A Question About Grace

I received this question from a sister in the faith. I am posting so that it may help someone else.

Question
So a co-worker and I have been doing a great deal to understand the concept of grace. Of course we know the "book" definition of what grace is. However, if Jesus died to save everyone from sin and God's grace is for everyone, what is the motivation to live right?
For the non-practicing Christian that is.
Meaning they believe, but they aren't walking in it daily.


Answer
I want to say right off the bat that Grace is not a get out jail free card. The Christian has to understand the price Christ paid on the cross for our salvation. Now if a “Christian” can look upon the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and not feel any conviction and motivation to live for Him something is wrong. The grace of God is the motivation. John says we love Him because he first loved us. Paul teaches that any man in Christ is a new creation. The old has passed away behold the new has come. The grace of God makes us free but it does not make us WILD. We are not free to break the laws of God. No on the contrary the love and grace of God compels us to please Him. If we say to ourselves we can do what we want because we are forgiven, then we are acting contrary to what teaches. We should live for the ONE who died for our sins and not for ourselves. Lastly, the Bible teaches20God is not mocked. Paul says in Galatians, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

The Christian should be all about living for Christ and being dead to sin. The grace of God frees us from the condemnation of the law so that we are free to walk in righteousness. Romans 6:11-14 says, “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”

One last thing. In the Bible believing is doing. To believe something and not act in accordance with it is an indication that one may not believe as they say they do. I do not want to oversimplify because we have our flaws however pressing toward the mark of the high calling realizing our shortcoming is not the same as living a rebellious life. Remember is it our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that teaches us that a tree is known by its fruit. In other religions there may be categories of “practicing” and “non-practicing” but in Christ you are either with Him or against Him.

There is an article that I will find on the Mortification of Sin by John Owen if any are interested. It is deep reading but worth it (it can be found on the web).

Leaving a Legacy

This summer I had the awesome privilege of baptizing my youngest son, Brandon. This was one of the greatest moments of my life, because now all my sons have accepted Christ and have been baptized. I was so proud of him and so happy that his grandparents were here to share in this moment. I cannot express the joy in my heart, not only have all my sons come to Christ, but I was able to baptize each of them.

Naturally, all this got me to thinking about the legacy that I received from my parents and the legacy I am passing on to my children. When I was just a little boy, my Mother made sure that I knew that I came from a family of ministers and laymen and women and I was expected to take what had been entrusted to me and continue serving God with it. After my brother received Christ I can remember my Mother saying that if the Lord took her home now, she would be alright because all her children were saved. That’s how important our Salvation was to her. I also have that same passion and zeal for the things of God and on that Sunday after Brandon was baptized, I understood exactly what she meant. It is a wonderful thing to know that your children are in the Kingdom of God and you will spend eternity with them.

I want to remind all who read this, whether you realize it or not, you are leaving a legacy to your children. Sometimes, we may emphasize the worldly aspects of life such as education, employment, finances, etc. too much and we forget to stress the spiritual things. We must model a healthy spiritual life for our children in order to pass on the things of God to them. In Matthew 16:26 Christ asks, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” It is not enough to only teach this, but we, as parents must model this lifestyle to our children. In Deuteronomy, Chapter 6, Moses instructed the people of God to do this, just before crossing over into the promised land.

As you read Deuteronomy, Chapter 6, here are some points to ponder:

1. Deuteronomy 6: 1-3. The people of God must fear the Lord their God, their sons and their son’s sons by keeping all his statutes and commandments all the days of their life. The word of God is not just for you but for your children and your children’s children. We are expected to have a relationship with our child that models the Christian life and to instruct our children in the things of God.

2. Deuteronomy 6: 4-19. The people of God should have the words of God on their heart and we are to teach them diligently to our children. According to scripture, we are to speak the word of God and keep his statutes and commandments when we sit in our houses, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise. This passage instructs us to keep a constant dialogue concerning the laws of God with our children in order to teach them and to pass down what God has taught us.

3. Deuteronomy 6: 20-25. In time, our children will come to us for the meaning of these testimonies, statutes and rules that the Lord our God has commanded us. We are to show them from the word of God why we do what we do and show them how He delivered His people from slavery and made them a nation in order to fulfill the covenant that He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We are to teach our children that even when God brought his people to a land flowing with milk and honey, they still did not heed His words so, God sent his Son Jesus Christ to redeem man once and for all. We are to tell them that all who believe in Jesus Christ are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to the promise (Gal. 3:29) and now we do not live for ourselves but for the one who died for us that is Jesus Christ.

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

Sorry for the typo’s in the earlier release.. I was tired and did not check it.

