Tag: Theology

  • No Condemnation in Christ Jesus: Living by the Spirit

    No Condemnation in Christ Jesus: Living by the Spirit

    In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul presents a powerful message of hope, emphasizing the freedom and transformative power found in Christ Jesus.

    In Romans 8:1-25, Paul highlights the profound truth that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This passage beautifully articulates the journey of believers, as they are liberated from the bondage of sin and embrace a life led by the Spirit.

    Let us explore the profound implications of these verses and the life-changing message they convey.

    Freedom from the Law

    Paul begins by proclaiming that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death. The limitations of the Law, which were unable to save or fulfill righteousness, have been surpassed by God’s ultimate act of love. He sent His own Son, Jesus, in human form, as a sin offering, to condemn sin in the flesh. This act of sacrificial love fulfilled the requirements of the Law, enabling us to walk according to the Spirit rather than the flesh.

    The Dichotomy of Mindsets

    Paul distinguishes between two mindsets: the mindset on the flesh and the mindset on the Spirit. The former leads to death and hostility toward God, while the latter brings life and peace. Those who are controlled by the flesh cannot please God, as human nature is inherently flawed and fallen. However, through the indwelling of the Spirit, believers experience a radical transformation that aligns their hearts and minds with God’s desires.

    Living in the Spirit

    Believers are reminded that they are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God dwells within them. The presence of the Holy Spirit within us testifies to our belongingness to Christ. Although our bodies may be affected by sin, the Spirit grants us new life because of Christ’s righteousness. Living according to the flesh leads to death, but living by the Spirit allows us to crucify the deeds of the body and experience true life.

    Adoption as Children of God

    As children of God, we have received the spirit of adoption, which allows us to cry out, “Abba! Father!” This intimate relationship with God is a testament to our status as heirs of His kingdom. Our identity as children of God carries with it the promise of future glory and eternal inheritance. However, this journey may involve suffering and hardship. Yet, the sufferings of this present time pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us.

    Creation’s Longing and Hope

    Paul expands the scope of redemption to include the entire creation. He explains that creation was subjected to futility and corruption but awaits liberation from its bondage. The creation groans and suffers in anticipation of the revealing of the sons of God. Likewise, we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, eagerly await our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. In our hope, we persevere and eagerly await the unseen promises of God.

    The passage from Romans 8:1-25 encapsulates the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice and the freedom we experience through the Holy Spirit.

    As believers, we are no longer condemned but rather adopted as children of God, eagerly anticipating the glorious future that awaits us.

    Our lives are no longer bound by the flesh, but by the Spirit, leading us to walk in righteousness and experience true life and peace.

    May we continue to embrace this liberating truth and live in the fullness of God’s grace, with unwavering hope for the promises yet to be fulfilled.

  • Faith is Not Contrary to Understanding or Reason – Faith Gives Understanding

    Faith is Not Contrary to Understanding or Reason – Faith Gives Understanding

    Faith and reason are often viewed as conflicting concepts, as if they exist on opposite ends of a spectrum. However, this notion fails to acknowledge the profound relationship between faith and understanding.

    In fact, faith can be seen as a pathway to true understanding, just like the eye that allows light to illuminate the world. For believers, their understanding of the universe’s origin is not rooted in speculation or guesswork; rather, it is grounded in the divine revelation that God has graciously bestowed upon them.

    My Aim

    This blog post aims to explore how faith and understanding are intertwined, emphasizing that faith can provide deep insights into the mysteries of existence.

    Faith

    A Source of Understanding

    The idea that faith is opposed to understanding or reason is a fallacy. Faith is not blind acceptance or irrationality; rather, it is a deeply rooted confidence and trust in something beyond our immediate comprehension. By embracing faith, believers open themselves to a higher realm of understanding, where divine revelation can shed light on the deepest questions of existence.

