Tag: TRUTH

Little I Am Meets THE GREAT I AM

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY2 Comments

(A simple vision of our Father’s grace)

What happens when the Little I Am (It’s About Me) meets
THE GREAT I AM?

Armageddon! — The end of Me!

Imagine a man sitting on a park bench.
God approaches and the man looks up at Him.

The effect is devastation.

A pile of dust begins to filter through the slats of the bench.

God is the only One left.

What would He then do? He could by His breath blow the dust away and be done with the simple creature who would never know what happened to him.

***********

Let’s picture a different God and Father who stoops to the ground, scoops a handful of dust, reforms it as a new creature, kisses it and breathes into it His Life, a Life that would never die.

The new creation is His plan for a new world—
His eternal family and His kingdom of righteousness and holiness.

The new nature is the nature He reveals
through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Our fallen nature that leads us to death is overcome by the power of His Spirit Who leads us and feeds us with His Word of Life forever.

This physical life will end in His timing,
but God’s children will not die.

************ Christ abides in us forever. *************
We are kept in Christ and preserved for the inheritance
He has prepared and promised to us.

Let us draw near in faith as we grasp this truth,
reach out, touch Him — embrace Him as our Life —

********now and forever.********

He waits to be gracious to us.

**************

“He has made all things beautiful in its time.
Also, He has put eternity in their hearts.
Except that no one can find out the work
that God does from beginning to end.”
Ecc. 3:11

If you are unaware of the fellowship between God and His children and want to know more, CONTACT me.

(Excerpt from Exceedingly Abundant Life: The Transforming Power of Our Father’s Love.)
Matt. 18:3

Image:Pixabay

Man Procrastinates ~ GOD PROLIFERATES

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYER4 Comments

Recently I have added the name of a young man to my Prayer Roster.  Joseph is a brilliant artist; one I hope the Lord will use in the ministry of His Kingdom.

He needs the power of the Lord’s Spirit within him to order and manage his life.

I relate well to this msn. My prayers for him include prayers for myself, especially in this latter stage of my life.

He, in his 30’s, and I in my 80’s, have much in common.

We have been given gifts from our heavenly Father, and we are both struggling to move forward with these gifts.

Beyond the fact that we see ourselves in a stronghold of the flesh, our procrastination keeps us bound to ourselves and limits the talents we are given – kept from God and hidden from others.

In Our Flesh

Our means of deliverance begins with understanding where we are in the flesh.

The apostle Paul speaks of man as ‘spirit, soul, and body.’ (1 Thess. 5:23)

The purpose of this post is not to start another book (which I might never finish) but to speak briefly about the work God calls us to and the work that He does in and through us.

Tendency to our Feelings

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

These words from Simon Peter to the believers of his day are as true today as when he wrote them.  He compares two natures in the beginning of his letter. Anyone who meditates on these words will come away with a new perspective of where we are, who we are, and why we are here in this present world.

Oppression, Suppression, and Depression

Born into this world of ‘corruption’ we are always under a state of oppression.

Without understanding this, and turning to God’s Word for the knowledge of ‘life and godliness’ (our only means for a fruitful life in this state) we suppress the truth that He gives us in HIs Word.

Without the truth revealed by God in His Word,
we have nothing to hope in, stand on,
or live for in this world.

We search, reach for, and hold on to whatever is close and, in the end, have nothing substantial or relative to true life – nothing of godliness, which is the life God produces within us.

Depression manifests itself in different forms seen from one level to another in different stages.

Depression becomes the stronghold of our spirit, soul, and body, keeping us immobile.

Depression keeps us down, captivated by self, to obey the flesh in its weakness in all areas of life.

Depression leaves us deflated with no room for what is good or godly.

Where is our Hope?

As ‘spirit, soul, and body’ I must relinquish all that I am to God, our heavenly Father, who, with His Son and Spirit gave me life through the first man “Adam” through all generations.

I must see and know the One whose ‘divine power’ gives us ‘all things pertaining to life and godliness.’

I must admit my weakness and my need for His wisdom and strength.

I must submit all I am to Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, who has brought us to our Father through His death and resurrection to receive the power of His life in us.

I must commit to His direction by His Holy Spirt through His Word.

From the stronghold of oppression, suppression, depression, and procrastination, He, by the penetration of His Word, permeates our minds with His truth, and perpetuates His love and the life of Christ in us and through us.

