A Call To War

We Christians do our most effective fighting on our knees. Just now I read a request for prayer at a ministry website that I hold dear.

I ask that you too join the many who are praying for Caleb Anderson, and if you have knowledge of what might have happened I humbly ask you to come forward.

Please visit Answers In Genesis.

The Grace Awakening

This week I started Chuck Swindoll's devotional "The Grace Awakening". You see, I've been studying Dispensationalism. While I can't explain it all yet, I'm on board with the fact that this way of "rightly dividing the Word of Truth" explains how God has revealed Himself clearly and without conflict.

That is not to say I agree with everything every dispensationalist has written. I just believe God has worked, and will work in a series of dispensations. The current one being the Dispensation of Grace, or more accurately of The Church. God has always acted with grace.

I'm learning to set people free. Not to hold them to my set of "rules". I'm also learning to be free myself. Free to serve our Savior and to spread the Gospel. As far as I can see so far, I'm required to remember the Lord in the breaking of bread and drinking of the cup, and to preach the Gospel to the unsaved and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Everything else is the work of the Spirit. What food I eat, whether I drink alcohol and so on. These things are works of the Spirit, not my will. It's all well and good to want to be "sinless" but it is simply not possible this side of eternity. There is effort involved but I'm finding it's more to do with submission than overcoming anything.

The Spirit has changed me so much I hardly recognize myself. Repentance is evidence of the indwelling Spirit - at least that's what I think right now. I can't prove it from scripture just yet. But it seems to fit. I didn't change when I was trying to. I changed when I broke down and confessed my sins to God. When I stopped trying to be someone He could love, His love took control and now I'm new. I don't have to try to be new. I simply am. Far from sinless yet, but it's not a struggle anymore and the time between sins seems to be getting longer.

I very much want people to know this freedom. It's not freedom to sin - as Paul says "heaven forbid". It's freedom from the slavery to sin. It's freedom to do what's right. It's not following rules. It's about living.

See I have much to learn, but I'm doing it. I really just wanted to drop a note of "Hi" seeing as it's Friday and all.

The School of Biblical Evangelism

I'd like to say I've been living in victory for the last little while, but as you may have noticed I haven't been.

I've been ignoring our most important calling - Evangelism.

This blog is mildly evangelical... but mostly only in spirit, not in practice.

I give up. I can't fight Him on this any more. I'm sure I'm called to be a student, and hopefully someday a teacher of the Word, yet my first calling is to be a spreader of the Gospel. I'm going to be doing that more here but mostly this is a personal face to face sort of thing.

This is WAY out side my comfort zone. I need the help of the Spirit, and I need some training. With that in mind I've just enrolled at the School of Biblical Evangelism. I've only just started and I can already tell you with confidence it's worth the small entrance fee many times over.

Check it out yourself. If you're a believer it's your calling.

A Game We've Seen Many Times Before

Why is it when we watch a team loose a championship so often it's obvious from the beginning of the game?

Last night it was clear from the beginning that Edmonton was not playing the game. It got laughable during a rare 5 on 3 Power-Play when they played catch with the puck instead of taking shots. This was to be repeated every time there was a Power Play in the game.

In a few moments the team really stepped up and played hard. The first two minutes of the 2nd Period saw Edmonton playing hard and really working together. Why could they do it for 2 minutes but not the rest of the period?

Predictably, near the end of the 3rd Period Edmonton came alive again and started to play. Of course it was too late. And a surprise break away by Carolina which allowed them to score a goal on an empty net sealed the game for their team.

Why am I talking about Hockey here in this block? Well, it's called 'On My Walk'. My walk is so often dotted by sprints and runs, but most of my life I've been lax. Thinking I would always have time to live to the fullest at some point in the future.

Truly my brethren, we have no promise of tomorrow on this world. The Bride must prepare herself for the Bridegroom for the wedding is upon us! The Church is soon to be raptured, it could be at any moment. There may be no more moments left in our 3rd period. We've won, because it's His victory, but how have we played? Are we going to meet reward? For me, I need to be at this "walk" as though my very life depended on it.

A Podcast Series For You

So I've only got one job to do while I'm alive. That's to tell people about Christ. I am not to convince, convert, or coerce anyone. Oh how I love a debate (often an argument), but I'm not convinced this is either helpful or godly. I also love to write and write... and read and read. There is so much printed information about the Word of God and all the proof of it's truthfulness. I love to read nearly as much of it as I can get my hands on... but even I can't stand to read it all. There simply isn't enough time in the day. So, how can I expect those who are not yet believers to invest the incredible amount of time it takes to become truly informed? I can't. Even though I know without a doubt, it is more than worth their time, the person who does not yet know this, simply doesn't know it.