    God’s Revelation and Creation

    According to biblical accounts, God’s revelation offers believers a profound understanding of how the universe came into being. In the book of Genesis, we read that God spoke, and creation began. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Through His divine word, God brought order out of chaos, initiating the magnificent tapestry of the universe.

    The Power of God’s Word

    The power and authority of God’s word are further echoed throughout the Scriptures. In Psalm 33:6, we are reminded, “By the word of the Lord, the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth.” This verse emphasizes that God’s spoken word has the creative power to bring the universe into existence. Similarly, Isaiah 40:26 declares, “Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing.” These passages highlight the majesty and wisdom inherent in God’s act of creation.

    The Divine Logos

    In the New Testament, the Gospel of John proclaims that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, played a pivotal role in creation. John 1:3 states, “All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” This verse unveils the profound connection between Jesus, the divine Logos, and the act of creation. Moreover, Colossians 1:16 affirms, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” These verses reinforce the idea that faith in Christ as the creative force behind the universe leads to a deeper understanding of our place within it.

    Faith and Speculation

    Unlike unbelievers who must rely on speculation and theories regarding the origin of the universe, believers possess the invaluable gift of divine revelation. Faith liberates them from the limitations of human understanding, allowing them to embrace the profound truth that God is the ultimate source and sustainer of all things. By grounding their understanding in God’s revealed word, believers can explore the intricacies of creation with awe and reverence, recognizing that they are glimpsing the beauty of their Creator.

    Faith and understanding are not mutually exclusive but rather intricately connected.

    Faith enables believers to perceive the world through a lens illuminated by divine revelation. The understanding gained through faith surpasses mere human speculation, allowing believers to comprehend the origins and intricacies of the universe. Just as the eye receives light and grants vision, faith opens the door to profound insights.

  • Charles Spurgeon Quotes About Free Will: PRINCE OF PREACHERS

    Charles Spurgeon Quotes About Free Will: PRINCE OF PREACHERS

    In his sermons and writings, Spurgeon often expressed his opposition to the argument of human free will, which he saw as a threat to the doctrine of grace and the glory of God.

    “I do not come into this pulpit hoping that perhaps somebody will of his own free will return to Christ. My hope lies in another quarter. I hope that my Master will lay hold of some of them and say, ‘You are mine, and you shall be mine. I claim you for myself.’”

    Charles Spurgeon

    Here Are Some More Quotes; All Sourced And Available To View

    “I believe that every particle of dust that dances in the sunbeam does not move an atom more or less than God wishes—that every particle of spray that dashes against the steamboat has its orbit as well as the sun in the heavens—that the chaff from the hand of the winnower is as much steered as the stars in their courses…The creeping of an aphid over the rosebud is as much fixed as the march of the devastating pestilence—the fall of leaves from a poplar is as fully ordained as the tumbling of an avalanche.”

    This quote is from Spurgeon’s sermon titled “A Defense of Calvinism,” delivered on June 5, 1855.

    “I do not come into this pulpit hoping that perhaps somebody will of his own free will return to Christ. My hope lies in another quarter. I hope that my Master will lay hold of some of them and say, ‘You are mine, and you shall be mine. I claim you for myself.’”

    “A Defense of Calvinism,” delivered on June 5, 1855.

    “The free will of man is a wretched idol, and deserves to be enthroned in hell.”

    “Sovereign Grace and Man’s Responsibility,” delivered on October 9, 1859.

    “Free will has carried many souls to hell, but never a soul to heaven.”

    “Spiritual Resurrection,” delivered on August 24, 1856.

    “If there is anything in the doctrine of the grace of God which commends it to us more than another, it is the sovereignty of it. If there is anything that is calculated to make men adore the grace of God, and to render them humble, it is the doctrine of the election of grace.”

    “Election,” delivered on August 2, 1857.

    Charles Spurgeon
    SERMON #52: VOL. 1 (1855)
    Free Will-A Slave

    THIS is one of the great guns of the Arminians; mounted upon the top of their walls, and often discharged with terrible noise against the poor Christians called Calvinists!

