Lifestyle Renewed

Glossary of Christian terms

2010-03-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

Anthropology - The theological study of the nature of man.
Appolinarians - A fourth century group that denied the completeness of Christ humanity - The divine logos took place of the human mind.
Arianism - The heretical doctrine that only the Father is God and that the Father created Christ.
Ascetism - The practice of self-denial to attain a higher degree of spirituality.
Atonement - That act by which God restores a relationship of harmony and unity between Himself and human beings.
Bibliology - The theological study of the Word of God.
Canon - The collection of divinely inspired and authoritative books in the Bible.
Canonicity - The process whereby the early Church Fathers determined which books were divinely inspired and had the seal of divine authority.
Cessationism - The doctrine that the unrighteous cease to exist as death.
Christology - The theological study of the person and work of Christ.
Congregational - A form of church government that emphasizes the authority of the individual church member.
Docetists - A late first century group that denied Christ's genuine humanity - Jesus only appeared human.
Ebionites - A second century group that denied Christ's genuine divinity in order to maintain a strict monotheism.
Ecclesiology - The theological study of the order and operation of the church.
Episcopal - A form of church government that emphasize the authority of the bishop.
Eschatology - The branch of theology that is concerned with the study of the last things.
Ex nihilo - The Latin phrase that means, "out of nothing", and refers to the way God made the universe.
General Revelation - God's communication of Himself to all persons at all times and in all places.
Hamartiology - The theological study of sin and the fall of man.
Hypostatic union - A theological term that expresses the truth that in Christ one person subsists in two natures: the divine and the human.
Illumination - The doctrine that says the Bible is qualitatively different from all other books and that it requires God-given assistance to understand it.
Imago Dei - The Latin phrase that refers to the doctrine of the image of God in man.
Immanence - The attribute of God that reveals He is within His creation.
Immutable - The attribute of God that reveals He never changes.
Incarnation - The act whereby the eternal Son of God was conceived in the womb of Mary and became a man through virgin birth.
Inerrancy - The doctrine that says the Bible is fully true in everything it teaches.
Inspiration - The doctrine that says God's influence upon those who wrote the Scriptures rendered their writings infallible.
Interpretation - The doctrine that says man has a role in cooperating with the divine work of illumination.
Justification - The judicial act of God by which He pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ.
Local Church - A term that refers to a specific congregation in a particular geographic area.
Modalism - Another name for the heretical doctrine Sabellianism.
Monophysites - A fifth century group that denied the distinction of Christ natures - human nature was swallowed by the divine and created a new third nature.
Nestorians - A fifth century group that denied that denied that unity of Christ's person - two separated persons existed in one body.
Omnipotence - The attribute of God that reveals He has all power.
Omnipresence - The attribute of God that reveals He is everywhere at the same time.
Omniscience - The attribute of God that reveals He knows all things.
Pneumatology - The study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
Presbyterian - A form of church government that emphasizes the authority of the elders of the church.
Propitiation - The sacrifice that turns aside God's righteous wrath against sins.
Reconciliation - The reestablishment of relationship between God and man.
Redemption - The purchase of the sinner out of the slave market of sin.
Regeneration - The spiritual change produce in a person by the Holy Spirit through which he is transferred from spiritual death to life.
Reincarnation - The cyclical evolution of a person's soul as it repeatedly passes from one body to another at death.
Revelation - The doctrine that says God reveals Himself to mankind in such a way that men and women can know Him and fellowship with Him.
Sabellianism - The heretical doctrine that there is only one God with three modes of existence or three manifestation.
Sacrament - A formal religious act conferring grace on those who receive it.
Sacramentalism - The doctrine that says participation in the sacraments is required for salvation, and that such participation results in saving grace.
Sanctification - The work of the Holy Spirit that brings the whole man increasingly under the influence of the new nature.
Soteriology - The theological study of salvation.
Special Revelation. God's authoritative Word conveyed objectively and propositionaly through the exclusive medium of the Bible.
Systematic Theology - An intelligent discussion about God based on the Bible.
Total Depravity - The Doctrine that says the fall corrupted every part of man's nature, including his mind, will, emotions and physical faculties.
Transcendence. The attribute of God that reveals He is above and beyond His creation and exist independent of it.
Trinity - The Bible doctrine that teaches there is one God in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Tritheism - The heretical doctrine that there are three Gods related in a loose association.
Universal Church - A term that refers to the entire community of genuine believers in all places and at all times.
Virgin Birth - The doctrine that Jesus was miraculously begotten by God and born of the virgin Mary.

