"Pressing Needs"

May 31, 2016

“Pressing Needs”

Blessings folk!

Too often we have a tendency to “breeze through” certain portions of the Word.
The intros…
The outtros…
The “begats”…
The “parts we think we already know”
The “parts we disagree with”
The “parts that no longer apply”

We do so to our detriment.

Paul is closing his letter to Titus.

See what the Lord speaks to you…

Tit 3:12-15
When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.

Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.


Paul wanted Titus to come to him.

Titus was encouraged to help folk along the way…
Zen's
Apollos

Then this “zinger” of a verse…”our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful”.

Think on that.

We as believers must learn to do good deeds.
Not just any “good deeds”.
Good deeds that meet pressing needs.
Not just any “needs”.
Pressing needs

To what point.
So that we will not be unfruitful.
Fruitful for the Kingdom.

So that the Kingdom will meet the need.
Not the Kingdom of man.
The Kingdom of God.

Most of what we do in the “name of the Kingdom” are unfruitful deeds.
The are deeds for the kingdom of a man.

Seek the Kingdom.
Do the Kingdom.

"Remembering..."


Blessings folk!

We do remember those who have gone before us.
Not only those “who died so that we can be free” (that actual number is far less than commonly thought. Much is revealed when the truth of history is understood. Do not believe every “cute catch-phrase.)

We remember those who were sacrificed by those without.
We remember those who were sacrificed by those within…a greater number and insidious evil.

We do well to remember those who fought for freedom and liberty (again, learn history to know the truth of the matter).

We do better to remember two others…

1Co 11:23-26

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;

and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.


First and foremost, we remember what the Lord has done for us.
His sacrifice is the foundation of the faith, the gospel of the Kingdom.

Then, there are the many that are mentioned in the Word as examples…the great cloud of witnesses that we see in Hebrews 11…perhaps we will examine them.

For today, read and rejoice…

Heb 12:1

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.


Do so…
lay aside every encumbrance
lay aside every sin
lay aside those things that entangle
run with endurance
fix our eyes on Jesus…nothing else, no one else
the Author of faith
the Perfecter of faith
Who endured the cross…for the joy set before Him
Who despised the shame
Who has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

Remember!
Rejoice!
Live manifesting the fruit thereof.

"Factious"

May 29, 2016

“Factious”

Blessings folk!

“Worship styles” Music
“Church growth strategies”
“Leadership styles”
“PreTrib, MidTrib, Post Trib, Pan-Millennelist”
Organized
Organic
Keeping Torah/Tanakh
Sabbath
Eat
Drink
Dress

Many are the arguments that are often brought forth in foolish and unloving ways.
We are to avoid speaking of such in foolish ways…

Tit 3:9
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.


So many seek to make major issues from things that not profitable.
What are we to do with such folk?

Titus 3:10-11
Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,

knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.


Note the attitude of the man.
He is factious.
He is seeking to instill division.
He is seeking to bring harm to the Body of Christ.

This is not just a pattern of simple conversation and discussion about matters.
That is to be done.

This is someone who is seeking to bring evil…division…harm.

Again, what are we…the Body of Christ…to do?
Give a first and second warning…seek to restore the individual.
If he does not heed the warning, then reject him.

We do so knowing that such a person is…
sinning
perverted
self-condemned

We will know them by their fruit.

Bear the fruit of the Spirit.

"Avoid Foolish..."

May 28, 2016

“Avoid Foolish…”

Blessings folk!

Yesterday we saw this trustworthy statement…

Tit 3:8

This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.


If you believe God, be careful to engage in good deeds.
Such is good and profitable for men.

Give close attention to the next verse…

Tit 3:9

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.


The first word is “but”…a contrast to the previous.

In engaging in good and profitable deeds we are to…
avoid foolish controversies
avoid genealogies
avoid strife
avoid disputes about the Law

Why?
Because such is unprofitable and worthless.

Does this mean that we can not examine, study and discuss such?
No.

It does mean that we are to avoid conversations where folk are seeking to bring confusion, disunity, fear, doubt….a “unholy” spirit…into the discussion.

We know the difference.