    I intend to spike the gun this morning, or, rather, to turn it on the enemy—for it was never theirs. It was never cast at their foundry at all, but was intended to teach the very opposite doctrine to that which they assert.

    Usually, when the text is taken, the divisions are—first that man has a will.

    Secondly, that he is entirely free.

    Thirdly, that men must make themselves willing to come to Christ, otherwise they will not be saved.

    Now, we shall have no such divisions! But we will endeavor to take a calmer look at the text, and not because there happens to be the words, “will,” or, “will not,” in it conclude that it teaches the doctrine of free will.

    It has already been proved beyond all controversy that free will is nonsense!
    Freedom cannot belong to will any more than ponderability can belong to electricity. They are altogether different things.

    Free agency we may believe in, but free will is simply ridiculous.

    The will is well-known by all to be directed by understanding, to be moved by motives, be guided by other parts of the soul, and be a secondary thing. Philosophy and religion both discard at once the very thought of free will! And I will go as far as Martin Luther, in that strong assertion of his, where he says, “If any man does ascribe anything of salvation, even the very least to the free will of man, he knows nothing of divine grace, and he has not learnt Jesus Christ aright.”
    It may seem a harsh sentiment, but he who in his soul believes that man does of his own free will turn to God, cannot have been taught of God—for that is one of the first principles taught us when God begins with us—that we have neither will nor power—but that He gives both—that He is “Alpha and Omega” in the salvation of men.

    SERMON #52: VOL. 1 (1855)
    Free Will-A Slave
    DELIVERED ON DECEMBER 02, 1855

    To Read The Full Sermon: I created THIS NOTE.

    “Free will carried many a soul
    to hell, but never a soul to
    heaven.”

  • Defending the Faith: Why It Matters in Today’s World

    Defending the Faith: Why It Matters in Today’s World

    “You don’t need to debate Theology, God doesn’t need us to defend Him.”

    And to that, I say;

    Amen! While it is true that God does not require anything from me, or anyone else, it is undeniable that we are in need of Him.

    As a believer:

    Defending My Faith and Beliefs

    As a spirited follower of Christ, any untrue or defamatory statements about my Faith and Redemption (Who is Christ) cannot be tolerated.

    The mere mention of disparaging comments about my Savior sparks a hunger within me, fueled by the divine presence of God. The Holy Spirit urges me to defend His name, as my devotion to Him is steadfast and unwavering. My belief in the gospel and the salvation it brings is absolute, and any attempts to tarnish it will be met with determined opposition. I stand firm in my Faith and remain committed to defending it against all forms of persecution.

    Discovering that God chose me and continues to keep me despite my flaws was a moving experience. This revelation has sparked an unquenchable desire within me to learn more about Him and His ways, and to share this message with others.

    UNQUENCHABLE THIRST FOR HIS WISDOM

    As I reflect on the profound influence of God’s divine intervention in my life, I am overcome with a sense of intellectual stimulation. Despite my inherent weaknesses, I have reached a resolute understanding that God has chosen me and is the sole source of my preservation. This realization has ignited an unquenchable thirst within me to delve deeper into the limitless depths of His character and teachings.

    SATISFIED IN HIS WORD, ALONE

    Certainly, this newfound desire to gain spiritual knowledge and share it with others brings me immense joy and satisfaction.

    SUPERNATURAL KNOWLEDGE

    I was compelled by a supernatural force to intimately know the Almighty when He revealed to me His choice of me despite my unworthiness, and in His mercy and grace, He has supported me despite my inherent flaws.

    CAN’T RESIST GOD

    Despite the reluctance and resistance I had towards worshiping God exclusively as my Creator and Sustainer, He compelled me to surrender my entire soul to Him, even against my own will. Although some may find it hard to believe, God has the power to do this.

