The Gospel of the Kingdom
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
04-11-2010
"This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did." - 1 John 2:5b-6

When Christ came to earth, He came to bring to mankind the gospel of the Kingdom. Over the centuries, the Church has tended to emphasize only a portion of the gospel. That portion is the gospel of salvation. However, Jesus came that we might have more than just salvation. He came to give us a whole new life that was accompanied by signs, wonders, and His Spirit living in us and revealing Himself to us daily. He came so that we might walk on this earth as He did. If our lives are not reflecting the same things as Jesus' did, we must ask why?

I have noticed three distinct types of workplace believers throughout my 24 years of walking with Christ. First, many of us come to Christ out of a need for salvation. Our hearts have been touched by His call on our lives. We reason and analyze the claims of Christ and make a decision for Him. It is the convenient time to accept Him in our lives. This first stage is often characterized by a "Bless me, Lord" attitude toward God. It is the first stage that primarily brings salvation into our lives. Some never really go past this first stage.

The second stage is the crisis stage. A crisis takes place in our lives, and we are motivated to seek Christ with a whole heart. However, this motivation is not out of pure love for Christ; rather, it is motivated by the desire to get out of the pain of living. The motivation is to solve "the what" versus "the why" in my life at the time. This stage is best characterized as "Help me, Lord."

In the third stage we begin to experience the gospel of the Kingdom. It is the place where Jesus resided in His walk with His heavenly Father. It is the place of conviction. The number of people who live at this level are quite few, but these people are experiencing the reality of a walk with God that is foreign to all others. They are seeing daily occurrences of His involvement in their lives. They are motivated by a deep love for Him. They know Him. These people have an attitude characterized by these thoughts, "Have me, Lord; though He slay me, still will I trust Him."

Where are you today? Have you merely accepted His salvation to simply float along? Or do you seek Him with a whole heart only when a crisis occurs? His desire is for you and me to live a life of conviction, motivated by our love for Him and His love for us. This is where we will experience the gospel of the Kingdom.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not earned or deserved
...  but is a real gift from God

To begin lets talk about the simple Gospel of Jesus' love, his forgiveness and his grace. To my Christian brothers and sisters remember this always Jesus said, " IT IS FINISHED." Your salvation is only by God's grace and mercy. Jesus Christ at Calvary purchased this grace for you so he could give a pardon and forgiveness to whoever asks him for it as a gift. This gift from Jesus is unearned & undeserved by you. In fact Jesus Christ requires that you receive his forgiveness as a gift, not as some perceived earned right. Friends it is a real gift from God through the cross and the blood of Jesus Christ. To non-believers reading or those of other religions who have never known Jesus Christ by the power of his Holy Spirit, then I say to you ask God the Father in Jesus' name to help you believe today.


Forget about any teaching or any Christian that may have wronged you or hurt you, go directly to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ right where you are today. Jesus Christ warned there would be false Christians so do not hold that against Jesus what false Christians have done in his name. Ask Jesus Christ to reveal himself to you by the power of his Wonderful Holy Spirit. You do not have to do anything except ask him. DO NOT go to any Christian church unless the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ reveals to you where and when. The Holy Spirit knows who are the real Christians and who are false Christians. Trust the Holy Spirit to teach you once you begin experiencing his presence, his peace and his power. The scriptures declare that Kingdom of God is not just with words but also with power and joy in the Holy Spirit of God.


Now continuing concerning the Law of Moses and the ten commandments.


The Law of Moses is Holy as a schoolmaster until faith comes, but the Law of Moses does not save you. God's main purpose for the Law of Moses besides being guide of conduct and moral law is the uncovering of our absolute need for a savior and an intercessor but the law by itself saves no one, rather the law reveals sin and it's punishment according to God's standard. It's like the penalty phase in a courtroom after you are found guilty.


This is why the grace covenant paid for by Jesus is so important. The Book of Romans states, "When sin increases grace increases all the more abundantly." We are covered and washed by the blood of Jesus which was shed for us. This being done for us by Jesus Christ during our weakness, not during our strength.


In other words if we could have done it on our own Jesus Christ would never have had to suffer and die to pay our price required by the Law of Moses. Jesus Christ took our place (the Law’s required death penalty for our sins) so the Law of Moses could be fulfilled and completed and a new covenant of grace by Jesus' finished work could be established.


GRACE DEFINED: Divine assistance given to man, or woman, for their regeneration and sanctification, unmerited, pardon, gift, a special favor, leniency, mercy .


Many Christians misunderstand the finished work of the Cross, this causes some of them to be judgmental, depressed and numerous other problems. They say they are saved by Jesus' grace but then they preach the Law of Moses as the way to attain righteousness. It's sort of like having the cart before the horse. Trusting in Jesus is not a faith that trusts in the Law of Moses for salvation. It is a faith that honors Jesus' work in fulfilling the law and for paying our price required by the law of Moses on our behalf. Trust Jesus' finished work not your own ability brothers and sisters, that is the real Gospel.


When Jesus said, "it is finished" one of the things Jesus was declaring is that he was establishing a new covenant of grace and righteousness by faith in that new covenant, not by the perfect works of keeping the law. "For it is written not one does good all have fallen short of the glory of God."


Paul and Timothy also reinforced this in their letters to the church. Paul said "Those of you who would be justified by the law you are fallen from grace." Timothy said, "Those of you who would keep the law (or be justified) but then breaks it in even one point then this person would be guilty of breaking all of it. The point is this; Jesus knew we could never obey the law perfectly. This because of the inherited spiritual sin from Adam's fall. God's grace is God's gift to each of us through the price paid by Jesus Christ on the cross. This increasing and amazing grace is given to us so we would not fall back in fear and doubt when we fail, sin or worse.


This liberty does not mean Jesus does not discipline those who intentionally misuse his grace. It's a heart thing and only Jesus knows our hearts well enough to judge us correctly. Sometimes the person who is sinning the worst, is the one who loves God the most. They are trying so hard in their own strength and own effort to obey God yet still not understanding God's grace covenant correctly. The result of not understanding God's grace correctly is pain, fear, guilt, depression, anger and so forth. STOP TRYING to be perfect in your own strength and just seek Jesus as a child. Be honest with Jesus, he knows all your weaknesses and failures already. Jesus Christ knows you will have many weak moments as you grow in him, that is what his amazing grace is all about.


An example of law and grace, Paul said when speaking on the rapture of the church, he said we would be changed in the twinkling of an eye. He then said; "Oh Death where is your victory, where is your sting, for death is swallowed up in victory." This of course by the blood of Jesus.


Let us remember what Paul says just after this. If you understand this you will be blessed. Paul said: "FOR THE POWER OF SIN IS THE LAW." Let me say that once more the power of sin is trying to be righteous by the law of Moses. You honor the Law of Moses by agreeing it shows your sin and it is holy for this purpose. But you glorify Jesus Christ when you accept his finished work on the cross for you by faith, that faith is this; "Jesus said it's finished, Jesus is saying. "I have finished paying for their sin required by the Law of Moses I judge them not, I have taken their death penalty in their place because I love them." Now you say amen and agree with Jesus and say also "It is finished" the one who loves me above all has paid my price and with a praise from the heart and your mouth, you thank the Lord Jesus for dying for you and your sin.


When you doubt Jesus' love when you have sinned or have had a weak moment after accepting Jesus, then you are not really trusting Jesus' finished work and love. Your still trusting your ability to obey him in order to receive his love. Jesus loves you on your worst day sons and daughter's, trust his love and grace. Jesus did not die for you just so he could sit around and wait for you to sin again so he could judge you and punish you. NO! JESUS LOVES YOU! He died for all your sins past, present and future. Jesus gives you love, forgiveness and grace and he wants you to give the same to others even to those who reject Jesus, so love and love one another.


