Archive for July, 2008

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Disapproving Faces

I have just recently experienced someone close to me who is now turning away from me and has asked me to never speak to them again. I got the "call" yesterday. I was crushed. The cruel thing about it is that I have no idea what I have done. I have gone over it and over it again and again in my mind just exactly what I could have said or done and I immediately dove into a river of tears and went swimming all night. I cried and cried until I couldn’t cry anymore. My mind was a roller coaster of thoughts for why and what could I have possibly said that turned a 9 year relationship into one that exists no more?

This morning I felt better, but still sad. Once I wiped the dried tears from my eyes I started to realize that I will not be liked by everyone in this world. It just isn’t possible. There are those who will just simply not like me no matter what I do, but that doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with me. We all have our own filters built from our own experiences over time. Others may see in me something that is merely a projection of their understanding, but I have no control over the interpretations of others. The best I can do is to hope that the role I played or will play in the script of their lives is helpful and simply keep following my own journey.

I can honestly say that this experience has been difficult, but my realization is that this is a part of walking my perfect path and as I grow I begin to appreciate the feeling of really being myself. The need that I had yesterday to have this person like me is gradually being replaced by the exhilaration of discovering that I am attracting like-minded individuals into my life…people who like me because they understand and appreciate the truth of who I am.

When we free ourselves from trying to twist into shapes that will fit the spaces provided by others’ limited understanding we start to gain a new sense of freedom and this allows us to expand into becoming exactly who we’re meant to be.

 

Posted by Mindy on Jul 30th 2008 | Filed in Contributors | Comments (7)

Galatians Part II

My next set of notes covers Galatians chapter 1:18 through chapter 2:14

Chapter 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
24 And they glorified God in me."
 
Paul waits 3 years before he goes to Jerusalem. I wonder why God did not direct him there sooner?
 
And WHY does Paul feel a need to emphasize the things he is writing he will not lie about?
            It’s one thing to tell something that is untrue and it’s another thing to tell a lie. 
           Obviously there were some who were telling untruths when they knew better. 
           Some were perverting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and they knew it was wrong.
HOW MANY OF OUR PULPIT PREACHERS TODAY KNOW THEY ARE LYING AND YET THEY CONTINUE TO PREACH SOMETHING THEY KNOW CAN NOT BE TRUE?
 
Chapter 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
 
Now we see again a span of many years before Paul visits Jerusalem again. 14 years. It is estimated that between 25 and 30 years had gone by since the CROSS. You would think that Peter, James, and John would have a real handle on preaching and teaching the Gospel, wouldn’t you? 
As we go forward into this chapter we will see that there were real problems early on with the apostles teaching and example.
 
Chapter 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
 
Who is the them?    The context demands he was talking about the church at Jerusalem and those of reputation were the apostles…James, John, & Peter. The book of Acts 14 & 15 goes into much detail concerning what they discussed and who it was that were discussing it.
 
THE JERUSALEM CHURCH WHERE JAMES, JOHN, & PETER WERE THE PILLARS HAD DEVELOPED INTO A MIXED GOSPEL OF GRACE + LAW, AND THIS WAS ALMOST 30 YEARS AFTER THE CROSS.
 
Chapter 2:3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you."
 
What is the LIBERTY we have in Christ Jesus? Is it not freedom from the LAW? Did they not want to bring Paul and his little group back into their bondage?
 
The temptation to give up our freedom in Christ is still constantly present even as we speak, BUT FOR ME, LIKE PAUL I WILL NOT GIVE PLACE TO SUBJECTION, NO, NOT FOR AND HOUR, THAT THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL MIGHT CONTINUE WITH YOU.
 
Chapter 2:6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
 
Paul was not intimidated by those who seem to be the closest to God—-James, John, & Peter. AND WE TOO, SHOULD NEVER ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE SWAYED BY THOSE WHO WE THINK ARE CLOSEST TO GOD. 
IN REALITY THERE IS NO ONE WHO IS CLOSER TO GOD THEN ANOTHER.
 
One of the great deceptions is the belief that some are closer to God. 
How many people have lost all confidence in the church because their faith was tied more to a person then to God. WE NEED TO QUIT THE THINKING THAT WE CAN BE CLOSER TO GOD AND BEGIN THINKING GOD IS CLOSE TO EACH OF US.
 
