The Door

 The Door

One Day The Door Will be Shut

 

 

 

Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”—-John 10:9.

What does this mean?

Well it means that Jesus Christ and Him alone is the only way to enter into heaven. It means that once saved we receive freedom and blessing in Christ.

Let me explain.

Because of the fall of Adam, humans have become wicked. We have a corrupted nature which causes us to do terrible things. We cannot stop. We cannot get right. We don’t really even understand how bad we are. We are slaves to Sin and Satan.

So, God Himself came in the flesh. In the form of Jesus Christ to die and cleanse us of Sin. Then, rose from the dead for our Justification.

If we turn to Him, and ask Him He will save us, and wash us in His blood. It’s a sacrifice for us. Because without the spilling of blood, there is no remission of sins. (Heb. 9:22, Matt. 26:28)

But why?

Because we cannot enter heaven without being cleansed. Sin cannot be allowed to enter heaven, or else eternity would be as bad as this world is. Sin and our corrupted nature is like a plague, a spiritual virus or radiation. It kills us. It totally corrupts us and spreads. It is not just our actions, but it is something in us that makes us wicked.

Imagine that we are in a world where nuclear weapons went off and we must be decontaminated from radiation before we enter through the shelter door.

Jesus Christ is the door of that shelter.

He is the Blood of the Lamb on the Door. (Exodus Chapters 11 -12)

He is the Ark to save us from the destruction to come.

God offers complete Grace to anyone who turns to Him.

But, there’s a time limit. There’s a point in history when the end shall come, and that time is near.

Jesus said, “and this Gospel of the kingdom must first be preached in all the world, for a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come.” —Matthew 24:14.

There is a point where the Gospel ends. When God has turned from Savior, to Judge and King. A point when grace turns to judgement.

Jesus said, that His return will be as the days of Noah and Lot.  (Luke 17.)

In both stories we see a door. (Gen. 6:16, Gen. 7:9-16, Gen 19:10-11)

In the story of Noah, God closes the door of the Ark, and no one else is getting in. Then, the Flood came.

In the story of Lot, The angels shut the door of the house, and the people outside were struck blind and could not find the door.

Jesus is the door.

In both cases the people behind the door are saved. They are protected through the destruction.

So, what does this all mean?

Well, it means that there will come a point when the chance to get on the Ark, will end.

There will come a point when the Gospel will end, and no one will get saved any more.

A point when anyone not saved will not be able to find the door. They will be blind to it.

That point will come when all nations have had the chance to hear. We do not know when or how or exactly what this means.

Then, Jesus will return and we who are saved, will be taken up to meet Him in the clouds. (1 Cor. 15:50-53, Matt. 24: 30-42)

Then comes Wrath.

I imagine that the ending of the Gospel, and His return will correspond with the final persecution of the church, and the great falling away.

I do not believe in the pre-trib rapture. In both stories, God’s people are made safe, just before the wrath. Just before the final stroke.

And no. The seven year tribulation is not God’s wrath. God’s wrath is poured out in one day. The Day of the Lord.

In the story of Lot and Noah. It didn’t take seven years to Flood the Earth. It did not take seven years for the fire to fall and destroy Sodom.

God’s Wrath is utter destruction poured out in one day, and then eternal hell and the Lake of Fire. Jesus promises us tribulation. But not wrath. (John 16:33, 1 Thess. 5:9)

Once the door is shut. There shall be time no more. That’s the end. Now comes wrath. 

I suspect that when the Anti-Christ overcomes the saints, that will be the end of the restraining power and the end of the Gospel. (Rev. 13:7, 2 Thess. Chapter 2)

Paul says, “How shall they hear lest someone tells them.”  (Romans 10:13-17)

The Holy Spirit in us, saves people and convicts them. But, if there’s no preachers, and no truth in the age of deception. If we are overcome, then the restraining power of the Holy Spirit and His Truth is gone.

The door will be shut.

The time draws near.

We need to turn to the Lord, and serve Him.