Do you understand why Jesus said to judge not in the new covenant of his grace? It is because he decided not to judge you according to the Law of Moses. Jesus rather than judge you by the law of Moses allowed himself to suffer the pain and the shame of the cross, then Jesus died for us in our place in order that the price and death penalty required by the Law of Moses could be paid in full. This so we could live as well as walk in his new covenant of his grace and all his promises. This includes miracle healing, deliverance, knowing his voice and his love and peace that surpasses knowledge.


Another important reminder about judging. Apostle Paul said "Who are we to judge outsiders, God judges the outsiders." Outsiders of course are those persons who do not yet believe in Jesus. When we judge outsiders Jesus disciplines us for not giving the same grace and forgiveness to them as he has given us.


Apostle Paul understood the law of God very well; he tried and tried to keep it after accepting Jesus. In the book of Romans Paul discusses his own experience. Most reading now should be able to relate to this same experience Apostle Paul had.


Paul said in Romans, "Every time I try to do the good that I want (Trying to keep the law of Moses perfectly) I do the very thing that I hate.Wretched man that I am who will deliver me from this body of Death. But thanks be to God, through our Lord Jesus Christ."


Paul declares that law was given to increase the trespass, and that through it sin would become utterly sinful. Why? Because the law is holy, but we in our physical nature are not. We are unable to obey it perfectly no matter how hard we try.


So the law is holy and good, because it reveals to us what is good, and of course that it's impossible to obey it perfectly without Jesus' grace, love and power. Remember to keep the law perfectly you must also in effect die. The law of God says all who have fallen short must suffer the penalty of the law. This penalty is death, with no wiggle room.


This is also why Jesus died for us not just to take our sins, but to pay the just requirement of God's law which is the death penalty. Jesus willing took our place, because he loves us all so much.


The law of God always causes one of two things, it causes a person to either seek after God and a Savior, or it cause's a person to rebel because they find it impossible for them to keep the law. This is where most non-believers become confused or angry with God. They hear those that profess to be Christians saying, " Do! Do! Do! or else, keep the law of Moses or go to hell. They say; "Quit this, stop doing that, come only to this denomination, give 10 percent and give that 10 percent only to us and so on and so on. That is not the truth, or real Christianity. Jesus said just come, come as you are. You do not try to clean up your own life, or change before you come, you just come to Jesus as you are and you ask him to help you believe. That's it, Jesus does all the rest, either at that very moment, or at a time in the future.


Please do not misunderstand there are still many wonderful churches with real believers, but there are also those DO, DO, DO, or else churches as well. Stay away from the DO, DO, or else churches. However do pray for them that Jesus would correct them.


Current non-believers reading, you never need to set foot inside of any church to be saved by Jesus Christ. All a person must understand and know is that Jesus Christ is the one God sent to pay your price, and know that God raised him from the dead. But to be honest, to really know this is true you need to be touched by the Holy Spirit. You need to ask God in Jesus' name to give you the GIFT of faith. When the Holy Spirit touches you powerfully and tangibly that gift of faith will be given.


A quick true story about a miracle given to a man who had NO real faith.


Many years ago according to the Bible, a man came to Jesus on the behalf of his son. This man asked Jesus for a miracle for his son and Jesus asked the man if he believed. This man was honest with Jesus about his unbelief, he said, "Jesus I believe, but please help me with my unbelief." In other words this man wanted to believe, but he was being honest with Jesus saying that he still did not believe. This man had no real faith. He had heard of Jesus and the miracles but he was not sure, for he had not seen them for himself. This man knew that if he lied to Jesus and said he believed when he didn't, then if Jesus was for real that lie might prevent a miracle, a miracle his son needed so badly.


So this man gave an answer that he thought Jesus would want to hear and then added his complete honesty and asked for help with his unbelief. That request was good enough for Jesus and Jesus healed that man's son with a powerful miracle. Through that miracle to his son, this man was given the gift of real faith. The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ will give you the miracles and the power to believe, if you will ask him to help you understand and believe. Real salvation in Jesus Christ is always personal and private. Seek him even if you feel like your only talking to thin air. Say Jesus if you’re really the truth help me believe, that's the best I can do today. I promise you if you do, sooner, or later that air you feel silly talking to will be filled with such power and love that you can feel, you will have a hard time speaking because of Jesus' awesome presence and love, your doubt will melt away like ice cream in a hot Las Vegas desert. On that day you will be forever changed and forever grateful.


Now lets talk some more about Jesus' grace and how some Christians get confused and fearful after sinning, or backsliding during a weak moments in their walk.


When a new Christian receives Jesus, their burden is lifted, sin is washed and they feel brand new. Many call this the first love experience in Jesus, it's Wonderful to say the very least. But as time goes by some weakness, or sin, or bondage resurfaces in their lives. Then we try to repent of it, we ask, we pray, we beg and of course we feel so terrible and guilty, the harder we try, the worse it gets. We say Oh, Jesus I'm sorry, I won't do it again, forgive me. Then we go for a little while and sure enough in most cases it happens again. Now we are feeling torn and separated from Jesus' Holy Spirit, and even worse, in some cases the heart starts to grow cold, sometimes angry, then sin gets worse and worse.


Do you see how God's holy law works, it makes sure we are all put to death in our own Righteousness and ability. The law of God always will crucify you until you truly understand Jesus' covenant of grace properly. And of course after the law has put you to death, immediately as you die, (Your ability, spiritually speaking) Jesus then keeps his promise and does for you, what you could not. Jesus makes you alive in him again and his covenant of grace and All his promises.


Jesus always starts when we are finished in our own strength and ability. This is why Paul said, "Through the Law I died to the law, that I might live to God." Of course Paul was speaking of faith in Jesus' finished work. Also he knew for sure he could never attain righteousness by the law. Walk by the Spirit of grace, not the letter of the Law.

It's very important that all Christians stop trying to please Jesus in their own ability. He will never accept it, no matter how good the intentions. If you’re in caught in any type of sin, or bondage you will NEVER be free by your own effort. At best you might be able to stop for a while, but sooner or later if it's only your ability and not Jesus', you will surely fall back into it, whatever that might be.

You must understand all deliverance, healing, restoration is having faith in Jesus' finished work. By His stripes we are healed. Never by our stripes, or our good works, or by our church's good work, or even our pastor's good works, always and only by Jesus' finished work on the Cross.

Jesus loves you on your worst day my brothers and sisters, not just your good days, when I am weak, Jesus is strong Paul declared. God makes perfect in weakness. Sometimes Jesus allows you to fall into the trap of legalism, or some sin. Sometimes he even leaves you there for a while. Why? So when he delivers you and heals you can truly understand. "He, or she that is forgiven much, loveth much. Those that are forgiven only a little, love only a little." Also: That you might come to know the height, the breath, and the depth of the Love of God, in Christ Jesus.

The most dangerous thing any Christian can do is judge a non-believer. When we do that we make ourselves a judge in the law, rather than a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his grace covenant, it also opens you up to attacks from the enemy. Jesus said to judge not and you will not be judged, forgive and you will be forgiven. Jesus was not just saying this because it is just good sense, he said it to protect us.

If your going to stand as a judge in the Law, even though you are saved by grace, then when you judge a non-believer you also judge yourself. Jesus made it clear, JUDGE NOT. Now when we make this mistake God's Mercy and Grace is still with us, but his discipline will begin to work in our lives.

The law by which we judged others will now come to bear against us until we are put to death again by it. This is a very painful place to be, but this death process through the Law when completed allows Jesus to restore us to his blessings of Grace when we have repented. Repenting to what? Jesus said, "Love, forgive and to judge not, even towards our enemies. To trust Jesus' grace and his finished work.

