavior.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture says much about
having a God-honoring conscience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
following are thoughts taken from Scripture about a clear conscience:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keep
a Clear Conscience:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But in your hearts
revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who
asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with
gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak
maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their
slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keep
a Clear Conscience Before God and Man:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So
I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our
Conscience Can Be Seared:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Such
teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared
as with a hot iron.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1 Timothy 4:2)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
Clear Conscience Allows a Restful Heart:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“</span>My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve
sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace
your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not
stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your
sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that
overtakes the wicked, for the <span class="name">Lord</span> will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.” (Proverbs 3:21-26)<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christ
Can Give Us a Clear Conscience:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How
much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead
to death,<span class="nivfootnote"><sup> </sup></span>so that we may serve the
living God!” (Hebrews 9:14)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
Guilty Conscience Can Be Cleansed by God:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full
assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a
guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hebrews 10:22)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-35757545688249273692018-08-16T14:31:00.002-05:002018-08-16T14:42:48.365-05:007 Traits of Healthy Churches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDl_HMf54cTqyG35RHbLQTqXq0-VnSgQwniYdVQ7lqG8-PrqV4CPG2nj_jLI8RTzPzGPqH5gB2VVahyphenhyphenILtZsJVcl3Tvf1gB5MJZYbgnk__CzvAJDKqZpEyvQ5IaForK7nbBBYKgF08PQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDl_HMf54cTqyG35RHbLQTqXq0-VnSgQwniYdVQ7lqG8-PrqV4CPG2nj_jLI8RTzPzGPqH5gB2VVahyphenhyphenILtZsJVcl3Tvf1gB5MJZYbgnk__CzvAJDKqZpEyvQ5IaForK7nbBBYKgF08PQ/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not long ago one of my favorite authors, Thom Rainer, wrote
about various character traits of healthy churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rainer studied some 30 churches that were
having great ministry impact, whose members regularly had Gospel conversations,
and whose leaders faithfully preached the Word with power every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result of that study Rainer identified
nearly 50 different traits that made those churches rise above the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then summarized those traits into seven categories
that I’ll now share.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They truly believe in the power of the
Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many church members and
leaders would certainly affirm their own belief in the power of the Gospel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, few would actually act on that belief
and allow it to dictate their days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Few
members would seek to share the Gospel with others throughout their week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly enough, for most churches, it’s lip
service only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But not so for these healthy churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i>These churches were driven for the sake of the Gospel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They have courageous leaders. </span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They could be called “Joshua
leaders” who step out in great faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are ready to lead the people into the community and storm the gates of hell.
They remind the members to be courageous, even as they themselves are courageous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have pastors who lead with great vision.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They embrace change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most church members, and some church leaders, fiercely
resist change. They idolize the past, the way we’ve always done it. The healthy
churches on Rainer’s watch list embrace change as long as it does not go counter
to Biblical truth. These churches don’t spend their energies and resources
trying to convince people to move forward. They are ready to go!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i><b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They are not nostalgic. </span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These church members honor
and respect the past but they don’t live there (or worship the past).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to Rainer, they are constantly
anticipating what God will do in the present and the future. They don’t have
time to be nostalgic, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">because they are
too busy moving forward for the sake of the Gospel.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They see reality. </span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is reported that these
churches make highly intentional efforts to see reality more clearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may have secret guests evaluate their
churches and allow them the freedom to share where the church might be dropping
the ball. They use tools to help them improve and do not feel threatened by
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t fear finding something
negative with their churches, because those findings become areas for
improvement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They intentionally intersect their lives with
non-Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They see their weekday
vocation as a mission field; each member serves in full-time ministry right
where God has planted them. They see their neighborhoods as their own
Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They intentionally work and
do business with non-Christians in order to share the Gospel. They are highly
intentional about inviting people to church.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They accept responsibility.</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Healthy churches see the changes in culture
as opportunities and not barriers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Healthy churches accept their own
responsibility for impacting the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Healthy churches realize the fields are truly white unto harvest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They believe other churches are partners in
mission, not competitors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In essence, Rainer reports that healthy churches understand
that it is the entire churches’ responsibility to take the Gospel forward to
the lost even though it demands their own preferences being set aside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These churches are churches that are consumed
with the Gospel for the glory of God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-35797749156358436582018-08-02T16:27:00.001-05:002018-08-02T16:27:06.088-05:00No Gossip Zone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuCP9sCtIos3e59YhfdWkW_5NhJb34Q1tDd-mt2VQpgaZwvm17TCHV_k2rih6T868VPyBLy1qQa2iH93eEz79zpV4X9w3HUEZaRb_YfdLcuBNLelfVyWsQQ9ALsZdyZtGETq2ZZEXBWc/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuCP9sCtIos3e59YhfdWkW_5NhJb34Q1tDd-mt2VQpgaZwvm17TCHV_k2rih6T868VPyBLy1qQa2iH93eEz79zpV4X9w3HUEZaRb_YfdLcuBNLelfVyWsQQ9ALsZdyZtGETq2ZZEXBWc/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
More recently it was necessary to address a situation
concerning gossip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people, even
Christians, do not feel that sharing true information about others is actually
gossiping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, any information
shared about another individual that does not involve the person sharing the
news could be considered as gossip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
slanderous news about others can even be shared as prayer requests and can even
be shared as someone who is just very concerned, which is why they are telling
others. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Too often, information is shared about others that is
destructive and defaming in nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
can happen intentionally and even unintentionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not part</i> of the problem or the solution should allow those who are
involved to work matters out in a way that honors Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times it may be necessary to talk to a
pastor about the direction a matter should be handled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our job is not to go out of our way to inform
others about situations that we have no business talking about since it does
not involve us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scripture cautions us to avoid “meddlers” who like to
complicate and destroy life (Proverbs 26:17, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whoever meddles in a
quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.”)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Take the time to read and pray some of
Scripture’s admonitions to us:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>1 Thesselonians 4:11, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And to aspire to live
quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we
instructed you,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Proverbs 26:20, “For lack of wood the
fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jeremiah 17:10, ““I the <span class="sc">Lord</span>
search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="indent"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm
19:14, “<span class="ln-group">Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart</span><br />
<span class="indent">be acceptable in your sight,</span> <span class="indent">O </span><span class="divine-name">Lord</span><span class="indent">, my rock and my redeemer.”</span></span><span class="indent"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="indent"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span class="indent"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 141:3, “</span></span><span class="ln-group"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Set
a guard, O </span></span><span class="divine-name"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord</span></span><span class="ln-group"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, over my mouth;</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span class="indent">keep watch over the door of my lips!”</span></span><span class="indent"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="block-indent"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span class="indent"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ephesians 4:29, “</span></span><span class="block-indent"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let
no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for
building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span class="block-indent"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Proverbs 15:1, “</span></span><span class="ln-group"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A soft answer turns away wrath, </span></span><span class="indent"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">but a harsh word stirs up anger.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-46767447151210195492018-07-26T08:24:00.001-05:002018-07-26T12:21:51.336-05:00The Truth About Baptism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXHeBiYcPqb9t2pwI19gG4TEN6v407XI6rGW7syDfkck8muSEhN8Hx9QgjKFmqNZ7LSI_3AHatsnh_NMgpxyBveoghSGC8rxiLzC4xRtGAKktyVgURS1mpc49wvlIsKJpdR94WveC0vY/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXHeBiYcPqb9t2pwI19gG4TEN6v407XI6rGW7syDfkck8muSEhN8Hx9QgjKFmqNZ7LSI_3AHatsnh_NMgpxyBveoghSGC8rxiLzC4xRtGAKktyVgURS1mpc49wvlIsKJpdR94WveC0vY/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some today teach baptism as an option for Christians who
really want to “own their faith.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, did not their faith become their own the day they believed
Jesus to be the Son of God who washes away the sins of the world?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Jesus Christ who instituted baptism
and commissioned the church to practice baptism until He returned (Matt.