Many are the ones that live to “argue” for argument sake.
Many are those who live to undermine the faith by waxing eloquent in pseudo-intellectual pursuits.

There are multitudes of foolish controversies that distract the Body of Christ today.
Avoid them.

Surely we do not need to delineate them…do we? Happy

"Speak Confidently"

May 27, 2016

“Speak Confidently”

Blessings folk!

Quickly review these wonderful truths we saw yesterday…

Tit 3:3-7

For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.


Now, look at the next verse…

Tit 3:8

This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.


We are to speak confidently of the faith we have.
We are to know the truth.
We are to know this trustworthy statement…verses 3-7.
Learn it.
Proclaim it.

We will thereby be able to carefully engage in good deeds.

Too often we have the good Word, yet not the good deed.
Good Word.
Good deed.
Both are required.

Both are good and profitable for men.

"Mercy and Grace"

May 26, 2016

“Mercy and Grace”

Blessings folk!

We saw yesterday that we were once…
foolish
disobedient
deceived
enslaved to various lusts
enslaved to pleasures

We once spent our lives in…
malice
envy
hate
hating one another

But, then we were saved.
Happy

What brought forth this salvation?

Tit 3:3-7

For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.


The source of this salvation?
the kindness of God our Savior
the love of God for mankind
the mercy of God
the grace of God

How was/is salvation provided?
not on the basis of deeds
not on our righteousness
washing of regeneration by the blood of Jesus
renewing by the Holy Spirit
What is the result?
we are justified
we are made heirs
we have hope of eternal life

These five verses provide a wonderfully succinct explanation of who man was, what he can be and how it happens.

Learn it.
Know it.
Live it!

"We Once Were..."

May 25, 2016

“We Once Were…”

Blessings Folk!

We continue to read/learn/reflect/meditate/live the grace of God.

This passage in Titus covers so much.

Read.

Give heed to what is said about:
grace
mercy
how we were
how we are

Tit 3:3-7

For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.


We once were…
foolish
disobedient
deceived
enslaved to various lusts
enslaved to pleasures

We once spent our lives in…
malice
envy
hate
hating one another

What happened?

We were saved.

…to be continued…

"Wages"

May 24, 2016

“Wages”

Blessings folk!

True believers have been freed from sin.
We no longer are enslaved to the flesh.

Yes.
We can choose to “put on” the flesh.
We can chose to walk in the ways of the past.
But, we are not driven by irresistible desire.
We do so because we want to.

Sin is like that.
We sin simply because we want to.
Not because we “have to”.


Rom 6:22
But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.


We are enslaved to God.
A wondrous benefit which results in sanctification…growing in holiness.
The outcome of sanctification?
Eternal life!

Then a word of transition…”for”… It is tied to all previously discussed.
Because of all this we know…
the wages of sin is death
the free gift of God is eternal life
eternal life is in Christ Jesus
Christ Jesus our Lord.

Every word is important.
Every thought necessary for proper understanding of what the Lord has done for us.

Live not in the wages of sin.
Live in the life that is the Lord.

"#3"

May 23, 2016

“#3”

Blessings folk!

A personal digression of praise today…

Thirty years ago, at this moment, we were blessed with baby # 3, Lenee.

It was sorta strange.

The delivery had been “planned”.
A common event today.
Not then.
Look’n back I suspect the doctor wanted to get started on his holiday weekend.
Seriously.

I learned to not inform of every upcoming contraction that I could see on the monitor.
She knew already.
Stood a safe distance away thereafter… hehehehe…

The Word of the Lord is true…

Psa 127:3-5
Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.

How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.


Truly children are a gift from the Lord.
Grandchildren even more so!

Children, the fruit of the womb, is a reward.
Forget that not.
Children are a reward.

Children are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
Think on that.

How blessed is the man who has a quiver full!

Blessings and thanks to the Lord for Lenee!

She is a Servant of the Most High who pursues Him with all her heart, mind, soul and strength.

Don’t know her?

Here she is…

Proverbs 31
10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.


"What Is the Outcome?"

May 22, 2016

“What Is the Outcome?”

Blessings folk!

Dead to sin.
Dead to the flesh.
Freed from sin.
Free from the flesh.

So, what is the outcome?

