Acts 15:9 — Hearts Cleansed by Faith

In Acts 15:1-21 at the conference in Jerusalem, Peter testified as to how God had used him as an instrument for the conversion of the Gentiles. In connection therewith, he declared that the Lord “made no distinction between us [Jews] and them [Gentiles], cleansing their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:9).

Some religious folks assume this means that salvation is given upon the basis of faith alone without additional acts of obedience. This is a tragic mistake.

First, underline the term “faith,” and in the margin of your Bible write “the faith,” a notation revealing that the Greek text has the definite article preceding “faith.” Under consideration is “the faith,” i.e., the gospel system as opposed to the Mosaic system. (Compare the objective use of “faith” in Galatians 1:23, 1 Timothy 5:8, Jude 1:3).

Second, make this notation: See 1 Peter 1:22. In that context the same inspired apostle affirms that the soul is purified by “obedience to the truth.”

Third, one should compare Peter’s comments in Acts 15, with Luke’s record of the Gentiles’ conversion in Acts 10-11. There, the historian makes it clear that several conditions were essential for the remission of past sins — belief (Acts 10:43), repentance (Acts 11:18), and water baptism (Acts 10:48, Acts 2:38).

When all of these passages are viewed in concert, the requisite conditions for pardon become abundantly clear.

BY WAYNE JACKSON, 

CHRISTIAN COURIER

Scriptures Weekly 66 - Leaving Self Behind

In John 12:24, Jesus speaks about “loving life and losing it.” or “losing this life to find life eternal.” 

“Verily, verily, I say unto to you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”

Did you hear that?

Jesus the Christ spoke often to dying to sin, of surrendering self, and of yielding to the complete will of God. 

In Mark 8:34-35, Jesus emphasis on surrender continues. 

“Whosoever will come after Me , let him deny himself” (leave self behind), and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it."

This death is not so much in relation to externals such as houses or lands or silver, or gold, but deals with the broken heart, the contrite spirit, the real alabaster box that is so difficult to crush.

Water baptism WILL NOT HELP the person who yet lives with an un-surrendered heart.

Baptism is for the “dead” – not those who intend to die someday, or are in the slow process of dying, but for those who “leave the SELF behind” and seek to follow Jesus.

Romans 6:1-2,

“What shall I say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”  

This is the preamble of the entire chapter 6. To give up this foundational truth is to give up the truth about baptism. The death to sin is the basis of baptism (the burial), and the confirmation of a true resurrection. It is mockery to bury (baptize) one still alive to his own selfish desires and lusts. Even a “corn of wheat” when planted will remain lifeless until it dies.

So with the “old man” crucified (verse 6) and the new man “alive into God:" (verse 11), the very principle of sin is broken, the punishment of sin is no more, and the Christian is given power over sin in his daily life.

Jack Exum

1979

Discipleship on Jesus Terms

An important reminder to Christians and those seeking after God.

John 8:31-32,
,
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Original post click here.

Scriptures Weekly 65 - Heavenly Citizenship

The world we live in is one with its problems, its beautiful landscapes in nature and a system that sustains life for which mankind can exist. It offers riches and poverty, health and sickness across all walks of life. The world we live in challenges and subjects us to its rules of human wisdom that we think is right, yet so many are confused and left to live a life without meaning, purpose or direction. We see open sin and destruction without end, its not getting any better. To be honest when all is said and done, this world really hasn't much to offer to make us better people. That is left for individuals to develop from a set of principles and beliefs beginning with childhood. And maybe, just maybe you will one day hear Gods calling, His gentle and powerful voice through the reading of His word and humble prayer asking Him to help you sort it out.

Here is a particular thought of a worldly manner that offers nothing whatsoever yet is a prominent belief in this world.

We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone.

Do you live by illusion, and alone, or with reality and hope? Its a sad and scary thought to resolve there is no hope and no togetherness on the inside. The inside is where it counts most and only God can fill its yearning. This is the spirit of our existence crying out for He who made us.

The apostle Paul in the following scripture verse reminds Christians that we have a Heavenly home waiting for us after our physical life comes to an end. In fact we are eager to finally see the Lord Jesus Christ actually transform our bodies like His into our eternal home.

Philippians 3:17-21,

"Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."

May your faith always increase in the Lord...

 

Baptism Studies "Update"

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We have released a new video lesson on the New Testament Baptism Studies page that speaks to the sinful nature of man, the saving blood of Christ, and baptism. It is titled "The Oneness of Christ' blood and Baptism."

This lesson looks at the relationship of these important topics of Gods Word to help us understand how we are dead in sin before God, the saving power of the shed blood of Christ and where baptism fits in all of this. Here are some previews of the lesson:

"I’m dead because when I open the bible, its boring. I close it and I turn on the Nascar race or a Reality Show or something. That’s why I’m dead because I don’t see Jesus like I need to see him. The most interesting person to ingratiate the stage of human events to me is the most boring person ever! That’s why we are dead."