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Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

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...To Receive A Mark

 ...To Receive A Mark

A Message on the End Times

 

 

 In Revelation chapter 13 we see the rise of the Anti-Christ, and the false prophet.

We see that the Anti-Christ, using Satan's power makes war against the Saints and overcomes them.

It's my opinion, written in other places, that this is the time of the Great Falling Away. This is the second cleansing of the temple, which is the body of Christ. The first came in the early church persecution. There will be a second great persecution which will drive all the false brethren out of the church. It will happen before or around the time of the Anti-Christ's rising. It is, the separating of the wheat and the chaff. The dividing of The Wheat and Tares.  (Matt 3:12, Matthew Chapter 13)

The Anti-Christ, behind the scenes and with the spirit of antichrist overcomes the saints, and they are no longer able to be a restraining force. The Holy Spirit, in them is no longer able to restrain. He has been removed, effectively. He still remains in the saints but is no longer impacting humanity as before. The Spirit of Truth is removed. The times of deception are here.  (2 Thess. Chapter 2, Daniel 7:21, Daniel 7 25, Rev. 13:7)

This allows the Anti-Christ to come on, full force. This also leads to the False Prophet, and the New World Religion, that will worship the Anti-Christ as God.

I do not believe in a pre-trib rapture. The Bible doesn't teach it. Believers will meet Him in the clouds when He returns. Whenever that may be. (1 Cor. 15:51-53, Matt. 24:30-31, Matt. 24:36,)

I'm also not going to force you to agree with what I'm saying, or say that I have it all figured out.

I don't.

I am NOT claiming to be prophesying. This is a possibility.

All I'm trying to do is point some things out, so that when the time comes, you are not deceived. 

After the devastation of the four horsemen in Revelation, (Tribulation Matthew 24:29) persecution comes upon the saints. I think this is talking about the same "overcoming of the saints" spoken of in Daniel and Revelation 13. The fifth seal Revelation 6:9. Notice that the 6th seal describes  Matthew 24:29. Notice that Revelation 12:10-11 uses the same basic language as Rev. 13:7

The persecution of the saints and growth of the Anti-Christ starts behind the scenes, until the saints are weak enough for the Anti-Christ to appear.

Now back to the point of this writing. The Mark.

Revelation 13 spells it out.  

But, I want to show you some scripture, that might give us an idea of how this will happen.

In Genesis chapter 47 we see Joseph is ruler of Egypt under Pharoah.

Now you have to understand, this is a picture of these latter days.

Egypt is the world. Pharoah is Satan who is the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4). Joseph at this point is a picture of the Anti-Christ.

In other places, he is the picture of Christ. But, here he is the instead of Christ, or Anti. This shows that the Anti-Christ will probably call himself some kind of Christian. He will also probably be of Jewish decent, but he comes from "the sea" so He will be of the gentile masses as well. He will be the perfect mix of humanity. Here is a short story I wrote describing him in an interview.

Notice what the verses say in Genesis... "when money failed". This is an economic collapse. It is most likely a picture of the Black Horse to come. (Gen. 47:15, Rev. 6:5-6)

So, Joseph gets the people to trade everything they have for food. They trade lands and even their own selves. They give their souls. 

In today's terms, it would be like saying,  "there was an economic collapse and they received the Mark because they were starving and had no choice." 

 

See it?

Now Pharoah (Satan) owns everything.

Notice two things. The priests kept their lands. And Joseph's family was given a special place. Notice also that the people who had given everything are forced to leave their homes and move into the cities. (Gen.47:21-22, )

This is probably a picture of the priests of the New World Religion, getting privileges because they accepted The Anti-Christ willingly before hand, and betrayed people. So, they get to keep their lands and get the Mark.

Also, Joseph making an agreement with his family and giving them a special place, is probably a picture of the peace agreement, between Anti-Christ and Israel. (Daniel 9:27) It could also be showing us that God protects His saints, and Israel.

I have always wondered how "The Mark" would work if the world was damaged and there were rural areas and 3rd world countries without the infrastructure to sustain the electronic means for the Mark.