As ‘partakers of His divine nature’ He fills us, lifts us, moves us, keeps us on the right path. In our struggles, He reminds us of His ‘exceedingly great and precious promises.’

He inhabits our praises, so that we speak to Him of His truth, never losing sight of Him and knowing the power of His presence with us. He, with the gifts He has given us, works in and through us to accomplish all He wants to do — for His glory and our joy in Him.

.Gracious and loving Father, We praise you that you have made us your children, not by anything we could do, but by your planning and covenant made with your Son before the creation of anything. How blessed we are to know you and to live in fellowship with you and your eternal family. I praise you that you have called us and given us the gift of eternal life and individual gifts through which you are working to reveal the power of your presence in the world today. In Jesus’ name I pray, I thank you, and praise you. Amen

Image: Google

A SEASON OF GOD’S GRACE

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY, PRAYER, TRUTH5 Comments

In many ways we Americans are in a new season.

Dead leaves are proof of an ending of the old and the anticipation of a new season of Nature.

If we consider where we have been as a nation recently, we must believe that our God and Father has given us a reprieve.

“Oh, that You would rend the heavens!
That You would come down!
That the mountains might shake at Your presence—

To make Your name known to Your adversaries,
That the nations may tremble at Your presence!
Isa. 64:1-2

He has answered prayers for our concerns about the season we have been experiencing –

With His judgment looming over us, He has truly shown us His mercy in not cosuming us.

As our pastor has reminded us: we cannot sit back and boast of anything good any man has done.

We cannot rest on our laurels, any greatness of any nation or of any man. Any good in this country, from the beginning, has been by the mighty hand of God, our Father and Creator.

“His greatness is unsearchable.”
Ps. 145:3

Now we have the opportunity to return to our roots, for us to stand in the light of His grace, and move forward with the truth while we still have the freedom to proclaim His name among the nations.

Four years is a short time, with no guarantee. Except for our diligence to obedience and His presence with us, the enemy will steal His blessings from us.

Our hope is based on His promises as we trust Him, repent from our individual seasons of rebellion to His Word, live in praise, prayer, and proclamation of His truth with each other and those outside the church.

We must gather as His people during these uncertain times to multiply our ranks, to pray for unity through the sound preaching and attendance of God’s Word and worship. 

We must be restored by His Spirit to reverence and awe – as His children to live in humility and wonder of our God and Father. .

He makes the nations tremble – But, In His loving kindness and tender mercies, He opens His heart and love to us.

If you understand what He has been doing in recent events, return as His child to the body of Christ –to the Church where He dwells with His people – in individual hearts and as His family.

We must live in the fellowship and joy of our Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit as one people, to prove to the world the power of his presence among us.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who, in Christ, Has blessed us
with every spiritual blessing
in heavenly places.”
Eph. 1:3

When this blessed season is done and we face another onslaught from the enemy, we will be prepared, equipped, ready, and victorious, rejoicing with Him our victor, our Lord and King — His triumph in and through us. — now and forever.

 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, His own special people,
that you may proclaim the praises of Him
who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;{
1 Pet. 2:9

 “See then that you walk circumspectly,
not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, 
because the days are evil.”
Eph. 5:15-16

In Praise to our Father, His Son our Lord, and His Holy Spirit.
Love and blessings.
Fran

Image:Pixabay

The Beginning of ETERNAL LIFE

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S WORD, TRUTH1 Comment

The complexities of this world are more than any one person, or any combination of minds can discern. The perplexities are beyond what human nature can comprehend.

We have yet to be unified in our understanding of how life began and how people breathe and move about in the vast space that we call the universe.

Adults with all their education — feeding on information that men from one generation to another have compiled — continue to add more and more to the uncertainty of life here in this present world. Their technologies only generate more power for delusion and destruction.

NEW WORDS, NEW LIFE

Jesus told His disciples, “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” What did He mean? If we study this man, His life, and His words, we learn that He was teaching a new thing not known before He began His ministry.

“The kingdom of heaven” – Greek — ouranos, meaning, the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings”
Heaven is another world beyond this one — a spiritual world that requires conversion — otherwise, we are incompatabile.

Jesus’ life and His words are recorded in the Holy Bible, in the second section, known as The New Testament.

