Greetings and good morning to all in the name of Jesus Christ

We have thought about this idea, and are going to reinstitute the Sunday Sermons in the group. Each one will be from a different preacher/pastor from the past up to and including present days. It is hoped that you find inspiration in these words. 

The Friend of Sinners

by Charles Kingsley (1819-1875) 

15 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at table in his house, many Publicans and sinners sat at table also with Jesus, and his disciples: for there were many that followed him. 16 And when the Scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with the Publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it, that he eateth and drinketh with Publicans and sinners? 

The Gospel According to Mark 2:15-16 (GNV Translation Ed. 1599)

The Son of God came and ate and drank with them. No doubt, he heard many words among them which pained his ears, saw many faces which shocked his eyes; faces of women who had lost all shame---faces of men hardened by cruelty, and greediness, and cunning, till God's image had been changed into the likeness of the fox and the serpent; and, worst of all, the greatest pain to him of all, he could see into their hearts, their immortal souls, and see all the foulness within them, all the meanness, all the hardness, all the unbelief in anything good or true. And yet he ate and drank with them. Make merry with them he could not: who could be merry in such company? but he certainly so behaved to them that they were glad to have him among them, though he was so unlike them in thought, and word, and look, and action.

Because, though he was so unlike them in many things, he was like them at least in one thing. If he could do nothing else in common with them, he could at least eat and drink as they did, and eat and drink with them too. Yes. He was the Son of man, the man of all men, and what he wanted to make them understand was, that, fallen as low as they were, they were men and women still, who were made at first in God's likeness, and who could be redeemed back into God's likeness again.

The only way to do that was to begin with them in the very simplest way; to meet them on common human ground; to make them feel that, simply because they were men and women, he felt for them; that, simply because they were men and women, he loved them; that, simply because they were men and women, he could not turn his back upon them, for the sake of his Father and their Father in heaven. If he had left those poor wretches to themselves; if he had even merely kept apart from their common every-day life, and preached to them, they would never have felt that there was still hope for them, simply because they were men and women. They would have said in their hearts, 'See; he will talk to us : but he looks down on us all the time. We are fallen so low, we cannot rise; we cannot mend. What is there in us that can mend? We are nothing but brutes, perhaps; then brutes we must remain. Heaven is for people like him, perhaps; but not for such as us. We are cut off from men. We have no brothers upon earth, no Father in heaven.' ' Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die.' 

Yes ; they would have said this ; for people like them will say it too often today

My friends, let us try to follow his steps ; let us remember all day long what it is to be men; that it is to have every one whom we meet for our brother in the sight of God; that it is this, never to meet any one, however bad he may be, for whom we cannot say, 'Christ died, for that man, and Christ cares for him still. He is precious in God's eyes; he shall be precious in mine also.' Let us take the counsel of the Gospel for this day, and love one another, not in word merely in  
doctrine, but in deed and in truth, really and actually; in our every-day lives and behaviour, words, looks in all of them let us be cordial, feeling, pitiful, patient, courteous. Masters with your workmen, teachers with your pupils, parents with your children, be cordial, and kind, and patient; respect every one, whether below you or not in the world's eyes. Never do a thing to any human being which may lessen his self-respect; which may make him think that you look down upon him, and so make him look down upon himself in awkwardness and shyness; or else may make him start off from you,  
angry and proud, saying. ' I am as good as you; and if you keep apart from me, I will from you; if you can do without me, I can do without you. I want none of your condescension.' It is not so. You cannot do without each other. We can none of us do without the other; do not let us make any one fancy that he can, and tempt him to wrap himself up in pride and surliness, cutting himself off from the communion of saints, and the blessing of being a man among men. 

And if any of you have a neighbour, or a relation fallen into sin, even into utter shame ; oh, for the sake of Him who ate and drank with publicans and sinners, never cast them off, never trample on them, never turn your back upon them. They are miserable enough already, doubt it not. Do not add one drop to their cup of bitterness. They are ashamed of themselves already, doubt it not. Do not you destroy in them what small grain of self-respect still remains. You fancy  they are not so. They seem to you brazen-faced, proud, impenitent. So did the publicans and harlots seem to those proud, blind Pharisees. Those pompous, self-righteous fools did not know what terrible struggles were going on in those poor sin-tormented hearts. Their pride had blinded them, while they were saying all along,  'It is we alone who see. This people, which knoweth not the law, is accursed.' Then came the Lord Jesus, the Son of man, who knew what was in man; and he spoke to them gently, cordially, humanly; and they heard him, and justified God, and were baptized, confessing  their sins ; and so, as he said himself, the publicans and harlots went into the kingdom of God before those proud, self-conceited Pharisees. 