John Mac Arthur has an audio series starting today called "The Sufficiency of Scripture". It's free to listen to, and even download. Today's Podcast "The Doctrine of Scripture" is great in that in 29 Minutes John shows evidence from several disciplines of science which is not subjective and clearly supports the Word of God. He shows how the Bible is and has always been predictive of future scientific revelations. It shows how (proven, non-theoretical) science and the Bible always agree. It also shows some subjective proof, and explains why subjective proof isn't the best because of it's subjective nature.

So you don't want to read endless papers, but you do want to know if there really is anything in the Bible that shows it's actually scientifically sound? This series is for you. Here's a couple of ways you can listen.

For download and OnePlace.com *free registration required

Podcast *allows you to download or listen to the daily broadcast. I use iTunes and keep the podcasts myself. You can listen with Windows Media player or Winamp or w/e.

For more information on John's ministry visit Grace To You.

Cory's Ordination

Today, North of Toronto my dear friend Cory is being Ordinated. He's worked very hard toward this. I was given the privilege of writing my recommendation for him in this matter. He loves God. He's a great father of Caleb and Joshua. He's a loving husband of Dawn, and surely does dwell with her in knowledge of who she is and what her needs are. I really believe this describes him well.

I thank God for Cory as a brother and friend.

New Layout

Hey All,

Well thankfully a close brother in Christ came and helped me cry a bit yesterday. Ok well more than a bit... He reminded me the only way to true strength is by being broken. Well I must be on my way to being very strong. It's alright to chuckle at that, I did even when I typed it.

The new layout. It seems like I'm getting in to bigger topics and I needed some more room. The long posts are harder to read if you have to scroll down through them IMO.

Let me know what you think.

In the deep

Well you know I try to live in His victory. It's a wondrous thing, this free salvation He gives.

Today I'm feeling weak. I'm praying and continuing to pray. Asking and continuing to. Knocking, as much as I know how, and continuing so. The attack is harsh and fearsome. I need His intervention.

He answers prayers in season. His purpose is not complete yet. Oh how I wish I could avoid this valley, shorten it, escape it. My spirit is willing (barely) but my flesh is very weak. If you happen to be reading this, I could use someone to hold up my arms in prayer, because we (my wife and I) need a very important (to us) victory.

I've just finished reading the latest, and great issue of Christian Chronicles. Oh Lord, would You call us up to You right now?

I'm Glad To Have Made The Change

Recently I've switched my reading from the AMP to the KJV (Evidence Bible) and I'm so glad that I have.

There are a number of translations of the Word out today. People argue left and right over which one is best. Few argue that the KJV is anything but the 'gold standard' though. It's a bit hard to read. The Evidence Bible has mostly fixed that for me thankfully.

Those who criticize the other translations will often use the scriptural position and deity of Christ Jesus as a focal point of why we should avoid some translations. I agree with this position, however, I'm actually becoming more concerned with the many more subtle changes in context of the general text in these same translations. A chart showing how the different versions handle the authority and power of Christ (His preeminence) is here. An other table showing various omissions and contradictions issues are here, and yet more showing deleted scripture part 1 and part 2.

In reading I Cor a couple of days ago I came across the following two examples, which may or may not be listed in the above tables (I haven't checked them in ages). These stood out to me because now reading them in KJV they finally made sense to me. Here ya go;

I Cor 7:6

"But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment." KJV

"I say this as a concession, not as a command" - NIV

"But I am saying this more as a matter of permission and concession, not as a command or regulation." - AMP

I've heard pastors speak of this verse several times, with differing approaches but basically all less than sturdy. The KJV seems (to me) to indicate Paul had permission to speak of this, but had not been commanded to give this information to the Church. Paul was commissioned to give the Gospel of Grace to the Church - specifically the Gentiles, he was commanded to give it to us. To say he's saying something as a "concession" or to be "permissive" always seemed weak to me. It didn't fit with the rest of the things Paul wrote. The idea that he had permission to give this info, which does fit well with Grace, makes more sense than if he was conceding to the state of the people there.

I Cor 1:4 is similar in that it's meaning is changed dramatically by the translation - at least the way I read the other translations.