Rom 6:19-22
I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.

Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death.

But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.


Formerly we submitted our bodies to be enslaved to impurity and lawlessness.

Now, we are slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

Before, the outcome was death.

What is the outcome now?
Freed from sin.
Enslaved to God.
Sanctification.
The outcome of eternal life.

Life now.
Life everlasting, afterward.

"Slaves to Righteousness"

May 21, 2016

“Slaves to Righteousness”

Blessings folk!

We do not sin more so that more grace will abound.

Such is foolishness…though many professing believers seem to think it the truth.

True.
We once were enslaved to sin.
But, we have now given ourselves to the Lord.

Rom 6:15-18

What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely not!

Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey — either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?

But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were transferred to,

and having been liberated from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.


The obedience did not come from our own volition.
We obeyed from the heart.
A heart that was being drawn by the Lord.

We moved from being slaves to sin - leading to death…to slaves of obedience - leading to righteousness.

We are now liberated from sin.
We are now enslaved to righteousness and the liberty therein.
Slaves to liberty.
Slaves to freedom.

Thank the Lord.

"What Then?"

May 20, 2016

“What Then?”

Blessings folk!!

Paul brings home an issue of “grace” that often occurs in the Church…

It occurs to such a degree, that many true believers reject the total truths of grace due to fear of abusing grace.

Heed the Word of the Lord…

- Rom 6:15
What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely not!


Paul, led by the Spirit, was anticipating a response from a group of true believers.

The reasoning is this.
- “Sin is ok, because grace will cover it.”
“The more I sin, the more grace that will come my way.”

No more foolish than many things heard in the church today.

The response?
Absolutely not!
Or…as in other translations…”May it never be!”

We are “under the law” in a manner of speaking.
Jesus fulfilled the Law.
We are in Jesus.
We are to abide in Him.

Therefore, sin not!

"Master?"

May 19, 2016

“Master?”

Blessings folk!

What “masters” you?

Wants?
Desires?
Goals?
Ambitions?
Expectations?
Fears?
Anxieties?
Sin?


Rom 6:14
For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.


We are no longer “under law”.
The Lord Jesus fulfilled the Law.
We obey/complete the Law in Him.

Mat 5:17
Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.


Rather, we are under grace.
In this “grace state” we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to no longer live in sin.

We are commanded/instructed to reject the mastery of sin in our lives.

As we have seen earlier, it is a choice.
We can choose to allow sin mastery.
Or, we can choose to walk in the Spirit…to walk in death to self/sin…to walk in the power of the One Who is Lord and Master of All.

Choose the walk of Life.

"Instruments..."

May 18, 2016

“Instruments…”

Blessings folk!

Because of God’s grace…
Because we are empowered by the Holy Spirit…
Because we can walk in death to self/sin…
Because we can walk in the newness of life in Him…

Therefore…

Rom 6:12-13

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,

and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.


Two commands/instructions.

Do not let sin reign in your mortal body.
- Again, it is a choice
- Do not obey the lusts of the flesh
- Do not present the members of your body…your physical body…to sin… as instruments of unrighteousness

(2) Present yourselves to God
- As those alive from the dead
- Present your member…your physical body…as an instrument of righteousness to God

The choice: instrument of sin unto unrighteousness versus instrument of righteousness unto God.

Choose well.

"Consider Yourselves to Be Dead..."

May 17, 2016

“Consider Yourselves To Be Dead…”

Blessings folk!

So, here is the bottom line with dying to self…

Rom 6:10-11
For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.

Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.


Jesus died to sin once for all.
The Life He lives is to God.

We are likewise.
Those of us “in Him”.

We are to consider ourselves to be dead to sin.
This does not mean that we will not be tempted to sin.
This does not mean that that the fiery darts of the enemy will cease.
This does not mean that we can not choose to sin.

It does mean that we are empowered by the Spirit to make a decision.
We choose to resurrect the old man and his sinful ways.
Or, we choose to consider ourselves to be dead to sin.
Positionally we are dead to sin.
How we live is our decision.

We are also to consider ourselves to be alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Positionally we are.
How we live is our decision.

Choose life in Christ.
Reject sin and the death that it brings.