Never trample on any soul, though it may be lying in the veriest mire; for that last spark of self-respect is as its only hope, its only chance ; the last seed of a new and better life; the voice of God which still whispers to it, 'You are not what you ought to be, and you are not what you can be. You are still God's child, still an immortal soul: you may rise yet, and fight a good fight yet, and conquer yet, and be a man once more, after the likeness of God who made you, and Christ who died for you!'  Oh, why crush that voice in any heart? If you do, the poor creature is lost, and lies where he or she falls, and never tries to rise again. Rather bear and forbear; hope all things, believe all things, endure all things; so you will, as St. John tells you in the Epistle, know that you are of the truth, in the true and right road, and will assure your hearts before God. For this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and believe really that he is now what he always was, the friend of publicans and sinners, and love one another as he gave us commandment. That was Christ's spirit; the fairest, the noblest spirit upon earth; the spirit of God whose mercy is over all his works; and hereby shall we know that Christ abideth in us, by his having given us the same spirit of pity, charity, fellow-feeling and love for every human being .

And now, I will also give you one lesson to carry home with you a lesson which if we all could really believe and obey, the world would begin to mend from tomorrow, and every other good work on earth would prosper and multiply tenfold, a hundredfold ay, beyond all our fairest dreams. And my lesson is this. When you go out from this church into those crowded streets, remember that there is not a soul in them who is not as precious in God's eyes as you are; not a little dirty ragged child whom Jesus, were he again on earth, would not take up in his arms and bless ; not a publican or a   harlot with whom, if they but asked him, he would not eat and drink now, on this Sunday, the 8th of June, 1856, as certainly as he did beyond the seas, eighteen hundred years ago. Therefore do to all who are in want of your help as Jesus would do to them if he were here; as Jesus is doing to them already: for he is here among us now, and for ever seeking and saving that which was lost; and all we have to do is to believe that, and work on, sure that he is working at our head, and that though we cannot see him, he sees us; and then all will prosper at last, for this brave old earth whereon we are living now, and for that far braver new heaven and new earth whereon we shall live hereafter.

Audio Bible Reading August 30 2014

29 For those which he knew before, he also predestinated to be made like to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover, whom he predestinated, them also he called, and whom he called, them also he justified, and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be on our side, who can be against us  32 Who spared not his own Son, but gave him for us all to death, how shall he not with him give us all things also? 33 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s chosen? it is God that justifieth. 34 Who shall condemn? it is Christ which is dead: yea, or rather, which is risen again, who is also at the right hand of God, and maketh request also for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake are we killed all day long: we are counted as sheep for the slaughter: 37 Nevertheless, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Epistle to the Romans 8:29-39

Good morning and greetings to all people in the Name of Jesus Christ

Indeed, there are two things at work here in today’s reading by the Apostle Paul. Firstly, God, as he had written is for us. How can He not be, He is our Creator. Being for us, meaning for us to be as He is. That is to say conformed, informed and transformed in to His image. Merciful, graceful, loving, peaceful. Slow to anger quick to forgive. Likewise, He is for us to succeed in all things that we endeavor as long as it is within His guidelines, and His knowledge of what is best for each of us. Nothing, can stand against the children of God, when God intervenes, or shields them. This is not a doctrine of prosperity, but an understanding, that as is written all things work for our good to those to trust and believe in the Word of God. 

Secondly we read that there is nothing, absolutely nothing that can separate us from the God’s love for us. This writer puts forth the proposition, that God unconditionally loves all His children, and it is those, who refuse to love or acknowledge Him, that would keep them apart. His love would be and still is there, but, it is man who turns his face away, and not the other way around.  Seek the Lord while He may be found. 

Audio Bible Reading August 28 2014

From Suffering to Glory Part 1

18 For I count that the afflictions of this present time are not worthy of the glory, which shall be showed unto us.

21 Because the creature also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the sons of God.

The Epistle to the Romans 8:17, 21 (Geneva Translation Ed. 1599)

Additional Scripture for meditation - 2 Corinthians 4:17; James 1:2-4

Greetings to all people in the might name of Jesus Christ

Friends, we are indeed bound by sin. It corrupts us in so many ways. Our bodies die, we do things to each other that we were not meant to do, and basically act in a manner that is not pleasing to our God. Most certainly our Creator’s original intent was not for this to happen, but due to our fall, we are, as the saying goes, what we are, and there is little to do to change it. Even being reborn does not always exclude us from acting in ways that we should not, and as a result we all suffer under divers of temptation, addictions, afflictions and trials. As such we all groan under the millstone of sin. 

However, there is good news and a hope for us in so far as Christ redeemed us from the curse of sin. And while we walk in it still, we are not subject to the wages of it.  We shall be in the end delivered from this bondage, and translated into the image that God first had for us.  As has been written in Scripture, let us walk circumspectly. (a) Thinking before acting, hesitating before speaking, being wise in all ways so as to avoid sinning, and also not to cause others to react to it, and have them likewise fall prey to it. 