"Ps 139:1-10 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me."
 
GOD ALREADY HAS AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH US ALL. HOW DARE ANYONE CLAIM TO BE CLOSER TO HIM THEN HE ALREADY IS TO EACH OF US. OUR CLOSENESS IS NOT DEPENDENT ON US BUT RATHER UPON GOD.
 
Chapter 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
8(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)"
 
Is Paul saying there is one gospel for the circumcision and one for the uncircumcision? 
ABSOLUTELY NOT—-THERE IS ONE GOSPEL—-THAT CHRIST DIED FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD. 
 
SO, WHAT IS PAUL SAYING?—–PAUL IS BEING SENSITIVE TO THE FACT THAT THERE WAS ALREADY DIVISION IN THE EARLY CHURCH. 
IN THE SAME WAY I TRY TO BE SENSITIVE WHEN I AM WITH CHRISTIANS FROM A DIFFERENT PERSUASION—-BUT I WILL NOT COMPROMISE THE GOSPEL MESSAGE.
 
AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE THE GOSPEL COMMITTED UNTO YOU?
 
"2 Tim 1:7-10
7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,
9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. "
 
JUST WHAT DOES GOD GIVE US WHEN HE COMMITTS UNTO US THIS GOOD NEWS?
A SPIRIT OF POWER!
A SPIRIT OF LOVE!
A SPIRIT OF SELF DISCIPLINE!
AND WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO DESERVE THIS?    NOTHING, READ VERSE 9 AGAIN:  9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
 
AND WHEN DID HE DO THIS FOR US?   BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF TIME: VERSE 9 This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
 
AND WHEN WAS IT REVEALED—-WHEN JESUS APPEARED AND DESTROYED DEATH —VERSE 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. "
 
 
Chapter 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do."
 
WHY DID PAUL PUT INTO QUESTION JAMES, PETER, & JOHN BY SAYING "SEEMED TO BE"?
 
DOES IT SEEM THAT THERE MIGHT BE A LITTLE RIFT BETWEEN PAUL AND THE PILLARS?
 
Chapter 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation."
 
WELL IF THERE EVER WAS ANY DOUBT WE CLEARLY SEE IN THESE VERSES THAT THE EARLY APOSTLES HAD PERVERTED THE GOSPEL AND PAUL WAS NOT GOING TO ACCEPT IT.
 
DO YOU NOTICE THOSE WHO HAD COME FROM JAMES?
 
AND EVEN BARNABAS WAS CARRIED AWAY—-THIS WAS PAUL’S COMPANION. 
 
IT IS EASY TO BE LED ASTRAY ONCE YOU CROSS OVER INTO THE LAND OF SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 
 

THE SADDEST THING FOR ME WHEN I READ AND STUDY THIS BOOK IS THE FACT THAT MOST ORGANIZED CHURCHES TODAY ARE STILL PREACHING A PERVERTED GOSPEL OF SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT COMES FROM MIXING GRACE + LAW.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE…………………….

Posted by Cliff on Jul 24th 2008 | Filed in Thoughts, Cliff, Contributors | Comments (25)

Galatians 1:1-17

One of the last books I preached on before I left the church was the book of Galatians.  I plan on posting my notes from those sermons over the next few weeks.  Hope you enjoy.  Remember this is only my notes. 

I started with the first 17 verses:

1 Paul, an apostle, not from men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God, the Father, who raised him from the dead,
 
Paul starts with his credentials–his credentials sets him apart from your commentaries, or what your preacher says, or what old grand dad said was right.
 
Paul does not claim anything from himself—he starts right off making it clear that who he is and what he does is a result of who Jesus is and what he has done.
And I should say right here that in a nut shell it is the same with each of us. Who we are and what we can accomplish on this earth is a direct result of Who Jesus is and what he has already done.

"And God will reveal this great truth to all of us. 

Matt 16:15-18  15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?  16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.  17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.  18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

 
I am tired of the lies that are being taught by so many that your well being with God is dependent on what you do, rather then what he has done.
My belief is not in doctrine, it is not in tradition, it is not in what I might do to be right with God, or even in my own belief…..NO, MY BELIEF IS IN GOD AND GOD ALONE. AND THAT IS HOW PAUL REPRESENTS HIMSELF.
 