"You can read an entire book on systematic theology and not know God. That’s not the way you come to the knowledge of God. In his wisdom he decided it would be that way – But it pleased God for the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. The folly of what we preach is tied to Jesus Christ and the cross."

"What does this have to do with baptism? It has EVERYTHING to do with baptism. Because you’re not baptized to cultivate a desire for Christ. You’re baptized because you deserted Christ. And if not, you go into the water a sinner, and you come up a sinner, the only difference is your soaking wet."

                                      __________________________________________

Blessings in your studies and walk toward God

Sincere, But Wrong!

Do you know that being sincere is rejected by the Bible?

The old devil is so smart and cunning, making wrong sound right, the bad sound good. In the Christian faith he enjoys making things easier for us just to get a foot-hold in our lives in an attempt to draw us away from God. If you will recall, the devil was once a created angel of God in Heaven until he was cast out by God, banished to the earth - forever the father of lies (John 8:44).

Many people are sincere in there beliefs and devotion to God. But is it possible all the adoration may be in vein? How is this possible. Well, in the spiritual world where the devil and our great God and Savior reside, the rules and realities are of spiritual nature having no earthly influence. Sincerity is not the guiding factor that pleases God. This short lesson will help in better understanding Gods Word in order to know if you are going the Heaven.  Be brave in the Lord, and not of yourselves.

Blessings

Ebola virus means, Time to get to Work

GOSPEL ALERT!

Today, October 1, 2014 is now a major milestone in American history. We have now been stricken with the deadly Ebola virus for the first time that all the Government and medical officials said would be a very remote occurrence. Its official, the city of Dallas Texas is now under lock down in certain sections quarantining known individuals that have come in contact with the carrier.

Click LINK for official report of the Dallas case.

Why is Ebola suddenly in the news?

The deadliest Ebola outbreak in recorded history is happening right now. The outbreak is unprecedented both in the number of people who have gotten sick and in geographic scope. And so far, it's been a long battle that doesn't appear to be slowing down.

The Ebola virus has now hit five countries: Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Senegal. (There is a separate outbreak happening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, too.)

The virus — which starts off with flu-like symptoms and sometimes ends with bleeding — has infected more than 5,500 people and killed more than 2,500 since this winter, according to the World Health Organization on September 19, 2014.

Ebola is both rare and very deadly. Since the first outbreak in 1976, Ebola viruses have infected thousands of people and killed roughly 60 percent of them. Symptoms can come on quickly and kill fast.

Journalist David Quammen put it well in a recent New York Times op-ed: "Ebola is more inimical to humans than perhaps any known virus on Earth, except rabies and HIV-1. And it does its damage much faster than either."

I thought I would never have to address a scourge of the earth, or as Dr. Kent Brantly so perfectly described Ebola as “A fire straight from the pit of Hell!” The doctor if you will recall was the first ever American while doing volunteer work in Liberia, West Africa, contacted the virus. The brave doctor was flown home to Atlanta Georgia in a sealed tent for intensive care that through it and much prayer by thousands around the globe, beat the virus and has publicly praised God for it! Here is the video report from Dr. Brantly after he was cured. Click link to view.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/ebola-survivor-dr-kent-brantly-speaks-25068849

Click this LINK for a descriptive encounter of Ebola by Dr. Brantly. Its a hair raising account that will really open ones eyes with the facts.

This is very serious ladies and gentlemen for there is no vaccine for this virus that takes the life of an average of 5 out of 10 cases! And they keep telling us the virus is not an airborne transmitted virus, yet. I heard a leading physicist today state that the Ebola virus could mutate into an airborne class that would devastate society as we know it! They don't know if and when this will happen.

For reasons other than the danger of contacting this deadly fire, we as disciples of Jesus Christ are not afraid of dying for we have assurance of a home in heaven when we are resurrected from the grave, and that is a very exciting and wonderful day to look forward to. We in America unfortunately or fortunately, however you want to view it, are entering a new mission field at breath taking speed while this hellish virus looms among the lost, and the saved. I know you may think this is an alarmist presentation but I believe God is sending us a sign at this very moment  that we need to get to work and seek and help Him save the lost through the gospel. I don't know any other way to put it.

Are you available?

The Gospel needs to be presented to people you may have neglected and pondered sharing with. And in light of this terrible virus turning into something of the likes we have never seen since the great influenza pandemic of 1918, don't you think they deserve to hear it and have an opportunity to make a decision? Now is the perfect time my friends. God says we are to plant the seed of the gospel and He will make the increase of His kingdom (1 Cor. 3:6,7). I assure you, the labor of the disciple will not go unnoticed by the Lord.

May I encourage you to get organized and meet with brethren, pray and work out a plan to share the gospel with everyone you come in contact with. The vineyard is wide open ready for the picking to the glory of God...

God bless