    I WAS FULL OF PRIDE

    I realize that I used to take pride in my ability to comprehend and retain “Gnosis” from various Ancient texts. However, I have come to acknowledge that these texts are the works of other gods, mere imitations from foreign sources, albeit much is true; the serpent tells the truth to trick us.

    It took me a while to accept the truth, but after undergoing numerous trials by God’s spirit, I yearned for a deeper connection.

    HE LEAD ME TO HIS WORD

    He led me to study His Word more intently, to get to know Him profoundly. Through this process, I have experienced a transformation, moving from one level of glory to the next in truth. If you, too, are seeking a deeper understanding of God’s Word, I encourage you to embrace the journey and allow His spirit to guide you. With dedication and perseverance, you, too, can experience the transformative power of hermeneutics.

    GOD’S LOVE IS AN ACTION

    If you still don’t understand, you need to realize that the One Love of God is not an emotion but rather an action – God’s action.

    So, no, He needs nothing from me. I’m the one who needs Him. I have to defend His name, and I’m relentlessly compelled to do so.

    GOD WORKS GOOD THINGS IN US, NOT US

    It is not me who works righteousness, but God alone. We are sheer vessels to be used by our Creator.

    When I think about how unworthy I am, He still loves me unconditionally. This revelation has transformed my life and my philosophy on everything. 
    I am constantly seeking to deepen my relationship with Him and learn more about His character and will for my life.

    Scriptural Inspiration:

    Sanctify the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.
    1 Peter 3:15

    The word Sanctify in context means we set the Lord apart from everyone else, making Him be the only one we worship, adore, and obey.

    He is Lord of Life.

    I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.
    Jude 1:3

    He must be devoted to the trustworthy message we teach. Then he can use these accurate teachings to encourage people and correct those who oppose the word.
    Titus 1:9

    "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
    Hebrews 4:12
    We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
    2 Corinthians 10:5
  • Why Defend God’s Doctrine?

    Why Defend God’s Doctrine?

    Someone once told me:

    “You don’t need to debate Theology, God doesn’t need us to defend Him.”

    And to that, I say;

    Amen!

    Of course He does not need anything from me, nor from anyone.
    BUT…

    I was compelled to Know Him when He revealed to me that He chose me, and He has kept me, despite me;
    Even…

    Gasp…

    Against my will…

    Yep, I was kicking and screaming against worshiping Him, alone.

    I was only willing to remain in the prideful elation I received from my own ability to retain and understand “Gnosis” from other texts. What I now understand, after much denial, is that these texts are from “other gods” – foreign imitators. Once I truly recognized this and after enduring many trials by God’s spirit, I developed a real need for Him. So, in needing Him and studying His Word to get to know Him as deeply as possible, I am being moved from glory to glory in truth.

    So, being marked by God with His Word etched in my mind and heart:

    1. My mind cannot hear a lie about my salvation and remain unaffected because it stirs the One who owns me and dwells with me.
    2. If my heart perceives slander against its Reviver, the Heart of God, His Spirit convicts me to become stirred to defend His Name against slander.

    Why? Because I love Him…  Only because He loves me. (1 John 4:19)

    If you still don’t understand, you need to realize that the One Love of God is not an emotion, but rather an action – God’s action.

    So, no, He needs nothing from me. I’m the one who needs Him. I have to defend His name, and I’m relentlessly compelled to do so.

    It is not me who works righteousness, but God alone. We are mere vessels to be used by our Creator.

    Inspiration:

    Samctify the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.
    1 Peter 3:15

    The word Sanctify here means: set the Lord apart from everyone else to be the only one we worship, adore, and obey. He is Lord of Life. 
    I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.
    Jude 1:3
    He must be devoted to the trustworthy message we teach. Then he can use these accurate teachings to encourage people and correct those who oppose the word.
    Titus 1:9
    "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
    Hebrews 4:12
    We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
    2 Corinthians 10:5

  • The Predestination Of Jesus’ Betrayal and Death

    God Predetermined (destined)  Jesus ‘ Death

    While some may find it difficult to accept, the Scriptures make it clear that Jesus’ life, work and death had been preordained by God from  before the beginning of time.
    The Gospel of Mark provides an example in which we can see this truth being expressed:

    “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many” 
Mark 10:45

    This verse reveals that Jesus was destined from eternity past to serve mankind through His sacrificial death on our behalf.