"2 and all the brothers with me, to the congregations of Galatia:
3 grace to you and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. "
 
He TELLS them about grace and peace but makes it clear it is from God & Jesus. 
BEHIND EVERYTHING THAT GOD DOES IS GRACE AND PEACE–THIS IS HIS GOAL FOR ALL AND WHO IS STRONG ENOUGH TO RESIST IT?
Rom 5:20 The law entered with the result that wrongdoing increased. But where sin increased, grace has increased even more.
It makes it much easier for us to tell about grace and peace to others when we understand where it originates from and how much power it has. We are channels of God’s greatest truths, and we don’t have a right to pick and choose who gets those blessings or to limit God’s grace.
 
Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
What does it mean to be kind to the ungrateful and wicked? The best example is when Jesus was at the cross and he uttered to God "Forgive them for they know not what they do?" So, being kind includes forgiveness????? YOU BET YA!!!!!!
*********IS HE GOING TO TEACH US ONE THING AND THEN DO ANOTHER? NOT A CHANCE.***************************************
 
Let us offer grace and peace to all because as we do that it reminds us that we are children of God and great is our reward. WHEN YOU TREAT OTHERS AS GOD DOES THERE IS A TESTIMONY IN YOUR OWN HEART THAT TELLS YOU WHO YOU ARE.
 
4 He gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present wicked world, according to the will of God, our Father, 5 to whom is the glory forever and forever. Amen!
 
He gave himself—-Here is why we have grace! Grace is a product of what HE DID, NOT WHAT WE DO.  WHAT HE DID REDEEMED US. WHEN WE BELIEVE WHAT HE DID WE ARE DELIVERED, RESCUED, SAVED, FROM THIS PRESENT EVIL WORLD. NOT EVERYONE IS SAVED BUT EVERYONE IS REDEEMED.
Who gave himself for us? Who will deliver us out of this present wicked world? Who’s will causes it to happen? And Who deserves all the Glory? 
And what is the Present evil world?—-you will see as we study that is the world of religious law and regulations.
 
And by the way how can you have Forever and forever? This is due to a poor English translation of the Greek word "aion" which literally means (ages, age abiding, age during.)
Young’s Literal Translation Gal 1:5 to whom [is] the glory to the ages of the ages. Amen.
 
 
"6 I wonder that ye are so quickly removed from Him who did call you in the grace of Christ to another good news;
7 that is not another, except there be certain who are troubling you, and wishing to pervert the good news of the Christ;"
 
Here we see the real reason for Paul writing this letter—the gospel that they had received was being polluted or perverted, and Paul was quite concerned that their peace was being threatened.
It reminds me of my brothers trying to tell me I was adopted. Even though it was not true, if I would have believed it my peace of mind would have been shattered.
 
You see, the gospel is not about doing right or doing wrong. The gospel is about what Jesus did right for our wrongs.
 
"8 but even if we or a messenger out of heaven may proclaim good news to you different from what we did proclaim to you — anathema let him be!
9 as we have said before, and now say again, If any one to you may proclaim good news different from what ye did receive — anathema let him be."
 
Paul’s point is clear—NO ONE—no matter what their credentials has the right to try and change the good news. Anyone who does this has placed himself under a curse. Now just what curse could he be talking about? Let’s jump ahead just for a moment to chapter 3
Gal 3:10 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."  
 
Folks, I come to you sharing good news. Now I ask you, has the news you have heard all your lives from so many pulpits really been good news? Or has it been a mixture of good news along with law keeping that you knew in your heart you were not living up to?
 
"10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man."
 
One of the greatest problems in the church today is the full time preacher.    This is relatively a new concept since about the 1880’s. Until then It was a rare thing for a preacher to be located in one place full time.
 
Verses 10-11 make it clear that Paul was not concerned with pleasing men. Thank God Jesus felt the same way. But what about our churches today that most preachers are not concerned with pleasing men? Have you ever wondered how this concept of Hell became so popular? Did the early church believe it? Did Paul? If he did he never mentioned it.
 