Things that happen when a man has been saved by God (Part 3/3)

2009-07-04T23:49:00.000-07:00

III. In relation to God the Holy Spirit, the believer is

born again of the Spirit

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot, see the kingdom of God.
John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot, enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.

has the annointing of the Holy Spirit

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need, not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said into you.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever, he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need, not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

a temple of the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

given spiritual gifts by the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

bear witness by the Holy Ghost that he is a child of God.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

sealed with the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,

Things that happen when a man has been saved by God (Part 2/3)

2009-06-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

II. In relation to Jesus Christ, God the Son, the believer is

Accepted by Jesus;

"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein, he hath made us accepted in the beloved." Ephesians 1:6

Baptized into Christ;

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. " I Corinthians 1213

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27

Buried with Christ and live a new life;

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." Colossians 3:3

Loved by God the Son through God the Father;

"I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine." John 17:9

Saved by the Lord Jesus Christ;

"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Act
16:31

"Neither, is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby, we must be saved." Act 4:12

resided by God;

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelations 3:20

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23

given eternal life which cannot be lost;

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never, perish, neither, shall any man pluck them out of my hand." John 10:28

given peace between God and the believer in the midst of trouble;

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

called a friend of the Lord Jesus Christ;

"Henceforth I call you not, servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." John 15:15

seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly places;

"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" Ephesians 2:6

looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ; and

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;" Tit 2:13

owning a place in heaven prepared by Jesus Christ.

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told, you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2

read more

Things that happen when a man has been saved by God (Part 1/3)

2009-06-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

There are many things that happen in life of a man recieved Jesus as Lord and Saviour through the works of Jesus Christ.

1. in relation with God the Father, the believer

has access through Christ to the Father;

"For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." Ephesians 2:18

"In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." Ephesians 3:12

become adopted as son of God;

"To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Galatians 4:5

recieve inheritance;

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." Act 26:18

chosen/elected;

"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied." 1 Peter 1:2

"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:" Ephesians 1:4

become son/daughter of God;

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: " John 1:12

"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." 1 John 1:3

citizen of Heaven;

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: " Philippians 3:20

heirs of God;

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." Romans 8:17

new creation;

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

servant/slave of God redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ with the priveleged of serving the King of Kings and Lord of Lord

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." Romans 6:22

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God" Romans 1:1

priest of God with a direct access to talk to God and offer sacrifices

"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5

reconciled with God

"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. " Romans 5:10

"That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Ephesians 2:12-13

being sanctified

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11

read more

All Things New

2009-05-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest needs in our lives is the need for restoration. To restore means, "to bring something back into existence or effect again; to bring back to a former or original condition; to put back in a former place or position; to reinstate; to return."

We talk about restoring relationships, renovating antique furniture, reinstating a political leader and returning something that was stolen or lost. These all demonstrate the idea of restoration.

The essential meaning of salvation is restoration. To be saved means that we have experienced the miraculous restoring power of God to make all things new in our lives spiritually, psychologically, emotionally, and relationally.

From Genesis to Revelation, we see the God of restoration. We hear God's message to the nation of Judah: "I will restore your judges as in days of old, your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City" (Isa 1:26).

The Psalmist prayed, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me" (Ps 51:12). God promises, "I will restore you to health and heal your wounds" (Jer 30:17a). Paul the Apostle declares, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are new" (2 Cor 5:17).

When the Apostle John received the Revelation on the Isle of Patmos concerning the restoration of all things and the beauty of the new heaven and the new earth, he says, "And he that sat upon the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new'" (Rev 21:5). As you surrender your failures, problems and challenges to your Heavenly Father in faithful prayer, He will make all things new for you

It's All In Your Mind

2009-05-08T20:56:00.000-07:00

Your mind holds tremendous creative ability. That's why God gave you an imagination--so that you could create mental pictures, add faith to them and see those pictures manifest in your life.