(a) Ephesians 5:15

My friends, if you have come to this page for the first time, and have read and believed it is good news indeed. But even better news is in store, if you wish to accept the promises of God, and his offer of grace and mercy. Pray with me please;

Dearest Father, I have come to the knowledge of Your ways, and Your word. I confess my sins, and accept Your Grace, and the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ as a propitiation for my past life. Come and dwell with me and teach me Your ways. Amen

Audio Bible Reading August 26 2017

Spirit of Adoption Part 2

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage, to fear again: but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The same Spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. If we be children, we are also heirs, even the heirs of God, and heirs annexed with Christ: if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him.

The Epistle to the Romans 8:14-17 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

Additional Scripture upon which to meditate;

Isaiah 56:5; Mark 14:36; Acts 26:18; Galatians 5:18; Ephesians 1:13; Philippians 1:29 Hebrews 21:15; 2 Timothy 1:7;

Good morning in the name of Christ

As is written in the OT by the Prophet Isaiah, (see above related scripture), our Creator has given us a new name. We are now known as heirs to the kingdom. If there is anything that can be better it is unknown to this writer. 

In OT, the people were descendents of Abraham and looked at him as their patriarch. Yet the Apostle Paul has now told us, that through the death of our Redeemer, Jesus, that while we are still descendents of Abraham, we’re now children of God. We have been grafted into His family, and are all now one.  

Friends, if you wish to be part of God’s family, pray with me please;

Father, I have seen Your words this morning. I cry out to You and confess my sins. I accept Your offer of grace and mercy, by acknowledging the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ as atonement for my sins. Amen. 

Audio Bible Reading August 23 2014

The Spirit of Adoption through Christ Part 1

Therefore brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye mortify the deeds of the body by the Spirit, ye shall live.

The Epistle to the Romans 8:12-13

Read and meditate upon Galatians 6:8; Ephesians 4:22

To all brethren and friends good morning in the might name of Jesus Christ

Succinctly and simply written by Paul the Apostle. If one continues to live in the carnality of the flesh one will reap the rewards of that carnality. Yet if we daily put to death the life of the aforementioned, with the Helper (a), that is the Holy Spirit, we gain life. Let us therefore pursue  excellence, and seek the golden crown at the end of the race. 

As Jesus had spoken, what gain is it to a man have the whole world when in the end he loses his life? Friends, it is urged that you seek Him, and gain life. Pray with me please

Father, today I wish to gain eternal life with You. I renounce my sin, and confess Jesus as my Savior. Amen

(a) John 14:16, 15:26

Audio Bible Reading August 22 2014

Freed from The Indwelling of Sin Part 3

Now ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, because the spirit of God dwelleth in you: but if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, the same is not his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead, because of sin: but the Spirit is life for righteousness sake. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

The Epistle to the Romans 8:9-12

Additional Scripture upon which to meditate;

Acts 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6:14

Good morning and greetings in the name of Jesus Christ

We read today that if we walk in the Spirit, we have life. This is a promise of God Himself. Once the carnality of our minds is put to death, and the renewing of our minds is put into action, we can see that the former ways are not ways that we should follow. Additionally, we have the promise by God, that our mortal bodies shall be quickened, that is to say made alive, reinvigorated, (a) to eternal life. How that will look, no one can say, for as the Apostle Paul writes we see things only in part. However, while at work yesterday, it was impressed upon the mind of this writer, that when God made us in His image originally, we had His righteousness, and His spirit, dwelling within us. By redeeming us unto Himself, we will once again have that perfect image that He had given us.

Friends, if you have come across this site for the first time, and have read the study today, and are now willing to make a choice for eternal life, then please pray with me.

Father, I have read Your words this morning. I acknowledge my sins, and confess them to You. I accept the sacrifice of Your only Son Jesus Christ as my Savior. Teach me Your ways and help me to learn more about You. Amen

(a) Source Webster's Dictionary Ed. 1828.
Additionally, Strong's Concordance translates this word from the Greek as;

 suzoopoieo sood-zo-op-oy-eh'-o; to reanimate 

and from the Hebrew translation;

as chayah khaw-yaw' ; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive:--keep (leave, make) alive, certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, (God) save (alive, life, lives), surely, be whole.
I particularly note the words “be whole” as it infers the meaning of being complete both in body, mind and spirit. 

Audio Bible Reading August 21 2014

Freed from Indwelling Sin Part 2

For they that are after the flesh, savor the things of the flesh: but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the wisdom of the flesh is death: but the wisdom of the Spirit is life and peace, Because the wisdom of the flesh is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh, cannot please God.