Jesus gives us more grace when we fail like this, but he allows things to touch our lives to discipline us. He works all things to the good, for those who love him, and he disciplines all those called by his name. Sometimes that discipline hurts. We must love all brothers and sisters, even our enemies as Jesus taught. If we don't then we are not only breaking the lesser commandments of the Old testament, but we are breaking the greatest new commandment Jesus gave to his twelve disciples and of course to us. Jesus said, "LOVE ONE ANOTHER." This is how the world will know you are my disciples.

If you’re a Christian that is struggling in these things, or some sin, or backslid-den, listen to me please. Jesus Christ is closer than your next breath by the power of his Holy Spirit. I MEAN RIGHT NOW !! I don't care if God seems a million miles away. He is right there with you right now. Please listen to me carefully, Jesus humbly I ask you to give them the ability to hear their brother who has been through this. Let them know I am telling them the truth, your truth Lord Jesus.

Brothers and sisters restoration is exactly like your salvation. You come with your weaknesses, your failures and your sins. You bring everything to Jesus except your ability and good works, there is nothing you can give Jesus that he does not already own. Except one thing, your sins.

Jesus loves you, no matter what, it's not silver vessels that he needs, nor golden vessels that he wants, but yielded vessels, trusting his grace and his love no matter what.

Ask Jesus from your heart in your own way,


Lord Jesus, forgive me for doubting your forgiveness and your grace. I keep trying to get back to my first love in you and cannot do it, I have sinned over and over and I may even do it again tomorrow. I don't want to be this way, I love you Jesus help me surrender and trust your grace when I am weak, give me an increase in faith. Jesus right now I don't need theology, or religion, I need only you Lord Jesus. I can only understand your grace to the level I know it this day. But you can teach me you can write it fresh in my heart. I cannot depend on anyone completely Lord Jesus except you. Others cannot always be with me to help, but you can Lord Jesus, help me lean on you and trust your promises and love.

I cannot promise you anything Jesus, except that I want to be able to love you, like you love me, help me love, like you love me Jesus give me your ability. I surrender my ability for yours, my love for yours, my strength for yours, my righteousness for yours, I love you Father God please help me be a little child again. Help me come home in faith because your grace and ALL your promises. Holy Spirit help me today, thank you Lord Jesus. Help me know you as a friend and brother, not just as Lord and Savior. Be my best friend, my very best personal friend with benefits :) Thanks Jesus, Amen

Let's continue ....

It's not by Might, nor by Power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.

Obviously, the Holy Spirit is Mighty, and the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus is powerful. So what does this scripture really mean? It means; NOT by your own natural ability, NOT by your natural strength, NOT by your natural position, or influence in the world, NOT by your personal natural wealth, or lack of wealth, NOT by anything you can produce by and of your own natural ability. It means by The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Ask Jesus to help you surrender and trust His Grace. He loves you more than I can even imagine. And that's saying a lot. Jesus love's the good, the bad and the ugly my friends. He Loves us even when we don't love him. Remember he loves you on your worst day, not just your best, Jesus will never leave or forsake you, trust his grace when you are weak, judge not, especially your enemies. Invite Jesus to refresh you by His Holy Spirit and remember He will not do any of those things by your own effort, only by his grace, thank God for that, for if it was by our good works based on the Law of Moses we would all be doomed. I hope you have been blessed.

Lord Jesus touch all your children, restore them heal them, and those that are already strong, give them the strength and the wisdom, and the love to teach and strengthen others. Thank you Lord Jesus.
You have already promised to do all those things, I know you will in each case exactly as you decide in your perfect time. I love you Father, Lord Jesus. Help us all to Love. For in the end, only kindness matters.

Study List follows below.

1) ROMANS 8:35-39
2) ROMANS 9:31-33
3) ROMANS 7:6-25
4) ROMANS 8:14-17
5) TITUS 1:1-15
6) TITUS 3:5-9
7) ROMANS 10:1-16
8) ROMANS 11:2-12
9) ROMANS 11:6
10) ROMANS 11:29-36
11) ROMANS 14:1-14
12) ROMANS 14:21-23
13) 1ST CORINTHIANS 1:26-29
14) 1ST CORINTHIANS 2:2-13
15) 1ST CORINTHIANS 3:1-11
16) 1ST CORINTHIANS 4:1-5
17) 1ST CORINTHIANS 10:23-33
18) 1ST CORINTHIANS 15:55-57
19) 2ND CORINTHIANS 3:5-14
20) 2ND CORINTHIANS 3:17
21) 2ND CORINTHIANS 4:1-7
22) GALATIANS 2:16-21
23) GALATIANS 3:1-29
24) GALATIANS 4:1-31
25) GALATIANS 5:1-6
26) EPHESIANS 1:2-14
27) EPHESIANS 2:5-9
28) EPHESIANS 2:11-12
29) COLOSSIANS 2:8-17
30) 1ST TIMOTHY 1:1-17
31) HEBREWS 7:11-28
32) HEBREWS 8:1-13
33) 1ST TIMOTHY 2:3-6
34) ROMANS 10:9-17


John 12:44-45

44 Then Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.

Isaiah 45-21-23

21 Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me.

22 "Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.

23 I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath.

John 14:9

9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

Isaiah 9:6

6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 20:26-28

26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" 27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

Brothers and sisters Jesus Christ must direct you and perfect you by his Holy Spirit each and every time and each and everyday when doing real ministry in his name. This is true both for ministry as well as for you personally. Your ministry is your service to him, but in heaven your relationship is what is most important to him. There is a clue for you, on earth as it is done in heaven. So revival starts with you and your relationship with the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, not with a chore list of works or even well meaning good intentions. Brothers and sisters if your service to him or if your ministry causes you to be busy with emotions and things to do but does not cause you to have a close tangible relationship with Jesus Christ by his Holy Spirit everyday, then stop and find out why. Jesus does not need servants, he wants son's and daughters who love him and want to serve. Jesus is not interested in giving you a job, rather he wants to give you a hug and a holy kiss. You see when Jesus said it is finished he knew what he was talking about, even if some of us are still a little unclear about it.


May the Lord Jesus Christ keep all of you who trust IN HIM in his Hand always. And may the Holy Spirit guide you in all Truth, and Wisdom.




Your brother and servant in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ


Real forgiveness from Jesus Christ God our Father even on your worst day

Ps Joseph Prince
Singapore

Good teachings fom Bro Denny of University of Jesus

University of Jesus

TRANSFORMATION
Thursday, April 08, 2010 5:00 PM
Galatians 4:8-20


My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you…

Here we learn what Paul thinks is most important for every student of Jesus. To be transformed into the image of Jesus! Christ...formed in you!

Transformation into the likeness of Jesus! This is the goal of every student of the Teacher. To become more like Him in heart and life!

Here Paul calls the Christians in Galatia his dear children. For he labored to bring them into the new birth of faith in Jesus. They became students of Jesus and were on the way to becoming more like Jesus.

Sadly, this process is in danger of being interrupted by false teachers, who seek to enslave these students of Jesus with requirements of the Law of Moses.

You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.

Paul’s work is in danger of being destroyed if the Christians of Galatia turn their focus away from inner spiritual transformation. If they become entangled in religious customs that have nothing to do with being a good student of Jesus!

We can imagine Paul’s concern. He is far from them. He isn’t sure what is going on - how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Paul does what he can. He writes this letter warning them to refuse the teaching of those who do not care about this truth - Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them.

Now as then, there is a persistent temptation for students of Jesus to think that customs and rituals are as important as spiritual formation. Falling for this leads to the dead-end of legalism, rather than the life-changing process of becoming more like Jesus which leads to eternal life.