The first part, The Old Testament, is a record of life, written by men of the Jewish faith, From creation through the history of the nation of Israel, we learn of God, the Creator, who was with His people through generations of hardships and promises for a better life beyond this world.

FULFILLMENT OF THE PROMISE

Jesus was the fulfillment of this promise, who at the age of 30 gathered 12 men and taught them about the God of the Old Testament.

He showed them a completely different way – by a totally radical mindset.

By His actions in response to every person, every word, every action, every need, He presented a new means for men to see, think, speak, and relate to others.

He portrayed a life of purpose and meaning no man had ever shown or taught.

HIS WORDS — HIS POWER

His words not only brought meaning to this life, but the power in His words for eternal life.

Those who have believed Him and followed in His teachings have been transformed and seek to live as He lived.

This world is no longer complex, nor are His followers perplexed, but they understand this world – its chaos and confusion – how to relate and respond differently.

Jesus taught that we must begin again – to start over – to be ‘born again’ – spiritually.

A FATHER WE HAVE NEVER KNOWN

As ‘little children’ – infants—we experience what it means to have a new ‘Father’ — a Father who never leaves us, but abides in us — His Spirit through our spirit, forever.

Jesus’ life, and identifying Himself as the Son of God, shed new light on the meaning of our creation.

His teachings bring us to understand God differently than the world sees Him.

His Holy Spirit ‘makes us alive’ as He teaches us the truth – truth that we cannot receive in our ‘old man’ – the only self we know and through which we formerly lived.

As with His teachings and the power of His Spirit, we learn to live supernaturally in this natural world.

His Spirit, by which God gave life at His Creation, in us, was subdued and taken captive. 

Until and unless we are converted and become as little children, we live under the power of an enemy, in a hostile world that lives in sin against God, the Creator.

We are ignorant of our personal rebellion against a Father who gives us the very air we breathe and the power to move and have our being.

Only His Spirit can do this work in us. Just as we have no power to birth ourselves naturally into this world so only He can give us the power for an eternal life with Him.

We are reconciled and renewed and brought into fellowship with our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, through whom we are bought, sought, brought, and taught.

CHILDREN WHO LOVE, REJOICE, AND OBEY

The remainder of our natural life is sanctified by the working of His Holy Spirit of truth guiding us into all truth and living through us – to His Glory and our joy in Him. As His children, we enjoy the life of Christ within us to love, enjoy HIs presence, and obey – for His glory and our joy with Him and all His children.

This life begins here but never ends.  

Our Father, abiding in us forever, closes our eyes and returns His Spirit and our souls to Him  in His timing.

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” The Shorter Catechism

Out Father in heaven, by the power of your Holy Spirit abiding in us, make us to know you and your Son, Jesus, whom you sent to die for our sins and bring us to you. We need to know you as our Father and the eternal life you give us now. Turn our hearts to you and grow us in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and conform us to His image — in whose name we pray. Amen.

Image: Google

Volcanic JOY ~ When TRUTH Erupts

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY, PRAYER, TRUTH5 Comments

Thirty years ago I was drawn to God’s Word to discover things I had never heard. Through adversity, God began to show me great and mighty things I had never known (Jer. 33:3). After searching different religions, including psychology, I came back to the roots of a poor, meager Christian faith that was never stoked and fed.

We live in a world that brings us to see our need for something beyond our understanding. It stirs up a fire that cries for help. If we come to His Word, God uses it in our adversity to burn away the dross of ourselves. Our anguish either turns us to seek the truth or it destroys us and others in the process. When we turn to Him, He uses our helplessness for His glory and our good.

Through years of study and prayer over God’s Word, I begian my life as a writer by formatting for chosen groups what I was learning. This happened to be for middle school students in our church and for youth discipleship groups. 

In August 1992, what I was writing from head knowledge, became a fire of truth in my very soul. I know what Jesus meant when He said, “You must be born of the Spirit.” Some may say that the ember of faith was rekindled. Perhaps. It does not matter whether from an old faith that was put aside or from a totally new spark from God’s Word and His Spirit, there was a welling up of TRUTH within me that lighted a fire and new life that would feed on His Word and bear fruit to this day. I vividly remember my first writing of TRUTH. It was more than my thoughts could contain.

