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Galatians Part IV

My notes from Galatians 3:16 through Galatians 4:7

Who were the promises made to?
Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
 
A promise was made by God to Abraham’s SEED. There has been no promise made to us apart from Christ. And Christ is the NEW MAN that brings the free gift to ALL MEN.
ROMANS 5 SHOWS US TWO MEN–THE OLD ADAM AND THE NEW CHRIST.
Rom 5:18-21
18 Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
And the law that was added could not change this great promise that God made. Yes the law had a purpose, and that purpose was to point out our transgressions—-it still does that even today.
 
 
 
Do you understand the purpose of the law?
Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterward be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
 
The law is not against God’s promise, but obedience to the law will never secure the promises.
 
The law helps us come to a conclusion—WE SIN. It helps us see that God can not count on us for our justification. GOD KNEW WE NEEDED TO SEE THIS. AND WHAT SHOULD IT LEAD US TO?
Rom 11:32
32 For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
 
Why are so many still under a schoolmaster? You need to be if you still think you can get right with God? WHEN DID FAITH COME?
 
What made you a child of God?

 

Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
 
John 14:5-6 HE IS THE WAY
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way ?"
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
WE HAVE BEEN TELLING PEOPLE THE WAY AND THEN COMPLICATING IT WITH A WHOLE LIST OF THINGS WE MUST DO, LIKE FOLLOWING THE LAW.
 
And just what does he mean "For ye are all one in Christ Jesus"? Men and Women? Until we all realize our true nature is spirit and not flesh we will continue to relate more to the flesh for our identity. Relating to a false identity will always leave us without peace.
 
AND WHAT ABOUT BAPTISM?

Rom 6:3-10
3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.
6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—
7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

THERE IS ONLY ONE BAPTISM AND IT HAPPENED FOR ALL OF US AT THE CROSS WHEN HE DREW EVERYONE INTO HIS BODY MAKING US ALL ONE.  THE WATER BAPTISM THAT MANY OF US HAVE BEEN THROUGH ONLY SYMBOLIZES THE ONE TRUE BAPTISM.

1 Peter 3:21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,  

 

THE GOOD CONSCIENCE WE HAVE TOWARD GOD CAN NEVER HAPPEN AS A RESULT OF OUR PERSONAL PERFORMANCE.  IT HAPPENS AS A RESULT OF CHRIST’S PERSONAL PERFORMANCE ON THE CROSS WHICH RESULTED IN HIS RESURRECTION OF WHICH WE ALL TOOK PART IN. 

IF YOU ARE STILL COUNTING ON YOUR PERFORMANCE TO BE RESURRECTED YOU WILL LIVE IN CONSTANT FEAR EACH AND EVERY TIME YOU COME UP SHORT, AND YOU WILL COME UP SHORT.
 
Why would anyone choose to be a slave?

 

Galatians 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
 
What are you choosing when you choose to be under God’s Law? Slavery

 

Under Law = being childlike needing a tutor. Not developed or mature.

 

 Galatians 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
 
God never intended for us to stay in bondage under the elements of the world—of religion.
Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world , according to the will of God and our Father:   THE PRESENT EVIL WORLD PAUL SPOKE OF WAS THE RELIGIOUS WORLD OF LAW.
In Tim King and Frank Martin’s Book "Furious Pursuit" they make the point that God intends for all his children to reach the age of Love, no longer needing a tutor or governor to make sure we did what was right.
REMEMBER WHAT MAKES US LOVE—-BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.
 
When did the age of love happen—

 

Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
 
The Age of Love came when God sent forth his SON.
And who did HE come to redeem ? Sinners? NO—-those under the law

 

 What changed in this redemption?

 

 Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
 
We can now call him ABBA, FATHER—This is a huge change from being under a task master.
Eph 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Do you see yourself as a son or daughter?

 

Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
 
The only kind of servant we might be to God is a bondservant–a person who had served his debt for seven years then said I want to continue serving –he would nail his ear to the doorpost proclaiming his free devotion to his Master.   But even if we choose that we can only serve as friends. A bond servant serves with COMPLETE FREEDOM.

John 15:15
5 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE.

Posted by Cliff on Aug 6th 2008 | Filed in Thoughts, Cliff | Comments (3)

I Believe In Mankind!

Before I move on to the rest of my posts on the book of Galatians I wanted to take a short break and write about something that has been on my mind for awhile.