Paul clearly states that the gospel is NOT AFTER MAN. JUST LIKE BEING BORN AGAIN IS NOT FROM MAN.
"John 3:7-8
7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."" "
 
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
 
Have you ever wondered why Jesus did not send Paul to the other apostles to be taught the Gospel? AS WE PROCEED I THINK IT WILL BECOME CLEAR AS TO WHY.
 
The Gospel was REVEALED to Paul, not taught. And I think it is still something that is revealed even today and not taught.
"Heb 8:10-13
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. HERE IS THE GOSPEL.
13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."
THE TESTIMONY FROM GOD IS IN YOUR HEART—-HE IS SAYING TO YOU "I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO YOUR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND YOUR SINS AND INIQUITIES I WILL NO LONGER REMEMBER.
 
DO YOU HAVE THE POWER TO OVER RIDE GOD’S WILL? DO YOU HAVE THE POWER TO OVER RIDE WHAT CHRIST DID?
 
"13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers."
 
Paul here speaks of his past as a TOP NOTCH JEW.   And yet we know that none of his glorious past was worth anything ..HE TALKS CLEARLY ABOUT HIS PAST IN THE LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
"Phil 3:4-9
4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung , that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:"
 

Paul also speaks of profit in performance based religion. The profit comes from the ability to burden people with a list of requirements that they must keep in order to be OK with God. And you will always see money connected to the powerful preachers of our day.  After Paul had the gospel revealed to him he no longer sought the type of profit that so many preachers cherish today.  He no longer cherished the traditions of religion.  His heart was solely focused on sharing freely the goodnews that Christ gave himself for ALL and that he loved ALL. 

"15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus."
 
We know the LAW reveals sin in us…..But what does grace reveal in US? God’s SON. EVEN FROM MY MOTHER’S WOMB. Has Christ always been there? 
 
And why does he feel it so important to say he did not confer with flesh and blood or go to Jerusalem to the apostles? Could it be that they were part of the reason that Christ called Paul to start with? Why didn’t Jesus send Paul to the Pillars to be taught the Gospel?
 
Instead Paul goes to the desert (Arabia) to collect his thoughts and to see God more clearly. Might I suggest that we too might do well to not be so quick to seek out what others think but instead find our own alone time with God.

Posted by Cliff on Jul 23rd 2008 | Filed in Thoughts, Truth, Cliff | Comments (3)

Believe it or not!

A friend once asked me why it would benefit someone to believe in the gospel of Grace and Peace… and that why I think the story of God’s grace upon the world through His Son which brought an unheard-of peace to all humanity…. is true? The conversation went something like this;

Friend: If this gospel is true, and "sets people free", won’t it free people from the motivation to do good works?

Me: Motivation to do good works through fear? That’s a good thing?

Friend: Yes, whatever motivates people to good works is good, even if it’s "fear".

Me: Fear only motivates people to self protection. When "self" is the motivating factor, the works are tainted with our own filthy (Paul’s description) agendas.

Friend: What’s wrong with self-protection, especially if it motivates people to do good for others?

Me: It is "self"ish. Doing good for others because of selfishness is really only doing good for ourselves. Fear only motivates us to protect ourselves, even if it "looks" like we’re doing good for others. Until we can remove fear from our hearts, and live free to experience the best of self and others, will we truly do good for others.

Friend: I think I see what you mean.

Me: I’m not sure you really can. Until one has experienced that incredible freedom, even for a moment, it is probably impossible to comprehend.

Friend: How can you experience that freedom?

Me: It’s simple, really. Just let yourself believe that the Work of the Cross of Christ brought redemption, in one short instant, to all the world. Let yourself imagine that God, through the Cross of Christ, released His mercy and love to all the world, once and for all, whether you believe it or not! Let yourself soak in the wonder of His righteousness, which He placed on all humanity, including you… whether you believe it or not! Let yourself float in the assurance of God’s message of Forgiveness, that it is un-earnable, no matter what you do, but has been freely given to all, including you, whether you believe it or not!

Friend: I thought the Bible says that you must believe?

