Galatians Part V

Who is most likely "NOT" to know God?
Galatians 4:8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.
 
Paul was talking about people who had been completely under the bondage of the law—religious people who thought they knew God but were completely oblivious.
 
How does God know us now?
Galatians 4:9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
 
God knows us now through Christ and not the law. And Paul labored to help them see what God sees. We are known by God only through the righteousness of Christ. It is by the faith OF Christ as a result of God taking complete control over our redemption.
Phil 3:9
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:
 
And now I labor to help you see what God sees—that you have a righteousness, which is not of the law or personal performance: you have a righteousness which is of God through the faith of Christ.
 
 
Why Did Paul ask People to be like HIM?
I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong.
 
He could do this because he never pointed to himself but always to Christ. Those who claim they have the answers are the ones to be wary of.
But when someone points to Jesus and Jesus only that is a person to listen to.
 
Real blessedness should be found in the church.
Galatians 4:13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
 
Paul says they had it but now it was gone, and why? Because they were turning back to the law. Show me a church steeped in law and I will show you a church devoid of blessedness.
 
Should telling the truth make one an enemy?
Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
 
It made Paul an enemy and it will make you an enemy of those who practice law today!
 
Does your church exclude or include?
Galatians 4:17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.
18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you.
 
I am not against people going to church. And if you are looking for one make sure that it is a place where everyone is included. You might find that to be a rare place.
 
Paul shows us how easy it is to go backward.
Galatians 4:19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,
20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
 
This is why we need each other. It is so easy to slide back into old bad habits believing that God could not love us unless we live a certain way. Which leads to failing, which leads to mistrusting God………etc.
We break the cycle when Christ becomes our life and we see that life in everyone and everything.
 
The story of Isaac & Ishmael
Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?
22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise,
24 which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar — 
25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children — 
26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27 For it is written: "Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband." 
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.
29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.
30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." 
31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.
In the above verses Paul ends the fourth chapter with a clear understanding of the difference in the old way vs the new way.
 
Ishmael represented the Old way. He was the son born according to the flesh. Abraham and his wife did not trust God and decided God couldn’t accomplish his promise to them without their help. That’s called “Self Righteousness”. Of course God did not need their help to bring them the promised son Isaac. Neither Isaac’s performance, righteousness, faith, nor anything else from him had ANYTHING WHATSOEVER to do with his birth.   AND SO IT IS WITH US.
 
As verse 31 says, “So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.” 
 
We are children of the FREE!!!!!!!   Jesus says the same basic thing in John. Listen:
    
John 3:6-8 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit  gives birth to spirit.
You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
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."
THE SPIRIT GIVES BIRTH TO spirit. We can’t cause it, we can’t see it happen, I don’t even think we can truly comprehend what it really means, BUT IT STILL HAS HAPPENED TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US, whether we know it or not.  It happened on that beautiful CROSS when Jesus was raised from the dead giving birth to an entirely new Human Race, free from sin and the law that defines it. 
 
I AM SO GLAD THAT WE HAVE A CREATOR THAT TRULY CAN BE COUNTED ON TO RESCUE US ALL FROM OUR LIVES OF ILLUSION & PAIN.
 

Rom 8:31-39  What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

More Later

Posted by Cliff on Aug 9th 2008 | Filed in Thoughts, Cliff | Comments (3)

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Neither Do I Condemn You!

Due to a conversation I recently had with someone I am reposting this that I wrote in April of 2007.

The title to this post are the words of Jesus in the story of the woman caught in adultery. 

John 8:1-11  1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.  But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”  8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.  9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”  11 ”No one, sir,” she said.  “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

This story has profound meaning to every single person of the human race because we are ALL this woman.  Who among us has not been caught in adultery?  Adultery is simply unfaithfulness and I am convinced that God wants us all to relate to this woman in a very real way.  We are HER!  No one is left out.  No one has been faithful.  Who is it among us that feels justified in condemning another soul?

Now if we are HER, then who do the teachers of the law and the Pharisees represent in this story?  Again it is US.  You see we are not only unfaithful but we are also very good at averting our own guilt by trying to shine the light on someone else that we think is more guilty.

Jesus is the truthmaster in this story and he is not about to buy into this game that humans play of seeing who is most guilty of violating the law.  Paul the apostle would later tell us that if you rely on the law that you must keep all the law.

Gal 3:1010 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.