28:19-20).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who repent of their sin
and put their faith in Jesus Christ are to identify with Him in the waters of
baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
beyond obedience to Christ’s command to be baptized there is great spiritual
significance to the practice of baptism.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Baptism is a public declaration of an inward renewal that
has taken place in a believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
why it is called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">believer’s baptism</i>
since it is believers who are to be baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To be baptized apart from belief in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of
sins only gets one wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are two significant lessons to be learned about
baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first lesson is that
baptism is a picture of our Lord Jesus Christ who was nailed to the cross for
the payment for the believer’s sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
only did he die on the cross but He also rose from the grave showing victory
over sin and death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Christ’s death
and resurrection were necessary for our salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a believer is baptized they are stating
that they are now dead to their sins in the same way that Jesus Christ died for
our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means that the believer has
put the sinful man to death~~never to live any longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Romans 6:1-11)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second lesson is found in the resurrection of Jesus
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the same way that Christ rose
from the dead we as Christians are raised to new life in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is also pictured in the waters of
baptism as the Christian comes forth out of the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What this means is that Christians are raised
to a “new kind” of life or a “superior” life than what was put to death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Christians, this is a life that now
magnifies and represents Jesus Christ~~it is a life of righteousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ was raised for the believer’s
justification and sanctification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christ’s sacrifice on the cross brought us back into relationship with
God and allows the believer to become more and more Christ-like each day that
they live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Romans 6:1-11)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It could be said that baptism is three things:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>obedience to Jesus Christ; a picture of the
death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and a public declaration that
as a believer we are now dead to our sins and risen to a life of righteousness
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">alive unto Christ</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our response due to our salvation and baptism should be, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let not sin therefore reign in
your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup>13 </sup></b>Do not present your members to sin as
instruments for unrighteousness, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">but
present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life,
and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup>14 </sup></b>For sin will have no
dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” (Romans
6:12-14)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-53477129562373817212018-07-19T16:22:00.001-05:002018-07-19T16:22:37.700-05:00Does God Change His Mind?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-RUKGM3TieO6l0xAfKafkr4aBHNAFsyf5tKVHMT81F2kt1K8J7UdZd35SO1tllur7yYaAnsPTyl_QtLi-CSDY3eNe7xoPUm-_-Ta1xTZml2cmmm5JJbuD_pbnl5KV4CmTZMMKx_qvQY/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-RUKGM3TieO6l0xAfKafkr4aBHNAFsyf5tKVHMT81F2kt1K8J7UdZd35SO1tllur7yYaAnsPTyl_QtLi-CSDY3eNe7xoPUm-_-Ta1xTZml2cmmm5JJbuD_pbnl5KV4CmTZMMKx_qvQY/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As God’s
people can we truly petition God to change His mind about a situation if He is
all-wise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are various passages of
Scripture that speak about God’s character and His nature.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Malachi 3:6
says, <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob,
are not destroyed.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Numbers
23:19 reads, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He
should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not
fulfill?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">James
1:17 tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the
Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According
to these verses God does not change His mind and He is totally wise all of the
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there are some verses in
Scripture that are difficult to make sense of such as:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Genesis 6:6, “The LORD was grieved that He
had made man on the earth, and His heart was filled with pain.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also Exodus 32:14, “Then the LORD
relented and did not bring on His people the disaster He had threatened.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A final example would be in Jonah 3 where God
told Jonah to prophecy that the great city of Nineveh would be overthrown
unless the Assyrians repented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
Scripture God has made <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">conditional </i>declarations
that if someone repented then God would relent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When people abide by God’s operating principles then they can expect
relief and at times even blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the book of Jonah that is exactly what happened with the Assyrians~~they
repented and then God relented the punishment that He was going to deliver to
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can also learn that in Genesis
6:6 God helps us to understand his sadness and frustration with His creation
that chose to rebel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
is also worth noting in James 4:2-3 that we have not because we do not ask God
and sometimes we ask with wrong motives of selfishness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently God does hear us and grant us the
desires of our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, at times
when our motives are not pure then He withholds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similarly, Christ told his followers in Mark
11:24 that they don’t have because they lack faith in what they ask for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God sets the standards of criteria for
blessing and not blessing His people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many times things are conditional contingent on the Christians
obedience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So,
does God change~~the answer is definitely no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, God works from the principles of sowing and reaping with His
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God also fulfills His end of the
