grace – The Way of Christ Ministries

Anne Askew and Transubstantiation

On this day, June 18^th, 1546, Anne Askew was convicted of heresy after being tortured for her outspoken beliefs on the false doctrine of transubstantiation. She is one of only two women who have been tortured in the Tower of London and then burned at the stake. On, July 16, 1546 Anne Askew was martyred for her Baptist faith in Smithfield, London. She had refused to recant her witness under extreme torture of the rack. This torture has so disfigured her body that she had to be transported to the stake via a wheel chair.

Transubstantiation is the belief that during the communion of the Lord’s Supper, the bread and wine actually become the spiritual blood and body of Christ. This teaching has no doctrinal proof found in scripture. In scripture at what we call “the Last Supper”, which took place on the Jewish Passover, Jesus instituted the “Lord’s Supper” as a memorial service that is to remind us that sin causes death, and he sacrificed himself to pay the debt of sin for us. His death is what brings us life. His body was broken and his blood spilled out on our behalf. Jesus calls this process exchanging his death for ours, the New Covenant. (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; John 13:1-7) It is his blood that the New Testament is written in. His blood was shed for the remission of sins. The wine is to remind us of this blood that he poured out for us. In Luke 22:19, Jesus himself says, “Do this in remembrance of me”. Clearly this is meant as a symbolic ceremony to ensure that we do not forget that the Son of God himself gave his life for ours. Much like we put flowers of a grave to remember a loved one who has passed. The flowers do not become the loved one, nor do they become the center of affection.

I know that this is hard for some believers to accept. So let’s take a look at what Paul writes when he spoke to the Corinthians. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

You see the Corinthians had a misunderstanding of what the “Lords Supper” was also. This came from their pagan beliefs. They were mixing pagan rituals into the ordinances of the church. Paul addresses these by clarifying the purpose of the ceremony. First, the apostle says that he is passing on to then exactly what he was received directly from the Lord. In these few sentences Paul says that this ceremony is for a “remembrance”, just like Jesus did. The purpose “remembrance of me (Jesus)”… “to show the Lord’s death until he returns”.

We do not conjure up the Lord, as if any man could conjure the living God, and then force him to be re-sacrificed on our behalf. The epistle to the Romans say, “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.” (Romans 6:9-10) Something very important is revealed in this passage. Sin is payed for. Since Jesus died for sin, and then rose from the dead, sin has no hold on him, or those who believe on him. He lives to God. We who believe in him, so likewise, live unto him (Jesus Christ) and so then to God. We are alive already, in Christ. Sin no longer has the ability to hold us under the bondage of death. This is why we do not need to fear death. This is why Anne Askew did not need to fear death. Taking of the communion does not wipe away our sins each time we partake of it. Instead it is a reminder that our sins have already been wiped away, once and for all times. “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:18).

Our problem is that we are still in this corruptible flesh. Because we are in this flesh, we do not see the spiritual realm around us. We cannot see the glorified Christ yet. We need to be reminded of our hope. When we forget God and his grace, we tend to walk away from him. This has been demonstrated in the history of Israel. It has likely been demonstrated in your own life history also. God knows this and in his love, he instituted this memorial service, not just to remind us that he died, but that he arose and is returning! “Ye do show the Lord’s death till he come”; what an excellent reminder to us to not give up the hope that we have inside. We then can endure the horrible tortures of the rack like Mrs. Askew, if we, like her, keep the knowledge that Jesus lives, and he is returning for us.

Luke 15:11-32 – What About My Child?

Ref: Luke 15:11-32

I spoke with a friend a day or two ago. She was concerned because her son was getting old enough to leave the fold now. She was concerned with the usual things that we as parents get concerned about. If you have lived through this, or are currently going through this situation, then you know what I am talking about. This is a heart wrenching time for a parent. It has been 18 years where the mom and dad have been caring for the needs of their child. They have tried hard to prepare them for this inevitable day. All their hopes and aspirations are tied up in the fruition of the life of labor and love they have poured into their little baby, who is now a young adult. Have they been good parents?

What if their young one fails? How will they be able to help? Will their child ask for help? Did I prepare them enough for them to be successful? But probably the most heart wrenching question for a Christian parent is, “Will they continue in their faith?” Will they walk away from God and never return?

In a study done by Lifeway Research, author Ed Stetzer, relays that 70 percent of high school students who attended church on a regular basis, for at least one year, will stop going to church during their years of higher education. There are allot of reasons for this, but most do not intentionally stop going to church. That is, it is not that they could not wait to get away from their oppressive Christian parents so that they could leave their archaic religion. Most just get caught up in their new busy life. Juggling of study, school, work, and the development of new friendships distract them from their previous priorities. Some will get distracted for a while, maybe some for several years, but most will eventually return. Probably when they start their own families. There are a few who will get distracted far beyond measure. Some will forsake their childhood upbringing in favor of some college professor’s views, or do the world views on life, sex, and politics that permeate the college campuses. We can find throughout scripture examples to prove that the Lord does not abandon his children.