"I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ" - KJV

"I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus" - NIV

"I thank my God at all times for you because of the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which was bestowed on you in Christ Jesus" - AMP

I've always thought Paul was writing how he thanked God "for them", IE for having them in the Church, not "on their behalf". On their behalf makes more sense, especially given how he goes on to say they are still babes in Christ. They don't yet understand Grace, nor even the basics. They don't know to thank Him for the Grace He has given, especially in light of the state their assembly was in. So, Paul thanks Him on their behalf. An interestingly merciful prayer. That by telling them will lead them to understand they should be thankful of this.

My concern about the various translations is it's very easy to mislead a person by putting your own bent on a subject in the verses. I struggle with this as I post on this blog every single time. These are always my thoughts, and where I am currently at. They should never be confused with direct revelation from God, which is what His inerrant Word absolutely is.

Digging Up Food

So last evening I had to dig up some frozen chicken in our freezer to get down to the pork-chops we want for supper tonight. It wasn't an easy task, the chicken packages had molded themselves to each other when they froze. It was kinda like taking apart Legos that had been glued together. Anyway, I was a bit frustrated by the experience.

Later as we prayed God brought this back to my mind and I realized what a complete fool I had been. Most the people on the planet would love to have the food I have...and there I was frustrated by it.

I don't know how He suffers me. His grace abounds.

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Oh It's a question that's been asked so many times. The human mind wants to change and prove to God that we can be better. It wants to work for something that is of infinite value. It can't fathom that something we ALL need could be free. So in an attempt to put our efforts to rest, and let He that is able to do all things answer our need lets take a look at what how the Word answers the question.

ACTS 16:39-34 KJV

You must believe, simple as that. Clearly, Repentance is not a requirement for salvation or it would have been told to the Jailer. Repentance is a gift, something that is given to you. It is a requirement for a relationship with God, but not for Salvation - or being saved. If it were then we would be required to earn our salvation and would give us reason to boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV


Now what must you believe? Well they told him "the word of the Lord" - The Gospel of Christ Jesus (not of John the Baptist which was repentance). I Cor 15:1-8 KJV

Yes you must believe the full Gospel of Christ in order to believe in Him, and so in order to be Saved. IF you deny that Christ is Risen then you do not share in His death and resurrection and ascension, in which you would have died unto sin, been "Born Again" unto Life and risen to life in Christ together with Him in the Heavenlies. Rom 6:3-11 KJV Eph 2:6 KJV

I truly hope this has been a help to free you from trying to earn a free gift. You must believe only, and wholly the full Gospel of Christ Jesus. Died Sinless, Buried, Risen Bodily, and Ascended to Heaven. If any one part is not believe, or worse not true, then there is no Salvation in Him. If you do believe all of this then HE has finished the work. You have been crucified and risen with Him. Sanctification is filled with repentance and effort - though the fruitfulness of it is a work of the Spirit not you.

God's Goodness Leads To Repentance

I love Romans 2:4. "...Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repent ([a]to change your mind and inner man to accept God's will)?"

Taken in context with the section of Scripture (Romans 2:1-4 though the point moves forward through the chapter, verses 1-4 will suffice for my thought here today) we see that it is not ours to "condemn" others. I need to deal with this before I can get to my point today. The English word being used is "judge", but it means condemn. The Greek word (Strong's # G2919 krinō pronounced "kree'-no" means "Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish: - avenge, conclude, condemn,
punish: - avenge, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think." As you can see for yourself it is not to 'size up', 'estimate', 'view closely', or even 'give council' which are things that the word "judge" might imply to us today. Dictionary.com shows the informal meaning of the word to be "To have as an opinion or assumption; suppose: I judge you're right" This is how people often apply verses 1-4 today which is clearly wrong.

OK so now that I've shown how Judge means to condemn, not to "judge" lets go on.

Paul was writing to those who were condemning others for being Sinful. That's God's job, and He'll surely do it. It's not our job to pass sentence on someone. For doing so has us trying to limit God's mercy and goodness for these people.

The whole point was to be (but I've run out of time and will be late for work) is that God uses His goodness to sinners to bring about repentance.

Glory to be to the God Most High! Thank You for Your mercies which are new every day!