But, if people are forced to move into the cities, that would explain it.

What I'm saying here probably doesn't happen in chronological order. A lot of it is happening simultaneously and grows from a slow walk to a full gallop, of the Four Horsemen.. Like the pains of a woman in travail. (Rev.Chapter  6, 1 Thess. 5:3. Rev 12, Rev. 12:11 Notice the wording, )

Just bear this in mind as the time draws near, and do not be deceived. When the economic collapse comes. And they want you to start turning stuff in. Realize that the Mark is close.

 

We see inflation rising, trillions in debt, the Dollar failing and possibly being removed as a reserve currency. It could be leading to an economic collapse. The Black Horse.

Also, realize that the spirit of antichrist has worked for a while to set up the system and move things along. Understand that the Anti-Christ is probably behind the scenes pulling strings long before we see him.

He does not appear to us until after the great falling away. (2 Thess. Chapter 2)

That's after he has driven the church into hiding, and all the false brethren have joined the Apostate church, or New World Religion.

 

It's getting closer.

Behold Jesus comes quickly.

 

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 Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

Do Not Be Like Them

 Do Not Be Like Them

Do We Follow Evil Authority?

 

 

 

 

There’s a Christian concept that I have struggled with over the years.

It is the idea that believers are supposed to bow down to Authority. No matter how evil it is.

The concept comes from this verse,

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”—Romans 13:1-7

The idea being that God is all powerful, so He can choose who He wants to lead and has chosen this evil leader. So we as Christians must follow the leader. We must pay what we owe in taxes. We give them respect.

We continue to do good, because even an evil ruler would have a hard time punishing someone who is doing good.

The bottom line is that we are actually serving God, and answer to Him, not the evil ruler.

That’s the basic concept.

This doctrine has led to Christians following evil dictators, Nazis, and Communists and other wicked rulers. It has led to Christians allowing the most vile and evil things to occur, and even seem to endorse them. It has led to Christians supporting laws that are evil, such as slavery and genocide. All perfectly legal at the time. Even today Christians support laws that destroy peoples lives. All because it’s “The Law”.

This concept has led to Pastors, who betray church members and send them off to death camps. Right now, in countries like China, Pastors will report members who preach the true Gospel.

It has led to churches where Jesus Christ is only viewed as a good teacher, not as Lord. Because the leaders are snitches and the congregation is too afraid to speak out. They cannot get a license to be a church if they do not support the state sanctioned version of the church. This sort of thing is coming world wide.

According to the scriptures, there will be a last days persecution.

After or during the the time when the four horsemen are galloping around, Christians world wide will be blamed and killed. The Anti-Christ will rise up and make war with the Saints and kill them. (Revelation 6:1-11, Revelation 13:7, Daniel 7:25)

Terrible things have happened in history and will happen again.

So, it behooves a believer to understand some things about this doctrine.

You cannot base a doctrine on one verse, or one segment. But you must base doctrine on the entirety of scripture. Being led by the Holy Spirit to make wise loving decisions on things.

It’s my belief that God created the concept of authority. It’s from God. But, authority is supposed to rule with love and wisdom. Since it’s from God.

God gives them the chance to do good and succeed, but they fail to various degrees. Government is full of humans, and they sin. They fail, they get it it wrong. They have free will. They choose to do evil, despite the fact that God gave them power so they could do good. It proves that humans are fallen, and even when we have the power to do good, we choose to do evil. Evil rulers prove that we need God to rule. Whether it’s our own lives or the lives of others.

Realize, that oftentimes a people will get the leaders they deserve. You cannot get a good leader from an evil people. Because the leaders come from the people. Ever since the day the child was born, they have been influenced by the culture. They are tainted. It takes a great person (or God in them, or with them.) to overcome the culture and to do good despite the evil. Remember that evil becomes good and good becomes evil, in a fallen culture.

As believers we are in this world and are called to serve God in it. No matter how evil a ruler is, we are called to serve God, in love.

We can gain great spiritual blessings in persecutions from evil. Jesus said we are blessed. (Matt. 5:11-12)

But, how do we live under wicked rulers?

