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praisetherockradio · 8 years

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What Does It Mean To “Live Biblically”

A lot of modern preachers today like to pull people back under the bondage that Jesus shed His blood for to set us free from. We need to remember, He wiped out our sins as far as the east is from the west. They are remembered no more, Yet, somehow, it has become socially acceptable to be "calling out" everyone else' sins, while our own sins are somehow excused.

It seems to have become acceptable to make a mockery of the sacrifice of Christ, while weighing others down with the same burdens the Pharisees hung on others during Jesus time. we seem forget that there is none righteous, “no not one”. All righteousness we think we possess is but filthy rags to the Lord.

I always have to ask questions when I hear these kinds of teachings, such as, "are we saved by grace, or by our good works?", because it's one or the other; We can't have both! It's simply impossible to combine law and grace.

The letter kills, but the Spirit brings life ( 2 Corinthians 3:6).

We are either blood bought sanctified by the Holy Ghost, and our sins are completely blotted out, or we are still under the law, and responsible for the WHOLE law, in which case, breaking just one part of the law (like judging others), makes us guilty of the whole law. This was why Jesus said just being angry at others without cause (meaning a righteous cause) makes us just as guilty as a murderer. The principle here is that sin is a condition of the heart.

There is no grace but by the blood of Christ and we have no righteousness except that which Christ imparts unto us by grace. There is nothing we could ever do that is good enough to earn that grace: Likewise, there is nothing bad enough we can do to lose His grace, short of denying Him altogether. Jesus did say if we deny Him, He would deny us. God gives us all free will to do as we chose. However, there are always consequences to our actions. Still, there is nothing we can do to "lose" our salvation.

This is is a lie from hell itself. Why would Jesus say with one breath our sins are forgiven, washed away, as far as the east is from the west, remembered no more, blotted out forever, assure us that He would never leave us or forsake us, and that NOTHING could separate us from His love; and then suddenly change His mind? God is not a man that Ge should lie. That is why Paul made it very clear not to allow the yoke of the Pharisees to once again entangle us with a yoke of bondage. The very same attack upon the Christian’s spiritual life, was already happening to the Christians of the early Church.

The powers that be could not allow this "Liberty" in Christ gospel to be spread! It was a threat to their control, just as much as it is to these same religious powers today. Just like liberals in a political debate against freedom in favor of communism, they always come up with some clever come back line like "well, grace doesn't give us a license to sin!" To which one could reply, “actually it does.” Those that say that must not have read their Bible all the way through to end.

"Paul said of His being in Christ, all things were permissible to him, but not all were profitable." He understood that just because he could do something, didn't mean he should! "God forbid", he went on to say! Paul knew that even though his sins were no longer counted against him, there were still consequences to his actions, and he would surely reap what he sowed. So then why would he even want to do that to himself? Why would he even WANT to sin if he was filled with the Holy Spirit?

I always have to question if people are even saved when they ask that question! It’s an absolute conclusion that when we are saved and become baptized in the Holy Spirit, we no longer WANT to sin anymore! It doesn't mean that we will never do it again, or that all our flesh will just instantly line up with the Spirit and stop crying out for relief! 1 John 1:8 tells us “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

Paul said, "that which I want to do, I don't do, and that which I don't want to do, I do!" How interesting that Paul wrote half of the new testament, yet he was still battling with his flesh to the end of his life.

Today, we have pastors claiming if we don't vote for this guy or that guy, God's gonna get us!" Or if we don't "get right" with God, we're gonna die in our sin and go to hell". So I have to ask, which is it? Am I saved? Or am I not saved? If I'm not sure, then it stands to reason that I need to get sure before I go any further in my Christian walk! Then, when I am sure, I need to put the sin focus where it needs to be, in God's hands; and then need to set my mind on the one who died for my sins. My focus needs to be on things above, not things below. I definitely am not going to get right with God by obsessing on sin, or the sins of others, or by trying to follow a law which I am incapable of following! I'm going to get right with God by being saved by His grace, period.

By confessing Christ, repenting of my sins, excepting His forgiveness of my sins, and believing in Him, and receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I have become a new creation in Christ. Behold, old things have passed away, all things have been made new.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)

After being made into a “new man”, I am now in Christ. I now need to take up my burden and follow Him, casting my burden on Him, taking up His burden which is light, and His yoke which is easy.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-39)

No, Trump isn't going to get into Heaven if he becomes President, and I'm not going to get into Heaven because I vote for him (although it's a pretty good chance this Nation is going to hell if the other one wins), but the truth be told, our hope does not lay in the hands of any man, but only in the Son of man; only in He who is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Whomever becomes President may be important; but who becomes Lord of our life is the most important of all.