    In addition, there are numerous other passages throughout Scripture which point towards God’s predestined plan for Christ’s coming into this world.

    IT PLEASED THE LORD TO BRUISE HIS SON

    Isaiah 53 is filled with prophecies about what would happen when He came—His suffering and death—all written hundreds years prior!

    Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him. 
He put him to grief. 
When you make his soul an offering for sin, 
He will see his offspring, 
He will prolong his days, 
and the pleasure of the LORD will prosper in his hand. 
Isaiah 53:10

    Those who afflicted and killed the Lord Jesus were instruments in God’s hands.

    Those who made Christ suffer: God was behind them, working out His will through their transgressions.

    He was delivered up by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, and you took him and by wicked hands crucified and killed him.
Acts 2:23

    God was works through the actions of wicked men in order to make fulfill His Will; Christ was a guilt offering for the sins of men.

    “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?”

    In Psalm 22 David speaks prophetically about how Jesus would suffer at Calvary long before it ever happened.

    My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?
Psalms 22:1
    And about three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” 
That is to say, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 
Matthew 27:46

    RULER OF ISRAEL FROM ANCIENT OF DAYS

    Then there is Micah 5:2 where we read details concerning Bethlehem being His birthplace hundreds of years beforehand!

    Therefore he will give them up, until the time that she who travails has given birth.
Then the remnant of his brethren will return to the children of Israel.
And he will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they will remain, for now he will be great to the ends
of the earth. 
Micah 5:3-4

    It Was The Father’s Will

    And he went a little farther, and prostrated himself and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless not as I will, but as you will”.
Matthew 26:39

    The act of bowing down showed immense restlessness, a feeling of upheaval, and a desperate yearning for assistance.

    Jesus, during the days of his earthly life in the body, when he had offered up prayers and requests with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, was heard because of his reverence.
Hebrews 5:7
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 
Romans 8:32
  • The Truth: What Is It?

    The Truth: What Is It?

    Truth is objective because it is based on facts and evidence that can be verified rather than on opinion or personal beliefs.

    Truth is not subject to interpretation or opinion, and it is not affected by personal bias or preferences.

    Truth is based on facts that are verifiable and can be proven to be true. It is not relative or subjective, and it does not change based on a person’s feelings or beliefs.

    The Scriptures Agree

    As it is written in John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

    The truth spoken of here is not a subjective or relative truth but rather an objective truth based on facts and evidence.

    In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it is written that: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

    This shows that the truth found in Scripture is not based on personal opinion or bias but rather on the divine inspiration of God.

    In Psalm 119:160, it is written that “The sum of your Word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”

    This further emphasizes the objective nature of truth found in Scripture, which is not subject to personal interpretation or bias.

    “Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.””

    John 18:36

    Pursuing truth is essential to humans, but it is not always easy. Truth is objective, and we cannot create it based on our preferences. We must approach the world with an open mind and seek out evidence to understand it better. Being aligned with truth requires us to accept what is objectively true, even if it conflicts with our beliefs. Pursuing truth is a lifelong journey that requires us to be humble, curious, and open-minded, leading to a greater sense of clarity and purpose in our lives and contributing to a more just and equitable society.

    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” –

    John 14:6

    Living in a state of truth is a spiritual journey that requires a deep relationship with God, the self, and the world. It involves aligning oneself with the divine reality and accepting the fundamental nature of existence. This state of harmony is essential for living a purposeful life and requires a commitment to following the principles of truth. Through this transformative process, we can gain a profound understanding of the objective reality of God, the subjective reality of self, and the observed reality of the world. Ultimately, living in a state of truth is a spiritual awakening that leads to a deeper connection with God and a more meaningful existence.