In Luke chapter 15 we find the story of the prodigal son. In this story the youngest son makes a plea for his half of the inheritance and leaves home. This rebellious son then squanders his fortunes in a foreign land and winds up being homeless and penniless. After much soul searching he decides to return home and beg forgiveness in hopes that he can work on the family estate as a hired hand. When he returns his father is overjoyed. The father’s love overflows from deep in his heart and he rejoices over the return of his son with a great feast and a party. The oldest son, who remained obedient is put off with this forgiveness his younger sibling received. He is caught up in his own selfish interests to see the miracle that has happened.

This story has many different points at which we can tear it apart and find some universal truth or a great life application. I have many times used this parable as a part of my testimony, because I was also a wayward son who had returned. If you are not familiar with this story it can be found in Luke 15:11-32.

Here in this passage we see a man that did everything right. He raised his kids in a God-fearing home. He taught them the value of good hard work. He taught them about the Lord. He taught him the customs of their people, and how to be good men. He instructed them in the way of their faith. Yet one of his children fell away. This is the case for many of us parents.

We can teach, and discipline, and hold our breath till we are blue in the face, but some of our children will go away form their faith. We can do everything right. Still our loved one abandons the truth and rebels against God. I should also mention that we can do everything wrong, and yet our child finds God. The point here is that faith is a personal decision. Our job is to pray for them, teach them, and reinforce the instructions of life and hope in Christ. Teach them the wisdom of knowing God and the advantages of living a godly lifestyle. We are to give them an understanding of God that they can use in life’s decisions. But the decision is up to them. Each man (woman) is responsible to God for themselves. This is why the father rejoiced.

The father in Luke 15 knew when his son asked for his share of the inheritance and left that he was already lost before his feet his the road. He also knew that he could not stop him. He knew that while his son was in rebellion that he was already dead spiritually. I am sure that his heart was broken. Something that we cannot miss though. The father knew his son had to make the decisions.

When his youngest son asked for the money his father did not argue with him. His father could have told him, that money is not yours yet, you do not have a right to it. His father could have drilled him with all kinds of questions, he could told him how foolish he was, and what a bad son he is. He could have struck out in anger. The father had all of the authority and right to do any or all of these things. Instead he listened. He gave his son an opportunity to learn a life lesson that his son needed.

This father also trusted God to return his son to his faith. The father knew that the son in his heart did believe in God and that this little light of faith would be used by God to steer him home. I am sure he held onto Proverbs 22:6. The father had hope. He knew that God loved his son also, just as much as he did. He knew that God would not abandon his son.

This hope is evident in verse 20 of Luke 15. It says, “But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him.” This father was looking for the return of his son. He expected the Lord to deliver his son. He rose up and looked for him every day! We don’t know how long the timeframe is of the story, but it was long enough for the son to lose his inheritance, take a slum job, deal with starvation, and finally repent. The son swallowed his pride and came with full intention of making things write with his father no matter what the consequences.

This story can tell us so much about the love of God. When the son returned the father did not care where he had been, or what he had done. He only say his son. His baby was coming home. I think about this and I think about my own son. He is a grown man, but every time I look at him, I still see the little infant that I held for the first time at his birth. I know the heart of God by this memory. With all that I love my son and no matter what he has done or where he has been, I still see this little baby in my hands. That I like to think is the way that God sees each of us. This father in our story just saw his baby, crying and beaten up by life, returning home. This father who loved his son, put his arms around him. Nothing else mattered.

This is what Jesus made possible. No matter how far we go. No matter what we have done. No matter how rebellious we have been. Jesus made a path home for us, for our children. Have hope in the Lord. Your heavenly Father has not abandoned you, and will not abandon your son or daughter. Yes there are some hard lessons in life to learn. No we cannot shelter our children from consequences of their own decisions. However; we can have confidence that the Lord will never leave or forsake them.

Exodus 20: What do the 10 Commandments Mean for the Christian?

Exodus 20: What do the 10 Commandments Mean for the Christian?

It is true the Law cannot make one righteous. Neither does the keeping of the Law sustain our salvation. However, Paul on several occasions states that we should not let Grace be an occasion for sin. In other words we should not let our freedoms be taken to far, and thus make the reason for our Grace be lost. Turning to Exodus 20 we can get a good understanding of the 10 Commandments and how we can apply them in our Christian lives, not for salvation or works of justification, but because scripture says that we should do works of righteousness. James 4:17 “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” How we choose to live out this freedom that has been given us in Jesus Christ is a direct reflection of the heart. These are just short paragraphs to get you thinking.

The first commandment “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”(.3) is a pretty straight forward translation. The Hebrew words used here are quite easily put to the English text of the King James Version. The word “gods” is the plural form of Elohim. This word indicates that there will be no other rulers, judges, divine ones, angels, works or special possessions of God. The word “before” is the Hebrew word paniym, which means face and is used here to indicate “before my face”, or “in from of” or “in presence of”. So the command is quite clear, Thou (you) shalt (will not) have anything that has authority over you before me. A Christian should not let anything interfere with the sovereignty of God over their lives. No other authority is to reign supreme over the Word of God. No government, carrier, relationship, or other aspect of our lives should be allowed to stop us from obeying the Word of the Lord. We should live outward lives that indicate who has supreme authority over our lives. That supreme authority is God Himself.