Just what message is Christ trying to get across in this story?  He tells them that “he that is without sin can cast the first stone.”  He writes something in the sand that makes every single person walk away from their position of judgment, and then he asks the woman if there was anyone left to condemn her?  When she answers “there is no one”, He then tells her that neither does he condemn her.

I don’t remember her asking for forgiveness or even confessing her belief in Him?  In this story there are not multiple characters, it is just US. 

We are the woman in adultery, we are the teachers of the law, we are the Pharisees, and WE ARE THE FORGIVEN.

Does God want us to continue a life of sin?  NO, and he even tells us that, but he also doesn’t want us to continue with the false notion that some of us are the faithful worthy of his love, and some of us are the unfaithful worthy of His condemnation. 

WE ARE ALL FORGIVEN.  Put down your stones and leave your lives of sin, and bask in the beauty of His unconditional love.  It is only when we see ourselves as one human race, created and loved by our Father from the very beginning that we can enjoy real peace.  As long as you see your self as superior you can never know this peace at least in the hear and now.  God will eventually show us all that we are indeed ONE. 

The bottom line for me is not only to hear these words of Jesus “NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU”, but also to let them be my cry to all my fellow travelers on this earth.  I have put my stones down and have welcomed His love into my heart.  It is beyond description and I want everyone I meet to know how very loved they are by God and by me. 

Thank-you Lord Jesus.

Posted by Cliff on Aug 8th 2008 | Filed in Thoughts, Cliff | Comments (6)

The Tale of Two Christians

We at BoldGrace are often misunderstood for our criticism of organized religion, especially Christians.  I would like to set the record straight on at least how I feel about Christians who are still involved in organized religion.  I feel the same way about them as I always have.  I think some get IT and some don’t.  You can have two Christians in the same church and yet in reality they are as different as night and day.  You will also find people all over the this earth from every walk of life who get IT.

Let me describe this tale of two Christians as best I can.

One has made a connection within themselves.  This connection goes far beyond doctrine or teaching.  This connection is eternal and it is a gift we have always had.  This person feels the connection and follows the yearnings within even though they are in disagreement with much of what they may hear from the pulpit each week.

Paul gives us the best description of what this connection does to us and for us.


Love is patient
Love is kind
Love does not envy
Love does not boast
Love is not proud
Love is not rude Love is not self-seeking
Love is not easily angered
Love keeps no record of wrongs
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth
Love always protects
Love always trusts
Love always hopes
Love always perseveres
Love never fails.

The other side of this tale of two Christians is the person who is certain that their relationship with God is based on what they do outside of themselves.  Their emphasis is on church attendance, bible reading, prayer, living a pure lifestyle, etc.    This type of Christian often judges and condemns others who are not falling in line with the teachings of the church.

What is my point here?  I simply want to point out that I believe there are many sincere believing Christians who GET IT.  They have made the connection that every human being is destined to eventually make.  This connection is simply a clear vision of who we really are at the core.  WE ARE GOD’S VERY BEST WORK.  Within each of us is something so special and wonderful.  Once we make the connection all the arguing and debating about who is right and who is wrong, who is OK with God, and who is not, becomes completely irrelevant.

In this tale of two Christians I believe both are accepted by God, but I’m just as certain that one of them is at peace and the other is not.  I think you can guess who?

So, next time you come here and feel like we are picking on Christians simply ask yourself "Are you one that GETS IT?  If you are you will understand that we are not attacking people who go to church, but rather systems of self righteousness that can destroy a person’s peace.

Going to church or not going to church is a personal choice that I will respect.  For me it’s about the connection we made inside.  A connection that is so beautiful.  A connection that changes us from the inside out and has nothing whatsoever to do with whether we attend church or not.

A famous Quaker preacher Thomas Kelly said the following:

Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking Voice, to which we are continuously called to. Eternity is at out hearts, pressing upon our time-torn lives, warming us with intimations of an astounding destiny. It is a dynamic center, creative Life, a gift from God to each of us. It is a Light Within which illumines the face of God and casts new shadows and new glories upon the face of men. It is a seed stirring to life. It is the Shekinah of the soul, the Presence in the Midst. Here is the Christ, the son of love, And He is within us all.

I long for the day that each and every human being finally sees the Christ that is within US ALL.

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

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)

What About NOW?

Posted by Geo on Aug 4th 2008 | Filed in Freedom, Audio, Oneness, Grace, Peace, Geo, Love, Contributors | Comments (13)

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)

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