INHERITANCE
Wednesday, April 07, 2010 5:00 PM
Galatians 4:1-7


So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

The inheritance of God! This is everything God gives to those who are His sons and daughters. This includes forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life in heaven some day!

One does not qualify for the inheritance by the keeping of the Law, but by faith in Jesus. Not because of human effort, but because of Jesus’ perfect life, sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection!

Only a son or daughter can inherit from the father. And only those who are sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father can claim a portion in the inheritance God gives?

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

It is by faith in Jesus one becomes a child of God. It is by the grace of God – a free gift – not by efforts in keeping the rules, as important as that may be. In fact, Paul compares a life lived under the Law with slavery.

And a slave cannot receive the Master’s inheritance!

So how do we know we are His children?

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."

It is the gift of the Holy Spirit in our hearts that validates our claim to the inheritance God gives His children. The Spirit of Jesus is proof of our relationship with the Father. By this we know we are His children.

It is through the Holy Spirit living in us that we know we are forgiven and living in the Family of God. And it is the Holy Spirit who helps us in our preparation to live forever in the Family of God - our final inheritance in heaven.

With Jesus as our Teacher and the Holy Spirit as our Tutor, we become more like Jesus and prepare ourselves to live forever in God’s Family.


COVERED!
Wednesday, April 07, 2010 12:20 AM
Galatians 3:26-29

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Paul uses familiar imagery here. Everyone knows clothes cover. Clothes also protect against the elements, cold and heat.

And certain clothes are needed for different occasions. What one wears to work in the field would not be suitable dress before a King.

What is the proper spiritual attire necessary to come before God and be pleasing to Him? There is only one answer – Jesus!

Anyone who comes to Jesus is covered! To be covered by Jesus means that nothing else is needed to be fully dressed before God. Without Jesus, even our best efforts at keeping God's commands leave our sins uncovered.

Paul is continuing to refute the idea that keeping parts of the Law of Moses could add anything to one’s standing before God. To be covered by Jesus’ life and death is the only way to be properly dressed before The King!

Paul reminds his readers of how they came to be clothed with Jesus. At the point their faith in Jesus led them to be baptized, they were clothed with Christ! Faith came alive and they became Sons of God by faith!

Their right standing with God did not come through any human effort. Believing is not a work. It is trusting in Jesus.

Being baptized is not a work. It is something to which one submits. In fact, it is a passive act, something that one allows another to do to him.

When faith leads one to submit to Jesus through the act of baptism in water, Jesus gives the Holy Spirit. Then with the help of the Holy Spirit a student of Jesus can actually become more like the Teacher in heart and life. It is being clothed with Jesus that matters.

If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.


THE PROMISE
Monday, April 05, 2010 5:00 PM
Galatians 3:15-25

So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.

Paul continues to marshal arguments against the teaching threatening the new churches he established in Galatia. Against the false teachers who were attempting to bind certain requirements of the Law of Moses upon students of Jesus!

He advances two arguments against keeping the Law of Moses:

1. The promise of salvation by faith in Jesus pre-dates the Law of Moses - The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.

2. If salvation depends on keeping the law, then the promise shared with Abraham would be unnecessary - For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

Paul then proceeds to answer the question – Why then was the Law of Moses given?

It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come…Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

The Law cannot save from sin, because nobody can keep the Law perfectly. That’s why salvation must come through the grace of God. A promise of God, not a covenant of Law.

The coming of Jesus is the promise made to Abraham. Salvation then is by faith in Jesus, not by keeping the Law. Those teaching the necessity of keeping parts of the Law of Moses are mistaken.

But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Students of Jesus are only and completely saved by faith in Jesus!
FAITH NOT WORKS
Sunday, April 04, 2010 5:00 PM
Galatians 3:1-14

After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

This is Paul’s question to those who may be tempted to live by the Law of Moses in order to have a right relationship with God. He reminds them that God – the Holy Spirit – came to live in their hearts by faith, not by law-keeping!

Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?

Law – even God’s Law – does not have the power to save anyone. Law only informs a person about what is right and wrong, it cannot transform a life. Nor can keeping rules make anyone right in the sight of God, for nobody can keep the law perfectly.

All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”

God gave the Law of Moses to show what kind of life is required to please God. Of course, God knew man would not be able to keep these rules perfectly. Man’s failure was supposed to help him realize the need for something else.

That something else is the coming of Jesus, his perfect life and sacrificial death on our behalf.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." He redeemed us in order that…we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

It is only by faith in what Jesus has done for us that God declares us to be right before Him. And only the Holy Spirit living within can give power to change our hearts and live a life pleasing to God

Paul reminds every student of Jesus that becoming more like the Teacher requires Divine Help. Human effort alone will never do it.

Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
ONLY JESUS!
Saturday, April 03, 2010 5:00 PM
Galatians 2:11-21

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!

Jesus was Jewish. All of the apostles were also. In fact, most all of the first students of Jesus were too!

So who can blame some of the early Jewish Christians who wrongly believed that Gentile Christians should keep the traditions and customs of the Law of Moses as they actually continued to do?

Jewish festivals, circumcision and other customs continued to be valued and practiced by Jewish Christians. Becoming a student of Jesus didn’t change their cultural orientation overnight. And it was difficult for some to understand why Gentiles shouldn’t become more Jewish in their behavior.

But God sent Jesus to save everyone, including the majority of people in the world who are not Jewish, rather Gentile. And receiving the Good News of Jesus – becoming a student of Jesus – was never intended to be a conversion to Judaism.

Neither did Jesus intend to destroy the Law of Moses. How could He, when He is the fulfillment of the Law of Moses and all of the prophecies of the Old Testament. Jesus is the embodiment of Judaism’s promise to the world.

A promise given to Abraham years before Moses was even born. That through his descendents One would come who would bless all nations.

What we see in the Book of Galatians is a collision of cultures with a question hanging over it. Just what if any of the customs of Judaism will be required by Gentile when they become students of Jesus?

Paul’s answer is nothing is needed except faith in Jesus and willingness to follow His teaching. This was the truth for Jewish Christians and for Gentiles too. Only Jesus!

So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.


PAUL'S AUTHORITY
Friday, April 02, 2010 5:00 PM
Galatians 2:1-10

For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles.

Paul continues to defend himself against those who were attacking him in order to discredit his message. These false teachers were requiring the Gentile Christians to be circumcised in order to be saved.

Paul wants them to know that even in Jerusalem; the church does not require Gentiles to be circumcised.

Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem…yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.

He tells of false brothers who tried to require Titus to be circumcised. Paul wants them to know how he stood against this - We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.

At issue in all of these details is whether a relationship with Jesus is sufficient for a person to be saved. By adding legalistic requirements, the false teachers are saying Jesus isn’t enough. It is Jesus, plus this or that!

Paul concludes by letting them know that the apostles in Jerusalem accepted him and his mission to the Gentiles. And they did not advise him to require circumcision as a part of the message of Jesus. That belonged to the custom of the Jews.

James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.


PAUL'S DEFENSE
Thursday, April 01, 2010 9:37 PM
Galatians 1:10-24

I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

False teachers have come into the churches of Galatia after Paul left and undermined His teaching. Because of this, Paul is in the unenviable position of defending His credentials as an apostle in order to defend his message.

He doesn’t do this to promote himself, but rather to show that His teaching comes directly from Jesus. Whereas, these false teachers do not have the authority of an apostle as Paul does.

Paul’s concern is for the spiritual health of the churches he worked so hard to establish. He fears they will fall from the grace of God into a system of legalism being taught by others. He only presents his credentials to underscore the truth of what he taught these Christians, so they won't be led into error.