The second commandment “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (v.4) When looking at this commandment we can see that the meaning “to cut or engrave”. Specifically it comes from the Hebrew pecel (peh’-sel) meaning idol or image. So the understanding is that we are not to make any image as an idol. The command goes on to include any likeness of anything that is in heaven, or in the earth, or in the sea, in fact it goes so far to say not even under the earth. Nothing should be made that is to appear to represent God, or any other idol. One should note that an idol is something that is obsessed over. We cannot use anything made by hands or in creation to represent God for worship of any kind. Our affections should be solely placed on God, nothing should be used to represent God, because we run the risk of worshiping what is created rather than the creator. We do not bow to crosses, the Eucharist, or to anything other than God himself. God will not share his worship with anything else.

The third commandment “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” (v.7) This commandment is a warning that we should not take (bear), or lift up either literally or figuratively the name of the Lord. The meaning is that we should revere the name of the Lord, and should not take it lightly. We are not to frivolously use the name of the Lord to seal an oath, or to in effect evoke the Lord on our behalf. God is not a djinn to be uses as we will or conjured up for our purposes. With this comes a sense of respect and personal accountability. If we cannot use the Lord for an oath, then we must be honest and trustworthy in our speech and actions. We are to have a name that brings respect to the Lord. We are to honor the name of the Lord. The end of this commandment is frightening. The Lord says that He will defend His own name. Anyone who disrespects Him will be held accountable to Him. We should then live in truth and in Spirit giving honor and respect to the name of the Lord in our speech and our actions.

The forth commandment “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” (v.8) The Hebrew word for remember is zakar (za-kar’), and is used to cause to remember or as a memorial. The later verses further explain that there were seven days that God used to create the earth, and on the last day, God rested. This is a day to be kept in memorial of the provisions of God. In six days he created everything that was needed to sustain his creation. Then he rested. God took a break for his labors because they were completed. The Sabbath is referred to in the Jewish culture as a

Holly day which means basically an intermission. Much like where we get the word sabbatical. This is a time to get away from everything, to make a complete break to clear the mind, and spirit. This is a time of renewal. Even batteries need to be re-charged or replaced from time to time. Jesus said that the Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath. God knows we need a time to recharge and get away from all or our labors and worried. We need a time to clear our minds and to “just be still”. We need time to relax and remember why we are working so hard. Spend some downtime with the family. Take time off from all work and all work related items. Relax and enjoy the blessings the Lord has brought. If not you will weary yourself and suffer burn out. You will lose productivity. You will lose your joy, and you relationship with Christ will suffer, along with your relationship with your church, family, and friends. Your ministry will suffer if you do not take time away, and push the reset button.

The fifth commandment “Honor they father and thy mother.” (v.12). The word honour in is from the Hebrew kabad (kaw-bad’) and can be used in a positive or negative manner as most root words can. Given the context of the verse, mainly, that it will add longevity to your life or a better quality of life, it can be understood that it is to be used in a positive manner. So then it can be meaning to abound with, or to promote, be rich in, or to be honorable. So then we are to treat our father and mother with abundant honor. How then do we do this? The showing of respect is the primary way that a king is honored. Shows of respect mean; proper use of language in their presence, bringing of gifts, sharing of blessings from God (resources, food, income, health benefits, lodgings, etc…), spending time with them (sharing special moments, letters, birthdays, celebrations), showing affections towards them, respecting and supporting their decisions, understanding that without their guidance and provisions you would not be where you are today. Showing honor is a lifestyle of respect and gratitude.

The sixth commandment “Thou shalt not kill.” (v.13) The sixth commandment seems like such a simple statement. Yet often times it is added to in order to say that capital punishment is not biblical. However, this commandment says that you shall not “kill”. The Hebrew word is ratach (rä·tsakh’) meaning to slay, or murder. To murder is to deprive of life according to the Webster’s Dictionary of the English Language 1828. 1 John 3:15 does specify that the application of this is more than just a physical act. The writer tells us that “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer:” This is because God looks into the intentions of the heart. Not only do I need to refrain from murdering someone in a physical sense, but I need to rebuke hatred in my own heart for others that may or may not have offended me. If I have allowed prejudice to establish a beachfront of sin in my heart, to hate, thus to be guilty of murder. This commandment has nothing to do with the power or authority of the government or of law enforcement, but everything to do with love of others; instead of selfish hatreds.

The seventh commandment “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” (v.14) This command is actually pretty straight forward. The word for adultery here is the primitive root na’aph (nä·af’) in Hebrew. This word is “to commit adultery” it is usually meant from a man and always refers to the wife of another man. It is a strong word and is associated with idolatry. You will not worship (love, adore) another man’s wife. Wow this is so beyond the physical act of sex with another man’s wife. Now we can see why Jesus said that to look after another man’s wife in lust is to commit adultery. That is because the original command actually says the same thing. No looking at another man’s wife to worship her in your heart, to love her in an ungodly manner. No actual sexual contact either. To do so you actually break not only this commandment, but the first, second, and tenth commandments as well. How dangerous the lusts eyes and the desires of our hearts can be.

