Tag Archives: Christianity

The Good News of Jesus Christ in Summary

Leave a reply

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

There is one true and living God, evident in his creation, perfectly holy and merciful. He is a God of love who also impartially judges mankind with truth and righteousness.

There is no one righteous; everyone, including you, has sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect standard.

The penalty for sin is separation from your creator and eternal conscious punishment in Hell.

Thankfully, God, in his mercy, has provided a rescue from the penalty of your sins through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus paid the price for your sins by dying in your place on the cross and was then raised from the dead, confirming that he is who he claimed to be.

If you believe this, call on God in humble prayer, express your repentance and faith, and submit your life to him.

The good news is that you will be clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. You will be forgiven and saved by God’s mercy from the punishment you deserve. Also, by God’s grace, you will be reconciled to him, no longer his adversary, and at peace with him for eternity in Heaven.

 

The Five Solas

Leave a reply

After the Reformation in 1517, the following five core theological convictions were identified by the Protestant church as the foundation of doctrine and dogma, grounded in the truth of the Holy Bible. These present the source of spiritual authority, the elements of unquestionable salvation, and the reason for all of this.

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) – The Bible is the sole, inerrant, and final authority for faith and practice. It rejects the idea that church tradition or councils hold equal authority to the written Word of God.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2nd Timothy 3:16-17

Sola Fide (Faith Alone) – Justification (being declared righteous by God) is received by faith alone, apart from any human works or merit. Humans are justified solely by God’s unmerited favor rather than their own righteousness or efforts.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) – Salvation is a completely free gift of God, bestowed upon sinners solely by his grace, not earned by human merit. Humans are justified solely by God’s unmerited favor rather than their own righteousness or efforts.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Romans 11:6

Solus Christus (Christ Alone) – Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man, and his sacrifice is the only basis for justification.  Salvation is found in no other name.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone) – Since salvation is of God and from God, all glory belongs to him alone. The purpose of all life and theology is to glorify God, not to promote human beings or church institutions.

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

 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Ephesians 1:11-12

 

 

 

You Are What You Think.

Leave a reply

You are not what you think you are; instead, you are what you think. The spiritual struggle is for your mind because that is what feeds the soul, with either good or the filth and debauchery of the world. Protect your mind because what it holds determines your desires and wants. The content you put into your mind influences how you respond to life.

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7

Thanks to today’s incredible technology, we have easy and efficient access to endless content, both good and bad. You can feed your lust with pornography or immerse yourself in all kinds of evil, debauchery, and depravity. You can indulge in the violence of revenge and hatred, watch terrifying, demonic images, and participate in the normalization of perversion. You might spend hours on the vanity and arrogant nothingness of celebrity elites or waste days on mindless crap in an entertainment wasteland. Alternatively, you could pursue wholesomeness, aiming for holy, righteous, virtuous, and valuable things.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Know that some things cannot be unseen, unheard, or forgotten. Turn away from the filth of the world, which is a corrosive evil and brainwashing from the pit of hell. If you let your mind soak in this poison, your thoughts, feelings, desires, and actions will align with the world’s ideologies, which will kill your soul. Stay alert and guard your mind!

 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

The Will of God

Leave a reply

God’s Sovereign Will

God’s sovereign will is what he determines, and it is 100% certain to happen exactly as he desires. His will of purpose or decree controls the outcome of all things past, present, and future, and his plans cannot be hindered or thwarted. For Christians, his sovereign will results in the best possible outcome for us. But for those who reject Christ, his sovereign will is that they be punished forever in hell.

God’s Will of Command

God’s will of command is his desire that we obey the commands and direction he has revealed to us. Living according to his will of command distinguishes the truly transformed Christian and is made possible by faith and wisdom, both gifts from God. In contrast to God’s sovereign will, his will of command is often not realized because humanity is proficient at disobedience.

God’s Will for Each of Us (as preached by John MacAuthor on March 2, 1980)

God has a clear plan for every person. It isn’t hidden or hard to find, because it’s clearly shown in the Bible. Here are six points about God’s will for us:

That we repent and be saved He has provided the means for redemption, and it is his will that we accept his gift by faith in his Son, Jesus. It is not God’s will that we perish, but those who reject his Son will never know the joy of salvation; they will only face judgment and his wrath.

Who (God) will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1st Timothy 2:4

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2nd Peter 3:9

That we are filled with the Spirit and not controlled by worldly things. Instead, we should be fully committed and obedient to the Word of God, doing the things that identify a spirit-filled Christian.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Ephesians 5:17-18

That we are sanctified, seeking righteousness, being reproved, and refraining from sin. It includes controlling your passions that lead to sin and becoming more like Christ in attitude, thought, and behavior through the Holy Spirit. Being sanctified means being set apart for God’s purpose.

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 1st Thessalonians 4:3

That we are submissive to authority, cooperative, good citizens, good employees, and servants. Be a testimony to the extraordinary character of a genuine Christian. But never submit if it goes against the word of God.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 1st Peter 2:13-15

That we suffer, it is God’s will that we suffer for his name’s sake. You will face hardships when you live a godly life in an ungodly society. But it’s better to suffer as a Christian at the hands of man than as a worldly fool at the hands of God.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 1st Peter 2:21

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Philippians 1:29

That we are grateful for the ridiculous shower of unmerited blessings we enjoy, the forgiveness of our sins, and reconciliation with God through the blood of Jesus Christ sits at the top of that list.

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Ephesians 5:20

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1st Thessalonians 5:18

Application

Here is the practical application: Strive daily to embody these qualities: saved, spirit-filled, sanctified, submissive, suffering with calm joy, and thankful, then God will direct your desires, and they will align with his will rather than your selfish inclinations. The remarkable realization is that those who live in Christ can do whatever they want because what they want will please God.

Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4