Legalizing Love
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, * and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1
It’s the law!
Imagine if it were the law, that when you met a young man or woman and became ‘serious’ you must write love letters, you must hold hands, or you must buy flowers for them. It certainly is a silly concept isn’t it? It’s silly because when you fall in love with a person those types of things come naturally—they need not be legislated.
Love Does More
This is essentially Paul’s message to the church. We are free of mandatory rites and rituals of religion; we are free because love does more than legalism. Legalism—that doctrine that says, “Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and…” something else. There is no ‘something else, ’ it’s just faith in Jesus Christ. If anyone adds the word ‘and’ after the sentence, “Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ, ” run away…Jesus finished the work on the cross.
It stands to reason that if legalism will drain the passion from an earthly relationship, it will consume a spiritual one as well. We just need examine the church to see all the depleted souls who have given up on Christ because of man’s imposition of religious duty. Faith in Christ Jesus alone will result in free display of passion; enthusiasm, zeal, and love cannot be legislated.
And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:11
BTW
Compassion Sunday events were held all over the United States yesterday and as a result, thousands of children were sponsored. The good news is that it is never to late to host a Compassion Sunday event at your church. Just follow this Compassion Sunday link to find out more.
And of course it’s never to late to sponsor a child…
COMPASSION dave
Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts
Monday, April 14, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Stewardess, I've Changed My Mind
What purpose then does the law serve? Galatians 3:19
“Would you like a beverage?” the flight attendant asks sweetly.
“I’ll have a diet coke please, ” you respond.
“Would you like a parachute as well?” she calmly adds.
“Huh?”
“A parachute sir. Your life will be much better if you have one…I guarantee it! In fact your life will be full of peace and joy. Having a parachute is the only way sir—I have one, you should have one as well.”
“Thank you, ” you say as you look at her oddly through the corner of your eye, “But I have no need for a parachute, but I am very happy for you and your need to have one. I am glad your parachute gives you peace, comfort, and joy.”
What’s missing?
The attendant, not wanting to upset the passengers, failed to tell them that the plane was in fact going down. Why upset them she likely assumed, they were having such a good time. However, had she shared that little bit of ’critical information’ she would have had more success doling out the chutes.
That’s the purpose of the law!
The law in a sense, lets us know that we are going down--we are in fact all sinners. Tell most folks about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and they will likely respond that they have no need for saving—they consider themselves ‘basically’ good people. The law declares otherwise.
"There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.." Romans 3:10-11
No one seeks after God, at least not until after they realize that God was seeking them first. God sought us by providing the ‘Law’ as a mirror; a mirror that reveals to us how we truly look to Him…Dirty. It is that realization—that we are sinners in need of salvation, that leads us to the parachute that is Christ Jesus.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes… Psalm 19:7-8
In case you missed it…
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
COMPASSION dave
***Hey everyone! Pray and fast with us today as we prepare for our nation-wide Compassion Sunday event (April 13, 2008). Can't wait for Compassion Sunday? Then click here --->Compassion Child to sponsor.
“Would you like a beverage?” the flight attendant asks sweetly.
“I’ll have a diet coke please, ” you respond.
“Would you like a parachute as well?” she calmly adds.
“Huh?”
“A parachute sir. Your life will be much better if you have one…I guarantee it! In fact your life will be full of peace and joy. Having a parachute is the only way sir—I have one, you should have one as well.”
“Thank you, ” you say as you look at her oddly through the corner of your eye, “But I have no need for a parachute, but I am very happy for you and your need to have one. I am glad your parachute gives you peace, comfort, and joy.”
What’s missing?
The attendant, not wanting to upset the passengers, failed to tell them that the plane was in fact going down. Why upset them she likely assumed, they were having such a good time. However, had she shared that little bit of ’critical information’ she would have had more success doling out the chutes.
That’s the purpose of the law!
The law in a sense, lets us know that we are going down--we are in fact all sinners. Tell most folks about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and they will likely respond that they have no need for saving—they consider themselves ‘basically’ good people. The law declares otherwise.
"There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.." Romans 3:10-11
No one seeks after God, at least not until after they realize that God was seeking them first. God sought us by providing the ‘Law’ as a mirror; a mirror that reveals to us how we truly look to Him…Dirty. It is that realization—that we are sinners in need of salvation, that leads us to the parachute that is Christ Jesus.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes… Psalm 19:7-8
In case you missed it…
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
COMPASSION dave
***Hey everyone! Pray and fast with us today as we prepare for our nation-wide Compassion Sunday event (April 13, 2008). Can't wait for Compassion Sunday? Then click here --->Compassion Child to sponsor.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The First and the Last
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"*) Galatians 3:13
The First Adam
What we know about the first Adam (at least as it pertains to today’s verse) is found in God’s admonition to him recorded in Genesis 3:17-19:
"Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."