The eight commandment “Thou shalt not steal.” (v.15) Now here is one that we always try to shorten, however; when we look at the Hebrew word use here we can see that there is no short order to this command. Ganab (gä·nav’), the Hebrew root, means to thieve (literally or figuratively) by implication, to deceive, or carry away; to get by stealth or deception. What then do we say to this? You will not practice theft either literally or figuratively by obtain by stealth or deception. You cannot take what is not yours literally you cannot. Neither can you take what is not yours through con, or ruse. You cannot take what is not yours through deceptive trade practices. You cannot be dishonest in your dealings would not be too far of a stretch. I think it could be summed up as this, if you want it, work for it. If you agree someone can earn a wage, then give them a fair wage. If you work for a fair wage then give the work that is do.

The ninth commandment “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” (v.16) To bear here means to answer (respond, testify, speak, sing, cry, give). The word for false is pretty simple and it means to lie (false, falsehood, falsely, vain, wrongfully, deceitful). Finally we can see the word witness which in the Hebrew means to evidence either abstractly (conceptually), specifically (explicitly, practically) or in record (as a source). This means you cannot lie about anyone, or any event either as a matter of oath, or as a matter of speculation. Jesus put it this way, let your yes be yes and your no be no. When you start to talk about things or people that you do not know you put yourself in danger of being judged in the same manner that you judged them. If you have to give witness as a matter of record for a court or an incident at work then you should speak plainly, never speculate and only relay the facts. You should avoid answering open ended questions, as these questions are designed to make you speculate. Being a witness is to present the details as you saw them, not others. Keep your conversation clean, no gossip. Be honest in word and in deed. Never lie and never listen to rumor, so you do not spread a lie and become a false witness. Remember loose lips sink ships. More than one church has been destroyed form the inside out because of rumors and innuendo.

The tenth commandment “Thou shalt not covet.” (v.17) To covet is to from the root chamad (khä·mad) in Hebrew and means to desire (take pleasure in). It is meant in a form that means to delight greatly or find desirable of precious. It can be used to mean delight, desire, or to lust after. I think we all know what this means. We can enjoy our neighbor’s good fortune, and celebrate with him in his blessings. We are not to desire to have the blessings that he has though. We should be content with what the Lord has blessed us with. We do serve the same God and we can never be happy for others if we are always comparing what they have to what we do not. The verse gets pretty explanatory, you will not desire your neighbor’s wife, servants, his means of living, any of his possessions, or his lifestyle. Ok that’s my neighbor’s stuff, what about the guy in TV? What about the guy done the block? Well lucky for us the definition of neighbor has already been litigated before the Messiah. Take a look at Luke 10:25-37. In there a lawyer sought to define what a neighbor was with Jesus. Jesus put is simple, everyone is our neighbor and we are to show mercy to our neighbors. We are then to be content with what we have. We are not to look to anyone else but God.

In summation I quote Romans 13:9. “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” We are to treat everyone as we want to be treated. We are to love everyone as God loves us. You see if I love someone, then I want the best for them. I don’t desire to take what they have, because it makes them happy, and I love them and want to see their happiness. This is indeed to true sign of a believer, that we should love one another because God is love and everyone that loves is born again from God and knows God (1 John 4:7).

Luke 11 Teach Us to Pray – Part 4

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. (Luke 11:4)

Forgive as we forgive. We must realize that we are broken from our own sin. It is a natural condition. Romans 5:12 explains to us that sin came into the world and was passed down to every single man, woman, and child through the sin of one man. This sin separated God from man and produced death in man. In this manner, death has moved through all the generations of man, through one common ancestor. Our sinfulness is more than that.

Not only do we have inherent sin, but; we also commit sin of our own. You can try to say, “The Devil made me do it”, however; it was your own sinful nature. This sin nature is driven out of selfishness. Just as Adam chose to disobey God, so do we choose to disobey God. This sin makes a separation between you and God (Isaiah 59.2). WE forgive in recognition that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23).

We must recognize that just as we needed forgiveness, so do others around us. We cannot hold ourselves to one standard, and hold all others to another. We are all in the same boat, as it were. If we have been forgiven, of all that we have done. Forgiveness that includes the sin that was on us from generations past, and those of our own seeking. In recognizing then, we are truly and completely clean of sin, and that we could not have cleansed ourselves no more than a pig can clean itself in the pen. Knowing that we did not earn this cleansing by our own merit, because we cannot be good enough. We cannot be good enough because even at our best, we are still in sin from Adam. We have come to the understanding that without this forgiveness our sin is punishable by death. (Romans 5:12).

Even though we deserve the death penalty, we have been forgiven of all sin in Jesus Christ our Lord. This was a gift from the Father, and is witnesses in the sealing of the Holy Spirit. Through this grace, we have been justified by God, in the faith we have in Jesus. (Galatians 3:11). In having a true understanding of this in our hearts, we cannot approach the Lord with our petitions if we are holding something against another.

