BoldGrace

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

DISCLAIMER:
These explanations are not necessarily the views and opinions of all or even any on the Bold Grace Team other than myself. (Geo)

2.    I believe: It is hard to Enter through the narrow gate. (Matt. 7)
3.    I believe: That wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. (Matt. 7)
4.    I believe: That small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matt. 7)
Jesus said in Matthew 7: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

First let me start by asking a question…. What is Jesus talking about “entering” here?
I was taught in my evangelical days that the passage was talking about two places. Those that entered through the narrow and small gate were entering into the kingdom of heaven. But those who entered the wide and broad way were entering into hell. And that “ENTERING INTO LIFE” meant entering into heaven. But a closer examination of these passages says something quite different and life giving. Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. If you read it slowly and carefully you will see that BOTH the narrow gate and the broad way are entering into the same thing! He does NOT say the narrow gate leads into one place and the wide and broad way lead to another! He does say that there are few who find the small gate and narrow way and those enter in. He does say that there are many who take the wide and broad way and they ALSO enter in! His advice here is to enter in through the small narrow gate and not through the wide broad way.

So what are these two ways? Just this………. The small gate and narrow way is only one thing, GRACE! And there are few who find it when compared to the wide & broad way. So what is the wide & broad way that many or most enter in through? LAWS, RULES & REGULATIONS. And how many religions have them? ALL do. Every religion that I know of has some types of rules or practices you must follow in order to be close to God or the God Nature. That road is VERY WIDE & BROAD and it leads to the destruction of self and the adherents enter through it. The Small & Narrow way of Grace Alone is the hardest thing and way to live in this realm! Why is it hard? Because the human psyche above ALL THINGS wants to be justified by what it does, says or accomplishes. Everything in life from the time we are born teaches and reinforces this. Examples of this are, Children are told, “If you are a good boy daddy will buy you that new fire truck.” Or “If you are a good girl mommy will buy you a Barbie Doll.” Or this, “ If you don’t quit doing that I am going to punish you.”  Then as adults, “Johnny if you can get this done on time we will give you the rest of the week off with pay. “ or “Johnny if this is not done on time your services will no longer be needed by this company.” I know these are generic things but you get the meaning. We are taught by the world from the cradle to the grave, “Do Good, Get Good, Do Bad, Get Beat” In the end this leads to destruction of a person. Or they become a driven self-centered egotistical maniac without even being aware of it.

The other small & narrow way is GRACE and it is very hard to enter in through. Grace says the only thing is GRACE! When you are wronged by another you give GRACE. When you wrong someone else you give yourself GRACE. If you think that is not a small and narrow gate then go see if you can find it in everyday in every situation! You see in this life we will use both gates and ways. Some days I use and can find the Narrow Way (Grace) very clearly. Other days I could not find the Small Gate (GRACE) If I tripped over it! Some days I enjoy trying to make others take the Broad way! Does that surprise you? It shouldn’t because you do to! Some days I love to try and help others see the Small Gate and so do you. So in the end both ways will enter into heaven and we all with great awe will stand together before Him who loved use and gave Himself for us that we might be one with Him as He is one with The Father. At least that is my belief at this time in my life. And as always let me add, I could be full of shit! Hahaha!

Standing at The Gates
Geo

1.    I believe: Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
2.    I believe: It is hard to Enter through the narrow gate.
3.    I believe: That wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
4.    I believe: That small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
5.    I believe: That we should come out from them and be separate.
6.    I believe: All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.
7.    I believe: Unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 
8.    I believe: That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
9.    I believe: That He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
10.    I believe: This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.
11.    I believe: He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.
12.    I believe: For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure.
13.    I believe: Jesus came into the world for Judgment.
14.    I believe: He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it.
15.    I believe: No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

That’s right I believe ALL of those things! Does that surprise you? Over the coming weeks I will take each one of the 15 things and give you my explanation of each one. In the mean time can you figure out how I can believe each one of these things? Because on the surface they seem to say just the OPPOSITE of what we say here on Bold Grace.

More Later

Peace

Geo

It was said by one of our commenter’s here on Bold Grace that it is not wise to give the truth of the gospel of grace and peace to those who lack personal control and discipline.
It was said we that need to give them discipline and structure first and then freedom after they learn to control and discipline themselves?

If it is done in this manner then how is this taught in relation to the gospel?

And when is the truth about the freedom of the gospel revealed?

And when it is revealed to them and they understand that they have been lied to from the start how do you explain it to them?