Once you have an image in your mind of something you want to do or become, nothing can stop that image from coming to pass. Whatever you meditate on will become the blueprint for your reality. Too often, though, Christians suffer from "stinking thinking." They give the devil control of their minds by meditating on thoughts that do not line up with the Word of God. Then they reap the results of the curse because their carnal mindset produces the fruit of the flesh described in Galatians 5:19-21.

To keep the devil from gaining a foothold in your life, you must develop a sound mind that is completely controlled and directed by the Holy Spirit. In other words, you must renew your mind with the Word of God. Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." When you become born again, your spirit instantly changes; you are recreated in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). Yet your mind is not recreated. You must conform your thinking continually and on purpose; it is not an overnight, one-time event. Renewing your mind to God's Word every day is vital. By reading the Scriptures and meditating on them thoroughly, your thinking will be transformed to line up with the mind of Christ. And when you have the mind of Christ, you can do anything!

When you set your mind on the Word of God, you'll also experience soul prosperity and peace (3 John 2). The Bible says that the issues of life flow out of the heart (Proverbs 4:23). The word heart in this scripture actually refers to your soul--your mind, your will and your emotions. If you can control your mind, you can control your destiny. But it will take a quality decision on your part to dedicate your life to changing the way you think.

First Thessalonians 5:23 says, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." It is God's will that your mind, will and emotions be whole, with nothing missing or broken. As a Believer, you can receive a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). It is then up to you to enforce and maintain soundness of mind by keeping your thoughts and imaginations in line with God and His Word (Isaiah 26:3).

When your mind is focused and directed by the Word, you will position yourself for success. You'll have wisdom, discernment, insight and the ability to accomplish anything. A renewed, Word-controlled mind guarantees abundance and prosperity in every area of your life. Don't let another day go by without a daily dose of meditation. Set your mind on the Word of God and let it become the focal point of your life and purpose!

2009-05-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

What's On Your Mind?

Dr. Betty R. Price

But be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
--Romans 12:2

Your mind--the way you think--has a lot to do with the quality of your life. Proverbs 23:7 says: For as he thinks in his heart so is he. What you keep your mind on will determine whether you will be at peace or whether you will be full of anxiety in this troubled world.

Philippians 4:6-8 tell us:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, [If you do what this verse says, then the next verse will come into play.] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [And the way you keep from being anxious for nothing is by doing what verse 8 says.] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate [constantly think] on these things.

So, what are you thinking about? The word think means "to consider, reflect, reason and ponder." What we think is what we become. Where we have kept our minds is where we are. Our thoughts shape our behavior. In other words, what we do is what we think. William Barkley, a Christian writer, says: "It is a law of life that if a man thinks on something often enough and long enough, he will come to the stage when he cannot stop thinking about it. His thoughts will be quite literally in a groove out of which he cannot jerk them." How many people have gotten into bad situations because they just kept thinking and thinking and thinking about it until they found themselves in a mess. What are you thinking about? Are you thinking righteous or unrighteous thoughts? Are you thinking:

(1) about the flesh and its lusts? Are you thinking about gratifying the flesh through such things as pride, self, greed, pleasure, sex, angry exchanges, jealousies, envies, desires, and negative attitudes?

(2) about the lusts of the eyes through such things as immoral pornographic filth flaunted in magazines, films, books, television, and clothes that reveal too much of the body in a vulgar way?

(3) about the desire for recognition, honor, position, and power? It is okay to want to be recognized, but not to the extent that you will do anything for recognition, to the extent of committing a sin or hurting someone in to get what you want.

A mind fixated on the world system and the flesh is what leads to anxiety, worry, emptiness, and restlessness.

Colossians 3:1-2 tells us:

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Setting your mind on things above means setting your mind on the things of God, and you find out about the things of God from His Word. You have to take control of your mind and make it do what it should do by a determination of your will. Your will is in the mind area.

Romans 12:1-2 tell us what to do with our minds and with our flesh.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.

I know we can renew our minds, but we have to be forever thinking about God and His great love for mankind. Because if you don't, you will think more in line with the world than with the things of God. You have to understand that the body always wants to gratify the flesh. You have to train the body, make it do what your spirit wants, kill it, sacrifice it. And sacrifice is not fun, but it is the joy of the Lord you want.