The Epistle to the Romans 8:5-8 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

Additional Scripture upon which to meditate
John 3:5-6; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Galatians 5:22-25, 6:8; James 4:4

Greetings to all peoples of all nations in the name of Jesus Christ

Today we read that living in the flesh is most incompatible with living in the Spirit. We can choose to do one or the other but we cannot do both. To do the former involves living according to world and wisdom of the flesh, this to say man, and to seek approval of him. As such one is not approved of by God. However, to live in the Spirit, one is first approved by God, and can be approved of by man. 

For the Godly person most often is revered by those in which he comes in contact. He is seen as humble, peaceable, and willing to service his fellow man as if he were servicing his Lord. Peter in Acts 5:29 states that “We ought rather to obey God than men.” How much better it is for all involved. All parties benefit from the man who does his service in order to please God, as apposed to please man. The Apostle Paul also writes in Romans 14:17-19  “For the kingdom of God, is not meat nor drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost. For whosoever in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable unto God, and is approved of men. Let us then follow those things which concern peace, and wherewith one may edify another.” and also in 2 Timothy 2:15  “ Study to show thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, dividing the word of truth aright.”

Let us henceforth walk in the light of the Holy Spirit. Doing all things unto our Creator in that He will be well pleased with us, individually and collectively as a group of peoples, a nation. 

Friends if today you have found this site it is hoped that you have made the choice to walk in the Spirit and to serve our Creator. Pray with please;

Father, I confess my sins to You, and renounce my sinful nature. I accept Your Son Jesus Christ as my Savior. Come and dwell with me, and teach Your ways, Your wisdom and Your path of righteousness. Amen

Audio Bible Reading August 20 2014

Freed from the Indwelling of Sin Part 1

Now then there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, which walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the Law of the Spirit of life which is in Christ Jesus, hath freed me from the Law of sin and of death. For (that that was impossible to the Law, inasmuch as it was weak, because of the flesh) God sending his own Son, in the similitude of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, That that righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, which walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The Epistle to the Romans 8:1-4 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

To all the brethren and all peoples throughout the world good morning and greetings in the name of Jesus Christ

As you might have noted by now the translation used in our study is from the Geneva Bible. It predates the KJV by some 50 years or so, yet is not so much different other than a few cases of verses being either combined or separated to make one verse or two. Also some of the wording is a bit different.  One of the features is the inclusion of some footnotes and thoughts as written down by one (or some) of the original possessors of said translation. Many of those thoughts are not new to us in so far as we’ve come to similar conclusions. Still they have been a good aid in our studies. So, today’s study is the thoughts of the aforementioned owner(s) in reference to today’s reading. Bear in mind that much of the English is older, but the thoughts conveyed are understandable. There are a couple of edits included and you will be able to note them when reading. 

A preventing of an objection: seeing that the virtue of the spirit which is in us, is so weak, how may we gather thereby, that there is no condemnation to them that have that virtue? because saith he, that virtue of the quickening spirit which is so weak in us, is most perfect and most mighty in Christ, and being imputed unto us which believe, causeth us to be so accounted of, as though there were no relics of corruption, and death in us. Therefore hitherto Paul disputed of remission of sins, and imputation of fulfilling the Law, and also of sanctification which is begun in us: but now he speaketh of the perfect imputation of Christ’s manhood, which part was necessarily required to the full appeasing of our consciences: for our sins are defaced by the blood of Christ, and the guiltiness of our corruption is covered with the imputation of Christ’s obedience: and the corruption itself (which the Apostle [Paul] calleth sinful sin) is healed in us by little and little, by the gift of sanctification, but yet it lacketh besides that another remedy, to wit, the perfect sanctification of Christ’s own flesh, which also is to us imputed.

He [the Apostle Paul] useth no argument here, but expoundeth the mystery of sanctification, which is imputed unto us: for because, that the virtue of the law was not such (and that by reason of the corruption of our nature) that it could make man pure and perfect: and for that it rather kindled the disease of sin, than did put it out and extinguish it, therefore God clothed his Son with flesh like unto our sinful flesh, wherein he utterly abolished our corruption, that being accounted thoroughly pure and without fault in him apprehended and laid hold on by faith, we might be found to have fully that singular perfection which the Law requireth, and therefore that there might be no condemnation in us.

For those of you who have come across this study for the first time, it is hoped that you have been touched by it. For the Word of God is true, and as is said in Scripture the truth will set you free. Free from sin, and free from the wages of sin which is death and eternal separation from God. Pray with me please

Heavenly Father, I have read Your word today, and have had my eyes and ears opened unto it. I confess my sins, and accept the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ as my Savior. Come and dwell with me and guide me in your ways. Amen

Audio Bible Reading August 19 2014

The Law Cannot Save From Sin Part 2

14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

15 For I allow not that which I do: for what I would, that do I not: but what I hate, that do I.

18 For I know, that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me: but I find no means to perform that which is good,

19 For I do not the good thing, which I would, but the evil, which I would not, that do I

23 But I see another Law in my members, rebelling against the law of my mind, and leading me captive unto the law of sin, which is in my members.

