VIDEO Chuck Wagon Gang – Standing on the promises

Mar 16, 2009

Great southern gospel music group.

Jesus loves you more than you will ever know. If you have not given your life to Him there is no better time than now. We are all one heart beat away from the other side of eternity.

All Our Debt of Sin Was Paid in Full at the Cross

In Christ, God is offers to mark all our sins debt “PAID IN FULL.”

There is no longer a record of sins and offenses for all who trust in Jesus Christ. When our Lord Jesus went to the cross, He paid the price in full. As incredible as this truth may seem to some of us (I can remember when I first understood it), it is exactly what God says in Scripture.

The apostle Paul said it this way:

“And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:13-15, NRSV)

But Paul is not the first to bring up the subject. None other than the Lord Jesus Himself preaches the same truth to crowds of people before He was ever crucified.

“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” (John 5:21-24, NKJV)

Jesus Christ is a true Savior for all who dare to believe God. When He died on the cross He made it possible for lost sinners to become perfectly righteous in God’s sight. Again, Paul writes to early Christians, saying:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ … God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them … For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21, NKJV)

The Bible message about God’s love for all human beings, and about His willingness to forgive us and make us clean is truly good news. When we trust in Jesus, we gain the right to be called children of God (see the Gospel of John 1:10-13). In Christ, all our sins are forgiven, removed forever, and forgotten. No wonder millions of holy angels and redeemed human beings join together in praising His name forever.

The Pattern of Humility

Philippians 2:1-11

Humility is characterized by an attitude that does not seek to exalt or assert oneself. In our world, this quality is certainly not found in everybody. But in God’s kingdom, it is an essential attribute for Christ-followers to have.

Jesus’ life was the definition of “humble.” To become a man, He gave up the glory, majesty, and power that were His in heaven. The Lord voluntarily emptied Himself—just as a glass of water is poured out—and for the purpose of serving us, surrendered all that He shared with His Father.

Not only that, but as a man, Jesus took on the role of a lowly servant. He lovingly submitted Himself to His Father’s plan and relinquished even earthly rights to rescue us from sin. He endured criticism, ridicule, unbelief, and, finally, crucifixion in order to help us. His humility knew no limit. He humbled Himself before the Father to become the Lamb of God, and He did so in full view of mankind, even when He was labeled a criminal and unjustly convicted. His life demonstrates the importance of being humble and gives us a clear pattern to follow.

The disciples missed the point until later on, since they didn’t expect a Messiah in the form of a servant. The leaders felt threatened because Jesus’ call to follow His lifestyle would not give them the importance they desired. The crowds were bewildered because they didn’t understand the danger of pride. But the Father saw Jesus’ meekness and was pleased.

What attitude does God see when He looks at you and me?

Seducing Spirits

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (1 Timothy 4:1)

These “latter days” are surely characterized by the tragic departure from the faith on the part of many. Unfortunately, even many of our churches have followed what should certainly be exposed as “seducing spirits,” embracing lies taught under the influence of Satan. A list of such false teachings and practices within the church would surely implicate many. Let us look at the examples Paul gives in the next few verses.

First, he identifies the leaders and teachers of these errors as hypocritical liars who intentionally deceive their prey. They have deadened any possibility of right attitude by hardening their minds and searing their consciences (v. 2).

Next, we are given examples of their heresy: “Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving” (v. 3).

Many cults and pseudo-Christian groups have fallen into these traps, but both the institution of marriage and the provision of foods were specifically created by God for man’s enjoyment and blessing (marriage: see Genesis 1:28, 2:18, 24; foods: Genesis 1:29, 9:3). They are to be “received with thanksgiving” to a loving Creator, “sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:4-5). Each of these and all of God’s creation are “very good” (Genesis 1:31), if used properly.

But the main point of this passage is that we should guard against the heresy of false teachers and from imposing on ourselves and our fellow Christians a false piety—practices which may make us feel “holier than thou” but which, in reality, impugn God and His creation. Rather, let us be among those “which believe and know the truth” (1 Timothy 4:3) of God’s loving provision of creation. JDM

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.—Ephesians 6:13.
That he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.—2 Timothy 2:4.