I heard one man say on Youtube, “the whole Christian thing about having to “except” Him doesn’t even make sense. Why would Jesus tell people to just "believe" in Him and they'd be saved? Wouldn't it make more sense that He would tell people to “live” like He did and they’d be saved?”

Ironically, while that is the goal of everyone who is genuinely a “Spirit filled, blood bought, born again believer, what many simply do not understand, nor can they until they are filled with the Spirit of God who is able bring the understanding through the Holy Spirit, is that unless we have the Spirit of God living inside of us, empowering us to “live like Him" or "be like Him" is that it is simply impossible to even begin to live a life pleasing to the Lord; Even then, without faith, it is impossible to please God. Our best efforts could amount to filthy rags unto the Lord.

In our own flesh, is no good thing. “As it is written, "There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10)

Only by the Spirit of God can we possess any kind of righteousness whatsoever, and it’s only His Spirit that can teach us to love as He has loved us. We simply cannot even begin to “understand” the “mysteries” of the gospel, His thoughts, or His ways, unless we have the Spirit of God living inside us to give us the “revelation’ of His Word, and the “conviction” of His Spirit.

It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the understanding of the deep mysteries of the scriptures.“ Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” (Romans 8:7)

“You will abide in Me, and I in you”, Jesus said. “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. (John 14: 4-6)

By it’s very nature, the “spirit” of our minds must be "renewed" with the Word before it can even begin to understand it (Ephesian 4:23)

For the flesh is corrupt and full of sin, as much as the world we live in. “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

Even when presented these facts, many will still retort, "But Jesus said "if you love me, you will keep my commands!" This is very true. Jesus did say that. So then, it would be extremely important to know exactly what His commands were right? After all, didn't He say His commands were not burdensome like the Pharisees? Moreover, didn’t He say His yoke was easy and His burden light?” So it’s safe to conclude then that He was obviously not talking about the "OLD" Mosaic law, which is described as very burdensome and very heavy! He was obviously talking about the NEW law which He commanded His disciples to obey. This was the law of LOVE!

Christ’s new law, was to “love God first, and love your neighbor as yourselves." ( Mark 12:30-31, Matthew 22:36-40, Luke 10:27)

ALL the laws and ALL the prophets writings were all summed up in those 3 laws. They are the “whole” of the law.

"Love covers the multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

But the hearts of men are confused and distracted by thoughts and imaginations, and the people are overcome from their own lack of understanding.

What we must understand, is that God wants us to love Him without being forced to. He wants a relationship with us not just a bunch of robots who obey Him out of fear. He is our Heavenly Father. Our creator. He created the entire universe and all that exists was created by Him.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not (does not) comprehend it. (John 1:1-5)

Nonetheless, it is in understanding how much He has done for us, and just how much He loves us, that makes us want to love Him, enables us to be able to love others (even ourselves) and makes us want to please Him.

He was hung on a cross, took our sins upon Himself in death, then rose again three days later, ascended to Heaven, and now sits at the right hand of the father, and soon, will be coming back in all glory to gather His bride together unto Himself. That is the gospel, and that is what we must never forget.

His final command was to "Go” and “tell” the "GOOD" news to “ALL” of creation." " Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye have received, now freely give. (Matthew 10:8)

Raise the dead? I wonder how many are still dead within themselves, unable to see the light of God’s love? Cast out demons? Could these demons be in our minds as well, needing to be driven out by the light of God’s love? By His Spirit through His Word?

Jesus said “My Words are “Spirit” and “life” (John 6:63)

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Many believe they are good, loving and caring people, but even those who claim self righteousness or religious titles, or hold some certain status in the world of men, have only a partial understanding of the true nature of love.God’s love is described in the book of 1 Corinthians Chapter 13.

"Love is patient and kind; does not envy or boast.Is not arrogant, haughty or proud.

It does not insist on its own way (it is willing to compromise)

It is not easily provoked, resentful, critical, or judgmental, (keeping a record of others faults)

It doesn't rejoice with lies, deceit, wrongdoing, injustice, or suffering, instead it rejoices with the TRUTH,

It bears all things and remains faithful (without excepting, or in the face of, evil)

It believes in the best, hopes for the best, and it is always ready to endure to the end (whatever difficulties or trials may come.

Every aspect of love was revealed by Christ. Therefore, to love someone as Christ loves us, is the fulfillment of the law.

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:10)

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)

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praisetherockradio · 8 years

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To the Church:

The hour grows late. The enemy is at the gates. The time has come to arise from our slumber. The Church has been lolled to sleep, forgotten the truth, believing lies.