Ephesians 4:21-24 tells us to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. It is our responsibility to do something about our minds. Once a person has been converted and becomes a new man, he is to focus his thoughts on God, as well as the good things of life. We, as Believers, should never dwell on immoral, fleshly, worldly, selfish, sinful or evil thoughts. Sinful and negative thoughts disrupt and destroy our peace. The mind always goes down to the level of the flesh, but we have to control it because we live in the flesh and that is the thing we gravitate to. And that is why we need to operate in the Word of God in order to control our thinking, which will control our flesh.

2009-05-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Keep A Steadfast Mind
Bishop Keith Butler

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

You probably know your share of people who are messing up their lives big time, and some are already on the brink of destruction. Why is this the case? Well, most people don't practice keeping a steadfast mind.

When your mind is steadfast, then it is firmly fixed in place. Isaiah 26 says, "...whose mind is stayed on thee..." The word 'stayed' is important here because it means your mind is not subject to change. Your mind is firm in belief, determination, or adherence.

For years, I've noticed that many successful people master this issue of the mind. They have learned how to be firmly fixed, or to take the position to follow after what is the right course of action. They will apply their decision to the end and do whatever it takes to sharpen themselves once their minds are determined. This is certainly true regarding the things of God. You'll have victory in your life once you learn to keep a steadfast mind.

Isaiah 26 continues by giving you the reason why you need a steadfast mind. God will keep you in perfect peace. Having perfect peace is what you should strive for. It means regardless of what comes your way, you're cool and even-tempered. Nothing can upset, bother, or destroy you. You're at rest with things and you operate in total confidence.

When you learn to trust in God, the result is perfect peace. Yet, there are many Christians who don't have this peace. Let's examine why. James 1:5 says, "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." You can't go around your whole life as a man or woman of two minds, who is always hesitating. That's being uncertain and unreliable about everything you think, feel, or decide. A steadfast mind is necessary in order to function in God's perfect peace.

James, chapter 5 outlines the problem of an unstable person: he's unstable in all his ways. Do you understand that a double-minded man is not just unstable in one area, but every single area of his life?

But, you can have a steadfast mind! Just keep your mind stayed on God and His principles, and it will produce perfect peace and victory in your life.

Scripture references: Romans 8:6

2009-04-30T00:08:00.000-07:00

Walking by faith is one of the shortest and yet most powerful sentences a believer can say. As a single woman over the age of 40 and small business owner, this is my life's testimony. The world wants you to believe that there is something wrong with a life like mine because I'm still single and childless.

They want you to believe that if you aren't keeping up with the Joneses and that you aren't living a fulfilled life. Pretty hilarious, huh? I know that I'm God's best and as I walk by faith, He is completing me as I joyfully tell my teasers that my life is more complete than theirs.

As you walk out your dreams, here are some great tips to ensure that walking by faith is an enjoyable experience:

1. Pray that God will reveal to you his desires for your life. It's a mature walk when you can honestly confess to God that you want his desires to be your desires and to break you until you're walking in harmony.

2. Become disciplined in your time with God. Be honest with yourself and admit you aren't studying enough and you aren't sure how to study. Consider a bible reading program that will direct you to read the Bible in a Year.

You have it in you to do this. 2 Timothy 2:15 teaches us to "be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth".

3. Surround yourself with others that are walking by faith in this season. As a Girl Scout, I was taught to make new friends but keep the old; it's the same concept. It's time to grow in all areas of your life this year. Don't be afraid to cut sub-tractors, distractors, and whiners out of your life.

4. Celebrate others when their harvests arrive. It's a great sign that you are next!

5. Sow where you want to grow. Find a mentor and devote (sow) time to work with them. Work with a servant's heart. Be committed, dedicated and trustworthy.

As you walk by faith, you will strengthen your belief and grow in confidence in knowing that you can be all that God said you could be no matter where you began your journey. You will now understand that challenges are merely new opportunities for you to reach your greatness.

Finally, your life will truly be blessed. Everything that you touch will provide you with a blessed life and no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Boast In The Cross

2009-04-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

Aqualyn Toi Jones

What do you boast about? Yes, I'm asking you.
And no, you're not exempt from this question.