To be unforgiving, especially after we received such a gift ourselves, is hypocrisy. This attitude is contrary to the heart of God, who wishes that all should come to repentance and not die (2 Peter 3:8-10). Jesus himself said that you come to the altar and remember that someone has something against you, or it you have something against someone else; leave the altar. Jesus said, leave your gift where it is and make things right between you and them. Once you have addressed the issue with whom you have offended or who has offended you, then come back to the altar. With a clean heart, offer your gift. Do not offer a vain gift to the Lord.

We must come to the Lord with the right heart, motivated by love and gratitude. We cannot hold animosity. To hold animosity means that we have judges ourselves to be more important than someone else. We think too highly of ourselves in thinking that we deserve forgiveness but someone else does not. In truth, no one DESERVES forgiveness, not you, not I. Hypocrisy is as it’s heights in an unforgiving Christian. In fear and understanding, we humble ourselves before God. We recognize that we needed his forgiveness, and so do others. How can we who have been forgiven, not forgive other? You may say, but I have not done the terrible things that they did to me, or to so and so. That is not true. Your sin had someone else tortured. Your sin caused a mother to lose her child. In fact she watched him being tortured, and beaten, and mocked. She watched him shamed in public, and stung up to die. Your sin caused a man to die. How much worse can someone else do, then to kill someone either by malice of forethought or even by happenstance?

Forgiveness also does some other things. Forgiveness sets the one who was wronged free from anger and resentment. Forgiveness relieves victimization. Forgiveness gives one the chance to renew their life. Forgiveness causes a person to be stuck in the offence. Forgiveness also reveals the nature of our own heart. In order to love God with our whole heart, we must be able to love one another. We are incapable of loving one another without being able to forgive one another.

And lead us not into temptation…

Part of this salvation provided by the Lord is Justification, which we covered already. Now we move into the next portion, that of Sanctification. Justification happened when we first believed on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Justification is passed to us through faith in the gospel message concerning the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God sees our faith in Jesus and is pleased with this faith. We are then given a legal righteousness imputed to us for all time, which delivers us from the penalty of sin.

Sanctification is a present experiential or progressive work performed in us by the Holy Spirit, keeping us holy until the final phase of salvation. Sanctification is then a process of spiritual growth in the Christian life where we are delivered from the power of sin in daily life through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Looking again at this portion of the prayer recorded in Luke 11 where is says, “and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”, in this context, we see a great hope in living for Christ in our daily lives. This is not some vain wish or aspiration, but; a real living hope! This is voicing and expectation in dependency. This statement gives recognition that we are dependent upon the very Spirit of God not only as a provider, but as a protector.

This is pleas has specific connotations. I am sure that you recall, if you have had a child, or know someone who has a toddler. When the child gets old enough to walk, but not old enough to know better, which for some of us can last until the 40s. (LOL) The very safe environment of the family home can become a living hazard to the exploring babe. A parent must safeguard the environment with outlet covers, door latches, and the sort. Even then with all of those precautions, a parent must be ever vigilant for where the child is and what they are doing, especially if they are to quiet. The attentive parent must from time to time, correct or avert the attention of the young one from things that may cause them harm.

This is the plea made here. God keep a watch out for me God! Keep me from the things that would harm me. Even if I really think I want them. Protect me not only from the temptation out there that is in this sinful age, but also from the lure to sin that I create in myself. Don’t let me sin against you, safeguard me! We must also realize that we are in a real spiritual battle.

There is a war going on in the spiritual realm. In that realm, just as there are angels that are aligned with the Heavenly Father, there are fallen angels who fight against his will. These fallen angels, known as demons, have a leader we know by the name of Satan, the devil, the Evil One. They make war against the lamb of God, Jesus. Since you are in the will of God and in the family of God the enemy will make war against you.

This evil is real and is powerful. Alone we cannot stand against such power. However, our God is all-powerful, and in Him, we can stand against the Devil and his demons. You see God is our salvation, and our protector from this present age and all the evil that it contains. There is no enemy that can stand against us, because we can call on the name of Jesus. This prayer is a seeking of the will of God in our lives. Jesus then says in his model of prayer, that we should seek first the kingdom of heaven.

We should seek to do what is the will of God the Father in recognition of who He is, and what he had provided for us. We must never forget that He did these things because of His great love for us as mankind and as individuals. We glorify Him, but in actuality we do this because He has glorified us first. Not only that there is a future glorification to come that we cannot understand.

The final stage of salvation is glorification. For a lot of us this happens when we die. But there are some of us who may yet see the rapture of the church. I say this because we are in the last days, and he is standing at the door ready to open it wide. In this final glorification we will put on immortality.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:53-55 KJV).

Death shall be finally defeated. We will have moral perfection and a resurrected body. This is a promise made by God and this promise will be deliverance from the presence of sin. You see we will be in the presence of God himself, and sin cannot enter into His presence. There are allot more things that can be written, concerning this prayer. I think to answer the question, is there more to this prayer than just being a model for prayer can be answered with a loud, resounding “YES!” Thanks God! YES!