The whole gist of those years was “TRUTH cannot be contained.” Yet, it seemed then as if buried for many generations. I left those notes to continue in my search for TRUTH believing that it could not stay buried but one day would have to explode. You cannot bury TRUTH, just as you can’t bury LIFE.

The enemy has succeeded in hiding TRUTH from God’s creatures for thousands of years, but the power of God in His TRUTH is beginning to accumulate among His people. Those who continue in His Word know the TRUTH and are being set free.

The world has its volcanoes – the nation of America being one of the most volatile. It seems the emotions of human nature are overflowing with the lava of hell itself. 


The Unseen
The world can only see what men are doing to themselves.  They cannot see what God has planned and is doing at this very moment.

I write this post today as I am led to stir this fire of TRUTH in the hearts of His people who read this.

We as individuals have little power over “the powers that be.” Recent news uncovers things happening in this world that are beyond my imagination – things not worth repeating.

Repetition of the promises of our heavenly Father overpower the words of the enemy.

“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” – that lies in wickedness.”

God’s kingdom rules in the middle of the turmoil. In and through what we are seeing of man’s exploits and deviations is the working of His power stirring up His church. I know this because my church and I am part of this volcanic explosion of TRUTH.

Deuteronomy 29:29 was one of the truths I discovered in those first years of new life.

“The secrets belong to God but are revealed to us and our children.”

They are revealed as we continue in His Word – “you are truly my disciples”—children of God—1 John 3:1-3.  “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Free from what and free for what? 

We are freed from deception and death. We are free to LIVE in light of TRUTH.  TRUTH works the power of God in His people.

So, let us believe beyond what we can ask or think, of His kingdom in the lowest part of this volcanic action happening in our nation bursting through in an explosion of JOY to His glory. 

 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Lord willing, I will share how our heavenly Father is working in His church today.

In the meantime, I would share with you the link to our pastor’s present series on Philippians in our morning worship and Raising Godly Children in the evening. You would be blessed to see what the Lord is doing in our midst for humility, unity, and joy to His glory.

https://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Chris_Strevel

Please begin to pray this prayer for His church with us. He is beginning a great and mighty work.

That we may be “FILLED with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that we may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with JOY;” Colossians 1:9-11

Gracious Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done in earth as it is in heaven. You have set your throne in the heavens and your kingdom rules over all. From the rising of the sun to its setting, we praise you. Stir up your Spirit within the hearts of your people, gather us before your throne to praise you. Let our fervent prayers to your throne of mercy bring lightnings, thundering, and earthquakes to this earth, the power of your TRUTH and LIFE in us through Jesus our Lord surge and bring forth your JOY through us to your glory. Let the world know who you are in us. In His name, I pray. Amen.
Fran

Image: Pixabay

Results of Word Survey

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYER, TRUTH8 Comments

From the survey last week, seven responses netted forty-nine words, including three of my own that were different than your lists.

I asked for words from a Christian view that are important to our relationship with God and others.

Over the weekend I wondered and prayed about the connection of these words to each other and to us.

First the tally from eight lists, including mine:

Jesus appeared on seven lists.
Forgive (forgiven) appeared on seven.
Love appeared on six.
Grace on five.
Truth and Mercy on four.
God and Salvation on three.

Father, Kindness, Peace, Free, Life, Faith, Know (known), Sin (sinner) on two lists.

Each of the following were listed once on different lists.
Lord
Spirit
Sacrifice
Praise
Glory
Scriptures
Prayer
Encourage
Joy
Patience
Humility
Holy
Accepted
Eternity
Heaven
Hell
Family
Presence
Comfort
Sorry
Repentance
Obedience
Help
Death
Guilt
Welcome
Thank you

In a former post, we wrote of how names leave impressions and bring to mind the character of the person. This can be seen in this survey.

Let’s take the one formal name many of us listed.