As I said in a recent comment I have taken a new part time job at Reid Hospital in Richmond Indiana.  I am so excited about it because Reid’s mission for all employees is to have the highest commitment in the areas of treating and serving every person who walks through their doors.  My part time job is in Environmental Services Department which means I do a lot of cleaning.  The work is tedious and very important and I take it very serious but the greatest part of my job is the interaction I have with so many people who come there to be treated. 

So far what I have found is that people overwhelmingly react to being treated with kindness.  It is amazing what a smile and  a kind word can do for someone, and on the other hand what it does for me.  Yes, I am there to get paid but there are many jobs I could have taken with more pay.  I wanted to work in an environment that allows the beauty of the spirit within to flourish and I think I have found the perfect place for me.

As we all read the news papers and watch the TV we are constantly bombarded with all of the negatives mankind has engaged in, but God has reminded us all that there is something so special in each one of us and we must never lose sight of that.  None of us deserves grace, none of us deserves unconditional love, and yet God has promised just that. 

I know that I will have days in the future where I won’t act according the beautiful spirit that God has given me, but those failures of the flesh will never stop me from believing in who God created me to be, and I also feel the same way toward every fellow traveler that walks this journey with me.

The bottom line for me is that I believe in mankind and the reason for that belief is GOD.  He will never forsake any of us even when we forsake each other.  He will never fail any of us even when we fail each other.  He will never quit on any of us even when we quit on each other.  I wake up each new day in awe of HIS love for mankind.  Yes, the statement is really true that "WE BELIEVE BECAUSE HE FIRST BELIEVED IN US." 

To all my fellow travellers……………………Don’t give in to the idea that most of mankind will fail and be condemned by God.  Instead, BELIEVE IN MANKIND, knowing that God will bring us all to the realization of how beautiful he made us to be.  Giving up on mankind is giving up on God and I refuse to do that.

Get up tomorrow determined to believe in the human race.  Despite all the bad news you might hear concerning man remember that God can and will turn it around for each and every person.  We don’t have to understand how for him to be able to do it, we just have to believe and keep on smiling.

 

Posted by Cliff on Aug 2nd 2008 | Filed in Thoughts, Cliff | Comments (8)

Galatians Part III

The following are my notes from Galatians 2:14 through Galatians 3:15

Galatians 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
20 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.
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."
 
Paul here explains in detail what Peter was doing wrong—–HE WAS MIXING LAW & GRACE!!!!!!!
Our churches today will talk about unconditional love, but what happens once you join? YOU BEGIN TO HEAR OF ALL THE CONDITIONS.
 
Paul also tells us exactly what justifies us—-THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST—-not faith IN.
 
Verses 17 & 18 talk about building again the things which I destroyed——FIRST WHAT HAVE YOU DESTROYED? SEEKING TO BE JUSTIFIED—–IF I SEEK TO BE JUSTIFIED I WILL ONLY FIND DISAPPOINTMENT BECAUSE I WILL SEE MY TRANSGRESSIONS. 
 
OR I CAN SEE MYSELF AS DEAD TO THE LAW THAT I MIGHT LIVE UNTO GOD. THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY YOU CAN SEE YOURSELF AS DEAD TO THE LAW—THROUGH GRACE.
"Titus 2:11-12
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
12 It teaches us to say ""No"" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, "
 
I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST.   AND SO IS EVERYONE ELSE.
 
VERSE 21 CLEARLY SAYS ANY OTHER WAY TO THINK WILL FRUSTRATE THE GRACE OF GOD. IT WON’T STOP IT, BUT IT WILL FRUSTRATE IT.    HIS GRACE HAS ITS WORK FOR US HERE ON EARTH AS WELL AS WHAT COMES NEXT.
 
How can Christ be dead in vain? 
 
Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
 
Now the word "OBEY" here simply means to believe.   And the phrase "that ye should not obey the truth is not even in the original.
 
 Paul was reminding them in this verse that the Gospel is centered in the crucifixion. In what Christ did for ALL MEN.
 
Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?"
 
We were made in God’s image—Obviously that image has to do with his Spirit because God is Spirit. Now our problem is we have identified ourselves with our flesh and the law tells us our IDENTITY in the flesh is a failure. SO, THE QUESTION IS: HOW CAN WE TAKE HOLD OF THIS SPIRIT WITHIN?
SHALL WE TAKE HOLD (RECEIVE) BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW? OR BY THE HEARING OF FAITH? DO WE GET THIS GOOD FEELING WE HAVE BY LAW? OR BY BELIEVING WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE?
 