Wolves Among You – Beware

Ethan-Vanderbuilt-A-Wolf-in-Sheeps-Clothing

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:28-30)

The other day I read an article that was written by a young man. In this article the young man said that he was a profession Christian. He also went on to talk about how he, at moments in times past, had very passionate evangelistic experiences, where he went and testified to people about Jesus, and tried earnestly to win souls to Christ.

Then he went into error; the young man put forth the argument that Jesus is not the only way to God. He explained that since God created everything, then by virtue of God’s omniscience, he also created the other religions of the world. This faulty reasoning had led him to believe that God had given us numerous ways to approach him in the various religions of the world. “After all don’t all religions end up in the same place?” I want to make sure that everyone knows; that this young man’s doctrine is a false doctrine. I will concur that all religion does led to the same place. They all lead to hell. Religion does not save a single soul. Only believe in Jesus as the Son of God, who sacrificed himself for our sin, and acceptance of this truth in faith; that he died, was buried, rose again, and will return to establish his kingdom, and this is the only way to the Father will save anyone.

Please pray for this young man, because; the deceptive lies and half-truths that he speaks shows that he is not saved, because he actually does not believe and have his faith in Jesus Christ alone. In John 8:44 it reads, “ye are of your father the devil, and the lust of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

So then if you do the will of your father and you show signs of lies, deceipt, rebellion against the will of God, trying to make your own way to God then you are your father the devil. What then in the will of God the Father? Jesus puts this all into very simple terms, “And this is the will of him (the Father) that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son (Jesus), and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6.40). Acceptance of Jesus as the only way to the Father shows you to be in the will of God, and a child of your heavenly Father. This is the way to life eternal with God.

In the 13^th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew Jesus explains that the devil intentionally places it agents in the midst of the church. “He answered and said unto them, he that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are of the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tears are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.” This verse along with Matthew 7:21 tells us that not everyone who says Lord, Lord, shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that do at the will of my father which is in heaven. Instead the devil puts in tares among the wheat, that is he puts in false believers among the believers. These false believers sow in false doctrines in an attempt to confuse and weaken the faith of the true beleivers.

This false concept of having more than one way to God, or more than one God, is nothing new. In Isaiah 14:13 – 15, which is believed to have been written between 740-680 B.C., it reveals the intent of Satan to exalt himself above the throne of God.

“For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”(Isaiah 14:13-15)

The worship of other gods has never been accepted by the one true God. Exodus 20:3 – 5 states, “thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto the any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” this is a very serious offense that the Lord warns us not to commit. By way of example, you can open your Bible to 2 Kings and see the story of Moab in the first chapter. In this story Ahaziah tried to consult one of the profits of Baal-zebub, who was the god of Ekron, and the Lord slayed him because he sought another god.

Now let’s take a look at what the Lord says in the book of Isaiah. “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: if you’re me there is no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, and the Lord; and beside me there is no savior.” (Isaiah 43:10 – 11). As you can see the Lord is very clear on this point, there is only one God, and the Lord is that God. There is no other way to salvation, but through him. Jesus himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6). The book of the Gospel of John testifies, “in the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was the life; and the life was light of men.” (John 1:1 – 4).

The consequence of believing that Jesus is just another god, or that there are many ways to God other than Jesus, is evidence of lack of faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. With this profession, you condemn yourself. “I said therefore unto you that she shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am he, you shall die in your sins.” (John 8:24). So I warn you now, if you hear anyone putting out any other gospel other than salvation through Jesus Christ alone than that is a false teacher that is going to lead many people to death. You do not need to listen to them because all they will do is try to confuse you.

I will close with this Scripture from Galatians 1:6 – 10, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, say so I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet please men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

If anyone declares any other gospel to you, other than the gospel of Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation, no matter how nice they talk, or how convincing the logical argument might seem, they are in error and should be removed from your presence.

Wolf Image from Ether Vanderbuilt

Pray in the Right Attitude

There are a lot of books and study packages and helpful hints on prayer that are readily available throughout the United States and the Internet. The way that they present themselves are like some kind of magic remedying, or sometimes special invocation used to get what we want out of God. It is clear by looking in the book of Matthew chapter 6 that the shoes always been a misunderstanding on how we should approach God in prayer. I think that is of special note, that the Lord himself thinks it’s a is so important that we understand how to pray, and how to seek the Lord, that he left as an example. This example is what we often referred to as the Lord’s prayer or the our father. We can find is prayer located in Matthew chapter 6 starting in verse 9.

Matthew 6:9-13 King James Version (KJV)

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this Day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Laura clearly leaves this prayer as an example of how we should praise, the type of praise and offering the should be offered in prayer, and one of our attitude in prayer. Something that we should also consider, is this prayer closely models the prayer that was prayed by King David, as he will made ready to relinquish his throne to his son Solomon. When David prayed he prayed in this manner.

1 Chronicles 29:10 – 13 (KJV)

“wherefore David bless the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Nine, oh Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in heaven and in the years is thine; thine is the kingdom, oh Lord, and thou art exalted as head of all. Both riches and honor come to the of the, and out rainiest overall; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength into all. Now therefore, our God, we think the, and praise thy glorious name.”