    Truth Is The Nature Of God

    God is the source of all truth; He is perfect, holy, and unchanging. This is found throughout the Bible and is seen in passages such as Psalm 31:5, which states, “Your word is truth.” This means that whatever God says is valid and can be trusted. God is also light, which symbolizes truth. In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.”

    God Is The Source Of All Truth

    So it is only through a relationship with Him we can genuinely understand and access the fullness of truth.

    By praying, studying the Bible, and listening to God’s guidance, we can better understand the truth and how it applies to our lives. As we grow closer to God, our knowledge of His truth deepens, allowing us to live in alignment with His will. This spiritual journey leads to a more profound understanding of reality and a more meaningful existence.

    My Philosophy on objective truth.

  • Lord Of Dark and Light

    God is the Lord of ALL life & is sovereign over all things:
    Dark, light, peace, calamity, pain, and joy.

    By Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

    Colossians 1:17

    The very airwaves that Satan uses to deceive are The Lord’s. The tactics of the enemy belong to the Lord…

     As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

    Ephesians 2:1

    Today Satan is “an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14), and his devils are “ministers of righteousness” (v. 15). They have occupied teachingg “doctrines of devils” (1 Tim. 4:1), so they are not wreaking mayhem in the material realm.

    Nothing of His creation operates outside of His order, which is under His complete divine authority. This is difficult for many humans to receive. The flesh gets very angry at this truth. The flesh & love of self reviles the ht of God having complete authority over them.

    He is the Lord of Life & and Death.

    “To this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living”

    Romasn 12:14

    Job 12:10 tells us that in God’s hand is the very breath of every single living thing, the breath of all mankind. He owns the very air we breathe.

    I Chronicle 29:11 tells us that God is sovereign over everything that is in the heavens and the earth and that He exalts Himself as head over ALL, with might in His hand to make great and to strengthen everyone that He pleases to strengthen.
    He doesn’t just say that He “allows” darkness & calamity: He says He creates it Himself.

    Isaiah 45:7 God says He is: “The One forming light and also creating darkness, causing well-being and also creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these.”

    Isaiah 31:2 teaches that God is “wise and brings forth disaster, and does not ever retract his words.”

    His words create All things.

    Isaiah 47:11 says that “God Himself brings about evil and disaster upon the unrepentant

    Amos 3:6 declares that when calamity occurs in a city, the Lord is the one to have done it.

    Psalm 33:10,11 tell us that “The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples.”

    Believers have (false) belief in their own free will, but human will is immediately nullified by the only One with truly free will, God.

    He ordained beforehand the actions of ALL men. He designed every outcome, paved every step, and calculated every second of everything, whether physical or spiritual.

    He gave authority to Pilate to judge the Son. (John 19:11)

    He raises adversaries against His chosen ones. (Exodus 4:21; I Kings 11:14-23)

    He ordained the actions of evil men by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God that they would nail Christ to the cross. (Acts 2:23)

    The sovereignty of God encompasses every bit of righteousness that men do, as well as their sin. He is the very fire that comes, burning all sin within the material to either refine His chosen or consume His enemies.

    Humans don’t have personal experience being Sovereign, we have never known what it is to do whatever we want, whenever we want, to whomever we want…

    Our finiteness could never truly comprehend such Power.

    Sovereignty has no limits. “Sovereign” humans are limited in sovereignty because we are but a tarnished image of God.
    God has decreed that evil is for the glory of His name (character, reputation, standing & title). He has full dominion over the actions of evil men. He is dominant in all aspects.

    Experiencing reality through vision of the flesh, using the wisdom of the world one cannot understand this sovereignty. No matter the evil that transpires, no matter how heinous, God has a purpose & a reason for it.