The Last Adam
We know from 1Corinthians 15:45 that Jesus Christ is the last Adam, but what is the significance you might ask? We notice that sin, specifically the sin of the 1st Adam, brought about the curse, the thorns, and the sweat, but Jesus, the last Adam absorbed it all for the sake of all mankind.
Our Jesus took the entire curse upon Himself, He bore the thorns, and He sweat the blood. He prepared His body as bread that in faith we might partake of His flesh thus freely accepting His mercy and grace.
Saved By Faith
In light of all that, why would anyone think that any work of our flesh is required? The work was finished on the cross and all we need do to believe it is done. Our works unto salvation are pointless; attempts to adhere to the law, to rules, and to regulations are futile…Receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
But What About…
But doesn’t James 2:17 say, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead, ” what is that all about? James is simply telling us that works are manifested as a result of faith – faith is not a result of works. Christians do not have to go to church, pray, fellowship, or spend time in the word…We GET to do these things.
We Get To !!!
COMPASSION dave
The First Adam
What we know about the first Adam (at least as it pertains to today’s verse) is found in God’s admonition to him recorded in Genesis 3:17-19:
"Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."
The Last Adam
We know from 1Corinthians 15:45 that Jesus Christ is the last Adam, but what is the significance you might ask? We notice that sin, specifically the sin of the 1st Adam, brought about the curse, the thorns, and the sweat, but Jesus, the last Adam absorbed it all for the sake of all mankind.
Our Jesus took the entire curse upon Himself, He bore the thorns, and He sweat the blood. He prepared His body as bread that in faith we might partake of His flesh thus freely accepting His mercy and grace.
Saved By Faith
In light of all that, why would anyone think that any work of our flesh is required? The work was finished on the cross and all we need do to believe it is done. Our works unto salvation are pointless; attempts to adhere to the law, to rules, and to regulations are futile…Receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
But What About…
But doesn’t James 2:17 say, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead, ” what is that all about? James is simply telling us that works are manifested as a result of faith – faith is not a result of works. Christians do not have to go to church, pray, fellowship, or spend time in the word…We GET to do these things.
We Get To !!!
COMPASSION dave
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Shouldn’t You Be Somewhere Else Right Now?
And the Lord said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever…” Genesis 6:3
What time is it?
What did God mean when He said He would not strive with man forever? Essentially the Lord is telling us that He is in pursuit; pursing us so that we might exercise the faith He has given (us) and follow Him. However, His quest will not last perpetually. There will come a time when His pursuit will cease and hearts will be hardened.
It happened to Pharaoh
Did you ever wonder why the Lord said to Moses (regarding Pharaoh), “I have hardened his heart…” (Exodus 10:1)? It happened because the Lord pursued Pharaoh and no doubt gave him numerous opportunities to repent and turn to Him, but he refused. There came a point when the Father knew this man was not going to change, and thus hardened his heart. And it happened--at least in part, as an example for us.
And He will do it to you to if you continue to refuse His grace and gift. It’s called blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy of this kind is not a one time event, but the continual refusal and denial of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Whoever does this is subject to eternal condemnation Matthew 3:29 tells us.
Now is the time!
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2b
You know what, maybe now is not your time. Just maybe, the Lord will not accept your denial as permanent and harden your heart. Maybe he will give you another day, week, month, or year to decide. Or maybe He won’t. Maybe this is your last chance—maybe your future is not a heart-hardening, but a radical heart-softening, the likes of which occur when one meets a semi head-on. Either one signals an ugly scenario if you don’t know Jesus as Christ.
Think about it
Why are you here anyway? I don’t mean ‘why are you here’ as in a cosmic kind of way, but why are you here, in a Christian forum, reading threads written by Christians, when you don’t even believe in Jesus Christ. I suggest to you that you were led here by the Holy Spirit because your time as come…The day of your salvation has arrived.The choice is yours, but God will not strive with you forever.
Thus says the Lord: "In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages… Isaiah 49:8
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out) Saved?
What time is it?
What did God mean when He said He would not strive with man forever? Essentially the Lord is telling us that He is in pursuit; pursing us so that we might exercise the faith He has given (us) and follow Him. However, His quest will not last perpetually. There will come a time when His pursuit will cease and hearts will be hardened.
It happened to Pharaoh
Did you ever wonder why the Lord said to Moses (regarding Pharaoh), “I have hardened his heart…” (Exodus 10:1)? It happened because the Lord pursued Pharaoh and no doubt gave him numerous opportunities to repent and turn to Him, but he refused. There came a point when the Father knew this man was not going to change, and thus hardened his heart. And it happened--at least in part, as an example for us.