Those we have given our authority to, have only the power we have allowed them to have! We have been so busy being politically correct, protecting our tax exempt statuses, TV ratings or social popularity, we have forgotten our first love. We have forgotten our duty is to Love God FIRST, and to love, and be concerned about, our neighbors as ourselves.

We must stop complaining and whining and start trying!!! After being comfortably asleep for so long, our eyes have become foggy, and our strength is weak. We've been playing Church for so long, we've gotten too comfortable and complacent, and become afraid to address the real issues.

As a consequence, we keep our silence, avoiding the realities of the dangers lurking around us. Avoiding the false doctrines that have sprung up from within that cause us to question our identity in Christ, and turn our focus on sin instead of the one who died for our sin. This has allowed our hearts to grow cold and void of spiritual light, as the darkness which filters our sight eats away at the fabric of our whole being (Matt 6:23)

This departure from the fundamental Christian doctrine of "saved by grace" theology, characterizes much of the modern Church community today, and has it's origins in the Indoctrination of the Scofield Bible and dispensationalism, has led to the creation of Judaic Christianity theology. This theology directly contradicts the teachings of the New Testament, and has created conflicting doctrines which attempt to bind us back to the mosaic law which God allowed His very own Son to be sacrificed for, to set us free from. A law which, although was a necessary part of the plan of redemption, can only produce spiritual death (Rom 8:3) (2 Corinth 3:6).

For Christians, who are "saved by grace", filled and led by the Holy Spirit, the mosaic law not only strips us of the liberty which Christ shed His own blood to provide, it also robs us of our joy, which is our source of strength, and nullifies the sacrifice of Christ. It's not very hard to figure out who would want to do that.

For if they that are of (under) the law are heirs (debtors, legally obligated to the law), faith is made void, and the promise (divine promises, blessings, and benefits of salvation) is (are) made of none effect (rendered void) (Rom 4:14)

"I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nought." (Galatians 2:21)

Jesus gave a clear warning of this danger, which was already a threat to their new life:

"Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Blind guides, hypocrites all, who strain at a gnat, but swallow a camel." They had seated themselves in the chair of Moses, making themselves God's judges. Claiming the right to judge the sins of others, but never considering themselves. (Matthew 16:6, Matthew 23:24, Matthew 23:2)

This was why Jesus said " Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (Matthew 7:1-3)

I find it interesting how many arguments and exceptions people will attempt to make for themselves, or how THEY somehow are entitled to sit in that same seat of Moses.

This doesn't mean there aren't times to confront someone who has offended us, or someone we are connected to in ministry, or someone we care about that we see sinking into sinful behavior that will bring them harm, and hinder their walk with God; there are Biblical principles which are clearly defined about those situations.

Moreover, it doesn't mean we should ignore evil, on the contrary, we are told to "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For you were once (in) darkness, but now you are (in the) light (of) the Lord. So then live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." (Ephesians 5:7-20)

It's a shame we even have to mention what evil is done in secret. "But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.

This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

"Be very careful, then, how YOU live—not unwise but wise. Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

The Bible is telling us not to fill our minds with meaningless arguments, endless debates, foolish talk, coarse joking and obscenity, which only deceive us with empty words. Not wasting all our time being entertained, drinking and partying, which doesn't produce any light in us, but rather being thankful and singing praises, being filled with the Spirit! Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit; singing and making music from our hearts to the Lord! And always being thankful for everything! (Ephesians 5)

That is what produces joy in our lives, and gives us the strength to endure temptations and trials in our lives. Those are the things that work patience in us and produce spiritual contentment and peace. It is the love and mercy of God that makes us want to love Him, and others, knowing that He first loved us, and set us free from the law of sin and death, which makes us want to avoid sin, not the law.

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh." (Romans 8:2-3)

He is our peace. Allowing ourselves to be burdened down with the law, or attempting to hang it on another, was what Jesus warned us not to do. We must come to Him in faith, for without faith, it is impossible to please God. "Unless we come as a little child, we cannot enter the Kingdom of God." (Ephesians 2:14, Hebrews 11:6, Matthew 18:1-14)

"Woe to you as well, experts in the law!" He replied. "You weigh men down with heavy burdens, but you yourselves will not lift a finger to lighten their load. (Luke 11:46)

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Gal 5:1)

"Yoke of bondage" is literally translated: "slavery, the bondage which consists in decay, heavy burden; opposite of Christ's burden: "Take my yoke for my burden is light (Matt 11:30 ) used of the slavish sense of fear, devoid of buoyancy (lightness, resilience of spirit; cheerfulness) of spirit and of trust in God, such as is produced by the Mosaic law).