We've all boasted about something. Maybe it's your children / grandchildren and how smart they are. Perhaps it was about your material possessions or your accomplishments. Nonetheless, I know that you've bragged at some point in time. Feeling ashamed? Well, that's not my intention.

I think bragging is a natural tendency for some. We just like to share the good things that go on in our lives. The problem is not in boasting. The issue lies in what we boast about.

Sponsor AdIn Galatians 6:14, Paul says, "But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified ..." Well, that may be the problem right there. Maybe our tendency is to boast in everything but the cross. Paul says that if he's going to boast, he's going to boast in the cross. Why? Frankly, there's nothing else to brag about.

None of my achievements or awards can compare to what happened on the cross of Christ. All of my efforts, recognitions, and rewards fall short of what happened on that cross.

We're taught at a young age to say 'Please' and 'Thank You'. We're also taught to put our best foot forward. To show our strengths instead of our weaknesses. Show-and-tell taught us to bring our best and to brag (oops, I mean talk) about it. No wonder we get this boasting thing all wrong.

One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is a cross pendant that I bought almost seven years ago. It's not the first cross that I've owned. It doesn't have any diamonds on it. In fact, it's sterling silver. It's cute and I'm proud of it. This cross is special to me because I bought it during my first missions' trip to South Africa. I haven't seen one like it yet. How's that for boasting?

But my cross - no matter how cute - has nothing on the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing I do can match the power of the cross. My good intentions still fall short. When Jesus died on the cross we became the sons and daughters of God. The cross was the vehicle to destroy the hold of sin over us. It put us it good standing with God. The cross introduced a lasting and eternal change in the relationship between God and man.

Why would we even want to boast about ourselves? Instead, let us brag with Paul about the cross and the lasting and eternal change it brings to our lives.

Faith that Goes the Distance

2009-02-24T05:51:00.000-08:00

Author: Pastor Ken Polk

"The just shall live by faith" Romans 1:17

God, throughout the scriptures spoke through anointed men to convey the message, that those whom have been justified must live by faith. It is paramount that we become strong in faith, because we are living in days which will test the very fabric of our belief system.

In Hebrews 11:6 we find written these words, "But without faith it is impossible to please him." If you conduct an extensive word study on the word "please" you'll discover to please someone you'll have to be in agreement with them. So let's paraphrase that verse. But without faith it is impossible to line your life up in agreement with God. Therefore, in order to tap into the rich resources God has for every believer, your life must be in agreement with His. The success of your Christian walk and relationship with God is predicated by the level of your faith. Moreover, faith is the foundation of your Christian experience.

The word "faith" is properly defined by the Greek word pistis. Pistis is defined as firm persuasion, or to persuade, a conviction based upon hearing. It implies knowledge of, assent to, and confidence in divine truths, and revelations of the Word of God. The scripture proclaim "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17. The problem is most people take the word "hearing" literality. However, it's not speaking of hearing with your physical ears, but hearing within your spirit being.

Sponsor AdThe only way the word is going to produce faith in the life of a believer; the word must become a living rhema within the soul of man, thus producing a life changing experience. Simply, the engrafted word becomes alive and real in the heart of the hearer, and he or she will begin to act according to the Word of God applying biblical principles to their daily life. This transformation of life will also change the quality of their life. The level of your faith is contingent upon the amount of the living word engrafted within your inner man.

So how does one faith grow? I quoted earlier from Romans 10:17, "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God." Looking at the seed principle mostly everything is the product of a seed. Man, animals, plants and even fruit has its origin from a seed. Jesus said "the sower sows the word." Mark 4:14. In Luke 8:11 Jesus told us that, "the seed is the Word of God." When a pastor or teacher ministers the word, he or she is sowing seed. The seed of the word is trying to penetrate the soul of man. Once the (word) breaches the soul it will either give birth to a living word (rhema), or it will be aborted.

According to Luke 8:12-14 Jesus said, "that being an indifferent hearer, the cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, and being not rooted in Christ" would cause the seed of the word to become aborted. However, if the seed of the word is birthed within the soul a living word (rhema) is born. This living word will influence the spirit of man prompting a visible outward illustration of Christ and the faith walk. The just shall live by his faith.