24 O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death!

25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Then I myself in my mind serve the Law of God, but in my flesh the law of sin.

The Epistle to the Romans 7:14-15, 18-19, 23-25

Related Scripture upon which to meditate - Leviticus 19:2, 20:7, 1 Corinthians 15:57, Galatians 5:17, 1 Peter 1:15-16

Good morning and greetings in the name of Christ Jesus

As we have seen in the past studies, there is none that can do the righteous requirements of the Law fully as it would take the perfection that we do not have to accomplish it. Hence Paul’s last entry in this chapter, that it is only through God can we even begin to try by thinking the God thinks, and emulating His ways to the best of our abilities. As Paul later writes in various epistles we must bury the old man, and renew our minds to living as the new creation in Christ. 

We, as was Paul, are creatures of carnality. We see things through the eyes of man, instead of the eyes of God. Indeed O wretched creatures we are that we would do such things. However, we have a savior who sacrificed Himself so that we can be blameless in the time of judgment. Does this give us a license to sin? Most certainly not, for we are not advancing the image of the Kingdom of God, by sinning so that His ways are shown to be righteous. Nay, we are to be as He is, walking in humble humility, and following in the footsteps of His righteousness. 

Friends if these two short paragraphs have touched your heart today, it is suggested you come to Christ and earnestly seek Him with all your heart. Pray with me if you would.

Today, I have read Your word Lord, and I come to seek You and confess and renounce my sins, and my carnality. I ask Your forgiveness, and accept the grace and mercy that You so freely offer to all peoples, by acknowledging the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ as an atonement for my sins. Amen

Audio Bible Reading August 18 2014

There is No Division in Christ

For it hath been declared unto me, my brethren, of you by them that are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am Paul’s, and I am Apollos’s, and I am Cephas’s and I am Christ’s. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? either were ye baptized into the name of Paul?

The First Epistle to the Church at Corinth 1:11-13 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

Good Morning, and greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Redeemer

This morning I digressed from my usual readings. I had been perusing the net when I ran across a conversation that reflected an all too common belief among all Christians that their particular sect has or is the one and only true lineage of the early churches. 

The Apostle Paul wrote to us that we are ALL one in Christ period. There is NO division among the brethren. There is like wise neither slave nor free, Greek nor Jew, rich nor poor or anything that would set us against one another. Do you not know that Satan is a cause for such thinking and divisiveness, and joys in the spreading of the idea that one is better than the other?

Recall also brethren, that God has determined that not one of us is righteous, that we at are best no more than filthy rags in that department. So what my brethren give any of  us the right to decide who holds the true form and the descendancy from the early churches?

The history of our beliefs are fraught with inconsistencies, anger, persecution and dissention. We have been and still are using man made doctrines, following man made rituals, and a host of other things that are not necessarily mentioned in Scripture. 

So, herein is the bottom line of this writer. Hold fast to and daily read/study scripture, and base your beliefs on the faith and the fact that God’s mercy and grace is a gift freely given to us. It is so due to the sacrifice of His only Son Jesus Christ. We, are the church, the Bride of Christ. We cannot be many brides, only the one. 

Brethren, it is not always that one must write with such harshness. Additionally do not think for one moment that this one is not guilty of such infractions. When one writes, one speaks to ones self as well.  They that have ears let them hear. 

Friends, it is urged that those who do not know the blessings of being in Christ, that you come forth now, today.  Pray with me please:

Father, Abba, I come today to confess my sins and to acknowledge the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ as an atonement and redemption. I wish to be one in You. Come into my heart, heal me, and set me on the path towards Your righteousness. Amen

The Law Cannot Save from Sin Part 1

7 What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? God forbid. Nay, I knew not sin, but by the Law: for I had not known lust, except the Law had said, Thou shalt not lust.

12 Wherefore the Law is holy, and that commandment is holy, and just, and good.

22 For I delight in the Law of God, concerning the inner man.

The Epistle to the Romans 7:7, 12, 22 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

Good Morning in the name of Jesus Christ; Lord of Lords, King of Kings

Today’s study is one that can sometimes be difficult to understand. One the one hand we’re free from the Law, on the other we are still under it. If one reads in Luke 16:17 we read that Jesus states that not one little title, (smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet) would pass away or be removed from the Law. Hence we’re still under the Law. What the Law does is bring us to a knowledge of sin. The Apostle Paul later writes in Galatians 3:24-25, that Law served as a tutor to bring us to Christ. 