One of the verses I stand on is …… “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”—(Matthew 23:1-3)

When you are faced with evil rulers, we are called to obey them, but not to be evil like them. That means we reject the evil. We reject the lies and false. But, still obey their authority.

What does this mean? How does it work? 

Well, you need to be Spirit led, and refuse to do anything that is evil. Even suffering punishment because of it.

This applies to all levels of authority.

History shows us that persecution actually comes from the people around us. Even our own Pastors and brethren. As stated before, the churches throughout history have been full of people who will snitch on you and have you killed.

Scriptures show that there are false brethren. (2 Cor. 11:23-28, Gal. 2:1-5)

People who claim to know Christ but do not.

Our churches are full of them. Persecution helps to weed them out. It’s hard to claim to know Jesus when they kill you for it. So false brethren, twist your church to where you can still be a part of it, but not really serve Christ. It’s happening more and more. A place of entertainment and good moral teaching… Like the state supported churches in China, while the real believers are underground and persecuted.

There will be false teachers. False prophets and preachers or pastors.

We are warned of this, in these last days. 

Jesus said to beware the false teachings of the Pharisees.

The Pharisees and Sadducees were the leaders. Understand that nobody listens to the weird guy in the basement. False teaching and false doctrine comes from people in authority. …( Matthew 16:6-12)

He said, “By their fruits ye shall know them…”—(Matthew 7:15-20)

What fruits? What false teachings?

False teachings has two aspects. Either they are teaching a works based doctrine. Or reject the divinity of Christ. Or a mixture of both.

They teach good morals and the law. Or that Jesus Christ was just a good man, or teacher, or never really mention Him. They also reject the Holy Spirit or never speak of Him. Believers, have the Spirit, and are led by Him.

You are not saved by Works. Only Christ alone, and He is Lord. When we are saved we are filled with the Spirit and are changed by Him and led by Him.

The fruits, are the fruits of the Spirit…”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”—(Gal. 5:22-23)

Fruits are not sin. All humans sin. But, not all humans, have the Holy Spirit, who brings those fruits out in us.

If they aren’t serving in love, joy and peace, you might want to question their fruits.  

How do they treat you and others? Do they love you? Do they show it? Have they driven good people from your church?

We are called to forgive, but not to support evil.

Paul says there is no fellowship with demons or Belial. No agreement with the sons of deception. (2 Cor. 6:14-18)

So, when a leader, or false brethren or pastor has worked to destroy your life, their fruits reveal them. When people are driven from the church do you believe “They didn’t really love Jesus?” or do you believe that maybe the leadership didn’t love them? Both are possible.

We might need to obey them, because they hold authority, but we are not supposed to be like them. We are not to partake of their false doctrines. We are not to have fellowship with them. A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

If they have done us wrong. We should go to them if the Spirit leads. Then, take them to 2 or 3 others. Then before the church.–(Matt. 18:15-17)

Then if they don’t stop. Treat them as a heathen and publican.

Forgive them. Love them. Pray for them, but do not fellowship with them. Do not let them drag you into their evil.

We are not talking about sins. But, fruits. If you focus on sins, you will reject certain sins while ignoring others. You will drive out one sinner while accepting another. You will reject the person who got pregnant out of wedlock, while accepting the person so full of pride they cannot admit they are wrong. You will reject the divorced person, while loving the Gossip. You will reject the addict while loving the glutton, because they can cook great fried chicken. So focus on love, not sins. Love them, and help them to love you.

God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us and guide us into all truth. We have the Word, but the Spirit helps us to apply it in wisdom and love.

We are going to need to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit in these last days. As brother turns on brother and delivers them unto death. The deception will be so bad that only the Holy Spirit will be able to guide us through. Do you plan to obey the Anti-Christ because he is in authority? You best learn how to follow the Spirit today, or you will be full of confusion on that day.

The time draws near and believers need to draw closer to God. Our faith is grown the more we trust God. We need to make sure we have the oil of faith in our lamps.