Embrace death to self and sin.

Then, watch what the Lord does…

"Never Die Again..."

May 16, 2016
“Never Die Again…”
Blessings folk!
True believers have “died with Christ”. Therefore, we shall also live with Him.
Rom 6:8-9 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.
The “if” carries the ides of “since we have”…
Since we have died with Christ, we will live with Him.
Christ was raised from the dead. Literally. Bodily.
He will never die again. Death has no mastery over Him.
We will live likewise in Him.
Death has no power over us. Now. Forever.
Therefore, fear not.
Live daily in death to self, knowing that eternal life awaits.

"No Longer Slaves..."

May 15, 2016

“No Longer Slaves…”

Blessings folk!

So many professing believers are slaves.

Slaves to sin in all its varied forms.

Hear the Word of the Lord…

Rom 6:5-7
For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,

knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;

for he who has died is freed from sin.


Since we as true believers have become united with Him (Jesus) in His death…
We will also be in His resurrection.
We will be resurrected as He was.

Know this.
The old self is crucified with Him.
Why?
That our body of sin might be done away with.
So that we are no longer slaves to sin.
We can refuse to sin.
We can walk in liberty, in freedom, in holiness…as the Lord instructs.

If we are enslaved to sin, then we have not died to self.

The one who has died to self/to the flesh is freed from sin.

By the grace of God, we are no longer slaves to sin.

"Grace: Newness of Life in Death"

May 14, 2016

“Grace: Newness of Life in Death”

Blessings folk!

God’s grace.
Amazing.
His gift.

And as one might expect, the evil one seeks to pervert the grace of the Lord.

We see it all the time in varied ways.

Paul dealt with one element of this in Romans 6.

Remember, Romans 6 flows directly from Romans 5.
The chapter division and versification of the Word, though useful, will often distract from a correct interpretation of a passage.

Some during Paul’s time sought to use grace as an excuse to sin and do as they desired.
The same occurs today.
Hear the response of the Spirit through Paul…

Rom 6:1-4
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?

May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?

Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.


The argument was this.
If it takes more grace to forgive, then let us sin more. God will provide more grace!

God’s response?
May it never be!!

If we are truly saved…
If we have truly died to sin…
Then how can we still live in sin?
Impossible.

If we are saved…
If we have been baptized into His death…
Then we will die daily to self and walk in the newness of His life.

We are buried with Him in death.
We walk with Him in Life.

"Grace Reigns"

May 13, 2016

“Grace Reigns”

Blessings folk!

The grace of God.
Truly amazing.

Read the last two verses of Romans 5…

Rom 5:20-21
The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.


When the Law came, transgression increased.
Why?

Because transgression was defined.
Man knew then what sin was.

Though sin increased, grace abounded even more.

Sin brought death.
Sin reigned in death.

Grace reigns in righteousness.
Grace reigns to eternal life.
Life through Jesus.
Jesus the Christ.
Jesus our Lord.

Through the grace of the Lord we have life abundant and life everlasting.

The Law defined our need for grace.
The Lord provides the grace.

"One Act"

May 12, 2016

“One Act”

Blessings!

So, we draw near to a conclusion of understanding the grace of the Lord manifest in what Jesus Christ did for us.

Romans 5 reveals much.

Rom 5:18-19
So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.

For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.


Adam:
One transgression
One man’s disobedience
Condemnation to all men - sin and death
The many were made sinners

Jesus:
One act of righteousness
The obedience of One
Justification of life to all men
The many made righteous

One question.

Are you “in Adam” or are you “in Jesus”?

"Abundance of Grace"

May 11, 2016

“Abundance of Grace”

Blessings folk!

Grace.
Abundant grace.

Such grace is provided to mankind…to all who will believe…through the Lord Jesus.

We continue through Romans 5…a bountiful harvest of understanding related to grace…

Rom 5:16-17
The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.

For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.


The gift of grace is not limited as the transgression.

In the transgression, one man - Adam, sinned, thereby bringing sin and death into the world.
Adam and mankind were condemned to separation from God.

But, on the other hand, the free gift of grace “arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.”

The abundance of grace…
The gift of righteousness…
Will reign through the One Who provided the justification…Jesus Christ.