HIS FAITH REVEALS IN US THE SPIRIT OF GOD—GOING BACK TO THE LAW IS DESCRIBED BY PAUL TO NOTHING LESS THEN FOOLISHNESS.
 
Galatians 3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
 
The suffering that Paul was talking about here is a suffering that comes from legalists when you proclaim the Gospel of Grace & peace. THEY JUST CAN’T ACCEPT THAT MAN IS FREE FROM LAW, AND YOU WILL SUFFER THEIR JUDGMENT AND CONDEMNATION. 
 
Galatians3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham."
Just how faithful was Abraham? He is held in high esteem in these verses above, but if his faith was so powerful why then did the law have to come after him? And just what does it mean that “God would justify the heathen through FAITH?
 
I AGREE THAT OUR JUSTIFICATION COMES FROM FAITH AND THERE IS ONLY ONE PERSON WHO EVER LIVED THAT HAD THAT KIND OF FAITH……CAN YOU GUESS WHO THAT WAS?????
 
 
Galatians3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
 
HOW MANY WHO SERVE THE LAW ARE UNDER A CURSE? AS MANY AS SERVE THE LAW.
 
WHY ARE YOU UNDER A CURSE? BECAUSE YOU CAN’T DO ALL THE THINGS IT REQUIRES. HOW MANY PEOPLE TODAY WHO ATTEND ORGANIZED RELIGION ARE LIVING UP TO WHAT THEY ARE TAUGHT THEY MUST DO TO BE OK WITH GOD?
 
WHY HAVE SO MANY GOOD PEOPLE LEFT THE CHURCH? DID THEY LEAVE THE CHURCH OR DID THEY LEAVE THE CURSE?
 
Now if you place yourself under the law, how much of it are you to follow? ALL THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW.
AM I SAYING THERE SHOULDN’T BE RULES IN THE CHURCH? ABSOLUTELY NOT, BUT THE RULES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING WHATSOEVER TO DO WITH YOUR ACCEPTANCE BY GOD.
 
Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them."
 
THERE IS A BIG DISCREPANCY BETWEEN WHAT IS IN THE SIGHT OF MEN, AND WHAT IS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.   LAW AND FAITH DO NOT MIX. 
IF YOU CHOOSE THE LAW YOU WILL ALIENATE YOURSELF FROM GOD AND YOU SENSE THE CURSE.  
 
THE GOOD NEWS IS GOD WILL NOT LEAVE YOU THERE—HE DIDN’T LEAVE PETER, HE DIDN’T LEAVE PAUL, HE WON’T LEAVE ANY OF US.
 
Who does Christ Redeem?
Galatians3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."
 
I GUESS THE QUESTION FOR US IS: WHO DID HE REDEEM FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW? 
DID HE REDEEM THOSE WHO COULD KEEP THE LAW?       (were there any?)
OR DID HE REDEEM THOSE WHO COULDN’T KEEP THE LAW?   (Isn’t that all of us?)
 
AND I ASK YOU: WHAT FAITH GUARANTEES US THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT?
 
 
We don’t add to the covenant or take away!
Galatians 3:15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
 
THE COVENANT IS ABOUT WHAT GOD DID THROUGH JESUS REDEEMING THE WICKED.
WE CAN NOT DISANNUL IT—-NO ONE HAS THE POWER TO SAY NO TO GOD.
 
WE ALSO CAN NOT ADD TO IT ANYTHING—–WE DON’T ADD OUR FAITH TO HIS FAITH TO GET THE PROMISE.
 
AND MAKE NO MISTAKE—THIS COVENANT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED.
 
STAY TUNED FOR MORE.

Posted by Cliff on Aug 2nd 2008 | Filed in Thoughts, Cliff | Comments (8)

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)

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)

Clarity of Thought!

 A few years back I worshiped with some Quakers for about three years and I would often hear them use the word "Clarity" when they were pondering something that was bothering them.  I think that is a very good word and one of the things Jesus came to do was to bring clarity to our minds.

The first thing He did to accomplish this for us was to rescue us from a system that had our minds full of turmoil.  That system was the LAW.  The LAW consisted of the Ten Commandments plus approximately 630 other laws that had been handed down to the Israelites through the years.  The turmoil in our minds comes as a result of desire to live up to God’s standard of righteousness without the ability to do so.   Listen to the following scriptures:

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
  
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."