Me: You will never know what you truly believe until you give yourself permission to not believe. The problem is, you believe that God is generally displeased with you, and only through your actions (believing what you’ve been told you have to do to please God), can you "get right with God". Well, I say that’s a bunch of crap! It’s not up to you to get right with God… just give yourself permission to understand that God… got right with you! That’s what the Cross was all about, and that’s what will set your mind free!

Friend: But, if I am free from fearing God, won’t I do all kinds of bad stuff?

Me: Why would you even imagine that to be true? The gospel of grace and peace frees us from our fears, doubts, guilt, shame, and worry… so that we can truly be who we were meant to be! God didn’t create you to be "bad", but the pain that you let creep into you life causes you to dwell on hopelessness, suffering, and hurting are pushing you, manipulating you, and controlling you. It’s those things you are fighting against, and every time you are defeated in that fight, it adds to your pain. It’s those things that cause you to want to do "bad" things. When we are set free from our pain, we enter a Life of peace, and in that place, there is no need to hurt ourselves and others (do bad stuff). Love spills out of you into a world that responds to love, and in that exchange, good things happen!

Friend: So, pain causes us to do bad things?

Me: Not necessarily. But pain, along with worry, sorrow, hopelessness, and despair, certainly add to the "burdens" that rob us of life. And I’m not talking about physical pain, I’m speaking of the spiritual pain that runs deep in our souls… that longing for peace with God that seems so impossible, and so unreachable. Our culture has taught us that righteousness is a gift from God, but we need to do something to take possession of that gift… CRAP! NO WAY! In the spiritual sense, there is nothing we can do to receive the gift. It is in us, right now, and there is nothing you can do to get it, or to lose it. If you will allow yourself to think this way, it will change your life, whether you believe it or not!

Friend: I’m not sure I can think that way. I’ve been told all my life that I’m a sinner, and I need to get right with God. It seems like that will always plague me, and hold me in fear.

Me: Well so be it! You can live in fear all your life and miss out on some of its most spectacular aspects… but you’ll still be OK. Don’t worry about it. Maybe a fullness of Peace isn’t in the cards for you. Maybe you don’t really need it. Maybe you can suffer through with the nagging fear that God will, at some point, judge you "unworthy" of relationship. Maybe you will drive yourself crazy trying to gain God’s acceptance, and finally give up. That, my friend, is the best thing that will ever happen to you. Maybe then, you can finally realize His unconditional love for you, and begin to enter the Heavenlies and experience that "abundance" of life that you hear about.

Friend: But, I feel like I have an abundance of life now. Things are pretty good between God and me. Why should I change the way I think about God?

Me: Good point! If what you have is working for you… super! I’m not concerned about your etermal destiny, because I know you are included in God’s reconcilation of the world, whether you believe it or not, and whether you want it or not. I’m not worried for your future, but compassion drives me to be concerned about your "present". My heart’s desire is to see you wildly happy, and content beyond understanding.

Posted by admin on Jul 12th 2008 | Filed in Mercy, Freedom, The Cross, Peace, Love, Bruce | Comments (24)

Captivity Captive Revisited

I posted this back in 2006 and after listening to it again I thought it a good one for everyone to take into this weekend Give it a LISTEN

Posted by Geo on Jul 11th 2008 | Filed in Freedom, Thankfulness, Audio, Oneness, Mercy, Grace, Love, Truth, The Cross, Geo | Comments (2)

EXPECTATIONS

Being a Mother, a Wife, a Sister, a Daughter, a Friend, a Cousin, a Niece, a Granddaughter, and a Sister-n-law is…well, lets just say it gets interesting. I am finding that it is hard to be all of these things and yet stay true to myself and it seems as if my list of who I am suppose to be just keeps growing. BUT, finding Grace has been the one thing that has set me free from the fear of these roles that the world expects for me to play.

Grace has been teaching me to be patient, more kind and not as quick to judge me or anyone else. It is so easy to get caught up in what this world expects. It is easy to forget what makes me ME and it is easy to give up and just be like everyone else, but knowing that I am perfect in the eyes of God has created this peace and this confidence that I don’t think I could ever lose. Those moments, you know…the kind where you wish you would have said or done what you really wanted to say and do?…well, I try harder then ever to never let those moments go by. Those are the moments that help me define who I am.