Thursday October 18, 2007 School Board Approves Birth Control Prescriptions at Maine Middle School (if you want to read the story follow this link http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,303058,00.html). To those of us who are spiritual this is not surprising nevertheless we morn over the poor choices our governing bodies make. To those without kids try to imagine someone giving any those children that you see on this site (look to the right) birth control. My children are 15, 12, 10 ( 10th, 6th, and 5th grade) it blows my mind to even imagine what they are facing everyday at school. Well this is not a shame on them speech or some pious pity party. I want to use this to stir up the body of Christ to continue to work in the vineyard until Christ returns. What happened in Maine can happen where ever you live, if it has not already. My brothers and sisters there is work to do and we have been charged to be salt and light in a dark world.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 5: 13-16

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus teaches that the church, the body of believers, is the salt of the earth. We are charged with teaching, and preserving the laws and commandments that God has set forth for us. As the church we are an example on how to live to those who are lost. Also we are to challenge false teaching and false philosophy that is abundant in this world. It would not surprise me that some of the school board members that voted for this consider themselves Christians. If we had an opportunity to speak with some of them they would probably say they had no choice in the face of the rising pregnancy rate in their school. We need to understand the world has no solutions to the problems of this world only God can save us from our sins and destructive behavior. Only the cross of Christ has the power to address teenage pregnancy, the rising teenage sexual activity or fornication of any kind. The decision to allow birth control in schools does not address the principle of sin and it was not intended to. It may cut the pregnancy rate in this district then again it may not. One thing it will do is ruin the lives of several young children because instead of hearing the message of abstinence this will be viewed as free pass to do whatever they want without consequence. I have middle school children and I am constantly reminding them to do basic things such as brush their teeth, take a bath, do homework, and other personal hygiene tasks that only those with children would understand. How can anyone expect a middle school child to handle contraceptive when they can barely remember to bring their jacket home everyday? As the church we have the answer and his name is Jesus. We should look among ourselves and explain what the bible teaches about sex and lead people to Christ. If there are young people in our communities and churches who are pregnant or who have children we should not ignore them but embrace them in the name of Jesus. Remember we are the light of the world. We are to let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

Choosing A Spouse

Some General Guidelines for Those Seeking a Mate.

I hope this helps but above all things WAIT ON GOD!

1. Young Man……Young Woman-----look for the opposite sex. NO same sex unions.

2. Believers marry other believers….it is a sin to develop a romantic relationship with unbelievers.

3. Look for biblical qualities

   1. Look for a Proverbs 31 woman, Look for a God fearing man.

   2. Does he/she love God’s word?

   3. Is he/she a student of God’s word?

   4. Is he/she teachable?

   5. Do you see this person demonstrating spiritual gifts you expect in a Christian?

   6. Can he/she take correction?

   7. Is there a drug problem? If so get them some help not a RING!

   8. Is he/she violent? If so get them some help not a RING!

   9. What is their relationship with their parents?

   10. How many sex partners has he/she had?

4. If you have Godly parents what do they think of that person?

   1. Do they welcome him or her?

   2. Do they think that this person is a wonderful compliment to your life?

   3. Do they think that this person is good for you and why?

5. What about your Godly friends or people in your Church.

   1. Do they think that this person is a compliment…or a cancer for you?

   2. Do they think that this person brings out the best in you?

   3. Are you a more faithful servant because of this person being in your life?

6. Do not rely on the quiver in you liver to tell you …….use your head as well as your heart.

   1. There should be things you like and dislike about that person. There should be evidence for and against marrying this person.

   2. This does not mean that you should not feel any romantic love for this person. We are assuming that as you are developing in the word of God, God will cause you to desire what He desires for you.

7. Note how things like sexual gratification, looks and money are not high on the list.

   1. We are not advocating marring someone who does not work or unattractive, but BIBLICAL priorities are important.

Take Me to the Water

Recently I had the unique privilege of baptizing my second son. It was a great event in my son's live as well as mine. I was so proud and honored to be a part of this great step in my son's life. I was more nervous that I have been in a long time in the pulpit. I believe the Holy Spirit is with his people all the time but He meets with his people in a special way at baptisms and the Lord's Supper. This naturally got me to thinking and reflecting about my baptism and meditating on baptism in general.