As you can see from the scriptures above it is impossible for any of us to live up to the law demands and therein lies our great problem when it comes to being right with God based on our performance. 

Now unfortunately the organized church of today still does not get this because they continue to preach a gospel that is a mixture of law and grace.   If the Law that God provided could not make us righteous what makes the church think they can do a better job of coming up with another standard for correct performance?  Paul also tells us that there is no law that can make us right.  Listen:

Gal 3:21-22 For if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

When Paul says "a law" he is clearly saying that there can be NO standard of human performance that will ever make one right with God.  He goes on to say that we were all failures when it came to our performance but the promise God made to redeem all of mankind came about because of the FAITH OF JESUS.   Yes, it is given to them that believe and thanks be to God one more time because he will not leave any of us in unbelief.  Paul tell us his own conversion came about because of his unbleif……..listen again to Paul’s account:

1 Tim 1:12-17 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 The grace of the Lord was POURED OUT on Paul abundantly along with the FAITH AND LOVE  that are in CHRIST JESUS.   Paul was converted out of UNBELIEF and was GIVEN faith and love.  And the best thing is he says this conversion was given as an example for ALL  that will eventually believe in the awesome Lord.

Now let’s get back to the CLARITY issue for a minute.  Why do church folk have such a hard time understanding this very BOLD GRACE?   I believe Paul again gives us the answer:

2 Cor 3:13-18 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away.  But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.  Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect  the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Turn on your televisions on Sunday morning or go to almost any local church and you will hear the LAW preached.  And where you hear the law preached you will find DULL minds.  And how does one get away from this DULL mind?  Turn to the LORD of Bold Grace.  You will find freedom.  Your vision of others will become clear.  You will see the image of God everywhere.   You will see his Glory more and more even in the worst of circumstances and this glorious vision of a FAITHFUL GOD  will transform you more and more from the inside out.

Are you seeking CLARITY OF THOUGHT?  Give up your quest to be righteous by your own beliefs and performance and be awakened to this loving God who has always loved you, loves you now, and will never abandon you regardless of how bad you think you are.  Allow me to leave you with one last scripture because I know there are many out there that have their minds full of turmoil (self condemnation) because of what they are hearing preached every Sunday.

1 John 3:18  For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

Peace to All Who Will Understand,

Cliff

Posted by Cliff on Jun 27th 2008 | Filed in Thoughts, Cliff | Comments (32)

The Awesome Power of Bold Grace!

Recently some one ask me what purpose does Bold Grace have?  I wrote the following post a couple of years ago and I think it answers that question best, so here it is.

Bold grace has a purpose, a magnificent purpose that we can be excited about.  Bold grace is not just for the forgiveness of sins, or for letting us humans have a pass while we live this life.  Bold grace comes from our perfect God through the life of His son Jesus Christ and its power is far reaching.  Paul the apostle enlightens us on what is the purpose of this bold grace of God.

Titus 2:11-15
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
  1. First of all Paul tells us in verse 11 that this bold grace has appeared to ALL men.  That means undeserved favor has appeared to all men.  It does not appear to men or women who deserve it because there aren’t any. 
  2. Secondly, he clearly shows us that this bold grace has some very specific purposes for all of our lives.  It teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.  Teaching us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, and he is clearly talking about our earthly lives (this present world).  Now the very obvious thing about this bold grace is that it is given to us before hand  in order that we can have all these wonderful goals.  Without the knowledge of being loved unconditionally (even though we don’t deserve it) we could never move toward what grace teaches us.
  3. Third, in verses 13 & 14 we also see the clear description of what Bold Grace really is.  Christ giving himself FOR US!  Not a few of US, or some of US, or just those of US who deserve it, but for ALL OF US!  And just what is HIS goal for us?  To purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 

Now for me, I am convinced that He accomplishes this in every single life.  You might say: "Well Cliff, I just don’t see that in a lot of people that I know."  What you are forgetting is that we are human and very limited in our understanding of God.  Every day that I allow this bold grace to teach me I am more and more in awe of our PERFECT GOD.  To deny the power of grace, is to limit our Perfect God to our thinking.  God’s thoughts are not my thoughts, and His ways are past finding out. 