The Bible speaks of various levels of faith ranging from a measure to the God kind of faith. The stronger you are in faith will determine how victorious you will be in your spiritual life. Is your faith strong enough to go the distance?

Forgiveness

2008-10-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

Ever had a stain on your shirt that you couldn't wash out? Imagine a stain remover that would not only remove the stain, but would make the shirt just like new again. That's what happens when we repent and receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. He not only cleans the stain of sin from our heart. It all starts with confession.

Q: What does confession mean?
A: To acknowledge personal guilt and admit specific sin

"Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said,"I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" and you forgive the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5

Q: What happens if we fail to confess our sin?
A: Continued conviction, guilt, condemnation and bondage

"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Proverbs 28:13

Q: Who should we confess our sin to in order to receive forgiveness?
A: God

"Against you, you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge." Psalm 51:4

Q: When should we confess our sin to another person?
A: When we need prayer for healing and victory in that area of our lives

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" James 5:16

The Results of Confession
Q: What does God do when we confess our sin?
A: Forgives and purifies us from all our unrighteousness

"If we confess our sins, he is faithfull and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" 1 John 1:9

Q: Is it possible to have a clean conscience? How?
A: Yes, by the Blood of Jesus

"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, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14

Q: How does God deal with our sin?
A: Removes it as far as east from west.

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 101:12

The Importance of Forgiving Others

Q: How often should we forgive people who sin against us?
A: As many times as they ask for forgiveness

"If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." Luke 17:4

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked,"Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered,"I tell you, not seven times, but seventy seven times." Matthew 18:21,22

Q: What happens if we refuse to forgive?
A: We will be tormented and defiled by a root of bitterness

"In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pa back all he owed. 'This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother in your heart." Matthew 18:34,35

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Hebrew 12:15

Repentance

2008-09-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

"Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance... Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldy sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

Driving a car in the wrong direction on a one way street is dangerous (not to mention foolish!). Some drive the wrong way on a one-way street out of ignorance. Others do it out of rebellion. There is a spiritual parallel. Whether out of ignorance or rebellion, we are all on a dangerous one-way street that will ultimately lead to eternal separation from God. Until we all turn around repent and begin folowing Christ, every step we take is a step in the wrong direction - a step away from God.

The parable of the prodigal son is a beautiful picture of true repentance. The wayward son came to his senses, but turned his back on his folly, and returned to his father. He made a 180 degree turned around. He walked away from his former life of sin and rebellion. From that point on he lived differently of course, his father recieved him back (See Luke 15:11-24)

Godly Sorrow
Real repentance beginss when we are truly sorry for our sins. This "godly sorrow" makes no excuses. It takes full responsibility. It never places blame on people, society nor circumstances. Godly sorrow acknowledges that our sin is primarily against God. This type of sorrow leads to the life changing repentance.

"Against you, you only, have i sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge." Psalm 51:4

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7:10

Worldly Sorrow
Godly sorrow produces true repentance and a changed life. On the other hand, "worldly sorrow" only produces excuses. Godly sorrow is having a broken heart when we realize we have offended a holy God. Worldly sorrow is being sorry we got caught, or being sorry we have to suffer the consequences of sin. The ultimate difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow is the fruit. Worldly sorrow never produces the fruit of a changed life, it only produces spiritual death.

"I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." Acts 26:20

"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance" Matthew 3:8

No Regret
Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to God. It means we stop trusting in our good deeds and religious activity and start trusting in Christ alone. We were going in the wrong direction; now we are going in the right direction. We were running from God; now we are walking with Him. Repentance is the starting point of a new life. Repentance takes us off the treadmill of a self-centered life and put us on a fast track of God's glorious purpose for our lives. Turning to God means, no looking back and no regrets.

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." Acts 3:19

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret..." 2 Corinthians 7:10

Personal Application

Is your life going in a new direction?
Are there sinful areas in your life that are still a struggle?
Are there areas of intense temptation or consistent weakness that you need prayer for?
Are there sins that you have turned away from yet you still feel condemned about?

Lordship

2008-09-16T04:07:00.000-07:00

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts 2:36

Lordship is one of the central messages of the Bible. Jesus is referred to as "Lord" ninety two times in the book of Acts and 747 times in whole New Testament, while being referred to as " Savior " only twice in Acts and twenty four times in the New Testament. The biblical emphasis is overwhelmingly on the concept of Lordship. Lord means master, the one who calls the shots, the one who makes the decisions.