Marvelous truths of the grace we have.

Why would we live outside of this grace?

"The Free Gift"

May 10, 2016

“The Free Gift”

Blessings folk!

The free gift!
The gift of grace!

The gift of grace that covers from the original sin until there is no more sin.

Read and rejoice…

Rom 5:14-15
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.


The free gift is not like the transgression.
The transgression of the one…Adam…brought death unto all mankind.

But, the free gift of grace!
It abounds to the many.
Life everlasting to all who will believe.

The gift of Jesus Christ, the one Man, who saves all is by grace.

Rejoice in the grace.
Live in the grace.

"A Type of Him..."

May 9, 2016

“A Type of Him…”

Blessings folk!

Ok…let us review the two verses we have examined the past couple of days.
Then, look at the next verse…

Rom 5:12-13
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned—

for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Prior to the Law, sin was in the world.
Yet, sin is not imputed where there is no law.

Then…


Rom 5:14
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.


Death reigned from Adam until Moses…until the Law.
Even over those who had not sinned in the offense of Adam.
Even over those who had not sinned.
All die.

Then we see this…”who is a type of Him who was to come.”

Huh? Happy

Adam was a “type” (a picture/foreshadowing) of Messiah/Jesus yet to come.

In the same way that all mankind was effected by the sin of Adam, all mankind is impacted by the One to come - Jesus.

Adam brought death to all mankind.
Jesus brings life to all mankind…to all that will believe and receive.

"Righteousness Imputed..."

May 8, 2016

“Righteousness Imputed…”

Blessings folk!

The subject of “imputation” is beyond the scope of our time together.

The Word speaks more of it…

Rom 4:11
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

Rom 4:22-24
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Rom 5:13
(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Jas 2:23
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.


The Romans 4 passage speaks of Abraham.

James 2 is a synopsis of what happened to Abraham.

Abraham believed God.
Because of this, righteousness was imputed to him.
He was called a Friend of God.

We have a choice.

We can continue to live in the sin imputed to us due the rebellion of man….

Or…

We can believe the Word and Deed of the Lord and allow Him to impute righteousness to us.

Choose ye this day.

"Imputed..."

May 7, 2016

“Imputed…”

Blessings folk!

An interesting thought is introduced to us in today’s portion of our continued passage…

Rom 5:12-13
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned—

for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.


All have sinned because of the sin of Adam.
Death entered the world due to the sin of Adam/Eve.

Did you note the last phrase?

Until the Law, sin was in the world.
(Remember, the Law was given much later…after Adam/Eve)

But, sin is not imputed when there is no law.

What does this mean?

Imputed means “reckoned to one’s account”, “lay to one’s charge”.

Simply put, prior to the law, sin was in the world.
Death was the result of sin.

But, the Law gave “the rules” related to sin.

Once “the rules” were known, then man was accountable.

…to be continued…

"Abounding Life Through the One..."

May 6, 2016

“Abounding Life Through the One…”

Blessings folk!

Therefore…
In light of what we have seen to this point in Romans 5….

Rom 5:12
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men,…


Through the rebellion of Adam sin entered the world.
Death came due to the sin.
Death then spread to all mankind.

There are profound truths here. Let us spend some time on it…slowly. Happy

So, prior to the rebellion of Adam, there was no sin.
No death.

Rebellion brought forth death.
All mankind now experiences death.

Yet, there is hope.

A few verses later we learn this…(we will look at the other verses tomorrow&hellipWinking

Rom 5:15
…For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.


The many…all man…die due to the transgression of the one.

How much more does the grace of God and the gift of the grace of God…the One Man, Jesus Christ abound to many.

That is an interesting phrase and thought.

Adam brought death to all mankind.
Jesus brings abounding life to the many…to those who believe.

Rejoice in this.
Meditate upon it.

Be certain where you are.
Are you in Adam?
Are you in Jesus?

"Grace: Saved from the Wrath to Come"

May 4, 2016

“Grace: Saved from the Wrath to Come”

Blessings folk!

The grace of God transforms us.
The grace of God conforms us to His likeness.
The grace of God empowers us for this life.
The grace of God spares us the wrath of God to come.