It is no accident, that the Lord chose the model of prayer given in Matthew after the prayer of David given Chronicles. It is often said that David was a man after God’s own heart. This prayer shows how much David understood the Lord, and understood his place in the Lord’s will. First of all David in his heart knew that only God deserves the blessings of all creation. He understood that all power and all glory anything that we could ever achieve is done through God the father. He understood the relationship that God had with Israel. The relationship between God and Israel, God and King David, was very unique and was one built on love. If you look back through the histories of other cultures and their gods, you’ll see quite a different relationship. Other cultures and other religions do not have a loving God who provides everything for them for their benefit out of his good pleasure. This same unique relationship is carried over to us as believers in Christ. This love relationship is demonstrated in the death and the burial in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

So then first we must understand that everything that we have is actually a gift from God. Everything that we own in reality belongs to God. When we speak of everything we are talking about our finances, livelihoods, health, and even the very breath we breathe. If we approach our prayer in the correct attitude, and we give God to credit is due to God, then we find ourselves not asking for petty little things that God already provides for us. Instead we enter into true worship with an understanding of the provisions that are already made by God. In seeking God in prayer, we should seek to return the love that he showed us.

Looking back at Matthew chapter 6 we can also see Jesus was very concerned about our attitude in prayer and why we choose to pray. That we should be seeking the father with all earnestness all sincerity in our heart. Jesus said, “take heed that you do not you’re on before men, to be seen of them”. He also said that we should not present ourselves out before meant just to be seen of men to be doing good things for God but we should be sincere and we should pray secretly in private because God once a one-on-one relationship with us and he once us to really spend time with him. The father does not want us to be superficial in our actions and our hopes and in our love for him. While the our father is a good model and learning how to pray it should not be a repetitious prayer. Instead the model of the Lord’s prayer shows we should love the Lord our God with all of our hearts. The our father also shows that we should have respect for God for the provisions he makes. We should be submissive to his will in our lives by actively seeking his will. We should be living a life that shows that we are his children, because he is a good father who provides far daily needs before we even ask. We do this by forgiving others like he forgave us. We should also acknowledge the fact that it is he who guides us and leads us to our daily lives protecting us from temptations and from the evil things there are around us those who seek to harm us.

Because he does all these things we can with joy in our hearts give praise to our heavenly father because he is the ultimate authority in the universe. He has all authority, provides everything we need, and he does it because he loves us like a good father should. Those of you who have children know that there’s nothing that you would not do for your children to provide for their safety for their health for their financial support, and even for the little toys that they want Christmas. Knowing this then, that your heavenly father who created everything, who owns everything, who wants to give everything to you, can and will provide everything you need if you’ll just come to him. There is no invocation there is no secret formula there is no special prayer. Instead there is a recognition of God for who he is, an understanding that he loves you, and that he is willing to give you good gifts. But of these gifts, the greatest gift that he wants to give you is eternal life in fellowship with him. This was provided the sacrifice that was made by Jesus Christ when he died on the cross to redeem your who and your whole life to the Father. So the question is, if God love you so much to sacrifice his own son, how much more will he give you if seek him first, and you ask in faith, believing he can do whatever you ask.

So go to your closet, get on your knees, give credit where credit is do. Be sincere with your Heavenly Father, seek his will, and when He answers, be faithful.

A Look in the Mirror- Proverbs 9:21

I try to be very cautious when I give my testimony, and to not be too specific because I don’t want people to get the wrong impression. I share just enough for them to know that I overcame through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because I want Christ to be the focus and not my sin. You see part of my issue is that I was an alcoholic. I don’t share how bad of an alcoholic most times because I have noticed that alcoholics tend to brag. Once pride over sin enters into the conversation it is a lost cause, and the sin becomes the conversation. It becomes who was the bigger sinner.

Instead of discussing the deliverance of the cross the conversation deteriorates into who drank the most, or who did the most embarrassing things, and all focus on Christ is lost. Truth be told all sin comes from our selfishness and is fed by pride. Even shameful sins are fed by our lashing out to feel better about ourselves, by punishing those around us. This gives us the center of attention, even if it is in a bad way. Unfortunately we become to think of ourselves as unique in our little world. We believe that we are smarter than everyone else around us. We believe that we don’t need others, they don’t know us, and that they cannot identify with us. This twisted image makes us dependent on the sin.

I can remember, when I was drinking, that at times I was very proud of how much I could drink. Even how cruel I could be to others. I remember sometimes purposely starting fights with my wife, so that I could have an excuse to storm out and go drinking. Afterward I would feel ashamed and then would drink more to drown out the terrible feelings. I couldn’t look at my wife or my children without severe regret for the things I had done. When I looked in the mirror, it was only to ask myself what had happened to the young man I use to be. Where were all those great things I was going to do with my life? Where was the man that swore to protect the ones he loved? I began to realize that the same pride I had in those things had become twisted into my self-image from my hard headedness of holding on to my sin.