In verse 22 Paul writes that the inner man, that is the one that would like to do good delights and joys in the Law for it brings us towards righteousness. However, the inference herein is that the outward man rebels against it for it cannot stand to be justly condemned by it. 

The next reading will go further into explaining the reasonings behind the above, and how it is that we are freed from it. 

Friends, if you have not yet given yourself up to the service of God, you can do so at any time. God is patient and slow to anger. His mercy is readily available to all that call upon it. Take the offer today. Pray with me please:

Father I come to You today, and give my life over to You. I confess my sins, and acknowledge Your Son Jesus Christ as my Redeemer, and Savior. Come and dwell with me, and teach me Your ways. Amen.

Freed from the Law

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the Law) that the Law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?For the woman which is in subjection to a man, is bound by the Law to the man, while he liveth: but if the man be dead, she is delivered from the Law of the man.So then, if while the man liveth, she taketh another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if the man be dead, she is free from the Law, so that she is not an adulteress, though she take another man. So ye, my brethren, are dead also to the Law by the body of Christ, that ye should be unto another, even unto him that is raised up from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the affections of sins, which were by the law, had force in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death, But now we are delivered from the Law, he being dead in whom we were holden, that we should serve in newness of Spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (a)

The Epistle to the Romans 7:1-6 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

(a) Related Scripture on which to meditate upon;
John 15:3-6; Matthew 3:8-10, 7:19-20

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Savior and Redeemer. 

And so, Paul begins a new chapter that is built upon the previous in so far as he is now stating that because we are temples of God’s Holy Spirit, new creations, and that we are to live in His righteousness and furthermore emulate it, that we are now freed from the curse of the law as we are now wed to redemption through Christ as if we were a widow who is remarried. 

Friends you have been given the truth, and it will set you free. Free from guilt, and free from the curse of sin and death. Embrace it, run with it, set it ever before your eyes as the crown or prize at the end of your race.  For those that have not yet done so, you are urged to accept God’s word as true. He is ready, willing and more importantly able to deliver you from your sins. Pray with me please;

Lord, I come to Your Word as truth. I acknowledge and confess my sins. I ask that You forgive them by the blood of the Lamb. I accept Your grace and mercy, and admit that Jesus is my Savior. Amen

From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God Part 3

For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were freed from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things, whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now being freed from sin, and made servants unto God, ye have your fruit in holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Epistle to the Romans 6:20-23 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

Good morning and greetings in the mighty name of Jesus Christ

Today’s reading is simple, and there is no need to write upon it. The translation used here above is one that is favored by this writer. However, no matter which translation one uses the point is very clear. Sin equals death, redemption equals life. Today dear reader, you are being left with a number of additional Scriptures upon which you may expand upon this point. Read, and gain wisdom and with your gaining of wisdom, gain life. 

 Leviticus 26:11; Proverbs 10:16; Jeremiah 12:13; Ezekiel 16:63, 37:19; John 8:34; 1 Corinthians 3:17,  6:19-20, 7:13; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 Peter 1:4,18; 2 Peter 2:19

For those of you who have found this page and are reading the Word of God for the first time you are encouraged to seek redemption. To serve God is not an onerous task, although, it is at times not an easy road upon which to travel the joys are many, and the goal set before you, is a prize worth more than any that can be found in this carnal and temporal world. Pray with me if you will friends;

Heavenly Father, my Creator, I come to You this day to serve You. I confess my sins and renounce my ways. I seek Your cleansing blood of the Lamb to wash me, and make me fully acceptable in Your sight. Forgive my sins, and remember them no more. I ask for Your grace and mercy, and I admit and accept that Jesus Christ is my Savior. Amen.

From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God Part 2

I speak after the manner of man, because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have given your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity, to commit iniquity, so now give your members servants unto righteousness in holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were freed from righteousness.

The Epistle to the Romans 6:19-20 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

Greetings in the name of Christ

So what are we left with? When we were dead in our trespasses, we had no desire to live in righteousness. Yet now, armed with the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we can turn our energies towards serving our Creator with an equal desire to serve in righteousness. 

It is understood, that some folks will chafe under the word “slave” as it denotes being a servant without choice. But this is not exactly what is being said in the above Scripture. We are servants by choice, and by that choice are now slaves to righteousness.   This is to say, we can no longer serve sin as our master. Instead we must now serve righteousness as our master. God has given us this choice, to serve him voluntarily or, to serve sin whose end is in death.  We house the very Spirit of God within ourselves, should we not then serve that Spirit in humbleness and righteousness?  Most certainly so we should for if the wages of sin end in death, then the contrary is also true that the wages of righteousness end in life. To use the vernacular this is a “no brainer” choice; life or death. 

