08/12/25 SAVED, NOT JUST IMPROVED

08/12/25 SAVED, NOT JUST IMPROVED

Some folks will read this next statement but then forget that I said it as they read the rest of my post.

WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, WE ARE NOT SAVED BY OUR OWN ENDEAVORS, WORKS, GOODNESS.

That being said, God saves us so that we will be made holy, righteous, pure. God's salvation makes us faithful, obedient.

Don't fall for Satan's lie that it impossible to obey God.
A "salvation" that does not save from sin is not actual salvation.
A "salvation" that does not deliver from the gutter-most to the uttermost is not Biblical salvation.
A "salvation" that does not transform us from darkness to light is not Spirit filled salvation.
A "salvation" that does not conform us to the image of Jesus is not Christ's salvation.
A "salvation" that does not make us holy, righteous and pure is not full salvation.

It is evil to boast in our self-righteousness.
It is also evil to boast in our sins and sinful condition.

I have nothing to boast about except the cross of Christ. But I am not boasting in the cross of Christ if I am denying His salvation from sin and sinning.

When I walk in victory, when I am more than a conqueror, when I overcome the world and the flesh and the devil, I am able to boast in the One who always causes me to triumph.

As actual believers in Christ we do not do good works, or obey God, and or live righteously in order to be saved, but rather we do good works, obey God and live righteously because we are partakers of Divine nature and we are doing that which comes natural to the supernatural life that God has given us.

The tree produces its own fruit. If we are saved, we produce good fruit, because we are new creations, we are created in Christ Jesus, we are born of His Spirit. A fountain gives forth water that is consistent with it own nature. Christians are partakers of Divine nature, and we give sweet water rather than bitter water.

The Christian life is not us being the best we can be, it is Christ in us, the hope of glory. Though we are in human flesh, we are not in the flesh (in the mind of the flesh, in the carnal mind), we are no longer conformed to this world, but we are transformed by the renewing of our minds and conformed to the image of God's Son.

* Without Christ we are humans with a carnal mind (an inherently evil disposition).

* As a regenerated believer, we are humans, with the carnal mind we were born with and also the mind of Christ, which we received when we were born of the Spirit.
* As a Spirit filled believers, we are humans, purified from all sin and made pure, even as Christ is pure by the infilling and fulness of the Holy Spirit.

* Even as regenerated believers, who have not yet had our hearts purified by the fulness of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to walk in obedience and in a way that is pleasing in God's sight. He that is born of God does not commit sin.
* As Spirit filled believers we are delivered from the Double mind.
*As Spirit filled believers, we are still human with human frailties and weaknesses, but we are led and empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in His light.
* As Spirit filled believes we do not have the internal conflict with the Old Man, since it is crucified with Christ and we are dead to sin (the sin nature), but we still stand against, resist and overcome outward temptations, tests and trials.

Believers are enabled to trust, follow, obey God, even the newest believer, because it is Christ in us that gives us the victory, causes us to always triumph in Christ, keep His commandments and do that which is pleasing in His sight.

It is not always easy, but the victory is always for those who live by faith, walk in faith, stand by faith, wield the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, conquering in the name of Jesus.

It is possible to fail, but through faith in Christ it is possible to overcome and continue in the faith, continue in His grace, continue in Christ, continue in His love, to be more than a conqueror.

God has promised the crown of life to those who endure temptation, endure to the end. Those are the people who love Him. Jesus said if we love Him we will keep His commandments. Love is the fulfilling of the law. God not only instills us with love, He imparts His perfect love to us.

James 1:2-8 and vs.12
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

08/09/25 WHAT YUO WANT IS WHAT YOU HAVE

08/09/25 WHAT YUO WANT IS WHAT YOU HAVE

"You have as much of God as you want,
That's why you have as little of Him as you do."

08/07/25 DIVINE RULE GREATER THAN HUMAN RULE

08/07/25 DIVINE RULE GREATER THAN HUMAN RULE

* The Church and the State are not the same, though they are both answerable to God and have specific functions and directives from God.
* God gives responsibilities to the Church, which differ from the responsibilities He gives to the State (the Government).
* God's moral standards are applicable to all people, whether they are the redeemed who are His Church, or the unsaved who are serving in the State.
* There are Divine standards by which the State should operate.
* The State is under the rule of God and answerable for its actions.