Paul’s defense of his authority as an apostle of Jesus indicates something of what these false teachers must have been saying about him.

But when God…was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was…

Apparently, these false teachers were saying that Paul does not speak for the other apostles, some of whom were still in the city of Jerusalem.

Perhaps they made the argument that the other apostles felt as they did, that the Gentile Christians should be circumcised and keep the law. And therefore, Paul was wrong not to require they keep the custom of the Law of Moses.

Paul, therefore, is forced to present his credentials as someone called by Jesus. And that his message to them was only what Jesus Himself had revealed to him.

While the apostles in Jerusalem are primarily seeking to teach Jews, Jesus has given Paul the special mission and revelation to the Gentiles.


NO GOOD NEWS!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 5:00 PM
Galatians 1:1-9


I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.

This letter from the apostle Paul to the churches in the province of Galatia addresses a grave problem. The persistent tendency to legalism!

Legalism is a religious term used to describe an attempt to be right with God based on how well one keeps His rules.

Of course, students of Jesus desire to refrain from conduct the Teacher has warned against. And they desire to do everything Jesus has taught them to do. But this effort to keep the rules is best understood as a grateful response to God's grace!

Being obedient to the teaching of Jesus sounds like a good thing to do, and it is! However, a person becomes legalistic when they begin to think their attempt to be obedient is what gives them good standing with God.

The problem with this system of religion is that nobody can be perfectly obedient. Everyone sins. And since everyone sins, nobody can claim a relationship with God because of their perfect obedience.

And more importantly, legalism destroys the Good News of Jesus. In fact, legalism is no good news at all. It replaces the free gift of God’s grace with faulty human effort. If our obedience could save us, why did Jesus come to die for us?

The only basis for a peaceful relationship with God is trust in Jesus. For Jesus is the Good News. And it is our faith in His perfect obedience to God and His death on the cross in our place that makes us right before God.

Paul is fighting legalism in this letter, because some false teachers were trying to enforce certain legal requirements of the Law of Moses on the Christians in Galatia.

Legalism is such a serious perversion of the Good News of Jesus Paul writes - …Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!


INTRODUCTION TO GALATIANS
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 11:32 AM
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to address a serious problem troubling the churches in the province of Galatia. The teaching of legalism!

Legalism implies one can only be in a right relationship with God based on human effort. Legalism stands in contradiction to the Good News Jesus brings to the world...

That only through Jesus can one come into relationship with God!

Paul worked very diligently to take the Good News of Jesus to the Gentiles. He was very successful in establishing many congregations.

However, there were some legalistic teachers who followed behind him upsetting the peace of these Christians.

These false teachers were Jewish Christians who tried to convince the Gentile Christians they needed to keep certain traditions of the Law of Moses.

One of the main ideas they taught was the necessity of circumcision. They went so far as to say that if the Gentiles weren’t circumcised they could not be saved.

Paul saw this for what it was. An attack on the sufficiency of Jesus!

For it is only by through the life and death of Jesus that anyone can be right before God. It is trust in the work of Jesus on our behalf that makes the story of Jesus such good news for us. Because our obedience will always fall far short of the perfection required to be in fellowship with God.

The entire letter of Galatians is Paul’s argument that Jesus is not only all we need to be saved, but any attempt to add other requirements is a repudiation of Jesus.

Galatians is a letter upholding salvation as the free gift of God. Our works cannot possibly justify us before God. Our sins outweigh our obedience on the scales of God's justice! Sins can only be forgiven by the grace God provides through Jesus' sacrifice for us.

Paul knows if these churches fall into the trap of legalism they will fall from this grace of God. But this letter is for students of Jesus in every age, for it is a basic tendency to try to be worthy of God’s gift by human effort. If this was sufficient, why then did Jesus come to die for us?


PRAYER
Monday, March 29, 2010 5:00 PM
James 5:13-20

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

This raises a question. Who is righteous?

Other passages of Scripture make it clear that nobody is righteous, for all make mistakes and sin. On the other hand, everyone who comes to Jesus is made righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death on the cross.

Students of Jesus are not righteous by themselves. God continuously declares them to be so based on their trust in what Jesus has done!

James is saying that every faithful student of Jesus is a person whose prayers are powerful and effective!

This true because every student of Jesus remains in a constant state of righteousness by the forgiveness Jesus provides. And because they are in a right relationship with God, their prayers are heard and answered!

James says that students of Jesus should pray when they are in trouble. This is good news because every day difficulties arise in life. Problems in marriage and family, job stresses, financial troubles, accidents and even death of loved ones.

It is of great comfort to know in every situation our prayers make a real difference, especially when we are in the middle of a life-sized problem!

James also says prayers are effective in times of illness - Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Prayer is also powerful to help us overcome sin in our lives - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

Prayer is perhaps the most under-appreciated and under-utilized privilege available to us.

Jesus was a person of prayer. Good students of this Teacher take note.


JESUS IS NEAR
Sunday, March 28, 2010 5:00 PM
James 5:7-12

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

James closes his letter with words of encouragement every student of Jesus can appreciate. Be faithful because Jesus is near!

Every student of Jesus senses His presence. In every moment of life our Teacher has promised to be with us. To never leave or forsake us!

However, when circumstances of life bring trials, difficulties, tensions and troubles, we may be tempted to ask – Why is this happening to me? Is Jesus really near right now?

James reminds us that Jesus is near and that His coming is near – Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming.

Don’t give up. It won’t be long until the trial is past. It won’t be long until Jesus returns!

James counsels patience in our trials.

Having patience, as James uses the word, is more than remaining calm when things irritate us. The word literally means to stand up under the strain of a heavy load!

It is strength under pressure. The power to be faithful when it isn’t easy to do so!

It is also waiting, as a farmer waits for the rain. Not giving up, but trusting Jesus will stay ever near.

James also warns us not to grumble against one another. Isn’t that the tendency when things aren’t going well? We look for a scapegoat, someone to blame.

The One who is near, the One who is coming is also the judge of such behaviors - The Judge is standing at the door!

So persevere because the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. He knows our trials and will intervene on our behalf! Jesus is near!


PROPHETIC
Saturday, March 27, 2010 5:00 PM
James 5:1-12

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.

Here James sounds like Amos or another of the Old Testament prophets railing against social injustice.

Some things never change - The rich get richer and the poor get poorer!

What troubles God – and should disturb students of Jesus everywhere - is how the rich get richer and why the poor get poorer!

James says very often people enrich themselves at the expense of the poor.

Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.

Isn’t it amazing that nothing escapes the watchful eye of the God of heaven? He sees the smallest details of our lives. He observes and judges!

He dislikes the inequity that exists in the world. A world where some live in opulent luxury while others starve to death!

A day of reckoning is coming. A day when the scales of justice will tip in favor of the oppressed!

A day of punishment is coming to the oppressor. They will receive the disapproval of God. On that day, their ill-gotten gains will do them no good.

You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.

Students of Jesus take note. God cares about fairness in all our dealings, especially when we occupy a position of power over others. God would have us become more like Jesus. Remember how He was a special friend to the poor.
THAT'S LIFE!
Friday, March 26, 2010 5:00 PM
James 4:13-17


You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

James is talking about the brevity of life.

Visit with those who have lived to be a hundred years old. They will not speak of long life. Instead, they seem surprised at how fast the time flew by.

We aren’t promised a tomorrow. Physical bodies all come with a lifetime warranty, but the problem is some lifetimes are not very long!

Life is fragile, uncertain. Anything may happen.

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come. Today is all we can be sure of in this life.

That’s why the Lord’s will is so important!

Because at the end of life, we pass through the door of death to behold the face of God! Then we will fully realize the importance of our relationship with Him.