Proverbs 9:21 says, “He , that being often reproved hardenteh his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” You see I did not listen to the warnings that others were giving me in the way of life I was living. I chose to hold onto my drinking, and the underlying sin that fed it. I choose to be in rebellion. My pride had me held up for ransom. The Lord has given us plenty of warning over and over again of what this self-pride will do to us. It says, “Therefore his calamity will come suddenly; Instantly he will be broken and there will be no healing.” (Proverbs 6:15).

There comes a point when everyone around us gives up and leaves us to our own destruction. God warns us that there is a penalty to pay for willful ignorance and pride. He calls it being stiff necked. Being stiff necked and prideful, resisting the truth, and choosing sin over repentance can destroy lives. Only in looking back at a wasted life of destroyed relationships, and tortured looks from loved ones can one see this truth. But there is an alternative. Take a look at the book of Ecclesiastes.

“A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that loveth danger shall perish therein. An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the wicked man shall heap sin upon sin. In the punishment of the proud there is not remedy; for the plant of wickedness hath taken root in him. The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man. Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins. And he that requitech good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.” (Ecclesiastes 3:27-31).

This is a comparison and contrast that shows there is an alternative. You can choose to live in your sin and pay the penalty of destruction, sorrow, and death. From this there is no remedy. You cannot get out of it by yourself. You have to accept the truth of your situation. A truly wise man will understand that he cannot continue in this path of self-destruction. Shame only builds more shame. Believe me please, I know. There is another way.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6). What is so important about this? Take another look at Ecclesiastes above. It says that a prudent man knows that water puts our fire. Alms and atonement must be made for the sin. You see sin ultimately brings death. “Then when lust has conceived, it bringeth for sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth for death.” (James 1:15). Death will come to those who continue in their sin. Destruction that cannot be remedied will occur as a result of our rejection of this truth. You see you do not have to believe that fire will burn you if you touch it, but it will. Just the same sin will kill you. But we do have hope in Jesus Christ.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6.23). Jesus offers an alternative. In his death he paid the price for our sin. He died to pay the price of death for you. But not only that, Jesus rose again so that we might live eternally with the Father. This is a free gift, a way out of your old life. A way of atonement that has been made on your behalf, by God Himself, in Jesus Christ. “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and on the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17).

You see there is a way of hope. There is a new life. There is a way out of the shame and despair. That way is in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This is more than just a second chance. This is a new birth. Salvation is more than just being saved from hell, or self-destruction. It is a whole new life. It is becoming the child of God you were intended to be from before you were born. The Father has always wanted to hold you in his arms, he wanted you so much that he sent his son Jesus to become a man and pay the price of death for you.

All you have to do is believe that he did, and then confess it. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 10:9-11). The hardest part is just putting away that foolish pride. Because with pride in the way you are blinded to seeing the truth. Look in the mirror, what happened to you? Tell the truth.

Leave the Pig Pen Behind

In the gospel of Luke we find a story about a son who had taken his inheritance from the family and went away to a far land. While there he wasted the inheritance on unwise and questionable living. Much like many of us do when we first leave home. When he had run out of money, there was a famine in the land and he was caught with no money, no job, and no way to come home. Stranded in the this foreign land he took a job as a servant to an unrighteous man who took advantage of him. After some time of this the young man, out of desperation decided to swallow his pride and return home.

The time away had beaten the young man in more than one way. His heart was broken and his life was in shambles. He had no hope, he only wanted to get home and beg his father for mercy and help. I can think of times in my life when I had ruined all the opportunities that youth had given me, and squandered my money and eventually was left with nothing but burned bridges. Shamefully I turned to family for help. Not knowing if they would help, but desperately needing it.

Some of you are very familiar with this story, but I want to concentrate on this one aspect. When the father saw the young man in the distance, he ran to him. Then he called his servants and told them to put a robe on him, and a ring on his finger. This is what I want us to see. The son had travelled a far way. His previous job had him living with pigs, and eating the leftovers of what the pigs did not eat. He was malnourished, unclean, smelling. Yet his father loved him anyway. His father did not say, “Oh my, go get a bath, and put on some perfume before you hug me!” No his father instead ran to him, and kissed him passionately over and over again.

This is the love that God has for us. He loved us before we were cleansed. We did not have to clean ourselves up and be presentable before he embraced us. A lot of Christians will tell you that God loves me just the way I am, and that is true. He does love us, just the way we are. But if we look closer at this parable, we see that his father loved his son so much that he did not let him remain unclean. This is the way our heavenly Father also loves us. He loves us so much that he cannot leave us in the mire and stench that Jesus saved us from. He renews our minds and transforms us into his image.

Psalm 3:3 says, “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap”. In other places in scripture it describes how the Lord brought the writer out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set his feet upon a rock making his footsteps firm (Psalm 40:2). The Lord wants better for us than to just be saved from hell. He wants us to be what we were meant to be in Him.

Romans 8:37 explains how that we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. We are more than victorious, more than vanquishers, more than subjugators. Christians need to study scripture and awaken to the truths that God has given us. We do not need to be sheepish and tied to the things that kept us bound before. When the son in this story had returned home to his father’s embrace, he had also left the pig pen behind. He was not living in that filth anymore. -Amen