God instituted Human Government for the purpose of protecting the righteous and punishing the wicked. Human Government has authority to wield the "sword" to protect its people from evil men and nations. Human Government, as a Divine institution, is responsible to protect the righteous and the law abiding, and is also responsible to punish the wicked, that is, the evil doers. Human Government has the right to execute judgment (according to Divine standards), even if it means taking the life of an incorrigible offender or oppressor.

God gives moral standards, which He requires of all men (the redeemed and the unredeemed, the individual and institutions). All men are answerable for their disobedience to God's commands.

Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
When the State requires anything from its citizens, which requires a person to disobey God, then the individual is not obligated to obey such a law. It is better to obey God rather than man.

The mixing of Human Government with the Lordship of Christ over His Church has had catastrophic results, such as a religio-political organization (Roman Catholicism, and the assumed Divine Right of Kings [observed by Reformation churches as well as the Roman religion]), and the Catholic and Protestant concept of the Church taking up arms in a so-called "just war" against other people. Remember, Chrisian violence was contrary to New Testament revelation, and early Christians did not take up arms against other people until the pagan influence of Constantin, the Emperor of Rome, who misled the Roman Christians in the first part of the fourth century. Sadly, the Protestant Reformers clung to the un-Biblical idea of Christian violence, and we are saddled with that heresy until the present day.

Remember, the New Testament does not command, condone or commend "Christian violence." However, the New Testament does condemn "Christian violence." "Christian violence" is a human corruption of New Testament teaching.

This has always been important, but in these last days it is essential to know what the Bible says about Christians and violence and also to live by what the Bible says.

08/05/25 HONEST DESIRE, ACCURATE ANSWERS

08/05/25 HONEST DESIRE, ACCURATE ANSWERS

It is prudent to seek expert (informed, responsible, skilled, trained, legitimate) people to provide special and specialized services (including doctors, lawyers, electricians, nutritionist, fitness trainers, mechanics, pilots, HVAC repairmen, computer technicians, sports coaches, music teachers, dietitians, "educators").

It can be detrimental and even dangerous to trust unqualified people with important responsibilities (whether they are licensed or not).

Yet most people neglect prudent care of their souls. They trust Humanistic Bible rejecting scholars, or celebrities from music, theatrics, athletics, politics, and even their own uninformed, confused self, rather than seek help from Bible believing, Christ converted, Spirit led godly people. People readily accept the errors that skeptics, agnostics, atheists and other fools peddle off as godly enlightenment.

If this level of discernment and discretion was prominent in other vital areas of life, there would be no civilization on the face of the planet.

It appears that everyone is an expert concerning Biblical revelation, linguistics, ancient culture, world history, theology. It seems that no one needs instruction from Bible informed, spiritually enlightened, regenerated, Spirit called and anointed and gifted godly followers of Christ.

As a result, society is moving further and faster away from Divine truth. Most people are more interested in having someone prepare their coffee than prepare their soul for eternity. They boast more about their hairdresser or their barber than they do the shepherd of their souls. They spend much more time viewing and studying the latest gossip, events, trends online, than they do seeking spiritual counsel, studying Biblical revelation, following pastoral instruction.

The further society moves from humble submission to Biblical truth, the less desire society has for Divine revelation.

08/03/25 TWO OF MY REASONS

08/03/25 TWO OF MY REASONS

Only two of many reasons I am not Calvinistic or Reformed.

1 I recognize the terrible sinfulness of sin.
(Sin not only ruins our lives, but it also separates us from God.)

2 I realize the greatness of the grace of God.
(God's grace not only reconciles every repentant sinner to God, but it also rescues us from the penalty, the power and the pollution of sin. God's grace not only transforms us from rebel to reconciled child of God, but it conforms us to the image of God's Son.)

08/02/25 PERFECT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

08/02/25 PERFECT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

THIS LITTLE ARTICLE (STUDY) MIGHT BE WORTH YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION.
The passages cover a wide range of issues related to the perfections available to Christians through the salvation of Christ. I hope you will take time to read them. The passages in the Epistles address Christian living principles and are very enlightening.

The word, "Perfect" is used in everyday conversation and Biblical revelation.