Gone will be the false ideas that we are in charge of our own destiny. We make our plans and will have what we will have!

There is a limit to the power of man to determine his own fate. That’s why James counsels us to begin to include Jesus in all our daily plans now - If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.

Someday soon for all of us it will be very clear just how dependent we are upon the Lord for everything. But whether we understand this fact or not, it remains the everyday truth nonetheless.

That’s life!

And that’s why James reminds students of Jesus to be busy doing the good they can do – while they can!

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.


SUBMIT TO GOD
Thursday, March 25, 2010 5:00 PM
James 4:1-12

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Here James shares the secret of a powerful life. Submit to God!

When Jesus asks those of us who become His students to follow Him – submit to His will – we should understand this is something He has already done.

He submitted to the will of His heavenly Father in all things. And because He humbled Himself – even to death on a cross – the Father lifted Him to the highest place. He rose from the dead and rules from heaven!

Submission is the secret to Jesus’ powerful life and James would have us know submitting to God is also our path to an exalted life!

James mentions three areas where submission is vital and shows how failing to submit leads to frustration of purpose.

Our relationships
Our prayers
Our choices

Think about how our pride can work against us in each of these areas of life. Also, Consider how humility can create greater harmony and happiness.

A humble and submissive attitude creates peace in all our relationships at work and at home. Pride causes contention. And frustration because ultimately we need the cooperation of others to accomplish almost anything.

James indicates our prayers will be answered when we stop asking for what we selfishly desire and humbly seek God’s will for our lives.

Finally, submitting to God’s will leads us away from the destructive power of sin to the better will of God for our lives – God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Students of Jesus will make great progress in becoming more like Jesus when they learn the power in submission. It leads to the highest and the best!


TWO WISDOMS
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 5:00 PM
James 3:13-18

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

James warns of a kind of worldly wisdom. Not from heaven but of earth. Not spiritual but evil!

It is the wisdom of envy and selfish ambition, terms James mentions twice here. It is self-centered, not others-minded. The ability, position and possessions of others spark jealousy, pride and a competitive spirit.

Given free reign, this way of looking at the world leads to conflicts and evil behaviors! In the cut-throat, dog-eat-dog race to the top, anything goes. Fights, aggression, dishonesty, favoritism and self-promotion!

In short it is a selfish life. Lived with little or no regard for the welfare of others! It is me, myself and I!

The irony of this self-preoccupation is the almost total neglect of self in all the ways that ultimately matter. The final result is a lack of personal spiritual growth in the attributes that make one more fully human. The soul shrivels even as the material accomplishments and possessions pile up.

By contrast, the wisdom of Jesus brings the best kind of life, good deeds done for the benefit of others in a spirit of humility.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Being a good student of Jesus produces a peaceful life. Peace within and peace with others!

James says that it is in this atmosphere of peace the fruit of righteousness grows into a bountiful harvest.

A person is living wisely who focuses on becoming more like Jesus. Developing in heart the characteristics of the best person who ever lived. This is the wisdom of being a student of Jesus.


TAME THE TONGUE
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 5:00 PM
James 3:1-12

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

Look at Jesus life! You will find perfection. Not only in what He did but in everything He said.

Students of Jesus, who seek to be like their Teacher, soon discover how difficult it is to control their tongues. In fact, as James says, if we could fully control our tongues, we would be perfect.

Here James uses six images that speak of the power, influence and danger of the tongue.

A bit, a rudder, a raging fire, a wild animal, a spring of either sweet or bitter water, and fruit of one kind or another!

A Bit – Small but Controlling
A Rudder – Extremely Influential
A Raging Fire – Dangerously Destructive
A Wild Animal - Uncontrollable
A Spring – either Sweet or Bitter
A Fruit – either One Kind or Another

Obviously, how well one controls the tongue is critical to spiritual health and well-being. Everyone would do well to become more like Jesus and seek to tame the tongue!

One who allows free reign to their speech, saying whatever comes to mind – good or bad - destroys their life.

It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire.

The tongue is also a powerful force for good. Our words can speak health, comfort, encouragement, truth, peace, mercy, joy and love.

This is the challenge for every student of Jesus. Tame the tongue! Restrain its destructive potential! Release its life-giving power into the lives of those around us.

This is the way Jesus has shown us.
FAITH & WORKS
Monday, March 22, 2010 5:00 PM
James 2:14-26

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Students of Jesus have puzzled over the relationship between faith and works. The problem arises over the perceived difference between what James says here – faith without deeds is dead – and Paul’s statement in the Book of Ephesians that our salvation does not come through our works.

There is no contradiction between James and Paul, only a difference in emphasis.

By emphasizing works, James isn’t saying faith is unimportant. Nor is he arguing that as long as we obey God’s commands it doesn’t matter whether we have faith or not! He is saying, true faith will reveal itself in action.

By emphasizing faith, Paul isn’t saying works are unimportant. Nor is he arguing that as long as we have faith it doesn’t matter whether we obey God’s commands or not. He is saying that all the works in the world apart from the grace of faith cannot save anyone.

True faith always produces the action or work of obedience.

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless.

James recalls the faith of Abraham that moved him to act in obedience to God’s command to sacrifice his son Isaac. - You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

We understand. Both faith and works are important. They complement each other, with works completing our faith.

James is simply calling those who have faith to get busy doing what God requires.


FAVORITISM
Sunday, March 21, 2010 5:00 PM
James 2:8-13

Mercy triumphs over judgment!

Jesus will one day judge everyone. The thought of our own personal accountability before God should make us merciful in our judgments of others.

James wants us to understand that showing favoritism to some means that we are being unmerciful to others - If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right!

This is the problem with favoritism. It leaves some people outside of our love. And James says that when we do this it is a sin and we are convicted as lawbreakers! Not only because we broke the command to love everyone, but also because of our reason for failing to do so.

What causes us to show favoritism? Isn’t it because of our prejudice? Perhaps against the poor or the uneducated! Maybe that someone’s sin is particularly odious to us!

Whatever the reason, we must have forgotten that we also are sinners - For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

When we fail to show mercy to anyone, we destroy the bridge over which we ourselves must pass. For we too are sinners and must necessarily hope to receive mercy from the Righteous Judge!

The Teacher said, Judge not that you be not judged! Being merciful and loving to all - without favoritism - makes perfect sense when we understand our need for God’s love and mercy.

The tendency to judge some as unworthy of our time, fellowship or respect means we are being unmerciful and unloving. It really means we are failing to be good students of our Teacher. This is the evil of favoritism!

For Jesus loves everyone in the world, died for everyone in the world and invites everyone in the world to become His student and friend.

LOVE LIKE JESUS
Saturday, March 20, 2010 5:00 PM
James 2:1-7

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.

By definition a friend is someone for whom you have a special affection. A relationship that is more open and preferential than others. James isn’t saying students of Jesus cannot have friends.

Even Jesus had special friends like this. Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Peter, James and especially John!

But having favorites is the natural result of getting to know them and therefore having admiration and affection for who they are.

Favoritism, on the other hand, stems from malignant prejudice against a person before we even get to know anything about who they really are.

We quickly judge them and accept or reject them based on their appearance, education or status - have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

What James seeks to curb is this human tendency that instinctively works in our hearts to pre-judge people based on externals. Then automatically open our hearts to some and close them to others.

James uses the example of showing favoritism to a rich person and disrespecting a poor person. Perhaps this prejudice is pervasive because of our selfishness and insecurity. After all, a rich person may benefit us economically while a poor person cannot and may in fact have the opposite effect.

Students of Jesus follow the Teacher who had favorites but did not show favoritism. He did not seek to curry the favors of the rich, the religious intelligentsia or the political power brokers.