And what do you do if while you are teaching them your discipline and control gospel they find the true gospel of grace & peace?

Do you explain to them that you lied to them for their own good?

Do you tell them that the true message of the cross is only for those who have progressed to a certain point in spiritually?

NO!!!!!
We at Bold Grace are not ashamed of the gospel any longer. We will not teach or agree with those who believe and teach that the message of Bold Grace is only for the more spiritually advanced.
But even in disagreement on this we acknowledge that those who give part of the truth are doing it out of their heartfelt belief that it is the only way. And we applaud them for saying it even if we don’t agree.

Peace 
Geo

What is IT?
Answer: IT Is

How do I get IT?
Answer: IT can be gotten, but is had by ALL

How do I keep IT?
Answer: It can’t be kept, but is kept by ALL

How can I know I have IT?
Answer: If you need to know how to have it then you don’t have IT.

Can I teach others how to get IT?
Answer: IT can’t be taught to others, but others are taught by IT.

Can IT be seen?
Answer: It can’t be seen but is visible to ALL

Can IT see?
Answer: IT cannot see but sees ALL

Can IT be touched?
Answer: IT can’t be touched but IT touches ALL.

To be continued……………….

Peace

Geo

I have been lurking the past few weeks and have not responded or posted any thoughts here on Bold Grace. But after reading the conversation and comments on Cliff’s post titled “ Blessed Are The Pure In Heart” I decided to make this a post of it’s own and not a comment on that post. So here goes………………

John T. writes:
 Kevin
What happens to your mind and spirit when you’ve drifted from God and how do you get it back? Do you repent? Which I believe means to change your mind

GEO Responds:

John T. there in reality is nothing to “get back” as you term it. But if you want to repent or “change your mind” then go ahead. The problem comes in when we try and make others do the same in order to “feel clean” before God.

John T. writes:
      I notice one thing about BOLD GRACE the site. I think you guys are terrific and you try your best to share the love of God amongst us. But very definitely there is still huge resentment towards the Church as you see it.

GEO Responds:

John T. statements such as this… 
“But very definitely there is still huge resentment towards the Church as you see it”.
Are your opinion and we respect it as such. The same way what we say here are our opinions and they are not to bind anyone to believe as we do. Nor are they meant to silence any thought or speech. As far as judgment of the church goes why should we not judge the church? The judgment talked about in the New Testament writings was, we are not to Judge another persons Redemption, Salvation or Acceptance before God. But we are encouraged in the New Testament writings to Judge when a wrong is done to another. And the Church has PLENTY to be judged for in that area. But while we at Bold Grace may Judge the actions & deeds of Institutions and People NEVER ONCE have we nor will we judge anyone’s Righteousness, Holiness, Redemption, Salvation or Acceptance by God! We believe those in the Church who are doing GREAT damage to others are Righteous, Holy and Redeemed! Do they believe the same of us? My experience has been NO! In fact most people still in that system, at least the majority of the ones that I have encountered since leaving it (organized religion) have said just the opposite and view us here at Bold Grace as unbelieving heretics who will burn in hell, while we believe they are Righteous, Holy, Acceptable and without spot before God! Do you really think they believe the same of us?

John T. writes:
After all that does seem to me to be quite self-centered, don’t ya think?

GEO Responds:

John T.,
Do you believe that we are in Christ and He is in us, which I do? If so then self-centeredness would be Christ centeredness would it not?

GEO Responds:

John T.,
When your wife said this:
 “If the people on this site were truly immersed in their understanding of the love of God, they wouldn’t waste their time judging the Church and how it creates Fear in everyone”.
She as you previously did was stating her opinion. And again the church is indeed in need of judging! (My opinion!) Again please never think that we here at Bold Grace are judging anyone’s Righteousness, Holiness, Redemption, Salvation or Acceptance by God. Again I say that in the NT writings it says we are to judge when another has been wronged. As a matter of fact Paul says we should be able to do just that! And the world is full of people who have been wronged by that system. And we here at Bold Grace will always speak against what we see as wrong in religious systems while NEVER once judging another’s Righteousness, Holiness, Redemption, Salvation or Acceptance by God.

GEO Responds:

John T.,
You wife was curious about this:
 Why are you are centered so much on Fear itself as a topic?

I cannot speak for others that are a part of Bold Grace but for me as I see it the topic of fear is the one most used by those so-called leaders in organized religion today. It is used to extort and extract money, time & labor from those under the so-called care of pastors, and leaders. That is why I speak of it and against it. Speaking against it sets the captives free.