deal~~always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, when a sinner
(called an enemy of God in Romans 8:7) places their faith in trust in the
person and work of Jesus Christ, they are then called God’s beloved children (1
John 1:12).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What or who changed~~we
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s moral character and His
righteous judgments always stay the same.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-63337757134101390602018-07-12T13:51:00.001-05:002018-07-12T13:55:24.197-05:00Why Do I Feel So Empty Inside?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbILl4kAsVlJDOKFdT9QrNePEqHcb1-IcMdoGNfPp5LzVm5XIrALjSTpn5QiC09UZ_2TP4seDyJky6Tq_fxD8UhuRNLZE8l_IwSh8Ik-BmnaoCZ4aMG7kNRMcIPb9TRY-gpGcItQ6HY_Q/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbILl4kAsVlJDOKFdT9QrNePEqHcb1-IcMdoGNfPp5LzVm5XIrALjSTpn5QiC09UZ_2TP4seDyJky6Tq_fxD8UhuRNLZE8l_IwSh8Ik-BmnaoCZ4aMG7kNRMcIPb9TRY-gpGcItQ6HY_Q/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Feeling empty inside is a very difficult emotion to describe
to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling empty may not always
come from being physically fatigued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
times, it feels like a part of you is missing and you can’t seem to put your
finger on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times it can come
through grieving the loss of a loved one or not feeling love in return by
another person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can feel empty due
to failing to reach a goal or by something not happening that you were looking
forward to with great anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At times, you can be looking for the wrong things to satisfy
your thirsty soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You end up coming
back to the wrong well that will never satisfy your soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who could ever understand the hurt, the
longings, and the desires of our hearts?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christ knows each one of your heartaches as well as your deep longings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No matter what your lack of fulfillment may be, God’s Word
gives hope and promises that you can cling to in your darkest hour and weakest
moment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2 Corinthians 12:10, “</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That
is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,
in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Romans 15:13, “</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May
the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that
you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ephesians 3:16-19, “I pray
that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his
Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through
faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have
power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and
high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses
knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Philippians 1:9-11, “<span class="text">And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in
knowledge and depth of insight,</span> <span class="text">so that you may be able
to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,</span>
<span class="text">filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through
Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 25:16-17, “Turn to me
and be gracious to me,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span class="text">for I am
lonely and afflicted.</span> <span class="text">Relieve the troubles of my heart</span>
<span class="text">and free me from my anguish.”</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-47448016031025699502018-07-05T09:21:00.000-05:002018-07-05T09:59:17.393-05:00Feeling Betrayed?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjBvtdXoYF9TwWQp9Lh4LG_9_ppC7QMiJoewvQHvVNL_iTbHP5-alMx6CBSN-RYXRA9lWkFpwbYAltojFNeCgXWnAOTtwZTtxNhrbas-6SnncihLab8BGLhLnDP_5irSDKeDF40qtAB8/s1600/index.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjBvtdXoYF9TwWQp9Lh4LG_9_ppC7QMiJoewvQHvVNL_iTbHP5-alMx6CBSN-RYXRA9lWkFpwbYAltojFNeCgXWnAOTtwZTtxNhrbas-6SnncihLab8BGLhLnDP_5irSDKeDF40qtAB8/s1600/index.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>If
you are feeling betrayed or have been betrayed,</b> you are most certainly not
alone. God’s Word reveals that there have been many individuals who were
betrayed by their own friends, their own families, and even their own children.
Our own Savior, Jesus Christ, was also betrayed like no one else and He
suffered like no one has ever suffered (Isaiah 53).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please be encouraged and challenged with some
thoughts from Scripture concerning betrayal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">1 Corinthians 11:23-24,</span></b><span style="color: blue;">
Paul says, “</span><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the
Lord Jesus on the night when <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he was
betrayed</i> took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, <span class="woc">‘This is my body, which is for</span><span class="footnote"><sup> </sup></span><span class="woc">you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul is
writing to the church of Corinth that Jesus was betrayed for our sake and that He
willingly gave of His own body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we have been betrayed, let’s try to think
of the ultimate betrayal of Jesus Christ who was abandoned by everyone (except his mother) in order to
provide us with the gift of salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
rejected and left alone to die <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>but He
never retaliated.</u></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Psalm 37:25,</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> David says,
"</span><span class="ln-group"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I have been young, and now am old,</span></span><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span class="indent">yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken</span> <span class="indent">or his children begging for bread.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="indent"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>David
writes from a life of experience and from a personal knowledge of God that He
will not allow the righteous to suffer or allow them to have to beg for
bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that same chapter he
encourages God’s people, “</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your
vindication like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:6).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
In other words, God will ultimately vindicate you. </span>He also encourages them to, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently
for him” (Psalm 37:7).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David’s
experience in this life taught him to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>be
patient and to look to the right Person to settle the score.</u></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Deuteronomy 31:6,
8,</span></b><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Moses speaks for God, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of
them (your enemies), for it is the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span> your God
who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span>
who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.