If you are reading this for the first time, and are now convinced of the positive benefits of serving God, please then pray with me;
Heavenly Father, Abba, I accept your offer of Grace and acknowledge my sinful nature. I wish to serve righteousness, and no longer be bonded to a servitude of sin. Forgive and forget my sins, and wash me clean by the blood of Jesus Christ, whom I now accept as my Savior. Amen

Audio Bible Reading August 09 2014

From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God Part 1

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the Law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whomsoever ye give yourselves as servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether it be of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye have been the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart unto the form of the doctrine, where unto ye were delivered. Being then made free from sin, ye are made the servants of righteousness.

The Epistle to the Romans 6:15-18 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

Greetings and good morning in the name of our risen Savior Christ Jesus

In 1979, Bob Dylan penned a song called “Gotta Serve Somebody” (a) The chorus of the song cold be said to sum up Paul's writings above. Indeed, we all serve somebody. The question then remains, who do we serve? Do we continue to serve sin, or do we look to serve righteousness?

In the OT Joshua answers this question by stating that he and his household will serve the Lord. (b)

The next question then is, why serve sin, when it leads to death, when one can serve God, and His righteousness, and walk the path to eternal life with Him?

Indeed it is a hard road on which to travel these days.(c) With so much information being transmitted via TV, radio, the net. We are constantly bombarded by what passes for entertainment. In particular our children see these things. Even the best of us cannot be with them twenty four seven. It is our double duty to ensure that we not only walk the path ourselves but to likewise guide them along with us. Let us endeavor therefore to give guidance to our families as well as ourselves. For we WILL be serving somebody.

(a) “But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed You're gonna have to serve somebody, It may be the devil or it may be the Lord But you're gonna have to serve somebody. “

(b) Joshua 24:15

(c) As a side note, it is suggested one read John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, to fully understand the difficulties one faces in walking the path of righteousness, and the way of the Lord

Related scripture for meditation – 2 Peter 2:19

Audio Bible Reading August 07 2014

Alive to God, Dead to Sin Part 2

Wherefore, if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall live also with him, Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead, dieth no more: death hath no more dominion over him.For in that he died, he died once to sin: but in that he liveth, he liveth to God. Likewise think ye also, that ye are dead to sin, but are alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin reign therefore in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof: Neither give ye your members, as weapons of unrighteousness unto sin: but give yourselves unto God, as they that are alive from the dead, and give your members as weapons of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the Law, but under grace.

The Epistle to the Romans 6:8-14 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

To all people, of all tongues and all nations, greetings in the mighty name of Jesus Christ

In today’s reading we must digress a bit and recall the in the Gospel of John 8:3-11. In it we read of the woman that was caught in the act of adultery, and how the mob of religious leaders sought to have her stoned by citing the law, (and were actually using her as a pawn to entrap Jesus), and how He spoke up on her behalf, and they were then made ashamed by being convicted of their own sins. 

Now, many people use this passage as a reason that one should not judge others, and there is definitely that message within it. However, it is the last two verses that pertain to our reading today. 

In verse ten, He asks the woman, as to where her accusers had gone and is there any one left to judge and condemn her. To which she replies that she neither sees them, nor knows where they’ve gone. Now, it is verse eleven that is the clincher of this passage. First one must remember that Jesus being the Son of God, is imbued with the Spirit of God. Along with the Spirit He is also vested in the Father’s righteousness, and most importantly was given ALL authority on earth. Therefore it was well within His authority and right to forgive the woman, and to tell her to SIN NO MORE. In effect, Jesus showed a glimpse of the coming grace and mercy that would be extended to all of us in the future. 

And so, it is now as it should be with the believer.  As Paul states, we are no longer under the curse of the law, nor that of sin, so that sin should no longer reign in our bodies. Indeed, we are still sinners, however, it is our duty to live as sin free as possible.  Will we stumble, yes, we will fall, even Paul speaks upon his own shortcomings later on in the epistle. We are to live, go forth with the knowledge that we’re now under grace, and SIN NO MORE. Remember, God has forgiven our sins, and we are now dead to them, they no long have sway over our temporal bodies. We are instead to present ourselves and our service to God in the best possible manner available to each of us. 

Friends, if you’ve come to this site for the first time, or are hearing the Word of God for the first time, you likewise qualify for the forgiveness as given by God. Pray with me if you will;

Dear Father I’ve read and heard your word. It has struck a chord within me, and I am now realizing that I have been a sinner. I confess these sins to You, and ask Your forgiveness. Please enter into my heart and teach me more of Your wisdom and offer of grace. I accept the blood of Jesus Christ as redemption for my sins, and place my life in Your hands, by laying down my own at the foot of the cross on Calvary. Amen

Audio Bible Reading August 05 2014

Dead to Sin, Alive to God Part 1

What shall we say then? Shall we continue still in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live yet therein? Know ye not, that all we which have been baptized into Jesus Christ, have been baptized into his death? We are buried then with him by baptism into his death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead to the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we be planted with him to the similitude of his death, even so shall we be to the similitude of his resurrection, Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin, For he that is dead, is freed from sin.