    This does not in any way alleviate moral responsibility, but rather further condemns, as humans are willing actors through our words and deeds & since God is no respecter of persons, & God creates this system & creates the laws; so we can be both His created vessels & responsible for our sinfulness, simultaneously.

    We can’t forget that God’s ways are NOT our ways.

    “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”

    Isaiah 55:8,

  • Who Is The Founder & Perfector Of Your Faith?


    “…. Looking to Jesus, THE FOUNDER AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

    Hebrews 12:2

    FOUNDER:
    n. ( faith) establisher, (faith) mounter
    n. The one who begins (faith); the one who writes (faith), the one from whom all (faith) comes.

    Jesus lays the groundwork. Jesus IS the groundwork. He establishes and forms our faith, He initiates and originates our Faith. He has complete domination over our level of faith.

    It is clear that His sovereignty reigns; it is not up to us to achieve salvation, nor are we deserving of it, not even through our own belief. If someone claims that they can secure and sustain faith solely of their own volition, they are not telling the truth.

    He has the reigns. Jesus alone by the Will of The Father decrees Faith,
    He, in His predestining Will chooses who will be established in Himself and, as many men reject, who is His enemy.

    “For by Grace, you have been saved through FAITH. And this is NOT YOUR OWN DOING; IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD, NOT A RESULT OF WORKS, so that no one may boast. For WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND, that we should walk in them.”

    Eph.2:8-10
    WORKMANSHIP:
    n. To manufacture (His people); invent; meticulously design (His Faithful), producer with intellectual depth & skill, especially by manual labor.
    n. That which is effected;  (The power to produce an outcome, full forced execution; operativeness), made or produced

    We are His Workmanship.

    He executes, He operates, He develops, and He produces His people’s Faith by the Power of His Grace.
    We don’t execute, operate, develop or produce, our own Faith.

    The Grace we receive ISN’T because of anything we do (no matter how significant), nor because of anything we say (no matter how righteous), or anything we think.
    We receive His Grace through His Sovereign Faith (not our free will “faith”); We can only be saved by the perfect Faith of Jesus Christ that can only save us by His Grace.

    AGAIN… We have righteousness through Faith. Whose Faith? Jesus’ Faith.

    ALL have sinned and fall short, but we are justified by Faith through HIS GRACE AS A GIFT… FREE GIFT.

    FAITH IS A GIFT. Therefore, we don’t work for it or at it; there’s only ONE, Christ Jesus, and He alone is able to give Faith to whom the Father chose already, He alone Saves, He follows the Will of His Father.

    No human can manipulate, control,  command, demand, or alter what has been established before the earth’s foundation. No human can interfere with the Book of Life.

    … the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are JUSTIFIED BY HIS GRACE AS A GIFT, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

    Romans 3:22‭-‬24
  • Become Like A Child

    Become Like A Child

    Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

    Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17

    MEANING

    This statement is a response to his disciples who were trying to prevent children from coming to him.

    Jesus rebukes them and says that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, and that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.

    The profoundness of this assertion lies in the characteristics of children that Jesus is referring to.

    Children are often seen as innocent, trusting, and dependent.

    They have a simple faith and are not burdened by the doubts and cynicism that can come with age and experience. They are also humble and teachable, willing to learn and receive guidance from older and wiser people.

    Jesus says that to enter the kingdom of God, we must approach it with the same childlike qualities of innocence, trust, humility, and teachability.

    We must come to God with a simple faith, not relying on our knowledge or understanding but trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance. We must be humble, recognizing that we are not self-sufficient but dependent on God. And we must be teachable, willing to learn from God, and those who are wiser and more experienced in the ways of God.

    This is the kind of faith that opens the door to the kingdom of God and allows us to enter into a relationship with God that is marked by love, joy, and peace.

    JESUS SAYS THAT WE WILL NOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN UNLESS WE BECOME LIKE A CHILD.

    Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

    Matthew 23:12