Jesus is relative to God, Father, Lord, Spirit.
Forgiveness is through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Love and Grace are revealed in Jesus’ Sacrifice
Mercy, Truth, and Glory came through Jesus.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Jesus means Salvation. Salvation comes only through Faith in Jesus.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

A Sinner has remission of Sin through the Sacrifice and blood of Jesus Christ.
We Know God and are Known as Jesus is revealed to us and in us.
Life is given through Jesus, both physically and spiritually.
We are Free from Guilt in Jesus.
He is our Peace.
In Jesus’ Kindness, we are brought to Repentance to be Sorry for our sins and to live in Obedience.
Jesus in us, by His Spirit yields the fruit of Kindness, Joy, Patience and Humility.
We are Holy and Accepted in Jesus.
In Jesus, we have the promise of Eternity in Heaven and escape from Hell.
We experience Jesus’ Presence through the Scriptures and Prayer.
In Jesus, we are delivered from the law of sin and Death. 
We say, “Thank you” and in Jesus, we live to His Praise and Glory.
We Encourage, Comfort, and Help others as we receive these in Jesus.
We are Welcome to the Family of God through Jesus

What do we learn from this survey?
In Jesus is hid all the important words we need to know. They are Words of Life. We could never list them all. He is all we need for this life and the next. The more we know Him the more we are amazed and grow in His wisdom and grace.
The words Light, Wisdom, Power came to mind while I was writing this post.

Please share scripture references to the ones that were on your list. We did not have time or room for these in this post.

Meanings of Names Who Contributed to our Survey
In case you do not know the meaning of your name, I am posting these for you who participated in our survey.

Tom, Thank you,
From the nameThomas:
Derived from the Aramaic tē’ōma (a twin). The name is borne in the Bible by an apostle who doubted the resurrection of Christ.
Tom, Praise the Lord for bringing you to faith, not by seeing but by the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. I like to think of Jesus’ image in you, making you a twin.
I pray blessings for your ministry to our Lord as you make known the name of Jesus, His work of Grace, Truth, and Love, through Scripture and Prayer, to help others to be Sorry and to know the Lord who will Forgive, and through His Kindness to you and through you, Encourage others not to doubt.

Jim, Thank you, 
Medieval diminutive of the name James meaning “supplanter”
The name has its root in ya’aquob (supplanting, seizing by the heel).
A supplanter takes over or takes the place of someone else, usually on purpose.
Jim, You are living up to your name.
I pray you continue to wield the sword of truth as you address the Sinner and his Guilt, in the name of Jesus, the God of our Salvation, Grace, Faith, Mercy, and Forgiveness.

Bruce, Thank you,
The name Bruce arrived in Scotland with the Normans, from the place name Brix, Manche in Normandy, France, meaning “the willowlands”.
Robert de Bruce, a knight from Normandy, followed William the Conqueror to England.
There is no Hebrew meaning; though it’s not unlike the Hebrew name Baruch, which means “blessed.”
According to someone from Taiwan, the name Bruce is of Unknown origin and means “Happy warrior”.
Whether the meaning is the willowlands, blessed, or Happy Warrior, take heart in who you are following, how you are blessed in Jesus, and the warrior He has called you to be.
Bruce, I pray you Know the Presence of the Father; that you are Forgiven, Welcome and Holy through Jesus, His Love, Mercy, and Grace,  

Heidi, Thank you,
A pet form of Adalheid (noble one) and Hildegard (battle protector), Heidi is also bestowed as an independent given name. It became well known internationally from Johanna Spyri”s famous story “Heidi” (1880).
Heidi, your name fits you well. In Jesus, you are a noble one ~ a daughter of Zion ~ and a battle protector for His name’s sake. I pray that in Jesus. you Know you are Loved, Accepted, Forgiven and delivered from Death, Sin, and Hell, have an abundant Life in Him nd the promise of Heaven.

Amy, Thank you,
Your name was derived from the Middle English Amye, which is from the Old France Aimee (beloved), a name derived from the verb aimer (to love). It is not surprising that you included Love in your list.
Amy, I pray that knowing you are beloved in our Lord Jesus you are able to Love in Truth, Peace, Joy, Patience and Freedom. And because God is in you, you are a help and comfort to your God’s family and others.

Bonnie,Thank you,
Your name is derived from the Lowland Scotch bonnie (beautiful, good-natured and cheerful; this was derived from Middle French bon(good). Tour name fits you as one of Jesus’ followers.
Bonnie, I pray we all will remember to say, “Thank you” and continue to Praise our Lord Jesus Christ for His Glory, Love, Joy, and Peace, and show His Forgiveness and Kindness to others.

Pat, Thank you,
Patricia is derived from Latin meaning “noble”
I could not find more information on the meaning of your name but this one word is enough to describe one who is born of the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pat, I pray that you continue in your ministry as a noble one ~ a daughter of Zion ~ one who knows God, Jesus, and the blessings that ours through His Salvation; that you are Free to Love, and Forgive, through Faith in the Truth of His Grace and Mercy.  