The Epistle to the Romans 6:1-7

Good morning in the name of Christ Jesus

Indeed, what shall we say then or more to the matter what will we do?  Should we continue to act within our carnal selves in order to prove God’s mercy and grace? No certainly not!  We are to walk, as Paul states in the newness of life. We are now imputed, (a), that is to say credited with righteousness that is now found in our newness through Jesus Christ.  If I might offer a simple analogy, it is like being caught speeding, let off with a warning, and then speeding away again as to prove the mercy shown to you by the officer. In doing this we not only disgrace ourselves, but furthermore show that we ignore the mercy shown to us, as if it has no real meaning to us. Grace and mercy are not a get out of hell free card. 

We are now, and should act as if we too have died. We have died to selfishness, to carnality, to things of this temporal worldly plane, and to all things that lift up the wisdom of man in defiance to the wisdom that is God. Instead we are reborn into a new likeness, that of Christ and the Father who dwell within the realms of righteousness, love and mercy. 

Friends, if you have see this, and have come to the light of the Gospel of Christ, pray with me, and accept God’s offer of mercy and grace. 

Father I confess my sins, and come to you to seek your forgiveness. I acknowledge the sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ and accept Him as my Redeemer and Savior. Clean me and mold me into a new creation. Amen

Some related Scripture upon which to meditate;
Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12, 3:3 Ephesians 4:23; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Peter 2:1; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Timothy 2:11

(a)  To charge; to ascribe; to attribute; to set to the account of; - Source Webster’s dictionary Ed. 1913 & 1828

Audio Bible Reading August 04 2014

Likewise then, as by the offense of one, the fault came on all men to condemnation, so by the justifying of one, the benefit abounded toward all men to the justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by that obedience of that one, shall many also be made righteous.

The Epistle to the Romans 5:18-19

Greetings to all in the name of Jesus

Continuing along with yesterday’s study, the Apostle Paul strengthens his statements by saying what we learned previously. Through Adam came sin and death, but through Christ came grace and life.  What shall we then do when confronted with such knowledge? We therefore should live to serve Him in all we do. The old expression that reads something like this; “the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree” holds true, or at least it should, in this case. This is to say, that now, being brought into the knowledge of Christ and are credited with His righteousness, let us now go forth in that righteousness, and being as He is; a humble and obedient son or daughter. These terms are used because we are now part of His family, restored to Him. 

Again it cannot be stressed enough that for those that have yet to take advantage of this offer by our Father there is still time. Friends pray with me please:

Father I have heard your words today, and ask you to come into my heart. Search me, and cleanse me. I confess my sins, and renounce my sinful nature. I accept the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ, and likewise Your offer for grace and mercy. Amen

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death went over all men: in whom all men have sinned. 

15 But yet the gift is not so as is the offense: for if through the offense of that one, many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. (a)

The Epistle to the Romans 5:11, 15

(a) Read Isaiah 53:11

Good morning on this Sabbath day of rest in the name of Christ.

Friends in the above we find the Apostle Paul comparing the two, that is to say Adam, and Christ. In the former through his failing and fall people inherited sin, and all the accompanying travelers and results of sin. But in the latter, that is Jesus, we, through His obedience to the Father, to go to the cross we have now inherited life and all that it entails. 

This restoration of life to us is given freely by God Himself. It is as Paul wrote a gift from God. It is offered to all people, all nations, for as is written there are none that do good, all fall short of the glory of God. However, as it is also written, that in Christ there is no distinctions between believers. Friends it is again urged that you come into the understanding of the Gospel of Christ. The times of the end are on the horizon if they’re not already here today. Each day we read of sufferings through strife, through famine, through natural disasters.  

It would be dishonest to deny that due to our ability to communicate in real time, as opposed to even as short a time of a century ago, that this is so. However, it is also written that the end times will begin when the Gospel is made known throughout the world. As such the aforementioned speed in which we communicate has made that prophecy a reality. (b) To quote Mark 4:9;

“Then he said unto them, He that hath ears, to hear, let him hear” 

(b) Read Matthew 24:1-31

However friends, do not despair for there is a Hope, and that Hope is in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, who went to the cross in our stead. Believe on Him and you shall be saved. (c) Pray with me friends:

Father, I have read Your Word today, and I confess my sins unto You. I accept Your Son Jesus Christ as my Savior, and ask that you cleanse me from my sinful nature and take me in as one of Your children. Amen.  

(c) Read Romans 10:9