Tag: Salvation

It’s All Very Simple

June 29, 2018

It’s All Very Simple

Well, the morning has started with some reruns of the Andy Griffith Show. I like to watch them on the Sundance channel because they show different cuts from the original episodes. Scenes that are usually not viewed.

Yes, this probably indicates that I am over 21 years old. It reminds me how things used to be. I can remember how simple life was. Things were sort of black or white, right or wrong. It didn’t take a Doctorate to understand all the relevant points when someone says, I am thirsty. I would like a glass of water.

Did they really mean glass, or would a Dixie cup do. Spring water, tap water, flavored water. A full glass, or just half full.

Cold water or room temp.

THIS MAKES ME TIRED.

The same thing has happened to the Gospel. I believe that most of the 41,000 different denominations and institutions believe that Jesus is the answer. It is the path to reach Him, and to embrace Him, that is all over the place.

I have a lot to say about Biblical principles and the Apostolic authority that has been passed on to the church. What was accomplished in the book of Acts and throughout the NT is relevant today.

Keep an eye on my blog posts. I address these things all the time. For now I am going to keep it simple.

John 12:32

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.

The word all, or a synonym is used in all the English translations of this verse. “All, Means All”

Luke 9:23-25

23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.

25 For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?”

What an amazing Savior. He died for all, called all. It’s all very simple.

Jesus suffered intense Roman persecution. The rejection of the very people He came for. People who should have known who He was. His crucifixion and death.

He went through this so all would have a path to Him.

That path requires us to give up our will and ways to follow Him, Our cross if you will. “It’s all very simple.” We lose who we are, to become who He has called us to be.

He even made the journey very simple when it comes to theological principles.

Luke 22:36-40

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

38 This is the great and foremost commandment.

39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

40 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

It’s All Very Simple.

John 1:12

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.

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Not in Vain

May 5, 2017

Not in Vain

Much is being said today about the church and its influence in the world. Many are expecting a revival in America. I have been praying, along with others for several years, that an awakening would move across this land.

It is needed. People are often confused about revival. Revival is for the church. Of course in great revivals people will come to know Christ as their Savior. Still, it comes, God sends it, when the church is found in repentance for the darkness it has embraced.

When I speak of darkness, I simply mean that often the light of Christ is diminished in the church world. With all the hate filled rhetoric streaming from pulpits. Diving into the politics of the world. Fighting over theology and interpretation.

The only message that will change a heart is shrouded in the darkness of opinion and anger.

Of course this is not true across the board. Even those caught in this web of darkness are good people. Still they move forward with the whims of the majority, and leave behind the most important story from the Bible.

The story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

I know, if you have read one of my blogs, or one of many Facebook posts, you have heard this before.

I see an awesome change taking place in ministry.

Change is occurring in the message from many pulpits and organizations across this awesome country.

Jesus is alive. He loves everyone. You can not live like you want when you come to Christ. We know that, and teach that.

Over the years I have come to realize that people will change when they know they are loved.

When you convince someone of the great love that God has for them. When they embrace it, things will change. People will repent and turn to follow Christ.

I love the church. Still we must be aware of the influence we embrace. The message we give. The church must be willing to repent.

Repent from such things as growing cold in our praise and prayer. Repent for our lack of forgiveness, and our religious self righteousness.

Repent for rejecting the needs of our community. Even if all you can do is pray. You must shine in the place that God has planted you.

Somehow from the very beginning I moved away from my original thoughts. Still, they have become relevant now.

Over 2000 years the church has weathered every storm. From persecutions, poverty, religion, disease.

It has never been perfect, “only in heart”. Still we move forward in glory at times. At other times in repentance.

With our ups and our downs we keep moving. Shining the light of Christ. The light that reveals His love for us, and our need for Him.

Paul gave the Corinthian church this encouragement.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

I love this stuff.

Have a blessed day and keep on working for the Lord. Some plant, some water, some reap. Everyone has a part in this wonderful movement.

The church of our Lord Jesus Christ.

#lovewins #hopelives