And He will do it to you to if you continue to refuse His grace and gift. It’s called blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy of this kind is not a one time event, but the continual refusal and denial of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Whoever does this is subject to eternal condemnation Matthew 3:29 tells us.
Now is the time!
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2b
You know what, maybe now is not your time. Just maybe, the Lord will not accept your denial as permanent and harden your heart. Maybe he will give you another day, week, month, or year to decide. Or maybe He won’t. Maybe this is your last chance—maybe your future is not a heart-hardening, but a radical heart-softening, the likes of which occur when one meets a semi head-on. Either one signals an ugly scenario if you don’t know Jesus as Christ.
Think about it
Why are you here anyway? I don’t mean ‘why are you here’ as in a cosmic kind of way, but why are you here, in a Christian forum, reading threads written by Christians, when you don’t even believe in Jesus Christ. I suggest to you that you were led here by the Holy Spirit because your time as come…The day of your salvation has arrived.The choice is yours, but God will not strive with you forever.
Thus says the Lord: "In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages… Isaiah 49:8
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out) Saved?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Glorious Road Signs
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18
From Glory to Glory
Have you ever been driving along a stretch of highway, mile after mile wondering if you are even on the right road? It can be distressing. In the distance you see a sign. As you near it your heart rate quickens, ”What will it reveal?” At last you discover that you are on the proper road and, joy of joys, you’re heading in the right direction. At that particular moment, is not the seeing of that sign a splendid thing?
The true glory though lies ahead, doesn’t it? Whether it is Disney World or grandma’s house, the real glory is in the destination. We might recall the beauty of the road sign, and how it directed us, but alas its glory fades as we scoot by. Ever grateful we drive on to our ultimate glory.
Paul reminds us that Christians are traversing from one glory to another, the latter being exceedingly better than the first. He goes on to tell us what these glories are: the Law and Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:7-9 make it clearer.
But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
Ministry of Death
The ministry of death (and the ministry of condemnation) are one and the same; they are references to the ‘Law’, while Jesus is the ministry of righteousness. While the ‘Law’ was glorious, the glory of Christ exceeds it. The only reason the ‘Law’ had any glory at all is so we sinners would stand up and take notice; its sole purpose being to identify us (as sinners) and then to operate as a road sign directing us to Jesus Christ—the ultimate glory.
We are grateful for the Law and we recognize its glory and purpose, but to stop at the Law so that we might bask in its fading glory would be as silly as stopping at a road sign and basking in its diminishing glow. Let us move on from glory to glory.
For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
2 Corinthians 3:11
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
From Glory to Glory
Have you ever been driving along a stretch of highway, mile after mile wondering if you are even on the right road? It can be distressing. In the distance you see a sign. As you near it your heart rate quickens, ”What will it reveal?” At last you discover that you are on the proper road and, joy of joys, you’re heading in the right direction. At that particular moment, is not the seeing of that sign a splendid thing?
The true glory though lies ahead, doesn’t it? Whether it is Disney World or grandma’s house, the real glory is in the destination. We might recall the beauty of the road sign, and how it directed us, but alas its glory fades as we scoot by. Ever grateful we drive on to our ultimate glory.
Paul reminds us that Christians are traversing from one glory to another, the latter being exceedingly better than the first. He goes on to tell us what these glories are: the Law and Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:7-9 make it clearer.
But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
Ministry of Death
The ministry of death (and the ministry of condemnation) are one and the same; they are references to the ‘Law’, while Jesus is the ministry of righteousness. While the ‘Law’ was glorious, the glory of Christ exceeds it. The only reason the ‘Law’ had any glory at all is so we sinners would stand up and take notice; its sole purpose being to identify us (as sinners) and then to operate as a road sign directing us to Jesus Christ—the ultimate glory.
We are grateful for the Law and we recognize its glory and purpose, but to stop at the Law so that we might bask in its fading glory would be as silly as stopping at a road sign and basking in its diminishing glow. Let us move on from glory to glory.
For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
2 Corinthians 3:11
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Question That Launched a Ministry
I'll tell you right from the get-go, the video is 15 minutes long. Normally, I wouldn't post something this long, but then again, I am not normal. While my agenda typically involves finding Christians to sponsor children, this video by Shaun Groves speaks to the believer on more than just one level.
Enjoy...
"Why yes, I would love some feedback. Thank you for asking!" Please respond here or HERE
Enjoy...
"Why yes, I would love some feedback. Thank you for asking!" Please respond here or HERE
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