He is coming. But, not when they tell you.

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BIO: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

Photos by the Author.

God's Goodness

 God's Goodness

He Does Not Leave Us Alone In Darkness

 

 

There are times in my walk with God, when I am just beat down.

Times when I feel like nobody hears what I’m saying. Times when nothing seems to work and everything is against me.

It’s during these times, that I just want to quit. Quit everything.

But, then God comes.

He shows up and speaks.

It might be a word of encouragement. A person who pops up out of the blue and says, “What you said, helped me.”

It might be a verse of scripture that comes to life in me.

It could be a blessing, or an answered prayer, like cool drink on a hot day.

Things that let me know I’m not wasting my time. That I’m where God wants me to be, and is using me.

And that’s God.

Paul said, …”that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

And it is.

If God was a hateful, judging monster, nobody would turn to Him.

But, He is not. 

He works with us in this corrupted world, and in our weakness and failures, to provide light and love, at the exact moment to help us go forward a little more.

He told Abraham, “come unto a place that I will show you.” (Gen. 12:1 )

And Abraham trusted God. He believed His Word, and he went. Not knowing exactly where.

But, I’m sure that God gave him blessings and encouragement and light. Just when Abraham needed it.

And it built faith. 

We are saved by God’s Grace, through faith. And even our faith is grown by God.

There is no such thing as blind faith with God. He prepares us. He walks with us, and encourages us.

He appears and brings the sweet blessings of His presence into our lives. We know He is there. We can almost touch Him.

And that peace comes. The peace that defies all understanding.

“And we know that all things work together for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”..(Romans 8:28)

If you know God, you were called. He desires to commune with you. He seeks to have a relationship with you.

He brings goodness into our lives, in the midst of the darkness and it’s at those times that real praise and real worship spring forth. Not because we desire it. But, because He creates it in us.

And it’s then. In His presence. and in the light of His goodness and love, that I see how wretched I am.

I see the awful things I’ve said. The mean things I’ve thought. The unkindness I’ve displayed.

And I see that I don’t deserve good things. I don’t deserve love.

But, God comes anyway. 

He loves me anyway, and it makes me want to do better for Him. It makes me want to be like Him, and serve Him. It makes me want to love others and drive back the darkness of this world so others, can experience that love, joy, goodness and peace which comes from Him.

It’s not rules, and hell fire preaching, and accountability from men that drives me to God.

It is God Himself and His awesome goodness.

The One who came down to pull me from the pit of death.

Am I reflecting Him?

Am I a vessel for His goodness and love?

I fail.

But, in my failure and weakness He still comes and pours out His Grace.

Taste and see that the Lord is Good.

He is the greatest thing.

There is nothing to compare.

He calls you to know him.

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Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

Photos by the Author.

The Foolish Things

 The Foolish Things

Why Do We Believe God is In The Flashy Thing?

 

 

 " But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

That no flesh should glory in his presence."----1 Cor. 1:27-29

God has used the foolish things to confound the wise. 

He has used the weak things to confound the things which are mighty

He has chosen the base things and despised things.

That is who and what he has chosen.

To understand this you must know God's purpose in this. 

He seeks to save people. He seeks a relationship with them, and to grow them. He seeks to restore that which was lost. (Matt. 18:10-14, 2 Peter 3:9, )

He has set up a method for that. The method is grace through faith.  Free grace for all who believe His Word and turn to Him. (Matt. 5:24)

Simple.

Except that Satan works to oppose that. He uses the shiny things. The pretty things. The wise things. The worldly, fleshly things to keep us distracted and deceived. ( 2 Cor. 11:12-14, )

Remember, God came to die for us and save us. He calls us. When we hear His call, and believe what He tells us, and turn to Him, we are saved.

He is our salvation. We are saved by Him. He is our only Hope. So, God puts the focus on Himself. He is our savior.

So, let's start at the top.

Paul the apostle is the writer of this book. He wrote most of the New Testament.

But, Paul was a religious leader who did not know God. He hated Christians and killed them. . (Acts 7:58, Acts 8:1-3,)

Yet, this guy basically evangelized the world.