I will always let the rain run down my face and I will always let the sun shine on my face. I will always take to each day and allow myself the freedom to be what I want to be and simply make it through each moment the best way I can.

I hope for all of you out there stuck in this mind set that you are a sinner that you may some day realize your perfection and see the beauty that God sees. God expects nothing from you.

Love much…Mindy

Posted by Mindy on Jul 9th 2008 | Filed in Mindy, Peace | Comments (13)

Moment of Truth!

There is a new TV show called "Moment of Truth" where the contestants are rewarded only if they tell the brutal truth when asked some potentially very damaging questions about their lives.  It’s amazing how money can motivate we humans to hurt ourselves and others. 

As I thought about this show and listened as people in the audience seemed so surprised at some of the deep dark secrets being told by the contestants it reminded how ingrained it is in all of us to judge others that seem less moral then we are.  Yes, any of us can find someone who is less moral then we are but do we really think there isn’t someone out there who is more moral then us?  What if the whole world around you knew your deepest and darkest secrets?  It would be quite humbling for any of us wouldn’t it?  I suspect if you were put into that position that it would change the way you judge others wouldn’t it? 

I guess that’s one of the main issues I have with organized religion.  People in organized religion want to decide who God will accept and who He will reject based on the standard of morality.  I don’t have a problem with any group of people who are encouraging each other to live the best lives possible but each of our lives are are so different and it is impossible for any of us to really know who is living their best life possible.  Let me give you an example of what I am trying to say:

My wife Nancy is always telling me what a wonderful, beautiful, kind, and loving person I am.  At least in her eyes I can do no wrong.  When I tell her I feel the same way about her she always rejects it and puts herself down.  Now here’s the thing, I know my wife better then any person who is now living except for God and what I know is that if you knew all that she had been through from the time she was a small child you would realize that her growth as a human being is far greater then mine. 

Now back to my issue with organized religion:  Organized religion sets up a specific moral standard that everyone involved knows is required to be considered a part of the "FAITHFUL".  If people don’t live up to that standard they are looked upon with suspect.  It doesn’t matter that they may have a story that if you could know every detail of their life you would be choked up with pride for how well they actually did under the hand they were dealt. 

I love the way my wife looks at me and feels about me but I will never allow that to make me think I’m good enough to judge others or to think I am any better then she is.  I have learned not to be sucked into false righteousness.  God knows my story and I would never want to answer some of the questions He could ask of me in front of the whole world. 

The reality check that I am talking about here is the very reason why God needed to show us a grace so bold that once we truly accepted it we could never again condemn another person for anything, even unbelief.    Once you truly understand Bold Grace like this you can’t even judge yourself and that’s where this great peace comes in. 

We often talk about being Perfect here at Bold Grace, but we not talking about an earned perfection.  We are talking about a God who sees a perfection in each of us that we can’t see because HE knows every single detail of our lives and how those details led us down the paths we each have taken.

My path compared to my wife’s path was much easier, so how could I dare claim to be a better person then her?  Unfortunately organized religion is full of people who do dare to claim a higher moral life, that is until their own "MOMENT OF TRUTH" comes to the surface. 

Are there humble, non-judgmental people in organized religion?  I’m sure there are, but I would not say that is the norm.  In fact I would say it is rare to truly find such a person because they are constantly being bombarded with a message of judgment and condemnation of folks who aren’t living like the organization says they aught to be.

Someone will undoubtedly say that I am judging and condemning people in organized religion.  I must answer that by defining what I mean above when I talk about people who are judging others whom they think is less moral then they are.   When they judge people they are making a distinction about who God will accept and who He will reject based on the moral standard they have been taught.   When I make judgments about them I still fully believe God accepts them because He knows their entire story and their individual paths.  I never condemn the person regardless of how much I may hate their message, but I will condemn the message of anyone who thinks they are somehow more acceptable to God because of some formula of morality they have followed.

If we would each in the quiet of the night face our own "MOMENT OF TRUTH"  I am convinced we would get up the next morning with a much kinder attitude toward all of God’s beautiful children.

Peace to All Who Will Understand.

Posted by Cliff on Jul 4th 2008 | Filed in Thoughts, Cliff | Comments (12)