Paul describes our creator as the GREAT GOD and OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.  Ask yourself, how great is your God?  The God I see preached in most of our churches is powerless, with more power to send people to HELL then to HEAVEN.

John the baptist said:  BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD.  We have a creator that can and has accomplished more then we could ever ask for or imagine.   It’s time the world heard the truth.  We have the awesome power of Bold Grace and it has appeared to all men………Do you see it? 

Posted by Cliff on Jun 26th 2008 | Filed in Thoughts, Cliff | Comments (5)

Bold Grace Plus Nothing!

In a recent comment Bruce said:

It wasn’t until I found this group of friends at boldgrace that I finally found true community. Even with the great distances between us, there is more love, friendship, compassion, and community than I’ve ever seen in any traditional church. The reason? We have no leaders, and have no need for any leaders. We’re simply a bunch of friends on a journey together, enjoying God’s peace and grace. No agendas, no power struggles, no funds to collect, no building to pay for, no need to build community (because it just “happened”). It’s not to say we’re without our challenges and pains, but they seem to be rare. This is probably the only true community of which I’ve ever been a part.

I feel the same exact way and I know Geo, Steve, and Mindy would also agree.  As I thought about what Bruce wrote it made me realize the reality of his last statement in my life also.  He said:  "This is probably the only true community of which I’ve ever been a part."  

So, what is it that makes our friendship so special?  I can only answer for myself but I believe that the very root of the answer is found in NOTHING.  By that I mean each of us came to this understanding of God’s very BOLD grace by ourselves as individuals and when we came together as a "COMMUNITY" here at boldgrace.com we did not bring anything else with it.  Bold Grace by its self plus nothing is our secret and I believe it is the great secret that makes the Gospel good news indeed.

Does that mean that we don’t share ideas that can improve our lives in the here and now?  Of course not.  We often share and talk about different books we are reading and how new things we are learning help us understand this life more clearly.  We also love hearing all the different comments that encourage us to keep this site open.  As Bruce said, we have No agendas, no power struggles, no funds to collect, no building to pay for, no need to build community (because it just “happened”).  We are only here to share this unbelievable peace that is a direct result of realizing this BOLD GRACE. 

Some may wonder why we so strongly reject adding anything to it and the reason is simple.  It is God himself who gives us the answer:

2 Cor 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Grace has taught me to accept myself the way God accepts me.  Grace has taught me to accept Bruce, Geo, Steve, Mindy, and everyone else exactly the way they are because it is GOD who takes our weaknesses and shows us His PERFECT POWER in spite of them.

Yes, we do believe we are perfect because we believe His Grace really does have POWER.  He doesn’t need us to do something or believe something for His Grace to Work.  Who ever comes to our site will not be asked to change anything in their life.  We will tell them they have always been loved, are loved now, and will always be loved by a God who truly loves without conditions. 

The amazing thing is that when people really get this message of Bold Grace it does have a powerful effect on their lives.  The security of an indestructible love has more power than all of man’s greatest wisdom.  Just knowing that God will never leave you, never forsake you, never abandon you, and that He will be standing by you even in your weakest of moments is a knowledge that is our greatest resource here on earth.  This LOVE from God comes without judgment or criticism.  This LOVE comes with freedom to choose our own way.  We can choose a painful life of striving to be good enough or we can choose a peaceful life by believing in this Bold Grace, but either way God will STAND with us.

Bold Grace plus nothing is the secret to true community.  God made us all in His image and I am so glad that my eyes can see the beauty of that image in myself and in the world around me. 

Rom 8:38-39 I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us.  We can’t be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation.

Posted by Cliff on Jun 12th 2008 | Filed in Thoughts, Cliff | Comments (28)

God Is My Teacher!

The following verses tell us that God has taken complete responsibility for what we need to learn while on this earth.  Maybe that’s why He tells us to quit judging each other.

Heb 8:10-13 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.
  
Heb 10:16-18  "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.
    
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
 
1 Thess 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
 
    
Matt 7:1-4 Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  

1 Cor 4:3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.

Isn’t it a peaceful feeling that we do not have to rely on anyone to teach us what is most important?

And isn’t it a peaceful feeling to know it is not my job to judge others?

 

Wow, if the church quit teaching and judging, what would be left?  I guess they didn’t get that memo from God.

 

 

Posted by Cliff on Jun 8th 2008 | Filed in Thoughts, Cliff | Comments (60)

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