Who in their right mind would believe this guy served God? Who would forgive this guy and use HIM?

Only God.

And that's the point.

Only God could have used an enemy to do His work. Only God, could have transformed this man into a tool for His use.

Paul called himself "Chief of Sinners" (1 Tim. 1:15)

And that's where the tire meets the road. Paul believed God. He saw his own true state, and turned to God, for salvation through Jesus Christ.

"I am weak" so I turn to God. "Now I am strong." In God. (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

God uses the foolish, the weak, the base and despised to show the world, His power.

Because our testimony is about telling the great things God has done for us. (Rev. 12:11)

Then, the world looks and says "but you're weak, you're silly, you're despised?"

And then we say, "it wasn't me. It was God."

And many will hear what you say and be open to hear more and to believe, and to turn and know this God you speak of.

The God who uses Sinners.

He used Moses, a murderer to do some of the greatest things in the Bible. (Exo 2:11-15)

It was not Moses. It was God.

He used Gideon to raise an army, then weeded out the troops till there were only a few, who gained a stunning victory. (Judges Chapter 7)

So the world would know it was God.

Peter and the rest of the Apostles.

Fishermen, workmen, hated tax collectors, violent zealots, simple folk, prostitutes, and even a betrayer.

He used them all to do His work, of saving people and knowing them.

Only God, could do that.

Only God, could have turned the entire Roman Empire and the whole world upside down, through the base, and despised things.

So we hear the stories of God's work, and He pricks our heart. We believe, and turn to Him, to be saved through Jesus Christ.

He did not use the perfect thing. The pretty thing. The shiny thing. Because HE alone is our salvation.

And we need to see HIM.

Nothing else.

Praise Jesus.

 

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Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

Photo by the author. A giant blue rooster on the roof of the Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.

Not Everyone Who Says Lord, Lord

 Not Everyone Who Says Lord, Lord...

An Example of False Doctrine.

 

Since the beginning of Christianity there has been a battle between Faith and Works, in regards to salvation.

The same arguments exist today as existed back when Paul and the other apostles wrote. 

A careful reading of the scriptures show that there is no argument between the apostles and Jesus on the fact that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works lest anyone should boast.

It is said over and over again. It is shown that humans are sinners with a corrupted nature, we cannot please God. All our works are filthy rags. 

We need Jesus. The only thing we can do, is believe the Word God gives us and turn to Him. We confess Jesus is the Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead. (Romans 10:9-10)

But, the argument continues because those who support a works based doctrine use verses such as this verse from Jesus.

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."---(Matthew 7:21)

They use this verse to bully people into obeying false doctrines of works.

Basically, they are saying that confessing Jesus as Lord, is not good enough. You must do more works. 

Then, when you ask what else you need to do. They will give you all kinds of things to do, or some vague nonsense that keeps you guessing.

The last days will be full of false teachers and false doctrine. 

There are two types of false doctrine. Either they claim Jesus is not Lord. or they claim a salvation through works doctrine. Which cuts Jesus out of the equation. You are saving yourself by doing works, not fully trusting Christ. Both of these are false.

Any mixture of works and grace is false.  Grace mixed with Works destroys grace.

Now if you keep reading the verse in Matthew you will find the truth.

 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?---(Matt. 7:21-22)

As you can see. These people on Judgement Day, when Jesus returns are calling Him Lord...But, have not really believed He is Lord, and have not submitted to Him. They still believe they are saved by their own works. They never accepted the Gospel. They practiced religion and tried to save themselves.

These are the false teachers, who face eternal darkness forever. (Jude 1) They were never saved because they did not give themselves to Christ for salvation.

They practice religion. Not relationship, because they don't know Him, and therefore have no relationship.

But, let's go a step further, because Jesus states it perfectly.

"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."--- (John 6:28-29)

So, when the false teachers claim a works based doctrine by using the verses like this one from Matthew and stating we are not saved unless we do "the will of the Father in heaven". Just remember that Jesus plainly states that the works of God is to "believe on him whom he hath sent". 