A Challenging Couple

Edit= changed judgement to condemnation. Christians will stand and be judged, but not condemned.
Acts 5 contains a recount of events (I suggest opening that in another window and leaving it open) which are shocking to many Christians, myself included. Ananias and his wife Sapphira die after lying to God the Holy Spirit. The fact that God gives and takes away life is not shocking, but to the believer who understands Grace and that there is no condemnation in Christ it is troubling to see two people involved with the early Church apparently judged, and so harshly at that.

The history is that the early Church had people of all classes in it, those who had gave it away so that those who had not would have. Everyone's needs were met, as you can read in Acts 4. When we come to Acts 5 though we find out that Ananias and Sapphira had sold off property which belonged to them (no one else had claim to it) and gained money (that they owed to no one) and instead of giving it all up they kept some of it for themselves. Ananias brought the remainder to Peter and laid it at his feet. Peter responded with "Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?....." After hearing Peter's words Ananias fell down and died, bringing great fear to all those who heard of this.

Important things to note are these - Peter knew what had happened. It's not explained but I suspect special revelation (The Spirit told him). Peter also asks why Satan had "filled" Ananias' heart. This will become important when I explain what I believe happened to this couple, and why.

About three hours later Sapphira came to Peter, not knowing what had befell her husband. Peter asks her "How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold the feet of them which have buried your husband are at the door, and shall carry you out." Then she fell down and died as well.

The important thing to note here is that Peter knew she would die.

OK so here we have two people involved in the early Church, at it's very beginnings actually, God is dealing with believers through Grace, the Holy Spirit has entered into the world and indwells believers. How could judgement like this happen?

There are two possibilities that I see. First God saw that these believers were disorderly and would cause problems in the Church at a critical time and therefore called them home, not being judgement but instead mercy. They simply died and would have gone directly to be in the presence of the Lord. Second, and this is the one I believe is supported by scripture, is that these two were non-believers who were in the Church. Their deaths were used as a sign to build credibility in the Apostle Peter and to keep non-believers from infiltrating the Church.

In Acts 5:3 we see that Ananias had his heart filled by Satan. This is not possible if the person is a believer and has God the Holy Spirit already indwelling and possessing him. Peter does not say this of Sapphira, but does indicate that she and her husband had agreed to tempt God which is not impossible for a believer but is inconsistent. I'm sure Ananias couldn't have been a believer, and I have serious doubt that Sapphira was. Still there is more;

Acts 5:11-14 seems to seal the deal for me. "and great fear came upon all the Church, and upon as many as heard these things" Believers and non-believers felt the fear of God at hearing of these deaths. The word "and" indicates a continuing of the subject. "and by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people." These deaths could easily be some of these signs and wonders. "and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest no man dared join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women." Here we see that the believers were of one accord - or in agreement, of one mind - and that non-believers did not mix with them, I believe out of the fear they gained by hearing of the couple's demise. Still the people held the believers in high esteem and multitudes of new believers came.

Clearly, I believe anyway, these two were posing as believers in the Church but were not. God turned this deception to the benefit of the Church and through this act brought people to believe that God is real, He does have power and the things the Apostles were saying (are saying in the Word) are true.

God is interested in our hearts, not our actions. Going to church and giving money and time to people will not save you. It is your heart that He wants. I pray those who read this will drop to their knees and give their hearts to Christ now. Let Him be Lord of your lives, accept that He paid the price for your transgressions. You can be forgiven and through the lovely grace of Our Lord you too can be seen as righteous before God the Father, as you'll be in His Son, Christ Jesus.

Mercy Spilling Over

This morning's sunrise looked as though the sun were coming up over the ocean from the view of my bathroom window. There was a bank of fog over the trees and it looked glorious. I woke up my wife to check it out, but it was quickly changing. While still beautiful it had started to lose that ocean look.

As we were praying, shortly after that, I had that picture in my mind. Then I it was like my sight zoomed in on one section of the fog bank. What I saw looked like a huge water fall just starting to spill over the edge for the first time. It was a vivid picture in my mind.

Thanks be to the One God Most High.

Booze n Bottles

Romans 8:28 holds much comfort.

This afternoon my wife and I saw a man collecting bottles in a shopping cart. Most were alcohol bottles. My first instinct was to feel sadness. Swiftly it came to me, whether by the Spirit or by the gift of reasoning I do not know, that God takes the curse and plague on men that drinking is and turns it into provision for those who are poor.

If you live in a city or a larger town you've surely seen the poor collecting bottles and cans and turning them in for cash to eat with.

Glory! Glory to God the Most High Who takes what the devil would hurt us with and uses it to bless those whom He will! GLORY!