July 1

Is the Law fulfilled FOR us or IN us? (The Believer’s relationship to the Law)

Justice

This is a topic which has taken on a life of its own in recent years. Paul addresses the relationship between the believer and the Law throughout his writings and yet may are still confused about where the New Testament comes down on the subject.

It is a fact, that most people do not take the time to study the Bible but instead tend to gravitate towards things they have heard someone else say is in the Word. This inevitably leads to partial or total misquotations. In addition to this, many develop a theology based upon subjective experiences, rationalizations developed from partial information and favorite teachers. All of this creates a bias through which we understand and interpret the Word. A good way to discern if you fall into this category is this….

When someone can show you something plainly in God’s Word (and in context), which your heart refuses to accept but begins to look for a way around it.

If this is the case then your theology is based upon something you want to be true, believe MUST be true, but very likely isn’t true! Such is the case for many with this topic.

Many today treat Romans 8:4 as though it says,

“What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin’s domain, and as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished FOR us.”

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May 21

Faith: Tool or Relationship

Faith – Buzzword of Christianesse

Other than Grace, Faith is perhaps the most misused and misunderstood word in the Christian vernacular.

faithtoolIn its common usage throughout scripture, and especially the New Testament, it simply means full, relational trust in someone.

Though “relational” is not technically part of the definition, it is part of the process!

Trust is a relational term at its core, but when it is used in the realm of the “religious” it often becomes a work and is therefore NOT relational. AS such it becomes a merit badge rather than a proof of intimacy. This is especially true when the concept of trust is represented by the word – “FAITH”.

In my life and in my preaching, I virtually never use the word faith anymore. This is because it comes with so much baggage and so many misconceptions that I feel the need to define it every time I use it. To avoid this I simply say ‘relational trust’. These words say more without further definition than does the word Faith. Furthermore, it avoids the largest obstacle to genuine trust in Christ, namely, the stigma that the word ‘Faith’ has received over the years due to Christian abuse of the word.

Relational trust (faith) comes as the result of having the character of a person revealed to you through relationship with them.

This is the tone and meaning of the word Faith as it is used in the scriptures in regards to Jesus in the heart and lives of true believers. Which is why, the relational trust we have in Him MUST come from Christ being reveal to us…

“And this proves that faith comes from a Message heard, and that the Message comes through its having been spoken by Christ.”  ~ Rom. 10:17

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June 4

Is all Authority from God?

god-is-in-control_t_nvRevolting Against the State

[link to original article]

With all of the political upheaval in the air this year, and with elections right around the corner, I thought…”Why not right an article about God and politics”. Actually I have adapted this study for use on this blog, from an article I wrote nearly 4 years ago.

Now going in, you need to understand that my position on the topics expressed are not popular – this I admit.  Never the less I believe them to be quite accurate. Their lack of popularity only adds strength to my position from my perspective. In truth, history has demonstrated that the masses are OFTEN wrong, while comparatively few people understand the truth. I do not present this as an understanding entirely unique to me, nor did I arrive at these conclusions completely unaided. These thoughts are an accumulation of various questions I have been asked, studies I have done and Q & A times between God and I. They represent the understanding from scripture which has offered me much peace and a deeper understanding of God Himself. Furthermore, it is the only position I have been able to arrive at which does not require me to make special pleading in versus which seem to disagree with my beliefs.

NOTE: Politically minded Christians are very aware of the promise God made to the Israelites under the old covenant in II Chron. 4:17. At least, they are familiar with part of it anyway. To keep from getting sidetracked, I will not address that verse in this study. If you are interested in knowing more about that passage however, read my four part study entitled, “If My people…”.

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June 12

Is God Sovereign?

god-is-in-control_t_nvLet’s begin by establishing what we mean by the word “Sovereign”. There is no generally accepted meaning to this word even though Webster seems to make it clear, religious people (both Christian and otherwise) have deliberated needlessly over this word for millennia. As for OUR purposes in this study we will establish the  meaning as – to possess the exclusive right to exercise, within specific jurisdictions, the functions of a potentate and within such jurisdictions – to be answerable to no higher authority.

In the case of God, this is perhaps realized in no greater way than in His position as Judge. Consider how the scriptures represent God’s sovereign judicial jurisdiction over all the earth:
Genesis 18:25 (Amplified Bible)

Far be it from You to do such a thing–to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as do the wicked! Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth execute judgment and do righteously?

 

1 Samuel 2:10 (Amplified Bible)

The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them will He thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge [all peoples] to the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His king (King) and exalt the power of His anointed (Anointed His Christ).

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