Do not fear or be dismayed.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moses was working to reassure
Israel of the character of their God and to look to Him for strength, wisdom,
and confidence about the uncertainties of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is not like man who changes His mind or leaves when things get
tough. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His promises are sure and His
words are always safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>God not only goes with us~~He goes before
us as we look to Him into the future. </u></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u> </u></i></span></div>
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</style>Pastor Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458207718878351189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224421095750859021.post-43002637608012224172018-06-28T13:35:00.000-05:002018-06-28T13:35:14.137-05:00Are We Under the Mosaic Law Today?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFR-7qrUaH9OyyhHUlmijzIab2YyIEHl-EnWKsQiBw5-sX-t6dCD3FBFsoBxmJCQJHXFeitvBV8c5mDPB8EIuXxHkPY6-8skDY4PJEMGUhT4BlPLKyfQp0ZfjtGlRYl4O7DEXMnpc1Q6M/s1600/51Rxr4rcE-L._SL500_AC_SS350_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFR-7qrUaH9OyyhHUlmijzIab2YyIEHl-EnWKsQiBw5-sX-t6dCD3FBFsoBxmJCQJHXFeitvBV8c5mDPB8EIuXxHkPY6-8skDY4PJEMGUhT4BlPLKyfQp0ZfjtGlRYl4O7DEXMnpc1Q6M/s320/51Rxr4rcE-L._SL500_AC_SS350_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a great question and I want to be careful how I
answer this question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biblically we are
no longer under the Mosaic Law, which included the 10 commandments and over 600
other laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Law never could save a soul
from their sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Law served as a
code of ethics to direct the Jews in how to live uprightly and morally before
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weight of the Law was heavy and
it revealed how much the Jews needed a Savior to rescue them from this
burden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus Christ was prophesied as the one who would come and
bring the righteousness that was necessary for a sinner to have a restored
relationship with God the Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus
Christ’s death on the cross satisfied the wrath of God towards our sin (Rom.
3:24-25).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ was the only perfect
and acceptable sacrifice that could serve as atonement for our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In His death Jesus Christ fulfilled every
righteous demand of the Law that God desired of us (Mt. 5:17-18).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we place our faith in Christ we receive
His righteousness and now God sees us as righteous through the blood of Christ.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are told in Scripture that Christ fulfilled the Law in
that we no longer have to labor for something that we could never
obtain—righteousness comes through faith in Christ alone (Ro. 3:21-22).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Jews still labor today under the weight
of the Law and they are still looking forward to a Redeemer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul says that the Law was our “guardian”
until Christ came in order that we might be “justified by faith” in the person
and work of Christ alone (Gal. 3:23-25).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The standard for Christian living today is holiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Peter 1:16 tells Christians, “Be holy,
because I am Holy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We no longer must
embrace a set of rules for godly living. However, it is worth noting that nine
out of the Ten Commandments are repeated in the New Testament apart from the
Sabbath Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As well, the Ten
Commandments can all be wrapped up in the two Great Commandments that Christ
gave in Matthew 22:36-40, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as
yourself.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He goes on to say that, “All
the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, are we under the Mosaic Law, which includes the Ten
Commandments—the answer is no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
under grace today (Rom. 6:14, “For sin will have no dominion over you, since
you are not under the law but under grace.”)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Holiness is our standard for living and Christ’s righteousness has been
applied to our lives when we placed our faith and trust in Him as our Savior
and Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans chapter three is clear
that the Law is still valuable in that we see our depravity and our need for
Christ (Rom. 3:31).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To choose to obey
the Law for any salvific reasons, in my opinion, is to weaken and make light of
the sufficiency and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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