Dear God and Father of our Lord Jesus, I praise you for revealing yourself to us by your Spirit. May all the glory be yours for your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Bring forth in us the fruit of our Lord Jesus Christ~ love, joy, peace, kindness, patience, and humility. We thank you for delivering us from death and hell to the abundant Life, accepted and free by the salvation that is ours in Christ. Thank you for the gift of faith to be sorry for our sin; in repentance to live in obedience and sacrifice for your name’s sake. We praise you that one day you will welcome us to eternity in heaven as holy in Him. Keep us in Scripture, truth, and prayer that we may encourage, help and comfort our family and others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Fran

Image: Google

A Page for Lectures

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, TRUTH5 Comments

I am excited to finally start this page and include lectures/studies that I have been blessed to view. Each of these series has been an aid in helping me to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will post this as a page on our sidebar for future reference and will add others as we are able.

May the Lord bless you as you take in these truths.

The first two are by R.C. Sproul and accessible from this site. The third is available for purchase. I highly recommend these three to any earnest Christian who wants to know the truth and grow in faith and in relationship with the Lord.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

R.C. Sproul (1939 – 2017)
These two video series can be viewed lecture by lecture at your convenience.

THE HOLINESS OF GOD
filmed in 1986 is a classic in any Christian’s study of the character of God.
5-minute clip as an introduction ~  Holy, Holy, Holy.

1 ~ The Importance of Holiness
2 ~ The Trauma of Holiness
3 ~ Holiness and Justice
4 ~ The Insanity of Luther
5 ~ The Meaning of Holiness
6 ~ The Holiness of Christ

 <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>

THE ESSENCE OF REFORMED THEOLOGY

Before I watched this series, I had read the book No Place for Truth by David Wells. Sproul makes reference to this book in the video below. This is a very profound series on Theology ~ “the knowledge of the true God.”

1. INTRODUCTION
2. CATHOLIC, EVANGELICAL, AND REFORMED
3. SCRIPTURE ALONE
4. FAITH ALONE (PART 1
5. FAITH ALONE (PART 2)
6. COVENANT
7. TOTAL DEPRAVITY (PART 1)
8. TOTAL DEPRAVITY (PART 2)
9. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION
10. LIMITED ATONEMENT
11. IRRESISTIBLE GRACE
12. PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

THE TRUTH PROJECT is a lecture/study by Del Tackett ~ a series on the purpose of Jesus coming ~”to bear witness of the truth.” It is available for purchase and is usually viewed by churches to enable their members to know the meaning of the Christian Worldview. Watch the trailer and listen for the last statement on truth.

A Focus on the Family production ~ The Truth Project can be purchased here.
You can sign up for a free sample of the first session of the home study here.

Blessings in your viewing. Fran

Treasury of Light and Truth

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, TRUTH2 Comments

Keeping our last post within reading limits, I left out an important under-truth, thinking someone would read and add to what was posted. Here is the part we posted.

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,
hath shined in our hearts, to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6

Paul had mentioned in vs. 2-4 ~ though by manifestation of the truth the gospel may be hid from the lost…

“...the god of this world hath blinded
the minds of them which believe not,
lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ,
who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

Now, here is the dynamic part.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the excellency of the power may be of God,
and not of us.”
2 Corinthians 4:7

It is the Father’s LIGHT and TRUTH in and through His Son given to us to believe. There is nothing in our darkness to bring the light into our hearts. By His Word and Spirit, He alone has the power to open our minds and make Christ known in these jars of clay ~ it is the excellency of His power only that does this spiritual work in us.

Dear Father, how precious is your light of truth in Christ. How can we see Him except you shine the light of the gospel in our hearts? Have mercy upon our blindness and save us from the god of this world. In Jesus’ name, I pray and praise you. Amen.
Fran

The Purpose of Jesus’ Resurrection

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, THE LORD'S DAY (SABBATH), TRUTH6 Comments

Most Christians go all-out this season of the year to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. What is the need of Christ’s resurrection the rest of the year? It is important that we as His disciples look into God’s word for His purpose for Christ’s death and resurrection. We are not covering this topic thoroughly but want to shed some light on this special time in the history of our Lord. The whole of God’s Word is to be studied in order to grasp the full meaning of this glorious victory that needs our attention and celebration every day of the year. We will post this week through next Lord’s Day our most-read articles on the subject of Jesus’ work for our salvation.