The meaning and application of the word differs from situation to situation, but using these words (perfect, perfectly, perfected, perfecting, perfection) in the right setting is perfectly acceptable.

"Perfect" (and its cognates) does not always refer to "Absolute Perfection." In fact, it is used more often in reference to a specific perfection, such as, a perfect game, perfect timing, perfect match, perfect location, perfect job. In these uses people understand that certain criteria are being referred to as perfect.

There is a perfection which God calls believers to have in this present life, and God enables believers to experience that perfection. For instance, Jesus directed believers to be perfect (in love), even as our heavenly Father is perfect. It is a perfection that is not inherent to the human condition, but it is derived from God. It is a perfection in quality (according to our spiritual capacity) rather than quantity (God's immense capacity). This is illustrated as a glass of water dipped from an enormous reservoir is of the same quality, but not the same quantity as the pond, spring, lake or ocean.

"Perfect" (and its cognates or derivates) are several words used to translate the several Greek words into English. Some of the other words are better choices for certain passages, while "perfect "(not absolute perfection) is a better translation in some of those passages.

Nothing requires that the word, "perfect" should be understood as "absolute perfection." God chose the words in the original languages, and linguists and translators have chosen the word, "perfect" as a correct representation of the original languages. Also, in English the word perfect has been used and is presently understood in normal conversations. It only becomes a problem when people want to erroneously use the word contrary to God's use of the word in the Bible.

It is not surprising that people parrot the false arguments against God's provision of a spiritual perfection. Very few preachers and teachers are leading their people into Biblical perfection and very few people want God to totally change them, or their lives.

These passages are taken from New Testament of the King James Version of the Bible, but other English translations differ very little. I have chosen verses which apply strictly to Christian living and to the perfecting grace of God as it is provided in the salvation of Christ.

I will give a brief line of introduction, then the passage. I refer to forty-nine separate passages, which use the word perfect in relationship to the salvation provided by Christ. To blanketly disallow the word, "perfect" in relationship to the Christian experience is to deny the original revelation of God and the faithful translations which use this word.

Perfect Love (perfect in quality, not quantity)
Matthew 5:48
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Perfectly Whole (physical health made whole)
Matthew 14:35-36
35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;
36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Perfect in Commitment (unrestrained commitment)
Matthew 19:21
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Perfect Praise (undiluted praise)
Matthew 21:16
16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

Perfect Understanding (complete understanding)
Luke 1:3
3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

Perfect(ed) (mended, restored)
Luke 6:40
40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

Perfection of Fruit (fully developed)
Luke 8:14
14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Perfection Christ (faithfully finishing His work)
Luke 13:31-32
31 The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.
32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
DLG NOTE... Undisclosed period of time referred to by Jesus

Perfecting The Church On Earth (finishing, completing, uniting The Church)
John 17:23
23 I in them, and Thou in me, that they may be perfected into one, and that the world may know that Thou didst send me, and didst love them as Thou didst love me.

Perfect (normal) Physical Soundness In Healing
Acts 3:16
16 and on the faith of his name, this one whom ye see and have known, his name made strong, even the faith that is through him did give to him this perfect soundness before you all.

More Perfectly (more accurately, more completely).
Acts 18:26
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

More Perfectly (more completely, more thoroughly)
Acts 22:3
3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

More Perfectly (more thoroughly, more completely)
Acts 23:15
15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

More Perfect Knowledge (more thorough, more complete)
Acts 23:20
20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

More Perfect (more thorough, more complete)
Acts 24:22
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

Perfect (full, complete, without flaw)
Romans 12:2
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Perfectly Joined (completely, flawlessly)
1 Corinthians 1:10
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Them That Are Perfect (without corruption, complete)
1 Corinthians 2:6
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

That Which Is Perfect Is Come (a heavenly perfection, a heavenly totality)
1 Corinthians 13:10
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Perfecting Holiness (completing, bring to an expected finish, holiness throughout without flaw)
2 Corinthians 7:1
1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Strength Made Perfect
2 Corinthians 12:9
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul Wished Their Perfection
2 Corinthians 13:9
9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

Be Perfect (completely restored, made whole)
2 Corinthians 13:11
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Made Perfect By The Spirit
Galatians 3:3
3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