John T. writes:
Anyways I like reading what you guys have to say and just enjoy bantering, it helps me grow in my faith.

GEO Responds:

If the bantering helps you grow in your faith John T. then our writings here at Bold Grace are a complete and utter failure for you! Because our whole focus here at Bold Grace is NOT to help you or anyone else grow in your faith! But to assist you and all who come to Bold Grace in coming to the complete and utter end of your personal faith & belief in God and Jesus Christ! Then and only then can you embrace the Faith of God that is IN Jesus the Christ. And when a person leaves behind the doctrines of Christ as Paul said and then embraces the Faith Of God that is in Jesus the world for that person takes on a new order and EVERYTHING changes!

But then again I very well could be full of crap! Hahaha!

John T., if I were a praying person (which I am not, because ALL of my prayers were fulfilled at The Cross) I would pray that you and others who visit here and indeed in the whole world for that matter would lose ALL of your and it’s personal Faith and Belief in God and Jesus! And that you would discover The Faith of God that is in Christ! A Faith that makes ALL People Righteous, Holy, Redeemed & Accepted by God regardless of their acceptance of Him or belief in Him!

Thanks Again John T. for adding a different viewpoint and helping us examine what we believe about God. But the most important belief is what God believes about us not what we believe about Him. And what He believes about us is that we are ALL Righteous, Holy and without spot or blemish regardless of our words actions or deeds. Because He sees Jesus His Son when He looks at His Creation! Now that is THE GOOD NEWS! News so Good even Christians for the most part do not believe it.

God is not "ticked off" with you. He never has been. He never will be. He is not judging your activities or your attitudes. He has already judged them 2000 years ago on Jesus. And Jesus took all of the Father’s judgment once and for all.

Attention K-Mart Shoppers (and everyone else) God has not only made available the all-time deal, redemption and salvation, but He has already paid for all of it for you and checked you out! You’ve been approved. Enjoy

This just in……Jesus doesn’t go to church. The church is not a building on the corner (or anywhere else). Jesus and you are the church. And Jesus is in you. And you’re in Jesus. So, guess what? You’re always in church. Have a nice day. Isn’t it good to know the Truth?

This just in…..Don’t worry. Be Happy. When you die, you’ll go to Heaven. Why? Because you’re cool with God. Why? Because Jesus paid the price and vouches for your coolness with the Father. Good news, huh?!

News SO GOOD even christians DO NOT believe it!

Peace

Geo

I had a discussion this weekend about right and wrong choices or decisions. I told my wife that I no longer make decisions based on right or wrong but that my decisions are based on what is beneficial for me, or my loved ones based on my current knowledge of the subject at the time. Right or Wrong based decisions can cause us to delay or postpone decisions that need to be made. Not only that but when a decision is made based on “right or wrong” and that decision turns out to be ”WRONG” it causes us to become fearful and doubtful of our next decision. Then if that next decision over time proves to be the “wrong” one we lose more confidence and a downward spiral begins to develop until we have no confidence at all in our decisions and choices. But if we base our decisions on what is beneficial or not to us, then if that decision turns out to not be beneficial to us we can change our decision to one that is beneficial based on the gained current knowledge. My wife insist that it is just semantics but I think it is so much more than that. Basing decisions on what is Right or Wrong is a product of eating from the Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil. And it paralyzes the mind and spirit of mankind. My hope for you is that you would begin to base your decisions in life on what is beneficial and no longer on Right or Wrong. I leave you with the words of the Apostle Paul, “Everything is permissible for me —but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything”

Selah

Geo

Bold Grace is so bold that it tells those who are trapped in any certain behavior to KEEP DOING IT! To hear an explanation of what I mean you need to go to www.glennkleinonline.com/webcast/guests/mwilliams.html

Then scroll down to March 18, 2008 and listen to Glenn & Mike for THE WHOLE Show!

About 53 minutes into the show a young man calls and tells them of something he "needs" to quit doing and the response the guys give him is one I guarantee no church or church leader would give! But within the answer is THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL! Please listen to it from at least 53 minutes on to the end! Then come back and give us your thoughts. The truth that Mike gives him is the ONLY answer that will set people free from addictive behaviors.

Peace

Geo

Our friend Bob from Alaska has a new website. Go here stsak.wordpress.com/

and check him out. We will also add him to our Blogroll Links over on the left.

Please go by and welcome Bob to the Blog World.

Peace

The Bold Grace Team