Lordship is Essential for Salvation
The starting point of salvation is the acknowledgement of the Lordship of Christ. Confessing Jesus is Lord implies submission to his Lordship in every area of life. If Jesus is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all. We do not have the option of receiving Him as Savior and not as Lord. Salvation is an all or nothing proposal

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:7

Lordship Demands Obedience
Anyone who claims Christ as their Lord is expected to do what He says. Intellectual faith and empty confession is not enough. If we say Christ is our Lord, our lifestyle should back up our claim.

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" Luke 6:46

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter that kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 7:21

Lordship Begins in the Heart
Submitting to Christ as Lord is not about following a set of religious rules and traditions. Rather, Lordship is a matter of the heart. Lordship begins as an internal submission of the heart. If it is genuine, it will eventually manifest itself in outward obedience

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord" 1 Peter 3:15

Lordship is a Continuous Walk
We begin our Christian life by acknowledging that Jesus is Lord. We must continue to walk under His Lordship for the rest of our lives. Lordship is not having a onetime experience with God but developing a lifetime walk with God. The more we know Him, the more we submit to Him

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him." Colossians 2:6

Personal Application

Are there areas in your life that you have not yet submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
Are your relationship under His Lordship?
Are your finances under His Lordship?
Is your time submitted to His Lordship?

Salvation is a Free Gift

2008-09-10T04:52:00.000-07:00

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come ." 2 Corinthians 5: 17

A new creation. A fresh start. For all of us who have ever wished we could start over, this is good news. However, before we can really appreciate this good news, we need to understand exactly why we need to start over. Why do we need to become a new creation? Why to we need salvation?

Separation
There is an immeasurable gap separating God and man.

Have you ever felt like God was a million miles away?. Ever felt like your prayers did not past the ceiling? Have you ever felt distant from God? We all have. Feeling far from God is very common. Many who sense this vast separation suppose that if they meditate harder, learn more about their religion or just step into a religious sanctuary, they would be closer to God. But since our separation from God is not physical or intellectual - neither meditation nor knowledge can bring us any closer to God. What causes the separation between God and man?

"Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:1,2

Sin
The cause of this eternal separation between God and man is sin

The Separation between God and man is a moral separation. God is holy; man is not. God is good; man is not. God is just and man is not. All men have sinned; therefore, all are eternally separated from God. All will suffer the consequences of sin which is eternal death.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

Sacrifice
The justice of God demands a sacrifice for man's sin

Since God is holy, righteous and just, he could not allow sin to go unpunished. Since he is loving and compassionate, he did not want all of mankind to be eternally separated from him. The divine solution to this problem was for Jesus, God's only Son, to become the sacrifice for sin.

"God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this demonstrate his justice, because in his forebearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished. " Romans 3:25

"But now he has appeared once and for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Hebrews 9:26-28

Substitution
Jesus paid the penalty for our sin

What happened on the cross? Jesus took our place and our punishment. He exchanged his righteousness for our sin. He took our curse and gave us his blessing. Because of his sinless life, he was the only one qualified to pay the penalty for man's sin and to bridge the gap between God and man. Therefore our salvation is based on what Jesus did for us on the cross. It has nothing to do with what we do for him. Jesus alone can and did pay the penaly for sin.

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9

Salvation
We are saved by God's grace when we turn from sin and put our trust in Christ alone for salvation

We have all sinned against a holy and righteous God. The penalty for sin is eternal separation from God in hell. God is just and must punish sin. He is also loving and does not want us to go to hell forever. Therefore he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for sin by dying on the cross. Because of his sinless life, death could not hold him. He was raised from the dead on the third day. We receive salvation when we stop trusting in ourselves and put our trust in what Christ did for us.

"If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. You will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved" Romans 10:9-10

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boost. " Ephesians 2:8,9

Personal Application:

Have your stopped trusting in yourself and started trusting in Christ alone for salvation?
Have you turned away from all known sin?
Have you confessed Jesus as the Lord and master of your life?
Are you willing to follow and obey him for the rest of your life?