For The Perfecting Of The Saints (put in Divine order)
Ephesians 4:12
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Come To Be A Perfect Man (i.e. a body of believers fully mature, full grown, rightly related to others)
Ephesians 4:13
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Either Already Perfect (resurrection perfection)
Philippians 3:12
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

As Many As Be Perfect (an expected and experiential perfection in the present)
Philippians 3:15
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Present Every Man Perfect (in the resurrection)
Colossians 1:28
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Love Is The Bond Of Perfectness (perfection, completion in this life)
Colossians 3:14
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Laboring In Prayer That You May Stand Perfect And Complete
Colossians 4:12
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Praying To See And To Perfect What Is Lacking
1 Thessalonians 3:10
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Being Fully Convinced
1 Thessalonians 5:2
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

Ministry That Man Of God Be Perfect
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Go On To Perfection
Hebrews 6:1
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

The Sacrifice And Salvation Of Christ Provides A Perfection For Believers
Hebrews 7:11
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

Hebrews 7:19
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Hebrews 9:9
9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

Hebrews 10:1
1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Hebrews 10:14
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 11:40
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 12:23
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Hebrews 13:20-21
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

That You May Be Perfect, Lacking Nothing
James 1:4
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

A Perfect Man
James 3:2
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

God Will Make Us Perfect
1 Peter 5:8-10
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Love Is Perfected In Believers
1 John 2:5-6
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

1 John 4:11-13
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

1 John 4:15-18
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

08/01/25 BEWARE THE SHAMERS

08/01/25 BEWARE THE SHAMERS

Don't let anyone shame you to death.

In other words, don't let someone coerce you (through personal views or even human authority) into doing something that is detrimental to your life (physical life, spiritual life), your life's relationships (family, friend, foes), your life's calling. Always remember that the only ultimate authority, final authority, absolute authority to be totally submitted to is God and His word (the Holy Bible).

Let me give you an example of bullying (which sometimes erroneously claims to be supported by a Christian viewpoint).

Some people try to make other people feel guilty for making a decision concerning personal response to the C-Vid problem. They claim to have the only right answer (medically and spiritually) to the problem, and they try to shame people who chose a different response than they chose.

Consider these facts.
Some people died after taking the "jab."
Some people died after not taking the "jab."
Some people lived after not taking the "jab."
Some people lived after taking the "jab."

Some people have loved ones who died after taking the "jab," and some people have loved ones who died after not taking the "jab."

Maybe some people did die or suffer physical problems because they did get the "jab."
Maybe some people did die or suffer physical problems because they did not get the "jab."
In either case, it is less than accurate (maybe less than truthful) to shame people for the decision they made. Even if there is irrefutable evidence to support the efficacy or the danger of the "jab," (which there is not), I often see an arrogance and a condemning attitude leveled against people who did not make the same choice as the person making the judgment.

Medicine, for the most part, is not an exact science. At its best, medical science is flawed and limited.

Biblical truth is exact. There are differing views of Biblical truth, but Biblical truth is exact. In fact, Theology as a science (study) is the Queen of Sciences because it is based on exact, accurate and timeless truth.

God has a right to shame, convict of sin, place guilt and the feeling of guilt on people, as it is revealed in His word. God and His truth is absolute, though human interpretations and applications may be flawed or skewed. Godly shame can lead to godly repentance, which leads to God and to godliness. Everyone should be sensitive to the truth of God, which condemns us of sin and leads us to repentance. Following God's revealed truth will result in life changes, which are not always pleasant, and we should be willing to accept and follow God's enlightenment. However, we should not become slaves of other people's opinions or beliefs.

We should seek truth in the various important issues of life, but we should not give anyone absolute trust or absolute authority in our lives. We should love others, even if they are overstepping their legitimate boundaries, but we should not be influenced when other people criticize us for doing what we understand Biblically to be pleasing to God.

Don't be one of those people who try to shame the dead and the living who did not deal with C-VID in the same way you did.

Biblical sin is one thing, personal viewpoints (regardless of how strongly you hold them) are different.

Don't be swayed by those who claim infallibility concerning scientific or medical "facts."

No matter how much a person's arrogant attacks are on folks who differ with them, we should love them. Be glad for those who survived the pandemic, be compassionate for those who suffered because of the pandemic. 

And never forget, God has life and death under His control.