To Fulfill the Scriptures

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

For New Life, Testing, Praise, Honor, and Glory of Jesus Christ

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:3-7

For our Justification:

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans 4:25

For our Assurance, Faith and Hope

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17:31

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 1 Peter 1:21

And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. 1 Corinthians 6:14

To Reveal God’s Power

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1:4

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,Ephesians 1:20

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 2:6
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10

That We May Be Conformed to His Image

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:28-29

That We May Follow in His Footsteps

Herein is love, not that we loved God,
but that he loved us,
and sent his Son to be the propitiation
for our sins.
 Beloved, if God so loved us,
we ought also to love one another.
1 John 4:10-11

Hereby perceive we the love of God,
because he laid down his life for us:
and we ought to lay down our lives
for the brethren.
1 John 3:16

Dear Father, keep us this day and every day in the reality of your redemption, loving you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbor as ourselves. Make the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ an ever-present working in our hearts and lives for everyday worship in spirit and truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Fran

Image: Google

Words of Life ~ ALL

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, MUSIC, TRUTH, Uncategorized, Words of Life A-Z3 Comments

There are 4664 verses in which the word ALL is found in the Bible. We scrolled through these and prayed the Lord would point out the most important ones. This was not easy, but I felt I needed some insight into this word and how it is used. It is a little word packed with truths of our Lord through whom we live and move and have our being.

If there was one word that summed up the words of life it would be this one.

This is an extensive list and could serve as one Word of Life, so we suggest before you scroll through these references, ask the Holy Spirit to stop you where you need to read whole verses. We will publish a page on this blog for this list of Words of Life, so as to make it easier to reference in the future.

The Old Testament

In Noah’s day, we see the Lord’s rule over His creation. “And all flesh died that moved upon the earth” Genesis 7:21
“the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt,” Exodus 12:29

In Sodom and Gomorrah, He destroyed “all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities” Genesis 19:25

Then we see some of those verses which relate to the Lord’s relationship with His people, from the Old Testament beginning with His promise to Abraham “in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:3;Genesis 28:14

He promised, if they obeyed and kept His covenant, “then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:” Exodus 19:5

They were to “teach the children of Israel all the statutes” Leviticus 10:11
“All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth” Psalm 25:10

He has “forgiven and covered all the sin of His people  Psalm 85:2

“All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.” Psalm 75:10

We continue in the book of Psalms.

All who hope and trust in the Lord are “blessed” Psalm 2:12; their “heart is strengthened” Psalm 31:24; “God is a refuge” Psalm 62:8

ALL in Relationship to His Name

 “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.” Psalm 8:1

 “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Psalm 103:1

“All nations shall glorify thy name.” Psalm 86:9
“His name endures forever, throughout all generations.” Psalm 135:13

All in His Works

 “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” Psalm 33:6

The psalmist praises with his whole heart and shews “forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalm 9:1

“The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Psalm 145:17

The following verses describe His relationship with “all the ends of the world and all the kindreds of the nations.” Psalm 22:27 

 “From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.” Psalm 33:14

“God is the King of all the earth” Psalm 47:7; “let thy glory be above all the earth.” Psalm 57:5

“The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.” Psalm 103:19

 The Lord In All Generations
“Our dwelling place in all generations.” Psalm 90:1
“His mercy, his truth, his faithfulness endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100:5; Psalm 119:90
“thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.” Psalm 145:13:   Psalm 146:10

 “The Lord preserveth all them that love Him, but all the wicked will he destroy.” Psalm 145:20

New Testament

All in Man
“He knew all men.”  John 2:24
“For all have sinned” Romans 3:23
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man falleth away:” 1 Peter 1:24
“For all that is in the world is of the world.” 1 John 2:16
“All unrighteousness is sin:.” 1 John 5:17
“we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10
“judgment upon all, to convince all that are ungodly of all their ungodly deeds and of all their hard speeches” Jude 1:15
“all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.” Revelation 1:7