I was baptized in a pond in the back of a relatives house. That was the way it was for us growing up in the country. My family was and still is a member Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church and at that time there was no money in the budget for a heated baptismal. So when it was time for baptism the deacons would scout out a place (there were several ponds used during this time) and depending on the conditions on the pond on was selected. The deacons would go out on a Saturday or early Sunday morning with sticks to mark off the boundaries so that no one would slip off in the deep end. Around seven or eight in the morning the members would gather at the dedicated place for Baptism. The Pastor would say a few words followed by that great hymn Take Me to the Water. How many remember that song? The Pastor would take the new convert in his hand and say “In obedience the great head of the church, I baptize you my brother/sister in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit”. The he would dunk him/her and the mothers of the church would swarm on you with about a million towels. I get excited just thinking about those times. I call that Old Time Religion!!! True old school!

Well however you were baptized in a pond, a puddle, or heated baptismal, baptism is truly special. One of the two ordinances Christ left for the Church until He returns. For me it is one of the first acts of sanctification that a believer does. I love the way the New Hampshire Baptist Confession of 1833 defines it:

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer , into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost ; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life ; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation; and to the Lord's Supper in which the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ ; preceded always by solemn self-examination .

For my tradition this sums up my belief very well. Allow me to emphasis a few things that will encourage us.

1. Baptism is the immersion of believers. The water does not save the Holy Spirit does. I believe that one is saved before baptize. This is an act of sanctification not justification. Romans 10:10 teaches with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

2. Primary New Testament text:

   1. Romans 6.3ff This is a central discussion of the function of baptism. Paul is not talking about the deed of baptism but what it symbolizes. NOTE: the following is not about the physical act but the spiritual baptism that it symbolizes.

      • “Baptizo” the word refers to having an overwhelming influence. It doesn’t mean to be “dunked” in this case, but to have a pervasive influence, controlling power over something. The physical act is symbolizing the actual relationship. Baptism symbolizes the controlling, influencing, pervasive power of Christ. In baptism we are:

        • 6.4 “We are buried together with Him”

        • 6.5 “We are united with Him”

        • 6.6 “We are crucified together with Him”

      • Union with Christ causes the change.

   2. Baptism is connected with union with Christ; we are connected with Him in His death and resurrection.

3. Central Meaning of Baptism - It is a sign of God’s covenant promise to faith of salvation through union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Its administration proclaims God’s promise and is a public acknowledgment that the recipient has a place in the covenant community.

Remember in the tough times that we are joined with Christ. It is imperative that we look nowhere else and rely on nothing else than Christ for our salvation and strength in time of need.

The Importance of Sound Doctrine

Driving home this week I noticed this picture in front of a church. I drove passed and immediately turned around to make sure my eyes were not deceiving me. BAPTICOSTAL? I guess this is a mix between Baptist theology and Pentecostalism. Baptist theology and Pentecostalism may have some small similarities but the heart of their beliefs are fundamentally different. So what we have here are some confused people trying to make up some denomination out of two existing ones. That is like saying your are a republicrate or demoblican the two do not mix. This prompted me to write about this in order to challenge and encourage you to -KNOW WHAT YOU ARE AND WHY YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE. What do I mean by that? If you are Baptist, Pentecostal, or some other denomination take the time find out what your church believes. Take the time to examine your church creeds and doctrines. Simply put know the theology of your church.

When we were children we went to church with our parents, but we are the parents and adults now. So we have to pass along to our children and others why we do what we do. If you attend a Baptist church do you know why? Are you familiar with the articles of faith? If you attend a Non-denomination church do you know the principles and doctrines on which it is organized. Denomination is generally defined as a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices. So it is fundamental that you know the beliefs and practices that your particular church is unified in.

Now one question that always been asked is, “why are their so many denominations?” Another common question is, “do denominations really matter?” These are valid questions and they speak to a person's understanding or lack there of. There are so many denominations and churches because there are many ways to organize. Some are scriptural and some are not. Denominations matter because the principles a church chooses to organize around define that church. So if your church is unified around something that is not scriptural that should matter to you if your aim is to please Christ.

People also ask me, “why can't we just preach Jesus and not worry with doctrine?” I believe you cannot preach Jesus without doctrine (Jesus himself taught and preached doctrine Mt 16:12, Mark 1:27, John 7:16 etc..). Just consider all the difference beliefs and practices surrounding the Lord's Supper and baptism which are all ordinances from Jesus himself. This whole discussion revolves around this, we are not free to approach God or worship God any way we choose. WE MUST WORSHIP GOD ON HIS TERMS! Jesus has taught us if anyone would come after him, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow him. From beginning to end it all about God not about us. Therefore we must examine the scriptures to make sure that our beliefs and practices are not of man but of God, for the Proverbs teaches us there is a way is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death (Proverbs 16:25).

I leave you with encouragement from the Apostle Paul.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Rom 16:17-18)

Stay turned for Why I am a baptist?