In other words, putting your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Confessing Him as Lord and He alone for salvation, is the works of God.

The battle between faith based salvation and a works based salvation has been raging for over 2000 years.

James says "faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James Chapter 2)

But...

Paul says "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.---(Romans 10:9-10)

Is not confessing with the mouth a work? So we have faith and works at play in this verse.

Paul and James do not disagree. They agree.

It is the false teachers who disagree with the Gospel and the Word of God.  They demand obedience to the law. They demand obedience for salvation.

But, they do not understand that...

We obey by turning to God. We obey by confessing Jesus is the Lord. We obey by Faith in Jesus, We obey by Communion. We obey by Baptism. We obey by telling others about Jesus. We obey by being Spirit led. We obey by Love. We obey by Grace.

These are the works that we do through Him. Not by our own.

Praise Jesus.

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Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

It's Not Too Hard For You

 

So, Why Can't We Do It?

 

 In Deuteronomy God says that His laws are not too hard for us.(Deut. 30:11-15)

 "For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.
It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;"

Why does He say this? 

Because He wants us to see that there is something wrong with us. We have a corrupted nature from Adam. God did not create us this way. We have fallen. (Gen. Chapter 3, Romans 1:16-32, Romans 3:10-31)

He tells us truth. "It is not hidden from you or far off."

God says we can keep His law. It's not hard. He knows our capabilities. He created us. He did not make His law impossible.

But we do not do it.

Why?

Because after the Fall, we became corrupt, and NOW His law is impossible for us. Because we are fallen.

We changed. Not His law. His law is eternal, it changes not. Just like God doesn't change.

The Apostle Paul cries out "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans Chapter 7)

We have to come to the conclusion on our own that we cannot obey God's Law. We cannot please Him. We can't do it. This is us realizing we are sinners, and need God.

 

We try to do right. We fail. Our lives are in shambles and we cannot please God or anyone. Then, we say "I can't do it! I quit!" Then the Holy Spirit comes and speaks to our heart. "Maybe God can help? Maybe God can save you and fix you?" 

That is when we have that "Aha!" moment and realize the truth of the Word given to us, and turn to God for His salvation and help. This is Grace and Faith. We put our trust in Him, and He accepts us because we received it in Faith and Truth.

We must come to this conclusion. This helps us to realize that we need Him. We have three choices. We can keep trying to obey the laws and rules under our own power, even though we can't. (Religion) Or we can throw in the towel, and quit. Turning away from God. (Rebellion) Or we can turn to Him and let Him save us and grow us. (Submission and Relationship)

We hear His call and turn to Him. We must awaken in Him. We come to life in Him. We die to sin and come to life in Christ. (Romans Chapter 6-7)

God knew we would fail to keep His laws. That's why He set up a sacrificial system to take care of us, when we fail. Why say "It's not too hard..." but yet give us a means to fix it when we fail?

Because He knows we will fail. It's part of the law He designed. The entire thing is designed to cause us to fail, wake up, turn to Him, and let Him save us,  cleanse us and grow us. This is the relationship. This is knowing Him, and being known of Him.

The sacrifices in the law are a picture of Jesus Christ, coming to save us and cleanse us of all sin. He is our savior.

The law shows us that we fail, and need a savior.

We turn to Him and He saves us and grows us.

The law becomes dead to us because we die with Christ, then come to life again in Him. The eternal consequences of sin do not impact us. Notice I said "Eternal". We are often impacted in this life by the things we do. But, it is not held against us in eternity, we are saved.

We now live to love God and others. But, we do this by His Holy Spirit. Not our own. Our flesh cannot do it. 

It's not too hard for us, because God Himself does it for us. It's not too far from us, because Jesus Christ brought it down for us.

That's His Grace and Love. We just need to abide and have a relationship with Him.

If we are saved, the laws and rules, now exist to help us have a better life and to know what to confess to the Lord for cleansing. We are free from the eternal consequences of the law.

Jesus paid the price.

 

It is finished!

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Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public