Jesus taught and healed and cared for the poor and the rich alike. He associated with the uneducated masses and was at home in the meanest place and He died for all and anyone can become His student!


PURE RELIGION
Friday, March 19, 2010 5:00 PM
James 1:19-27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…

A student of Jesus is one who practices Pure Religion. Providing for the needs of orphans and widows!

And this truth is as relevant today as when James wrote this nearly 2,000 years ago. For God does not change!

In fact, long ago in the Old Testament Scriptures, God repeatedly voiced His concern for the most helpless in society. Fatherless and widows!

In ancient times and in many countries today, to be an orphan or widow is to be among the poorest of the poor. Often in desperate need of daily necessities!

However, in modern times the more prosperous nations provide for their own citizens in the form of government subsidies for food, housing and even medical care. And not coincidentally, nations with a significant Christian population are relatively affluent.

Consequently, students of Jesus in such cultures do not often see orphans or widows in need.

How then should students of Jesus’ respond to the orphans and widows suffering throughout the world?

A recent United Nation’s study revealed that over 50% of the families throughout the world have a total net worth of under $1,100. This includes the total value of all possessions and savings.

This means that orphans and widows in such societies are virtually penniless!

This also means that anyone who has more than $1,100 dollars is richer than 50% of the people in the world.

Fortunately, the world is a smaller place today. Students of Jesus can easily reach out with significant help to the helpless who live in far-away countries and practice what James calls Pure Religion!

CHOOSE LIFE
Saturday, March 20, 2010 12:13 AM
James 1:13-18

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth…

James is talking about the spiritual life, but he uses the comparison of physical birth and growth.
Just as we all are physically born and grow up, students of Jesus are born again. Then with Jesus as Teacher and the Holy Spirit as tutor, students of Jesus spend the rest of their lives growing up into the likeness of Jesus.

Unlike our physical existence, which eventually ends in death, our new birth and life in Jesus never ends. Our life becomes everlasting. A gift from God!

In contrast with God’s good and perfect gift of life, stands another way of living. This life does not seek to become more like Jesus. It seeks to fulfill the flesh and satisfy the cravings of human nature instead.

James also uses the metaphor of conception and birth to describe this way of living that ends, not in eternal life, but in death.

This is how the life given over to sin is described. It is a life dominated by human passions and desires which are the source of temptations.

But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

What James is asking us to do is to pause a moment and think about what is going on inside of every human being. To get above ourselves and be sensitive to inclinations of heart that have the power to lead us away from the good life God gave us.

James is not suggesting students of Jesus can live without sin. He is reminding them not to embrace a way of living that leads to death - Do not err, my beloved brethren...
Rather to focus on the gift of life God gives through Jesus!


TESTING
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 5:00 PM
James 1:2-12

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…

James is writing to Christians who suffer persecution. How should a student of Jesus react in such trials?

James has a surprising answer – Consider it pure joy!

We might understand if he advised us to endure the trials or even muddle through them the best we can. But be happy about it!

Is he joking?

Now James isn’t saying we will ever enjoy suffering. Nor did he say trials should be joyful experiences. He said we should consider it so. He is asking us to view suffering for Jesus from a different perspective.

Trials can cause us to grow, become stronger and therefore more mature in our faith. These results of trials should be viewed as a source of joy.

…the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete…

Following Jesus involves a degree of suffering. It’s unavoidable! Becoming like Jesus, doing what Jesus did leads to trials because a life lived like His leads to confrontation with the values of the world.

And Jesus suffered, but the result was a resurrection from the dead and glory with the Father in heaven.

James wants students of Jesus who suffer for their faith to know they too will have a reward. This should be a source of joy in the trial.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.


INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF JAMES
Friday, March 19, 2010 9:52 AM
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

The author of this book is thought to be the physical brother of Jesus. One who did not believe in Jesus in the beginning, but eventually came to faith and even prominence in the church at Jerusalem.

James is one of the first books of the New Testament, probably written to Jewish Christians who were scattered from Jerusalem during the persecution of Saul.

The writer moves quickly from discussing the value of suffering to practical day-to-day Christianity. Faith in action is the general theme.

It is not enough to be a Christian if this is not shown in one’s conduct.

This is what becoming a student of Jesus is all about. Changed behavior that springs from a changed heart! A heart transformed by a faith that cooperates with the Spirit in becoming more like Jesus.

The writer provides several tests of faith.

1. How responsive am I to God’s Word?
2. Does my faith lead me to be impartial to everyone?
3. Is my faith moving me to improved behavior?
4. Is my faith producing greater self-control?
5. Does faith lead me to repudiate worldliness in favor of God’s values?
6. Is my trust in God evidenced by my prayers to Him?

Someone has said that the Book of James is the Good News is shoe leather. Like Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, this book leaves little room for theoretical maneuvers. Perhaps this is why Biblical scholars have generally denigrated it.

However, for groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, who seek to modify human behavior, the Book of James, the Sermon on the Mount and First Corinthians chapter thirteen are frequently quoted and relied upon.

Brothers, my brothers or my beloved brothers frequently appear in James. Because of his Elder Brother, James now has many brothers and sisters. This is a book for those who want to be better students of Jesus!

Something begins to happen when you read the Bible

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible.

His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water."

The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all.

The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out. That is the work of God in our lives... To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His son."

Take time to read a portion of God's word each day.

"Live Simply, Love Generously, Care Deeply, Speak Kindly, Leave The Rest To God"

The best that you can offer others :

To a Friend - Your Loyalty

To an Enemy - Your Forgiveness

To your Boss - Your Service

To your Child - A good example

To your Father - Honor

To your Mother - Gratitude and Devotion

To your Spouse - Love and Faithfulness

To Yourself - Respect

To All Men - Charity

To God - Your Life!!

The Jesus of the Bible

It is sad to say this, but there are many churches in America who proclaim an entirely different gospel than that preached and practiced in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit has given me a mandate to tear down religious strongholds, and this teaching is a result of that mandate! I can hear Jesus saying, "They need to know the REAL me!"

You don't have to be good before this Jesus loves you!

This Jesus loves you just as you are... regardless if you are an innocent 5 year old or a 60 year old cold blooded murderer! The Bible makes it clear that Jesus loves us for who we are, not because of anything we've done:

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6-8

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

1 John 4:9

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

1 John 3:16

The Jesus of the Bible cared about sinners and spent time with them

Jesus cared for those who were lost, and spent time with them. The religious Pharisees were irate over this; they didn't care about the wellbeing of the lost, but Jesus sure did!

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Matthew 9:10-13

The Jesus of the Bible did not come to kill, steal, and destroy

It is the thief (the devil working through his demons) who came to steal, kill, and destroy you and the blessings that God has made available to you. Jesus, on the other hand, wants you to have life in abundance:

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 10:10

Jesus wanted to make it clear for us to see who was behind the killing, stealing, and destroying in our lives... it certainly was NOT Him, for He came to give us life, and so that we may have it in it's fullness!

The God of the Bible has great plans for you

God has your best interest in mind, and has great hopes and dreams awaiting for you to fulfill!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:11

The Jesus of the Bible demonstrated the will of the Father on earth

The Bible is clear that Jesus went about demonstrating the will of the Father in heaven:

I must work the works of him that sent me...

John 9:4

What did Jesus do? He went about doing GOOD to people; He went about healing, delivering, and restoring lives!

The Jesus of the Bible went about delivering all who were oppressed

It was NOT the will of God for people to be oppressed of the devil, so what did He do about it? He went about healing (restoring, delivering, and liberating) ALL who were oppressed of the devil!

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Acts 10:38

The Jesus of the Bible was serious about getting people healed!

The healing ministry was a MAJOR part of Jesus' work here on earth!