"You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace." (Gal 5:4)

Now, the Church sits silent. Powerless, discouraged, divided, confused, and unwilling to fight, never realizing that is was their fall from grace that led them into the enemies hands. Listening to his wizards speak, as they cast their spells of hopelessness and defeat upon them.

We now stand before a huge mountain, and to many, it looks too big to climb. Many have been convinced there is no point in even trying. No point in voting. The media's rhetoric has convinced them there is no hope, and rendered many neutralized by default.

How quickly we forget all the mighty works God has done!

We've become no better than those that fallowed Moses into the wilderness, that wandered in the desert for 40 years. They saw miracle after miracle, victory after victory, God pouring down manna from Heaven, Bubbling up springs of water, providing even their most basic needs, and yet, they continued to declare their defeat. They declared with their lips they would never make it to the promise land. Unbeknownst to them, the promise land, was just on the other side of the mountain.

It may be too late in the day to climb over, or to go around, but there is another way! Not around, or to the top. Not even through! We must STAND on the promises of God's Word and SPEAK and declare His Word, "be thou removed! Be thou cast into the sea".

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” (Mark 11:23)

It's easy to want to give up when the wind is raging, and the waves are tossing us about, and our hearts have become troubled; but we must realize, we aren't warring against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers against rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in Heavenly places. We MUST take a stand for what is "good" and "right" in this evil day. (Ephesians 6)

No doubt that was the message Jesus was trying to convey to His followers who screamed "we are sinking" as He stretched out His hand to the raging sea that violently tossed their boat to and fro, and said "be still", and then looked at them and asked, "where is your faith?" Had they understood the authority of Christ over the demonic spirits they were about to encounter on the other side, they would not has asked "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (Mark 4:35-41)

It's time to declare the acceptable year of the LORD with BOLDNESS for such a time as this!

Say to those with an anxious heart, "Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; The recompense of God will come, But He will save you." (Isaiah 35:4, Isaiah 35:4)

The hour of defining is here! Either we're going to give up, or we're going to WAKE UP, RISE UP, & SPEAK UP! Then GO and DO as Christ commanded. One action leads to loss by default, the other leads to victory.

Nothing ever got done by waiting for someone else to do it!

The Lord is on our side, and if He be for us, who can stand against us? "‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s."(2 Chronicles 20:15)

I wonder how David felt when standing before the giant? Or how Moses must have felt when they were trapped between and ocean and a mighty army wanting to destroy them?

It doesn't matter what the devil wants to do, if God is on our side, no weapon that is formed against us shall prosper, and all those who rise up against us shall fall!!! Greater is He that is in US, then he that is in the world. (Isaiah 54:17, 1 John 4:4)

“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction” (Psalms 107:20)

The devil is a deceiver, and a schemer. He's got his pawns on the chess board, ready to make his move; but God is always 7sevon moves ahead; able to shake the board and re-arrange all the pieces however He wants them to be.

God can move people out of the way, change the hearts of Judges and Kings, go before us to prepare the way and give us favor with whoever He chooses. He can call down Angels from Heaven, and give us the victory over all our enemies.

ALL things are possible for those who love Him and seek HIS purpose, and NOTHING is too difficult for Him. (Mark 9:23, Jeremiah 32:17)

"They that call unto me, who put their trust in me; who seek me early, I will open the way, I will open doors no man can shut! And I will shut doors no man can open" sayeth the Lord.

If you would be a free people, you must fight for your right to fight!

Get on your knees and bow before the King of Kings, because one way or another, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess. The question is, will you do it now, or will you do it later?

Will you continue to allow the enemy to take ground, or will you give him a ticket out of town?

We don't have to worry about what the evil people are doing, or how evil one is compared to the other: We only have to worry about what WE do, or don't do. We may not have the best choices available, but we make the best of the choices available.

Praise be to the ROCK or my salvation, who trains my hands for war, and our fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues those against me. (psalm 144).

Take up the WHOLE armor of God so we may be able to stand against the fiery darts of the enemy (Ephesians 7:12)

Speak and declare His Word and call those things that aren't as though they are! "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ!!! ( Romans 4:17, 2 Corinth10:5)

And having done all, STAND!

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, my strong tower against the enemy.

Let me dwell in your house forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

I'm telling you, He could cause the enemy to drop dead in their tracks! He could raise Trump with a shout and an anointing such as the world has never seen in the White House before!

We serve a MIGHTY God!!! And He is GREAT and greatly to be praised, hallelujah!

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;

His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the defeat of the wicked.

Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near you.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. (Psalm 91)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes;

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Proverbs 3:5-7, Isaiah 55:8-9)

We must walk in the liberty which Christ has given us, allow His Spirit to guide us and lead us through the storm, and trust that He will make a way, where there seems to be no way.

Praise The Rock who is higher than I

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