Rom 5:9-10
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.


We are promised to be spared the wrath of God.
It is by His grace.

He reconciled us through the death of His Son to himself.
This He did while we were His enemies.

How much more shall we be saved by His life.

Yes, we will be spared the wrath of God…

But, many make a grievous error here.

The wrath of God is His judgment upon unbelieving man.
We will not undergo this.

The wrath of satan is poured out upon Israel and the church.
We will under go this.
What is it called?
Jesus named it in Matthew 24 - the Great Tribulation.

Yes, the church will undergo the great tribulation.
The Word is very clear.

Do not confuse nor conflate the great tribulation and the wrath of God.

Clarifying these two events brings tremendous revelation to the last days.

Are you ready?
You can be by His grace…

"While We Were Yet Sinners..."

May 3, 2016

“While We Were Yet Sinners…”

Blessings folk!

God’s grace toward us is without end.

Remember, grace is giving that which is not deserved.
In this case, salvation from sins.
Reconciliation with Father

Mercy is not giving us what we deserve.
Punishment for our sins.
Eternal separation from Father.
The Lake of Fire.

Romans 5 shows us much about God’s grace toward us…we continue…

Rom 5:6-8
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.


God’s grace provides salvation to those who believe.

This salvation was provided through the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

While we were still helpless…in sin…
At the right time…not a moment earlier/later…
Christ died…for the ungodly, the helpless…
This is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love toward us…

That, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The grace of God.
Live it.
Rejoice in it.

"Tribulations..."

May 2, 2016

“Tribulations…”

Blessings folk!

God’s grace is amazing.

We are grace creatures.
We are transformed by grace.
We are being conformed into the image of the Lord by grace.
We have salvation now and yet to come by His grace.
We are covenant people of the grace of God.

If this be so, and it is, then why do difficult things occur.

Let’s review what we read yesterday, then continue a few more verses…

Rom 5:1-5
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;

and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.


Tribulations will come.
What is our response to be?
Exult!
Exult means “to feel or show great happiness”.
Hummm….?
Not exactly the response that we normally have to times of tribulation, trouble, turmoil and the like.

Why does God allow such?

Tribulation brings perseverance.
we choose to press on
we choose to rejoice
we choose to feel and show great happiness

Perseverance brings proven character.
who we are is revealed in persevering through tribulation

Proven character brings and manifests hope.

Hope does not disappoint.

We do this through the Love of God that has been poured out…note the volume…poured!….within our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us.

True Believers have the Holy Spirit within.

We are called to live this way.
We can.
We must.

Do it.

"By Faith Into Grace..."

May 1, 2016

“By Faith Into Grace…”

Blessings folk!!

Continue to think on grace.

We use the word so often, yet, do we know the fullness of the grace of the Lord?
Do we know what it means?

Here is more…

Rom 5:1-2
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.


We have been justified by faith.
We have peace with God.
All through the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is through the Lord that we have been introduced to something.
What?
We have been introduced to grace.
By faith we are introduced to grace.

Introduced?

This is just the beginning of God’s grace.
It grows.

We stand in the grace of the Lord.
We rejoice in this grace.
We rejoice in hope, through grace. of the the glory of God.

Justified by faith.
Peace with God.
Through Jesus.
Grace by faith in which we stand.
Exulting in hope.
Glory!

This is the true life of the Believer.

Do we see such in our lives?

"Follow..."

April 30, 2016

“Follow…”

Blessings folk!

Yesterday we saw how persecution, tribulation, problems and troubles might lead to the grace of God being poured forth in might and power.

Remember this.
Know this.

2Ti 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.


If you desire to live godly in Christ Jesus, then you will be persecuted.
At some point.
At some time.
In some way.

Paul actually encourages Timothy to embrace such…

2Ti 3:10-11
Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance,

persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!


We understand following teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love and perseverance…usually folk stop at the end of that verse.
But, that is mid-thought is what Paul was communicating.

We are to that persecutions and sufferings will come.
Sufferings and persecutions at the hands of unbelievers.
Sufferings and persecutions at the hands of those who profess to be believers.

Follow and rejoice, understanding that the Lord rescues us.