SOLDIERS of Christ, arise,
And put your armor on,
Strong in the strength which God supplies
Through His eternal Son
CHARLES WESLEY.

WHITHER goest thou?
Where is thy soul?
Is it in peace?
If troubled, why?
How art thou fulfilling the duties of thy position?
What are they?
What effort hast thou made to amend thy disposition, and conquer thy sins?
Hast thou been faithful to the light God has given thee?
What means shouldst thou use, especially with regard to thy most besetting sin or temptation?
Hast thou fought against it?
Hast thou thought about it at all?
What hast thou done with the circumstances of the last month? Have they wrought God’s work
in thee?
PÈRE RAVIGNAN.

God … giveth … liberally, and upbraideth not

God … giveth … liberally, and upbraideth not. James 1:5

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.

The grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many … The free gift is of many offences unto justification.

God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

John 8:10,11. Romans 5:15,16. Ephesians 2:4-7. Romans 8:32.

Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus

Reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:11

He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. — I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Because I live, ye shall live also. — I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.

VIDEO When We all Get to Heaven – Brad Paisley

Apr 16, 2008

Song from Brad Paisly’s 5th Gear

When We all Get to Heaven….looking forward to seeing you all there where we can all Shout the Victory!

Our Misgivings About Jesus

The woman said to Him, ’Sir, You have nothing to draw [water] with, and the well is deep’ —John 4:11

Have you ever said to yourself, “I am impressed with the wonderful truths of God’s Word, but He can’t really expect me to live up to that and work all those details into my life!” When it comes to confronting Jesus Christ on the basis of His qualities and abilities, our attitudes reflect religious superiority. We think His ideals are lofty and they impress us, but we believe He is not in touch with reality— that what He says cannot actually be done. Each of us thinks this about Jesus in one area of our life or another.

These doubts or misgivings about Jesus begin as we consider questions that divert our focus away from God. While we talk of our dealings with Him, others ask us, “Where are you going to get enough money to live? How will you live and who will take care of you?” Or our misgivings begin within ourselves when we tell Jesus that our circumstances are just a little too difficult for Him. We say, “It’s easy to say, ’Trust in the Lord,’ but a person has to live; and besides, Jesus has nothing with which to draw water— no means to be able to give us these things.”

Beware of exhibiting religious deceit by saying, “Oh, I have no misgivings about Jesus, only misgivings about myself.” If we are honest, we will admit that we never have misgivings or doubts about ourselves, because we know exactly what we are capable or incapable of doing. But we do have misgivings about Jesus. And our pride is hurt even at the thought that He can do what we can’t.

My misgivings arise from the fact that I search within to find how He will do what He says. My doubts spring from the depths of my own inferiority. If I detect these misgivings in myself, I should bring them into the light and confess them openly— “Lord, I have had misgivings about You. I have not believed in Your abilities, but only my own. And I have not believed in Your almighty power apart from my finite understanding of it.”

By Oswald Chambers

The Foundation of Wisdom

Proverbs 9:7-12

Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The connection between these two concepts may initially be difficult to grasp: How can fearing God make us wise?

First, we need to understand what it means to fear the Lord. This term is used to describe an awesome reverence for God that moves us to acknowledge Him as the sovereign Ruler of heaven and earth, submit to His will, and walk in obedience. The result of such a response will be the acquisition of wisdom.

For those of us who commit to living for the Father’s purposes rather than our own, a greater understanding of the Lord starts to develop. The Holy Spirit will enable us to see circumstances and people from His divine perspective. This kind of wisdom reaches beyond human perception and gives us discernment to make decisions that fit into the Lord’s plans for our lives. Knowing that He always works for our best interest, we are empowered to walk confidently through both good times and bad.

But there are those who reject God’s instructions—they dishonor Him by refusing to acknowledge His right to rule their lives. It’s foolish to rebel against His authority and think you can win. Fearing God is the only way to know real wisdom.

What is your attitude toward the Lord? If you truly reverence Him, you will listen for His directions and heed His warnings. A desire to honor and please Him will motivate you to turn from evil and seek to live in obedience. And the result will be wisdom beyond human understanding.