Sex from the Biblical Perspective

WHAT IF -most of my natural inclination and perspectives about sex are misguided. What if - a lot of what I thought to be true and “right” is just wrong? What if many things I “know” are really deception and error. Do I really know, embrace and practice what God has said when it comes to sex? Do I view sex as commitment building or sex as a way of building a relationship or fostering a good relationship. Do I view sex as a sport?

What if we return to the Biblical perspective? Sex was intended to be between one man and one woman in the confines of a marriage. Sex is not how you introduce yourself to another person. Meaning the physical should not proceed the spiritual, mental, and emotional in getting to know a man or a woman. I am afraid that many today are deceived in this area. Our way of thinking has been tainted by worldly philosophy and contaminated by world system of lustful desires.

I want to examine sex from a biblical perspective under these three headings: What we know and understand from the biblical record regarding sex, what we should embrace, and what we should practice.

What I know and understand from scripture.

Man and woman were created perfect by God to be monogamous – one partner for life – and to be a family. However before Adam knew his wife, He knew his God. He knew his God loved him. He knew his God's laws and commandments. He had a relationship with his God prior to a relationship with his wife. He was complete in God, emotionally secure and spiritually aware of his creator. Then, the scriptures tell us that there was not a comparable helper to be found for Adam, thus the creation of Eve. Eve's creation is necessitated by two points: First, in order to fulfill the cultural mandate given in Genesis 1:28, they must be both male and female with the ability to procreate. Secondly, Adam is not able to serve and obey God properly without a corresponding, horizontal relationship. Eve was to be a partner, not a substitute for God or the things of God, to help Adam worship God fully. She was not created to be a sexual object, but rather a partner in the glorification of God through the carrying out of the cultural mandate.

This is very important because it illustrates the intent of God for both the man and woman. When we as men consider a woman, it should be with this understanding. Without this understanding one can be easily led away to all manner of perverted philosophies and doctrines. If we allow ourselves to venture off into fantasies that are in conflict with God's intent We are in sin. This does not mean sex is bad, but rather, it is gift to be enjoyed by two people in a marriage. When it comes to sex, we as men should think of our wives. The Song of Solomon goes into great detail about how we should treasure a woman’s anatomy. For instance:

Song of Solomon 1:2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— For your love is better than wine.

Song of Solomon 4:1-5 Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove's eyes behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats, Going down from Mount Gilead. (2) Your teeth are like a flock of shorn sheep Which have come up from the washing, Every one of which bears twins, And none is barren among them. (3) Your lips are like a strand of scarlet, And your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil Are like a piece of pomegranate. (4) Your neck is like the tower of David, Built for an armory, On which hang a thousand bucklers, All shields of mighty men. (5) Your two breasts are like two fawns, Twins of a gazelle, Which feed among the lilies.

Song of Solomon 4:10-11 How fair is your love, My sister, my spouse! How much better than wine is your love, And the scent of your perfumes Than all spices! (11) Your lips, O my spouse, Drip as the honeycomb; Honey and milk are under your tongue; And the fragrance of your garments Is like the fragrance of Lebanon.

So it is not a sin to enjoy your wife. From what we see in the Song of Solomon the man and woman really enjoyed each other.

It should also be mentioned here that even in marriage sex can be used in the wrong way. Sex is a part of a healthy relationship not the main part or the most important part but a vital part nonetheless. Moreover sex is a part of intimacy between a man and a woman and not the totality of intimacy. Many times we try to use sex as a cheap substitute to actually talking or spending time with each other or we use sex in marriage as a manipulative tool to get our way. Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, “Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” It is very clear that in a marriage we are to enjoy sex and not deprive our partner except for fasting and prayer.

So from the word of God it is clear how sex is to be enjoyed. We live in a fallen world, which has a different idea when it comes to sex. What we need to realize is that if we go our own way sin will have an effect on our minds and hearts. Ask anyone who will be honest with you and they will admit that many of their problems in regard to trust or sex stems from their own past lifestyles. The “game” if you will affects the players as well as the ones getting “played”. If we continue go our own way, there is a hidden cost to be paid. Aside from unwanted pregnancies or HIV and other STD’s there is also a spiritual, emotional, and mental cost that may not be realized until it is too late. Again Paul exhorts us 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For "THE TWO," He says, "SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH." But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.”

So, what I know from scripture is that sex is a gift from God and is intended to be between one man and one woman, to be enjoyed in a marriage. But, even in marriage there is a way to sin sexually without committing adultery. Lastly sex outside of marriage has hidden emotional, mental, and spiritual consequences, as well as physical.

Stay tuned for parts two and three of this posting.

KMJ