And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

Luke 6:17-19

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Matthew 9:35-36

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Matthew 14:14

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Matthew 4:24

The Jesus of the Bible actually PAID for our healing!

The Word of God is clear about this. Jesus took our sickness upon Himself through the work He accomplished on the cross. To make this perfectly clear before the world, He actually demonstrated this benefit of the cross while He was here yet here on earth:

When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Matthew 8:16-17

If something has been paid for, then it is practically ours for the taking! But if we wonder if it's God's will to heal us, then we aren't really believing what Jesus did for us, and therefore lack the faith to receive.

The Jesus of the Bible was very busy casting out demons

Many today like to avoid the deliverance ministry at all cost, or even deny the reality of demons and how they affect people all together. But Jesus was not afraid to confront the demons head-on and drive them out of those who were bound and tormented by them. He found much need for such ministry in the lives of many hurting and bound individuals.

When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Matthew 8:16-17

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Mark 1:34

And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Mark 1:38-39

And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

Luke 6:17-19

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Matthew 4:24

If that wasn't enough, He made it clear that those that are out preaching the gospel, are also to go forth and cast out demons as well!

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Matthew 10:7-8

Then after He rose from the dead, He made it clear that those who believe in Him are to go forth and do the same!

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils...

Mark 16:15-17

The Jesus of the Bible is caring, loving and compassionate

The Jesus of the Bible CARED for people and was filled with compassion for them!

Even though Jesus knew that Lazarus would be raised from the dead, He still wept because He felt compassion for those who loved Lazarus!

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept.

John 11:33-35

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Matthew 14:14

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Matthew 9:35-36

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

Matthew 15:32

...Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Matthew 20:34

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And, as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

Mark 1:41-42

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

Luke 7:12-15

The Jesus of the Bible waits patiently for the backslider to return

I believe this parable that Jesus shared tells the whole story...

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Luke 15:10-24

This is an entirely different story than what the enemy has been telling most backsliders!

The Jesus of the Bible does not want your soul to be burdened

The Jesus of the Bible does not want us to be burdened down with guilt and shame. He wants us to take His yoke, which is light and easy to bear:

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

The Jesus of the Bible wants to cleanse your conscience

Jesus shed His blood (a high price to pay!) for the forgiveness of our sins, and the Bible is clear that He also wants even our conscience to be purged from dead works (our past failures) so that we can fully serve the Living God!

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Matthew 26:27-28

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9:14

The Jesus of the Bible came to destroy the works of the devil!

Jesus didn't just come to give us a ticket to heaven, He came to destroy the works of the devil right here on earth!

...the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

1 John 3:8

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Acts 10:38

The Jesus of the Bible will never speak condemnation to you!

Jesus made it clear that He came not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved. The devil speaks the voice of condemnation, NOT Jesus!

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:17

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Romans 8:33-34

I have a powerful teaching titled Condemnation vs Conviction with much more information on the difference between the Holy Spirit's conviction (which is done in love) and the devil's condemnation.

The Jesus of the Bible wants to exchange your sin for His righteousness!

Not only did Jesus pay the price for our sins, but He also clothes us with HIS righteousness in the place of our sins!

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.

Romans 3:25

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe...

Romans 3:22

The Jesus of the Bible loves you more then He loves Himself!

When a person lays down their life for you, it means they value your life more than their own!

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

The Father loves you as much as His son Jesus!

Now this sounds blasphemous, but it is true... God the Father loves us with the same love that He has for His own son Jesus!

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

John 17:23

The Jesus of the Bible is quick to forgive and be merciful

...even to a cold blooded murderer hanging on the cross!

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Luke 23:40-43

Also look at all the people whom He freely forgive their sins without a whim! Here are just a few examples...

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

John 8:3-11

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

Luke 7:47

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Matthew 9:2

The Jesus of the Bible is the same yesterday, today, and forever

Guess what? The Jesus of the Bible has not changed! If He was serious about getting people healed and delivered right and left back in those days, then He is still desiring the same thing today! Why would Jesus desire to see people healed so much back then, and not today? Are we not blessed people like those alive during Jesus' ministry? Be not mistaken, Jesus is the same today as He was then, and His goals and dreams for us have not changed:

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines...

Hebrews 13:8-9

So why aren't the healings and deliverances taking place in most churches today, like they were back in Jesus' day? I assure you that the responsibility that the Father gave to Jesus to carry out, was transfered to us to continue the work. We are sent forth to continue the work of Christ here on earth:

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

John 20:21

What happened? Did the commission change? Or did the church today drop the ball, and compromise their ability to carry forth the work of Christ here on earth?

The Jesus of the Bible wants us to do the same works He did!

First of all, what works did Jesus do? If you research the ministry of Jesus, perhaps two of the most popular works that Jesus did was to heal the sick and cast out demons. Jesus said that they who believe upon Him will go forth and do the same works that He did:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

John 14:12

He also confirmed this to His disciples after He rose from the dead:

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Mark 16:15-18

The Jesus of the Bible wants those who believe upon Him to do the same works that He did; He has sent us forth to continue His work here on earth! Have we been obedient? Or have we dropped the ball?

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.

Matthew 9:35-38

The Jesus of the Bible was not afraid to confront wrong

Many today see Jesus as a soft and compromising Jesus, but that is not the Jesus we find in the Bible. The Jesus of the Bible was not about tolerate things that were displeasing to His Father:

And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Mark 11:15-17

Jesus was also not afraid to confront religious leaders and those who were leading people astray from the gospel.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zechariah son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

Matthew 23:23-36

Jesus meant business when dealing with those who led His sheep astray! That is because Jesus cares very much about His sheep, and does not take it lightly when others try to mislead them:

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Luke 17:1-4

The Jesus of the Bible considers how we treat others

Jesus gave us a great commandment to love one another as He has loved us.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

John 15:12

Then Jesus went on to describe how He takes personally the things which we do unto our brethren. If we treat them well, we are treating Jesus well, if we treat them like scum, we are treating Jesus like scum.

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was hungry, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

Matthew 25:34-45

It is a horrible thing for somebody to offend (do wrong to or cause to stumble) a child of God. It is so serious, that Jesus tells us that if another brother offends us, we should go to that person and try to bring them to repentance if possible!

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Luke 17:1-4

That is how seriously awesome God's love for is His children! Could you ever imagine having such a heavenly Father that cares about you so much, that He considers it a great sin when others wrong us or cause us to stumble? God is basically saying that when a person messes with us, His children, they are messing with Him!

The Jesus of the Bible wants you to be radical for Him!

It is not acceptable to light a candle and hide it under a table, nor is it acceptable to learn of such an awesome God and keep it to yourself!

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me... Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Mark 8:34,38

Many today think that taking up their cross means having sickness or disease. This is as far from the truth as it gets! If you look at the context of bearing your cross in the above verse, it's speaking of standing up for Jesus and enduring persecution. When Jesus carried His cross, it was a cross of persecution, NOT sickness or disease! We are to bear the same cross today. But blessed are those who endure persecution for Jesus' sake...

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:10-16

We are not to keep silent concerning the great God we serve! We are told to go forth and preach the good news, and while we're at it, minister to the people's physical and deliverance needs:

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Matthew 10:7-8

We are not to be afraid of persecution, and be ready to lay down our lives for the sake of the gospel, just as Jesus laid down His life for us:

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

1 John 3:16

The Jesus of the Bible wants us to go forth and bear much fruit!

We, as the children of Almighty God, were designed to go forth and bear much fruit for the glory of God! Jesus made it clear that if we will plug ourselves into Him, the true vine, then we will bear much fruit:

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

John 15:5

Jesus also said that those who believe in Him will do the same works that He did, and even greater!

Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

John 14:11-12