All Things

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

“All things were delivered to Him of His Father.” Matthew 11:27: Luke 10:22
“With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
“All things were made by Him.” John 1:3
“For by him were all things created,” Colossians 1:16
“created all things”  Revelation 4:11
“God quickeneth all things,”  1 Timothy 6:13

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

“the Father had given all things into his hands” John 13:3
“All things were accomplished.” John 19:28
“He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.” Acts 17:25
“In all these things we are more than conquerors.” Romans 8:37
“all things work together for His purpose.” Romans 8:28
“He delivered him up for us all… with him also freely give us all things?”   Romans 8:32
“Who shall subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:21

“And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:17

“in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18
“appointed heir of all things.” Hebrews 1:2
“upholding all things by the word of his power,”Hebrews 1:3
“for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,” Hebrews 2:10
“all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him.” Hebrews 4:13
“above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:” 1 Peter 4:8
“given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” 2 Peter 1:3
“all these things shall be dissolved… be in all holy conversation and godliness,” 2 Peter 3:11
“in Christ, all things are new.”2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:22;  Revelation 21:5
“Prove all things.”1 Thessalonians 5:21
“every man temperate in all things.”  1 Corinthians 9:25
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings:” Philippians 2:14
“count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:” Philippians 3:8

All of God
Jesus came to “fulfill all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15
“All power” was given unto Him.’ Matthew 28:18
“The Father hath committed all judgment to the Son.”John 5:22
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; ” John 6:37
“above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion.”  Ephesians 1:21
“all things under his feet,..head over all things to the church.”Ephesians 1:22

“Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Ephesians 1:23

“He is Lord of all.” Acts 10:36; to all that call upon Him.” Romans 10:12
“One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:6
“Christ is all, and in all.” Colossians 3:11
“God worketh all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:6
“all the promises of God in him” 2 Corinthians 1:20
“the God of all comfort;” 2 Corinthians 1:3

“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;” Colossians 1:19

 “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3

 “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9

“All scripture by inspiration of God,”  2 Timothy 3:16
Paul declared “all the counsel of God.” Acts 20:27
“high priest in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15“
Holiest of all;” Hebrews 9:3
“the Judge of all,” Hebrews 12:23
“the God of all grace,”  1 Peter 5:10
“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17;

God Working All in Man
“offence of one judgment upon all men to condemnation; righteousness of one the free gift upon all men unto justification of life.” Romans 5:18
“The gospel preached to all the world.” Matthew 24:14
“redeem us from all iniquity,”  Titus 2:14
“the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
“forgiven all trespasses;” Colossians 2:13
“But wisdom is justified of all her children.” Luke 7:35
“All that believe are justified.” Acts 13:39
“The Spirit of truth will guide into all truth.” John 16:13
“blessed with all spiritual blessings:” Ephesians 1:3
“all wisdom and prudence;” Ephesians 1:8
“strengthened with all might, unto all patience.” Colossians 1:11
“filled with all the fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:19
“able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,”   Ephesians 3:20
“glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages” Ephesians 3:21

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesian 6:18

“peace which passeth all understanding,” Philippians 4:7
“I can do all things through Christ.  Philippians 4:13
“God shall supply all your need.” Philippians 4:19
“thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:17

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

“do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17
“all baptized into one body, all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13
“That all may be one.” John 17:21
“all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
“sanctified are all of one:”  Hebrews 2:11
“one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.” 1 Corinthians 10:17
“all of one mind,” 1 Peter 3:8
“all joy and peace in believing,”  Romans 15:13
“count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;” James 1:2|
“all the law is fulfilled in one word,..love thy neighbour as thyself.” Galatians 5:14 
“abound in love one toward another, and toward all men,: 1 Thessalonians 3:12
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 

(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Ephesians 5:9
“Preach the word; with all long suffering and doctrine.”  2 Timothy 4:2
“shewing all meekness unto all men.” Titus 3:2
“Casting all your care upon him.” 1 Peter 5:7
“giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;” 2 Peter 1:5
“a crown of righteousness, unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8

 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Revelation 22:21

Dear Father in heaven, how can we begin to understand all things about you and ourselves except you reveal and fulfill the promises you have made in and through Jesus, your dear Son. By your Holy Spirit use this post now and in the future to make your Words of Life known to us, your children. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Fran
Whether Therefore Ye Eat or Drink ~ 1 Corinthians 10:31